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Mating the Vertical Sections to the Tilt Base
CAUTION: Attempting final assembly without proper precautions can be dangerous.
You should have someone help you steady the vertical antenna sections during
mating with the base section. Do not attempt to raise or lower the antenna if there
are strong wind gusts, local thunder (lightning) or if there are nearby electrical
wires that may come in contact with the antenna.
Note: A pair of sawhorses or ladders should be used to support the vertical sections
during assembly with the Tilt Base and whenever the vertical is tilted down. Do not
allow the tilt-base to support the entire weight of the vertical when horizontal.
When the upper element sections are assembled together install the black vinyl cap in place at the
top of the smallest element section.
Mate the vertical sections to the base tube section by sliding the bottom 2-1/8" OD element of the
vertical over the 2" OD base section element (which was previously mounted to the insulated
channel). See
Figure 11
. The two sections will have a snug fit, so use a small amount of Penetrox A
on the bottom section to make the fit easier. Slide the band clamp down to the edge of the bottom
section, between the slits, and tighten.
Raising the Vertical
DANGER
: Make sure you have not inadvertently located the
antenna underneath power lines.
Residential power lines are often less than 40' high.
Contact With Any Power or Utility Lines Can Be Lethal !
The tilt base certainly makes it easier however, this antenna can be challenging to put up the first
time or with gusty winds.
While raising the antenna, keep a constant pulling pressure away
from the Tilt Base. This will ensure that the pivot point bolt will
not jump out of the pivot slot and cause the tilt mechanism to
bind up and bend the bolts.
Starting from the top of the antenna, walk it up slowly using an
overhead hand-over-hand motion, maintaining a slow and steady
pace.
The antenna mounting channel must be kept in parallel alignment with the tilt-base plate to prevent
binding until it is positioned in the tilt-base. Once the antenna is vertical, lift and slide the antenna
to the left toward the tilt-base mounting pipe to allow the two parts of the tilt-base to line up and
drop down into the slots. Lightly tighten the top flange nuts on the tilt-base to hold the antenna.
