Cushcraft MA5B assembly instruction

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ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

MA5B

20 / 17 / 15 / 12 / 10 Meter Beam Antenna

951485 (5/99)

MA5B

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.

Your Cushcraft MA5B Yagi 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. IMPORTANT: Save the weight 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.

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 MA5B 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 noncorrosive 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.

Set the element lengths for the portion of the band you want to operate on using Chart A and Figure 2. Your MA5B is now ready for use.

TUNING PROCEDURE

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.

Page 1

MA5B

MASTER PARTS LIST

KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY

MT3 MT3 21/28 MHz TRAP ASSEMBLY 2 MT2 MT2 24.9 MHz TRAP ASSEMBLY 2 MT1 MT1 21/28 MHz TRAP ASSEMBLY 2 MN MN5B MA5B MATCHING NETWORK 1 EF MA5BEF MA5B ELEMENT EF (1-1/8” x 84”) 1 EE MA5BEE MA5B ELEMENT EE (7/8” x 12”) 2 ED MA5BED MA5B ELEMENT ED (1-1/8” x 46”) 2 EC MA5BEC MA5B ELEMENT EC (7/8” x 7”) 4 EB MA5BEB MA5B ELEMENT EB (1-7/8” x 36” SW) 6 EA MA5BEA MA5B ELEMENT EA (1-1/8” x 34”) 2 BB MA5BBB MA5B BOOM BB (1-5/8” x 24”) 1 BA MA5BBA MA5B BOOM BA (1-1/2” x 44”) 2 116 240116 SILICONE PACKAGE 1 115 050115 CONNECTOR BOOT 1 326 290326 DANGER LABEL 1 342 030342 BLACK TIE WRAP 4 404 010404 5/16-18 x 2-7/16 SS U-BOLT 2 403 010403 5/16-18 x 1.955 SS U-BOLT 2 70 190070 BOOM TO MAST PLATE 1 19 010119 5/16 SS SPLIT LOCK WASHER 8 18 010118 5/16-18 SS HEX NUT 8 X41 XHR41 41” X-HAT ROD 12 X26 XHR26 26” X-HAT ROD 8 28 190028 HALF WASHER 20 26 190026 ELEMENT BRACKET 20 85 010085 1/4-20 SS HEX NUT 6 84 010084 1/4” SS SPLIT LOCK WASHER 6 33 190033 U-BOLT BACKING PLATE 3 143 190143 ELEMENT TO BOOM CLAMP 3 402 010402 1/4-20 x 1-3/4” SS U-BOLT 3 11 010011 #8-32 SS HEX NUT 28 41 011941 #8 SS SPLIT LOCK WASHER 28 31 010231 #8-32 x 1 3/4” SS RH MACHINE SCREW 24 96 122096 FIBERGLASS INSULATOR 2 61 050061 7/8” BLACK PLASTIC CAP 6 410 030410 WORM CLAMP 7/16”-1” 12 411 030411 WORM CLAMP 9/16”—1-1/4”” 6 46 050046 1-1/2” BLACK PLASTIC CAP 2 413 030413 WORM CLAMP SS 3/4”—1 3/4” 4

Page 2

1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY

Place the worm clamps (413) over the slotted ends of tube BB. Slide both BA sections into BB as shown in Figure 1. Each BA section should be inserted 12 inches (30.5 cm) into section BB to leave 32 inches (81.3 cm) exposed on each end. Tighten the worm clamps. Place the plastic caps (46) on the ends of the boom assembly.

MA5B

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

18 010118 SS Hex Nut 5/16-18 4

19 010119 SS Lock Washer 5/16 4

Locate the boom to mast plate (70) at a distance of 36 inches (91.4 cm) from one end as shown in Figure 1. Bolt the plate to the boom using the U-bolts (403), lock washers (19), and hex nuts (18). Apply the danger label (326) to the boom near the mast plate.

FIGURE 1

2 PLACES

413

88”

(223.5 cm)

46 050046 Plastic Cap 1-1/2” (3.8 cm) 2

70 190070 Boom To Mast 6” x 3-1/2” 1

403 010403 U-Bolt 5/16” x 2” 2

413 030413 Worm Clamp 1-3/4” 2

BA MA5BBA Aluminum Tube 1-1/2” x 44” 2

BB MA5BBB Aluminum Tube 1-5/8” x 24” 1

326 290326 Warning Label 1

36”

(91.4 cm)

Plate (15.2 x 8.9 cm)

(5.1 cm)

(4.4 cm)

(3.8 x 111.7 cm)

(4.1 x 61 cm)

2 PLACES

FIGURE 1A

BOOM

4 PLACES

326

Page 3

SEE FIGURE 1A (BELOW) FOR BOOM TO PLATE ASSEMBLY

403

MA5B

2 Element Assembly

Assemble the elements per Figure 2. To assemble element #1, insert the Fiberglass insulator (98) into element sections EA and align the outer holes of the insulator with the holes in section EA. Place the 832 machine screws (31) through the two holes and fasten with lock washers (41) and hex nuts (11) as shown in Figure 2B. Place worm clamps (411) over the ends of element EA and worm clamps (410) over the ends of elements EB and EC. Insert elements EB into elements EA to a 4-inch insert length. Tighten the worm clamps. Insert the MT1 traps into elements EB and EC, with the arrows pointing toward elements EC. Adjust the total length of the assembly by using Chart A. Place the plastic endcaps (61) over the ends of elements EC.

T o assemble element #2, insert the Fiberglass insulator (98) into element sections ED and align the outer holes of the insulator with the holes in section ED. Place the 8-32 machine screws (31) through the two holes and fasten with lock washers (41) and hex nuts (11). Place worm clamps (411) over the ends of element ED. Place worm clamps (410) over the ends of elements EB and EE. Insert elements EB into elements ED to a 5-inch insert length. Tighten the worm clamps. Insert the MT2 traps into elements EB and EE, with the arrows pointing toward elements EE. Adjust the total length of the assembly to 205.5 inches (522 cm). . Place the plastic endcaps (61) over the ends of elements EE.

To assemble element #3, place worm clamps (411) over the ends of element EF . Place worm clamps (410) over the slotted ends of elements EB and EC. Insert elements EB into elements EF to a 4-inch insert length. Tighten the worm clamps. Insert the MT3 traps, with arrows pointing toward elements EC, into the ends of elements EB. Tighten the worm clamps. Place elements EC over the ends of the traps and tighten the worm clamps. Adjust the total length of element #3 by using Chart A. Place the plastic endcaps (61) over the ends of elements EC.

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

11 010011 SS HEX NUT 8-32 4

31 010231 SS SCREW 8-32 x 1-3/4” 4

41 011941 SS LOCK 8-32 4

61 050061 PLASTIC CAP 7/8" 6

96 122096 FIBERGLASS 1" x 10" 2

410 030410 WORM CLAMP 1" 12

411 030411 WORM CLAMP 1- 1/4" 6

EA MA5BEA ALUMINUM 1-1/8" x 34” 2

EB MA5BEB ALUMINUM 1-7/8" x 36” 6

EC MA5BEC ALUMINUM 7/8" x 7” 4

ED MA5BED ALUMINUM 1-1/8" x 46” 2

EE MA5BEE ALUMINUM 7/8" x 12” 2

EF MA5BEF ALUMINUM 1-1/8" x 84” 1

MT3 MT3 TRAP 24” (70 cm) 2 MT2 MT2 TRAP 17” (43.2 cm) 2 MT1 MT1 TRAP 24” (70 cm) 2

MT3

MT2

MT1

WASHER

INSULATOR (2.5 x 25.4 cm)

TUBING (4.4cm)

TUBING (4.8 x 91.4 cm)

TUBING (2.2 x 17.8 cm)

TUBING (2.9 x 116.8 cm)

TUBING (2.2 x 30.5 cm)

TUBING (2.9 x 213.4 cm)

(2.9 x 91.4cm)

(2.2cm)

(2.5 cm)

(3.2 cm)

Page 4

ELEMENT ASSEMBLY Cont.

FIGURE 2

MA5B

Page 5

410

MT2

MT3

410

EB EB

MT1

411

(12.7 cm)

410

411

4”

(10.2 cm)

5”

(10.2 cm)

ELEMENT #3

ELEMENT #2

ELEMENT #1

4”

(10.2 cm)

4”

(10.2 cm)

411

5”

(12.7 cm)

411411

205.5”

(522 cm)

410

MT3

410 410

MT1

410

2 PLACES

MT2

410

2 PLACES

IMPORTANT

All traps must be mounted with holes facing down for drainage.

FIGURE 2A

2 PLACES

FIGURE 2B

2 PLACES

FREQUENCY DIM. “A” DIM “B”

14.025 MHz 9” (22.9 cm) 9” (22.9 cm)

14.175 MHz 8” (20.3 cm) 8” (20.3 cm)

14.300 MHz 7” (17.8 cm) 7” (17.8 cm)

TUNING CHART A

MA5B

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

3-X-HAT ASSEMBLY

Raise each element assembly off the ground to attach the X-hats to the elements. For element #1, place the 41-inch X-hat rods (X41) and element brackets (26) on elements EB as shown in Figure 3B. Fasten the rods and brackets in place using 8-32 machine screws (31), half washers (28), lock washers (41), and hex nuts (11). Place the 26-inch X-hat rods (X26) and element brackets (26) on elements EC as shown in Figure 3A. Fasten the rods and brackets in place using 8-32 machine screws (31), half washers (28), lock washers (41), and hex nuts (11).

For element #2, place the 41-inch X-hat rods (X41) and element brackets (26) on elements EB as shown in Figure 3B. Fasten the rods and brackets in place using 8-32 machine screws (31), half washers (28), lock washers (41), and hex nuts (11).

For element #3, place the 41-inch X-hat rods (X41) and element brackets (26) on elements EB as shown in Figure 3B. Fasten the rods and brackets

. in place using 8-32 machine screws (31), half washers (28), lock washers (41), and hex nuts (11). Place the 26-inch X-hat rods (X26) and element

11 010011 SS HEX NUT 8-32 20 26 190026 ELEMENT 7/8" x 7/8” 20

28 190028 HALF 1-1/8” x 3/8”" 20

31 010231 SS SCREW 8-32 x 1-3/4" 20

41 011941 SS LOCK 8-32 20

X26 XHR26 ALUMINUM ROD 3/16” x 26” 8

X41 XHR41 ALUMINUM ROD 3/16” x 41” 12

BRACKET (.2.2 x 2.2 cm)

WASHER (2.9 x 1 cm)

(3.81 cm)

WASHER

(0.5 x 66 cm)

(0.5 x 104.1 cm)

brackets (26) on elements EC as shown in Figure 3A. Fasten the rods and brackets in place using 8-32 machine screws (31), half washers (28), lock washers (41), and hex nuts (11)

SEE FIGURE 3A

ELEMENT #3

SEE FIGURE 3B

SEE FIGURE 3A

FIGURE 3A

2 PLACES

SEE FIGURE 3B

2 PLACES

SEE FIGURE 3B

X26

2 PLACES

ELEMENT #2

ELEMENT #1

FIGURE 3B

2 PLACES

X41

2 PLACES

Page 6

MA5B

4 - ELEMENT MOUNTING

Attach the elements to the boom assembly as shown in Figure 4. Attach element #1 to the end of the boom at 36 inches from the mast clamp. Locate the element next to the black plastic cap. Using the U-bolt (402), element to boom clamp (143), backing plate (33), lock washers (84), and hex nuts (85), fasten the element to the boom. The exposed threads on the element screws (item 31 from section 2) should be facing down and away from the boom.

Attach element #2 to the boom at a distance of 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) from element #1. Using the U-bolt (402), element to boom clamp (143), backing plate (33), lock washers (84), and hex nuts (85), fasten the element to the boom. Note that the exposed threads on the element screws (item 31 from section 2) should be facing away from the boom. Attach element #3 to the boom at a distance of 55 inches (139.7 cm) from element #2. Using the U-bolt (402), element to boom clamp (143), backing plate (33), lock washers (84), and hex nuts (85), fasten the element to the boom.

Check each X-hat assembly to insure that the rods are located at 45 degrees relative to the boom. If the rods are not at 45 degrees, loosen the appropriate worm clamps and rotate the elements to achieve the correct angle. If necessary, rotate the trap bodies to align the drain holes facing downwards. Tighten all worm clamps once the X-hat rods and traps have been rotated to the correct position.

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

33 190033 BACKING 1” x 3-1/2” 3

84 010084 LOCK 1/4” 6

85 010085 HEX NUT 1/4” 6

143 190143 ELEMENT TO 3-1/2” x 1-3/8” 3

402 010402 U-BOLT 1/4” -20 x 1-3/4” 3

PLATE (2.5 x 8.9 cm)

WASHER (.6 cm)

(.6 cm)

BOOM CLAMP (8.9 x 3.5 cm)

FIGURE 4

ELEMENT #3

ELEMENT #2

ELEMENT #1

SEE FIGURE 4C

SEE FIGURE 4B

SEE FIGURE 4A

55”

(139.7 cm)

29-1/2”

(74.9 cm)

Page 7

FIGURE 4A

143

402

Boom

Element #1

MA5B

4 - ELEMENT MOUNTING Cont.

FIGURE 4B

2 PLACES

FIGURE 4C

Boom

402

2 PLACES

143

Boom

402

Element #2

2 PLACES

143

2 PLACES

Element #3

2 PLACES

Page 8

MA5B

5 - MATCHING NETWORK

Install the matching network (MN) to the boom as shown in Figure 5. Loosely attach the worm clamps (413) around the brackets on the matching network and boom section. Attach the feed wires to elements #1 and #2 as shown in the figure. Either cable may be attached to either element, however, the polarity of the wires must be matched on each element (i.e. the red wire on each element must be on the left side and the black wire must be on the right side). Attach the wires using lock washers (41) and hex nuts (11). Slide the matching network to prevent over stressing the cables and tighten the worm clamps. Attach cable ties (342) in 4 places around the cables and tighten.

FIGURE 5

ELEMENT 1

BOOM

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

11 010011 HEX #8-32 4

41 011941 LOCK #8-32 4

342 030342 CABLE TIE 4 413 030413 WORM CLAMP 1-3/4” 2

MN MN5B MATCHING 1

413

2 PLACES

NUT

WASHER

(4.4 cm)

NETWORK

342

4 PLACES

IMPORTANT

When attaching feedlines to the elements, the black wires must be attached to the same sides.

ELEMENT 1

2 PLACES

ELEMENT 2

2 PLACES

Page 9

MA5B

6 - BOOM TO MAST ASSEMBLY

Before installing the antenna on the mast, check all hardware and worm clamps to insure they are tight. Install the antenna on the mast as shown in Figure 6. Using U-bolts (404), lock washers (19), and hex nuts (18), fasten the antenna to the mast. Place the connector boot (115) on the coax cable before assembly. Apply silicone sealant (116) to the threads of the matching network RF connector and tighten the cable to the matching network. Do not apply silicone to the center conductor or dielectric of either connector. Slide the boot over the connector. Place the coaxial cable over the top of element #2 on the boom and run the cable down the mast to the radio equipment.

FIGURE 6

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

18 010118 HEX NUT 5/16" 4 19 010119 LOCK WASHER 5/16" 4

115 050115 CONNECTOR 1

116 240116 SILICONE 1

404 010404 U-BOLT 5/16-18 x 2-1/2" 2

BOOT

P A CKA GE

(6.4 cm)

BOOM

404

2 PLACES

MAST

4 PLACES

Page 10

MA5B

SPECIFICATIONS

Model MA5B Frequency Ranges 10 12 15 17 20 meters

Elements 2 1 2 1 2 per band Gain 5.3 1.0 4.8 1.0 3.6 dBi Front to Back Ratio 10 0 12 0 22 dB Sidelobe Attenuation 25 25 25 25 25 dB VSWR 2:1 Bandwidth 665 >110 225 >100 90 kHz Longest Element 17.1ft. (5.2m) Turning Radius 8.8 ft. (2.7m) Boom Length 7.3 ft. (2.2m) Boom Diameter 1.5in. (3.8cm) Max. Wind Surface Area 3.22ft Max. Power Handling 1.2 kw Weight 26.5 lbs. (12kg)

(.3m

)

The Electrical Specifications for all Cushcraft Amateur Antennas are derived from numerical analysis and measured data taken on our test range. Performance may vary due to the random variables associated with a specific application or installation.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Cushcraft Corporation, 48 Perimeter Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03103, warrants to the original 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 the misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation. Any repairs or alterations outside of the Cushcraft factory will nullify this warranty.

TELEPHONE: 603-627-7877 • FAX: 603-627-1764 • E-mail: techsup@cushcraft.com

48 PERIMETER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03103 USA

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Cushcraft MA5B assembly instruction

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual