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 HIGH VOLTAGE OR 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 INST ALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION AND LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED
PAMPHLET.
Your Cushcraft R6000 vertical 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. 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.
If you have technical questions and have access to the World Wide Web you can visit Cushcraft’s
(http://www.cushcraft.com). The site enables the user to place parts orders, ask technical questions, locate part numbers, initiate warranty
inquires and review
time or voice mail after hours), faxed at (603) 627-1764 or can be e-mailed at
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.
Although the R6000 will operate in almost any location, it will perform best if it is mounted vertically and located in the clear away from surrounding
objects such as buildings, trees, power lines, towers, guy wires, antennas and metallic objects. The R6000 should not be attached to a ground
radial system. Failure to heed these points will possibly degrade performance, detune the antenna and increase VSWR.
EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE R6000 IS IN OPERATION NEITHER
PEOPLE OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF YOUR ANTENNA INCLUDING THE COUNTERPOISE RODS.
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 ARE SEVEN WARNING STICKERS WHICH MUST
BE ATTACHED TO THE ENDS OF THE COUNTERPOISE RODS AS SHOWN IN FIGURE E.
Your mast should be rigid and pointing straight up. Always use a mast at least 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm) but not larger than 1-3/4 inches (4.4 cm)
in diameter. If you guy the mast, use non-conducting guy wires.
Direct grounding of the antenna mast is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes and static buildup, and from high voltages
which may be present in the equipment attached to the antenna. A good electrical connection should be made to one or more grou nd rods
directly at the base of the antenna or mast using a least #10 AWG ground wire and non-corrosive hardware. For details and safety standards,
consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrestor. Cushcraft offers several different models, such as the
LAC-4 series.
Assemble your R6000 by following steps 1 through 5. After assembling the antenna, verify all dimensions in Chart A for accuracy. Then return
to the adjustment section below for final tuning.
Frequently Asked Questions
. Our technical support staff can be reached by phone at (603) 627-7877 (8 AM to 5 PM Eastern
techsup@cushcraft.com.
PLANNING
LOCATION
MOUNTING
SYSTEM GROUNDING
ASSEMBLY
TECHEXPRESS
support service
The dimensions in Chart A normally allow proper operation on all the bands. However, some variations may occur from one location to another.
Adjustments must be made from the bottom of the antenna to the top. Adjusting the antenna from top to bottom will not work. This is because
the settings at the top are severely affected by the adjustments at the bottom.
We suggest measuring the VSWR of your antenna by using the SWR meter in your transceiver. If your transceiver does not have one, use a
good quality VSWR bridge for this application. Begin with 6 meters since this is at the bottom of the antenna. Set your transceiver at your
favorite frequency on 6 meters. Key the rig and check your VSWR. The R6000 is extremely broadbanded on 6 meters and seldom needs
adjustment. If the VSWR is low enough (below 1.5:1) then move on to the 10 meter band. If the 10 meter VSWR is not low enough, adjust
the antenna as follows: Check several frequencies on 10 meters to find the frequency of lowest VSWR. If the frequency of lowest VSWR is
above your favorite frequency, lengthen dimension D (figure F) by 1 inch (2.5 cm). This should lower the frequency of lowest VSWR by 50 to
100 KHz. If the frequency of lowest VSWR is below your desired frequency, shorten dimension D (figure F) by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Check your
desired 10 meter operating frequency again to see if the VSWR is less than 1.5:1. Repeat this procedure until the VSWR at your desired
frequency is low enough.
Continue this procedure by selecting your desired frequency on 12 meters and checking the VSWR there. Dimension E (figure F) should be
used to adjust the VSWR on 15 meters.
Remember to shorten this dimension to raise the frequency or lengthen it to lower the frequency.
ADJUSTMENT
1
R6000
The balance of the antenna should be adjusted in a like manner. The dimensions and the bands that they effect are shown in figure F. On 10
through 20 meters 1 inch (2.5 cm) of change in length will change the operating frequency by 50 to 100 KHz. When the antenna is completely
adjusted, check all fasteners to be sure they are tight. Improving VSWR's that are less than 2:1 will not noticeably improve station performance.
Following the guidelines in the location and adjustment sections above, place the antenna on its mast in its final operating location. If you plan to
install the antenna in a salty or corrosive environment, you may want to consider coating it with a clear marine varnish or equivalent
and adjustment has been completed.
below.
These Installation Recommendations and Operating Tips are offered to help you enjoy the use of your antenna to the fullest. In our estimation, your
system will work "optimally", while achieving the longest service life if they are followed.
• Horizontally space your antenna sixty-six (66) feet from any surrounding metal.
• When considering height above ground, achieving "line of sight" is most desirable for optimal performance. It is recommended that you
achieve line of sight and be at least ten (10) feet above ground.
• Do not use vinyl tape on SO-239 or PL-259 connectors.
• Use Phillystran for top guying.
• Use liquid soap on the threads of Nylock washers to prevent friction and galling of stainless steel parts.
• Try to locate your R6000 as far away from TV antennas and their feedlines as possible. This will help to avoid overloading your television with RF.
• If you check the resistance across the coax connector on your R6000 you will find a DC short. This is normal. It does not mean that the RF path
is short circuited. It is approximately 50 Ohms at your operating frequencies.
• High VSWR is sometimes caused by poor contact between the matching network and the counterpoise rods. Make sure that corrosion has not
formed on the jumper strap terminals. Check to insure the hardware is tight.
• If your R6000 is very close to your shack you may experience RF on the feedline. Try lengthening your feedline several feet, placing an RF ferrite
bead on the coax, winding the feedline on a toroid or winding the coax in a 10 turn coil 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
• Weather sealing the matching network is not necessary. We have provided a large hole near the coax connector to allow air to circulate through
the box and to keep it dry. Keep this hole clear to avoid difficulties caused by humidity and condensation.
• Long periods (2 minutes or longer) of key down operation, such as RTTY, at high power (over 1500 Watts) may damage your R6000.
• Anti-oxidation compound can be used on aluminum tubing connections, but NOT on electrical/RF connections on the Matching Network.
• For improved waterproofing, you may apply an RTV® type sealant on the top plastic caps of CS1 and CS2.
• When measuring SWR do not rely only on readings from “Antenna Analyzers”. They are subject to incorrect readings due to nearby RF fields.
This is due to a lack of input filtering. Verify readings with your transceiver and an SWR bridge.
Now connect your transceiver. If you have any difficulties, reread the information above and the helpful hints
INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS AND OPERATING TIPS
MASTER PARTS LIST
INSTALLATION
after final assembly
PART# QTY DESCRIPTIONPART# QTY DESCRIPTION
0100798#8-32 x 1/2" (1.3cm) SS Machine Screw
01008241/4-20 x 1" (2.5cm) SS Hex Head Bolt
01008441/4" SS Lock Washer
01008541/4-20 SS Nut
0102323#8-32 x 2 1/2" (6.3cm) SS Machine Screw
01438728#8-32 SS Lock Nut
014388110-24 SS Lock Nut
01476414#8-32 x 2 1/4" (5.7cm) SS Machine Screw
03040795/8" (1.6cm) SS Worm Clamp
030409115/16" ( 2.4cm) SS Worm Clamp
03041141 1/4" (3.2cm) SS Worm Clamp
03041221 1/2" (3.8cm) SS Worm Clamp
05005311/2" (1.3cm) Plastic Cap
05007733/8" (1.0 cm) Plastic Cap
0501151Connector Boot
1941734Radial Ring Bracket
1941742Radial Ring
1947481Upper Matching Network Bracket
2031102Mast Mount Clamp
2047272Plastic Clamp
2047282Plastic Clamp
2047291Aluminum Clamp Assembly
2048132Plastic Clamp
2048141Aluminum Clamp Assembly
2049231Plastic Clamp
2401161Silicone Package
2903267Warning Label
9024281Jumper Strap
902832749" (124.5 cm) SS Radial Rod
MN60001Matching Network
BA1Base Assembly
BB11 1/4" x 48" (3.2cm x 122cm) aluminum tube slotted one end
BC11 1/8" x 48" (2.8cm x 122cm) aluminum tube slotted one end
BD11" x 48" (2.5cm x 122cm) aluminum tube slotted one end
BE11" x 12" (2.5cm x 30.5 cm) aluminum tube slotted both ends
BF11/2" x 21" (1.3cm x 53.3cm) aluminum tube
BG31/2" x 48" (1.3cm x 122cm) aluminum tube slotted one end
BH21/2" x 48" (1.3cm x 122cm) aluminum tube slotted both ends
BJ11/2" x 36" (1.3cm x 122cm) aluminum tube slotted 1 end
BK23/8" x 18" (1.0cm x 45.7cm) aluminum tube
BL33/8" x 6" (1.0cm x 15.2cm) aluminum tube
BM13/8” x 12” (.9 x 30.5 cm) aluminum tube
CS1112 Meter Trap
CS2117 Meter Trap
2
R6000
FIGURE
A
FIGURE
B
FIGURE
C
FIGURE
64
D
73
87
79
87
Longer dimension
attaches to radial
ring.
Shorter
dimension
attaches to
base.
79
73
73
73
79
87
79
73
87
428
74
64
#1 - ASSEMBLE RADIAL
RINGS
Figures A through D show the steps for radial ring assembly. Refer to the
Radial Ring Subassembly Parts List for the parts required in this step.
Slide the two radial rings (74) onto the base assembly (BA). Note the
orientation of the ring slots. Attach the rings to the base using the radial
ring brackets (73), 2 1/2" screws (232), 1/2" screws (79) and lock nuts
(87). Leave hardware loose until Step #2. Note the proper orientation of
the radial ring brackets in Figure A. Install jumper strap (428) as shown
in Figure D.
NOTE: Do not accidentally use the #10-24 nut in this step.
Insert four 2 1/4" screws (64) into the base assembly (BA) as shown in
Figure D. Secure with nuts (87).
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE
BABASE1
64014764SS MACHINE#8-32 x 2-1/4”4
73194173RADIAL RING4
74194174RADIAL RING2
79010079SS MACHINE8-32 x 1/2"8
87014387SS LOCK8-3214
232010232SS MACHINE8-32 x 2-1/2"2
428902428STRAP1
ASSEMBLY
SCREW(5.7 cm)
BRACKET
SCREW(1.3 cm)
NUT
SCREW6.35 cm)
64
232
87
87
87
87
232
64
87
87
3
R6000
#2 - ATTACH MATCHING
NETWORK AND RADIALS
Slide upper matching network bracket (48) onto base section
(BA). Place it tight against the fiberglass insulator. Insert one
2 1/2" screw (232) into bracket (48) and attach nut (87) as
shown in Figure E. Slide Matching Network (MN) screws into
holes on upper matching network bracket (48). Position bottom
MN bracket over captive screw in base section (BA) and
secure with #10 nut (88). Secure MN to upper MN bracket
(48) with two nuts 87). Tighten screw in upper MN bracket
(48).
The radial rods may be inserted into the base section at any
time in the assembly process.
One at a time, place the stainless radial rods (32) into the
slots in the radial rings. Tighten the corresponding ring screws
as you work your way around the rings. The radial rings do
not have to touch each other to secure the radial rods properly.
Do not overtighten the screws. When all rods are secure,
tighten all hardware on the base section. Attach jumper strap
(428) to MN screw with nut (87).
Attach warning labels (326) as shown.
FIGURE
E
32
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE
32902832SS RADIAL49"7
48194748MN60001
87014387SS LOCK#8-324
88014388SS LOCK10-241
232010232SS MACHINE#8-32 x 2-1/2”1
326290326WARNING7
MNMN6000MATCHING1
BRACKET
NUT
NUT
SCREW(6.35 cm)
LABEL
NETWORK
87
48
(124.5 cm)
87
326
326
326
32
32
232
32
32
326
88
MN6000
87
MN
32
326
4
R6000
407
BL
87
64
27
1/2”
(1.3 cm)
53
#3 - ASSEMBLE RADIATOR
Place worm clamp (413) over top end of base assembly (BA). Slide nonslotted end of section BB into BA section 3 inches (7.6 cm) and secure
worm clamp. Leave the aluminum clamp assemblies 814 and 29 screwed
together. Slide (814) onto BB (Figure F3) and loosely secure with second
screw (64) and nut (87). Now slide second clamp assembly (29) onto BB
and secure loosely with screw (64) and nut (87).
Place worm clamp (412) over top end of section BB. Slide non-slotted
end of section BC into BB section 3 inches (7.6 cm) and secure worm
clamp. Place worm clamp (411) over top end of section BC. Slide nonslotted end of section BD into BC section 2 inches (5.1 cm) and secure
worm clamp. Place worm clamp (411) over top end of section BD.
See Figure F for proper trap placement. Note that trap arrows point DOWN
towards the R6000 base. Also note that bottom trap cap has a drain hole
for water. There is no drain hole in the top cap. Hold trap CS1 with arrow
pointing down and slide bottom tube into section BD 2 inches (5.1 cm).
Secure worm clamp. Place a worm clamp (411) on each end of section
BE. Slide BE tube over CS1 top tube 2 inches (5.1 cm) and secure worm
clamp. Hold trap CS2 with arrow pointing down and slide bottom tube
into section BE 2 inches (5.1 cm) and secure worm clamp. Place worm
clamp (409) on top tube of trap CS2. Slide section BF into trap CS2.
Refer to Chart A for Dimension “C”. Adjust length of section BF for
Dimension ”C” and secure worm clamp.Place plastic cap (53) on end of
section BF.
Place clamp (29) 5-1/2” (14.0 cm) above the top end of the base assembly
(BA). Place a BG section in both of the 1/2” (1.3 cm) holes. Let the BG
tube protrude 1/2” (1.3 cm) below the clamp (29) and tighten the clamp
screws. Insert a BL tube 3 inches (7.6 cm) into the top of each BG section.
Secure with a worm clamp (407). Slide a BH tube onto each BL tube until
the BH tube butts against the BG tube. Secure with a worm clamp (407).
Position the lower radiator brackets (28) around the BC and BH sections
at the position shown in Figures F and F2. Align the brackets with the
clamp (29) below. Insert 2 screws (64) into brackets and secure with nuts
(87). DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE BRACKET SCREWS. The brackets
are for proper spacing of the radiator section and are not required to
physically support the aluminum tube. Slide a BK tube into one of the BH
tubes 5 inches (12.7 cm) and secure with worm clamp (407). Insert a BL
tube 3 inches (7.6 cm) into the top of the second BH tube and secure
with worm clamp (407). Slide a BJ tube over the BL tube until BJ tube
butts against the BH tube. Secure with worm clamp (407). Insert BK tube
into the BJ tube 9 inches (22.9 cm) and secure with worm clamp (407).
Place a plastic cap (77) over the top of each BK tube. Position the upper
radiator brackets (27) around the BD, BJ, and BK sections at the position
shown in Figure F. Position the 15m radiator bracket (923) around the
BD and BJ sections. Align the brackets with the clamp (29) and brackets
(28) below. Insert 2 screws ( 64) into brackets and secure with nuts (87).
DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE BRACKET SCREWS. The brackets are
for proper spacing of the radiator section and are not required to physically
support the aluminum tube.
10M
Dimension
A
12M
Dimension
C
20M Dimension
B
17M Dimension
CS1
77
BD
BK
27
(2 pieces)
407
BC
BH
D
407
BB
29
(2 pieces)
77
BM
BG
411
BF
409
CS2
411
411
BE
77
BK
407
923
64
BJ
411
BH
See Figure F2
(2 pieces)
407
412
BG
FIGURE
923
87
28
Dimension
F1
F
6M
E
15M
Dimension
Secure the 814 bracket assembly flush against the top of BA with BG
tube in place 1/2” (1.3 cm) below the brackets (Figure F3). Attach brackets
(813) to tubes BC and BG (Figure F2) using screws (64) and nuts (87).
Put worm clamp (407) over top of BG tube, insert tube BM and secure.
Set Dimension F using Chart B.
Verify all radiator dimensions are within 1/4” (0.6 cm) of the values in
Chart A. Set dimension C for the desired 20 meter frequency in Chart A.
Chart A
DimensionInches CM
A170432
B1435.6
C (CW)2461
C (Center)23-1/260
C (SSB)23 58.5
D109277
E141358
Chart B
Dimension F
Freq.InchesCM
50.1558147.3
5157144.8
51.756142.2
52.355.5141
52.555139.7
53.554137.2
5-1/2”
(14.0 cm)
814
413
See Figure F3
BA
5
813
29
87
87
64
27
407
87
BG
87
BG
BH
64
BB
BB
BH
BC
87
64
77
FIGURE
64
64
407
BM
407
412
BG
BG
BG
F2
FIGURE
F3
87
1/2” (1.3 cm)
Below Bracket
814
R6000
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE
27204727UPPER PLASTIC2
28204728LOWER PLASTIC2
29204729ALU CLAMP1
53050053PLASTIC1/2”1
64014764SS MACHINE#8-32 x 2-1/4”10
77050077PLASTIC3/8”3
87014387SS LOCK#8-3212
407030407SS WORM5/8”9
409030409SS WORM15/16”1
411030411SS WORM1-1/4"4
412030412SS WORM1-1/2"2
813204813PLASTIC2
814204814ALU CLAMP1
923204923PLASTIC2
BABASE1
BBALUMINUM1-1/4" x 48”1
BCALUMINUM1-1/8" x 48"1
BDALUMINUM1” x 48”1
BEALUMINUM1" x 10"1
BFALUMINUM1/2” x 21”1
BGALUMINUM1/2" x 48"3
BHALUMINUM1/2” x 48”2
BJALUMINUM1/2” x 36”1
BKALUMINUM3/8” x 18”2
BLALUMINUM3/8” x 6”3
BMALUMINUM3/8” x 12”1
CS112 METER1
CS217 METER1
CS1
CS2
CLAMP
CLAMP
ASSEMBLY
CAP(1.3 cm)
SCREW(5.7 cm)
CAP(1.0 cm)
NUT
CLAMP(1.6 cm)
CLAMP(2.4 cm)
CLAMP(3.2)
CLAMP(3.8 cm)
CLAMP
ASSEMBLY
CLAMP
ASSEMBLY
TUBE(3.2 x 121.9 cm)
TUBE(2.8 x 122 cm)
TUBE(2.5 x 122)
TUBE(2.5 x 25.4 cm)
TUBE(1.3 x 53.3 cm)
TUBE(1.3 x 122)
TUBE(1.3 x 122 cm)
TUBE(1.3 x 122)
TUBE(1.0 x 45.7)
TUBE(1.0 x 15.2)
TUBE(1.0 x 30.5 cm)
TRAP
TRAP
413
64
BA
6
R6000
#4 - BASE CLAMP SUBASSEMBLY
Refer to the Base to Mast Subassembly Parts List for the parts required
in this step. Slide both mast mount rings (110) around the bottom of the
base assembly. Attach antenna base to your mast as shown in Figure
G. Insert screws (82), nuts (85), and washers (84) into rings and tighten
hardware against mast. Do not over tighten screws.
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE
82010082SS HEX1/4-20 x 1”4
84010084SS LOCK1/4”4
85010085SS NUT1/4-204
110203110MAST MOUNT2
HEAD BOLT(2.5 cm)
WASHER(.6 cm)
82
CLAMP
#5 - FEEDLINE
The R6000 is designed for use with 50 Ohm coaxial cable terminated with a PL-259
connector. The shortest length of cable will have the least loss. A connector boot is
included for use with your new antenna (figure H). Slide the boot over the cable
before attaching your PL-259. Coat only the outside connector threads and shell with
silicone grease.
screwed onto the antenna connector, slide the vinyl boot over the connector and
against the connector bracket for a good weather-tight connection. After the antenna
is on the mast, tape the feedline to the mast.
Power ,Watts output 1500
Radiation angle, deg. 16
Horizontal rad, deg 360
Height, ft (m) 19 (5.8)
Mast size range, in 1.5 -1.75
(cm)(3.8-4.4)
Wind load, ft
Wind Survival, mph (kph)80 (128)
Weight, lb (kg) 12.5 (5.6)
2
(m2) 1.5 (.14)
10m >1700
12m >100
17m >100
Cushcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 4680, Manchester, New Hampshire 03108, warrants to the
LIMITED WARRANTY
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.