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poor-soil conditions, improve bandwidth, and ensure the best performance possible from the
vertical antenna.
DXE-RADW
Radial Wire, a 14 gauge stranded copper with a black relaxed PVC
insulation wire is suggested for the best results.
The wire radials should placed as symmetrically as possible straight from the feedpoint 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 feedpoint.
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,
people, or animals. Grass will quickly overgrow the radials and it will be virtually impossible to see
them. An article describing this process is available on the DX Engineering website in the
Tech
Info
section. Radials can also be buried just under the surface by using a power edger to make a slit
in the soil.
Assembly
The
DXE-MBVE-2
shipping box contains the vertical tubing sections, an insulated U-channel, two
2" U-Bolts and Saddles, a backing plate, a Tilt Base with two stainless steel V-Clamps, 12 stainless
steel element clamps, a black vinyl cap, and stainless steel hardware.
Carefully un-box the antenna and separate the various parts. All of the element sections are 36"
long. The 36" base section element (2" OD) and the 18" tube inside of it are both drilled to accept
the feedpoint hardware. The added 18" section inside the base element section provides added wall
strength for the base section. The vinyl cap for the top element section should be installed after
assembly of the vertical is complete.
Note: DXE-P8A Penetrox A Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element
sections. Penetrox is an electrical joint compound to affect a substantial electrical
connection between metal parts such as telescoping aluminum tubing or other
antenna pieces. It ensures high conductivity at all voltage levels by displacing moisture
and preventing corrosion or oxidation.
Note: UMI-81343 Never-Seez or DXE-NSBT8 Anti-Seize
should be used on all clamps, bolts
and stainless steel threaded hardware to prevent galling and to ensure proper
tightening.
