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FINAL TUNING

Start by making sure the distance from the loop end to the center of the boom on one side 
is the same as the distance on the other side.  These distances must be the same.  If you move
one, you must move the other.  The antenna will not tune correctly if these are not the same. 
The antenna must be at least 10 feet off the ground for initial tuning.  Mount the antenna on a 
temporary mast or other support when checking the SWR

Check the antenna using a SWR analyzer or radio with a good quality wattmeter that
indicates SWR.  The antenna should have a SWR dip at or around 50.125 MHz . If you
do not see a dip at all, check all your connections and try again.  If the dip is too low in
frequency, then the loop ends should be moved in toward the boom.  Remember to move
both sides the same amount.  Move them a small amount each time and recheck the SWR.
The dip point should move up as you move the loop ends in toward the boom.  Continue 
this adjustment until the frequency you desire has the lowest SWR.   If the frequency is too
high then move the loop ends out away from the boom in the same manner.  Do not tighten
the loop clamps each time you adjust the distance.   The loop ends should have enough 
friction to remain where they are without the clamps.  When your happy with where the 
antenna is tuned, then tighten the clamps.  

SAME

SAME

Your antenna is now ready for mounting.  This antenna is large and too much for one
person to handle.  Make sure before you start that you have everything you need and
a friend to help with the installation.  Do not attempt to install the antenna alone.  Do 
not install the antenna in a location where it can come into contact with electrical lines
or any location it could possibly fall into electrical lines.  

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Summary of Contents for LFA-6M4EL

Page 1: ...rating Equipment 308 Industrial Park Road Starkville MS 39759 USA Tel 662 323 9538 Fax 662 323 6551 VERSION 1A LFA 6M4EL 6 Meter 4 Element Loop Feed Antenna INSTRUCTION MANUAL Cushcraft Amateur Radio Antennas Cushcraft Amateur Radio Antennas ...

Page 2: ...IN SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY The LFA Loop Fed Array Low Noise Yagi is very different from the traditional dipole fed Yagi in many ways with its primary benefit being unwanted noise rejection The LFA has a rectangular shaped full wave loop driven element that is laid flat on the boom between and in line with the parasitic elements Then there is the way in which the loop functions The smaller end sect...

Page 3: ...nto the boom to mast bracket until they meet at the center Tighten the bolts Install the U bolts using the 5 16 nuts 555747 385142 1 385144 1 562961 554099 and the 5 16 split washers 564792 555747 564792 540067 Long tube 85 inch Short tube 75 inch Front of antenna You may place the boom on a temporary mast or support it from each end This will make assembly and measurements easier Find a location ...

Page 4: ... boom and work forward The measurements are given in total inches from the rear of the boom If you need the distance from each element to the next you may subtract the bracket measurements to obtain this value Total distance is given for better accuracy in element placement Distance between elements measurements will cause cumulative errors as each element is placed 1 4 20 x 3 4 10 24 x 1 4 20 x 3...

Page 5: ...om the center of the boom to the outer edge of the loop end Slide a 4 hose clamp over the loop ends before installing Verify the measurements and tighten the clamps on the reflector and directors Leave the clamps on the loop end loose The loop end needs to move for final tuning of the antenna Install the 7 16 tube caps on the ends of the elements Loop End Don t tighten loop clamps until final tuni...

Page 6: ...h the 1 bracket Seal the Coax where the conductors split using an appropriate sealant Water should never be allowed to enter the coax conductor Use of a balun is recommended An example of a coaxial balun is shown below You may use this method or any commercial version you wish Placement of the balun does not have to be at the mast It is better to have it close to the feed point RF Choke 12 turns o...

Page 7: ...h sides the same amount Move them a small amount each time and recheck the SWR The dip point should move up as you move the loop ends in toward the boom Continue this adjustment until the frequency you desire has the lowest SWR If the frequency is too high then move the loop ends out away from the boom in the same manner Do not tighten the loop clamps each time you adjust the distance The loop end...

Page 8: ...NOTES 8 ...

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Page 11: ...961 1 4 LOCK WASHER 44 171329 5 8 CLAMP 2 170413 1 1 4 X 058 X 75 1 170415 1 1 4 X 058 X 85 1 455630 1 1 4 TUBE CAP 2 475639 7 16 tube cap 6 174869 6 mtr loop end 2 190002 5 8 x 7 5 tube 10 461057 5 8 insulator 2 504069 10 24 x 1 bolt 2 554071 10 24 nut 4 565697 10 lockwasher 4 745 3104S 4 hose clamp 14 385142 1 boom to mast 1 385144 1 backup plate 1 540067 u bolt 2 564792 5 16 split washer 4 5557...

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