Building 80M 4-Square: A DX Engineering Vertical Powerhouse
When you commit to building big in Ham Radio, there’s no such thing as “good enough.” And that’s exactly the mindset behind the KE2AY 80-meter 4-Square project we just completed in Westchester County, NY for Joe. This wasn’t just another install—this was a precision-engineered low-band system built with DX Engineering verticals, a cutting-edge phasing network, and the kind of attention to detail only years of tower work, contesting, and station design can teach you.
And the result? Let’s just say KE2AY is about to own 80 meters.
First of 4 - 7’ chromoly masts buried in 2/yd of concrete
The Build: From Chromoly mast to Full Power
The KE2AY site sits on high ridge—open enough for spacing, quiet enough for low-band, and accessible for a serious installation. Here’s a snapshot of the process:
1. Layout & Geometry
A 4-Square requires precise spacing. We laid out the four DXE verticals in perfect symmetry—accuracy within inches. This is where experience pays off. If you want deep nulls and real directionality, the geometry has to be right. 67’ 4” to each verical square and 95’ across.
2. Radials, Radials, Radials
We installed a robust radial field on each vertical, with 60 radials. This is the secret sauce to any vertical system. Poor radials equal poor performance.
We don’t do “poor” at HamRadio24-7 and Radio Echo.
3. The Phasing System
Using the DX Engineering phasing controller, we tied all four verticals with 75ohm coax into a beautifully clean switching system. With the press of a button, KE2AY can now swing the array toward Europe, South America, Japan and Africa.
4. Testing & Tuning
We ran it through the analyzer, tuned the system, checked the patterns, and confirmed the F/B ratios. The moment the system came alive—you knew it was a winner. 30W dump power on 1500w.
These are the dimensions we followed for 3.650 MHz, providing optimal performance for both CW and SSB operation.
Bobby building the system with commercial grade material from DXengineering
Bobby KC2UPN carefully raises one of the four DX Engineering 80-meter verticals using the DXE winch system, ensuring a precise and controlled lift during the 4-Square installation.
Here is the finished product as shown in this video.
Performance: This Thing Is a Monster
After initial on-air testing, we can say with 100% confidence:
The KE2AY 80M 4-Square is performing like a top-tier contest station array.
Stronger signals
Lower noise
Clean directional switching
Amazing receive performance
Pileup-busting transmit gain
This is the type of system that turns a regular local station into an 80-meter force.
Teamwork Makes It Happen
Huge shoutout to:
KE2AY – For the trust and vision to build something serious
DX Engineering – Their verticals and phasing gear are second to none
Our build crew – Precision work from layout to tuning
This is the kind of project that reminds me why I love this hobby. Big builds, real engineering, teamwork, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created a station that will deliver world-class performance for years to come.
Ray W2RE and the owner Joe KE2AY in front of the new system!
A thing of beautify! 4 DXE vericals, easy to foldover! This is the best way to do this!
Here is the complete parts list to build your own system. You can add additional radials or purchase bulk material to make your own. Please note that the coax and control cable to your shack will vary depending on your installation. For those who want to tackle this project themselves, I’ve provided the full list and links below. Alternatively, you can always hire our team to handle the build for you. This installation required approximately 30 hours of professional work onsite.
Here is link to the Hybrid box from DXE: https://www.dxengineering.com/
Link to DXEngineering: https://www.dxengineering.com/
Final Thoughts
Every station has a story. KE2AY’s story now includes a full-blown 80M 4-Square, professionally installed, meticulously tuned, and ready to tear up the low bands.
This is how we push the hobby forward.
This is why we build big.
And this is exactly what HamRadio24-7 is all about.
More projects coming… stay tuned.
