3
Installing the Radiators
2
Installing the Radiators
Before Beginning
Radiator Installation:
Important!
Feedstrap orientation is critical to performance. In general, the feed-
straps in a full-wave-spaced antenna will all be oriented the same, while
those in a half-wave-spaced antenna will alternate.
Install each radiator
in accordance with its stenciled bay numbers and its "up-arrow" sticker.
Also, be very careful not to disturb or damage the feed strap when han-
dling the radiator.
CAUTION
Radiators and feedline sections are stenciled with their respective bay
numbers (bay #1 is the topmost bay). Assemble components in accor-
dance with their match-markings. If you don’t, the antenna may not per-
form as expected.
CAUTION
All contact surfaces and openings to the interior of the components are
protected from contamination and from physical damage by caps and
plastic bags. Do not remove this protection until ready to connect the
components.
CAUTION
Do not use silicone grease on an O-ring, as this will soften the silicone
O-ring.
Use only a light lubricating coat of petroleum jelly (provided); too much
may hamper electrical contact and contaminate the interior of the sys-
tem.
Be sure the O-ring is properly seated in its groove and not pinched
between the flange contact surfaces.
Installation Procedure
It will be easiest to mount the radiators onto the feedline sections before the
feedlines are mounted on the tower.
a. Pair up the feedline sections and the radiator assemblies, using the bay
number stenciled on each piece.
b. Lay a feedline section horizontally, supported off the ground, with its
baymount flange pointing upwards.
CAUTION
To prevent damaging the copper feedline, use hose clamps rather than
U-bolts, and don’t overtighten.
c. Secure the feedline section at the brass end, using hose clamps, to prevent
its turning with the weight of the radiator.