Vectronics VEC-1862 User Manual
VEC-1862 Instruction Manual Six-meter Yagi Antenna
VEC-1862 Instruction Manual
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the VEC-1862 three-element six-meter Yagi. The VEC-1862
is a light-weight directional antenna especially designed for installation with readilyavailable TV-type masts, mounts, and hardware. The driven element employs a "no-tune"
hairpin impedance matching system, and all elements are cut to exact length at the
factory. No adjustment should be needed for coverage of the 50-MHz SSB band (see
page 8 for FM-segment tuning instructions). Because of its compact size, light weight,
and unique construction, the VEC-1862 is also a excellent choice for six-meter portable
or "rover" operation. In weak-signal DX applications, two VEC-1862s may be stacked
for increased capture area and 3-dB additional gain. The VEC-1862 has been computer
modeled on both ELNEC and YA to confirm design integrity, and has been
thoroughly field tested in northern climates for winter survivability.
TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Boom length 6'
Turning Radius 5' 8"
Longest Element 117-1/2"
Weight 2.5 lbs.
Feed Impedance
Resonant Frequency 50.3 MHz
1.5:1 VSWR Bandwidth 1.7 MHz
Forward Gain 6.0 dBd (8.2 dBi)
Front-to-Rear Ratio >18 dB measured
Maximum Power 150 Watts
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Before assembling, please read the following safety notice:
This antenna is an electrical conductor--do not handle or mount near power lines, service
entrances, or other dangerous power sources. Mount out of the reach of adults, children,
and animals. Antenna elements develop lethal voltages and may cause severe RF burns
during transmitter operation. For lightning protection, always ground your supporting
mast to two or more outdoor ground rods. Disconnect the feedline from your radio when
not in use. Do not expose pacemakers or other bio-medical equipment to strong RF
radiation. To avoid personal injury or damage to the antenna, plan all mechanical aspects
of your installation carefully. Avoid handling heavy or unwieldy masts by yourself, and
make sure a second person is available to assist you in an emergency. Never work on a
roof or climb a tower alone!
50Ω
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VEC-1862 Instruction Manual Six-meter Yagi Antenna
VEC-1862 PARTS LIST
To begin, confirm that all necessary parts have been supplied with your antenna package:
(1) - 6' x 1-1/8" OD boom
(2) - 54" x 1/4" OD element section (director)
(2) - 54-1/2" x 1/4" OD element section (driven element)
(2) - 59-1/4" x 1/4" OD element section (reflector)
(1) - 5/16" x 1/4" OD spacer
(1) - hairpin inductor
(2) - "L" bracket
(1) - 1 3/4" x 6-32 screw
(6) - 1/2" x 10-32 screw
(2) - 1/2" x 6-32 screw
(1) - 6-32 Kep-nut
(2) - 6-32 nut
(2) - 6-32 flat washer
(2) - 6-32 lock washer
(4) - Insulated polyethylene element-mounting grommets
(2) - #6 solder lug
(1) - 1 - U-bolt mounting hardware kit (U-bolt, mast clamp, nuts)
(1) - Tube of Locktite
If any parts are damaged or omitted, please contact Vectronics at 601-323-5800 to arrange
for replacement.
TOOLS
You'll need a selection of common household tools to construct your antenna:
Phillips-head screw driver (#2)
•
Straight-blade screw driver
•
Pliers
•
Utility knife or Ex-acto knife with #11 blade
•
Soldering Set-up
•
SUGGESTED ANTENNA MATERIALS
RG8-M Coax (also RG59 if stacking antennas)
•
Sealant (Seal-All ) or equivalent
•
Plastic electrical tape
•
SUGGESTED TEST EQUIPMENT
MFJ-259B RF Analyzer or VSWR bridge
•
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VEC-1862 Instruction Manual Six-meter Yagi Antenna
CONSTRUCTION:
Begin by laying the boom on a flat surface. Find the driven-element holes and the
[ ]
two sets of mast-mount holes (one for vertical and one for horizontal mounting).
The mast-mount holes are toward the reflector end of the antenna. Identify the
director and reflector ends of the boom before starting assembly.
Find two (2) 54" director element sections and identify the tapped end of each. Insert
[ ]
the tapped ends into the 1/4" holes drilled at the director end of the boom. Secure
each in place with 10-32 screws. If you do not anticipate disassembling your beam,
apply a drop of Locktite to each screw. Grip the element section gently with pliers
when tightening.
35-1/4" 35-1/4"
Director Driven Element
107" tip-to-tip 108-1/4" tip-to-tip
Driven Element
Mounting Holes
#10 Screw
Hairpin Inductor
Reflector
117-1/2" tip-to-tip
Mast
Mounting Clamp
Boom
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