CUSHCRAFT R7000+ Instruction manual

R7000
R80 Add-On Kit for R7000
10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80 Meters
951466 (12/96)
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS
ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS

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 HIGH VOLTAGE OR 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
FORANTENNAINSTALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSIONAND LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED
PAMPHLET.
Your Cushcraft R7000+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. 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
Although the R7000+will operate in almost any location, it will perform best if it is mounted vertically and located in the clear away from
surrounding objects such as buildings, trees, power lines, towers, guy wires, antennas and metallic objects. The R7000+should not be attached
to a ground radial system. Failure to heed these points will possibly degrade performance, detune the antenna and increase VSWR.
EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE The R7000+IS IN OPERATION NEITHER
PEOPLE OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF YOUR ANTENNA INCLUDING THE COUNTERPOISE RODS.
DEADLY VOLTAGESAND 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.
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 non-conducting guys. GUYING
The R7000+must be guyed at the two points shown in Figure E. Non conductive UV stable 400 lb. tensile strength rope is supplied for proper
guying.
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna mast is very important. 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 non-corrosive hardware. For details and safety standards,
consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrestor. Cushcraft offers several different models, such as the
LAC-1, LAC-2 or the LAC-4 series.
ASSEMBLY
Assemble your The R7000+by following steps 1 through 3. After assembling the antenna, verify all dimensions in Chart 1 for accuracy. Then
return to the adjustment section below for final tuning.
ADJUSTMENT
The dimensions in Chart 1 normally allow proper operation on all the bands. However, some variations may occur from one location to another.
Adjustments must be made from the bottom of the antenna to the top. Adjusting the antenna from top to bottom will not work. This is because
the settings at the top are severely affected by the adjustments at the bottom.
We suggest measuring the VSWR of your antenna by using the SWR meter in your transceiver. If your transceiver does not have one, use a
good quality VSWR bridge for this application. Begin with 10 meters since this is at the bottom of the antenna. Set your transceiver at your
favorite frequency on 10 meters. Key the rig and check your VSWR. The R7000+ is extremely broadbanded on 10 meters and seldom needs
adjustment. If the VSWR is low enough (below 1.5:1) then move on to the 12 meter band. If the 10 meter VSWR is not low enough, adjust
the antenna as follows: Check several frequencies on 10 meters to find the frequency of lowest VSWR. If the frequency of lowest VSWR is
above your favorite frequency, lengthen dimension A (Figure A) by 1 inch (2.5 cm). This should lower the frequency of lowest VSWR by 50 to
100 KHz. If the frequency of lowest VSWR is below your desired frequency, shorten dimension A (Figure A) by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Check your
desired 10 meter operating frequency again to see if the VSWR is less than 1.5:1. Repeat this procedure until the VSWR at your desired
frequency is low enough. Adjusting Dimension Ais also used to move the resonant frequency of 12m.
Continue this procedure by selecting your desired frequency on 15 meters and checking the VSWR there. Dimension B (Figure A) should be
used to adjust the VSWR on 15 meters.
Remember to shorten this dimension to raise the frequency or lengthen it to lower the frequency.
The balance of the antenna should be adjusted in a like manner. The dimensions and the bands that they effect are shown in Figure A. On
10 through 20 meters 1 inch (2.5 cm) of change in length will change the operating frequency by 50 to 100 KHz. On 30 and 40 meters the
change will be 15 to 25 KHz per inch (5 to 10 KHz/cm). On 80 meters the change will be 7-10 KHz per inch (3 to 4 KHz/cm). When the antenna
is completely adjusted, check all fasteners to be sure they are tight. Improving VSWR's that are less than 2:1 will not noticeably improve station
performance.
R7000+

MASTER PARTS LIST
2
KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY
KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY
INSTALLATION
Following the guidelines in the location and adjustment sections above, place the antenna on its mast in its final operating location. If you plan
to install the antenna in a salty or corrosive environment, you may want to consider coating it with a clear marine varnish or equivalent
after
final assembly and adjustment has been completed.
Now connect your transceiver. If you have any difficulties, reread the information above
and the helpful hints below.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Try to locate your R7000+as far away from TV antennas and their feedlines as possible. This will help to avoid overloading your television
with RF.
• The dimensions recommended in Chart 1 are based on mounting the R7000+approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters) above the ground and 25
feet (7.5 meters) from surrounding objects. Antennas installed with less clearance may require additional adjustments.
• If you check the resistance across the coax connector on your R7000+you will find a DC short. This is normal. It does not mean that the
RF path is short circuited. It is approximately 50 Ohms at your operating frequencies.
• High VSWR is sometimes caused by poor contact between the matching network and the counterpoise rods. Make sure that corrosion has
not formed on the jumper strap terminals. Check to insure the hardware is tight. Also, ensure hardware on matching network is secure.
• If your R7000+is very close to your shack you may experience RF on the feedline. Try lengthening your feedline several feet, placing an
RF ferrite bead on the coax, winding the feedline on a toroid or winding the coax in a 10 turn coil 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
• Long periods (2 minutes or longer) of key down operation, such as RTTY, at high power (over 1000 Watts) may damage your R7000+.
R80BH 5/8" x 6-1/2" (1.6 x 16.5 cm) aluminum tube 1
R80BI 5/8" x 7-3/4" (1.6 x 19.7 cm) aluminum tube 1
R80BJ 1" x 12" (2.5 x 30.5 cm) aluminum tube slotted 2 ends 1
R80BK 7/8" x 18" (2.2 x 45.7 cm) alum tube slotted 2 ends 1
R80BL 7/8" x 6" (2.2 x 15.2 cm) aluminum tube slotted 2 ends 1
R80BM 3/8" x 36" (.9 x 91.4 cm) aluminum tube slotted 1 end 1
R80BN 1/4" x 43-3/4" (.6 x 111.1 cm) aluminum rod 1
R80BO 3/8" x 15" (.9 x 38.1 cm) aluminum tube 1
R7000+
CT5 80 meter loading coil assembly 1
77 050077 3/8" (.9 cm) plastic cap 1
258 094258 Guy rope coil (250 feet) 1
259 094259 Guy rope thimble 6
407 030407 5/8" (1.6 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 2
411 030411 1-1/4" (3.2 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 4
631 193631 Guy bracket 6
R80CW Counterpoise wires with anti-resonators 3

3
#1 - ASSEMBLE RADIATOR
77 050077 PLASTIC 3/8" 1
CAP (.9 cm)
407 030407 SSWORM 5/8" 2
CLAMP (1.6 cm)
411 030411 SS WORM 1-1/4" 4
CLAMP (3.2)
R80BH ALUM 5/8" x 6-1/2" 1
TUBE (1.6 x 16.5 cm)
R80BI ALUM 5/8" x 7-3/4" 1
TUBE 1.6 x 19.7 cm)
R80BJ ALUM 1" x 12" 1
TUBE (2.2 x 45.7 cm)
R80BK ALUM 7/8" x 18" 1
TUBE (2.2 X 45.7 cm)
R80BL ALUM 7/8" x 6" 1
TUBE (2.2 x 15,2 cm)
R80BM ALUM 3/8" x 36" 1
TUBE (0.9 x 91.4 cm)
R80BN ALUM 1/4" x 43-3/4" 1
ROD (0.6 x 111.1 cm)
R80BO ALUM 3/8" x 15" 1
TUBE (.9 x 38.1 cm)
CT4 40M 1
TRAP
CT5 80M LOADING 1
COIL
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
Dimention Band CW Center SSB
A 10 / 12m 129" 129" 129"
(328 cm) (328 cm) (328 cm)
B 15 / 17m 16" 15" 14"
(41 cm) (38 cm) (36 cm)
C 20 / 30m 17" 15" 14"
(43 cm) (38 cm) (36 cm)
E 40m 22" 13" 8"
(56 cm) (33 cm) (20 cm)
F 80m 2" 2" 2"
(5 cm) (5 cm) (5 cm)
G 80m See Below
Frequency MHz Dimension G
3.525 76" (193 cm)
3.600 64" (163 cm)
3.700 52" (132 cm)
3.800 40" (102 cm)
3.900 23" (58 cm)
3.975 8" (20 cm)*
* Use R80BO tube
Lower your R7000 antenna or assemble it using the R7000 manual.
Place it horizontally across supports so the couterpoise whips and
capacity hat rods are not damaged.
Place 411 worm clamp on section BC loosely. Loosen worm clamps
at points W,X and Y. Slide CT1 from tubing sections BC and BD1.
Insert R80BH tube into bottom tube of CT1 until it stops against
rivet inside CT1. Slide CT1 into tube BC of the R7000 until it stops
against hardware for capacity hat rods. Tighten worm clamp. Verify
that the length from top of base to bottom of CT1 equals the value
of Dimension A in Chart 1. If you require more length, do not change
the location of CT1. Lengthen exposed tubing sections of tube BB
and BC.
Slide R80BI tube into top of CT1 until it stops against rivet inside of
CT1. Remove both worm clamps (410) from tube BD1 and put aside
for later.
Insert BD1 tube flush into R80BJ tube. Place two 411 worm clamps
from R80 hardware kit on the R80BJ tube (one on each of the slotted
ends). Slide R80BJ assembly two inches onto top end of CT1.
Tighten worm clamp.
Slide CT2 / CT3 assembly into top of R80BJ assembly. Adjust the
length between CT1 and CT2 to match value of Dimension B in
Chart 1. Tighten worm clamp.
NOTE: The next 3 steps depend on whether you will be using CW,
Center or SSB on 40 meters. Choose the appropriate section below.
40m SSB - Loosen worm clamps at points U & V. Remove and
discard BD3 and BG tubes. Place 410 worm clamps on ends of
R80BL. Place R80BL tube on top of CT3. Insert bottom of CT4
into R80BL. Adjust the distance between CT3 and CT4 to match
value of Dimension E in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamps.
40M Center - Loosen worm clamp at point V. Remove and
discard BG tube. Insert bottom of CT4 to match value of Dimension
E in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamps.
40m CW - Loosen worm clamps at points U & V. Remove and
discard BD3 and BG tubes. Place 410 worm clamps on ends of
R80BK. Place R80BK tube on top of CT3. Insert bottom of CT4
to match value of Dimension E in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamps.
Place 411 worm clamp then 410 worm clamp (one of the clamps
from point X or Y) on large slotted tube end of CT5. Leave 411
worm clamp loose for guy bracket attachment in Step #3. Insert
bottom of CT5 onto top of CT4. Tighten worm clamp. Verify that
the length between top of CT4 and bottom of CT5 equals Dimension
F in Chart 1.Note: the next 2 steps depend on whether you will be
using CW, Center or SSB on 80m. Choose appropriate section
below.
NOTE: the next 2 steps depend on whether you will be using
CW/Center or SSB on 80m.
80m SSB - Place 407 worm clamp on top of CT5. Adjust distance
from top of R80BM to top of CT5 to match value of Dimension G
in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamp. For lengths less than 13 inches,
use R80BO tube. Place plastic cap (77) on top of 3/8" tube.
80m Center/ CW - Place 407 worm clamp on top of CT5. Insert
R80BM 2 inches into CT5. Tighten worm clamp. Place 407 worm
clamp on top of R80BM. Insert R80BN into R80BM. Adjust
distance from top of R80BN to top of CT5 to match value of
Dimension G in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamp.
CHART 1
R7000+

4
410
BG
410
BD3
CT3
CT2
CT1
BD1
BD2
410
BC
BB
BA
W
X
Y
V
Use for
40m CW
Use for
40m
Center
BD1
411
410
R80BJ
Use 1 here
The R7000+ is shown with the
R80 kit in white and the original
R7000 parts in gray.
U
Dimension A
(Adjust for 10/12 m)
Dimension B
(Adjust for 15/17 m)
Dimension C
(Adjust for 20/30m)
CT3
CT2
CT1
R80BJ
BD2
411
411
BC
BB
BA
CT4
407
407
410
CT5
R80BM
R80BN
BD3
410
410
R80BK
Dimension A
Dimension B
Dimension E
(Adjust for 40m)
Dimension F
(Do not adjust)
Dimension G
(Adjust for 80m)
411
(Leave loose)
Dimension C
Dimension D
77
R80BO
For 80m
SSB
R80BL
411
FIGURE
A
R7000 R7000+
CT1
BC
R80BH
R80BI
R7000+
Use for
40m
SSB

5
#2 - ATTACH COUNTERPOISE WIRES
R80CW
R80CW
R80CW
There are three counterpoise wires for the R7000+. Each is twenty
feet long (Figure C). The counterpoise wires provide a proper
match for 80 meter operation on the R7000+. The anti-resonator
in each counterpoise wire keeps the twenty foot length of wire
from detuning the higher frequency bands.
The three counterpoise wires attach to the R7000 base with existing
hardware (Figure B). Each counterpoise wire is tied off to one of
your three guy points. Tie the wire and rope together in a knot.
No insulator is required. Tape knot to prevent snagging. The
counterpoise wires should hang at an angle between 60 and 90
degrees relative to the support mast (Figure D). The ends of each
wire should be three or more feet above ground to minimize
detuning. Do not over tighten these wires. Do not use them
as guy supports.
FIGURE
B
FIGURE
C
FIGURE
D
R7000+
20 ft.
(6 m)
Anti-Resonator
120 0
3 ft. min.
(91 cm min.)
600- 900
Tie Off Rope
To Guy Point
8-10 ft
(typ)
End of
counterpoise wire
6 ft.
(1.8 m)

6
#3 - ATTACHING GUY ROPES
1200
1200
1200
411
258
259 631
Guy Anchors
not supplied
8 ft Rope Tie Off
3 Places Typical
Ground Level
Base Mast 8 ft
(Not Supplied)
Mast must be self
supporting
33 ft (8.4 m) guy
(3 places typical)
41 ft (10.4 m) guy
(3 places typical)
22 ft (5.6 m) typical
30 ft
(7.6 m)
typical
Counterpoise Wires
3 places
(NOT FOR GUY SUPPORT)
25' (6.3 m) typical
900
C
B
A
ANTENNA
Guy
Anchor
258 094258 GUY ROPE 250 ft 1
COIL
259 024259 GUY ROPE 6
THIMBLE
631 193631 GUY ROPE 6
BRACKET
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
C = (A)2+ (B)2
The R7000+requires guying at two points with a non-conductive material
(Figure E). The R80 kit contains 250 feet of UV stable 400 lb. tensile
strength guy rope. This is enough guy rope to secure an R7000+
mounted on an eight foot support mast on level ground. Extra rope
can be used to tie off the counterpoise wires. If more guy rope is
required, use a similar material with equivalent specifications.
Insert three 631 guy brackets into the 411 worm clamps already placed
on the radiator in Step 1. Tighten the worm clamps.
Attach the guy ropes to the guy brackets using a 259 thimble (Figure
2). The thimbles are provided to eliminate wear on the guy rope at this
connection point. Use pliers to open the end of each thimble and insert
the thimble into the hole on the guy bracket. Use pliers to close the
opening in the thimble end. Tie the guy ropes securely and cover the
knot with electrical tape to eliminate snagging during antenna raising.
Notes for raising the R7000+
1) Ensure your support mast is securely mounted. The base of the
R7000+must not be allowed to move.
2) Do not let the guy ropes snag during antenna raising.
3) Walk the antenna up and down slowly
4) The wind loading of the R7000+ is small.
Do not over tension the
guy ropes.
Guy anchors must be securely installed and capable of
properly supporting the antenna.
5) Double check antenna assembly before raising to minimize repeated
raising and lowering.
6) Have sufficient help to perform installation.
7) Check guy ropes occasionaly for tightness and wear. The guy rope
should be replaced every three to five years depending on your
environment. Do not use polypropelene rope.
8) Calculate guy rope lengths before installation using equation in
Figure G. Add extra length for tying off.
9) Sear rope ends with open flame to prevent fraying.
FIGURE
F
FIGURE
E
FIGURE
G
R7000+

LIMITED WARRANTY
Cushcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 4680, Manchester, New Hampshire 03108, warrants to the original purchaser for one year
from date of purchase that each Cushcraft antenna is free of defects in material or workmanship. If, in the judgement of
Cushcraft, any such antenna is defective, then Cushcraft Corporation will, at its option, repair or replace the antenna at
its expense within thirty days of the date the antenna is returned (at purchasers expense) to Cushcraft or one of its
authorized representatives. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties, any implied warranty is limited in
duration to one year. Cushcraft Corporation shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages which may
result from a defect. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions or limitations
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty does not extend
to any products which have been subject the misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation. Any repairs or alterations
outside of the Cushcraft factory will nullify this warranty.
48 PERIMETER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03108 USA
TELEPHONE: [phone] • FAX: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected]
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS
Frequency, meters 10,12,15,17,20,30,40,80
Gain, dBi 3
Wavelength each band Half-wave
VSWR 1.2:1 typical
2:1 bandwidth, KHz 10m (1700)
12m (100)
15m (450)
17m (100)
20m (250)
30m (100)
40m (100)
80m (70)
Power Rating, Watts 1500
Radiation angle, deg. 16
Horizontal rad, deg. 360
Height, ft(m) 34.5 (10.5)
Mast size range, in 1-3/4 to 2-1/8
(cm) (4.4-5.4)
Wind load, ft2(m2) 2.5 (.23) antenna
1.5 (.13) guy ropes
Weight, lb.(kg) 24 (10.8)
SPECIFICATIONS