22XB
1
WARNING
THIS ANTENNA IS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR. CONTACT WITH POWER LINES CAN RESULT IN DEATH, OR SERIOUS INJURY.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS ANTENNA WHERE THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT WITH OR HIGH VOLTAGE ARC-OVER FROM
POWER CABLES OR SERVICE DROPS TO BUILDINGS. THE ANTENNA, SUPPORTING MAST AND/OR TOWER MUST NOT BE CLOSE
TO ANY POWER LINES DURING INSTALLATION, REMOVAL OR IN THE EVENT PART OF THE SYSTEM SHOULD ACCIDENTALLY
FALL. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION AND LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED PAMPHLET.
Your Cushcraft 22XB Boomer antenna is designed and manufactured to give trouble free service. This antenna will perform as specified if the
instructions and suggestions in this manual are followed and care is used in the assembly and installation. When checking the components received
in your antenna package use the parts listed beside each diagram. There is a master parts list on page 2. If you are unable to locate any tube or
component, check the inside of all tubing.
IMPORTANT: Save the weight label from the outside of the carton. Each antenna is weighed at the factory
to verify the parts count. If you claim a missing part, you will be asked for the weight verification label.
PLANNING
Plan your installation carefully. If you use volunteer helpers be sure that they are qualified to assist you. Make certain that everyone involved
understands that you are the boss and that they must follow your instructions. If you have any doubts at all, employ a professional antenna
installation company to install your antenna.
LOCATION
Location of the antenna is very important. Surrounding objects such as trees, power lines, other antennas, etc. will seriously reduce efficiency. To
minimize the effects of surrounding objects, mount the antenna as high and in the clear as possible. If metal guy wires are used, they should be
broken with strain insulators. EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE 22XB IS IN
OPERATION NEITHER PEOPLE OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF YOUR ANTENNA. DEADLY VOLTAGES AND
CURRENTS MAY EXIST. ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF FIELDS ARE NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD, LONG TERM
EXPOSURE TO INTENSE RF FIELDS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. THERE IS A WARNING STICKER WHICH MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE
BOOM AS SHOWN IN FIGURE G.
MOUNTING
The mast mount bracket will accommodate up to 2" (5.1 cm) mast. A 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) or larger heavy wall mast should be used. A good heavy duty
antenna rotator will provide the best service and longest life.
Mount your 22XB as high as possible with the boom-to-mast plate mounted as shown in figure G. The mast should be at a 45 degree angle to both
element planes.
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna, mast and tower is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes and static buildup, and from high
voltage which is present in the radio equipment connected to the antenna. A good electrical connection should be made to one or more ground rods
(or other extensive ground system) directly at the base of the tower or mast, using at least #10AWG ground wire and non-corrosive hardware. For
details and safety standards, consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrester. Cushcraft offers several different
models, such as LAC-1, LAC-2 and the LAC-4 series
.
ASSEMBLY
Assemble your antenna by following the directions and illustrations in steps 1 through 5. After the antenna is completely assembled, verify
dimensions and element spacings for accuracy. Then, return to the section below for final tuning.
TUNING PROCEDURE
The 22XB does not normally require tuning after assembly. However, if you wish to check the VSWR before installation, please observe the
following procedures. To prevent detuning the antenna, it should be tuned in place or at least 7 feet (2.13 meters) above ground and clear of
surrounding objects. Keep all metal obstructions such as guy wires and other antennas at least 10 feet (3.05 m) away since they will nullify any
adjustment and degraded performance will result.
Run the coax cable from your transmitter to the area in which the antenna is going to be tested. The length of this cable or your feedline is not critical.
Connect a good quality VSWR bridge to the end of this cable. Connect a short length of cable [10 ft. (305 cm) or less] from the VSWR bridge to the
antenna. Set the transmitter to your center operating frequency. When you read VSWR, be sure you move far enough away from the antenna so that
your body does not effect the reading.
Measure the VSWR. If it is high, move both T-Match straps on both driven elements (125) by 1/4" (.6 cm) either inward or outward and check the
VSWR. Both T-match straps on each driven element should be the same distance from the center of the driven element. If the VSWR improved,
then continue moving the T-Match straps in the same direction. If the VSWR deteriorated then move the T-Match straps in the opposite direction.
Repeat this procedure until no further improvement can be made. You have matched your antenna. Then tighten all connections on the T-Match
driven element assembly. Tape the feedline to the boom and mast.
