- 4 -
installing the optional
DXE-TB-4P
Tilt Base, determine the direction you want the antenna to tilt
down and make sure there is adequate clearance. There should be sufficient room for a radial
system that should extend away from the antenna equally in all directions, if possible.
Mounting Pipe
Use a customer supplied thick-walled galvanized steel mounting pipe
at least
4
feet long. This will allow approximately 2 feet or more to be below ground and
2 feet above ground. A thick-walled steel pipe 1-3/4" OD maximum is
recommended with a minimum thickness of 1/8" (1/4" preferred) should be
used. The standard 1-1/4" galvanized water pipe (with its approximate 1.7" OD)
is just fine for this application and can usually be found at your local home
building supply store. For permanent mounting, use a post-hole digger to make
the hole deep enough to accommodate 2 feet of pipe and a couple inches of
gravel at the bottom for drainage. Set the pipe on the gravel, use the pre-mix
concrete to fill around the pipe, adding water and mixing as you fill or mix the
concrete first, then pour in the hole. Fill the hole until the concrete is level with
the ground around it. Use a level as you fill the hole to be sure the pipe is
straight. Allow to set overnight. Your location, landscape and ground conditions
may require different mounting solutions in order to have the steel mounting
pipe and the vertical antenna in a secure position.
Note: Galvanized steel, rather than aluminum, is much more suitable for mounting in concrete.
Aluminum will quickly corrode due to incompatibility with the materials used to make
concrete.
Radial System
The use of a radial system is a key requirement for a high performance quarter wave vertical
antenna system. With a vertical antenna system, the radials are the second half of the antenna. The
radials contribute to the radiation efficiency of the entire vertical antenna system.
At a minimum, 20 radials, each 20 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at
20 feet long is preferred and highly recommended. The extra radials may help overcome unknown
poor-soil conditions, improve efficiency, and ensure the best performance possible from the vertical
antenna. Longer radials should be used for improved performance on the lowest frequency to be
used if your plans call for 60 or more radials.
DXE-RADW
Radial Wire Kits, are stranded 14 gauge
copper wire with a relaxed PVC insulation is suggested for the best results.
The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible around the vertical
antenna and spaced evenly, regardless of how many radials are used. Do not cross
or bunch any radial wires as this nullifies their effectiveness. If you have limited
space, put in as many straight radials as you can. The radials must be connected to
the shield of your feedline. The
DXE-RADP-3
Stainless Steel Radial Plate is an
ideal optional item which provides an excellent system for attaching radial wires
to your vertical antenna system.
Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using
DXE-STPL
Radial Wire Anchor Pins to
hold them down. Using enough staples will ensure the wires will not be snagged by mowers,
