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ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
13B2N
2 METER BROADBAND BOOMER
SSB/CW/FM YAGI
144-146 MHz
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS
951700 (6/96)
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13B2N
THIS ANTENNA IS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR. CONTACT WITH POWER LINES CAN RESULT IN DEATH, OR SERIOUS INJURY.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS ANTENNA WHERE THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT WITH OR HIGH VOLTAGE ARC-OVER FROM
POWER CABLES OR SERVICE DROPS TO BUILDINGS. THE ANTENNA, SUPPORTING MAST AND/OR TOWER MUST NOT BE CLOSE
TO ANY POWER LINES DURING INSTALLATION, REMOVAL OR IN THE EVENT PART OF THE SYSTEM SHOULD ACCIDENTALLY
FALL. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION AND LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED PAMPHLET.
Your Cushcraft 13B2N Boomer antenna is designed and manufactured to give trouble free service. This antenna will perform as specified if the
instructions and suggestions in this manual are followed and care is used in the assembly and installation. When checking the components received
in your antenna package use the parts listed beside each diagram. There is a master parts list on page 2. If you are unable to locate any tube or
component, check the inside of all tubing.
to verify the parts count. If you claim a missing part, you will be asked for the weight verification label.
IMPORTANT: Save the weight label from the outside of the carton. Each antenna is weighed at the factory
WARNING
PLANNING
Plan your installation carefully. If you use volunteer helpers be sure that they are qualified to assist you. Make certain that everyone involved
understands that you are the boss and that they must follow your instructions. If you have any doubts at all, employ a professional antenna
installation company to install your antenna.
LOCATION
Location of the antenna is very important. Surrounding objects such as trees, power lines, other antennas, etc. will seriously reduce efficiency. To
minimize the effects of surrounding objects, mount the antenna as high and in the clear as possible. If metal guy wires are used, they should be
broken with strain insulators. EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE 13B2N IS IN
OPERATION NEITHER PEOPLE OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF YOUR ANTENNA. DEADLY VOLTAGES AND
CURRENTS MAY EXIST. ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF FIELDS ARE NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD, LONG TERM
EXPOSURE TO INTENSE RF FIELDS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. THERE IS A WARNING STICKER WHICH MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE
BOOM AS SHOWN IN FIGURE E.
MOUNTING
The mast mount bracket will accommodate up to a 2" (5.1 cm) mast. A 1-1/2" OD (3.8 cm) or larger heavy wall tubing mast should be used. A good
heavy duty antenna rotator will provide the best service and longest life. Often it is desirable to mount several antennas on one mast. To keep
possible interaction to a minimum, place your antennas as far apart as you can. The 13B2N provides excellent gain, clean pattern and low VSWR
across the entire 2 meter band. It can be mounted either horizontally or vertically.
VERTICAL (FM): If you plan to mount the 13B2N for vertical polarization, best results can be obtained by mounting the antenna at the top of the
mast. Note that element #6 is 3" (7.6 cm) from the edge of the mast mounting plate as shown in Figure D.
side of the mast opposite from the mounting plate.
HORIZONTAL (CW/SSB): Mount your 13B2N horizontally and as high as possible, with the boom-to-mast plate between elements 6 and 7 as shown
in figure D.
A vertically polarized 13B2N will have a VSWR of under 2:1 from 144 to 146 MHz.
Install the 13B2N with the elements on the
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna, mast and tower is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes and static buildup, and from high
voltage which is present in the radio equipment connected to the antenna. A good electrical connection should be made to one or more ground rods
(or other extensive ground system) directly at the base of the tower or mast, using at least #10AWG ground wire and non-corrosive hardware. For
details and safety standards, consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrester. Cushcraft offers several different
models, such as LAC-1, LAC-2 and the LAC-4 series
.
ASSEMBLY
Assemble your antenna by following the directions and illustrations in steps 1 through 6. After the antenna is completely assembled, verify
dimensions and element spacings for accuracy. Then, return to the section below for final tuning.
TUNING PROCEDURE
The 13B2N does not normally require tuning after assembly. However, if you wish to check the VSWR before installation, please observe the
following procedures. To prevent detuning the antenna, it should be tuned in place or at least 7 feet (2.13 meters) above ground and clear of
surrounding objects. Keep all metal obstructions such as guy wires and other antennas at least 10 feet (3.05 m) away since they will nullify any
adjustment and degraded performance will result.
Run the coax cable from your transmitter to the area in which the antenna is going to be tested. The length of this cable or your feedline is not critical.
Connect a good quality VSWR bridge to the end of this cable. Connect a short length of cable [10 ft. (305 cm) or less] from the VSWR bridge to the
antenna. Set the transmitter to your center operating frequency. When you read VSWR, be sure you move far enough away from the antenna so that
your body does not effect the reading.
Measure the VSWR. If it is high, move both T-Match straps (125) by 1/4" (.6 cm) either inward or outward and check the VSWR. Both T-match
straps should be the same distance from the center of the driven element. If the VSWR improved, then continue moving the T-Match straps in the
same direction. If the VSWR deteriorated then move the T-Match straps in the opposite direction. Repeat this procedure until no further
improvement can be made. You have matched your antenna. Then tighten all connections on the T-Match driven element assembly. Tape the
feedline to the boom and mast as shown in figure G.
1
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13B2N
MASTER PARTS LIST
KEY P/N DESCRIPTION QTY
11 010011 8-32 stainless steel hex nut 22
26 190026 7/8" (2.2 cm) formed aluminum bracket 13
28 190028 Aluminum half washer 12
41 011941 No. 8 split lock washer 26
53 050053 1/2" (1.27 cm) black plastic cap 2
70 190070 4" x 6" (10.2 x 15.2 cm) formed mounting plate 1
77 050077 3/8" (.95 cm) black plastic cap 2
79 010079 8-32 x 1/2" (1.3 cm) stainless steel machine screw 4
84 010084 1/4" (.64 cm) stainless steel lock washer 4
85 010085 1/4" (.64 cm) stainess steel hex nut 4
104 010104 1/4" (.64 cm) stainless steel flat washer 4
115 050115 Vinyl Boot 1
116 240116 Silicone Package 1
118 010118 5/16" (.79 cm) stainless steel hex nut 4
119 010119 5/16" (.79 cm) stainless steel lock washer 4
120 010120 8-32 x 2" (5.1 cm) stainless steel machine screw 12
123 010123 8-32 x 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) stainless steel machine screw 3
125 200125 T-match strap 2
131 050131 1-1/8" (2.86 cm) black plastic cap 2
#1 - ASSEMBLE BOOM
Assemble the boom as shown below. Slide worm clamps (411) onto the
slotted ends of tube BB. Insert the end of tube BC into the end of tube
BB until the first set of drilled holes are aligned. Join booms with screw
(123), washer (41) and nut (11). Refer to the dimensions in figure A to
be sure that the proper tube ends are joined. Do the same with tube BA.
Tighten the screws and worm clamps. Push the end caps (131) onto the
ends of the boom.
FIGURE A
4-1/4"
BA
(10.8 cm)
BB
KEY P/N DESCRIPTION QTY
232 010232 8-32 x 2 -1/2" (6.4 cm) stainless steel machine screw 1
326 290326 Danger label 1
401 010401 1-1/2" x 3" (3.8 x 7.6 cm) stainless steel U-bolt 2
404 010404 2-1/2" x 3" (5.5 x 7.6 cm) stainless steel U-bolt 2
411 030411 1-3/8" (3.5 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 2
940 360940 No. 8 flat washer 1
BA 1-1/8" x 48" (2.9 x 121.9 cm) aluminum tubing 1
BB 1-1/4" x 72" (3.2 x 182.9 cm) aluminum tubing 1
BC 1-1/8" x 72" (2.9 x 182.9 cm) aluminum tubing 1
UM UM2N UltraMatch Balun 1
EA 39-3/4" (101 cm) aluminum rod 1
EB 1/2" x 38-7/8" (1.3 x 98.7 cm) aluminum tubing 1
EC 37 -7/8" (96.2 cm) aluminum rod 1
ED 36 -1/4" (92.1 cm) aluminum rod 2
EE 35 -3/4" (90.8 cm) aluminum rod 1
EF 35-1/4" (89.5 cm) aluminum rod 1
EG 34-5/8" (88 cm) aluminum rod 6
ET 3/8" x 6-1/2" (.95 x 16.5 cm) aluminum tubing 2
KEY P/N DESC. SIZE QTY
BA ALUM 1-1/8" x 48" 1
TUBING (2.9 x 121.9 cm)
BB ALUM 1-1/4" x 72" 1
TUBING (3.2 x 182.9 cm)
BC ALUM 1-1/8" x 72" 1
TUBING (2.9 x 182.9 cm)
11 010011 SS HEX 8-32 2
NUT
41 011941 SS LOCK #8 2
WASHER
123 010123 SS 8-32 x 1-1/2" 2
SCREW (3.8 cm)
131 050131 PLASTIC 1-1/8" 2
CAP (2.86 cm)
411 030411 SS WORM 1-3/8" 2
CLAMP (3.5 cm)
2-3/4"
(7 cm)
BC
1-1/2"
(3.8 cm)
131
411
BA
1/4" (.63 cm)
7-3/4"
(19.7 cm)
123
15-1/2"
(39.4 cm)
123
411
41
11
BB
41
11
1/4" (.63 cm)
BC
1-1/2"
(3.8 cm)
131
2