Hy-Gain THUNDERBIRD TH6-DX, Instruction Manual

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Page 13
2-10 (Continued)
Attach the center conductor from the RF choke and a pigtail lead (wire with
solder lug at each end) to one tubing clamp and the RF choke braid and the other
pigtail lead to the opposite tubing clamp as shown in Figure 8, Detail 1. Connect
the loose end of each pigtail lead to the Beta tube using a #10 sheet metal
screw and lockwasher. Weatherproof the coax: connection using Pli-O-Bond,
Neoprene or some similar substance. Also weatherproof the coaxial cable
where the braid leaves the outer insulator to prevent water from entering the
coax and ruining the first few feet of cable.
Tape the RF choke and feedline securely to the boom using waterproof
tape. Later, when the antenna is mounted on the mast also tape the choke
securely to the mast.
2-11 ASSEMBLY OF THE BOOM SUPPORT CABLE
Select the 2" ID boom support clamps (2 piece) and LOOSELY assemble
on the boom approximately 94" from the boom-to-mast clamp as shown
in Figure 9. Attach the boom support cable to the clamps using the thimbles
and cable clips provided. Refer to Figure 9. Attach the turnbuckles to the
opposite end of the cable as shown in the illustrations.
Now tape the cables near the boom-to-mast bracket so they will be handy
later when the antenna has been mounted on the mast. Make certain the
cable is above the elements.
Mount the antenna on your mast using one of the methods suggested in
the beginning of this section. Allow approximately 36" of the mast to extend
above the boom-to-mast bracket for attaching the boom-support cable. You will
note that the boom-to-mast bracket has a 5/16" hole drilled in it for pinning
to the mast. Once the antenna has been mounted and the boom support cables
have been tightened to take all the sag out of the boom, drill a hole through the
mast corresponding to the hole in the bracket. Then pin the bracket to the
mast using the 5/16-18 x 3" bolt provided.
Assemble the 1 5/8" boom support clamp (2 piece) on the mast as shown in
Figure 9. Extend the turnbuckle to its full length then attach to the clamp and
tighten the clamp SECURELY. Tighten each turnbuckle until the boom lies in a
level plane with no sag. Now pin the boom-to-mast bracket to the mast in the
manner suggested above.