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A4S
Instructions manual
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Cushcraft A4S Instructions manual

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ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
A4S
20 / 15 / 10 MeterBeam
C O R P O R A T I O N
951279 (8/98)
A4S
WARNING
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 ARC­OVER 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.
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
PLANNING
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 A4S 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 I.
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.
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 5. After the antenna is completely assembled, verify dimensions and element spacings for accuracy. Then, return to the section below for final tuning.
Set the element lengths for the portion of the band you want to favor, by using Chart 1 and Figure B. Your A4S is now ready for use. Because of variations in trap caps, the overall dimensions D-1, 2, 3, 4 may vary as much as 1 inch from the individual dimensions. This will not affect performance. Always use the individual dimensions when adjusting your antenna.
You may check the VSWR in order to confirm assembly was done properly. The easiest place to check the antenna is likely to be in its final mounting configuration. Orient the antenna such that it is pointing straight up. The back of the antenna should be at least 2 feet (.6 m) off the ground.
Run the coax cable from your transmitter to the area in which the antenna is 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 under test. Set the transmitter to your center operating frequency and measure the VSWR while taking care not to effect the measurement with your body. A VSWR of 2:1 or less is satisfactory and will not degrade the performance. If the VSWR is greater than 2:1, check all dimensions and connectors.
ADD-ON KIT
Adding 30 or 40 meters to your A4S beam is a breeze with the spectacular A744 add on kit. Your'll be on the air quickly operating on your new band because the A744 easily clamps to your A4S. You can operate on 40 meters or with a simple adjustment 30 meters.
The kit comes complete with reinforced insulator, teflon® proteced high power traps, all hardware and non-stretch lamcord® support line. Cushcraft makes it easy to add more excitement to your hobby.
TUNING PROCEDURE
A4S
MASTER PARTS LIST
KEY PAR T# QTY
BA Aluminum tubing 2" x 72" x .058 drilled and 1 BB Aluminum tubing 2" x 75-1/4" x .058 swagged and drilled 2
one end EA Aluminum tubing 1-1/8" x 72" (2.9 x 182.9 cm) drilled 1
EB Aluminum tubing 1-1/8" x 36" (2.9 x 91.4 cm) drilled one 2 EC Aluminum tubing 7/8" x 36" x .058 drilled for U-bolt slotted 1 ED Aluminum tubing 1" x 65" (2.5 x 165.1 cm) slotted 2 EE Aluminum tubing 1" x 46-1/2" (2.5 x 188.1 cm) slotted 2 EF Aluminum tubing 1" x 5-1/4" (2.5 x 13.3 cm) slotted 4 EG Aluminum tubing 1/2" x 35-7/8" ( 1.3 x 91.1 cm) 4
EH Aluminum tubing 3/4" x 48" (1.9 x 121.9 cm) slotted 2 EJ Aluminum tubing 5/8" x 48" (1.6 x 121.9 cm) 2
EK Aluminum tubing 1-1/8" x 24" (2.9 x 61.0 cm) drilled 1 EL Aluminum tubing 1-1/4" x 50" (3.2 x 127 cm) slotted 2 EM Aluminum tubing 1-1/8" x 72" (2.9 x 182.9 cm) slotted 2 EN Aluminum tubing 1" x 24" (2.5 x 61.0 cm) slotted 2 EP Aluminum tubing 1/2" x 48" (1.3 x 121.9 cm) 2
slotted both ends
for U-bolt, slotted both ends. end, slotted both ends both ends one end one end both ends
one end
for U-bolt both ends one end one end
KEY PART# QTY
TB 15 meter director trap 2 TC 15 meter driv. & refl. trap 4 TD 10 meter driv. trap 2 TE 10 meter director trap 2 11 010011 #8-32 hex nut 6 27 050027 5/8" Black plastic cap 2 41 011941 #8 Split lock washer 6 53 050053 1/2" Black plastic caps 6 63 170063 2-1/2" Machined aluminum V-blocks 4 95 122095 1" x 10" O.D. Fiberglass insulator drilled for U-bolt 1
99 050099 2" Black plastic caps 2 118 010118 5/16" (.8 cm) hex nut 16 119 010119 5/16" (.8 cm) lock washer 16 123 010123 #8-32 x 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) machine screw 2 130 190130 6" x 6" Aluminum mounting plate 1 156 190156 2" x 1-1/8" Formed aluminum brackets 4 232 010232 8-32 x 2-1/2" (6.4 cm) Round head slotted machine screw 2 326 290326 Danger label 1 404 010404 2 1/8" x 3" (5.4 x 7.6 cm) U-bolt 4 405 010405 2 1/8" x 4" (5.4 x 10.2 cm) U-bolt 4 409 030409 11/16" (1.7 cm) Worm clamp 8 410 030410 1" (2.5 cm) Worm clamp 16 411 030411 1-1/8" (2.9 cm) Worm clamp 8 412 030412 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) Worm clamp 4 414 030414 2-1/4" (5.7 cm) Worm clamp 2 453 100453 Terminal 2
and element screw
#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY
Place worm clamps (414) over the slotted endes of tube BA. Slide both BB sections into BA (Figure A). Rotate them as required to align the holes for the 2-1/2" screws (232). Place the lock washer (41) and the hex nut (11) on the screws and tighten them. Tighten the worm clamps. Place the plastic caps (99) on the ends of the boom assembly.
FIGURE
A
BB
414
BB
99
232
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
BA ALUM 2" x 72" 1
BB ALUM 2" x 75-1/4" 2
99 050099 PLASTIC 2" 2
11 010011 HEX 8-32 2
41 011941 SPLIT LOCK #8 2
232 010232 MACHINE 8-32 x 2-1/2" 2
414 030414 WORM 2-1/4" 2
BA
BA
232
414
BB
TUBE (5.1 x 182.9 cm)
TUBE (5.1 x 191.1 cm)
CAP (5.1 cm)
NUT
WASHER
SCREW (6.4 cm)
CLAMP (5.7 cm)
BB
99
41 11
41
11
EB
95
41 11
123
A4S
A4S
#2 Element Assembly
Assembly of elements is straight forward as shown in Figure B. Arrows on the traps point to the center of the element. Element #3 has a fiberglass insulator at its center which is joined to tubes EB with a worm clamp (411) and pinning screws (123) as shown in Figure C. Set dimensions to the desired band using Chart 1 and Chart 2. Tighten all clamps.
FIGURE C
#1 Reflector
B1 C1 D1 A2 D2 A3 B3 C3 D3 A4 B4 C4 D4
Phone
Center
CW
125-1/2" 46-1/2" 30' 8-1/4" 106-1/2" 17' 9" 78" 5-3/4" 38-1/4" 24' 2-1/2" 72-1/2" 7" 34-3/4" 22' 10-3/4"
3.188 m 1.181 m 9.354 m 2.705 m 5.41 m 1.981 m 14.6 cm 97.2 cm 7.379 m 1.842 m 17.8 cm 88.3 cm 6.979 m
128" 46-1/2" 31' 1-1/4" 107 1/2" 17' 11" 79" 5-3/4" 38-1/4" 24' 5-1/2" 74-1/2" 7" 34-3/4" 23' 3"
3.251 m 1.181 m 9.481 m 2.73 m 5.46 m 2.007 m 14.6 cm 97.2 cm 7.455 m 1.892 m 17.8 cm 88.3 cm 7.087 m
129-1/2" 46-1/2" 31' 4-1/2" 108-1/2" 18' 1" 82-1/2" 6-3/4" 38-1/4" 25' 1-1/2" 76-1/2" 7-1/2" 34-3/4" 23' 8"
3.289 m 1.181 m 9.563 m 2.756 m 5.51 m 2.09 m 17.1 cm 97.2 cm 7.658 m 1.943 m 19.0 cm 88.3 cm 7.214 m
#1
53
#3
#4
#2 Reflector
FIGURE B
D1
EP
C1
409
TC
EN
EM
B1
412
EL
412
EK
412
EL
411410
412
B1
EM
411 410
EN
TC
D2
#2
A2
409
EJ
27
EH
410
410
EC
EH
A2
409
EJ
27
D3
C3
EF
410
TD
410
409
TC
EG
53
410
ED
A3
411
EB
411
411
95
EB
A3
411
410
ED
B3
410
TD
B3
EF
410
TC
D4
B4
411
A4
EE
410
C4
EF
EG
53
409
TB
410
TE
410
410
EE
A4
411
EA
Center
Line
Chart 1
#3 Driven Element
#4 Director
B4
EF
TE
410
410
TB
409
Chart 2
BAND 20M 15M 10M
Phone 14.25 21.325 28.60
Center 14.170 21.275 28.40
CW 14.10 21.15 28.15
C1
EP
409
53
C3
EG
409
53
C4
EG
53
Center Frequency
(MHz)
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
EA ALUMINUM 1-1/8" x 72" 1
EB ALUMINUM 1-1/18" x 36" 2
EC ALUMINUM 7/8" x 36"" 1
ED ALUMINUM 1" x 65" 2
EE ALUMINUM 1" x 46-1/2" 2
EF ALUMINUM 1" x 5-1/4" 4
EG ALUMINUM 1/2" x 35-7/8" 4
EH ALUMINUM 3/4" x 48" 2
EJ ALUMINUM 5/8" x 48" 2
EK ALUMINUM 1-1/8" x 24" 1
EL ALUMINUM 1-1/4" x 50" 2
EM ALUMINUM 1-1/8" 72" 2
EN ALUMINUM 1" x 24" 2
EP ALUMINUM 1/2" x 48" 2
TB DIRECTOR 15 METER 2
TC DRIV & REFL 15 METER 4
TD DRIV. 10 METER 2
TE DIRECTOR 10 METER 2
11 010011 HEX #8-32 2
27 050027 BLK PLASTIC 5/8" 2
41 011941 SPLIT LOCK #8 2
53 050053 BLK PLASTIC 1/2" 6
95 122095 FIBERGLASS 10" 1
123 010123 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 1-1/2" 2
409 030409 SS WORM 11/16" 8
410 030410 SS WORM 1" 16
411 030411 SS WORM 1-3/8" 8
412 030412 SS WORM 1-1/2" 4
TB
TC
TD
TE
TUBING (2.9 x 182.9cm)
TUBING (2.9 x 91.4cm)
TUBING (2.2 x 91.4cm)
TUBING (2.5 x 165.1cm)
TUBING (2.5 x 188.1cm)
TUBING (2.5 x 13.3cm)
TUBING (1.3 x 91.1cm)
TUBING (1.9 x 121.9cm)
TUBING (1.6 x 121.9 cm)
TUBING (2.9 x 121.9 cm)
TUBING (3.2 x 127 cm)
TUBING (2.9 x 189.9 cm)
TUBING (2.5 x 61.0 cm)
TUBING (1.3 x 121.9 cm)
TRAP
TRAP
TRAP
TRAP
NUT
CAP (1.6 cm)
WASHER
CAP (1.3 cm)
INSULATOR (2.54 cm)
SCREW (3.81)
CLAMP (1.7 cm)
CLAMP (2.5 cm)
CLAMP (3.5 cm)
CLAMP (3.8 cm)
3
4
A4S
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
118 010118 SS HEX 5/16" 8
119 010119 SS LOCK 5/16" 8
156 190156 ALUMINUM 2" X 1-1/8" 4
405 010405 U-BOLT 2-1/8" x 4" 4
FIGURE D
NUT (.8 cm)
WASHER (.8 cm)
BRACKET (5.08 X 2.86 cm)
(5.4 x 10.2cm)
(5.1 cm)
2"
Important: Drain holes in traps
should all be facing the ground
TC
TD
#3 - ELEMENT MOUNTING
Attach elements according to Figures E and F. Check all dimensions for proper placement of elements on the boom. Level the elements and tighten all the nuts on the U-bolts that hold the elements on the boom. See Figure G for fine tuning the level of the elements. Check all traps to make sure that the arrows are pointed towards the boom and the drain holes are facing the ground so that moisture will not build up in the traps.
TCTC
108"
(2.73m)
TD
TC
1
40 "
2
(102.8 cm)
1
76 "
2
(194.3 cm)
156
FIGURE E
Boom
119 118
1
94 "
2
(240.0 cm)
TB
TE
TE
TB
FIGURE F
405
118
119
Element
156
BOOM
BOOM
405
ELEMENT
95
119
118
FIGURE G
ELEMENT
ELEMENT
A4S
#4 - R F CHOKE
A feedline should be prepared as shown in Figure H using the solder terminals (453) provided. A 1:1 balun may be installed at the feedpoint but it is not required. We recommend using an RF choke made from 8 turns of RG8U coaxial cable with 6 inch (15.2 cm) diameter.
coax for your RF Choke because when the coax is wound in a coil the center conductor may migrate away from the center and detune your choke.
element using washers (41) and nuts (11) as shown in Figure H. Be sure to tape and seal the feedline against water at the point where the center dielectric and braid separate. Tape the feedline, between the feedpoint and the RF choke to the boom. T ape the RF choke to the mast. If you plan to install the antenna in a salty or corrosive environment, you may want to consider coating all elements with a clear marine varnish or its equivalent after it is assembled.
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
11 010011 HEX #8-32 2
41 011941 SPLIT LOCK #8 2
453 100453 TERMINAL 2
Important- Do not use foam dielectric
Attach th RF choke to the driven
NUT
WASHER
453
FIGURE H
BOOM
453
41
11
Electrical
T ape
41
11
4"
(10.16 cm)
Electrical
T ape
Warning: Do not use foam
dielectic coax cable.
8 Turns
6"
(15.2 cm)
#5 - BOOM TO MAST ASSEMBLY
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
63 170063 V-BLOCK 2" 4
118 010118 HEX 5/16" 8
119 010119 LOCK 5/16" 8
404 010404 U-BOLT 2-1/8 x 3" 4
130 190130 MOUNTING 3/16" x 6" x 6" 1
326 290326 DANGER 1
(fits 404 U-Bolt) (5.1 cm)
NUT (.8 cm)
WASHER (.8 cm)
(5.4 x 7.6 cm)
PLATE (.48 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm)
LABEL
Attach the boom to your mast as shown in Figure I. First attach the mounting plate (130) to the BA section of the boom using U-bolts (404), washers (119), nuts (118), and V-blocks (63). Attach the mounting plate to the mast using the U-bolts (404), V-block (63), washers(119) and nuts (118). Return to the tuning section on page 1 for final checkout and tuning procedure.
118
MAST
FIGURE I
119
63
130
119
118
119
119
63
404
118
119
63
404
118
119
63
326
404
118
118
SPECIFICATIONS
Model A4S Frequency Ranges 28, 21, 14 Forward Gain, dBd 8.9 Front to Back Ratio, dB 25 2:1 Bandwidth KHz >500 Power Rating, Watts PEP 2000 3 dB Beam Width, Deg. E Plane 58 Boom Length 18(5.48) Boom Diameter, In (cm) 2 (5.10) Longest Element, ft (m) 32 (9.75) Element Center Dia, In (cm) 1.25 (3.18) Turning Radius, ft (m) 18.4 (5.49) Mast Size Range, In (cm) 1.25-2 (3.18-5.08) Wind Load, ft Weight, lb (kg) 37 (16.8)
2
2
(m
) 5.50 (0.51)
Cushcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 4680, Manchester, New Hampshire 03108, warrants to the original purchaser for one year
LIMITED WARRANTY
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 warrranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties, any implied warranty is limited in duration to one year. Cushcraft Corporation shall not be liablefor 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 the misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation. Any repairs or alterations outside of the Cushcraft factory will nulify this warranty.
C O R P O R A T I O N
TELEPHONE: 603-627-7877 • FAX: 603-627-1764 • E-mail: techsup@cushcraft.com
48 PERIMETER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03108 USA
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
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