Cushcraft MA6B Six-Band MiniBeam
Parts Inventory:
As you unpack, identify and check off each item against the Master
Parts List on the next page. This important step will familiarize you with the various parts
and confirm that you have everything needed to complete construction. If any element
tubes appear to be missing, check inside other larger tubes. Marking each tube as you
inventory—it will speed assembly later, as will sorting the hardware.
Save the weight
label attached to the carton.
If you claim a missing part, the label has information you'll
need to provide!
Planning:
Plan assembly carefully – the work area must be large enough to handle the
10-foot boom and elements up to 18-feet long. Also, the antenna will need to be
supported off the ground when installing the capacitive-hat rods (sawhorses work well).
Trap vents will be exposed the weather during assembly, so cover them if it rains.
Finally, proceed methodically, allow plenty of time,
and always have one or more helpers
available to assist with the final installation!
Important Warning: Never attempt to install the MA6B by yourself!
Antenna Location:
To realize the best on-air performance, mount the MA6B as high
and in the clear as safety permits -- and remove all vegetation and tree branches from
the area. If you guy the support mast near the antenna, be sure to use Phillystran cord
or an equivalent non-conductor to prevent detuning. Finally, never install where the
antenna could fall and hit power lines, where people or animals could accidentally come
into physical contact with the elements, or where humans could be exposed to high-
intensity RF-fields. See the ARRL Handbook or FCC website for detailed RF exposure
information and guidelines.
Important Safety Warnings: Never assemble or install this antenna where it could
contact power lines or residential entrance cables -- you could be killed! Also,
when the MA6B is energized with RF, touching the elements could cause painful
injury from RF burns – even at low power levels. Finally, never install where
humans could become chronically exposed to high-intensity RF fields.
Mast:
The MA6B mounting bracket accepts masts up to 2 inches in diameter. For safety
reasons, the minimum diameter should be at least 1-1/2 inches with 1/8-inch wall
thickness. If thick-wall tubing is unavailable, use two 1/16-inch-wall tubes telescoped
together. Note that the structure supporting your mast must be able to support the 33-
pound antenna
plus
the added weight of your mast and rotor.
Safely Ground:
All towers and masts require a safety ground to help protect against
lightning strikes and static build up. Where possible, drive one or more ground rods
directly underneath the antenna and use solid 10-gauge wire secured with non-corrosive
hardware for all connections. Note that the MA6B driven elements are balanced and
have no direct dc path to ground, so installing a coaxial lightning arrestor is also a good
idea. Of course, the best protection of all is to disconnect all feedlines
outside of the
building
any time the station is not in use or at the first sign of threatening weather!
