M2 Antenna Systems 2M8WL Assembly Manual - page 5
TURNBUCKLE L-BRACKET to the VERTICAL RISER OR to your mast. The Riser will enable you to install
the antenna at the very top of your mast, should you require it. It also allows the boom to be straight in two
dimensions. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE DETERMINED THAT TOP MAST MOUNTING IS SAFE FOR
YOUR SYSTEM.
A). MAST MOUNTED OPTION
Disconnect the two turnbuckles from the boom to mast plate and install into the two holes on the L-bracket.
Install the a 2” U-bolt into the L-bracket and lift the Bracket up until the boom bows up slightly. This is
approximately how high the Bracket will need to be mounted on the mast when the antenna is installed.
During the final installation on the tower / mast, secure the Turnbuckle L-bracket at the appropriate height
with the 2” U-bolt. Then lean or pull on the cords to increase the tension and tighten the knots.
B). VERTICAL RISER OPTION
Install the Vertical Riser as shown in the figure on the next page. Make sure the bottom 8-32 x 1-1/4” screws
are oriented as shown with the locknuts on the boom side. Insert the remaining two 8-32 x 1-1/4” screws
into the Bracket and install the Bracket onto the Riser. Secure the assembly with the 8-32 locknuts. Now
temporarily lift the front and rear ends of the boom about 2’ above the ground (use small chairs, boxes, or
get a couple of friends to help), disconnect the two turnbuckles from the boom to mast plate, and install them
into the two holes onto the L-bracket. This should straighten the boom.
For both options, if possible, let guy system take a set overnight. Then adjust turnbuckles so boom ends
bow up slightly (and equally). A few days on the mast should leave the boom straight.
11. ANTENNA INSTALLATION AND STACKING INFORMATION
A. Never mount the antenna with a metallic mast or crossboom in the element plane: pattern and
performance will deteriorate. FOR HORIZONTAL POLARIZATION, the antenna may be mounted to a
metallic vertical mast or a horizontal NON-METALLIC / NON-CONDUCTIVE crossboom. If mounted to a
horizontal crossboom, route the feedline forward to the boom-to-mast plate, loop down, and bring back to
crossboom at least 6” beyond element tips. Antenna pairs are typically stacked one above the other in
horizontal polarity. See Stacking Reminders, below.
If you plan on stacking this antenna above / below other nonresonant antennas maintain at least 5’ of
separation distance.
For best noise reduction on terrestrial use stack this antenna 18.5’ in either plane. Stack this antenna 20’ in
either plane for moon bounce applications. An array of 4 (stacked 2 x 2) antennas should yield about 23dBd