M2 Antenna Systems 17M5DX Assembly Manual

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M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.

Model No: 17M5DX

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SPECIFICATIONS:

Model ........................................ 17M5DX

Frequency Range ...................... 18.080 To 18.18 MHz

*Gain, (FS) / Over gnd ............... 10.79dBi / 16.3dBi @55’

Front to back .............................. 24 dB Typical

Beamwidth ............................... E=50° / H=64°

Feed type ................................... Hair pin match

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

Maximum VSWR ....................... 1.2:1

Input Connector ......................... SO-239, Others avl.

*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd / FS = Free Space

Power Handling ......................... 3 kW, Higher avl.

Boom Length / Dia ..................... 36’ / 2-1/2” To 2”

Element Length / Dia. ................ 27’ 11” / 1” To 1/2”

Turning Radius: ......................... 24’ 5”

Stacking Distance ...................... 43’ To 54’

Mast Size ................................... 2” to 3 ” Nom.

Wind area / Survival .................. 7.25 Sq. Ft. / 85 MPH

Weight / Ship Wt. ....................... 38 Lbs. / 61 Lbs.

FEATURES:

The 17M5DX is a great performer for its size. It was designed for low wind area but rugged and lightweight and it
will save you a bundle on shipping. IT’S UPSABLE! like all our “DX” series. The computer optimized design allows full
band coverage with good gain and front to back. Performance is excellent on both the CW and phone! Mechanically,
CNC machined aluminum (6061-T6) ring clamps ground the elements to the boom and make assembly a snap. The
central boom sections are 2-1/2” O.D. x .058” wall 6063-T832 aluminum tubing with 2” O.D. tips. An overhead guy
system is supplied. A hairpin type match couples the 3 kW 1: balun to the feed line.
The antenna is completely DC grounded. The 17M5DX is also great for stacking, providing 3 dB increased gain
not to mention the lower angle of radiation. The 17M5DX is a perfect stacking partner for our other “DX series Yagis like
the 20M4DX, 12M4DX, and 10M4DX. Put the 17M5DX to the test in any conditions and see what good design can do for
you!

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

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

©2014 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated

08/9/12
Rev.02

17M5DX ASSEMBLY MANUAL

Note: A small cup of zinc paste (PENETROX, NOALOX, or equivalent) has been provided to enhance
the quality of all the electrical joints in this antenna. Apply a thin coat wherever two pieces of aluminum
come in contact.

1. BOOM LAYOUT
Begin with laying out all five of the boom sections as they would be assembled, in order to familiarize
yourself with the front, middle, and rear portions of the antenna. The front section of the antenna will
be the 2 x 91” boom piece with a 11/32” hole about 60” from the undrilled end. Do not assemble the
boom just yet.

2. REFLECTOR AND DIRECTOR ASSEMBLIES
Mount each of the 1 x 60” element section pairs and 7/8” aluminum inner sleeves onto the 2” (outer
boom sections) and 2-1/2” (middle boom sections) ring clamps as shown on the 17M5 DIMENSION
SHEET for the Reflector and Director Elements. Note that two of the 7/8” x 30” aluminum inner sleeves
are drilled to match the upper holes in the larger 2-1/2” clamps. Secure the Reflector and Director
elements with the 1/4-20 x 1-3/4” bolts and 1/4-20 locknuts. Also add each of the 1/4-20 x 1" bolts and
locknuts to all the ring clamps. Note that there will be about a 1/2” gap between the 1 x 60” sections for
the elements on the 2.5” boom sections.

3. DRIVEN ELEMENT ASSEMBLY
Refer to the 17M5 DIMENSION SHEET for the driven element assembly. Note that the balun mounting
plate and 4 hole 7/8 x 15” fiberglass rod mount to the ring clamp using 1/4-20 x 2” bolts and locknuts.
Clamp the HF balun to the balun plate with the 2-1/2” U-Bolt, saddle, 516” lockwashers and nuts. Do
not overtighten as doing so might crack the balun cover. Slide the POLYETHYLENE RINGS into
place. Now slide on the 1 x 60” element section halves onto the driven element fiberglass rod. Align
holes and insert two 1/4-20 x 2” bolts as shown on the 17M5 DIMENSION SHEET. Place two Clamp
Blocks on both bolts as shown. Place the leads of the Balun on top of the Clamp Blocks and secure
the entire assembly with 1/4-20 locknuts. Tighten loosely for now.

4. BOOM ASSEMBLY AND ELEMENT ATTACHMENT
At this time it may be helpful to use three sawhorses (or the equivalent) to aid in the assembly of the
antenna. Connect the three 2-1/2” boom sections together, and secure the sections with the 1/4-20 x 2

-3/4” hardware. From either end slide the first and second director assemblies to their approximate
position. Now slide the front and rear 2” boom sections into their proper side. Secure with the 1/4-20 x
2-1/4” hardware. From the rear end slide on the driven element first and then the reflector element.
Position the reflector element 1” from the undrilled end. From the front end install the 3rd Director
assembly. Loosely tighten the 1/4-20 x 1” hardware on each of the clamps in order to keep them from
sliding around. Now install the 5/16” x 4” Eyebolts into the front and rear boom sections.

5. HAIRPIN MATCH ASSEMBLY
Assemble the hairpin shorting bar arrangement as shown on the 17M5 DIMENSION SHEET.
Insert a 1/4 - 20 x 2” bolt up through the 2-1/2” band clamp, and place the 3/8 x 1” spacer over the bolt.
Next place the 1/2 x 1/2 x 5” shorting bar on top of the spacer and secure the assembly with a 1/4-20
locknut. Open the band clamp of the assembly all the way and place it onto the boom towards the first
director. Close the clamp, so that the assembly is temporarily secured to the boom.

6. Slide the straight end of the two 3/8 x 24” hairpin tubes into the shorting bar as shown on the
17M5 DIMENSION SHEET. With the supplied 1/8” Allen wrench, insert the two 1/4-20 x 1/4” hex head
set screws into the sides of the shorting bar. Now slide the tubes up towards the driven element and
into the clamp blocks. Flush and align the tubes in the clamp blocks, and tighten the two 1/4-20 lock
nuts. Move the bar to the location shown on the 17M5 DIMENSION SHEET and tighten the set screws
securely. Final tighten the ground hose clamp.