M2 Antenna Systems 2MCP8A User manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2018 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated 10/14/18
REV F
Model ........................................ 2MCP8A
Frequency Range ...................... 143 To 148 MHz
*Gain.......................................... 9.2 dBic
Front to back.............................. 16 dB Typical
Beamwidth ............................... 60° Circular
Elipticity...................................... >3dB
Feed type................................... “T” Match
Feed Impedance........................ 50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR ....................... 1.3:1 Typical
Input Connector..........................“N” Female
Power Handling ..........................1.5 kW
Boom Length / Dia......................64” / 1”
Maximum Element Length..........41-1/4”
Turning Radius: ..........................64”
Stacking Distance.......................63” High & 63” Wide
Mast Size....................................1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival ...................0.5 Sq. Ft. / 100MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................4 Lbs. / 7 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 2MCP8A
FEATURES:
The 2MCP8A is a light weight, circularly polarized antenna optimized for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite
communications or other applications where a small circular polarized antenna is required. Optimum match and gain are
between 143 & 148 MHz for the satellite band. Rear mounted for easy coaxial cable routing. A preamp can be mounted
close to the antenna for almost no coax loss before the preamp, maximizing your receive performance. Computer design
techniques help keep spurious side lobes low down for optimum signal to noise ratios. This antenna features the same
CNC machined, O-ring and silicone-gel sealed, driven element assemblies common to all M2 Yagi antennas. This insures
years of trouble free performance regardless of weather.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

2MCP8A DIMENSION SHEET

TOOL REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY: screwdriver, 11/32 nut driver or wrench, 7/16” and 1/2” end
wrenches and sockets, measuring tape.
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 sections.
Note: If mounting antenna to a standard H-frame with a T-brace kit, it is important to
install the T-brace coupling bars to antenna before elements. Refer to H-Frame and T-
brace drawings for placement and more information.
ASSEMBLING THE HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS
2. Separate elements by length into two identical sets, "H" and "V". Lay out the "H" elements by
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 hole on the boom and install the second button, snugging it
up into boom. DO NOT BOTHER ACCURATELY 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.
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, for securing the elements, should always be used for permanent
and long term antenna installations. For portable or temporary use the retainers may be left off.
The button insulators, normally a tight fit, hold the elements quite securely.
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 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 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 as shown on the Dimension Sheet and tighten
the set screws.
7. Mount the JUNCTION BLOCK as shown on the Dimension Sheet. Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4" screw.
(SEE PICTURE ON NEXT PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION).
ASSEMBLING THE VERTICAL ELEMENTS
8. Repeat steps #2 through #5 for the Vertical elements, using the Dimension Sheet as your guide to
lengths and spacing.
2MCP8A ASSEMBLY MANUAL

9. NOTE: 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 HDWE. 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 BACK. Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw. Install the Shorting Bars as in step #6. For Left
Hand Circularity, mount the Vertical driven element block to the opposite side of the boom, balun
connectors to BACK.
10. Attach Baluns and Phasing lines to the Driven Element Blocks and Junction Block as shown in the
picture. Depending on model and polarity, the Vertical balun may loop around another element.
This is normal. Coil rear balun if single loop overhangs rear of boom. 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. Tighten the connectors gently using a 7/16" end wrench.
11. Use good quality coax and “N” connector for your feed line. Secure feed coax near connector on
Junction Block, to provide stress relief, route to rear of boom, and secure again. 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 cross boom. Do not route feed line 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 the balance point (with feed line
attached). Use two 1" U-bolts and the stainless nuts and lock washers provided. DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN. 2” U-bolts are provided for mounting the antenna to your NON-CONDUCTIVE 2” mast
or cross boom.
INSTALLATION TIPS
13. The 2MCP8A 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
cross boom. A 2” mast or cross boom of any NON-CONDUCTIVE material can be used.
Fiberglass is the prime choice for its strength and weather resistance. Mount the 2M14CP so that
element tips are at least 12” from any conductive material (mast, tower, feed line, etc.).
2MCP8A ASSEMBLY MANUAL
DRIVEN ELEMENT
ASSEMBLY
1/4λ PHASING
CABLE
1/2λ BALUN
JUNCTION
BLOCK
1/4λ PHASING
CABLE
1/2λ BALUN
DRIVEN ELEMENT
ASSEMBLY
REAR OF ANTENNA FRONT OF ANTENNA
FEED
CONNECTOR

2MCP8A PARTS & HARDWARE
DESCRIPTION QTY
BOOM SECTION #1, 1” X .058” X 32”, SOE ......................................................... 1
BOOM SECTION #2, 1” X .058” X 34.5”................................................................. 1
ELEMENTS, 3/16” ROD X Dimension Sheet.......................................................... 8
DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK ASSEMBLY (SADEA2MCP8A) ................................. 2
JUNCTION BLOCK (SADE0065) ........................................................................... 1
BALUN, RG-6 1/2.................................................................................................. 2
MATCHING / PHASING CABLE, 1/4 ................................................................... 2
BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, .125” X 3” X 4” (M2APT0019)....................................... 1
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 1-1/2" ............................................................................... 2
U-BOLT, 1”.............................................................................................................. 2
ASSEMBLY MANUAL............................................................................................. 1
IN HARDWARE BAG:
SHORTING BAR (M2ASB0090) ............................................................................. 4
BUTTON INSULATOR............................................................................................ 16
KEEPER, SS........................................................................................................... 16
NUT, 5/16-18, SS.................................................................................................... 4
LOCK WASHER, 5/16”, SS .................................................................................... 4
NUT, 1/4-20, SS...................................................................................................... 4
LOCK WASHER, 1/4”, SS ...................................................................................... 4
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4”, SS ..................................................................................... 5
LOCKNUT, 8-32, SS ............................................................................................... 2
SET SCREW, 8-32 X 1/4”, SS ................................................................................ 8
7” CABLE TIE, NYLON .......................................................................................... 6
ALLEN HEAD WRENCH......................................................................................... 1
PUSH TUBE, 3/8 X 3” ............................................................................................. 1
Carefully manufactured by:
M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]om