1. Start by laying out the boom sections using the DIMENSION sheet as a guide. Use 8-32 X 1-1/4
screws and locknuts to join 3/4” to 1” sections; 1-1/2” screws for 1” to 1-1/4” sections; 1-3/4”
screws for 1-1/4” to 1-1/2” and 1-1/2" to 1-1/2" sections.
To make assembly easier, support the boom about waist high on bucks, tables, etc. Or, drive a 1-
1/2” to 2” pipe into the ground and temporarily attach boom using boom to mast plate and U-bolts
at balance point.
2. Lay out the elements by length and position as shown the DIMENSION sheet. Start with the
reflector (longest) element. Balance across finger to find center and push on a black button
insulator to about 1/2” from center. Push the element through the holes 1/2" from the rear of the
boom and install the second button, snugging it up into boom. DO NOT BOTHER WITH
ACCURATELY CENTERING the element at this time and DO NOT INSTALL the stainless steel
internal locking shaft retainers yet. This is easier to do after all the elements are installed in the
boom.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. NOTE: The SHAFT RETAINERS should always be used to secure the elements for permanent
and long term antenna installations. However, for portable or temporary use, or whenever it is
anticipated that the antenna will be disassembled within a short time, the retainers may be left off.
The button insulators, normally a tight fit, will hold the elements quite securely.
To install the stainless steel element SHAFT RETAINERS, start by using thumb and forefinger to
hold the retainer against the end of the PUSH TUBE ( 3/8 x 3” push 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 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 and push retainer completely off the element). Now repeat for the other side of the
element. Continue installing retainers until all elements are locked in place.
6. Mount the DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK ASSEMBLY to the top of the boom using a single 8-32 X 1
-1/4" screw. Orient the block with feed connector facing to center and balun connectors facing to
rear. Block orientation may be reversed if you wish feedline to exit from rear of boom.
7. Before installing the balun, thread a 3/8” SEAL NUT all the way onto each connector, with the
black Neoprene face out. Attach balun to the Block and 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. Form the balun close to the boom and secure to boom with a nylon cable tie. Tie
should be snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
8. Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the SHORTING BARS.
Slide the bars onto the 3/16” rod driven element tips and then onto the Driven Element Block
Rods. Position the Shorting Bars at the very ends of the 3/16” rod (through the boom). Align the
bars and rods with each other and tighten the set screws.
9. Attach the square 18” RISER TUBE to the boom-to-mast plate using two 8-32 x 1-1/4” screws and
locknuts. The large holes at the top of the riser are slightly off-center and should be oriented away
from the boom-to-mast plate and closer to the centerline of the boom.
2M5WL ASSEMBLY MANUAL
