M2 Antenna Systems 2MCP22 Assembly Manual - 2McP22 Assembly Manual
9.
INSTALLATION OF THE VERTICAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK DETERMINES THE
CIRCULARITY OF THIS ANTENNA. THE ORIENTATION OF THE BLOCK FOR RHC - RIGHT
HAND CIRCULARITY, IS SHOWN ON THE DIMENSION SHEET AND DRAWING.
Viewed from the rear of the boom (rearmost Reflector HORIZONTAL), the VERTICAL Driven Element
Block mounts to the LEFT hand side of the boom with the two Balun connectors oriented to the REAR.
Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw. Install the Shorting Bars as in step #7.
10. Before installing the Baluns and Matching / Phasing Harness, thread 3/8” SEAL NUTS fully onto all
connectors, with the black Neoprene face of the nuts facing out. Attach Baluns and Phasing lines to
the Driven Element Blocks and Junction Block as shown on the Dwg. Tighten the connectors
gently
using a 7/16" end wrench. Once the connectors are tight, back the Seal Nuts out and finger-tighten
firmly up against the face of the connectors (or tighten
gently
with 1/2” end wrench). A lot of torque is
unnecessary. Depending on model and polarity, the Vertical balun may loop around another element.
This is normal. Form balun and phasing line coax close to the boom and secure with nylon cable ties.
Ties should be snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
11. Use good quality coax and “N” connector for your feedline. Secure feed coax near connector on
Junction
Block, to provide stress relief, route to rear of boom and secure again. Allow coax to hang in
a loop between the rear end of the boom and the reattachment point (at least 12” beyond element tips)
on the mast or crossboom.
Do not route feedline to boom- to- mast plate as exiting antenna here
will adversely affect circular field.
12.The boom to mast plate is normally mounted to the boom at,
or near
, the physical balance point,
and
only
to the 1-1/2" boom section. Use two 1-1/2" U-bolts and the stainless nuts and lock washers
provided. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. 2” U-bolts and stainless hardware are provided for mounting the
antenna to your NON-CONDUCTIVE 2” mast or crossboom. Since the feed line represents significant
weight it is best to have it attached and fastened to the boom with cable ties before final mounting of
the plate. Element alignment is your choice. Elements oriented at 45 degrees works well for bringing
the feedline off with minimal interference to the pattern or VSWR.
13. IF YOU WILL BE USING THE ANTENNA FOR TERRESTRIAL USE ONLY, you may want to
consider installing the overhead Dacron cord boom support system (supplied). FOR SATELLITE USE
most users don't find it necessary and prefer to "keep the antenna simple". A slight droop in the boom
may be noted but it will not effect the antenna performance.