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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, 32 radials, each 65 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Longer radial wires,
up to 135 feet each, would provide an improvement in signal strength for this 160 meter antenna.
DXE-RADW
Radial Wire is a 14 gauge stranded copper with black relaxed PVC insulation wire
and 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 patented
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, 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 Notes
Note:
JTL-12555 Jet-Lube
™
SS-30
Anti-Oxidant should be used between all antenna element
sections. Jet-Lube
™
SS-30 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.
Jet-Lube
™
SS-30 should also be used on all
element clamps and stainless steel threaded
hardware
to provide good electrical contact, prevent galling, allows easier disassembly
and to ensure proper tightening.
Note: The following assembly instructions are based on using an optional DXE-
VGMT-3CG Mounting Pipe, with the optional DXE-VR-1 Manual Winch,
optional patented DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate and the optional DXE-UHF-
FDFB-KIT SecureMount
™
Bulkhead Connector.
