In this installment featuring DX Engineering tilt base solutions, we go back five years to the creation of the latest innovation for worry-free raising and lowering of vertical antennas—the OMNI-TILT™ Vertical Antenna Tilt Base.
Like its predecessors—the patented SAF-T-TILT Base and Tilt Base Mounting System— the OMNI-TILT™ was designed by the Hams at DX Engineering to allow a single operator to inspect, tune, or lay flat a vertical antenna (during a storm, for example) without strenuous lifting, the threat of the antenna crashing down when fasteners are loosened, or the need to use a ladder.
The patented OMNI-TILT™ offers an improved design that makes it even simpler and more foolproof to safely walk the antenna up or down. The positive action of lifting the OMNI-TILT’s base plate disengages the bolts from the top slot, allowing the ground-mounted antenna to be easily tilted up or down in seconds as many times as necessary—a perk for those who enjoy testing their ground-mounted verticals by making frequent adjustments.
For all the details, check out the OMNI-TILT™ Vertical Antenna Tilt Base user manual from DX Engineering.
Features include:
- Dual U-shaped plates made from laser cut 1/8 inch thick stainless steel for strength and durability
- Extra holes in the plates that allow a wide range of optional mounting hardware to maximize the use of the OMNI-TILT™ for many types of vertical antennas
- The ability to attach the tilt base and your antenna to a pipe from 1-1/4 up to 2-1/2 inches
- All stainless steel hardware
- Rear plate is typically mounted to your 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch steel pipe using the optional DXE-OTMC-250P Mounting Clamps, purchased separately
- The OMNI-TILT™ may be mounted on a 4 x 4 inch or larger wooden post with user-supplied attachment hardware
DXE-OMNITILT-1P for Hustler BTV series and Hy-Gain AVQ series Trap Vertical Antennas
DX Engineering has optional tilt base wing nut knobs that allow for quick release of the DX Engineering DXE-OMNI-TILT™ base without use of tools.
Choose from two OMNI-TILT™ models:
DXE-OMNITILT-2P for elevated mount verticals, including Cushcraft R8, R9, Hy-Gain AV-640, MFJ, GAP, and many other antennas for HF and VHF
DX Engineering also offers packages which include the OMNI-TILT™, radial plate, coaxial cable, hardware, and either a Hustler BTV 4-Band, 5-Band, or 6-Band High Performance HF Vertical Antenna.
What do Hams think?
- “I purchased this tilt base for a Hustler 6-BTV. Installation was flawless, and tilting the vertical up and down to adjust the bands is trivial and now a one-man operation. This is a high-quality product, and I would recommend it to anyone for their vertical antenna.”
- “I needed a way to lower my vertical. I checked a number of tilt bases and decided to go with the one offered by DX Engineering. I am glad I did. The base is made of heavy steel and is well made. It was easy to install and works like a charm. Make sure to order the clamps to secure the unit to the mast.”
- “I installed both the radial base plate and the tilt for my 6-BTV. This is an excellent product! I have installed a number of verticals and this made it very easy. I laid down 64 radials connected to the base plate. No problem; the plate made it easy to keep them organized. The tilt base is also very robust and eliminated the problem of trying to align anything while it’s vertical. Easy to raise and lower, even singlehanded. I always felt in full control.”
- “I have had the OMNI-TILT installed for two years with a 43-foot vertical on it with four guy lines, one with a quick release clip. My QTH is in lightning alley in the summer and being able to quickly lower the antenna affords me assurances that the shack will still be there tomorrow. I recommend this for any vertical installation.”
- “I recently purchased the OMNI-TILT base because I wanted to play with ground-mounted verticals. Assembly was easy with the highly illustrated manual. Once installed, it was GREAT. Constant up – down – up – down for antenna adjustments made me happy I had it. Now I can try all kinds of things with the verticals with the ease of raising and lowering the antennas. Highly recommended!”
