Cuscraft A144-11 User Manual
A144-11
ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
A144-11A144-11
A144-11
A144-11A144-11
2 METER YAGI ANTENNA
144-146 MHz
951427 (8/92)
A144-11
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 VHF antenna is designed and manufactured to give top performance and trouble free service. The antenna will perform as specified
if the instructions and suggestions are followed and care is used in assembly and installation. When checking the components received in your
antenna package use the parts lists in each section. It is easiest to identify the various dimensions of tubing by separating them into groups of
the same diameter and length. If you are unable to locate any tube or component, check the inside of all tubing.
label from the outside of the carton. Each antenna is weighed at the factory to verify the parts count. If you claim a missing part, you will be asked
for the weight verification label.
There is a master parts list on page 2.
WARNING
IMPORTANT: save the weight
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. YOU MUST INSURE THAT NEITHER PEOPLE NOR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR ANTENNA
WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION. DEADLY VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS MAY EXIST. ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF 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.
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 in charge and that they must follow your instructions. If you have any doubts at all employ a professional antenna
installation company to install your antenna.
MOUNTING
The A144-11 mast mount bracket will take up to a 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) O.D. mast. A 1-1/4" (3.17 cm) television type tubing is satisfactory for any of the
single
beams. 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 minimum, place your antennas as far apart as you can. Mount the A144-11 with the
rods pointing up.
from the mast. See page 5 for suggested dual and quad array configurations.
Keep the mast mount bracket on the opposite side of the boom from the elements. This will help to minimize pattern distortion
Reddi-Match
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna, mast and tower is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes, static buildup and 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 5. 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 A144-11 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 (2.1 m) above ground and clear of surrounding
objects. Keep all metal obstructions such as guy wires and other antennas at least 7 feet (2.1 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 (3 m) 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 the tuning strap by 1/4" (.6 cm) in one direction and check the VSWR. If the VSWR improves, then continue
moving the tuning strap in the same direction. If the VSWR deteriorates then move the tuning strap in the opposite direction. Repeat this procedure
until no further improvement can be made. You have matched your antenna to 50 Ohms. Tighten all connections making sure to keep the Reddi-
Match assembly parallel to the element (EB) above. Tape the feedline to the boom and mast (figure G).
1
A144-11
MASTER PARTS LISTMASTER PARTS LIST
MASTER PARTS LIST
MASTER PARTS LISTMASTER PARTS LIST
KEY PART # DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
11 010011 8-32 stainless steel hex nut 14
26 190026 7/8" x 1-1/2" (2.2 x 3.8 cm) mounting bracket 11
28 190028 Aluminum half washer 10
41 011941 #8 stainless steel lock washer 14
45 321045 Aluminum spacer 4
53 050053 1/2" (1.3 cm) black plastic cap 2
61 050061 7/8" (2.2 cm) black plastic cap 2
70 190070 4" x 6" (10.2 x 15.2 cm) formed mast plate 1
79 010079 8-32 x 1/2" (1.3 cm) stainless steel machine screw 2
84 010084 1/4" (.63 cm) stainless steel split lock washer 8
85 010085 1/4" (.63 cm) stainless stee lhex nut 8
115 050115 Connector boot 1
116 240116 Silicone package 1
120 010120 8-32 x 2" (5.1 cm) stainless steel machine screw 1
125 200125 Tuning strap 1
231 010231 8-32 x 1-3/4" (4.4 cm) stainless steel machine screw 10
251 050251 3/8" (.9 cm) white plastic cap 1
326 290326 Danger label 1
401 010401 3" x 1-3/4" (7.6 x 4.4 cm) stainless steel U-bolt 4
KEY PART # DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
402 013402 5/16" (.8 cm) stainless steel flat washer 4
410 030410 1" (2.5 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 2
BA 1" x 48" (2.5 x 122 cm) aluminum tubing slotted both ends 1
BB 7/8" x 50" (2.2 x 127 cm) aluminum tubing 2
CB Connector bracket 1
EA 40-1/4" (102.2 cm) element rod 1
EB 38-7/16" (97.6 cm) element tube, drilled in center 1
EC 36-3/4" (93.3 cm) element rod 1
ED 36-1/4" (92.1 cm) element rod 1
EE 35-3/4" (90.8 cm) element rod 1
EF 35-1/4" (89.5 cm) element rod 1
EG 34-3/4" (88.3 cm) element rod 1
EH 34-1/4" (87.0 cm) element rod 1
EI 33-3/4" (85.7 cm) element rod 1
EJ 33-1/4" (84.4 cm) element rod 1
EK 32-3/4" (83.2 cm) element rod 1
PT 3/16" x 4-1/2" (.5 x 11.4 cm)Poly tube 1
RR 3/16" x 4" (.5 x 10.2 cm) Reddi-Match rod 1
RT 3/8" x 6-1/2" (.9 x 16.5 cm) aluminum tube 1
#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY
#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY
#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY
Assemble the boom as shown below. Make a mark 1-3/4" (4.4 cm) in from the ends of the BB tubes as shown. Be sure to mark the correct end
of the tube. Slide worm clamps (410) onto the slotted ends of tube BA. Insert both BB tubes up to the marks you made. Align the element holes
and tighten the worm clamps. Push the end caps (61) onto the ends of the boom. The assembled boom is symmetrical so either end can be the
front.
14-1/4"
(36.2 cm)
6-1/4"
(15.7 cm)
1-3/4"
(4.44 cm)
410
BB
Make a mark here.
BB
CAP (2.2 cm)
CLAMP (2.5 cm)
7/8"
(2.2 cm)
61
6-1/4"
7/8"
(2.2 cm)
61
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
BA ALUM 1" x 48" 1
BB ALUM 7/8" x 50" 2
BB
Make a mark here.
BB
(15.7 cm)
1-3/4"
(4.44 cm)
TUBE (2.5 x 122 cm)
TUBE (2.2 x 127 cm)
(36.2 cm)
410
9-3/4"
(24.8 cm)
14-1/4"
FIGURE A
BA
144-1/2"
(367 cm)
BA
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
61 050061 PLASTIC 7/8" 2
410 030410 WORM 1" 2
9-3/4"
(24.8 cm)
2
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