Doc No 15977H000 Page 1
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INSTALLATION MANUAL
for
Semi-Delta Antenna
SD214 100 W
SD214 500 W
Issue 1 February 1999
This document is Copyright and is the property of Radio Frequency Systems Pty. Limited
(‘RFS’), and must not be copied or reproduced without the authority of RFS. Its use is
limited to that for which it was supplied. Information herein shall not be divulged to a third
party or used in any way prejudicial to RFS.
RFS reserves the right to make minor constructional detail changes without prior notice.
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Figure 1 Semi-Delta Antenna
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CONTENTS
SECTION NAME Page
Facesheet
Frontispiece
Contents
1 Introduction 4
2 Items List 9
3 Assembly 12
4 Installation 17
5 Maintenance 23
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1SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
This is an omnidirectional broad band antenna,
used for short to medium range communication
applications.
The antenna may be used for either receiving or
transmitting.
It consists of an upper and lower element,
spreader, and halyard. A two part termination is an
integral part of the upper element, and requires
electrical connection to the lower element.
Power is fed to the antenna via a balun transformer
mounted on support structure No 1.
These antennas are supplied broken down and
packed in a number of related kits of sub-
assemblies, and require assembly in accordance
with the instruction in the relevant sections of this
manual.
1.2 CONNECTIONS
The coaxial input cable is fitted on the under side
of the balun to an ‘N’ type socket.
Fly leads connect the lower element to the balun
and to the upper element.
1.3 CONSTRUCTION
The upper and lower elements consist of copper
strand wire and are joined together by a spreader
tube, to form a kite shaped antenna.
The halyard (which is part of the upper element)
passes over a wireblock (pulley) mounted from the
support structure attachment point. The other end
of the halyard rope is attached near the base of the
support structure.
The low frequency kit is an option. It is designed to
improve the low frequency performance of the
antenna under poor ground conditions.
1.4 GENERAL TECHNICAL DATA
For procedures and details relative to the erection
of the support structures please refer to
manufacturers specification / instructions.
The support structure should be selected based on
the requirements indicated in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1 Support Structure Requirements
Height (m) - Support Structure No 1
(nominal) To antenna attachment point
Height (m) - Support Structure No 2
(nominal) To antenna attachment point
Spacing (m)
(between antenna attachment points)
Horizontal force (kN)
(160 km/hr wind loading)
Vertical force (kN)
(160 km/hr wind loading)
2
15
20
1.6
1.1
The outer ends of each element are supported
from two support structures. A halyard enables the
hoisting of the antenna at one end.
Figure 1-1 Separation of Support Structures
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Figure 1-2 Attachment Point on Support Structures
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Figure 1-3 Shackles for Support Structure Attachment – Details
(approximate to full size)
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Figure 1-4 Balun Mounting for 500 W Model - Details
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1.5 SITE CONDITIONS
The antenna should be installed on a site which is
reasonably flat. It is recommended that a slope of 1
in 50 should not be exceeded.
The site should also be generally cleared over the
area of antenna. Where the assembly is to take
place, loose rock and other objects which could
damage the antenna components, or impede the
installation should be removed.
1.6 MAXIMUM WIND SPEED
The ‘Survival Wind Rating’ is the wind speed at
which the most highly stressed member becomes
equivalent to the minimum material yield strength.
The ‘Design Wind Speed’ is derived from the
survival rating, and is set such that the antenna
components are stressed to within allowable or
permissible material stress limits.
The Design Wind Speed for the SD214 100 W and
SD214 500 W antennas is 160 km/hr.
1.7 UNPACKING AND HANDLING
Care should be taken in the unpacking of the
components of this antenna. In particular,
insulators are prone to chipping or cracking by
knocking against each other, or inadvertent
dropping. The protective wrapping on the wire work
insulators should be kept in place until the antenna
is ready for raising to the support structure head.
The copper wire components can be kinked if
badly handled, even in the roll form as packed.
1.9 INSTALLATION
The installation shall be carried out by experienced
personnel in a safe and efficient manner, to
established procedures and practices.
Prior to installation, ensure all rules and regulations
applicable to local requirements are reviewed and
adhered to.
Antenna installation should not be attempted
in windy conditions, or when rain or lightning
is imminent.
Personnel should never be directly
underneath the antenna or close to the
support structure during the installation of
the antenna.
1.10 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The antenna requires the use of ‘corrosion
inhibiting and conducting paste’ between any
electrical and dissimilar metal surfaces.
The recommended electrical jointing compound is
‘ALMINOX Grey’, which is referred to throughout
this manual as ‘corrosion inhibiting and conducting
paste’.
1.11 EARTHING OF SUPPORT STRUCTURES
1.8 INSPECTION
Examine the equipment as soon as possible, and
notify the supplier if any damage or discrepancy is
evident (refer to Section 2 - Items List).
Support Structure No 1 (where the balun is
mounted), must be earthed for the antenna to
operate.
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2SECTION 2 - ITEMS LIST
This antenna is supplied un-assembled into a
number of kits as listed below.
The dots shown in the parts list indicate the kit
level for each item.
Table 2-1 Items List for Model SD214 100W
Item No Part No Description
Kit level in descending order 1 2 3 4
Symbol used (no dot)
1 25512.001
1-1 15980.001 Upper element ............................................................. 1
1-2 15979.001 Lower element ............................................................. 1
1-3 15981.001
1-3-1 23085.000 Spreader tube centre................................................ 1
1-3-2 23084.000 Spreader tube ends .................................................. 2
1-3-3 25515.002
1-3-3-1 702.20554 Swivel shackle body .............................................. 4
ANTENNA KIT – SD214 100W......................................
Spreader Kit ...............................................................
Spreader hardware kit............................................
The quantity stated are those actually required.
Hardware kits may include spares for some
components.
Qty per
higher
kit level
1
1
1
1-3-3-2 702.20033 Swivel shackle pin ................................................. 4
1-3-3-3 527.06035 Bolt hex hd M6 x 35, SS........................................ 2
1-3-3-4 636.01006 Washer flat M6, SS ............................................... 2
1-3-3-5 637.02006 Washer spring M6, SS .......................................... 2
1-3-3-6 607.01006 Nut hex M6, SS ..................................................... 2
1-3-3-7 550.05035 Screw pan SL M5 x 35, SS ................................... 2
1-3-3-8 636.01005 Washer flat M5, SS ............................................... 2
1-3-3-9 637.02005 Washer spring M5, SS .......................................... 2
1-3-3-10 607.01005 Nut hex M5, SS ..................................................... 2
2 15994.000
2-1 Balun TBU250-530 ...................................................... 1
2-2 767.01005 Cable tie LK-5 black .................................................... 2
3 18744.000
3-1 Extension kit rope assembly........................................ 1
BALUN KIT – TBU250-530............................................
LOW FREQUENCY EXTENSION KIT (Option)...........
1
1
3-2 25519.001
3-2-1 767.04022 Line tap, brass B22................................................... 3
3-2-2 23698.222 Wire rope grip 4 mm, SS .......................................... 2
Hardware kit ...............................................................
1
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Table 2-2 Items List for Model SD214 500W
Item No Part No Description
Kit level in descending order 1 2 3 4
Symbol used (no dot)
1 25512.002
ANTENNA KIT – SD214 500W ......................................
Qty per
higher
kit level
1
1-1 15980.002 Upper element ............................................................. 1
1-2 15979.001 Lower element ............................................................. 1
1-3 15981.001
Spreader Kit................................................................
1
1-3-1 23085.000 Spreader tube centre ................................................ 1
1-3-2 23084.000 Spreader tube ends .................................................. 2
1-3-3 25515.001
Spreader hardware kit ............................................
1
1-3-3-1 702.20554 Swivel shackle body .............................................. 4
1-3-3-2 702.20033 Swivel shackle pin ................................................. 4
1-3-3-3 527.06035 Bolt hex hd M6 x 35, SS ........................................ 2
1-3-3-4 636.01006 Washer flat M6, SS................................................ 2
1-3-3-5 637.02006 Washer spring M6, SS........................................... 2
1-3-3-6 607.01006 Nut hex M6, SS...................................................... 2
1-3-3-7 550.05035 Screw pan SL M5 x 35, SS.................................... 2
1-3-3-8 636.01005 Washer flat M5, SS................................................ 2
1-3-3-9 637.02005 Washer spring M5, SS........................................... 2
1-3-3-10 607.01005 Nut hex M5, SS...................................................... 2
2 22015.000
BALUN KIT – T1000-530 ...............................................
1
2-1 25516.001 Balun TU1000-530....................................................... 1
2-2 25516.001
Balun hardware kit.....................................................
2-2-1 09091.000 Mounting plate .......................................................... 1
2-2-2 06973.000 ‘V’ plate for 38 mm tube, Al...................................... 1
2-2-3 526.42990 Screw hex hd M6 x 100, SS ..................................... 2
2-2-4 526.06020 Screw hex hd M6 x 20, SS ....................................... 4
2-2-5 636.01006 Washer flat M6, SS................................................... 12
2-2-6 637.02006 Washer spring M6, SS.............................................. 6
2-2-7 607.01006 Nut hex M6, SS......................................................... 6
2-2-8 20745.001 Earth lead.................................................................. 1
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Table 2-2 Items List for Model SD214 500W (continued)
Item No Part No Description
Kit level in descending order 1 2 3 4
Symbol used (no dot)
3 18744.000
LOW FREQUENCY EXTENSION KIT (Option)...........
Qty per
higher
kit level
1
3-1 Extension kit rope assembly........................................ 1
3-2 25519.001
Hardware kit ...............................................................
1
3-2-1 767.04022 Line tap, brass B22................................................... 3
3-2-2 23698.222 Wire rope grip 4 mm, SS .......................................... 2
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3SECTION 3 - ASSEMBLY
3.1 GENERAL
This section details the procedures required to
assemble the antenna components (refer to Figure
3-1).
· Assembly of antenna
· Assembly of spreader tubes
· Fitting of elements to spreader tube
· Connections to termination
· Fitting of low frequency kit (option)
Section 4 details the procedure for raising and
installing the antenna.
NOTE
Parts are identified by their item numbers
enclosed in a balloon . Refer to
Section 2 (page 9) for item number
descriptions.
3.2 ASSEMBLY OF ANTENNA
Assembly of the antenna is carried out in the area
between the two support structures as shown in
Figure 3-1.
When laying out the wire work, whether copper or
steel, always roll it out.
Care should be taken, especially with the
copper wire work, that when laid out it is not
kinked, or damaged in any way.
NOTE
Apply ‘corrosion inhibiting and conducting
paste’ to all lug attachment points.
(a) Layout the upper element (which includes
halyard), from support structure No 2 in line to
support structure No 1 as shown in Figure 3-1.
(b) Layout the lower element from support
structure No 1 to the upper element as shown in
Figure 3-1.
(c) Layout the low frequency kit (if supplied)
adjacent to the upper element, as shown in Figure
3-1
Figure 3-1 Antenna Layout
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3.3 ASSEMBLY OF STREADER TUBES
(a) Fit the spreader tubes together using the M5
hardware as shown in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2 Assembly of Spreader Tubes
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3.4 FITTING OF ELEMENTS TO SPREADER
TUBE
(a) Fit the shackle bodies to the spreader tube
using the M6 hardware as shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3 Fitting of Shackle Bodies to Spreader Tube
(b) Fit the upper and lower elements to the
spreader shackle bodies using the shackle pins as
shown in Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4 Fitting of Elements to Spreader Tube
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3.5 CONNECTIONS TO TERMINATION
(a) Fit the fly leads of the lower element to the
terminations of the upper element as shown in
Figure 3-5.
NOTE
Apply ‘corrosion inhibiting and conducting
paste’ at the lug attachment points.
Figure 3-5 Fitting of Fly Leads to Terminations of Upper Elements
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3.6 FITTING OF LOW FREQUENCY KIT
(OPTION)
(a) Where a low frequency kit is supplied, attach
the 3 copper wires to the upper element assembly
using the line taps as shown in Figure 3-6.
(b) Tighten the line tapes.
Figure 3-6 Fitting of Low Frequency Kit to Upper Element Assembly
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4SECTION 4 - INSTALLATION
4.1 GENERAL
This section details the procedures required to
install the antenna.
· Attachment of antenna to support structures
· Antenna sag adjustment
· Securing of antenna to support structure No 2
· Mounting of balun
· Connections to balun
· Earthing of support structure No 1 (stub mast)
4.2 ATTACHMENT OF ANTENNA TO
SUPPORT STRUCTURES
(a) Secure the lower element to support structure
No 1 using the captive bow shackle as shown in
Figure 4-1.
(b) Secure the wireblock (which is captive to the
halyard rope) to support structure No 2 as shown
in Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2 Attachment of Wireblock to Support
Structure No 2
4.3 ANTENNA SAG ADJUSTMENT
Figure 4-1 Attachment of Lower Element to
Support Structure No 1
(a) Commence hoisting of the antenna using the
halyard.
(b) Adjust height until the vertical sag at the
spreader is a minimum of 1 m as shown in Figure
4-3.
Figure 4-3 Antenna Element Sag
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(d) Adjust galvanized rope tail to a light hand
4.4 SECURING OF ANTENNA TO SUPPORT
STUCTURE NO 2
When adjustments are complete secure halyard
and low frequency kit to the support structure.
(a) Attach the halyard to the base of support
structure No 2 as shown in Figure 4-4.
(b) Coil excess halyard rope and store.
tension only.
(e) Check that the three copper element wires
have approximately the same tension. If excessive
drop exists, then adjust the length of the rear
element wire accordingly, and re-tension tail as
required. Secure excess length to wire element, or
trim as required.
(f) Coil excess rope and store.
Figure 4-4 Attachment of Halyard to Support
Structure No 2
(c) Where a low frequency kit is supplied, attach
galvanized rope tail to base of support structure No
2 as for the halyard (refer to Figure 4-4), or use the
wire rope grips to secure tail to lower end of
halyard (near base member) as shown in Figure
4-5.
Figure 4-5 Attachment of Low Frequency Kit
Rope Tail to Halyard
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4.5 MOUNTING OF BALUN
(a) Secure the balun to support structure No 1 as
shown in Figure 4-6a or Figure 4-6b for 100 W and
500 W models respectively.
Figure 4-6a Mounting of Balun – 100 W
Figure 4-6b Mounting of Balun – 500 W
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(b) Fit the earth lead to the other balun terminal
4.6 CONNECTIONS TO BALUN
(a) Secure the fly lead to the balun terminal using
the M6 hardware as shown in Figure 4-7a or
Figure 4-7b for 100 W & 500 W models
respectively.
NOTE
Apply ‘corrosion inhibiting and conducting
paste’ at the lug attachment points.
using the M6 hardware, (if not already fitted) as
shown in Figure 4-7a or Figure 4-7b.
(c) Secure the other end of the earth lead to the
support structure using the M6 hardware supplied
or an alternative arrangement to suit as shown in
Figure 4-7a or Figure 4-7b.
Figure 4-7a Connection of Fly Lead and Earth Lead to Balun – 100 W
Figure 4-7b Connection of Fly Lead and Earth Lead to Balun – 500 W
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(d) Secure the feed cable to the balun ‘N’ type
socket as shown in Figure 4-8.
Figure 4-8 Fitting of Feed Cable
(e) Tighten connection and then weatherproof.
RECOMMENDATION
A recommended method of weatherproofing
is to double wrap under tension the
connection for approximately 50 mm with
self amalgamating tape such as Telcohesive
as shown in Figure 4-9.
A good quality black PVC tape should then
be used to overwrap the joint as shown in
Figure 4-9.
NOTE
Any sleeving fitted over the cable, adjacent
to the joint, must have its end overwrapped
with the amalgamating and PVC tapes.
Figure 4-9 Weatherproof Connection
(f) Secure the feed cable to the support structure
as appropriate.
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4.7 EARTHING OF SUPPORT STRUCTURE
NO 1 (STUB MAST)
Support Structure No 1 with attachment of balun is
part of the antenna electrical circuit and must be
earthed for the antenna to operate.
(a) Connect support structure No 1 to ground with
an adjacent stack (to be supplied by customer).
NOTE
Apply ‘corrosion inhibiting and conducting
paste’ at earth strap attachment points.
Figure 4-10 Earthing of Support Structure No 1
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5SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE
5.1 GENERAL
Prior to maintenance, ensure all rules and
regulations applicable to local requirements are
reviewed and adhered to.
Ensure that for maintenance operations the
equipment is:
· Deactivated and rendered safe;
· Assessed as being free from induced
voltages, and radiation field from
adjacent equipment.
Personnel should never be directly
underneath the antenna or close to the
support structure during the maintenance of
the antenna.
Carry out checks and adjustments as detailed
below. These should be initially 3 months after
installation, then annually (or more frequently if
dictated by local conditions).
It is important that the antenna be inspected for
loosening of components or damage after a period
of high winds, and especially thunderstorm activity
(see also ELECTRICAL).
5.2 ADJUSTMENT
Check and adjust if required:
· The antenna elements have the required
sag as shown in Figure 5-1. Use the
halyard for adjustment.
· Ensure that all wire rope grips are tight (if
used).
5.3 INSPECTION
Inspect the antenna for any visible signs of
corrosion, and repair as required. In particular,
steel wire work and fittings should be closely
inspected.
Check that all electrical connections are tight and
free from corrosion. Clean and re-apply ‘corrosion
inhibiting and conducting paste’ as required.
5.4 ELECTRICAL
Under normal operation, no electrical maintenance
is required. However, if thunderstorm activity is
experienced in the vicinity of the antenna, an
inspection should be made for lightning damage. In
particular the balun and terminations and their
connections should be inspected.
If a lightning strike is apparent or suspected, check
the antenna VSWR.
The VSWR specification for the antenna is 2.0 : 1
average, 2.5 : 1 maximum, when installed over
normal soil conditions (in accordance with this
installation instruction).
If this has changed from the value of the antenna
when installed, or outside its specified value, the
balun and/or termination may have been damaged
internally. Electrical testing will be required to
determine the faulty unit(s). Have them returned to
RFS for repair.
Figure 5-1 Antenna Element Sag
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