Revised 14 June 2003
5
Note:
The feed-point and the next 2 joints out are fastened with 1/4"-20 stainless
bolts. Be sure that the gray, slotted plastic insulator sleeves that go on the
element to either side of the feed point are installed before joining the
element halves.
Note:
Rivet holes are semi-random drilled. At the factory, the joint was correctly
assembled; the first hole was drilled, a rivet installed, then the remaining
holes drilled with the joined pieces unable to move relative to each other.
Then, the one installed rivet was drilled out. This process results in holes
that are as nearly-perfectly aligned as possible. With this process, every
joint in the assembly is unique and must be reassembled with only the two
original pieces. Be certain that joints are aligned with both hand-marked
legends (e.g., A7-A7) lined up. If the holes do not match perfectly or very
nearly so, then something is wrong, and the correct parts must be identified
and used.
Note:
There is an additional, much smaller hole in line with one of the three lines
of rivet holes. It is a drain to keep water from accumulating at the joint.
These drain holes must face downwards when the elements are installed
for use.
Note:
The elements are joined with either stainless bolts or closed-end rivets.
The holes will be identified with red markings near them, on the end of the
larger tubing. These markings will identify the correct fastener to use.
7. Clean, apply silicone grease, match markings and holes, and rivet, as outlined above,
until both sides of each element have been assembled.
Note:
If the antenna is to be painted, this is the time to paint the elements. Be
sure to mask the feed point bolt areas and to slide the element tip pieces
fully inside the next larger element tubing, so that the tip adjustments will
be paint-free. After painting, inspect drain holes to make sure that none of
them is plugged with paint. See APPENDIX F, "PAINTING
INSTRUCTIONS".
8. Fasten the two element halves together, but do not tighten the bolts at this time.
Make sure that the drain holes are all on the same side of the element when element
halves are joined.
