M2 Antenna Systems EB-144/RK2M User Manual

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

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

©2018 M2 Antenna Systems Incoporated

4/6/2018

REV 4

Model ........................................ EB-144/RK2M

Frequency Range ....................... 135 To 150 MHz

Gain, Overhead 90° ................... 5.5 dBic Typical

Impedance ................................. 50 OHMS

VSWR ........................................ < 2.0:1

VSWR ........................................ 1.2:1 @ 144 -148 MHz

Pattern. ....................................... Omni Directional

Polarity ....................................... RH Circular Overhead

Polarity ....................................... Horizontal @ Horizon

Power Handling .......................... 500W Max

Mounting .................................... 2” Nom.

Connector................................... SO-239

Size ............................................ 34” H x 28” W

Wind Survival ............................. 100 MPH

Weight / Ship Wt. ....................... 4 Lbs. / 5 Lbs.

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.

Model No: EB-144/RK2M

Eggbeater Satellite Antenna

FEATURES:

The EB-144 EGGBEATER offers exciting new performance characteristics for both fixed and mobile operations.
The EGGBEATER produces smooth omnidirectional HORIZONTAL polarity at the horizon. Above the horizon, the pattern
transforms to RIGHT HAND CIRCULAR, making it a natural for OSCAR satellite use. By spacing the EGGBEATER 1/8
wave above a metal surface or adding the RK-2M Reflector kit, now standard, for base installations, the circular lobe in­creases by 6 dB, producing a hemispherical pattern. No rotation or steering is required. For terrestrial mobile, base, net
control, contest or field day operation, increasing the distance above ground or over a metallic surface improves the hori-

zontal radiation by 6 dB. This produces instantaneous communications in all directions. Hams with little room or budget

for larger antennas will experience a new standard of performance with the EB-144/RK2M.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Peak= 5.62 dBi Total Field

Circular Omni Antenna

Elevaon

Shown with RK-2M

Reflector Kit

EB-144/RK2M ASSEMBLY MANUAL

Caution: The copperweld steel loop elements are packed in a tightly wrapped condition. Use ex­treme care while unpacking the loops. Work in a clear area and be sure no one is standing near
during unpacking.

Tool Required: 5/32 and 3/32” Allen wrench (provided) and 9/16 end
wrench.

1. To facilitate shipping, the loops are bent slightly in the middle. Straighten
these, and any other bends, so the elements form round circles. Thread the
loop elements through the crossed holes in the tip to their midpoints.

NOTE: be sure the loop elements are not shorted together at the crossover

point; the pattern will be distorted.

2. Align the elements carefully with the terminals at the top of the balun
case. Install the set-screws with the 3/32” Allen wrench, if necessary, and
insert the ends of the loop wires into the appropriate terminals. Insert wires
until ends butt against the Delrin collar at the base of the fiberglass rod.
Tighten the 3/32” set-screws. This completes assembly. A 3/8-24 threaded
hole in the bottom of balun case is used for mounting the EB-144.

MOBILE INSTALLATION:

For best TERRESTRIAL results in a horizontally polarized mobile installa-

tion, the Eggbeater should be at least two feet above the top of the vehicle

and preferably higher. To prevent damage to the antenna or mount, a heavy
duty spring should be installed 4” to 26” below the threaded insert on the
balun case. Another mast section can be added below the spring if addition­al height is desired. To enhance the overhead circular pattern for SATEL-
LITE COMMUNICATIONS, mount the EB-144 at 1/8 wave above the auto
roof - or about 10".

FIXED LOCATION INSTALLATION:

For best TERRESTRIAL results, no reflector is required. Mount the EB-144 as high as possible and preferably on top of a
mast. Side mounts on horizontal arms next to masts or towers can also be achieved with the revised “L” bracket. The U-bolts
fit the “L” bracket both ways.

For mostly SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS use, add the RK-2M REFLECTOR KIT as shown above. Alternately, mounting

the EB-144 10” above a large metal surface or mesh 40” x40” or larger, laid on your flat patio roof will produce excellent re­sults. Mounting above a flat reflective surface or using the REFLECTOR KIT will reduce your terrestrial performance by
about 6 dB and increase your overhead signal by about the same amount. The Eggbeater produces an omnidirectional, hori­zontally polarized pattern at the horizon and RIGHT HAND CIRCULAR off the top so no particular orientation is necessary.
The feedline should be routed down the rear of the mast to minimize wind load in mobile applications.

GENERAL INFORMATION

No grounding or ground plane is required for operation of the Eggbeater. However if lightning is
Feedline should be good quality 50 ohm coax cable. Times LMR-400 or Belden 9913F are excellent low-loss foam cables
and RG-8X is also good for mobile or short run installations. Connect the PL-259 to the EB-144 connector and secure the
cable to the mast with tape or nylon ties, beginning 2-4inches below the connector and repeating every 12” down the mast.
For mobile installations, be sure to leave a little slack where the cable passes the spring.