DX Engineering DXE-SMBA-2 Manual 

Stealth Antenna System DXE-SMBA-2 Patent Pending DXE-SMBA-2-INS Revision 1 © DX Engineering 2010 P.O. Box 1491 · Akron, OH 44309-1491 USA Phone: (800) 777-0703 · Tech Support and International: (330) 572-3200 Fax: (330) 572-3279 · E-mail: [email protected]

Introduction Living in an area where antennas are not allowed? DX Engineering has designed a complete antenna system that will allow Ham Radio Operators living under the shadow of HOA controlled areas to get on the air easily. Typically, with even a short 26 foot wire antenna, you can be on the air on all bands 40M and up – And with the included DX Engineering 46 foot wire antenna element you can be on all bands 80M - 10M! The very low profile Remote Tuning Unit [RTU] is easily hidden - even in small bushes or shrubs - and the only thing that shows is the wire antenna element which can be very small diameter for a near-zero visual impact. This is a complete system including the tuner, MatchBoxx, stainless steel mounting shelf with integral radial plate, the radial wire, three serpentine insulators and all hardware. Everything is supplied that you will need for a no compromise installation that will get you on the air and operating right under their noses. This system can be used if your shack is on the main floor, basement or any other location as long as you can run any size coax to the RTU located outside. There are no extra control lines necessary since the RTU is completely self contained and even the power necessary to run it is carried by the coax. There is no coax loss due to high SWR since the RTU will automatically match your coax to the antenna at any HF frequency within seconds. The MFJ-927 IntelliTuner™ lets you rapidly tune the DXE-SMBA-2 stealth antenna automatically. MFJ's exclusive InstantRecall™, IntelliTune™ and AdaptiveSearch™ algorithms give you fast automatic tuning with more than 20,000 non-volatile VirtualAntenna™ memories. The tuner includes a highly efficient switching L-network with wide matching capability, 1.8 to 30 MHz coverage, a radio interface port, and heavy-duty 10 amp/1000 volt relays. The MFJ tuner is rated at 200 watts SSB/CW. Furnished with MFJ-4117 Bias Tee for inserting 12 VDC from your power source (or DXE-PSW-12D1A power supply) on the coaxial cable to the remote tuner.

Part List for the DXE-SMBA-2 Parts List Quantity Description 1 DX Engineering custom Laser Cut Stainless Steel Mounting Shelf with integral Radial Wire connection points (patent pending) 4 Laser Cut Stainless Steel Legs 1 MFJ-927 IntelliTuner™ with external Bias "T" and mounting hardware 1 MatchBoxx (US Patent # 7,573,349) - mounted to the Shelf 1 45 Foot Wire Antenna Element with Ring Terminal attached 1 UHF Right Angle Adapter 3 DX Engineering custom molded End Insulators with special serpentine wire slots 1 Insulator to Shelf mounting hardware 1 Set of Stainless Steel hardware for radial wire attachment (20) 1 DXE-RADW-500 Bulk Radial Wire Kit which includes: 1- 500 ft spool of 14 gage, stranded copper wire with relaxed black PVC insulation 20 - Ring Terminals for Radial Wires. Typical radial system is twenty radials, each 25 feet long. DXE-STPL-100P Metal Lawn Staples - 100 Recommended Optional Items Quantity Description 1 DXE-PSW-12D1A AC Adapter 12 VDC/1000 ma 1 DXE-81343 Anti-Seize, 1 oz Squeeze Tube 1 STI-DBR-94-100 3/32" Dia. Double Braided Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 Foot Roll 1 DXE-3M2155 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape 1 DXE-33PLUS Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape Please read and understand the instruction manual that comes with the MFJ-927 Remote IntelliTuner™ Automatic Antenna Tuner. There is information included in that manual that is critical to proper operation of both the IntelliTuner™ Automatic Antenna Tuner and the Bias "T". There is also troubleshooting information and tuner reset information that may be very helpful.

Site Selection Select a mounting location clear from power lines, structures and other antennas. Consider overhead power lines, utility cables and wires. The vertical wire element should be mounted away from local noise sources or other metallic objects which can re-radiate noise and affect the tuning, radiation pattern and SWR. When installing the unit, the four ground spikes must be pushed into the soil to provide a good ground. If your soil is not a good ground (sandy, real hard dirt, etc.), adding a customer supplied ground rod which is connected to the unit at one of the radial connection points will help provide a good ground. 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. Included with the DXE-SMBA-2 is one 500 foot roll of radial wire, a 14 gauge stranded copper with a black relaxed PVC insulation wire. At a minimum, 20 radials, each 25 feet long, should be used with this antenna. Using extra radials may help overcome unknown 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 DXE-SMBA-2 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 will automatically be connected to the shield of your feedline when connected to the tuner. Radial wires can be laid on the roots of the grass using the included 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.

Installing Ground Spikes and Antenna Insulator Using the included stainless steel hardware, mount four ground spikes as shown below. DXE-81343 Anti-Seize should be used on all stainless steel hardware to prevent galling. Bottom View Mount serpentine insulator to the shelf using one hex bolt, star washer, flat washer and Nyloc hex nut. Mount the insulator with the cupped area on the bottom as shown below. Top View

Attaching Ground Radial Wires to the SMBA-2 Shelf Prepare the twenty 25 foot radial wires by stripping off insulation at one end and crimping a #10 Terminal Lug. As an option, the terminal lugs may also be soldered to help ensure positive electrical connection and long life. Using the 20 sets of supplied #10 stainless steel hardware (Bolt, Flat Washer, Star Washer, Split Washer, Nut) connect the 25 foot ground radial wires to the SMBA-2 shelf as shown below. (You will use two radial wires on the corner nearest the insulator.) Radial Wire Pattern Bias "T" Connections Refer to the MFJ manual for details on the Bias "T". The Bias "T" supplies the DC power required in the remote tuner using the coaxial cable that goes from the Bias "T" to the remote tuner. The Bias "T" is usually located in the radio room and has 12 VDC connected to it. Make certain the coaxial cables are properly connected to the Bias "T" as shown below. Ensure the ON/OFF switch on the Bias "T" is turned ON when using the system. The customer supplied coaxial cable coming from the Bias "T" (located in the radio room) is connected to the MFJ tuner SO-239 connector using the right angle UHF adapter (included).

Wire Element Installation and MatchBoxx Connections The Wire Element included is 45 feet long. This will allow you to tune from 80 meters through 10 meters. If your installation will not allow a 45 foot length, the wire may be cut to 26 feet which will allow you to tune on 40 through 10 meters. Weave the soldered terminal on the wire antenna element through the serpentine insulator installed on the SMBA-2 shelf and connect it to the MatchBoxx wing nut titled "ANT" as shown below. Note the way the wire is woven through the end insulator, especially the side where the antenna wire is coming from. There is a dip or cupped out area on the bottom to assist in a smooth wire transition point. The three wires are connected to the MatchBoxx as shown.

Attaching Antenna Element Wire to the End Insulators The end of antenna element wire is woven through an end insulator as shown below. Note the way the wire is woven through the end insulator, especially the side where the antenna wire is coming from. There is a dip or cupped out area to assist in a smooth wire transition point. Antenna Element Wire Attaching Rope to the End Insulators DX Engineering Double-braided Polyester Rope STI-DBR should be secured to the end insulators (depending on your installation) using a non-slip knot. One suggestion for attaching the rope is shown below. The ends of the rope should be cauterized with a small flame to prevent the rope braid from fraying. Non-Slip Knot using STI-DBR Double-braided Polyester Rope

Some options in putting up the antenna element are: Connect the antenna element from the SMBA-2 to a roof eve, then to a tree. Connect the antenna element from the SMBA-2 to a tree. Connect the antenna element from the SMBA-2 to a tree, then to another tree. Serpentine Insulators

Using the Auto-Tuner When using the tuner, refer to the MFJ-927 manual for details. If you try tuning and it seems that the tuner will not tune up as it should, try 'band switching'. Band switching for this means going up or down one band, re-tune, and then go back to the desired band and re-tune again. Grounding at the unit is important. Ensure you have a good ground at the tuning unit. When installing the unit, the four ground spikes must be pushed into the soil to provide a good ground. If your soil is not a good ground (sandy, real hard dirt, etc.), adding a customer supplied ground rod which is connected to the unit at one of the radial connection points will help provide a good ground. Please read and understand the instruction manual that comes with the MFJ-927 Remote IntelliTuner™ Automatic Antenna Tuner. There is information included in that manual that is critical to proper operation of both the IntelliTuner™ Automatic Antenna Tuner and the Bias "T". There is also troubleshooting information and tuner reset information that may be very helpful. Removing the Tuner To access the inside of the MFJ-927 tuner it will have to removed from the shelf. Remove your coaxial cable from the right angle UHF adapter and remove the wire going from the tuner's red post to the MatchBoxx. Remove the four hex head nuts as shown below. The other hardware shown does not have to be removed.

Manual Updates 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. Optional Items DXE-PSW-12D1A - AC Adapter 12 VDC/1000 mA The DXE-PSW-12D1A is an AC Wall Transformer Adapter to furnish 12 Volts DC at 1000 mA from 110 Vac 60 Hz input, fused output. It features a standard 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 Transmit Four Square Controllers, NCC-1, TVSU-1 and the Remote Antenna Tuner Kit. DXE-81343 - Anti-Seize, 1 oz. Squeeze Tube 1 oz squeeze tube of Anti-Seize. Protects metal parts against rust, corrosion, and seizure Particularly effective on stainless steel bolts and nuts which have a high likelihood of seizure. • Squeeze tube • Lubricant and sealant This part is classified hazardous and is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only STI-DBR-94-100 3/32 in. Diameter, Dbl-Braid Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 ft. Roll Synthetic Textile Industries Double-braided Dacron/Polyester ropes are not weakened by decay or mildew and provide excellent resistance to abrasion. The color sealed black polyester yarn used in the braided jacket also protects the cord from damage due to ultra-violet light. • 100' spool • 3/32'' diameter rope • Double-braided Dacron/Polyester rope • Excellent resistance to abrasion • NOT weakened by decay or mildew • UV-Resistant • Rated for a load of 260 lbs DXE-33PLUS - Scotch Super 33+ Vinyl Electrical Tape Scotch® Super 33+ is highly conformable and super stretchy in all weather applications. This tape provides flexibility and easy handling for all around performance. It combines PVC backing with excellent electrical insulating properties to provide primary electrical insulation for splices up to 600V and protective jacketing. Recommended as a protective overwrap for DXE-3M2155 rubber splicing tape in RF connector weatherproofing. DXE-3M21553M - Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape is a conformable self-fusing rubber electrical insulating tape. It is designed for low voltage electrical insulating and moisture sealing applications. For outdoor use, it should be protected from UV deterioration with an overwrap of DXE-33PLUS Vinyl Electrical Tape.

Technical Support If you have questions about this product, or if you experience difficulties during the installation, contact DX Engineering at (330) 572-3200. You can also e-mail us at: [email protected] For best service, please take a few minutes to review this manual before you call. 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; 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. If DX Engineering’s products are claimed to be defective in material or workmanship, DX Engineering shall, upon prompt notice thereof, issue shipping instructions for return to DX Engineering (transportation-charges prepaid by Buyer). Every such claim for breach of these warranties shall be deemed to be waived by Buyer unless made in writing. The above warranties shall not extend to any products or parts thereof which have been subjected to any misuse or neglect, damaged by accident, rendered defective by reason of improper installation, damaged from severe weather including floods, or abnormal environmental conditions such as prolonged exposure to corrosives or power surges, or by the performance of repairs or alterations outside of our plant, and shall not apply to any goods or parts thereof furnished by Buyer or acquired from others at Buyer’s specifications. In addition, DX Engineering’s warranties do not extend to other equipment and parts manufactured by others except to the extent of the original manufacturer’s warranty to DX Engineering. The obligations under the foregoing warranties are limited to the precise terms thereof. These warranties provide exclusive remedies, expressly in lieu of all other remedies including claims for special or consequential damages. SELLER NEITHER MAKES NOR ASSUMES ANY OTHER WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, STATUTORY, OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS, AND NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSUME FOR DX ENGINEERING ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY NOT STRICTLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING. ©DX Engineering 2010 DX Engineering®, DXE®, DX Engineering, Inc.®, Hot Rodz™, Maxi-Core™, THUNDERBOLT™, Antenna Designer™, Yagi Mechanical™, and Gorilla Grip™ Stainless Steel Boom Clamps, are trademarks of PDS Electronics, Inc. No license to use or reproduce any of these trademarks or other trademarks is given or implied. All other brands and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners. Specifications subject to change without notice.