DX Engineering Single-Band Low Power Dipole Kits

DX Engineering Single-Band Low Power Dipole Kits offer a quick and hassle-free project for Amateur Radio operators, making them an excellent choice for both individual and club activities. The DXE-DWK Dipole Kits are designed for low power operation and come with all the essentials to build a dipole antenna: a center insulator, two end insulators and a right angle BNC connector.

The DXE-DWK Dipole Kits are easy-to-build, requiring just 6 solder points. The lightweight center insulator and end insulators are essentially printed circuit boards. Once Assembled, the center insulator conveniently doubles as a wire winder, ensuring easy storage between operating events. Additionally, both the center insulator and end insulators feature useful printed information on them such as OHMS Law, dipole length formula and dipole tuning hints and more. The end insulators even serve as 6 inch rulers, aiding in antenna tuning.

To get your dipole ready for operation, simply provide your own coaxial cable, light support rope, and appropriately sized wire that has been cut to length for your desired frequency. Solder the connections and you're ready to fine-tune your antenna and get on the air!

Dipoles are one of the best cost-effective antenna options available for Amateur Radio enthusiasts. Their straightforward construction, installation and dependable communication capabilities have stood the test of time. Whether you're operating from your home QTH or engaging in a SOTA or POTA activation on the go, dipole antennas ensure reliable performance.

For more details on antenna design, feedline and radiation angles, consult a reliable text such as the “ARRL Antenna Book”.

The DX Engineering Dipole Kits are also available in packages of 10 kits (DXE-DWK-10) and 25 kits (DXE-DWK-25). Ideal for group and club projects.

Tools Required:

• Soldering Iron

• Solder

• Wire Cutter

• Tape Measure

Parts Required that are NOT Supplied with The DXE-DWK Kit:

• Coaxial Cable - With BNC female on one end and the proper connector on the opposite end to match your transceiver.

DXE Engineering carries pre-made, ready to use BNC to BNC coaxial cables in various lengths.

Get a custom length coaxial cable made using the Custom Cable Builder at:

• Wire - For the Dipole Elements - Use 14-26 gauge wire.

- DX Engineering carries Wire available in various sizes and lengths

• Lightweight Rope - For Center Support and End Insulators.

- DX Engineering carries Rope available in various sizes and lengths:

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Does the dipole have to be straight i.e.: flat top?

A: No, the dipole antenna does not have to be what is referred to as flat top. The ends can slope downward. An inverted-vee can have each leg angled down from the feedpoint at a 22 to 45 degree angle from horizontal, with corresponding tuned resonant lengths that are about 2 to 5% shorter for the inverted-vee than a horizontal dipole which will reduce the overall physical length needed to hang the dipole. Be aware that if used in a portable situation, you may have to slightly adjust the dipole lengths from location to location since you may not completely match a previous installation.

Q: Do Dipole antennas really work?

A: Yes. Dipole antennas have been around a long time. While most hams dream of towers and big beams, the majority of hams use dipole antennas. Even the ‘Big Gun Super Stations” started out with dipole antennas. They work, and they work very well. Not only for home stations, but when going portable as well. Never underestimate how good dipole antennas can be.

Q: If I get the kit and make it for 80 meters and later find out I would rather be on 20 meters, can I shorten the dipole to operate on 20 meters?

A: Yes, you can easily shorten the overall antenna length to make it resonant on a higher band. Likewise, if you add wire you can also make the dipole resonate on a lower band. In either case, use the chart that shows the various lengths required for each band.

Q: Can I use this dipole in my attic?

A: That depends. Your antenna height will be restricted by the height of your attic and may not perform to ideal expectations. Do you have enough room (length) for the dipole you want to use? You want to have the dipole legs in a straight line if at all possible and not double back on each one of them. Additionally, the presence of HVAC equipment, metal ductwork, electrical wiring or metal foil insulation will adversely affect antenna performance. If you have a metal roof, an attic mounted wire antenna will not work.

Q: Do I really need to support the center of the dipole - can I just hang it by the ends?

A; Yes, the antenna should be supported in the center either on a pole, The weight of the antenna and Coax Cable will put a strain on the dipole wires and over time will stretch the wire and cause possible tuning problems. Or worse yet, with windy back and forth motions, break the antenna wire.

Q: What is the ideal orientation of a dipole?

A: Dipoles radiate the best off of the sides of the antenna. This example shows the dipole antenna installed along a North South path. The best results from this antenna orientation are from the East and West.

Q: If my dipole is installed North to South, will I miss stations that are North or South of my location?

A: No, surprising enough you will still hear and be able to communicate with stations located off the ends of the dipole antenna. Their signal strength may not be the best, but it can be done.