Multi-Band Dipole Kit
DXE-WA-070 40-10 Meters
DXE-WA-135 80-10 Meters
DXE-WA-260 160-10 Meters
DXE-WA-INS-Series Rev 4a
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200
Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙ E-mail: DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com
DX Engineering 2020
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Introduction
Part Number
Length in Feet
Band Coverage
DXE-WA-70
70
40M through 10M*
DXE-WA-135
135
80M through 10M*
DXE-WA-260
260
160M through 10M*
The DX Engineering Multi-Band Dipoles are designed to be rugged yet lightweight. Using a tuner, they are
usable to 30 MHz. They come complete with the extra length wire elements, 100 feet of premium 300 Ω
ladder feedline, Center-T support (U.S. Patent No. 7,764,244), and end mounting insulators (U.S. Patent No.
D534,905). All hardware is stainless steel.
Dipole Models
There are 3 configurations. Depending on the tuner used, each model can be used at the low end of the
respective 40, 80 or 160m band through 30 MHz:
* Band coverage depends on location of the antenna, the use of a wide range
tuner and the appropriate DX Engineering balun designed for use with an
antenna tuner.
Specifications
All DX Engineering Multi-Band Dipole Antennas are built using the highest quality components.
Elements - 14 AWG stranded copper, black PVC jacket for flexibility and strength
Feedline - 18 AWG stranded, 300 Ω ladder line, UV-resistant, 0.88 Velocity Factor
Hardware - Stainless steel
Center-T support and end-insulators - Black, high impact, and UV-resistant
Power rating - The correct DX Engineering 1:1 Current Balun is DXE-MC20-1-1 for one band
resonant or DXE-MC20-1-1T for multi-band using a Tuner. These baluns provide better balance, have
lower loss, and are more tolerant to load impedance and balance variations than other baluns. the
limiting factor in band coverage will be the height above ground, location and the tuner used.
Safety Considerations
WARNING!
INSTALLATION OF ANY ANTENNA NEAR POWER LINES IS DANGEROUS
Warning: Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or
where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to
come into contact with such circuits, because they may cause serious injury or death.
Overhead Power Line Safety
Before you begin working, check carefully for overhead power lines in the area you will be working. Don't
assume that wires are telephone or cable lines: check with your electric utility for advice. Although overhead
power lines may appear to be insulated, often these coverings are intended only to protect metal wires from
weather conditions and may not protect you from electric shock
Keep your distance! Remember the 10-foot rule: When carrying and using ladders and other long tools, keep
them at least 10 feet away from all overhead lines - including any lines from the power pole to your home.
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Mounting Considerations
When planning the location of your antenna, consideration should be given to the height, location of suitable
support structures and feedline positioning and length.
Generally speaking, these antennas should be mounted as high as possible for best performance. Antenna
height will affect the exact resonance point, radiation pattern, and takeoff angle. The higher the antenna, the
lower the takeoff angle to the horizon, which increases the effective range of the antenna.
For DX, the minimum height above ground should be 1/2-to 1-wavelength at the lowest operating frequency.
On the low bands, this height becomes impractical for most hams. For example, an 80m dipole at 70 feet is
about 1/4-wavelength above the ground. This antenna would be good for local and short distance
communications, but not optimal for DX, due to the high takeoff angle and ground absorption. A 40M dipole
at 70 feet is approximately 1/2-wavelength high and is likely to be good for DX and less optimal for local or
short range communications. For more information on antenna design, feedline and radiation angles, consult
a reliable text such as the ARRL Antenna Book.
The antenna, including the 300 Ω feedline, should also be mounted as far from other structures as possible.
This includes the ends of the wire elements, which are actually the most sensitive part of the antenna. Any
objects, metal in particular, within the near-field radiation pattern can affect the impedance and radiation
pattern of the antenna.
The feedline should also come away from the antenna at right angles for at least 1/2-wavelength for best
performance.
Most installations involve compromises due to local terrain, available supporting structures, or other
restrictions. Do the best you can with what you have.
Multi-Band Center Fed Shortened Dipole using Ladder Line Feedline
The DX Engineering Multi-Band Dipoles include 100 feet of high quality legal limit capable 300 Ω ladder
line. Depending on your specific installation, this feedline will need to be shortened or lengthened. The
optional DXE-LLC-1P Ladder Line Couplers can be used for connecting ladder line together for
lengthening the ladder line.
Also included are two rolls of element wire, a hardware packet and four ring terminals. Two of the ring
terminals accommodate 14 gauge wire and are used for the elements. The smaller ring terminals
accommodate 18 gauge wire and are used for the ladder line.
Unroll the 2 wire elements and the ladder line using a hand-over-hand technique. This will prevent kinks and
allow the wires to lay flat for assembly.
The ladder line feedline should be installed in odd multiple lengths of 1/8-wavelength on the lowest
operating frequency to optimize the impedance presented to the balun over the frequency range of the
antenna. This length can be calculated using the formula shown above Table 1 or use Table 1. DX
Engineering 300 Ω ladder feedline has a velocity factor (VF) of 0.88.
If you have excess ladder line, it can be zigzagged while suspended in air, but it can't be closer than a few
conductor spacings to metallic objects and should not be coiled or laid on the ground. If it is necessary to
pass close to a metallic object, twist the line to partially balance the affect on both sides of the feedline.
If you need additional feedline, 100 ft. rolls (part number DXE-LL300-1C) and a convenient line coupler
(part number DXE-LLC-1P) are available from DX Engineering. The line coupler includes a high impact,
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