M2 Antenna Systems 348CP18 User manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2022 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated 08/24/22
Rev.00
Model .........................................348CP18
Frequency Range.......................344 To 351 MHz
*Gain ..........................................14.15 dBic
Front to back ..............................19 dB Typical
Feed type ...................................“T” Match
Feed Impedance. .......................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.5:1
Input Connector..........................“N” Female
Power Handling ..........................1.5 kW
Boom Length / Dia......................82” / 1”
Maximum Element Length..........17”
Turning Radius: ..........................Call
Stacking Distance.......................Call
Mast Size....................................1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival ...................0.5 Sq. Ft. / 100MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................6 Lbs. / 8 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 348CP18
FEATURES:
The 348CP18 is a 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
but is also excellent for terrestrial uses.
The CNC machined driven element module is O-ring sealed and weather tight for low maintenance and long-term peak
performance. Internal connections 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.
Insulators are UV stabilized and locked in place with stainless keepers. Rugged construction, uncompromising
performance for the boom length.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

348CP18 ASSEMBLY MANUAL
TYPICAL TOOLS REQUIRED: Measuring tape, Phillips screwdriver, 5/16”, 11/32”, 7/16” and 1/2” spin-tite, end
wrenches and or sockets. Heavy duty models may require larger sizes.
1. Layout the boom sections and assemble using the DIMENSION
sheet as a guide for position and hardware.
2. Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screw into each button insulator using
the 3/32” Allen wrench supplied.
3. Cut a strip of masking tape about 6” long. Fold the ends under
and stick the tape to a flat surface, sticky side up. Layout the ele-
ments by length and position as shown ON the DIMENSION
SHEET. Remove the REFLECTOR and find the rough center by
balancing it across finger. Push on a black button insulator to
about 1/2” from center. Insert the element through the holes at the
rear of the boom and install the second button. Install the 3/16” rod
DRIVEN ELEMENT as you did reflector. Then continue with the
installation of the DIRECTORS. Note that the Director
Elements may 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 centered, tighten the set screw in the insulators
on each side. After all are centered, sight down the antenna from
the rear and compare tip symmetry. Look for any obvious
discrepancies and correct if found. REPEAT THESE STEPS AND
INSTALL THE OTHER PLANE OF ELEMENTS. NOTE THEY ARE
SHIFTED FORWARD ON THE BOOM BY 1/4 WAVELENGTH.
5. Mount the special REAR DRIVEN / POLARITY SWITCH FEED BLOCK to the boom using two (2) 8-32 x 1-1/4”
screws. Orient with feed and balun connectors as shown on the Dimension Sheet. The “T” block unit mounts just
behind the rear REFLECTOR element with one more 8-32 x 1-1/4” screws.
6. Thread a 3/8” seal nut fully onto each “F” connector on each block, with black Neoprene side facing out.
Generally the balun is installed in one loop. Attach balun to the block connectors and tighten gently using a 7/16”
end wrench. The two medium length cables are the 1/2 wave baluns. Then back the seal nuts out and
finger-tighten firmly up against the face of the connectors (or tighten gently with 1/2” end wrench). Later, after the
phasing lines are installed form the balun coax and phasing lines close to the boom and secure with cable ties
(snug but not crushing or kinking the coax).
7. Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws using the 3/32” Allen wrench into the SHORTING BARS. Slide the bars onto the
3/16” rod driven element tips and the 1/8” Feed Block rods. Position the Shorting Bars a specified on the
DIMENSION SHEET. The distance given is between the outer face of the Feed Block and the inner face of the
Shorting Bar. Align the bars and rods with each other and tighten the set screws. NOTE: the shorting bar
dimensions may be different on the OPTIONAL circular switched driven element.
8. Now attach the phasing cables. The long, 3/4 wavelength coax cable goes to the front driven element. And the
short cable goes to the rear driven element. Tighten the connectors lightly with a 7/16” end wrench and then run the
seal nut up against the face to the connector and tighten just one turn past finger tight with a1/2” end wrench.
9. Route the cables close to the boom and avoid crossing or touching the element butts to minimize detuning. This
is a critical area if the antenna match is to be preserved. Because the cables can couple into the field of each
element set, it is important to route the cables as shown and use the cable ties provided to keep the cables tight
against the boom. THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY

348CP18 DIMENSION SHEET

348CP18 DIMENSION SHEET
OPTIONAL MANUAL AZ-EL SYSTEM ASSEMBLY
1. Connect the two MAST CLAMPS SHELLS together loosely with four (4) 1/4-20 x 3/4” bolts.
2. Attach the mast clamps to the “TACO SHELL” ELEVATION U-BRACKET using two (2) more 1/4-20 x 3/4”
bolts. Add two more 1/4-20 x 3/4” bolts, lock washers and flat washers to control the elevation tilt angle.
3. Secure THE SPECIAL 3” x 8” x 1/4” PLATE t to the elevation tilt bracket with two 1/4-20 x 3/4” bolts. Then add 2
SETS OF 1” SADDLES and loosely attach with 1/4-20 x 1-1/2” bolts and locknuts.
4. Mount the AZ-EL assembly on the top of the PORTABLE FOLDING STAND and tighten the mast clamp bolts.
Now insert the rear of the antenna boom into the saddles to about 3” behind the reflector, orient the antenna so the
rear set of elements are horizontal and tighten the saddle bolts.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
For optimum performance, mount antenna high and in the clear. Always use high quality coax and connectors.
Old, corroded or poor quality materials can SERIOUSLY affect VSWR, gain and pattern. If possible, test the
antenna, connectors and feedline BEFORE installation. At 6’ in height, the antenna will exhibit performance
approaching the specifications. If it doesn’t, check feedline and connectors for continuity and shorts. Check
antenna shorting bars, element placement and length, against Dimension Sheet.
Rear mounted antennas can generally be mounted in any polarization to any type of mast, conductive or
non-conductive.

348CP18 PARTS & HARDWARE
348CP18 PARTS LIST
DESCRIPTION .............................................................................. QTY
BOOM SECTION # 1, 1” X 0.058 X 54”......................................... 1
BOOM SECTION # 2, 1” X 0.058 X 54” SOE TFS ........................ 1
ELEMENTS, 3/16 ROD x DIM SHEET .......................................... 18
DRIVEN ELEMENT ASSEMBLY................................................... 2
BALUN FOR D.E. ASSEMBLY, (RG-6) ........................................ 2
PHASE LINE, 1/4 WAVE (RG-6) ................................................... 1
PHASE LINE, 3/4 WAVE (RG-6) ................................................... 1
JUNCTION BLOCK ASSEMBLY (SADE0065).............................. 1
BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, 3 X 4 X .125" (M2APT0019) ............... 1
SHORTING BAR, 1/4” X 3/4” (M2ASB0080)................................. 4
U-BOLT & CRADLE, 2” ................................................................. 2
U-BOLT, 1"..................................................................................... 2
ZIP TIE, (MEDIUM)........................................................................ 5
PENETROX / ZINC PASTE CUP .................................................. 1
ASSEMBLY MANUAL ................................................................... 1
HARDWARE
BUTTON INSULATORS ................................................................ 36
SHAFT RETAINER, SS ................................................................. 36
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.............................................................. 4
LOCKNUT, 8-32 SS....................................................................... 2
SETSCREW, 8-32 X 1/4, SS ......................................................... 8
SEAL NUTS, 3/8-32....................................................................... 8
ALLEN HEAD WRENCH, 5/64” ..................................................... 1
PUSH TUBE, 3/8 X 3”.................................................................... 1
*TFS=TO FIT ITSELF
OPTIONAL AZ-EL MOUNTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION QTY
MAST CLAMP HALF ..................................................................... 2
ELEVATION U BRACKET (TACO SHELL) ................................... 1
COUNTERWEIGHT, 3-1/4” X 1-1/2” 4 lb....................................... 1
PLATE, 1/4” X 3” X 8” .................................................................... 1
SADDLE, 1” ................................................................................... 4
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 1-3/4” SS.............................................................. 4
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 4” SS.................................................................... 1
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 1-1/2” SS.............................................................. 4
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 3/4” SS................................................................. 4
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 3/4” FLATHEAD SS ............................................. 3
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20 SS.................................................................... 2
LOCK WASHER, 1/4” SPLIT RING SS ......................................... 2
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93722
[phone] FAX: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2015 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated 10/24/12
Rev.00
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: PS365-70CM
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd
FEATURES:
The PS365-70CM polarity switch kit is designed to work with any M2 circular polarized antenna. It allow instantane-
ous selection of right or left hand circularity. Originally designed for Nasa for many of their 100 to 500 MHz satellite and
space craft applications, the PS365-70CM is now used by many amateur VHF enthusiasts to performance flexibility to both
terrestrial and satellite applications.
The heart of the unit is a small, low loss coaxial switch carefully designed into the driven element block. Only one
driven element block PS365-70CM is required to achieve full right hand and left hand selection. There are no frequency sen-
sitive elements in the block assembly so the PS365-70CM or its UHF equivalent can be used on most M2 CP antenna from
100 to 500 MHz. The PS365-70CM can handle 250W of continuous RF transmission power. Losses are less than 0.2 dB.
Installation is easy and involves only the removal of one of the original Driven Element assemblies and then mounting the
PS365-70CM in its place.
Model .........................................PS365-70CM
Frequency Range.......................300 to 500 MHz
Isolation, 2M / 440......................50 dB / 40dB
Feed Impedance. .......................50 Ohms Unbalanced
VSWR.........................................1.2:1 or better
Connectors.................................“F” Females
Ins. Loss, 2M / 440.....................0.1 / 0.2 dB
Switch Time, In / Out ..................20ms / 15ms
Power Handling 2M / 440 ...........200 W / 150 W
DC power req. ............................12 VDC @ 80mA
Block size / Rod Dia ...................2” X 2” X 1-1/4” / 1/4”
Maximum Element Length..........16”
Operating Temp range ...............-50°c to 150°c
Weight / Ship Wt.........................2.0 Lbs. / 4 Lbs.