M2 Antenna Systems 17M5DX Assembly Manual Download

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7. Now adjust the ELEMENT SPACINGS exactly, following the 17M5 DIMENSION SHEET. Since the
REFLECTOR Element is fixed at 1”, use it as the primary measurement reference. Dimensions given
are “center to center” but can also be used "edge to edge" with a tape measure. Position the DRIVEN
element as shown on the 17M5 DIMENSION SHEET, at 56” in front of the the REFLECTOR
ELEMENT, align it with the REFLECTOR element and tighten the 1/4-20 x 1”bolt. Position the 1st
DIRECTOR at 41-3/8” from the DRIVEN ELEMENT, 2nd DIRECTOR at 164-5/8" from the 1st, and 3rd
DIRECTOR at 167-3/8" from the 2nd. After setting the spacing, make sure the elements aren’t crooked
and align all elements with one another and tighten the 1/4-20 x 1” bolts.

8. 3/4 AND 1/2” ELEMENT TIP ASSEMBLIES
Install each of the 3/4” element sections into each of the 1” pieces already on the boom. Secure with 8-
32 x 1-1/4” hardware. Next, pair up the 1/2” tip sections by length. Install each pair into their
appropriate locations and secure with 8-32 x 1” screws and locknuts. REFER TO THE DIMENSION
SHEET TO GET THE TIP SECTIONS IN THE CORRECT LOCATIONS.

9. BOOM TO MAST PLATE ATTACHMENT
Pick up the boom and mark the balance point. Center the BOOM TO MAST PLATE here and secure
with a single set of 2-1/2” U-bolts holding the boom. 2” U-bolts are also supplied to mount the antenna
to the mast.

10. OVERHEAD GUY SYSTEM
To prepare the overhead guy system, begin by

temporarily

installing a 2” U-bolt through the

TURNBUCKLE PLATE and into the top set of 2” U-bolt holes on the boom to mast plate. Add a couple
of 5/16” nuts to hold in place. Unscrew turnbuckle eyes / hooks until only a thread or two shows inside
the turnbuckle body and hook to turnbuckle plate. Uncoil DACRON ROPE. Route one end to rear
eyebolt and one to front. Do not cut yet. About 18” of rope is available for securing to eyebolt. Start by
taking two turns through the eyebolt. Then add three TIGHT half-hitches. Pull hard on long piece of
rope to set the knots. Repeat for the other eyebolt. Seal rope ends with heat (lighter, propane torch,
etc). Tape or tie rope ends to main length.

Equalize rope length at turnbuckle plate and cut. Put two turns trough rear turnbuckle eye, pull slack out
of rope, and add three TIGHT half-hitches as in step

Repeat for front rope section. Seal and tape rope ends.

Both ropes should now be fairly taut and parallel with boom. Disconnect the 2” U-bolt securing the
turnbuckle plate and lift the turnbuckle plate up until the boom bows up slightly. This is approximately
how high the plate will need to be mounted on the mast when the antenna is installed.

During final installation on the tower / mast, secure the turnbuckle plate at the appropriate height with
the 2” U-bolt. Then lean or pull on the ropes to increase the tension and help the knots take their final
“set.” Make sure the knots are not slipping. When the guy system has taken a “set”, loosen the 2” U-
bolt and adjust turnbuckle plate height until boom is straight and level. Finer adjustments can be made
with the turnbuckles, if necessary.