M2 Antenna Systems 432-15WL, Upgrade Manual

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432-15WL UPGRADE MANUAL
New Installation
1. Follow the 432-13WL assembly manual instructions, but do not use BOOM SECTION #7(3/4” X .049 X 27”)
& 3/16” ELEMENT SET. Instead, use BOOM SECTION #7 (3/4” X .049 X 60” SOE), BOOM SECTION #8
(3/4” X .049 X 21”) & 3/16” ELEMENT SET supplied with the 432-15WL upgrade kit. (SEE PICTURE #1 & #2).
2. Trim Driven Element Rod to = 5-3/16” & adjust Shorting Bar dimension. (SEE PICTURE #3).
Existing 432-13WL Upgrade
1. Remove all elements. Note: retainers will no longer be usable. We have supplied new ones in the hardware
upgrade kit. Please save button insulators, these will be re-used.
2. Remove BOOM SECTION #7 (3/4” X .049 X 27”). Replace with new 432-15WL UPGRADE BOOM SEC-
TION #7 (3/4” X .049 X 60” SOE) supplied in 432-15WL upgrade kit.
(SEE PICTURE #1 & #2).
3. Install BOOM SECTION #8 (3/4” X .049 X 21”) supplied in 432-15WL upgrade kit.
(SEE PICTURE #1 & #2).
4. Install new 3/16” element set. (SEE DIMENSION SHEET). We have supplied in upgrade hardware kit, new
retainers & extra buttons.
5. Trim Driven Element Rods to = 5-3/16” & adjust Shorting Bars (SEE PICTURE #3).
3/16” Element Rod Installation Reminders
1. Lay out the elements by length and position as shown the DIMENSION sheet. Start with the reflector ele-
ment and push on a black button insulator to about 1/2” from center. Insert the element through the holes
1/2" from the rear of the boom and install the second button, snugging it up into boom. DO NOT BOTHER
WITH ACCURATELY CENTERING the element at this time and DO NOT INSTALL the stainless steel in-
ternal locking SHAFT RETAINERS yet. This is easier to do after all the elements are installed in the boom.
2. Install the 3/16” DRIVEN ELEMENT as you did the reflector. Then continue with the installation of the DI-
RECTORS. Note that the Director Elements do not consistently diminish in length from rear to front, so pay
close attention to length and position.
3. Now center the elements. Use a tape measure to EQUALIZE the element length on each side of the boom.
Once you have all the elements centered, sight down the element tips from the rear comparing each side.
Look for any obvious discrepancies and correct if found.
4. NOTE: The SHAFT RETAINERS should always be used for permanent and long term antenna installa-
tions. For portable or temporary use, or whenever it is anticipated that the antenna will be disassembled
within a short time, the retainers may be left off. The button insulators, alone, hold the elements quite se-
curely.
The SHAFT RETAINERS are installed on both sides of each element rod, butted on the button insulators.
To start the retainers, use thumb and index finger to hold one over end of the 3/8 x 3” push tube, retainer
dished into tube. Hold the element firmly and start the retainer onto the rod by applying pressure with the
push tube. Push the retainer until up tight against the button insulator (Locking pliers,
lightly clamped up
against opposite button insulator will help maintain center reference and keep you from pushing the first
retainer too far). Repeat for the opposite side. Continue installing retainers until all elements are locked in
place.