Laird Cushcraft MA6VA Instruction manual

Assembly and Installation Instructions
Cushcraft MA6VA Six-Band HF Vertical Antenna
For 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, and 6 Meters
2 unit of
@CUSHCRAFT| Laird.,
958165_GF_AB

General
Description:
The
MA6VA
is
a
light-weight
ground-independent
vertical
covering
20,
17,
15,
12,
10,
and
6
Meters.
Parallel
resonators
provide
automatic
band
switching
and
interaction-free
tuning
adjustments
for
each
band.
The
MA6VA
uses
a
unique
OCFD
(off-center
fed
dipole)
configuration
that
delivers
a
50-Ohm
match
on
all
bands
without
need
for
an
external
matching
network
or
tuner.
Weighing
only
six
pounds,
it
transports
easily
and
sets
up
quickly
for
portable
use.
At
fixed
locations,
mounting
high
in
the
air
with
low-
cost
TV
hardware
allows
it
to
outperform
heavier
multi-band
verticals
installed
close
to
the
ground.
Before
assembling,
please
read
the
manual
carefully
to
become
familiar
with
all
procedures.
Also,
please
check
package
contents
against
the
parts
list
below
to
ensure
all
items
are
included.
Hardware
[] 6 030407 Small worm clamp
[] 2 030411 Large worm clamp
[] 2 010096 3/8" x 8-32 screw
{] 8 010009 5/8” x 8-32 screw
[] 2 010229 1” x 8-32 screw
{] 2 010040 1-1/4" x 8-32 screw
[] 3 010123 1-1/2" x 8-32 screw
[] 2 014544 #8 flat washer
[] 17 011941 #8 lock washer
{] 19 010011 8-32 nut
[] 2 360941 #10 flat aluminum spacer washer
[] 1 010084 1/4” lock washer
[] 2 010085 1/4" nut
{] 2 010405 5/16” — 18 x 2-1/8" x 4-1/2" U-bolt
[] 8 010119 5/16" lock washer
[] 4 013402 5/16” flat washer
El 12 010118 5/16” nut
Components
[] 4 195548 Base bracket
[] 2 195726 V-bracket
[] 2 194174 8-rod radial ring plate
[] 2 196242 Radial ring support bracket
[] 1 195561 Large 90° mounting bracket
[] 4 193853 Small 90° mounting bracket
{] 4 205560 Black plastic insulator plate
Ll 1 MASVAFL 9' RG-58 feedline assembly
[] 1 350866 2.4" OD #61 mix balun core
[] 1 100432 UHF Barrel Connector
[] 5 031150 Plastic tie wrap
[] 6 050077 3/8" vinyl end cap
Tubes and Rods
[] 1 MASVBA 1-1/8" OD x 12” aluminum base tube
|e 1 MA6VABB 1” OD x 54” insulated fiberglass base tube
[] 1 MASVBC 1-1/8" OD x 48” aluminum element tube
{] i} MA5VBD 1° OD x 48" aluminum element tube
{] 1 MAS5VEA 3/8" OD x 6" resonator tube
{] 1 MASVEB 3/8" OD x 12" resonator tube
{] 1 MAS5VEC 3/8" OD x 14” resonator tube
{] ‘l MASVED 3/8” OD x 18” resonator tube
{] 1 MASVEE 3/8” OD x 19” resonator tube
[] 1 MASV6MEA 3/8" OD x 47” resonator tube with slotted end
[] 1 082984 1/4" OD aluminum rod with threaded end
ca 2 XHR12 12" X-hat rod
[] 8 228161 48” stainless radial rod with 35° degree bend
Resonator Assemblies
[] 1 MASVRA 10 / 12 Meter resonator assembly
[] 1 MASVRB 15/17 Meter resonator assembly
| 1 MASVRC 20-Meter resonator assembly

Assembly Instructions - MA6VA
[ ] Step 1: Install Base Tube on Insulator
Parts
4 MASVBA 1-1/8" x 12” aluminum base tube
1 MA6VABB 1" x 54” insulated fiberglass base
2 010040 1-1/4 x 8-32 screw
2 010011 8-32 hex nut
Procedure
[ ]
Identify
the
base
end
of
the
insulator
tube
(two
sets
of
mounting
holes
2-3/4"
apart)
[ ]
Install
the
12”
aluminum
the
base
tube
so
mounting
holes
line
up
as
shown
in
Fig-1
[
]
Install
a
1-1/4"
x
8-32
screw
at
A
and
secure
with a
8-32
nut
[ ] Install a 1-1/4" x 8-32 screw at B and secured with a 8-32 nut
@ 1-1/4" x 8-32
MASVBA +
1-1/4" x 8-32
FIG 1: Base Insulator Assembly
[ ] Step 2: Install Mast Mounting Hardware
Parts
12 010118 5/16" nut
8 010119 5/16” lock washer
2 010405 U-bolt
2 195726 V-bracket
4 195548 Antenna Base Bracket
4 013402 Flat Washer
Procedure
[ ] Find a U-bolt and install a V-bracket in opposing fashion to form a mast opening (A)
[
]
On
each
U-bolt
leg,
install
a
5/16”
flat
washer,
lock
washer,
and
nut.
Spin
nuts
to
expose
2”
of
thread
(B)
[
]
On
each
U-bolt
leg,
install
a
second
nut.
Spin
nuts
to
expose
1-1/8”
of
thread
(C)
[ ] Install two opposing base brackets to form a clamp for the antenna base (D)
[
]
Loosely
install
the
mast
mount
assembly
at
position
(E)
using
lock
washers
and
nuts
[
]
Repeat
the
assembly
procedure
for
a
second
mounting
assembly
and
install
at
(F)
[
]
Align
clamp
assemblies
by
placing
base
on
a
level
surface
so
all
four
U-bolt
legs
make
contact
[ ] Tighten end nuts to secure each base clamp firmly in position
®
Mast
Opening
U-bolt
To Lock Lock-W
a a
Flat level surface
Fig 2: Mounting Clamp Assembly

[ ] Step 3: Pre-assemble Radial Ring
Parts
eZ 194174 8-rod radial ring
2 196242 Radial-ring support bracket
8 010009 5/8” x 8-32 screw
2
360941
#10
aluminum
spacer
washer
(thicker
than
#8
SS
flat
washers)
8 011941 #8 lock washer
8 010011 #8 nut- — - --——
Procedure
[ ] Locate two radial rings and place together so cupped grooves oppose
[ ] Install two 5/8” screws from top to bottom, as shown at A
[ ] From bottom side, install a #10 spacer washer (B) and a ring-support bracket on each screw (C)
[ ] Secure assembly using lock washers and nuts (D) Finger-tighten only
[ ] Install six 5/8” screws in remaining holes (E), securing with lock washers and nuts
[ ] Set assembly aside for later installation on antenna
a, a ©. ane screw (6)
() #10 aluminum
=—\S spacer washer ‘ =
© Sock washer
at ©) nut !ock washer
FIG 3: Assembly Detail, Radial Ring
[ ] Step 4: Prepare Feed Line Choke
Parts
1 MASVAFL Feedline Assembly
1 350866 2.4" #61 balun core (FT-240-61)
2 031150 Plastic tie-wrap
Warning: Avoid dropping the balun core when handling — ferrite material may chip or break on impact.
Procedure
[ ] Find the pigtail end of the feedline assembly. Measure down 42” from lugs and mark cable.
[ ] At 42”, wind 2 turns of coax tightly around balun core and secure in place with a tie-wrap (A)
[ ] Continue winding for a total of 14 turns and capture the last two turns with a tie-wrap (B)
[ ] Arrange turns as needed for even distribution, as shown
Connector end
Start winding y
42" from
connector
Keep
windings
fight and fanned
end
of
cable
“pital
Secure
first
2
turns
last2
7
[Ss
counled
with
tie-wrap
turns
with
on
insit
tie-wrap
FIG 4: Preparation of Balun

[ ] Step 5: Install Radial Ring, Lower Radiator Tube, Coax Feed.
Parts
1 pre-assembly Feedline and balun
1 pre-assembly Radial ring assembly
1 MA5VBC 1-1/8" x 48" aluminum tube
3 010123 1-1/2” x 8-32 screw
3 011941 #8 lock washer
3 010011 8-32 nut
3 031150 Plastic tie wrap
Procedure
[ ] Slide radial ring assembly onto insulator tube and position, as shown (A)
[ ]
Identify
the
mounting-hole
end
of
the
48”
aluminum
tube
and
position
at
B,
aligning
mounting
holes
[ ]
Find
pigtail
(lug)
end
of
Feedline.
Also,
find
two
1-1/2”
screws
plus
nuts
and
lock
washers
[ ] Secure feedline shield and radial ring assembly to the insulator tube at C
[
]
Secure
feedline
center
conductor
and
aluminum
radiator
tube
BC
to
the
insulator
at
D
[
]
Using
three
plastic
tie
wraps,
secure
the
coax
and
balun
to
the
base
insulator
as
shown
in
E
[ ] Install the remaining 1-1/2” screw and hardware at F and secure
MASVAFL
PL259
Connector
1-1/2" Screw
4-1/2" x 8-32
Secure feed with 3 tie-wraps
Fig 5: Base Assembly and Coax Feed Connection
[ ] Step 6: Assemble and Pre-adjust 20-Meter Resonator.
Parts
1
BRAANMNNNA
MA5VRC 20-Meter resonator
MASVEE 3/8” x 19” resonator tube
HXR12 12” X-hat rod
010229 1” x 8-32 screw
011941 #8 lock washer
010011 8-32 nut
030407 Small worm clamp
053368 vinyl end cap, 3/8”
053368 vinyl end cap, 1/8”

Procedure
[ ] Install a 12" X-hat rod (A) as shown and secure with a 1” x 8-32 screw and hardware
[ ] Install the second X-hat rod in similar fashion
[ ] Place a small worm clamp on the MA5VRC as shown (B)
[ ] Install the 19” resonator tube (C). Extend 16” and secure in place with worm clamp
[ ] Install the 3/8” vinyl cap on end of resonator tube at D
Nut
Lock-W
Smaller Mtg. Hole, _g
Tube
Larger Mig. Hole: :
X-hat Rod——
1" Screw —W
FIG 6: 20-Meter Resonator Assembly
[ ] Step 7: Install and Pre-adjust 17,15,12, 10-Meter Resonators
Parts
1 MA5SVRA 10/12 meter resonator assembly
1 MAS5MRB 15/17 meter resonator assembly
y MASVEA 6" resonator tube
1 MASVEB 12" resonator tube
1 MASVEC 14" resonator tube
1 MASVED 18" resonator tube
4 030407 small worm clamp
4 050077 vinyl end cap
Procedure
[ ] Position a small worm clamp at the slotted end of each resonator assembly.
[ ] On MASVRA, find 10-meter side and install 6” tube. Extend 3-3/8” and tighten clamp.
[ ] On MASVRA, find 12-meter side and install 12” tube. Extend 8-1/4”, and tighten clamp.
[ ] On MASVRB, find 15-meter side and install 14” tube. Extend 10” and tighten clamp.
] On MASVRB, find 17-meter side and install 18” tube. Extend 13-1/4” and Sicilaas clamp.
[ ] Install a vinyl end cap on_each tube. es 2 =
Band Identifier Band Identifier
Label Label
Extension
Extension -e
End
Cap
Small Small
End
Cap
Worm
Clamp
Resonator
Assembly
Worm
Clamp
FIG 7: Assembly of 10/12 and 15/17 Meter Resonators

[ ] Step 8: Pre-assemble 6-Meter Resonator
Parts
1 MASV6MEA 3/8" OD x 47" element tube (6-meter resonator)
4 082984 Threaded aluminum rod
4 195561 Large 90° mounting bracket
1 193853 Small 90° mounting bracket
1 205560 Black Insulator plate
1 050077 Vinyl end cap
1 030407 Small worm clamp
2 010096 3/8" x 8-32 screw
2 014941 #8 lock washer
2 014544 #8 flat washer
2 010011 8-32 nut
1 010084 1/4" lock washer
2 010085 1/4" nut
Procedure
[ ] Find the threaded aluminum tuning rod and spin a 1/4” nut fully onto the threaded end (A)
[ ] Insert rod into the large 90° bracket (B) and secure with a 1/4” lock washer and nut.
[ ] Using 8-32 hardware, install the black insulator plate on the small 90° bracket (C)
[ ] Find the un-slotted end of the 47” tube. Side the insulator to about 4” from the end (D)
[ ] Install a vinyl end cap on the un-slotted end of the tube
[ ] Install (loosely) a small worm clamp on the slotted end of the element tube (F)
[ ] Set element assembly aside
Insulator Plate _ 4.
Small
Sy
1/4"Nuts,
worm
3)
47"
Element
Tube
®
i
a
(G)
1 \@
® Bl
1/4"
Lock
Threaded
Rod
a
Washer
,
r
3/8" Screw (x2) ~
Large
90-degree
Flat
Washer
—
Broacket
Insulator Plate Small Bracket
Lock-W —
Nut [TT]
FIG 8: Six-meter Resonator Assembly
[ ] Step 9: Assemble Upper-Radiator
Parts
1 MA5VBD 1" x 48” upper-element aluminum tube
1 030411 Large worm clamp
2 011941 Lock washer
2 010011 8-32 nut
1 pre-assembly 20-Meter resonator '
1 pre-assembly 15 and 17—Meter resonator
1 pre-assembly 10 and 12—Meter resonator

Procedure
[ ]
Find
the
1”
x
48"
aluminum
tube
BD
and
install
a
large
worm
clamp
(loosely)
on
the
slotted
end
(C)
[ ]
Find
10/12-meter
resonator,
install
in
hole
furthest
from
slotted
end
(A).Secure
with
lock
washer
and
nut
[
]
Find
15/17-meter
resonator,
install
in
hole
nearest
slotted
end
(B).
Secure
with
lock
washer
and
nut
[
]
Insert
the
base
of
the
20-meter
resonator
assembly
into
the
slotted
end
of
tube
at
C
[ ]
Set
resonator
for
4-1/2"
of
exposed
aluminum
tube,
secure
in
place
with
large
worm
clamp
20-meter
10/12-meter
Resonator
Resonator
1” Tube BC om
15/17-meter 3)
Resonator
FIG 9: Mounting Resonators
[ ] Step 10: Install Six-Meter Resonator
Parts
1 030411 Large worm clamp
1 pre-assembly 6-meter resonator
Procedure
[ ]
Remove
nut
and
lock
washer
fro
ting’screw-atA~——
"
[ ]
Mount
the
tuning-rod
bracket
onde
a6
ies
dline
and
secure
in
place
using
same
hardware
[
]
Position
a
large
worm
clamp
at
C’(dc
Not
tighten).-“-
="
>
.-
-
[
bral
[
[
> eel corinne
|
Install
6-meter
resonator
tube
of,allimintitn
tlininig
rod
(B)
and
through
insulator
at
C,
as
shown
]
Capture
insulated
mounting
brack
etl
inder.
the
large
worm
clamp
at
C
and
secure
temporarily
]
Pre-adjust
6-Meter
resonator;
eee
ired
band
segment
(see
chart
below).
Remove nut
and lock washer, 19/5
install bracket. ee
Radial 6-meter Preset Chart
CW/SSB/AM [50.150 MHz _[52-3/4"
FM Simplex (50.525 MHz _|49-3/4"
[Repeater Pars [52-54 Whiz
FIG 10: Installing 6-Meter Resonator Assembly

[ ] Step 11: Join Upper and Lower Antenna Sections
Parts
1 pre-assembly Antenna top section
4 pre-assembly Antenna base section
Procedure
[ ] Find top-section, measure 8" up from lower (un-slotted) end, and place reference mark.
[ ] Loosen large worm clamp at A on lower section.
[ ] Insert top section to 8" mark, align 6-meter resonator parallel to main element, and tighten worm clamp.
With 6-M Resonator
Insert
Top Section 8"
[ ] Step 12: Install Radial Rods.
Important Warning: When working with stainless steel radial rods, always wear protective eyewear to
prevent
accidental
eye
injury.
“sr
Assembly Note: It is generally easier to install drooping radial rods with the antenna supported upright.
Parts
8 228161 48" stainless steel radial rod with 35° bend
Procedure
[ ] On the radial ring, loosen all eight 5/8” screws.
[ ] Insert radial rods between plates (A), installing so that rod tips droop toward ground.
[ ] Loosely re-secure screws.
[ ] Arrange rod tips for symmetrical spacing all around and tighten hardware securely.
FIG 12: Inserting radial rods

[ ] Step 13: Mounting Antenna On Mast
Procdure
[ ]
Spin
nuts
supporting
V-bracket
counter-clockwise
to
enlarge
U-bolt
mast
opening
(A)
[
]
Drop
antenna
onto
mast,
as
shown
(B)
[
]
Used
open-ended
wrench
to
tighten
nuts
securely,
locking
antenna
in
place
(C)
©
Tighten
Loosen Tighten
FIG-13: Mounting Antenna onto Mast
General
Setup
and
Installation
Recommendations
[
]
RF-Exposure:
Never
mount
your
MAV6A
where
humans
or
pets
can
make
accidental
contact.
Angular
parts
can
cause
skin
injury
and
RF-energized
metal
surfaces
may
inflict
severe
RF
burns.
Also,
note
that
transmitting
may
expose
nearby
humans
to
intense
RF
fields,
the
medical
effects
of
which
are
unknown
but
may
be
harmful.
U.S.
amateurs
are
required
to
comply
with
FCC
exposure-safety
guidelines.
For
more
information,
see
the
FCC
web
site
at
www.crr.gov./oet/rfsafety
and
the
ARRL
web
site
at
www.arrl.org/news/safety.
Amateurs
in
other
countries
may
also
be
subject
to
local
regulatory
standards.
[
]
Mounting:
Unlike
vertical
monopole
Sth
ly
on
ground
radials,
the
MA6VA
is
a
ground-independent
vertical
dipole
and
mounting
it
too
closéto:the
ground
could
seriously
degrade
performance.
For
best
results,
mount
with
the
counterpoise
rods
elevated
12
feet
off
the
ground
or
higher.
Because
the
antenna
is
+ .
tgs
.
aes.
r .
light
in
weight,
positioning
well
above
th
foofline
is
usually
possible
using
low-cost
TV-antenna
mast
and
hardware.
Avoid
mounting
near
parallel.conductive
surfaces
such
as
metal
buildings,
towers,
hanging
feedlines,
etc.
If
guys
are
required
to
Stabilize’
the
mast,
we
recommend
Phillystran®
or
a
similar
UV-stable
non-conductor.
Do
not
install
metallic.
es
under
the
antenna.
Plan
installation
work
carefully
and
use
only
qualified
persons
to
monitor
or
assist:
When
in
doubt,
obtain
the
services
of
a
professional
installer.
Important
Warning:
Never
install
any
antenna
where
it
could
fall
and
contact
power
or
entrance
lines.
Also,
never
assemble
an
antenna
or
handle
metallic
antenna
components
in
the
vicinity
of.
power
lines.
Death
or
severe
injury
can
result
from
accidental
contact
with
wires
carrying
electrical
power.
[
]
Lightning
Protection:
Nothing
will
protect
your
equipment
from
a
direct
lightning
strike
when
the
feedline
is
connected,
so
always
disconnect
it
from
the
building
when
your
radio
is
not
in
use.
Also,
be
sure
to
ground
the
lower
end
of
any
supporting
mast
using
at
least
two
4’
rods
and
heavy-gauge
wire.
Never
attach
a
lightning-ground
directly
to
the
antenna
feedpoint
—
doing
so
will
bypass
the
balun
choke
and
degrade
performance.
For
secondary
equipment
protection
from
unexpected
nearby
lightning
strikes,
install
a
quality
in-line
arrester
such
as
the
Cushcraft
LAC4.
[
]
Feedline
Selection:
RG-58
is
adequate
for
short
runs
and
RG-8X
(Mini-8)
works
well
up
to
60
feet.
For
longer
runs,
use
RG-8,
RG-213,
LMR-240,
or
LRM-400
to
minimize
loss.
The
supplied
UHF
barrel
connector
may
be
used
for
connecting
male
cable
ends
to
the
MAS5VAFL
male
coax
pigtail.

[
]
Tuning
Procedure:
Our
recommended
resonator
settings
were
gathered
on
an
antenna
range
using
a
sample
MA6VA
tuned
to
14.175,
18.110,
21.225, 24.930,
28.500,
and
52.525
MHz.
Your
settings
could
vary
depending
on
antenna
location,
operating
preferences,
and
normal
manufacturing
tolerances.
When
fine-
tuning,
note
that
extending
the
resonator
tube
lowers
resonant
frequency
and
collapsing
it
increases
frequency.
Make
small
adjustments
(1"
or
less)
and
avoid
over-tighten
and
damaging
the
small
worm
clamps.
For
best
results,
tune
during
dry
weather
conditions
with
the
antenna
positioned
as
close
to
its
final
Operating
position
as
possible.
[
]
Precipitation
Loading:
A
buildup
of
rain
droplets,
ice,
or
snow
will
cause
SWR
curves
to
shift
lower
in
the
band.
Precipitation
detuning
affects
all
antennas,
but
it
is normally
more
pronounced
for
compact
radiators
like
the
MA6VA.
If
SWR
should
exceed
2:1
on
your
operating
frequency
because
of
inclement
weather,
you
may
use
any
ATU
to
temporarily
compensate
for
the
condition
without
harming
the
antenna.
The impact
on
on-air
performance
will
be
minimal.
Important
Warning:
The
MA6VA
is
rated
for
250
Watts
PEP.
Attempting
to
use
a
high-power
linear
amplifier
may
result
in
permanent
damage
to
epoxy-encapsulated
resonator
coils.
The
MA6VA
warranty
will
not
cover
resonator
damage
resulting
from
the
application
of
excessive
RF
power.
MA6VA Specifications
Frequency Coverage: 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6 Meters
Impedance: 50-Ohms
Gain: 1-2 dBi
Minimum SWR: 1.2:1 typical at resonance
Power Rating 250 Watts PEP
Wind Survival 80 mph
Mast Size: 1-1/4" — 2-1/8" (3.18-5.39 cm)
Height 14'7” (4.48m)
Weight: 6.2 Ibs (2.81 kg)
2:1 Bandwidth (kHz) 20m(200), 15m(350), 10m(350)
17m & 12m (full band)
Limited Warranty
Cushcraft
Corporation,
48
Perimeter
Road,
Manchester,
New
Hampshire
03103,
warrants
to
the
original
consumer
purchaser
for
one
year
from
date
of
purchase
that
each
Cushcraft
antenna
is
free
of
defects
in
material
or
workmanship.
If,
in
the
judgment
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
purchaser's
expense)
to
Cushcraft
or
to
one
of
its
authorized
representatives.
This
warranty
is in
lieu
of
all
other
expressed
warranties,
and
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
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
to
misuse,
neglect,
accident,
or
improper
installation.
Any
repairs
or
alterations
outside
of
the
Cushcraft
factory
will
nullify
this
warranty.
a unit of
@ CUSHCRAFT| Laird.
48 Perimeter Road
Manchester, NH 03103
603-627-7877
FAX [phone]
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE