M2 Antenna Systems 146CP8 User manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2015 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated 9/14/15
Rev.00
Model .........................................146CP8
Frequency Range.......................144 To 150 mHz
*Gain ..........................................8.5 dBic
Front to back ..............................17 dB Typical
Beamwidth ...............................E=70° H=70°
Feed type ...................................“T” Match
Feed Impedance........................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.5:1 Typical
Input Connector..........................“N” Female
Power Handling..........................1 kW
Boom Length / Dia......................63” / 1”
Maximum Element Length..........40-3/8”
Turning Radius:..........................61”
Stacking Distance.......................56” High & 56” Wide
Mast Size....................................1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival...................0.47 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................4 Lbs. / 6 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 146CP8
FEATURES:
The 146CP8 is a practical sized, yet high performance circular polarized antenna with a remarkably clean pattern.
The pattern is important in order to match the antenna’s noise temperature with modern low noise preamps. This antenna
is ideal for satellite work.
The CNC machined driven element module is O-ring sealed and weather tight for low maintenance and long-term
peak performance. Internal connected are encapsulated in a space-age silicone gel that seals out moisture and improves
power handling. The 3/16” 6061-T6 rod elements are centered to minimize interaction and maintain good ellipticity. Insu-
lators are UV stabilized and locked in place with stainless keepers. Rugged construction, uncompromising performance
for the boomlength: thats the M2146CP8!
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

TOOL REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY: screwdriver, 11/32 nut driver or wrench, 7/16” and1/2” socket or end
wrenches, measuring tape.
ASSEMBLING THE HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS
1. Lay out the elements by “HORIZONTAL” length and position as shown the DIMENSION SHEET. Start with
the reflector (longest) element. Balance it on your finger to find rough center and push on a black button
insulator to about 1/2” off center. DO NOT BOTHER CENTERING the element at this time and DO NOT
INSTALL the stainless steel shaft retainers yet. It is easier to do it after all the horizontal elements are
installed in the boom.
2. Install the 3/16” rod DRIVEN ELEMENT as you did the reflector. Then continue with the installation of the
DIRECTORS. Note that the Director Elements do not consistently diminish in length from rear to front, so pay
close attention to length and position.
3. Now begin centering the elements. Use a tape measure to EQUALIZE the amount the element sticking out
on each side of the boom. Once you have all the elements centered, sight down the element tips from the
rear comparing each side. Look for any obvious discrepancies and correct if found.
4. Stainless steel SHAFT RETAINERS lock the
elements in place. They should always be used
for permanent and long term antenna
installations. For portable or temporary use, the
button insulators are adequate for holding the
elements and the retainers may be left off.
To install the stainless steel SHAFT
RETAINERS, use thumb and forefinger to hold
the retainer over the end of the PUSH TUBE
3/8" x 3" tube, (supplied in the kit), internal
fingers on retainer dished into tube. HOLD THE
ELEMENT FIRMLY TO PREVENT IT FROM
SLIDING OFF CENTER and press the retainer
onto the element end and continue until retainer
butts on to insulator button. Locking pliers, lightly clamped up against opposite button insulator will help
maintain center reference (if you push the first retainer too far, remove element from boom, push retainer
completely off the element, and start over). Install another retainer to the opposite side of the element.
Continue installing retainers until all elements are secured.
5. Mount the HORIZONTAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK / ROD ASSEMBLY to the top of the boom using a
single 8-32 X 1-1/4" screw. Orient the block with the two balun connectors facing to rear.
6. Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the SHORTING BARS. Slide the
bars onto the 1/4" Driven Element Block Rods and the 3/16" driven element rod. Position the Shorting Bars
as described on the dimension sheet. Align thebars with each other and tighten the set screws.
ASSEMBLING THE VERTICAL ELEMENTS
Note: The vertical element set is shifted forward on the boom by 1/4 wavelength. This increases isolation
between element planes, improving circularity and ease of phasing / matching the two element sets.
7. Repeat steps #1 through #6 for the Vertical elements, using the Dimension Sheet as your guide to lengths
and spacing.
INSTALLATION OF THE VERTICAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK DETERMINES THE CIRCULARITY OF
THIS ANTENNA. THE ORIENTATION OF THE BLOCK FOR RHC - RIGHT HAND CIRCULARITY, IS
SHOWN ON THE DIMENSION SHEET.
8. Viewed from the rear of the boom (rearmost Reflector HORIZONTAL), the VERTICAL Driven Element Block
mounts to the LEFT hand side of the boom with the two Balun connectors oriented to the FRONT. Secure
with 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw. Install the Shorting Bars as in step #6.
146CP8 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

9. Before installing the Baluns and Matching / Phasing Harness, thread 3/8” SEAL NUTS fully onto all
connectors, with the black Neoprene face of the nuts facing out. Attach Baluns and Phasing lines to the
Driven Element Blocks and Junction Block as shown on the Dwg. Tighten the connectors gently using a
7/16" end wrench. Once the connectors are tight, back the Seal Nuts out and finger-tighten firmly up against
the face of the connectors (or tighten gently with 1/2” end wrench). A lot of torque is unnecessary.
Depending on model and polarity, the Vertical balun may loop around another element. This is normal. Form
balun coax until it is close to the boom and secure with a nylon cable tie. Also secure the other balun and the
matching / phasing harness coax with cable ties. Ties should be snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
10. Use good quality coax and “N” connector for your feedline (see Installation Tips). Secure feed coax near
connector on Junction Block, to provide stress relief. Allow about 60” of coax to hang in a loop between the
rear end of the boom and the reattachment point (at least 12” beyond element tips) on the mast or
crossboom.
11. The boom to mast plate is normally mounted to the boom at the balance point. Note: Some antennas are
rear mounted. Since the feed line represents significant weight it is best to have it attached and fastened to the
boom with cable ties before final mounting the plate. Use two 1" U-bolts and the stainless nuts and lock washers
provided. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. 1-1/2” and 2” U-bolts (and stainless steel nuts / lock washers) are provided
for mounting the antenna to your NON-CONDUCTIVE mast or crossboom.
THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
(SEE INSTALLATION TIPS PAGE)
146CP8 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

146CP8 INSTALLATION TIPS & HINTS
1. The 146CP8 is a circular polarized antenna and creates a field in all planes or polarities. Performance
DETERIORATES SIGNIFICANTLY if it is mounted on a metal (conductive) mast or crossboom. A mast or
crossboom of any NON-CONDUCTIVE material must be used. Fiberglass is the prime choice for its strength and
weather resistance. Mount the 166CP8 so that element tips are at least 12” from any conductive material (mast,
tower, feedline, etc.).
2. Recommended feedlines, in order of preference:
Andrews or Celwave 1/2” hardline
Times LMR-400 or Belden 8214
Try to keep the cable run to under 100 ft. to prevent excessive signal loss.
3. To maintain proper phasing when stacking two or more antennas, mount each with the same orientation of
Driven Element Blocks. DO NOT MOUNT IN MIRROR IMAGE. See the Specification Sheet for stacking
distances. For more detailed stacking information contact M2.
CAREFULLY MANUFACTURED BY:
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]

146CP8 DIMENSION SHEET

146CP8 PARTS & HARDWARE
DESCRIPTION...............................................................................QTY
BOOM SECTION # 1” X 0.058 X 63” (WITH 7/8” SLEEVE)..........1
ELEMENTS, 3/16” ROD x SEE CUT SHEET................................8
PS DRIVEN ELEMENT ASSEMBLY (CUSTOM)..........................1
DRIVEN ELEMENT ASSEMBLY...................................................1
BALUN, RG-6 1/22
PHASE LINE, RG-6 1/4 2
JUNCTION BLOCK ASSEMBLY (SADE0065)..............................1
BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, 3 X 4 X .125" (M2APT0019) ..............1
SHORTING BAR, VHF, 1/4” X 3/4” (M2ASB0090)........................4
U-BOLT & CRADLE, 2”..................................................................2
U-BOLT & CRADLE, 1-1/2” ...........................................................2
U-BOLT, 1".....................................................................................2
ASSEMBLY MANUAL....................................................................1
HARDWARE:
BUTTON INSULATOR...................................................................16
SHAFT RETAINER, SS .................................................................16
NUT, 5/16-18 SS............................................................................4
LOCKWASHER, 5/16 SS...............................................................4
NUT, 1/4-20 SS..............................................................................4
LOCKWASHERS, 1/4 SS..............................................................4
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4 SS..............................................................3
SETSCREW, 8-32 X 1/4, SS.........................................................8
CABLE TIE, (MEDIUM)..................................................................4
SEAL NUTS, 3/8-32.......................................................................8
ALLEN HEAD WRENCH, 5/64”.....................................................1
PUSH TUBE, 3/8 X 3”....................................................................1
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]