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MFJ-1798 Vertical Antenna
Instructions
smooth, wide, heavy conductors. This includes connecting the power line grounding rod to the
feedlines ground.
Never use woven flexible braiding for ground connections unless absolutely necessary. Braiding
has very high resistance to both RF and lightning. Copper flashing, wide copper foil, or large
gauge solid copper wires are the proper materials for use in RF and lightning grounding
applications.
The use of an in-line coaxial lightning arrestor will only offer a minimal improvement in
lightning protection. The best method of protecting the station equipment is to disconnect the
feedline outside the building or, at the minimum, use a safety switch to disconnect and ground
the feedline.
MAINTENANCE
Your antenna is constructed of heavy duty non corrosive materials and should withstand normal
climates for many years. The use of some type of coaxial connector moisture protection is
recommended at the bottom coax connection and also around the matching network feed point,
especially in coastal areas where salty mist is commonplace.
GE makes a pure silicone grease called "SILICONE DIELECTRIC COMPOUND" that can be
applied SPARINGLY to the threaded area of the female connector. This compound, or even a
clear silicone heat sink compound, will prevent moisture from entering the connector through the
threads and protect the connectors from corrosion. THIS IS THE SAME TYPE OF SEALER
THAT COMMERCIAL ANTENNA INSTALLERS AND CATV COMPANIES USE WITH
GREAT SUCCESS.
A less desirable but adequate sealer is the automobile seam sealer commonly sold as "coax seal".
This is a pliable black sealing compound.
When installing any coax sealer, NEVER completely cover the barrel of the coax connector. The
sealer should ONLY be placed near the junction of the threaded part of the chassis connector and
the knurled area of the male connector. This will leave the bottom of the male connector's outer
sleeve open and permit the connector to "breathe" so it does NOT collect moisture!
IMPORTANT FOR COASTAL AREA OPERATORS: It is advisable to use some type of
silicon spray (circuit board type from Radio Shack) on the capacitor rings to prevent corrosion
between the aluminum and the stainless steel screws. Corrosion on the capacitor rings tend to
make it difficult to remove the spokes to retune the antenna.
TOOLS AND TIME REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
The estimated assembly time for this antenna is four to six hours. An additional one to two hours
is required to adjust the antenna on all the bands. The most convenient place to adjust this
antenna is on a ground mounted temporary mast or support.
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