- 6 -
DXE-RADW
- Radial Wire Kits and Components
contain everything you need to make your own
radials, including steel or biodegradable lawn staples to hold the wire down, are also available.
The best way to connect the feedline to the radial plate and vertical feed point is to use a
DXE-363-SST
bulkhead connector.
A
DXE-SSVC-2P
V-Clamp is needed to secure the radial plate to the vertical mounting pipe.
The radial plate should be mounted to the vertical mounting pipe before the tilt base and vertical
base section. It should be as close to the ground as possible, while still allowing access to the radial
wire hardware for tightening. A one inch ground clearance is adequate.
Figure 1: Optional DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate
and DXE-363-SST Bulkhead Connector
The optional
DXE-363-SST
is a hi-quality bulkhead connector uses silver plated outer and inner
conductors and a Teflon insulator. The connector has very low loss and high electrical break down.
It comes with two nuts to secure the connector to our radial plate or other flat surface. Perfect for
use with the DX Engineering Radial Plate it ensures the radial ground system, the antenna
ground and the feedline shield are common. Don't forget to waterproof coaxial connections.
The optional
DXE-112-KIT
may be used as an alternate feedline connection - See
Figure 13
for
details.
These connectors are not required if you order the optional
DXE-VFCC-H05-A
Vertical Feedline
Current Choke for connection to the base of a vertical antenna.
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 65 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using 32 radials at
65 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 especially if your plans call for
60 or more radials.
DXE-RADW
Radial Wire, a stranded 14 gauge PVC insulated copper wire is
suggested for the best results.
