M2 Antennas 2MCP14 Instructions manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.

Model No: 2MCP14

SPECIFICATIONS:

Model ......................................... 2MCP14

Frequency Range ....................... 143 To 148 MHz

*Gain .......................................... 12.34 dBi

Front to back .............................. 20 dB Typical

Beamwidth ............................... 52° Circular

Elipticity ...................................... >3dB

Feed type ................................... Folded Dipole

Feed Impedance. ....................... 50 Ohms Unbalanced

Maximum VSWR ........................ 1.3:1 Typical

*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

Input Connector .......................... “N” Female

Power Handling .......................... 1.5 kW (250W PS-I)

Boom Length / Dia ...................... 10’ 6” / 1”

Maximum Element Length .......... 40-1/8”

Turning Radius: .......................... 75-5/8”

Stacking Distance ....................... 8’ High & 8’ Wide

Mast Size .................................... 1-1/2” to 2” Nom.

Wind area / Survival ................... 1.1 Sq. Ft. / 100MPH

Weight / Ship Wt. ........................ 6 Lbs. / 8 Lbs.

FEATURES:

amateur band. Optimum match and gain are between 144 & 147 MHz for the satellite band. Computer design techniques
help keep spurious side lobes low down for optimum signal to noise ratios. This antenna features the same CNC ma­chined, O-ring and silicone-gel sealed, driven element assemblies common to all M
trouble free performance regardless of weather.
Optional items include a heavy duty fiberglass 2” O.D. x 1/4” wall boom with a 1-1/2” solid alum center section to
fit through the Yaesu 5400 and 5600 series az-el rotator (model HDFG boom kit), 2M2PORT power divider and vhf-50­2MCP14-2 phasing lines. We also can provide ‘H’ frames and larger rotators, OR-2800DC (az) and MT-1000 (el). A 136R

-14C and a 149T-14C model are also available for the ATS satellite users. Higher gain antennas with 22 elements are
also available for all VHF satellite frequencies.

The 2MCP14 is a light, medium performance circularly polarized antenna designed to work across the two meter

2

Yagi antennas. This insures years of

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com

©2015 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated

05/27/15

Rev.01

2MCP14 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

TOOL REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY: screwdriver, 11/32 nut driver or wrench, 7/16” and 1/2” end

wrenches and sockets, measuring tape.

1. Start by laying out the boom sections using the DIMENSION SHEET as a guide. Use 8-32 X 1-1/4
screws and locknuts to join sections. Sections may may be swaged to each other or use 7/8”
internal splice sections.

Note: If mounting antenna to a standard H-frame with a T-brace kit, it is important to
install the T-brace coupling bars to antenna before elements. Refer to H-Frame and T­ brace drawings for placement and more information.

ASSEMBLING THE HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS

2. Separate elements by length into two identical sets, "H" and "V". Lay out the "H" elements by
length and position as shown the DIMENSION sheet. Start with the reflector (longest) element.
Balance it on your finger to find rough center and push on a black button insulator to about 1/2” off
center. Push the element through the holes 1/2" from the rear of the boom and install the second
button, snugging it up into boom. DO NOT BOTHER ACCURATELYCENTERING the element at
this time and DO NOT INSTALL the stainless steel shaft retainers yet. It is easier to do it after all
the horizontal elements are installed in the boom.

3. Install the 3/16” rod DRIVEN ELEMENT as you did the reflector. Then continue with the installation
of the DIRECTORS. Note tha t the Dire ctor Elements do not consiste ntly diminish in length from

rear to front, so pay close attention to length and position.

4. Now begin centering the elements. Use a tape measure to EQUALIZE the amount the element
sticking out on each side of the boom. Once you have all the elements centered, sight down the
element tips from the rear comparing each side. Look for any obvious discrepancies and correct if
found.

2MCP14 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

5. NOTE: The SHAFT RETAINERS, for securing the elements, should always be used for permanent
and long term antenna installations. For portable or temporary use the retainers may be left off.
The button insulators, normally a tight fit, hold the elements quite securely.

To install the stainless steel SHAFT RETAINERS, use thumb and forefinger to hold the retainer

over the end of the PUSH TUBE ( 3/8" x 3" tube, supplied in the kit), internal fingers on retainer
dished into tube. HOLD THE ELEMENT FIRMLY TO PREVENT IT FROM SLIDING OFF CENTER
and press the retainer onto the element end and continue until retainer butts on insulator button.
Locking pliers, lightly clamped up against opposite button insulator will help maintain center
reference. If you push the first retainer too far, remove element from boom, push retainer
completely off the element, and start over. Install another retainer to the opposite side of the
element. Continue installing retainers until all elements are locked in place.

6. Mount the HORIZONTAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK / ROD ASSEMBLY to the TOP of the boom
using a single 8-32 X 1-1/4" screw. Orient the block with the two balun connectors facing to rear.
Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the SHORTING BARS.
Slide the bars onto the Driven Element Block Rods and the driven element rods. Position the
Shorting Bars flush with the ends of the 3/16” rod that passes through the boom. Align the bars
with each other and tighten the set screws.

7. Mount the "T" JUNCTION BOX to either side of the boom using the small hole forward of the
vertical reflector. Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4" screw.

ASSEMBLING THE VERTICAL ELEMENTS

8. Repeat steps #2 through #5 for the Vertical elements, using the Dimension Sheet as your guide to
lengths and spacing.

9. NOTE: INSTALLATION OF THE VERTICAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK DETERMINES THE

CIRCULARITYOF THIS ANTENNA. THE ORIENTATION OF THE BLOCK FOR RHC - RIGHT
HAND CIRCULARITY - IS SHOWN ON THE DIMENSION SHE ET AND HDWE. DRAWING.

Viewed from the rear of the boom (rearmost Reflector HORIZONTAL), the VERTICAL Driven

Element Block mounts to the RIGHT hand side of the boom with the two Balun connectors
oriented to the FRONT. Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw. Install the Shorting Bars as in step #6.
For Left Hand Circularity, mount the Vertical driven element block to the opposite side of the boom,
balun connectors to front.

10. Thread 3/8” SEAL NUTS fully onto all small connectors, with the black Neoprene side facing out.
Attach Baluns and Phasing lines to the Driven Element Blocks and Junction Block as shown on the
Hdwe. Dwg. Depending on model and polarity, the Vertical balun may loop around another
element. This is normal. Coil rear balun if single loop overhangs rear of boom. Form balun and
phasing line coax close to the boom and secure with nylon cable ties. Ties should be snug but not
crushing or kinking the coax. Tighten the connectors gently using a 7/16" end wrench. Then back
the Seal Nuts out and finger-tighten firmly up against the face of the connectors (or tighten gently
with 1/2” end wrench). A lot of torque is unnecessary.

2MCP14 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

11. Use good quality coax and “N” connector for your feedline. Secure feed coax near connector on
Junction Block, to provide stress relief, route to rear of boom, and secure again. Allow about 60” of
coax to hang in a loop between the rear end of the boom and the reattachment point (at least 12”
beyond element tips) on the mast or crossboom. Do not route feedline to boom to mast plate as
exiting antenna here will adversely affect circular field.

12. The boom to mast plate is normally mounted to the boom at the balance point (with feedline
attached). Use two 1" U-bolts and the stainless nuts and lock washers provided. DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN. 2” U-bolts are provided for mounting the antenna to your NON-CONDUCTIVE 2” mast
or crossboom.

INSTALLATION TIPS

13. The 2M14CP is a circular polarized antenna and creates a field in all planes or polarities.
Performance DETERIORATES SIGNIFICANTLY if it is mounted on a metal (conductive) mast or
crossboom. A 2” mast or crossboom of any NON-CONDUCTIVE material can be used. Fiberglass
is the prime choice for its strength and weather resistance. Mount the 2M14CP so that element tips
are at least 12” from any conductive material (mast, tower, feedline, etc.).

THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.

Carefully manufactured by:

M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.

4402 N. Selland Ave.

Fresno, CA 93722

[phone] Fax: [phone]

www.m2inc.com Email: [e-mail]

2MCP14 DIMENSION SHEET (INCHES)

2MCP14 DIMENSION SHEET (CENTIMETERS)

2MCP14 PARTS & HARDWARE

DESCRIPTION QTY

BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 60” SOE .................. 2

BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 11-1/2” ...................... 1

ELEMENTS, 3/16 ROD X Dimension Sheet ............ 14

DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK ASSEMBLY ................ 2

JUNCTION BLOCK.................................................. 1

BALUN, RG-6 1/2 .................................................. 2

MATCHING / PHASING CABLE, 1/4 .................... 2

BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, .125 X 3 X 4” ................. 1

U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 2" ...................................... 2

U-BOLT, 1”............................................................... 2

ASSEMBLY MANUAL .............................................. 1

IN HARDWARE BAG:

SHORTING BAR ...................................................... 4

BUTTON INSULATORS .......................................... 28

KEEPER, SS............................................................ 28

NUT, 5/16-18 SS ...................................................... 4

LOCKWASHER, 5/16 SS ......................................... 4

NUT, 1/4-20 SS ........................................................ 4

LOCKWASHER, 1/4 SS ........................................... 4

SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4 SS ........................................ 7

LOCKNUT, 8-32 SS ................................................. 4

SET SCREW, 8-32 X 1/4 SS ................................... 8

CABLE TIE, NYLON ............................................... 6

SEAL NUTS ............................................................. 8

ALLEN HEAD WRENCH ......................................... 1

PUSH TUBE, 3/8 X 3” .............................................. 1

M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.

4402 N. Selland Ave.

Fresno, CA 93722

[phone] Fax: [phone]

www.m2inc.com Email: [e-mail]