Tools Required; Assembly Instructions - M2 Antenna Systems 222XP30 Assembly Manual

222XP30 ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Tools required: slot screwdriver, 11/32", 7/16", and 1/2" end wrenches and / or sockets.
1. Start by laying out the boom sections using the DIMENSION sheet as a guide. Use the appropriate
8-32 screws and locknuts as shown to join the sections. To make the assembly easier, support the
completed boom about waist high on bucks, tables, etc. Or even better, drive a 1-1/2" to 2" pipe
into the ground and temporarily attach boom using the boom to mast plate and U-bolts at the
balance point shown on the DIMENSION SHEET.
2. Lay out the 3/16" elements by length and position as shown the DIMENSION sheet. Start with the
REFLECTOR (25.875") element. Balance across finger to find center and push on a black button
insulator to about 1/2" from center. Push the element through the holes 1/2" from the rear of the
boom and install the second button, snugging it up into boom. DO NOT BOTHER WITH
ACCURATELY CENTERING the element at this time and DO NOT INSTALL the stainless steel
internal locking "KEEPERS" yet. This is easier to do after all the elements are installed in the
boom.
3. Install the 25" DRIVEN ELEMENT as you did the reflector. Then continue with the installation of
the DIRECTORS. Note that the Director Elements do not consistently diminish in length from rear
to front, so pay close attention to length and position.
4. Now begin centering the elements. Use a tape measure to EQUALIZE the amount the element
sticking out on each side of the boom. Once you have all the elements centered, sight down the
element tips from the rear comparing each side. Look for any obvious discrepancies and correct if
found.
5. Begin installing the stainless "keepers." Use thumb and index finger to hold a keeper over end of
the 3/8 x 3" push tube (keeper dished into tube). Hold the element firmly and start the keeper onto
the rod by applying pressure with the push tube. Push the keeper until up tight against the button
insulator (Locking pliers, lightly clamped up against opposite button insulator will help maintain
center reference and keep you from pushing the first keeper too far). Repeat for the opposite side.
Continue installing keepers until all elements are locked in place.
6. Now loosen the 1-1/2" U-Bolts on the boom to mast plate and rotate the boom 90 degrees and
repeat steps 2 through 5 for the VERTICAL set of elements.
7. Mount the DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK ASSEMBLIES to the boom using 8-32 X 1-1/4" screws.
Orient the block with the 'N'-connector facing towards the rear of the antenna and balun 'F'-
connectors facing towards the front.
8. For the two DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK ASSEMBLIES, install a 3/8" SEAL NUT all the way onto
BOTH 'F'-connectors, with the black Neoprene seal facing out. Attach the balun to one of the 'F'-
connectors on the block, make two loops, and connect the other side to the other 'F'-connector.
The extra loop prevents the either balun from touching the first directors.
connectors gently using a 7/16" end wrench. Once the connectors are tight, back the Seal Nuts
out and finger-tighten firmly up against the face of the connectors (or tighten very gently with 1/2"
end wrench). Secure the balun close to the boom with a nylon cable tie in such a way so that it's
snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
9. Install the 8-32 x 1/4" set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the two SHORTING
BARS. Slide the bars onto the 3/16" rod driven element tips and then onto the Driven Element
Block Rods. Position the Shorting Bars as specified on the DIMENSION SHEET: the distance
given is between the outer edge of the Driven Element Block and the inner edge of the Shorting
Bar. Align the bars and rods with each other and tighten the setscrews.
Now tighten the