Cushcraft X9 assembly instruction
ASSEMBLY &
INSTALLATION
20-15-10 Meter Nine Element Beam
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS
951471 (9/98)
Thank you for your purchase of the Cushcraft X9 Tribander. This antenna is designed and manufactured to give the best performance and
trouble free service. The antenna will perform as specified if the instructions are followed during assembly and installation. Cushcraft operates
a full service Technical Support staff to answer questions regarding assembly, tuning, parts and just about everything else. Please contact us
by phone (603) 627-7877 (8 AM - 5PM Eastern Time), FAX (603) 627-1764, or email techsup@cushcraft.com for prompt service.
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 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 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION AND
LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED PAMPHLETS.
Antenna System Planning
Before assembly, take time to review your installation plans for the antenna. Location of the antenna is very important. Surrounding objects such
as trees, power lines, buildings, and other antennas will interact with an HF Yagi. To minimize the effects of surrounding objects, mount the
antenna as high and in the clear as possible. Metallic guy wire within 30 feet of this antenna should be broken with strain insulators to improve
performance.
40 Meter Add-On Kit
The X940 40 meter add-on kit is available for the X9. The kit consists of a loaded dipole element that is mounted on the boom section BA
between Elements #2 and #3. The 40 meter element requires a separate coax feed. Contact Cushcraft or your dealer for more information.
YOU MUST INSURE THAT NEITHER PEOPLE OR 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 8A.
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.
System Grounding
Direct grounding of the antenna, mast and tower is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes and static buildup. A good
electrical connection should be made to one or more ground rods directly at the base of the tower or mast using at least #10 AWG ground wire
and non-corrosive hardware. For details and safety standards, consult the National Electrical Code. A coaxial lightning arrester should be used.
Cushcraft offers several different models such as the LAC series.
Assembly
The assembly procedure for the X9 consists of assembling the following subassemblies.
1) Verification of Parts. 2) Boom Assembly. 3) Element Assembly. 4) Element to Boom Assembly.
5) Feed System Assembly. 6) Boom to Mast Clamp Assembly. 7) Boom Truss Assembly.
Assembly of the X9 will be easiest if the preceding steps are performed in the given order. For easier tower mounting, some or all of the elements
may be mounted to the boom when the antenna is on the tower. If this option is chosen, the feed system can be attached after the elements
are mounted.
Please read through the entire assembly procedure before beginning.
NOTE: If you plan to install the 40 meter add-on kit, please read the X940 manual before you assemble the X9.
1-Verification of Parts
Verify all parts are present by using the X9 Master Parts List. Check off each part when it is counted. There are extra parts intentionally shipped
with this antenna. Place common hardware in temporary containers for ease of assembly.
Part No. Description Metric Equivalent Quantity Qty Check
014597 #8-32 x 3" Stainless Steel Machine Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #8 x 7.6 cm 2 ____
X9EW 7/8” x 12” Aluminum tube slotted 2 ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 x 30.5 cm 1 ____
X9EX 1/2” x 32” Aluminum tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 x 81.2 cm 2 ____
X99FS 1/2" Tinned Copper Braid 6" Long with Lugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 cm x 15 cm 2 ____
010011 #8-32 Stainless Steel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ____
010082 1/4-20 x 1" Hex Bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 cm - 20 x 2.5 cm 56 ____
010084 1/4" Stainless Steel Lock Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 cm 107 ____
010085 1/4-20 Stainless Steel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 cm 19 ____
010120 #8-32 x 2" Stainless Steel Machine Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #8 x 5.1 cm 4 ____
010123 #8-32 x 1 1/2" Stainless Steel Machine Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #8 x 3.8 cm 4 ____
010207 3/8" Stainless Steel Flat Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 cm 10 ____
010208 3/8" Stainless Steel Lock Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 cm 10 ____
010209 3/8" Stainless Steel Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 cm 10 ____
011941 #8 Stainless Steel Lock Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10____
013209 2-7/8" Center-to-center U-Bolt 4" Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3 cm -10.2 cm Long 5 ____
1
Verification of Parts continued
Part No. Description Metric Equivalent Quantity
014387 #8-32 Stainless Steel Lock Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 ____
014399 1/4” Stainless Steel Lock Nut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 cm 105 ____
014495 7/8" Cush-a-Clamp® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 cm 6 ____
014496 1" Cush-a-Clamp® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 cm 4 ____
014497 1-1/4" Cush-a-Clamp® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 cm 8 ____
014588 1/4" x 3-1/2" Stainless Steel Hex Bolt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 x 8.9 cm 15 ____
014592 1/4" Stainless Steel Flat Washer 1/8" Thick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 x 0.3 cm 16 ____
024259 1/8” Thimble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3 cm 4 ____
024624 1/8” Cable clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3 cm 12 ____
024623 5/16” x 4” Turnbuckle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.8 x 10 cm2____
030407 5/8" Worm Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6 cm 14 ____
030409 11/16" Worm Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7 cm 18 ____
030410 1" Worm Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 cm 26 ____
030411 1-1/8" Worm Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9 cm 8 ____
030412 1-1/2" Worm Clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8 cm 8 ____
050053 1/2" Black Plastic Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 cm 4 ____
050077 3/8" Black Plastic Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 cm 14 ____
054526 2-1/2" Black Plastic Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 cm 2 ____
094622 35’ Phillystran cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.9m 1 ____
124565 5/8" x 8" Drilled Fiberglass Insulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6 x 20.3 cm 2 ____
124566 7/8" x 8" Drilled Fiberglass Insulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 x 20.3 cm 1 ____
124567 1" x 8" Drilled Fiberglass Insulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 20.3 cm 1 ____
154554 3” x 2-1/2” x 1” Tuning Tube Insulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.6 x 6.3 x 2.5 cm 1 ____
170035 2-1/2" Formed Aluminum Vee Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 cm 5 ____
194542 8" x 8" x 1/4" Aluminum Mounting Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.3 x 20.3 x 0.6 cm 1 ____
194555 2-7/8” x 1” x 1/4” Tuning Tube Shorting Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.3 x 2.5 x .6 cm 1 ____
194618 6” x 12” x 1/4” Aluminum mounting plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.2 x 30 x 0.6 cm 1 ____
194791 2” x 4” x 1/8” Drilled aluminum truss bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1 x 10.2 x 0.3 cm 1 ____
244604 NOALOX® conductive lubricant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ____
290326 Danger Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ____
323832 2” x 1-1/2” x 1/8” Feed Strap Plastic Insulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1 x 3.8 x .3 cm 3 ____
324504 3" x 5-1/4" x 1/8" Drilled Extruded Aluminum Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.6 x 13.3 x 0.3 cm 6 ____
324506 8" x 5-1/4" x 3/16" Drilled Extruded Aluminum Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.3 x 13.3 x 0.5 cm 2 ____
324509 4" x 5-1/4" x 3/16" Drilled Extruded Aluminum Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2 x 13.3 x 0.5 cm 12 ____
324564 1" x 5-1/4" x 1/8" Drilled Extruded Aluminum Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 13.3 x 0.3 cm 2 ____
330885 Brush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ____
T2 17” 10 meter Director Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 cm 2 ____
T4 19” 15 meter Director Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 cm 2 ____
T6 20-3/4” 15 Meter Director Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.7 cm 2 ____
TD 16-1/2” 10 Meter Director Trap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 cm 2 ____
MNX79 Matching Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 cm 1 ____
BA 2-1/2" x 84" Drilled Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 x 213 cm 1 ____
BB 2-1/2" x 72" Drilled Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 x 182 cm 1 ____
BC 2-1/2" x 54" Drilled Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 x 137 cm 1 ____
BD 2-1/2" x 66" Drilled Aluminium Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 x 167 cm 1 ____
BE 2-1/2" x 84" Drilled Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4 x 213 cm 1 ____
EA 1-1/4" x 72" Aluminum Tube slotted 2 ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 x 183 cm 1 ____
EB 1-1/8" x 52 " Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end, 1" tube insert 1 end . . . . . . . . . 2.8 x 132 cm 4 ____
EC 1" x 36" Aluminum Tube slotted 7/8" swege 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 91 cm 4 ____
ED 3/4" x 36" Aluminum Tube slotted 5/8" swege 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.9 x 91 cm 10 ____
EE 1/2" x 36" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 x 91 cm 8 ____
EF 3/8" x 48" Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 x 122 cm 4 ____
EG 1" x 48" Aluminum Tube slotted 2 ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 122 cm 1 ____
EH 7/8" x 48" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 x 122 cm 2 ____
EJ 3/8" x 32" Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 x 81 cm 4 ____
EK 1" x 24" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end, drilled 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 61 cm 2 ____
EL 1-1/4" x 36" Aluminum Tube, slotted 1 end, drilled 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 x 91 cm 2 ____
EM 1/2" x 24" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 x 61 cm 6 ____
EN 3/8" x 36" Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 x 91 cm 6 ____
EP 1-1/4" x 48" Aluminum Tube slotted 2 ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 x 122 cm 2 ____
ER 1-1/8" x 48" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9 x 122 cm 4 ____
ES 1/2" x 36" Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 x 91 cm 2 ____
ET 7/8" x 36" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2 x 91 cm 2 ____
EU 3/4" x 36" Aluminum Tube slotted 5/8" OD swege 1 end, drilled 1 end . . . . . . . 1.9 x 91 cm 4 ____
EV 1"x 36" Aluminum Tube slotted 1 end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 91 cm 4 ____
EX 1/2” X 32” Aluminum Tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 x 81 cm 2 ____
EY 1" x 5-1/4" Aluminum Tube slotted 2 ends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5 x 13.3 cm 4 ____
EZ 3/8" x 30" Intentionally Bent Aluminum Tube crimped and drilled 1 end . . . . . . 1.0 x 76 cm 2 ____
FL1 5/8" x 16" Aluminum Flat Feedline Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 x 41 cm 2 ____
FL2 5/8" x 20-3/4" Aluminum Flat Feedline Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 x 53 cm 2 ____
FL3 5/8" x 28-3/4" Aluminum Flat Feedline Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 x 73 cm 2 ____
2
Figure 1
26
3-3/4”
(9.5 cm)
84”
(213.4 cm)
BA
53”
(135 cm)
1-1/4”
(3.2 cm)
BA
BA
33”
(84 cm)
(182 cm)
BB
72”
20”
(51 cm)
(137 cm)
1-1/4”
(3.2 cm)
BC
54”
4-3/4”
(12 cm)
(167 cm)
1-1/4”
(3.2 cm)
66”
BD
4-3/4”
(12 cm)
Figure 2
BB
BC
BD
Figure 3
Element
#3
See
Fig. 4A
Mounting hole
for optional 40M
add-on kit.
BB
Element
#6
See
Fig. 4A
BC
Element
#7
See
Fig. 4A
BD
Element
#8
See
Fig. 4A
Figure 4
#3 #4#2#1 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9
1-1/4”
(3.2 cm)
BE
BE
84”
(213 cm)
BE
3-3/4”
(9.5 cm)
26
See
Fig.
4B
See
Fig.
4C
Tuning
tube
support
insulator
See
Fig.
4C
See
Fig.
4C
NOTE: The X9 is shipped with NOALOX® conductive lubricant and an applicator brush. Apply small amounts of
the lubricant to telescoping tubing sections during element and boom assembly. Apply small amounts of lubricant
to bolt/U-bolt threads to prevent galling (seizing) of the nuts during assembly. Also, apply small amounts to the
feedstrap assembly and matching network connections.
2-Boom Assembly
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show the steps for boom assembly. Identify the tubing
sections, element brackets and hardware required for this step by using the
Boom Subassembly Parts List. Note the element brackets for Elements #3, #6,
#7 and #8 join the boom sections (Figure 3).
Refer to Figures 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D to assemble element brackets. The
1/4” hex nuts (85) are used as spacers on all brackets. Tighten these nuts in
place before assembling element bracket halves. The 1/4” flat washers (1/8”
thick) (529) are used on brackets as spacers (Figures 4A, 4B, 4C). The Boom
may be placed on a flat surface with all brackets laying flat on the surface. This
will allow all brackets to be fastened in line with each other. When tightening
the hardware, refer to Figure 4A and tighten all bracket hardware in this order.
Do not tighten the bolts on the Tuning Tube Support Insulator Bracket (Figure
4D). Allow the bracket to remain loose on the boom for Step 5 (Feed System
Assembly).
Nylon insert lock nuts are designed for one-time use. Do not tighten these
nuts if you expect to disassemble antenna sections during antenna mounting.
After mounting boom end caps (26), drill a small hole (1/4”) in the bottom
edge of the cap for water drainage. Determine which edge of the end cap will
be on the ground facing side of the boom when antenna is mounted in its final
position.
See
Fig.
4B
ID Part # Description Dimensions Qty
82 010082 Hex 1/4-20 x 1” 30
84 010084 SS Lock 1/4” 50
85 010085 SS Nut 1/4-20 19
99 014399 SS Lock 1/4” 50
504 324504 Aluminum 3” x 5-1/4” x 1/8” 6
509 324509 Aluminum 4” x 5-1/4 x 3/16” 12
564 324564 Aluminum 1” x 5-1/4” x 1/8” 2
588 014588 SS Hex 1/4” x 3-1/2” 13
592 014592 SS Flat 1/4” (1/8” thick) 16
Bolt (.6 x 2.5 cm)
Washer (.6 cm)
(.6 cm)
Nut (.6 cm)
Bracket (7.6 x 13.3 x .3 cm)
Bracket (10.2 x 13.3 x .5 cm)
Bracket (2.5 x 13.3 x .3 cm)
Bolt (.6 x 10.2 cm)
Washer (.6 x .3 cm)
3
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