This manual describes the electrical and mechanical properties of the V147-CL2 antenna.
It also provides the information necessary to install, operate and maintain the antenna
system.
1.2Technical Reference Data
Table 1.1 - Electrical properties of the V147-CL2 Antenna
Electrical Properties
V147-CL2
Frequency Range
Resonant Frequency
Power Rating
Dry Withstanding Voltage
Electrical Length
100 kHz to 30 MHz (with capacity of the antenna
tuner)
100 kHz to 5000 kHz (as specified by customer)
1 kW PEP
25 kV
Varies with Loading Coil Section
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V147-CL2
Table 1.2 - Mechanical properties of the V147-CL2 Antenna
Mechanical Properties
th
Section Length
3
Loading Coil (2nd) Section Length
Bottom Section Length
Typical Assembly Length
(including Valcosphere)
Weight
Material
Finish
Mounting Position
Base Diameter
Mounting Hole Diameter
Mounting Holes Dimensions
13.0 feet (3.9 meter)
18.5 feet (5.6 meter)
17.5 feet (5.3 meter)
49 feet (14.9 meter)
Approximately 400 lbs (181 kg)
Copper wire and strips embedded in the fiberglass and
thermo-setting epoxy resin composite
Epoxy polyamide paint
Vertical
17.5 inches (44.45 cm)
0.718 inches (1.82 cm)
12 places equally spaced on a 14.625 inch (37.15 cm)
diameter bolt circle
Operating Temperature
Wind Loading Test
Abrasion Resistance
Water Absorption
Optional Accessories
-76°F to +140°F (-50°C to +65°C)
Up to 150 mph (240 km/hr) relative
Very Good
After 24 hours immersed: 0.2%
After 48 hours immersed: 0.6%
After 168 hours immersed: 2.0%
Top-Hat Whiskers
Side-feed or Feed-through base
VHB-17 Steel Hinge Plate or VTGS-20BH Steel
Tower
VGP-17 Gin Pole
VGS-36100 Ground Screen
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2.0 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
2.1General
The V147-CL2 is intended to be used as part of an overall communication system which
consists of a transmitter (or receiver or transceiver), an antenna coupler and the antenna.
It is used around the world in many applications with requirements in the 100 kHz to
5000 kHz bands for marine and aeronautical radio beacon and, with Top-Hat radials, as a
Traveler Information Service (TIS) communication systems.
2.2Electrical Description
The Valcom, Model V147-CL2 is a field proven, coil loaded, 49-foot antenna. The
second section is inductively loaded to a resonant frequency slightly higher than the
operating frequency specified by the customer.
2.3Mechanical Description
Third Section. This is a hollow tapered cylinder made of circumferentially and
longitudinally wound fibreglass filaments using a thermosetting epoxy resin matrix.
Embedded in the composite are multiple beryllium copper strips laid in a single-turn
spiral and secured at the top end to a threaded female ferrule into which the Valcosphere
is secured. Depending on the options chosen, there may be up to eight whiskers that
thread into the Valcosphere ferrule to form the Top-Hat structure. The surface of the
section is smoothed, primed and painted with a polyamide epoxy surface coating.
V147-CL2
Coil Loaded Section (Second Section) The coil loaded section is constructed in the
same manner as the Third section. The coil is wound using enamel copper wire and is
also embedded in the fiberglass. The ends of the coil are braised to the respective
ferrules.
Bottom Section. The construction and finish are the same as for the other sections
except that the diameter expands out to meet the mounting base. The ferrule is threaded
to fit into the bottom of the Coil Loaded section. Multiple parallel conductors are
connected to the ferrule at the top and to a conducting ring near the bottom. The feed
terminal extends from the bottom ring to the surface of the antenna approximately 18.0
inches from the bottom of the base flange. The base can withstand a flash-over voltage of
25 kV.
NOTE:The sections of the antenna cannot be interchanged with other antennas
due to the unique locations of the locking screw holes.
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3.1Scheduled Maintenance
The antenna is virtually maintenance free. The external finish is an epoxy polyamide two
part compound paint. The minimum finish life before showing signs of deterioration
should be at least six years under normal climate condition.
When used in salt-water environments, it is recommended to wash the antenna base with
fresh water to remove any build-up of dried salt residue. This should be performed on a
monthly basis or after pr olo nged exposure to sea-spray.
Use a small wire brush to clear any debris from the drain groove found in the bottom of
the antenna base.
3.2Corrective Maintenance
Generally, no corrective maintenance is possible or required. If one section is severely
damaged, it must be replaced by a new section. Workshops having experience in
handling epoxy fibreglass composite structures may attempt the repair of minor surface
damage if practicable.
V147-CL2
3.0 MAINTENANCE
NOTE
DO NOT USE LEAD BASE PAINT TO TOUCH-UP OR
REPAINT THE ANTENNA. USE ONLY EPOXY BASE PAINT.
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4.1Unpacking
Open the shipping crates and remove the antenna sections. Remove all packing material
including the male ferrule protectors on the antenna sections. The V147-CL2 antenna as
shipped consists of the items listed in Table 5.1. Check that all of the items are present
and in good condition.
4.2New Site Preparation
(1)Check to see that the underside of the steel base plate at the site is free of cables
and other obstructions.
(2)Excavate and pour a concrete pad to where the antenna is to be installed
(recommended foundation details can be found at the end of this manual).
(3)Install Ground Screen (recommended ground screen can be found at the end of
this manual).
V147-CL2
4.0 INSTALLATION
4.3Assembly and Installation of Antenna on the site
The following steps should be followed to assemble the V147-CL2 antenna (see Figure
4.1).
(1)Remove retainer pin on the hinge plate and open top plate to 90<, mount the
bottom plate of the hinge plate on the anchor bolts. Secure with hardware (flat
washer, lockwasher, and nut) on each bolt.
(2)Obtain four to six saw horses or other supports that will hold the complete
antenna horizontally at a convenient working height and place them in the
assembly area. The assembly area must be a cleared working space approximately
55 feet long and 20 feet wide.
(3)Support the base section (item 1, Table 5.1) on two of the saw horses.
(4)Align mounting holes in the plate with holes of the antenna flange and gin pole
adapter, secure base section to the plate with hardware, fed through from
underside.
(5)Tie a rope (1/2" diameter polypropylene) to the eye of the gin pole, then slide the
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V147-CL2
gin pole into the pipe attachment and secure.
(6)Support the second section (item 2, Table 5.1) on two other saw horses so that the
two sections lie in the same straight line.
(7)Make sure the threads of the male ferrule on the base section are clear of foreign
material and free of burrs.
(8)Assemble the second antenna section onto the base section and tighten to align the
arrows at the joint using the strap wrench supplied (item 6, Table 5.1). Install the
setscrews and seal with the sealant provided (items 7 and 8, Table 5.1).
(9)Assemble the third section (item 3, Table 5.1) to the second section by repeating
steps 6 to 8.
(10)After all sections are assembled, assemble the Valcosphere (item 4, Table 5.1) to
the top of the third section. Install the setscrews provided (item 8, Table 5.1).
(11)If the antenna was ordered with a Top-Hat, install and tighten the 8 Whiskers
(item 5, Table 5.1) into the threaded holes found below the Valcosphere.
(12)The antenna now is ready to raise to its final position.
(13)Tie the rope (from gin pole eye) to a point about halfway up the second section
(see Figure 4.1). A timber hitch knot is recommended.
(14)Erect antenna by applying a gradual and constant pull on the rope referred to as
the “Pulling Force” (a winch or vehicle is recommended).
(15)Once the antenna is in the vertical position, insert retainer pin back into hinge
plate, secure with tension pin. Use bolts (supplied) to secure upper and lower
plates of the hinge plate together.
(16)Remove the gin pole. Electrical connections can now be made.
4.4Electrical Installation
Very carefully secure the lead from the transmitter, transceiver or coupler to the antenna
feedpoint. Depending on the options chosen during purchase, the feedpoint may be an
acorn screw and lock-washer located approximately 18 inches up from the base or it may
be a threaded post out the bottom of the antenna.
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V147-CL2
Figure 4.1
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5.1 General
A list of parts shipped with the V147-CL2 antenna appears in Table 5.1.
V147-CL2
5.0 PARTS LIST
Table 5.1 - List of Parts for the V147-CL2 Antenna
Item
Part NumberDescriptionQtyNotes
No.
1VD-00-00264Base Section1
2VD-00-00265Section 2 (Coil Loaded)1
3VD-00-00266Section 3 (Strap Only)1
4VD-77-00132Valcosphere1
5VC-84-00024Top-Hat Whiskers8Optional
6Strap Wrench1 ea
7Silicone Sealant1
8Hardware Package (Lockwasher, Hex-
socket setscrews)
1 set
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V147-CL2
6.0 QUICK REFERENCE DATA
6.1General
Quick reference engineering data for use during planning and installation activities for the
V147-CL2 antenna is presented on the following page.
CQuick Reference Data - V147-CL2 Antenna
CFoundation Details For VHB-17 Hinge Plate or VTGS-20BH Steel Tower
CQuick Reference Data - VHB-17 Hinge Plate
CQuick Reference Data - VTGS-20BH Steel Tower