M2 Antenna Systems 40M3C 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 1/19/19
REV 2
Model .........................................40M3C
Frequency Range.......................7.0-7.3 MHz x 150 kHz
Typical gain................................7.2 dBi typical
Front to back ratio......................24 dB typical
Beamwidth ...............................74°
Feed type ...................................HAIR PIN /1:1 Balun
Feed Impedance........................50 Ohms
VSWR.........................................1.3:1 typical, 2.0:1 max
Connector...................................SO-239, Other avl.
Power Handling..........................3 KW PEP, Higher avl.
Boom Length / Dia......................30’ / 3” X .125
Maximum Element Length..........49’
Turning Radius:..........................28.5’
Mast Size....................................2” or 3” Nom.
Wind area / Survival...................13.0 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 40M3C
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd / FS = Free Space
FEATURES:
The new 40M3C is a new exciting antenna. M2engineers developed a new coil using 3/16” copper wire with an aluminum
core. The result is a lightweight inductor with great power handling and a Q near 1000. The coil has a weather cover
made from polyethylene protecting the coil from birds, weather and snow build up. This allows for an almost lossless
REDUCED SIZE element. Countless hours have been spent optimizing all of our 40 meter antennas using this new coil
technique. The 40M3C uses simple element tip adjustments for optimizing performance for any part of the 40M band in
150 kHz steps. The 40M3C uses all of the same high quality hardware and machine parts that all of customers have
come to know. The 40M3C also has an optional 17m add on kit that uses a single feed point for both 40M and 17M. Don’t
miss the best part of the cycle, contact M2 for some help today.

40M3C ANTENNA OVERVIEW
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Look over all the DRAWINGS to get familiar with the various parts and assem-
blies in the system. Tools handy for assembly process: screwdriver, 11/32”, 7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16” and 5/8”
spin-tites, end wrenches and/or sockets, and a measuring tape.
Note:
All installations are unique in some way, which means it's OK to preassemble certain hardware, or
rearrange the assembly process to meet specific site requirements. A quick review of the assembly
drawings should help firm up the appropriate strategy. Please remember to double-check all hard-
ware for tightness BEFORE it becomes inaccessible.
One container of zinc paste (Penetrox, Noalox, or equiv.) has been provided to enhance and
maintain the quality of all mechanical and electrical junctions on this system. Apply a thin coat
wherever two pieces of aluminum come in contact or any other electrical connections are made.
It is also useful on screws and bolt threads as an ANTI SEIZE compound.
REFLECTOR
DRIVEN
ELEMENT
DIRECTOR

40M ELEMENT HALF OVERVIEW
ELEMENT MOUNTING
PLATE
(M2AEC0040)
ELEMENT CLAMP
(M2AMC0136)
ELEMENT SECTION #1
(M2AEP40MC-1)
ELEMENT SECTION #4
(M2AEP40MC-4)
ELEMENT SECTION #3
(M2AEP40MC-3)
ELEMENT SECTION #5
(M2AEP40MC-5)
ELEMENT TIP
(SAEL40MCDD)
LENGTH VARIES
DEPENDING
ON ELEMENT
2 (QTY) SCREW,
8-32 X 1”
& LOCK NUT
ELEMENT SECTION #6
(M2AEP40MC-6)
COIL ASSEMBLY
ELEMENT SECTION #2
(M2AEP40MC-2)
INSIDE ELEMENT SECTION #1
2 (QTY) SCREW,
8-32 X 1-1/2”
& LOCK NUT
2 (QTY) SCREW,
8-32 X 1-3/4”
& LOCK NUT
BOLT,
1/4-20 X 2”
& LOCK NUT

40M COIL OVERVIEW
40M COIL
(M2ACA1550)
COIL SUPPORT
(M2ACA1554)
COIL INSULATOR
(M2AFG0050)
COIL POST
(M2ACA1551)
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT SECTION #6
(M2AEP40MC-6)
COIL END CAP
(M2ACA1552)
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT SECTION #4
(M2AEP40MC-4)
NOTE: COVER REMOVED FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES.
BOOM ELEMENT TIP

40M COIL ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1:
The coil comes wound tight with 16 total turns from the factory. The excess
material will be trimmed off after the coil is in its final position. Using a permanent
marker, draw a straight line from one end of the coil to the other. This will help later
to determine if your coil has grown in diameter during assembly. After final position-
ing of the coil no more 3/4 of an inch of line tilt is allowed. A larger coil will cause the
inductance to change which can cause your antenna to be off frequency.
STEP 2:
The COIL is wound tight at the factory to prevent damage during shipping. Use the
COIL SPREADING TOOL provided, and carefully insert it into the first turn of the
COIL. Now gently push or roll the tool through all 16 turns of the COIL. Now the
COIL is nearly in its final shape and is ready to be threaded onto the COIL SUP-
PORT. Note the reference line drawn earlier, it will have a slight tilt after spreading.
STEP 3:
On one end, use pliers to gently straighten the last 1/2” of the COIL and file
off any burrs.
STEP 4:
Begin threading the COIL onto one end of the COIL SUPPORT. BE CAREFUL to not deform the COIL during this
process. The COIL should thread smoothly. Continue until about 5-1/2 turns are past the COIL SUPPORT or close to the
center. Exact centering is not important. Again, note your reference line.
NOTE: PENETROX PASTE FOR LUBRICATING SCREW THREADS AND TUBING JOINTS HAS BEEN SUPPLIED. USE A VERY SMALL AMOUNT ON
EACH SCREW THREAD AND UNDER THE COIL POSTS DURING THE NEXT OPERATION.
STEP 5:
Insert the COIL INSULATOR (M2AFG0050) into your COIL SUPPORT (M2ACA1554). Rotate the COIL and the
COIL SUPPORT so the leading end of the COIL goes over and just past the inner hole in the COIL INSULATOR. Now slide
on one COIL POST on to one end of the COIL so it is right over the first hole. Next, carefully slide on the ELEMENT SEC-
TION #6 (M2AEP40MC-6) and align it so both holes in the tube match the two holes in the COIL INSULATOR.
STEP 6:
Insert hardware through the ELEMENT SECTION #6 and the COIL INSULATOR and begin threading it into the
COIL POST. Tighten hardware. Thread the SET SCREW into the top of the COIL POST and with about 1/2” of wire protrud-
ing past the COIL POST, tighten the SET SCREW gently. Use supplied ALLEN WRENCH to tighten the SET SCREW.
1/2” TO 3/4”
TILT

40M COIL ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 7:
The second COIL POST is mounted on the OP-
POSITE SIDE of the COIL INSULATOR so 15 1/2 turns of
the COIL are used. The extra 1/2 turn COIL should pass
over the COIL INSULATOR hole. Slide on the second
COIL POST and align it over the hole. Slide on ELEMENT
SECTION #4 (M2AEP40MC-4) and fasten the COIL POST
to the tubing assembling using the supplied hardware. Use
you reference line and adjust the coil so the line has no
more tilt the 3/4”
STEP 8:
Insert the SET SCREW into the COIL POST and
tighten gently. Adjust the COIL and COIL SUPPORT loca-
tion for equally spaced turns. The distance between each
turn should be the same as the COIL diameter. Once the
COIL is straight and aligned, tighten the final SET SCREW
securely.
STEP 9:
Slide COIL COVER and COIL END CAPS onto COIL ASSEMBLY. Secure COIL END CAPS into position by securing
hardware through TUBE ASSEMBLIES on both ends of the COIL ASSEMBLY. Slide ELEMENT OVERHEAD SUPPORT onto
ELEMENT SECTION until it reaches the head of the screw holding on the COIL COVER. Clamp ELEMENT OVERHEAD SUP-
PORT in place with screw and locknut.
STEP 10:
Assemble all the remaining COIL ASSEMBLIES by repeating steps 1-9. Set COIL ASSEMBLIES aside for future use.
COIL (15.5 TURNS)
(M2ACA1550)
COIL INSULATOR
(M2AFG0050)
COIL SUPPORT
(M2ACA1554)
ELEMENT SEC-
TION #4
ELEMENT SECTION #6
(M2AEP40MC-6))
COIL POST
(M2ACA1551)
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4”
SET SCREW, 1/4-20 X 1/4”

STEP 11:
At this point it will be helpful to perform the remaining
assembly steps with the BOOM ASSEMBLY elevated off the
ground (about 3 feet). This can be accomplished by using
sawhorses or something similar. Wipe off the swedged ends of
each BOOM SECTION and apply a small amount of PENTROX.
Refer to the drawing below and assemble BOOM SECTIONS as
shown. Insert hardware and tighten.
STEP 12:
Add the eye bolts into the open hole on boom sections 1 # 4
SCREW, 1/4-20 X 3-1/2”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
BOOM
SECTION
BOOM
SECTION
40M3C BOOM ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
BOOM SECTION #1 and #4
(M2ABS40M3C-1-4)
(QTY 2)
BOOM SECTION #3
(M2ABS40MC3-3)
(QTY 1)
BOOM SECTION #2
(M2ABS40MC3-2)
(QTY 1)
REAR OF
BOOM
EYE BOLT,
3/8 X 6
AND
LOCK NUT
FRONT OF
BOOM
EYE BOLT,
3/8 X 6
AND
LOCK NUT

STEP 13:
Assemble the ELEMENT MOUNT
assemblies for the reflector and front director
element. Refer to the assembly drawing to aid in
assembly. Be sure to center the ELEMENT
CENTER SPLICE and the holes are in the
vertical position.
STEP 14:
Assemble the DRIVEN ELEMENT
MOUNT assembly for the DRIVEN ELEMENT.
Refer to the assembly drawing to aid in assembly.
Be sure to center the INSULATOR and the hole
are in the vertical position. The DISC
INSULATORS are a press fit. Heating them with
a heat gun or hot water will help in assembly.
40M3C ELEMENT MOUNT ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-3/4”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 4)
ELEMENT MOUNTING
PLATE
(M2AEC0040)
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT CENTER SPLICE
(M2ASR0050)
ELEMENT MOUNT ASSEMBLY
REFECTOR OR DIRECTOR
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/2”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 4)
CRADLE 3”
(M2AMC0136)
(QTY 2)
VERTICAL RISER
ASSEMBLY
(M2AVR0010)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 3-1/2”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
CRADLE 3”
(M2AMC0136)
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT MOUNTING
PLATE
(M2AEC0040)
(QTY 2)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/2”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 4)
INSULATOR
(M2AFG0034)
VERTICAL RISER
ASSEMBLY
(M2AVR0010)
BALUN BRACKET
(M2APT0016)
DISC INSULATOR
(M2ADI0020)
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT MOUNT ASSEMBLY
DRIVEN ELEMENT
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-3/4”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 4)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 3-1/2”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)

NOTE: For the final assembly on all the elements, it is best to perform the next steps on the ground or long flat surface.
This will aid during final adjustment of the ELEMENT OVER HEAD SUPPORT. The ELEMENT HALVES are symmetrical
on both sides. Do each of the following steps on both sides of the ELEMENT.
STEP 15:
Slide ELEMENT SECTION #2 onto ELEMENT CENTER SPLICE or INSULATOR.
STEP 16:
Slide ELEMENT SECTION #1 onto ELEMENT SECTION #2. Insert hardware and tighten locknut. Attach VERTI-
CAL RISER ASSEMBLY. For the driven element you need to add (4) CLAMP BLK, 3/8 (HAIRPIN) (M2AMC0261) and
hardware. See drawings for hardware call out for the different elements.
STEP 17:
Insert ELEMENT SECTION #3 into the end of ELEMENT SECTION #1. Insert and tighten hardware.
STEP 18:
Insert the ELEMENT SECTION #6 of the COIL ASSEMBLY previous assembled in STEPS 1-10 into ELEMENT
SECTION #3. Insert and tighten hardware.
STEP 19:
Insert ELEMENT SECTION #5 into the end of ELEMENT SECTION #4. Insert and tighten hardware.
STEP 20:
To be able to adjust the ELEMENT TIP, a COMPRESSION CLAMP is used. First thread on the hex nut to capture
the screw in the CLAMP. Then slide the COMPRESSION CLAMP such the screw is lined up with the hole in ELEMENT
SECTION #5. Use the DIMENSION SHEET and set the proper exposed length of the 1/2” ELEMENT TIP for the appropri-
ate element, then mark the element assembly to avoid confusion later. See GENERIC COMPRESSION CLAMP DETAIL
page for more detail.
STEP 21:
Tensioning the element over head guys: See the LOCK BLOCK AND KNOT DETAIL page. Familiarize your self
with knots at the top of VERTICAL RISER, bend the thimbles open and insert them into the holes on the top plate of the
VERTICAL RISER, then bend them back to there original shape. Follow the knot diagram and tie the upper section of
rope, leave no more than 3” of excess rope and finalize by taping the short tail of rope down to the main portion of rope.
Thread the opposite end of the rope through the ELEMENT OVERHEAD SUPPORT (M2APL0212) (See the LOCK
BLOCK AND KNOT DETAIL page) and tension the rope so the element is in a level or neutral position. It is always best to
have the element in a level or neutral position or with a slight sag downward. Over tensioning can lead to a bowed ele-
ment. This finalizes the element construction.
40M3C ELEMENT FINAL
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
GROUND OR FLAT SURFACE SCREW, 8-32 X 1-3/4”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT SECTION #1
(M2AEP40MC-1)
ELEMENT SECTION #2
(M2AEP40MC-2)
INSIDE ELEMENT SECTION #1
USE 3/16 THIMBLE
AND TIE KNOTS
SEE DIAGRAM
ELEMENT SECTION #3
(M2AEP40MC-3)
COIL ASSEMBLY
ELEMENT SECTION #5
(M2AEP40MC-5)
ELEMENT TIP
(SAEL40MCDD)
LENGTH VARIES
DEPENDING
ON ELEMENT
USE LOCK BLOCK ROPE
ROUTING DETAIL
SEE DIAGRAM
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/2”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)

40M3C ASSEMBLY DETAIL
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/2”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 2)
USE 3/16 THIMBLE
AND TIE KNOTS
AND TAPE
SEE DIAGRAM
USE 3/16 THIMBLE
AND TIE KNOTS
AND TAPE
SEE DIAGRAM
VERTICAL RISER
ASSEMBLY
(M2AVR0010)
VERTICAL RISER
ASSEMBLY
(M2AVR0010)
1 1/2 U-BOLT & CRADLE
5/16-18 NUT & LOCKWASHER
(QTY 2)
BALUN ASSEMBLY 1:1
(FGBL500)
CLAMP BLOCK, 3/8
(M2AMC0261)
HAIRPIN TUBE
(M2ADP6675)
(QTY 2)
SHORTING BAR
(M2AHP0262)
SPACER, 3/8 X 1
(M2ASR0010)
BAND CLAMP, #52 W HOLE
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2”
AND LOCKNUT
SET SCREW, 1/4-20 X 1/4”
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT MOUNTING PLATE
(M2AEC0040)
(QTY 2)
ELEMENT MOUNTING PLATE
(M2AEC0040)
(QTY 2)
CRADLE 3”
(M2AMC0136)
(QTY 2)
CRADLE 3”
(M2AMC0136)
(QTY 2)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/2”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 4)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/2”
LOCKNUT, 1/4-20
(QTY 4)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 3-1/2”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 3-1/2”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-3/4”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-3/4”
AND LOCKNUT
(QTY 2)
ELEMENTASSEMBLY
REFLECTOR OR DIRECTOR
ELEMENT
ELEMENTASSEMBLY
DRIVEN ELEMENT