M2 Antenna Systems 406-6SX 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 04/6/15
Rev.00
Model .........................................406-6SX
Frequency Range.......................401 To 412 MHz
*Gain ..........................................11 dBi
Front to back ..............................19 dB Typical
Beamwidth ...............................E=55° H=65°
Feed type ...................................Gamma Match
Feed Impedance. .......................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.5:1
Input Connector..........................SO-239
Power Handling ..........................500 Watts
Boom Length / Dia......................36’ / 1”
Maximum Element Length..........14-1/2”
Turning Radius: ..........................34-1/8”
Stacking Distance.......................27” High & 30” Wide
Mast Size....................................1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival ...................0.3 Sq. Ft. / 75 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................3 Lbs. / 4 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 406-6SX
FEATURES:
The 406-6SX a low cost, medium performance antenna and a great choice for a rugged hand held operation
without compromising quality. A comfortable rear mount handle and all stainless hardware, give you the confidence of
quality construction you have come to expect from M2. Built with size and portability in mind, this antenna is great for
hand held tracking applications. The antenna breaks down to no more than 36” long, making it a natural for portable oper-
ations.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

Tools handy for assembly process: Phillips head screwdriver, 5/16”,11/32” spin-tight or socket, 7/16”
end wrenches / sockets, measuring tape.
1. This antenna uses a one-piece boom that will be rear mounted.
2. Lay out the elements by length and position as shown on the DIMENSION sheet. Start with the
reflector (longest) element and push on a black button insulator to about 1/2” from the center of the
element. Push the reflector element through the element hole towards the rear of the boom. (Refer
to the DIMENSION sheet for proper placement) Install the second button insulator on the other
side of the element, pushing it up into boom. DO NOT BOTHER WITH ACCURATELY
CENTERING the element at this time and DO NOT INSTALL the stainless steel internal locking
keepers yet. This is easier to do after all of the elements are installed in the boom.
3. Install the DRIVEN ELEMENT in the same way as you did the reflector element. Then continue
with the installation of the DIRECTOR or DIRECTORS.
4. Now begin centering the elements. Use a tape measure to EQUALIZE the amount of each element
sticking out on each side of the boom. Once you have all of the elements centered, sight down the
element tips from the rear comparing each side. Look for any obvious discrepancies and correct if
found.
5. Install the stainless steel keepers to secure the elements.
NOTE: For portable or temporary use of the antenna, the
keepers may be left off. The button insulators, (normally a tight
fit) hold the elements quite securely.
To install, use thumb and forefinger to hold the keeper over the
end of the PUSH TUBE. Make sure that the internal fingers of
the keeper are dished into the push tube. HOLD THE
ELEMENT FIRMLY TO PREVENT IT FROM SLIDING OFF
CENTER and press the keeper onto the element end and
continue until the keeper is snug on the insulator button.
Locking pliers, lightly clamped up against the opposite button insulator, will help maintain center
reference. If you push the first keeper too far, remove the element from the boom, push the keeper
completely off the element, and start over. Install another keeper to the opposite side of the
element. Continue installing keepers until all elements are locked in place.
6. Next, assemble the Gamma Match assembly. Start by sliding a
#6 flat washer over the end of the Gamma Feed block stud.
7. Slide the Gamma Insulator over the Gamma Rod, leaving 1/8”
of the insulator exposed beyond the end of the Gamma Rod.
Slide this Gamma Rod and Insulator over the end of the
Gamma Feed block stud.
8. Now, slide a #6 lock washer over the Gamma Feed block stud
and finish the assembly with a 6-32 nut. *Note* The connector
stud can spin freely. Use a pair of needle nose pliers or a small
wrench to hold the flat surface when tightening.
9. Next, attached the Gamma Match assembly to the boom, using a single 8-32 x 1 1/4” screw. Make
sure to orient the Feed connector towards the rear of the antenna.
10. Now slide the Gamma Tube over the Gamma Insulator and refer to the DIMENSION sheet for
proper placement.
Installing Keepers
406-6SX ASSEMBLY MANUAL

11. Install the two halves of the Shorting Bar onto the Gamma Tube and the driven element below.
Refer to the DIMENSION sheet for proper location of the shorting bar. Tighten the shorting bar in
place using a single 8-32 x 7/8” screw and lock nut.
12. Now Slide the 3/8” x 3/8” Vinyl cap over the Gamma Tube until it is flush with the end of the
Gamma Tube.
13. Slide the foam padded rear mount handle into place.
14. For hand held operation
Route the feed line coax towards the rear of the antenna past the reflector element. Use the
supplied adapter for quick disconnect using a BNC connector. Secure the feed line coax to the
antenna boom with the supplied nylon ties. For the best performance try to match the polarity of
the source and tracking antennas. When fixed mounting is required with the antenna
vertically polarized, make sure to orient the gamma tube with the vinyl cap facing up.
To maintain good VSWR and antenna pattern: Keep metallic masts, cross booms and the feed line
coax out of the element plane.
Stacking or Phasing ? Call us and let us help you DO IT RIGHT.
THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
Carefully manufactured by:
M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [e-mail]
406-6SX ASSEMBLY MANUAL

406-6SX DIMENSION SHEET

GENERIC GAMA MATCH ASSEMBLY DETAIL

DESCRIPTION………………………………………………….QTY
BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 36” ...........................................1
ELEMENTS, 3/16 ROD X SEE DIM SHEET...........................6
GAMMA CONNECTOR BLOCK ASSEMBLY .........................1
GAMMA ROD, 3/16 X 2.0 ALUM ROD ..................................1
GAMMA TUBE, 3/8 X .058 X 1.750 ALUM TUBE...................1
GAMMA INSULATOR, .1/4 X .031 X 1.625 TEFLON TUBE...1
VINYL CAP, 3/8 X 3/8 ............................................................1
ADAPTER BNC FEMALE TO PL259......................................1
FOAM HANDLE ......................................................................1
ASSEMBLY MANUAL.............................................................1
HARDWARE BAG:
SHORTING BAR, 1/4 X 3/8 X 1.688 .......................................2
BUTTON INSULATORS, 3/16 ................................................12
KEEPERS, 3/16 SS ................................................................12
SCREW, 8-32 X 1.25 SS ........................................................1
SCREW, 8-32 X .875 SS ........................................................1
LOCKNUT, 8-32 SS................................................................1
FLATWASHER, #6 SS............................................................1
LOCKWASHER, #6 SS...........................................................1
NUT, 6-32 SS..........................................................................1
NYLON TIE, 7 3/4 ..................................................................3
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: [e-mail]
406-6SX PARTS & HARDWARE