Instructions
Model HF9V
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL THE ANTENNA WHERE ANY PART
OF IT CAN COME INTO CONTACT WITH POWER LINES IN THE
EVENT OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE, DURING INSTALLATION OR
IN THE COURSE OF NORMAL FLEXING AFTER INSTALLATION
FOR SUCH CONTACT CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO PROPERTY,
BODILY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH!
WARNING: IN NO CASE SHOULD THE ANTENNA BE INSTALLED
WHERE STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF ANY PART OF THE
ANTENNA OR ITS SUPPORTING SYSTEM CAN ENDANGER
PERSONS OR PROPERTY.
CAUTION! A GROUNDED ANTENNA WILL BE AT D.C. GROUND
POTENTIAL! TO AVOID THE DANGER OF SHOCK CONNECT ALL
STATION EQUIPMENT TO A GOOD EARTH GROUND. IT IS ALSO
RECOMMENDED THAT ALL STATION EQUIPMENT BE
DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER MAINS BEFORE
CONNECTING THE FEEDLINE TO THE ANTENNA. PLEASE
CONSULT THE A.R.R.L HANDBOOK OR OTHER REFERENCE
MANUALS FOR ADDITIONAL SAFETY PROCEDURES WHEN
WORKING WITH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
NOTE: PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE
PROCEEDING TO ASSEMBLY.
NOTE: HIGH PERFORMANCE BUTTERNUT VERTICAL ANTENNAS
REQUIRE A RADIAL SYSTEM FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS.
Butternut offers three systems for installing vertical antennas:
Model GRK Ground Radial Kit for ground mounting—160 thru 6 meter operation
Model RMK-II Roof Mounting Kit for roof mounting—80 thru 6 meter operation
Model CPK Capacitive Counterpoise Kit for compact installations below 25 ft
(7.6 m) above the earth—80 thru 6 meter operation
Please refer to TECH NOTES—GROUND/RADIAL SYSTEMS, at the end of this
instruction, for other mounting schemes and assistance in designing your own
radial system.
831 N Central Ave Wood Dale IL 60191-1219 Tel: 630.238.1183 Fax: 630.238.1186 e-mail: bencher@bencher.com http://www.bencher.com
00408IZV 100700-1-
REQUIRED TOOLS
Flat blade screwdriver and pliers. A 1/4", 11/32" and 3/8" nut driver will be
helpful.
ASSEMBLY
Refer to the appropriate diagrams and proceed as follows:
1. Check to be sure that all parts are present.
2. Install tube w/insulator (A) per instructions packaged with mounting system or
Tech Notes Ground/Radial Systems.
NOTE: A small packet of anti-seize/anti-oxide compound (ButterIt’s-Not™) will be found inside tube w/insulator (A). This
compound should be applied lightly to each tubing joint and to
the inside of all clamps that must make good electrical contact
with the tubing sections.
Locate tube (B) and tube (B1). Slide the insulator end of tube (B1) into the end
3.
of tube (B) with hole located 1/4 in (6.4 mm) from the end of the tube. Pass a
# 8 x 1 1/2" screw through both parts and secure with a lock washer and hex
nut.
From the center of the insulator, measure downward to a point that is 13 in
4.
(33 cm) along tube (B) and make a pencil mark.
From the center of the insulator, measure upward to a point that is 9 3/8"
5.
(23.8 cm) along tube (B1) and make a pencil mark.
Locate coil assembly 80/40 meter (C) and slide the clamp at the outer end of
6.
the larger 80 meter coil over tube (B1), lowering the entire assembly until the
middle clamp can be positioned around the insulator between tube (B) and
tube (B1).
NOTE: The middle clamp may have to be pulled open slightly to
pass the bolt that goes through tube (B1) and the insulator.
Position the center coil clamp of coil assembly 80/40
7.
meter (C) in the center of the insulator between tube (B)
and tube (B1). Pass a #10 x 1" screw through the clamp
as shown. Secure with a flat washer, lock washer and
wing nut.
-2-
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: The outer tab of this clamp may be bent back slightly to
provide clearance for the bolt, bending it back into place after
assembly.
Stretch the 40 meter (smaller) coil on the coil assembly 80/40 meter (C) until
8.
the top of the upper clamp is even with the upper mark. Secure with a #10
flat washer, lock washer and wing nut.
9. Stretch the 80 meter (larger) coil on the coil assembly 80/40 meter (C) until
the bottom of the lower clamp is even with the lower mark. Secure with a
#10 flat washer, lock washer and wing nut.
10. Locate the capacitor assembly 80/40 meter (D) and install capacitor bracket
80 meter (D1) on the larger 200 pF capacitor using the installed screw.
NOTE: DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE OR OVER TIGHTEN THE
SCREWS ON EITHER CAPACITOR AS YOU WILL DAMAGE THEM.
DO NOT DROP THIS ASSEMBLY AS YOU MAY FRACTURE THE
CAPACITOR’S CERAMIC SHELL.
11. Locate capacitor bracket 40 meter (D2) and install on the smaller 67 pF
capacitor as above.
Install the above assembly onto the #10 screw protruding from the tab of the
12.
center clamp on the coil assembly 80/40 meter (C). Align capacitor bracket
80 meter (D1) alongside the larger 80 meter coil of coil assembly 80/40 meter
(C). Secure with a #10 flat washer, lock washer and hex nut.
13. Attach the tab end of capacitor bracket 80 meter (D1) to tube (B) with
capacitor bracket clamp and secure with # 8 x 1" screw, lock washer and a
hex nut.
14. Attach the tab end of capacitor bracket 40 meter (D2) to tube (B1) as above.
15. Insert the un-slotted end of tube (E) into tube (B1) and secure with a # 8 x 1
1/2" screw, lock washer and hex nut.
Locate coil support tube 30 meter (O) and measure to a point 9 7/8 in (25.1
16.
cm) down from the plastic insulator. Mark this point with a pencil.
17. Locate coil support tube 30 meter L bracket (O1) and place the tabbed end
inside of the coil support tube 30 meter (O) securing it with a # 8 x 3/4"
screw, lock washer and hex nut.
18. Place a #10 washer, lock washer and wing nut on the lower single clamp of
-3-
ASSEMBLY
coil/capacitor assembly 30 meter (P).
Place a #10 washer, lock washer and hex nut on both upper clamps of
19.
coil/capacitor assembly 30 meter (P).
20. Pass the lower single clamp of coil/capacitor assembly 30 meter (P) over the
insulator end of coil support tube 30 meter (O) and slide the coil downward
along the tube until the upper edge of the upper clamp is flush with the end of
the insulator. Align the upper clamp with the coil support tube 30 meter L
bracket (O1) and tighten the hex nut.
21. Stretch the coil until the bottom of the bottom clamp on the coil/capacitor
assembly 30 meter (P) is even with the mark on coil support tube 30 meter (O)
and tighten the wing nut.
22. Slide the remaining clamp from the above assembly over tube (E) and position
it so the coil support tube L bracket (O1) is even with fourth turn, counting
from the top of the 40 meter coil on the coil assembly 80/40 meter (C) and
tighten the hex nut.
Hook the coil support tube 30 meter L bracket (O1) around the fourth turn of
23.
the 40 meter coil on coil assembly 80/40 meter (C). Secure with a # 8 x 3/4"
screw, lock washer and hex nut.
24. Attach strip 17 meter (X) to the bolt that fastens the coil to the plastic
insulator between the coil and the upper clamp of the Coil Assembly 17 Meter
A-17-12 (W). Use the attached flat washer, lock washer and hex nut.
25. Attach the strip 12 meter (Z) to the coil assembly 12 meter A-17-12 (Y) in the
same way.
Loosen the #10 hex nut on the bottom clamp and the wing nut on the upper
26.
clamp of coil assembly 17 meter A-17-12 (W) and slide the assembly over the
upper end of tube (E) with the insulator end up.
Slide the unit down until the lower clamp of the coil assembly 17 meter A-17-
27.
12 (W) rests on the upper clamp of the coil/capacitor assembly 30 meter (O).
28. Tighten the hex nut and stretch the coil so that the distance between the
upper edge of the lower clamp and the lower edge of the upper clamp is 10
1/2 in (26.7 cm).
29. Install the coil assembly 12 meter A-17-12 (Y) in the same way, so the lower
edge of the lower clamp is about 2 in (5.1 cm) above the upper clamp of the
coil assembly 17 meter A-17-12 (W). This distance is not critical.
-4-
ASSEMBLY
Tighten the hex nut and stretch the coil so that the distance between the
30.
upper edge of the lower clamp and the lower edge of the upper clamp is 8 3/4
in (22.2 cm).
Position wire clamp 0.875" 15 M w/insulator (K) around tube (F) and use a # 8
31.
x 1" screw, lock washer and hex nut finger tight.
32. Slide wire clamp 0.875" 6 M w/insulator (V) around tube (F).
33. Insert the un-slotted end of tube (G) into the slotted end of tube (F) and secure
with a # 8 x 1 1/4" screw, lock washer and hex nut.
Position wire clamp 0.750" 6 M w/insulator (U) around tube (G).
34.
Locate wire clamp 0.750" 15 M w/insulator (N) and position it around tube (G).
35.
Insert the un-slotted end of tube (H) into the slotted end of tube (G) and secure
36.
with a # 8 x 1" screw, lock washer and hex nut.
37. Position wire clamp 0.625" 6 M w/wire (T) around tube (H) so the top edge is
33 1/4 in (84.5 cm) from the upper end of the tube.
Pass the free end of the stranded wire from wire clamp 0.625" 6 M w/wire (T)
38.
through the small hole in wire clamp 0.750" 6 M w/insulator (U).
Line up and position the bottom edge of wire clamp 0.875" 6 M w/insulator (V)
39.
58" (1.5 m) from the upper edge of wire clamp 0.625" 6 M w/wire (T) and
tighten.
Pass the free end of the stranded wire from wire clamp 0.625" 6 M w/wire (T)
40.
through the small hole in wire clamp 0.875" 6 M w/insulator (V). Loop the
free end of the wire around itself. Do not cut off the excess.
Center and align wire clamp 0.750" w/insulator (U) and tighten.
41.
Locate wire clamp 0.625" 15 M w/insulator (M) and position it around tube
42.
(H).
43. Insert the un-slotted end of tube (I) into the slotted end of tube (H) and secure
with a # 8 x 1" screw, lock washer and hex nut.
Position wire clamp 0.500" 15 M w/wire around tube (I) so the top edge is
44.
13.5 in (34.3 cm) from the upper end of the tube and on the opposite side
from the 6 meter assembly.
-5-
ASSEMBLY
Measure from the rivet of wire clamp 0.500" 15 M w/wire (L) to a point 11 ft
45.
3 in (3.4 m) along the stranded wire and mark this point.
46. Pass the free end of the stranded wire from wire clamp 0.500"
15 M w/wire (L) through the small holes in wire clamp 0.625"
15 M w/insulator (M) and wire clamp 0.750" 15 M w/insulator
(N) as shown.
Loop the end of the wire through the hole in wire clamp 0.875"
47.
15 M w/insulator (K) sliding it on tube (F) until the mark on the
wire appears. Wind the wire back on itself. Do not cut off the excess wire.
Line up wire clamp 0.875" 15 M w/insulator (K), wire clamp 0.750" 15 M
48.
w/insulator (N) and wire clamp 0.625" 15 M w/insulator (M) with wire clamp
0.500" 15 M w/wire (L) and tighten all clamps making sure the wire is
moderately taut but not enough to cause the upper tubing section to bow.
49. Place the protective cap on one end of tube (J).
50. Slide the uncapped end of tube (J) into the slotted end of tube (I) until only 25
in (63.5 cm) extends and secure with compression clamp small adjustable.
NOTE: In the following steps the antenna will be assembled and
raised to its full vertical height. If the antenna is to be installed in
an elevated position where it is unsafe or inconvenient to make
in-place adjustments, the antenna may have to be installed in one
piece. It will probably be necessary to raise and lower it and its
supporting structure a number of times to arrive at the ideal
adjustment on all bands. If so, every precaution should be
observed in order to avoid possible contact with power lines and
to prevent structural failure that can cause injury to persons or
property.
51. Place the lower end of tube (B) through tube (E) over the insulator on tube (A)
w/insulator. Line up the holes and secure it with a # 8 x 2" screw, lock
washer and hex nut.
WARNING: AVOID POWER LINES!
Raise the assemble of tube (F) through tube (J) and slide the lower end into
52.
tube (E) fastening it securely with a # 8 x 1 1/4" screw, lock washer and hex
nut.
-6-
ASSEMBLY
Install coax 75 ohm matching (R) as shown placing the lug from the center
53.
conductor over the screw on tube (B) and the braid over the screw on tube
w/insulator (A).
Place # 8 washers over each screw and install coil (Q) base matching. Secure
54.
with washers, lock washers and hex nuts.
NOTE: Attach radials and ground to tube w/insulator (A) using the
remaining # 8 hardware.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE STATION EQUIPMENT IS
CONNECTED TO A GOOD EARTH GROUND! DO NOT HANDLE
CABLE CONNECTED TO STATION EQUIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST
DISCONNECTING THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE POWER MAINS.
YOU COULD BE ELECTROCUTED!
55. Connect coax 75 ohm matching (R) to any length of 50-53 ohm coaxial cable.
Connector PL258 (S) is provided. Seal the connection with the small roll of
Konnector-Kote.
CHECKOUT AND ADJUSTMENT
The dimensions and coil settings given above should produce reasonably low
VSWR readings over the entire 10, 15, 20 and 30 meter bands and over at least
250 kHz of the 40 Meter band. Bandwidth on 80/75 meters should be at least 30
kHz for VSWR of 2:1 or less at the low end of the band and may be as much as
100 kHz at the high end of the band, depending on the efficiency of the ground
system used, greater bandwidth being associated with lossy ground systems. It
should be remembered that on those bands where the physical height of a vertical
antenna is less than a quarter wavelength, the earth (or the resonant radial system
in above-ground installations) will have a good deal to do with VSWR and antenna
tuning, bandwidth and overall performance.
Low VSWR by itself does not mean that a vertical antenna is operating efficiently,
and if low VSWR is obtained with no more than the usual quick and dirty ground
connection, it most likely means the opposite. In general, poor operation or
improper tuning of vertical antennas can usually be attributed to inadequate (or
even reactive) ground systems or to other vertical conductors in the vicinity of the
antenna. For these reasons it is suggested that the antenna be placed as much in
the clear as possible and used with the best ground system that conditions permit.
For a more complete discussion of the interrelationships between vertical antenna
efficiency, bandwidth, VSWR, etc., a standard text such as the A.R.R.L. Antenna
Book is recommended. See also the material included at the end of these
instructions.
-7-
CHECKOUT AND ADJUSTMENT
For adjustment purposes a simple VSWR indicator may be used. More accurate
measurements may be made at the antenna (i.e., at the junction of the coax 75
ohm matching (R) and the main transmission line) than at the input end of the line,
but the tuning conditions that exist at the transmitter will usually be of greater
interest in that one's principal concern will be to couple power from the
transmitter into the transmission line.
1. Determine the frequency at which VSWR is lowest on 80/75 meters. The coil
setting given earlier should produce resonance and lowest VSWR at
approximately 3700 kHz. To raise the frequency of resonance of the lowest
VSWR, simply loosen the wing nut on the lower coil clamp of the coil
assembly 80/40 meter (C) coil on tube (B) and stretch the coil a bit more. To
lower the frequency, compress the coil. A 1 in (2.5 cm) change in the setting
of this coil will produce a frequency shift of approximately 125 kHz.
NOTE: Remember that the antenna tunes very sharply in this
range and that high values of VSWR may be encountered only a
few kHz either side of the lowest VSWR readings, so it would be
well to take VSWR readings every 25 kHz or so to avoid running
past the frequency of resonance and lowest VSWR.
NOTE: To minimize interference to other stations and to avoid
erroneous reading use only enough power to produce full-scale
deflection of the meter in the forward or r.f. out position.
2. Once the proper coil setting has been found for the desired band segment, coil
(Q) base matching at the base of the antenna may be adjusted for even lower
VSWR. If earth losses are moderate to high a good match may be possible if
coil (Q) base matching is left fully compressed; if earth losses are low (as with
an extensive radial system) coil (Q) base matching may have to be stretched
to twice its compressed length or more for a good match. In any case, a
single setting for coil (Q) base matching should suffice for operation over most
of 80/75 meters provided the 80 meter coil is readjusted for each different
band segment.
Determine the frequency of minimum VSWR on 40 meters. The coil setting
3.
given earlier should produce resonance and lowest VSWR at approximately
7150 kHz. The 40 meter VSWR and resonance curve may be shifted in the
same manner as on 80/75 meters by changing the setting of the upper coil
clamp of coil assembly 80/40 meter. On this band the setting is much less
critical, and a 1 in (2.5 cm) change in the clamp setting will shift the VSWR
curve approximately 80 kHz. Be sure to loosen the clamp around tube (E) that
supports the 30 meter assembly and to reposition it as needed to avoid
distorting the 40 meter coil.
-8-
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