CUSHCRAFT R9 Instruction manual

6,10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80 Meters
R9
ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Cushcraft
Amateur Radio Antennas
308 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD
STARKVILLE, MS 39759
PHONE [phone]
FAX [phone]
Rev 1D

1
WARNING
THIS ANTENNA IS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCT OR. CONTACT WITH POWER LINES CAN RESULT IN DEATH, OR SERIOUS INJURY.
DO NOT INSTALLTHIS ANTENNA WHERE THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT WITH HIGH VOLTAGE OR ARC-OVER FROM
POWER CABLES OR SERVICE DROPS TO BUILDINGS.THE ANTENNA, SUPPORTING MASTAND/OR TOWER MUST NOT BE
CLOSE TO ANY POWER LINES DURING I NSTALLA TION, REMOVAL OR IN THE EVENT PA RT OF THE SYSTEM SHOULD
ACCIDENTALLY FALL. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S.CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
R9
Your Cushcraft R9 vertical 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.IMP0 RTANT
:Save the weight label from the outside
of the carton and lot # from the white label on the carton end. 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 and
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
Although the R9 will operate in almost any location, it must be mounted vertically with the feedpoint
EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE R9
IS IN OPERATION NEITHER PEOPLE NOR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF
YOUR ANTENNA INCLUDING THE COUNTERPOISE RODS. DEADLY VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS
MAY EXIST .ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF ARE NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD,
LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO INTENSE RF FIELDS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. THERE ARE SEVEN
WARNING STICKERS WHICH MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE ENDS OF THE COUNTERPOISE RODS
AS SHOWN IN FIGURE E.
MOUNTING
Your mast should be rigid and pointing straight up. Always use a mast at least 1-3/4 inches (4.4 cm) but
not larger than 2-1/8 inches (5.4 cm) in diameter. If you guy the mast, use n
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna mast is very important for safety. This serves as protection from lightning
strikes and static buildup, and from high voltages which may be present in the equipment attached to the antenna.
A good electrical connection should be made to one or more ground rods directly at the base of the antenna
or mast using a least #10 AWG ground wire and noncorrosive hardware. For details and safety standards,
consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrestor, situated outside and
Cushcraft offers several different
models, such as the LA-2 .
ASSEMBLY
Assemble your R9 by following steps 1 through 12. After assembling the antenna, verify all dimensions
for accuracy.
the lot #, which tells when it was packed.
at least 10’ above earth ground for best operation. It cannot be mounted on the ground. Secure a location
clear from surrounding objects such as buildings, trees, power lines, towers, guy wires, antennas and
metallic objects .Ideally, it should be 60’ from any metal vertical structures, such as a tower. The R8 may
be mounted higher than 10’ above earth ground without modification. That is the beauty of its ground-
independent design.
such as Phillystran. A GuyKit, R8GK, is available for top guying in high wind areas.
as near earth ground as possible to minimize the length of the wire to ground.

2
R8
R9
KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY
BA Base assembly 1
BB R8 Tube BB 1-1/4" x 72"( 3.17 x 182.9cm) 1
BC R8 Tube BC 1-1/8" x 72"(2.9 x 182.9cm) 1
BD R8 Tube BD 1" x 36" (2.5 x 91cm) 1
BE R8 Tube BE 7/8' x 16" (2.3 x 40.5cm) 1
SA R8 Stub SA 3/8"x 52" (0.9 x 132cm) 1
SC R8 Stub SC 3/8" x 48" (0.9 x 121.9cm) 1
SD R8 Stub SD 3/8" x 48" (0.9 x 121.9cm) 1
SE R8 Stub SE 1/4" x 12" (0.6 x 30cm) 1
SF R8 Stub SF 3/8" x 72" (0.9 x 182.8cm 2
SG R8 Stub SG 3/8" x 43-1/2" (0.9 x 110.5cm) 1
SH R8 Stub SH 3/8" x 68" (0.9 x 173cm) 1
BT1 BT1 Trap 17 / 20 Meter 1
BT2 BT2 Trap 30 Meter 1
MN9 R9 Matching Network 1
XHR40 40"X-Hat Rod 2
09 010009 # 8-32 x 5/8" SS RH MS 12
11 010011 # 8-32 SS Hex Nut 18
26 190026 Aluminum Bracket 2
28 190028 Aluminum Half Washer 2
32 902832 49" Whip & Tip Assembly 7
726 195726 U- bolt “V”Bracket 4
64 014764 # 8-32 x 2-1/4" SS Machine Screw 4
73 194173 Radial Ring “L”Bracket 4
74 194174 Radial Ring 2
79 010079 # 8-32 x 1/2" SS RH Machine Screw 4
87 014387 # 8-32 x SS/Nylon Hex Nut 23
96 010096 # 8-32 x 3/8" SS RH MS 4
99 205099 Aluminum Stub Clamp 2
105 055105 1/4" Black Plastic Cap 4
115 050115 Connector Boot 1
116 240116 Silicone Package 1
118 010118 5/16 - 18 SS Hex Nut 8
119 010119 5/16 SS Split Lock Washer 8
120 010120 # 8-32 x 2" SS RH MS 1
160 190160 Matching Network Bracket 1
220 010220 # 10-24 SS Hex Nut 1
231 010231 # 8-32 x 1-3/4" SS RH MS 5
232 010232 # 8-32 x 2-1/2" SS RH MS 6
233 010233 # 10 SS Split Lock Washer 1
326 290326 Danger Label 8
404 010404 U-Bolt SS 5/16-18 3-1/4 (2-7/16 C-C) 2
405 010405 U-bolt SS 5/16-18 4-1/2 (2-7/16 C-C) 2
407 030407 Worm Clamp SS 7/32" - 5/8" 10
410 030410 Worm Clamp SS 7/16" - 1" 3
411 030411 Worm Clamp SS 9/16"- 1-1/4" 4
412 030412 Worm Clamp SS 11/16" - 1-1/2" 1
413 030413 Worm Clamp SS 3/4" - 1-3/4" 1
428 902428 Ground Strap 1
657 194657 Aluminum L Bracket 6
940 360940 # 8 Aluminum Flat Washer 12
941 011941 # 8 SS Split Lock Washer 18
4079 194079 Aluminum Mounting Plate 1
5072 205072 4-Hole Insulator 1
5096 205096 3-Hole Insulator 1
5097 205097 2-Hole Insulator 1
Tube Cap 5/8"
765-1062
408
656-0375S 6-32 x 3/8 ScrewS6
S6 6-32 Nut With lock
15
15
705-0632S-K
10-24 x ½ SS
500158
S7 4
KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY
S80 20-R9-48 80 Meter Spokes 8
S40 20-R9-36 40 Meter Spokes 4
LC1 11-R9-LC 80-40 loading Coil Assembly 1
BF 20-R9-CA Tube AL 5/8 .035 x 36”1
75 455624 Tube Cap 1/8”12
414 191650 3/4 tube clamp 1

BA
3
#1 - ASSEMBLE RADIAL
RINGS
232
232
87
87
428
73
232
232
232
232
87
87
87
87
87
96
87
96
87
87
79
74
73
79
73
FIGURE
D
FIGURE
A
FIGURE
C
FIGURE
B
73 73
BA BASE 1
ASSEMBLY
BRACKET
74 194174 RADIAL RING 2
79 010079 SS MACHINE # 8-32 x 1/2"4
SCREW (1.3 cm)
87 014387 SS LOCK # 8-32 14
NUT
232 010232 SS MACHINE # 8-32 x 2-1/2" 6
SCREW (6.35 cm)
428 902428 Radial Ring 1
Connector
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC. SIZE QTY
N to e:
Radial Ring mounts on lowest set of holes
on the base insulatorr
See figure D
73 194173 RADIAL RING 4
96 010096 SS MACHINE #8-32 x 3/8" 4
SCREW (.95 cm)
R9
Figures A through D show the steps for radial ring assembly. Refer
to the parts table below for the parts required in this step. Slide
the two radial rings (74) onto the base assembly (BA). Note the
orientation of the ring slots. Attach the rings to the base using the
radial ring brackets (73), 2 1/2" screws (232), 1/2" screws (79)
and lock nuts (87). Leave hardware loose until Step #2. Note the
proper orientation of the radial ring brackets in Figure A. Install
ground strap (428) as shown in Figure D.
NOTE: Do not accidentally use the #10-24 nut in
this step.
Insert four 2 1/2" screws (232) into the base assembly (BA) as
shown in Figure D. Secure with nuts (87).
Longer dimension
attaches to base.
Shorter
dimension
attaches to
radial ring.
428
428

4
32 902832 SS RADIAL 49" 7
(124.5 cm)
BRACKET
87 014387 SS LOCK #8-32
NUT
326 290326 WARNING 7
LABEL
MN MN8 MATCHING 1
NETWORK
#2- ATTACH MATCHING
NETWORK AND RADIALS
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
FIGURE E
190160160
220 010220 SS HEX NUT #10-24 1
233 010233 SS SPLIT #10 1
LOCK WASHER
941 011941 SS SPLIT #8 3
LOCK WASHER
11 010011 SS HEX NUT #8-32 3
11 11
MN9
220
32
32
32
32
326
11
32
326
326
326
326
160
120 87
941
941
941
233
1
1
1
MN8
Slide upper matching network bracket (160) onto base section
(BA). Place it tight against the fiberglass insulator. Insert one
2" screw (120) into bracket (160) and attach nut (87) as
shown in Figure E. Slide Matching Network screws into holes
on upper matching network bracket (160). Position bottom MN
bracket over captive screw in base section (BA) and secure
with #10 nut (220) and a #10 lock washer (233).
Secure MN to upper MN bracket (160) with two nuts (11)
and lock washer (941). Tighten screw in upper MN bracket
(160).
The radial rods may be inserted into the base section at any
time in the assembly process.
One at a time, place the stainless radial rods (32) into the
slots in the radial rings. Tighten the corresponding ring screws
as you work your way around the rings. The radial rings do
not have to touch each other to secure the radial rods properly.
Do not overtighten the screws. When all rods are secure,
tighten all hardware on the base section. Attach jumper strap
(428) to MN screw with nut (11) and lock washer (941).
Attach warning labels (326) as shown.
R9
120 010120 SS MACHINE # 8-32 x 2"
SCREW (5.1 cm)
428

11
4 PLACES
941
4 PLACES
5
#3- ASSEMBLE PLASTIC
SPACERS TO RADIAL RINGS
09 010009 SS Machine # 8-32 x 5/8" 12
Screw (1.6 cm)
11 010011 SS HEX NUT 8-32 15
941 011941 SS Split Lock # 8 15
Washer
231 010231 SS Machine 8-32 x 1-3/4" 3
Screw (4.45 cm)
657 194657 Aluminum 6
L Bracket
940 360940 Aluminum # 8 12
Flat Washer
BB R8BB R8 Tube 1-1/4" x 72" 1
(3.2 x 182.9 cm)
BC R8BC R8 Tube 1-1/8" x 72" 1
(2.9 x 182.9 cm)
5072 205072 4-Hole
Plastic Insulator
5096 205096 3-Hole
5097 205097 2-Hole
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
657
2 PLACES
R9
941
11 231
11
4 PLACES
940
4 PLACES
5072
09
4 PLACES
BB
BB
231
231
941
11
657
2 PLACES
657
2 PLACES
5096
5097
BC
BC
11
4 PLACES
940
4 PLACES
940
4 PLACES
09
4 PLACES
09
4 PLACES
941
4 PLACES
941
4 PLACES
941
11
Place the aluminum L-brackets (657) on tube (BB) and secure them
with hardware (231,941&11). Repeat this as well on tube (BC) as
shown on Fig. "F". Slide the 4-hole insulator (5072) on tube (BB)
and secure it with applicable hardware ( 09, 940,941 & 11). Repeat
the same with two and three hole insulators (5096 & 5097) on
tube (BC) according to Fig. "F".
NOTE: Make sure that the tubes are oriented with the slotted ends
on the top when you start assembling the hardware onto them.
FIGURE F
1
1
1
Plastic Insulator
Plastic Insulator

6
#4- ASSEMBLE RADIATOR TUBES
BA BASE 1
ASSEMBLY
BB R8TUBE BB 1-1/4”x 72”1
1 1/8”insert (3.17 x 182.9 cm)
BC R8TUBE BC 1-1/8”x 72”1
1”insert (2.9 x 182.9 cm)
BD R8TUBE BD 1”x 36”1
(2.5 x 91 cm
)
411 030411 SS WORM 9/16”x 1-1/4”1
CLAMP (1.4 x 3.2 cm)
412 030412 SS WORM 11/16”x 1-1/2”1
CLAMP (0.7 x 3.8 cm)
413 030413 SS WORM 3/4”x 1-3/4”1
CLAMP (1.9 x 4.4 cm )
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
Slide theTube BD into tube BC until it hits the inner tube, and secure it
with worm clamp (411).Slide this assembly into tube BB and secure it
with worm clamp (412). Make sure that plastic insulators are aligned as
shown in Fig. "G".
Insert assembly consisted of tubes BD,BC and BB 4 -1/2 " into base
assembly (BA) and secure it with worm clamp (413).We recommend
that you use workhorses or two chairs to place this assembly in a horizontal
position .You may or may not attach the stainless radial rods (32) to the
base assembly (BA) at this time as mentioned in Section #2 of this
manual.
413
BA
BB
BD
411
412
BC
4-1/2”
INSERT
(11.4 cm)
BA
BB
8”
INSERT
BB
BC
BB
BC
FIGURE G
R9
7/8”insert

64
15-3/8”
(39.1cm)
LOWER BRACKET
SITS FLUSH ON
BASE ASSEMBLY
87 64
99
87
99
7
#5 - ASSEMBLE METAL
CLAMPS ON TO RADIATOR
As the antenna radiator sits on workhorses or pair of chairs place the
aluminum stub clamps (99) on radiator according the Fig. "H". Make
surethe clamps are aligned as shown.Leave the hardware on clamps
(64, 87) slightly loose to allow you insert the stub tubes later.
R9
FIGURE H
64 014764 SS MACHINE #8-32 x 2-1/4”4
SCREW (5.7 cm)
87 014387 SS NYLON #8-32 4
HEX NUT
99 205099 ALUMINUM 2
STUB CLAMP
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

8
#6 - ASSEMBLY OF 6 AND
10 METERS STUBS
SA R8SA R8 Stub SA 3/8"x 52" 1
(1 x 132 cm)
SB R8SB R8 Stub SB 1/4" x 6" 2
(0.6 x 15 cm)
SC R8SC R8 Stub SC 3/8" x 48" 1
(1 x 121.9 cm)
SD R8SD R8 Stub SD 3/8" x 48" 1
(1 x121.9 cm)
SE R8SE R8 Stub SE 1/4" x 12" 1
(.6 x 30.5 cm)
105 055105 Black Plastic Cap 1/4" 2
(.6 cm)
407 030407 SS Worm Clamp 7/32"-5/8" 4
(.6 x 1.6 cm)
FIGURE I
Frequency (MHz) Length
50.250 4-1/2" (11.4 cm)
50.800 3-1/2" (8.9 cm)
51.500 2-1/2" (6.4 cm)
52.500 1-1/2" (13.8 cm)
53. 500 1/2" (1.3 cm)
6 Meter Tune Chart
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
Take the (SA) tube and slide it through the 4-hole insulator and secure
it in the bottom aluminum stub clamp as shown in Fig. "I". Make sure
that the slotted end of (SA) tube protrudes beyond the 4-hole insulator
and the opposite end of (SA) tube is mounted flush with the bottom
of the stub clamp (see callout at bottom of Fig I). In same fashion
slide the tube (SC) and secure it on other side of bottom aluminum
stub clamp. Align the bottom stub clamp with plastic insulators and
secure it tight. Slide the 6" rod (SB) into tube (SA) and secure with
worm clamp (407). Use 6 Meter tuning chart to adjust the stub (SB)
for selected portion of the band. Place the protective plastic cap on
top of (SB) tuning rod to complete the 6 Meter stub.
Take another 6" rod (SB) and slide it 3" into tube (SC) and secure
with worm clamp (407) as shown in callout of Fig. "I". Slide the tube
(SD) through 3-hole plastic insulator and assemble with worm clamp
(407) over other end of rod (SB). Insert rod ( SE) into tube (SD) as
shown ,and complete the 10 Meter stub by placing the protective
plastic cap on top.
3”(7.6 cm)
INSERT
3”(7.6 cm)
INSERT
10”(25.4 cm)
EXPOSED
SEE 6 METER
TUNE CHART
105
SE
407
407
407
105
SB
SB
407
SD
SC
SA
SC
SA
99
Stubs sit flush with bottom of
stub clamp,on top of BA.
NOTE:
BB
BA
R9

9
#7-ASSEMBLYOF12 AND
15 METERS STUBS
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
3” (7.6 cm)
INSERT
SB R8SB R8 STUB SB 1/4"x 6" 4
(.6 x 15 cm)
105 055105 BLACK PLASTIC 1/4" 2
CAP (.6 cm)
407 030407 SS WORM 7 /32"-5/8" 6
CLAMP (1.2 x 1.6 cm)
SF R8SF R8 STUB SF 3/8" x 72" 2
(1 x 182.9 cm)
SH R8SH R8 STUB SH 3/8" x 68" 1
(1 x173 cm)
SG R8SG R8 STUB SG 3/8" x 43-1/2" 1
(1 x110.5 cm)
3” (7.6 cm)
INSERT
407 407
SG
SH
SF
SF
FIGURE J1 FIGURE J2
Take two tubes (SF) and slide them through 4-hole plastic insulator
and secure in top stub clamp as shown in Fig. J1. Insert two
6"rods (SB) in (SF) tubes and place the worm clamps (407) as
shown in callout at Fig. J2. Place tube (SH) on left side stub as
shown in Fig. J2, sliding it through 2 and 3 hole plastic insulators.
Insert tube (SG) on the right side stub as shown and secure with
worm clamp. Take two (SB) rods and insert them on top of these
two stubs as shown in top callouts of Fig. J2 along with protective
end caps.
Note: Make sure that all stubs are positioned around main radiator
as shown in Fig. J2
407
407
SF SF
3-1/2” (8.9 cm)
EXPOSED
3” (7.6 cm)
INSERT
3” (7.6 cm)
INSERT
3-1/2” (8.9 cm )
EXPOSED
105
105
SB SB
SB SB
R9