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DX Engineering DXE-DVA-160-P Manual

Dual vertical phased array
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Dual Vertical Phased Array
DXE-DVA
DXE-DVA-160-P - Dual Vertical Array system for 160 meters
DXE-DVA-80-P - Dual Vertical Array system for 80 meters
DXE-DVA-40-P - Dual Vertical Array system for 40 meters
DXE-DVA-INS Revision 0b
© DX Engineering 2015
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200
Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙ E-mail: DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com

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Summary of Contents for DX Engineering DXE-DVA-160-P

  • Page 1 Dual Vertical Phased Array DXE-DVA DXE-DVA-160-P - Dual Vertical Array system for 160 meters DXE-DVA-80-P - Dual Vertical Array system for 80 meters DXE-DVA-40-P - Dual Vertical Array system for 40 meters DXE-DVA-INS Revision 0b © DX Engineering 2015 1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙...

  • Page 2: Introduction And General Information

    There are 3 system models available that cover the 160, 80, or 40 meter bands: DXE-DVA-160-P - Dual Vertical Array - 160 meters - Phasing Relay Unit and Control Console DXE-DVA-80-P - Dual Vertical Array - 80 meters - Phasing Relay Unit and Control Console...
  • Page 3 DVA systems require the 75-ohm antenna feed cables to be electrically tuned to one-quarter wavelength. Offered by DX Engineering as an option, these custom built PL-259 terminated cable assemblies use the highest quality waterproof polyethylene jacket direct-burial DXE-11U low-loss foam coax. These custom length coaxial cables are frequency specific, electronically tuned and connect the DVA Phasing Relay Unit directly to each mono-band vertical antenna feed point and radial system.

  • Page 4: Parts Included

    Every effort is made to supply the latest manual revision with each product. Occasionally a manual will be updated between the time your DX Engineering product is shipped and when you receive it. Please check the DX Engineering web site (www.dxengineering.com) for the latest revision manual.

  • Page 5: Tools Required

    Tools Required 1/2” nut driver or wrench (for the DXE-SSVC-2P V-Clamp Wire stripper for control lines Small flat blade screwdriver for control line connections Soldering Iron and Solder to join the two radial fields together where they meet General Installation Information The DXE-DVA Dual Vertical Array Phasing Relay Unit should be mounted to a customer supplied mounting pipe at the center of the array, halfway between the two monoband verticals.

  • Page 6: Overhead Power Line Safety

    Overhead Power Line Safety Before you begin working, check carefully for overhead power lines in the area you will be working. Don't assume that wires are telephone or cable lines: check with your electric utility for advice. Although overhead power lines may appear to be insulated, often these coverings are intended only to protect metal wires from weather conditions and may not protect you from electric shock Keep your distance! Remember the 10-foot rule: When carrying and using ladders and other long...
  • Page 7 Note: This array, like all dual phased vertical set ups, has a fairly wide flat forward lobe. This means exact direction headings are generally not critical. We should still remember there is a difference between True North and Magnetic or Compass North. Without going into all of the details, you want your system aligned to True North.
  • Page 8 Monoband Antennas for a Dual Vertical Array System The following are some suggested DX Engineering and COMTEK full size quarter-wave monoband vertical antennas are an ideal match for top performance in a dual vertical array system. You’ll need 2 verticals.
  • Page 9 Other spacing close to this value may work, but the characteristics of the main lobe will change. For optimal gain, directivity and front-to-back, time spent in laying out a symmetrical installation will pay solid dividends. The system is forgiving, but the best front-to- back is obtained when symmetry is maintained and with each element resonant on the same frequency and with each antenna base at the same elevation on flat land.
  • Page 10 The DXE-RADP-3 stainless steel Radial Plate contains enough stainless hardware sets to attach 20 radials. Additional 20 set radial connection hardware kits DXE-RADP- HW1K are available from DX Engineering. 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.
  • Page 11 DX Engineering Radial Plate and ensures the radial ground system, antenna ground and the feedline shield are common. The optional DXE-FP-WIRE-P Feedpoint Wire Connector Assembly is a perfect solution to connect the feedline to the vertical element.
  • Page 12 When the measurement is being done on one vertical antenna, the other vertical antenna should be floating (not connected to anything). It is also expected that the impedance of a single full size quarter-wave vertical antenna should be close to 39 ohms at resonance, as in 39 + j 0 ohms. That represents the 36 ohms of a "textbook" quarter-wave vertical antenna, and a few ohms of ground loss, assuming a good ground.
  • Page 13 Dual Vertical Array Control Console The DXE-EC-DVA is the 3 position controller used to control the DX Engineering Dual Vertical Array systems (DXE-DVA series). The DXE-EC-DVA offers the following features: ...
  • Page 14 The DC Input used is +12 Vdc. A 2.1 mm power cord is supplied with unit. The wire with the white stripes is the +12 Vdc. Outer Connection is GROUND, Center Pin is +12 VDC. If station power is used, it must be +12 Vdc at 1 amp (fused) minimum. An optional DXE-PSW-12D1A 120 Vac 60 Hz to 12 Vdc 1 Amp, fused wall transformer supply is an available option.
  • Page 15 20 AWG stranded copper conductors. Your color code may vary. When connecting the control cable to the DX Engineering Dual Vertical Array system, ensure your cable is wired the same way at both ends to avoid un-necessary troubleshooting (G to G, 1 to 1 and 2 to 2).
  • Page 16 The feedline from the Transmitter to the DXE-DVA Phasing Relay Unit must be good quality 50 Ω coaxial cable such as the DXE-400MAX or DXE-213U Coaxial Cable. See the Optional Items for details on the coaxial cable and cable assemblies available from DX Engineering. Vertical Element Feedlines From the DXE-DVA Phasing Relay Unit to each antenna element use good quality 75 Ω...
  • Page 17 A proper installation improves lightning protection and enhances weak signal receiving performance. Consult lightning protection and station grounding information in the ARRL handbooks, or by referring to the NEC (National Electric Code). The DX Engineering website has technical and product information listed under “Lightning Protection and Grounding”.

  • Page 18: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting There are several possible causes for a malfunction. Testing the system is not difficult. Directional switching and antenna phasing can each be affected by a variety of cabling, connection and or component problems. If you are troubleshooting a new system check that the wiring from the Control Console to the Array Relay Unit is correct and no damage has been done to the lines.
  • Page 19 Over 80% of all phased array malfunctions have been caused by the above system problems. A thorough inspection and subsequent testing of each control cable, RF cable, and their respective connections, will uncover the cause of most phased array system troubles. Here are a few other causes for malfunction: 1) Damaged Dual Vertical Array Relay unit due to lightning.
  • Page 20 Phasing Relay Unit. At this point, the problem in your system should have been identified. If you need additional assistance from DX Engineering, feel free to call or write. Detailed discussions of system function, connections, and troubleshooting is best handled by telephone, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Eastern Time, at 330-572-3200.
  • Page 21 Testing the Vertical Antennas without the DXE-DVA connected. Each full size quarter-wave vertical antenna should be resonant (reactance = 0) at the target frequency for the particular band - 7.150 MHz on 40 meters for example. When the measurement is being done on one vertical antenna, the other vertical antenna should be floating (not connected to anything).
  • Page 22 The following is a graph showing the impedance and reactance curves with the selected frequency of 7.150 MHz with the two antennas connected as shown above. The green arrows point to the readings (46 + j 12 ohms) at the selected 7.150 MHz. The SWR of 1.3 is not the SWR dip.
  • Page 23 Even though the SWR dip is high in frequency, the impedance (46 + j 12 ohms) is right on target at the selected frequency of 7.150 MHz. Do not adjust the verticals for a different result when the antenna feedlines are connected in parallel for this test. The values should be within a few ohms.

  • Page 24: Optional Items

    DXE-RADP-3 - Radial Plate, Stainless Steel with 20 Sets of SS Radial Attachment Hardware The patented DX Engineering Radial Plate is meant for those of you that have or are building a vertical antenna and who want an easy, neat and effective way to connect those essential radial wires and the coax to your vertical antenna for the lowest takeoff angle and strongest signals.
  • Page 25 DXE-RADP-1HWK - Radial Plate Wire Attachment Hardware Kit - Stainless Steel 20 Sets of ALL Stainless Steel Radial Hardware for use with the DX Engineering Stainless Steel Radial Plate.  (20) 1/4'' Bolts  (20) 1/4'' Nuts  (20) 1/4'' Flat Washers ...
  • Page 26 2.1 mm plug connection for +12 Vdc. Outer connection is GROUND Center Pin is input for +12 VDC. Ideal separate power source for DX Engineering Antenna Switches, Dual Vertical Control Consoles, Transmit Four Square Controllers, ATU-1 Remote Antenna Tuner Kits and most MFJ automatic antenna tuners.
  • Page 27 SUM-900031 - Automatic Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 24-10 Ga. Our DX Engineering wire stripper uses a spring-loaded design to make quick work of wires ranging from 24 to 10 gauge. Just insert the wire, squeeze the handle, and listen for the click. That’s the sound of another perfect wire stripping job performed in about 2 seconds- a fraction of the time it takes your pocket knife to do the same job.

  • Page 28: Technical Support

    All products manufactured by DX Engineering are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of shipment. DX Engineering’s sole obligation under these warranties shall be to issue credit, repair or replace any item or part thereof which is proved to be other than as warranted; no allowance shall be made for any labor charges of Buyer for replacement of parts, adjustment or repairs, or any other work, unless such charges are authorized in advance by DX Engineering.

This manual is also suitable for:

Dxe-dva seriesDxe-dva-80-pDxe-dva-40-p

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