M2 Antenna Systems 2MCP22 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 Incoporated 05/27/15
Rev.01
Model .........................................2MCP22
Frequency Range.......................144 To 148 MHz
*Gain ..........................................14.39 dBic
Front to back ..............................25 dB Typical
Elipticity......................................>3db
Beamwidth ...............................38°
Feed type ...................................Folded Dipole
Feed Impedance........................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.4:1
Input Connector..........................“N” Female others opt.
Power Handling..........................1.5 kW, 750W with PS-1
Boom Length / Dia......................18’ 7” / 1-1/2” To 1”
Maximum Element Length..........40”
Turning Radius:..........................10’
Stacking Distance.......................10’ High & 10’ Wide
Mast Size....................................1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival...................2.5 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................9.5 Lbs. / 11 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 2MCP22
FEATURES:
This cross polarized Yagi was computer designed for the serious OSCAR user. The average side and back lobes power have been
reduced by approximately 10 dB over any previous design, enhancing signal to noise ratio and putting all your power where it will do
the most good. The 2MCP22 is ideal for general use over the ENTIRE two meter band from FM to SSB and CW DX. Arrays of two or
more will even permit moonbounce contacts using the old reliable passive repeater in the sky.
The unique Driven Element Modules are CNC machined and feature O-ring sealed connectors. Internal connections are encapsulated
in a space age silicone gel with nearly 4 times the dielectric strength of air. The 2MCP22 is our finest circular polarized antenna. We
are confident you will be impressed with the 2MCP22 from the moment you open the box until you've worked DXCC and beyond!
Optional items include HDFG fiberglass crossboom kit compatible with Yaesu 5400 and 5600 series az-el rotators, power dividers
2M2PORT and 2M4PORT, polarity switch, phasing lines VHF-50-2MCP22(2) or (4), ‘H’ frames, OR-2800 azimuth and MT-1000 and
MT-3000 elevation rotators / positioners.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

TOOL REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY: screwdriver, 11/32 nut driver or wrench, 7/16” and1/2” end
wrenches, pliers, measuring tape.
1. Start by laying out the boom sections, noting hole positions and matching to the DIMENSION
SHEET. Use 8-32 X 1-1/2” screws and locknuts to join 1” to 1-1/4” sections; 1-3/4” screws for 1-1/4” to
1-1/2” sections.
2. Separate elements by length into two identical sets, “H” and “V.” Position the “H” element set along
the boom by “H” 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. 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 CENTERING the element at this time and
DO NOT INSTALL the stainless steel shaft retainers yet. It is easier to do after all the horizontal
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. Begin installing the stainless retainers. Use thumb and index finger to hold a retainer over end of the
3/8 x 3” push tube (retainer dished into tube). Hold the element firmly and start the retainer onto the
rod by applying pressure with the push tube. Push the retainer until up tight against the button insulator
(Locking pliers, lightly clamped up against opposite button insulator will help maintain center reference
and keep you from pushing the first retainer too far). Repeat for the opposite side. Continue installing
retainers until all elements are locked in place.
6. 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. Install
the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the SHORTING BARS. Slide the
bars onto the Driven Element Block Rods and the driven element rods. Position the Shorting Bars at
the ends of the 3/16” rod that passes through the boom. Align the bars with each other and tighten the
set screws.
7. Mount the "T" JUNCTION BLOCK on the top of the boom to holes about 9” to the rear of the vertical
driven element block. Orient "N" feed connector to the rear. Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4 screw.
8. ASSEMBLING THE VERTICAL ELEMENTS
Repeat steps #2 through #5 for the Vertical elements, using the Dimension Sheet as your guide to
lengths and spacing.
2MCP22 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

9. 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 AND DRAWING.
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 REAR.
Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw. Install the Shorting Bars as in step #7.
10. 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 and phasing line coax close to the boom and secure with nylon cable ties.
Ties should be snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
11. Use good quality coax and “N” connector for your feedline. Secure feed coax near connector on
Junction Block, to provide stress relief, route to rear of boom and secure again. Allow 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. Do not route feedline to boom- to- mast plate as exiting antenna here
will adversely affect circular field.
12.The boom to mast plate is normally mounted to the boom at, or near, the physical balance point,
and only to the 1-1/2" boom section. Use two 1-1/2" U-bolts and the stainless nuts and lock washers
provided. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. 2” U-bolts and stainless hardware are provided for mounting the
antenna to your NON-CONDUCTIVE 2” mast or crossboom. 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 of
the plate. Element alignment is your choice. Elements oriented at 45 degrees works well for bringing
the feedline off with minimal interference to the pattern or VSWR.
13. IF YOU WILL BE USING THE ANTENNA FOR TERRESTRIAL USE ONLY, you may want to
consider installing the overhead Dacron cord boom support system (supplied). FOR SATELLITE USE
most users don't find it necessary and prefer to "keep the antenna simple". A slight droop in the boom
may be noted but it will not effect the antenna performance.
2MCP22 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

14. To add the support, install a 2" U-bolt into the 1-1/2” x 4” TURNBUCKLE PLATE and attach the
turnbuckles. Temporarily install the turnbuckle U-bolt studs into the top set of U-bolt holes in the boom
to mast plate and loosely secure with a couple of 5/16” nuts. This "locks" the alignment of the
turnbuckle plate to the boom to mast position. Install the two U-clips into the boom and secure with
retainers. Rotate boom so clips are vertical.
15. Now attach one end of the BLACK DACRON SUPPORT CORD to the front U-clip. Two turns of
cord and a square knot is adequate. Heat-seal the left over end and tape back to the main line. Route
the cord back to the rear clip and knot the same. Even-up excess cord at the turnbuckle plate and cut.
The turnbuckles should be extended until just a thread or two shows inside the body of the turnbuckle.
Attach cord ends to the turnbuckles as on the U- clips. When completed, the two lines should be tight,
the turnbuckles laying flat out just over the boom. After the antenna is installed to a mast, the
turnbuckle plate is attached and slid up about one foot until the boom is straight. Use the turnbuckles
to balance and fine tune the support. After final adjustments, safety-wire the turnbuckles to maintain
settings.
16. The 2M22CP 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 /
crossboom or if the feedline exits the boom anywhere but at the rear. A 2” mast or crossboom of any
NON-CONDUCTIVE material can be used. Fiberglass is the prime choice for its strength and weather
resistance (1/4” wall x 2” O.D. Fiberglass tube is available from M2). Mount the 2M14CP so that
element tips are at least 12” from any conductive material (mast, tower, feedline, etc.).
THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
CAREFULLY MANUFACTURED BY:
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
2MCP22 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

2MCP22 DIMENSION SHEET

2MCP22 ASSEMBLY DETAILS

DESCRIPTION QTY
#1 BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 41.5” ....................1
#2 BOOM SECTION, 1-1/4 X .058 X 60” SOE........1
#3 BOOM SECTION, 1-1/2 X .058 X 60” SBE .......1
#4 BOOM SECTION, 1-1/4 X .058 X 60” SOE........1
#5 BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 13”........................1
ELEMENTS, 3/16 ROD x Dimension Sheet.............22
DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK ASSEMBLY.................2
JUNCTION BLOCK ..................................................1
BALUN, RG-6 1/2 WAVE..........................................2
MATCHING / PHASING CABLE, 1/4 WAVE............2
BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, .188 X 6 X 4”..................1
TURNBUCKLE PLATE, 2 X 4...................................1
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 2’........................................3
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 1-1/2”.................................2
DACRON ROPE, 3/32 X 16’ 8”.................................1
ASSEMBLY MANUAL ..............................................1
IN HARDWARE BAG:
TURNBUCKLES, 1/4” X 5-1/4”.................................2
U-CLIPS, 3/16” ROD ................................................2
SHORTING BAR ......................................................4
BUTTON INSULATORS...........................................44
KEEPER, SS ............................................................48
NUT, 5/16-18 SS ......................................................10
LOCKWASHER, 5/16 SS .........................................10
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-3/4 SS.........................................4
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/2 SS.........................................4
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4 SS.........................................3
LOCKNUT, 8-32 SS..................................................8
SET SCREW, 8-32 X 1/4 SS....................................8
CABLE TIE, NYLON ................................................5
SEAL NUTS..............................................................8
ALLEN HEAD WRENCH..........................................1
PUSH TUBE, 3/8 X 3”...............................................1
CAREFULLY MANUFACTURED BY:
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
2MCP22 PARTS & HARDWARE