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Mating the Vertical Element Sections to the Tilt Base
CAUTION: Attempting final assembly without proper precaution can be dangerous.
You should have someone help you steady the vertical antenna sections during
mating with the base section.
Note:
A pair of sawhorses or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections during
assembly with the tilt-base and whenever the vertical is tilted down. Do not allow the
tilt-base to support the entire weight of the vertical antenna when in the horizontal
position.
Mate the vertical element sections to the base element tube section by sliding the bottom 2-1/8"
element of the vertical over the 2" base section element tube to the 4” mark you previously made.
See
Figures 8 and 10
. The two element sections will have a snug fit, so use a small amount of
Penetrox A on the bottom element section to make the fit easier. Slide the element clamp down to
the edge of the bottom section, between the slits, and tighten. For fine tuning, you can adjust this
bottom section inward or the very top section inward or outward. See the
Tuning the Vertical
section in this manual.
Guy Rope and Anchor Installation
Guying is required on this as well as any other vertical antenna, especially in areas where it is windy
or susceptible to wind gusts. Four screw-in earth anchors and sufficient antenna rope are available
as model
DXE-GUY400-KIT
to allow guying of the antenna at two levels in four directions. Rule-
of-thumb engineering suggests the distance of the anchors from the antenna base should be equal to
the height of the highest guy level. This provides a 45-degree guy angle. The guy ropes should be
fastened just above an element clamp using a non-slip knot as shown in
Figure 11
.
The set of four earth anchors may be augured into the ground approximately 35 to 50 feet from the
antenna base to fasten the guy lines. When you install the earth anchors, make sure one of them is
placed exactly opposite the direction toward which the antenna will tilt over. The others should
then be evenly spaced. You may find it easier to first install and raise only the sections of tubing up
to the lower set of guy ropes. This will allow you to establish the correct length and tie off the
ropes. Then, you can disconnect the guy rope toward the rear and, leaving the others fastened,
lower the partial sections for final assembly. The remaining ropes will provide stability as the
antenna assembly is raised.
Raising the Vertical
It is strongly recommended that you have help when you raise this antenna. The Tilt Base certainly
makes it easier however, this antenna is 68 feet long and can be challenging to put up the first time
or with gusty winds. If you have properly laid out your guy system in advance, they will help keep
the vertical stable as you raise it – and stop you from going beyond vertical at the apex of the lift.
