An example of the research involved in the development of the Australian DME system applied to the antenna, which seemed simple enough; three conical dipoles mounted one above the other and supported from a laminated Oregon pole. A wooden mast was required in order to minimise interference with the signal and ensure an omni-directional radiation pattern. The photo above shows an early DME installation, probably an experimental unit.

The CSIRO Division of Forest Products assisted by constructing several masts to the specified standard of warp and twist. They found glue that was resistant to water and fungus attacks, and established a technique for gluing under pressure. Several masts were tested to destruction by applying a transverse load to ensure a safety factor in the event of strong cross winds. During acceptance tests it was found that the aerial characteristics (in particular, the input impedance to the aerial) changed during a rainstorm. Another series of tests was on the effects of snow and ice on the performance of antenna.