Cuscraft 13B2N User Manual

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Page 1

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.

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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"

(10.8 cm)

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)

1-1/2"

(3.8 cm)

131

411

1/4" (.63 cm)

7-3/4"

(19.7 cm)

123

15-1/2"

(39.4 cm)

123

411

41 11

1/4" (.63 cm)

1-1/2"

(3.8 cm)

131

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13B2N

#2 - ASSEMBLE T-MATCH

FIGURE B

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

EB ALUM 1/2" x 38-7/8" 1

ET ALUM 3/8" x 6-1/2" 2

UM UM2N UltraMatch 1

11 010011 SS HEX 8-32 8

26 190026 ALUM 7/8" 1

41 011941 SS LOCK #8 10

53 050053 PLASTIC 1/2" 2

77 050077 PLASTIC 3/8" 2

79 010079 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 1/2" 4

123 010123 SS MACHINE 8-32x1-1/2 1

125 200125 T-MATCH 2

232 010232 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 2 1/2" 1

940 360940 ALUM FLAT #8 1

125

4-1/2"

(11.8 cm)

TUBING (1.3 x 98.7 cm)

TUBING (.95 x 16.5 cm)

BALUN

NUT

BRACKET (2.2 cm)

WASHER

CAP (1.27 cm)

CAP (.95 cm)

SCREW (1.3 cm)

SCREW (3.81)

STRAP

SCREW (6.4 cm)

WASHER

940

232

11 41

125

4-1/2"

(11.8 cm)

Assemble the T-match to the driven element (EB) as illustrated in figure B. First attach the UltraMatch to the driven element with the hardware shown. Then connect the T-match elements (ET) to the UltraMatch with the split washers (41) and nuts (11). Next, attach the T-match elements to the driven element with the Tmatch straps (125) and hardware shown while noting the spacing dimensions between the straps. Place plastic caps (53) on the ends of the tube EB and plastic caps (77) on the ends of the tubes ET. Attach this subassembly to position 2 on the boom as shown in figure D noting that the UltraMatch feedpoint must face the center of the antenna. Tighten all screws.

11 41

123

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

11 010011 SS 8-32 12

26 190026 ALUMINUM 7/8" 12

28 190028 ALUMINUM 12

41 011941 SS LOCK #8 12

120 010120 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 2" 12

HEX NUT

BRACKET (2.2 cm)

HALF WASHER

WASHER

SCREW (5.1 cm)

TABLE A (Element Lengths)

Element Length

KEY No. INCHES CM

EA 1 39-3/4 101.0 EB 2 38-7/8 98.7 EC 3 37-7/8 96.2 ED 4,5 36-1/4 92.1 EE 6 35-3/4 90.8 EF 7 35-1/4 89.5 EG 8-13 34-5/8 88.0

#3 - MOUNT ELEMENTS

Attach the solid rod reflector and directors to the boom at the locations shown on figure D. First check all element lengths using table A. Group similar element lengths together. The elements are progressively shorter as you proceed toward the front end of the boom. Attach each element to the boom using the hardware shown in figure C.

11 41

BOOM

120

ELEMENT

FIGURE C

FIGURE D

ED EFED EE

131 131

15-1/2"

(39.4 cm)

8-11/16"

(22.1 cm)

(22.9 cm)

14-7/8"

(37.8 cm)

(7.6 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

109876

1312

EG EG EG EG EG EG

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

16-1/4"

(41.3 cm)

Direction of Maximum Signal

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13B2N

#4 - ASSEMBLE BOOM TO MAST MOUNT

Assemble and mount the boom to mast clamp bracket (70) between elements 6 and 7 with the U-bolts 401 as shown in figure E. Secure with flat washer (104), lock washer (84) and nut (85) in that order. Note that the rear of the mast clamp must be 3 inches (7.6 cm) from element 6 as shown on figure D. You are now ready to mount the antenna to your mast using the U-bolts 404. Secure with lock washers (119) and nut (118) in that order. Affix the warning label (326) to the boom as shown in figure E.

FIGURE E

119

401

119

118

326

MAST

404

104

401

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

84 010084 SS LOCK 1/4" 4

85 010085 SS HEX 1/4" 4

104 010104 SS FLAT 1/4" 4

118 010118 SS HEX 5/16" 4

119 010119 SS LOCK 5/16" 4

401 010401 SS 1 1/2" x 3" 2

404 010404 SS 2 1/2" x 3" 2

70 190070 MOUNTING 4" x 6" 1

118

326 290326 DANGER 1

WASHER (.64 cm)

NUT (.64 cm)

WASHER (.64 cm)

NUT (.79 cm)

WASHER (.79 cm)

U-BOLT (3.8 x 7.6 cm)

U-BOLT (5.5 x 7.6 cm)

PLATE (10.2 x 15.2 cm)

LABEL

#5 - CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

115 050115 CONNECTOR 1

116 240116 SILICONE 1

COAT WITH SILICONE GREASE

(DO NOT coat the center pin or socket!)

cushcraft

SILICONE GREASE

FIGURE F

cushcraft

BOOT

PACKAGE

cushcraft

The antenna is designed for use with 50 Ohm coaxial cable terminated with an N connector. Any length of feedline can be used with your 13B2N. The shortest length of cable will have the least loss. A connector boot is included for use with your new antenna. A connector boot is included with your new antenna. Slide the boot over the cable before attaching your N connector (figure F). Spread silicone on the outer threads of the UltraMatch and N connector.

THE N CONNECTOR OR THE ULTRAMATCH SOCKET.

connector to the UltraMatch. Apply the remaining silicone to the outside of the connector and against the mast bracket for a weather tight connection.

DO NOT COAT THE CENTER PINS OF

Attach the

Page 6

#6 - FEEDLINE ATTACHMENT

UltraMatch

Tape your feedline down the boom and mast. If you choose horizontal polarization, it's a good idea to form a drip loop in the coax to help protect the connector from water damage (figure G.) If you choose vertical polarization, bring the feedline all the way down the boom until you come to the mast, then bring the feedline straight down the mast (figure H).

FIGURE G

DRIP LOOP

13B2N

FIGURE H

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency, MHz No. Elements Forward Gain, dBd Front to Back Ratio, dB SWR 1.2:1 Typical 2:1 Bandwidth, MHz Power Rating, Watts PEP 3 dB Beamwidth, Degrees

E Plane

H Plane

Side Lobe Attenuation,

dB, E Plane Electical Wavelength Longest Element, in (cm) Turning Radius, ft (m) Mast Size Range, in (cm)

Wind Load, ft2 (m2) Weight, lb (kg)

144-146 13

15.8 26

>4 2000

2 x 18 2 x 19

>60

2.2

39.75 (101)

8.9 (2.7)

1.5-2 (3.8-5.1)

1.8 (.17)

6.7 (3.1)

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13B2N

Cushcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 4680, Manchester, New Hampshire 03108, warrants to the original consumer purchaser for one year from date of purchase that each Cushcraft antenna is free of defects in material or workmanship. If, in the judgement of Cushcraft, any such antenna is defective, then Cushcraft Corporation will, at its option, repair or replace the antenna at its expense within thirty days of the date the antenna is returned (at purchasers expense) to Cushcraft or one of its authorized representatives. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties, any implied warranty is limited in duration to one year. Cushcraft Corporation shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages which may result from a defect. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty does not extend to any products which have been subject to misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation. Any repairs or alterations outside of the Cushcraft factory will nullify this warranty.

LIMITED WARRANTY

COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS

48 PERIMETER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03108 USA

603-627-7877 • FAX 603-627-1764

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE