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Multi-Band
Vertical Antenna
160 through 10 Meters
with the patented
™
SAF-T-TILT
Base
DXE-MBVE-5A Series
US Patent Nos. 654,064 and 8,686,919
DXE-MBV5AS-INS - Revision 3b
© DX Engineering 2023
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
MBVE-5 Shown with optional UNUN
Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200
Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙ E-mail:
DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com
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Related Manuals for DX Engineering DXE-MBV5AS-INS
Summary of Contents for DX Engineering DXE-MBV5AS-INS
- Page 1 SAF-T-TILT Base DXE-MBVE-5A Series US Patent Nos. 654,064 and 8,686,919 DXE-MBV5AS-INS - Revision 3b © DX Engineering 2023 1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA MBVE-5 Shown with optional UNUN Phone: (800) 777-0703 ∙ Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200 Fax: (330) 572-3279 ∙...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction Manual Updates DXE-MBVE-5A Models Available DXE-MBVE-5A Remote Tuner Upgrades Available Tools Required Warning Suggested Parts Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied Basics for All New Installations Site Selection Radial System Mounting Pipe Assembly Radial Plate to Mounting Pipe Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the Radial Plate Tilt Base to Mounting Pipe SAF-T-TILT™... -
Page 3: Introduction
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 4: Dxe-Mbve-5A Models Available
DXE-MBVE-5A Models Available DX Engineering MBVE-5A Model Numbers DXE-MBVE-5A Req’d DXE-MBVE-5A-4P Req’d DXE-MBVE-5A-4UP DXE-MBVE-5A-4UPR DXE-MBVE-5AE-BRT optional not applicable DXE-MBVE-5AEBRT3 not applicable DXE-MBVE-5AEBRT4 not applicable DXE-MBVE-5AE-RT optional not applicable DXE-MBVE-5AERT8 not applicable X = Included Reqd = Required (see text) optional = Purchase is optional (see text explaining the importance of a radial system) -
Page 5: Tools Required
PLEASE - Read the entire manual to be familiar with the various options available. Some of the assembly steps are common for all models. This manual describes in detail the DXE-MBVE-5A-4UPR antenna package which includes the basic antenna with the DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate, DXE- 43 UNUN and DXE-UN-BRKT. -
Page 6: Warning
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 quarter wave 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 7: Additional Material Needed, Not Supplied
DXE-RADW Radial Wire Kits and Components There are optional DX Engineering Radial Wire Kits available. DXE-RADW-500K/BD contains a 500 foot spool of 14 gauge copper stranded wire with black relaxed PVC insulation, 20 Terminal Lugs and 100 Steel or Biodegradable Lawn Staples. The DXE-RADW-1000K/BD Radial Wire Kit contains a 1,000 foot spool of 14 gauge copper stranded wire with black relaxed PVC insulation, 40 Terminal Lugs and 200 Steel or Biodegradable Lawn Staples. -
Page 8: Basics For All New Installations
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. Radials can also be buried just under the surface by using a power edger to make a slit in the soil. -
Page 9: Mounting Pipe
0.25" wall thickness. A standard 1-1/2" galvanized water pipe (with its 1.9" OD) will work for this application and can usually be found at your local home building supply store. DX Engineering also has the DXE-VGMT-2CG Steel tubing for ground mount antennas made from high strength Chromoly: 2 inch OD x .25 wall thickness x 5 foot... -
Page 10: Radial Plate To Mounting Pipe
20 sets of stainless steel hardware for mounting the radial wires. Additional hardware kits are available from DX Engineering: DXE-RADP-1HWK contains 20 sets of Radial Plate Hardware. Check which direction you want the antenna to tilt. Mount the radial plate as shown in relation to the SAF-T-TILT™... -
Page 11: Attaching Ground Radial Wires To The Radial Plate
Using the 20 sets of supplied 1/4" stainless steel hardware (Bolt, Star Washer, Flat Washer, Split Washer, Nut) connect the optional ground radial wires to the DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate as shown in Figure 2. Additional hardware kits are available from DX Engineering: DXE-RADP-1HWK includes 20 sets of Radial Plate Hardware. - Page 12 Make sure the Tilt Base and DXE-RADP-3 Radial Plate are oriented correctly for the direction you wish to tilt the antenna. See Figure 11 which shows the tilt action. Tighten the V-clamps evenly so the length of the exposed threads is approximately equal. Any clamp should be tightened evenly from side-to-side with an equal amount of thread above each nut.
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Page 13: Saf-T-Tilt™ Antenna Base Section Assembly
DXE-MBVE-5A SAF-T-TILT™ Antenna Base Section Assembly Attach the 7” ground wire with ring terminals to the tilt base angle plate using the hardware as shown in Figure 4. Refer to pages 26 & 27 for description of numbered parts. Figure 4 Attach the tilt base tube to the tilt base angle using the hardware as shown in Figure 5. - Page 14 Attach the completed assembly to the tilt plate using the hardware as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 Figure 7 is shows all of the parts for reference purposes. Pictures are shown in Figure 19 and Appendix 1 has a full description of numbered parts. Figure 7 - 13 - - 13 -...
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Page 15: Aluminum Tubing Information
Deburring is a finishing method used in manufacturing. DX Engineering aluminum tubing is machine cut on both ends and machine slit on one end and you should further assure that there are no ragged edges or protrusions. -
Page 16: Assembling The Vertical Sections
Assembling the Vertical Sections ™ Note: JTL-12555 Jet-Lube SS-30 Anti-Oxidant must 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 aluminum tubing or other antenna pieces. - Page 17 Vertical Antenna Elements 2.125" (2-1/8”) x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Slit one end, drilled) 2.000" (2”) x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Slit one end) 1.875" (1-7/8”) x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Slit one end) 1.750" (1-3/4”) x 0.058" x 36" Tube (Slit one end) 1.625"...
- Page 18 Figure 10 Element Assembly (Drawing not scale) - 17 -...
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Page 19: Mating The Vertical Sections To The Tilt Base
Mating the Vertical Sections to the SAF-T-TILT™ Base Note: Sawhorses or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections during assembly with the SAF-T-TILT™ Base and whenever the vertical is tilted down. As shown in Figure 12. When the upper element sections are assembled together install the black vinyl cap in place at the top of the smallest element section. -
Page 20: Raising The Vertical
While holding the base at approximately a 90 degree angle, slide the bottom 2-1/8” OD element section onto the black insulator, aligning up the two holes in the 2” OD aluminum tube with the two holes in the black insulator as shown in Figure 13. -
Page 21: Assembling The Optional Unun Mounting Bracket
The antenna mounting channel must be kept in parallel alignment with the tilt-base plate to prevent binding until it is positioned in the tilt-base. Once the antenna is vertical, lift and slide the antenna to the right (as shown above) toward the tilt-base mounting pipe to allow top bolt to line up and drop down into the SAF-T-BASE™... -
Page 22: Installation Of Optional Unun Assembly
Installation of UNUN Assembly to Antenna Lower Section The completed UNUN and UNUN Mounting Bracket assembly are mounted to the antenna lower section. To allow easy installation of the UNUN Bracket to the lower base section, open the upper and lower custom studded element clamps as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16 Position the UNUN and mounting bracket so the bottom element clamp is located between the feedpoint hardware and the black insulator shown in Figure 17. -
Page 23: Feedline Connections
Feedline Connections The DXE-UN-43 UNUN is attached to the feedline antenna connection using one 6” wire with ring terminals and one 7” wire with ring terminals. Connect the 6” wire with terminals from the antenna feedpoint located on the antenna element to the terminal on the DXE-UN-43 UNUN closest to the Red "+"... -
Page 24: Coaxial Cable And 160 Meter Notes
A MBVE-5A vertical antenna is a short antenna for 160, but it will get you on the air. In this instance, coaxial cable type is a very important item to consider. DX Engineering recommends a length of 150 feet of DXE-213U an RG-213/U to give most tuners the ability to match the antenna on the lower frequency bands where most tuning problems are encountered. -
Page 25: Guying A Vertical Antenna System
Guying a Vertical Antenna System Guying of vertical antennas is always recommended for stability. However, if your area encounters severe wind velocities or icing conditions, simple guying with ropes will reduce the possibility of failure. Using the DXE-GUY kits, you can install one, two or three level guy ropes. Figure 20 shows a two level guying system. -
Page 26: Dxe-Mbve-5A Parts List
DXE-MBVE-5A Antenna Parts List SAF-T-Tilt™ Base Assembly Drawing Ref. (US Patent Nos. 654,064 AND 8,686,919) Number Tilt Base Plate - 12” x 6” x 3/8” thick Tilt Plate Tube - 2.5” OD x 14” x 1/4” thick, drilled Tilt Base Insulator - 2” OD x 10”, drilled Tilt Base Angle Bracket - laser cut and drilled Stainless Steel Saddle for 3/8”... -
Page 27: Exploded View Of The Dxe-Mbve-5A
DXE-MBVE-5A SAF-T-TILT™ Base Section For reference purposes Figure 21 shows an exploded view of the DXE-MBVE-5A Base Section (US Patent Nos. 654,064 AND 8,686,919) Figure 21 Item Description Item Description Tilt Base Plate - 12” x 6” x 3/8” thick 1/2”... -
Page 28: Appendix A - Extended Base Remote Tuner Options
As shown in the charts below, the DXE-MBVE-5A models, and upgrades for existing DXE- MBVE-5/5A antennas, that will be used with one of the remote tuners listed will require the longer base tube (36”), plus other hardware. DX Engineering MBVE-5A Model Numbers... -
Page 29: Extended Base Tube Exploded View Drawing
Figure A-1 - Extended Base Tube Drawing Figure A-1 This drawing shows the DXE-MBVE-5AE that uses the extended base tube (Item 2) and a new drilled insulator (Item 3) with the associated hardware. Required for using the MFJ-993BRT, MFJ-994BRT or MFJ-998RT remote tuners. -
Page 30: Upgrade Hardware Exploded View Drawing
Figure A-2 - Upgrade Hardware for the Extended Base Tube Drawing Figure A-2 - This drawing shows the Upgrade Hardware Kit that includes the associated hardware. For existing systems, the new hardware is supplied with the upgrade kits to make installation easier. -
Page 31: Appendix B - Mfj-993/994Brt Remote Tuner Option
Appendix B - MFJ-993BRT or MFJ-994BRT Remote Tuner Install There are 3 complete DXE-MBVE-5A antenna systems for use with either the MFJ-993BRT or MFJ-994BRT Remote Tuner. MFJ-993BRT - MFJ-994BRT - DX Engineering MFJ-993/4BRT - Tuner Tuner Antenna Model Brackets 300 Watt... - Page 32 Installing the MFJ-993BRT or MFJ-994BRT option 1. Install the short ground wire in the corner hole on the tuner mounting flange using the 5/16”-18 Hex Nut, 5/16”-18 x 5/8” long Hex Head Cap Bolt, 5/16” Flat Washer, 5/16” External Tooth Washer, 5/16”...
- Page 33 4. Place on 5/16” External Tooth Washer on each leg of the upper saddle clamp U-bolt and then position the MFJ-993BRT or MFJ-994BRT tuner in place on the upper U-bolt that protrudes from the saddle clamp. Once in place, loosely install the two 5/16” Flat Washers, two 5/16” Split Lock Washers and two 5/16”-18 Hex Nuts to hold the tuner in place on the upper clamp as shown.
- Page 34 The wire jumper (item 24 shown on page 32) ensures proper connection of the radial field to the antenna system. Your coaxial cable from the Bias-T in your radio room connects directly to the SO- ® 239 connector on the remote tuner. Weatherproof this coaxial connection using Scotch Super 33+ and 3M Temflex™...
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Page 35: Appendix C - Mfj-998Rt Remote Tuner Option
Appendix C - MFJ-998RT Remote Tuner Installation There are two complete DXE-MBVE-5A systems for use with the MFJ-998RT Remote Tuner DX Engineering MFJ-998RT MFJ-998RT MBVE-5A Tuner Brackets Model Numbers 1500 Watt DXE-MBVE-5AE-RT DXE-MBVE-5AERT8 There are two upgrade retrofit kits for existing DXE-MBVE-5/5A systems for use with the MFJ- 998RT remote tuner. - Page 36 Installing the MFJ-998RT option The MFJ-998RT Tuner is mounted on a custom made stainless steel shelf that is attached to the DXE-MBVE-5A antenna. 1. Install the four 1/4”-20 x 3/4” long Hex Head Cap Bolts, four 1/4” External Tooth Washers and four 1/4”-20 Hex Nuts on the tuner shelf bracket as shown.
- Page 37 4. Place one 5/16” External Star Washer on each of the four bolts that are installed in the tuner shelf bracket and then place the MFJ-998RT Tuner on the bolts as shown. Position the tuner so it is straight and the large hole on the tuner metal bracket is close to the antenna (this is where the feedline wire will pass through).
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Page 38: Appendix D - Bias Tee Information
The wire jumper (item 24 shown on page 32) ensures proper connection of the radial field to the antenna system. Your coaxial cable from the Bias-T in your radio room connects directly to the SO- 239 connector on the remote tuner. Weatherproof this coaxial connection using Scotch® Super 33+ and 3M Temflex™... -
Page 39: Parts Listings For Dxe-Mbve-Thw And Tbhw
Parts Listings DXE-MBVE-THW DXE-MBVE-THW Mounting Hardware Kit For the MFJ-993BRT/MFJ-994BRT Tuner mounting option U-Bolt, Stainless Steel, 2.5”, 4” long, 5/16”-18 threads Aluminum Saddle, V-Block 5/16”-18 Hex Nut, Stainless Steel 5/16”-18 x 5/8” long, Hex Head Cap Bolt, Stainless Steel 5/16” Washer, Flat, Stainless Steel 5/16”... -
Page 40: Parts Listings For Dxe-Mbve-5A-Ughw
Warranty 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;...
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