In our yearlong celebration of DX Engineering’s 25 years of service to the amateur radio community, OnAllBands has been highlighting significant moments in DXE’s journey to becoming a leading provider of everything for amateur radio since becoming part of Summit Racing Equipment in 2000.
Along that journey, DX Engineering has acquired popular amateur radio brands that otherwise might not exist today without DXE championing products that have reliably helped hams over the years.
Last month we looked at the vertical arrays of COMTEK Systems, which joined the DXE family in 2008. In late 2014, DX Engineering added to its brand family by acquiring Bencher’s Butternut antenna line and the company’s Skyhawk Tri-Band Yagi (20/15/10M) and Skylark Dual-Band Yagi (17/12M).
A Bit of Butternut History
Illinois-based Bencher had acquired Butternut’s HF9V 9-band, HF6V 6-band, and HF2V 2-band vertical antennas in 1994 from Butternut Electronics Co., which was founded in 1976 by multiple patent-holder Don Newcomb, W0DN (SK), and Patrick Tice, WA0TDA, former coordinator of the Courage Kenny Handiham Program. At the time of its founding, according to one online source, W0DN was living in Butternut Valley Township in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, where he taught at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
DX Engineering took over sales and manufacturing of these popular antennas, replacement parts, and add-on kits. Hams heralded the news on amateur radio forums:
- “This is great news. I know Butternut is in good hands!”
- “Past history with DXE says this will be a good thing for customers. Nothing but positives for DX Engineering from my dealings with them.”
DX Engineering Keeps the Butternut Legacy Alive and Expanding
As the manufacturer and exclusive seller of Butternut verticals, DX Engineering continues to help hams benefit from these efficient, high-performing, easy-to-install verticals that let operators work amazing DX when space constraints may be an issue (complete radial system required). Featuring power handling of 1,500W PEP/CW, 375W Digital, they have been popular antennas for backyard DX chasers as well as DXpeditioners (Jarvis/Palmyra, St. Paul Island, et. al).
Choose from:
- HF9V 9-Band Vertical (80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6 meters; 26 feet)
- HF6V 6-Band Vertical (80, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10 meters; 26 feet)
- HF2V 2-Band Vertical (80 and 40 meters; 32 feet)
DX Engineering also manufactures Butternut add-on kits for 160, 80, 17/12, 15, and 6 meters, plus replacement parts and ground radial kits.
Raving Butternut Fans
There are legions of amateur radio operators who attest to the effectiveness of Butternut vertical antennas. Among those was OnAllBands guest blogger Harry Meier, DK2GZ, from Karlsbad, Germany, who chronicled his amazing DXing success using the 9-band model. Among his many operating milestones, he achieved Number One Honor Roll, with 340 DXCC entities confirmed, using “my trusty Butternut HF9V.”
“I have always used the Butternut HF9V at home—that being in several different locations over the years,” he wrote.
“The first Butternut HF9V 9-Band Vertical Antenna (which is still in use!) was purchased in the United States over 25 years ago while I was touring the West Coast of the U.S. in a motorhome.
“My Butternut has seen various configurations over the years. The HF9V was sometimes ground mounted, sometimes elevated, and for the past 15 years or more has seen service mounted on the second-floor balcony of my home. Likewise, the radial system has had various looks and adaptations. Currently, I am using chicken wire that lines my balcony. I’ve included some photographs taken from the balcony location.”
Read the full article on OnAllBands, “Top of Honor Roll with a Butternut Antenna.”
OnAllBands will be looking at more DX Engineering acquisitions in the months ahead, including the Skyhawk and Skylark Yagis mentioned above. Stay tuned!
