M2 Antenna Systems 432-12EME User manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2012 M2 Antenna Systems Incoporated
11/20/12
Rev.01
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 432-12EME
SPECIFICATIONS: (SINGLE ANTENNA):
SPECIFICATIONS: (ARRAY OF 4 ANTENNAS):
Model ............................................. 432-12EME
Frequency Range ........................... 430 To 436 MHz
*Gain............................................... 16.4 dBi
Front to back................................... 23 dB Typical
Beamwidth .................................... E=26° H=29°
Feed Impedance............................. 50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR............................. 1.2:1 Typical
Input Connector .............................. “N” Female
Power Handling ...............................1 kW
Boom Length / Dia...........................116” / 1” To 3/4” Tip
Maximum Element Length...............13.5”
Turning Radius: ...............................83’
Stacking Distance............................54” High & 56” Wide
Mast Size.........................................2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival.........................0.65 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt..............................2.5 Lbs. / 4 Lbs.
Model ..............................................432-12EMEX4
Frequency Range............................432 To 436 MHz
*Gain ...............................................22.44 dBi
Front to back....................................23 dB Typical
Beamwidth .....................................E=13° H=15°
Feed Impedance..............................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR.............................2.0:1 Typical
Input Connector...............................“N” Female
Power Handling...............................3 kW
Boom Length / Dia ..........................116’ / 1” To 3/4” Tip
Maximum Element Length ..............13.5”
Turning Radius:...............................83”
Stacking Distance ...........................54” High & 56” Wide
Mast Size ........................................2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival........................ 2.6 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd
FEATURES:
This is the latest addition to the high performance M2family of weak signal antennas. As the name implies, the 432-12EME has been
specifically designed as a potent yet compact EME (Moon bounce)array. It is ideal for home and trips (DXpeditions). Its light weight
and rear mount capabilities keep phasing lines short and mounting simple. When used only for terrestrial and stacked 4 high the
azimuth beamwidth is still 26 degrees, but the gain is over 20 dBd! EME CW or JT65B, you’ll be amazed!
POLARITY DIVERSITY is possible by adding 4 more in the opposite polarity to a slightly extended “H” frame. Note also that it
covers the satellite band! What a nice extra.
Construction is classic M2for long term electrical and mechanical integrity. Elements are 3/16” 6061-T6 rod, mounted through
the boom on UV stabilized insulators and locked in place with stainless steel shaft retainers. The driven element module is CNC
machined and all connectors O-ring sealed. Internal connections are encapsulated in a space-age silicone gel. Balun connectors are
triple-sealed to the coax. Our “H” frame used for the above specs is 2” x .125 x 60” cross boom and 2” x .065 x 60” risers. Ask about
special configurations for your special project. And don’t forget we make the MT1000 elevation rotator. It easily handles 4X2M9SSB
AND 4X or 8X 432-12EME’s. WHAT A KILLER SYSTEM!

1. 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. Sections may be swaged to fit each other.
2. Lay out the elements by length and position as shown the DIMENSION sheet. Start with the
reflector (longest) element and push on a black button insulator to about 1/2” from 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 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
the 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 “keepers.” Use thumb and index finger to hold a keeper over end of
the 3/8 x 3” push tube (keeper dished into tube). Hold the element firmly and start the keeper onto
the rod by applying pressure with the push tube. Push the keeper 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 keeper too far). Repeat for the opposite side.
Continue installing keepers until all elements are locked in place.
432-12EME ASSEMBLY MANUAL

6. Mount the DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK to the boom using a single 8-32 X 1-1/4" screw and
lockwasher. Orient the block with feed connector facing to center and balun connectors facing to
rear. Block orientation may be reversed if you wish feedline to exit from rear of boom.
7. Before installing the balun, thread a 3/8” SEAL NUT all the way onto each connector, with the
black Neoprene face of the nuts facing out. Attach balun and 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. Form the balun close to the boom and secure to boom with a nylon cable tie. Tie
should be snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
8. Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the SHORTING BARS.
Slide the bars onto the 3/16” rod driven element tips and 1/8” Driven Element Block Rods. Position
the Shorting Bars as specified on the Dimension Sheet: the distance given is between the outer
edge of the Driven Element Block and the inner edge of the Shorting Bar. Align the bars and rods
with each other and tighten the setscrews.
9. The boom to mast plate is mounted at the rear stub of the boom. 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 mast or ‘H’ frame. The feed line routes back and onto the mast.
10. MOUNTING AND STACKING INFORMATION
Keeping metallic masts, crossbooms and the feed coax out of the element plane will help maintain
good VSWR and pattern. Since this is a rear mount antenna the rear structure material is not an
issue regardless of chosen polarity. If you choose to tie multiple antennas together near the
middle or front of the boom, any metallic structure or feed line must be perpendicular to the plane
of the elements.
Stacking? Call M2 and let us help you DO IT RIGHT
THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
CAREFULLY MANUFACTURED BY:
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93711
[phone] FAX [phone]
WEB SITE: www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
432-12EME ASSEMBLY MANUAL

432-12EME DIMENSION SHEET

DESCRIPTION QTY
BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 60” SOE.............1
BOOM SECTION, 3/4 X .049 X 58-1/2”.............1
ELEMENTS, 3/16 ROD x Dimension Sheet......12
DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK..............................1
BALUN, RG-6 1/2 WAVE ..................................1
BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, 3” X 4”....................1
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 2”................................2
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 1”................................2
ASSEMBLY MANUAL.......................................1
IN HARDWARE BAG:
SHORTING BAR...............................................2
BUTTON INSULATORS....................................24
KEEPER, SS.....................................................24
NUT, 5/16-18 SS...............................................4
LOCKWASHER, 5/16 SS..................................4
NUT, 1/4-20 SS.................................................4
LOCKWASHERS, 1/4 SS..................................4
SETSCREW, 8-32 X 1/4, SS.............................4
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4 SS..................................3
LOCKNUT, 8-32 SS ..........................................2
LOCKWASHER, #8 SS.....................................1
CABLE TIE, NYLON .........................................3
SEAL NUTS, 3/8-32 ..........................................2
ALLEN HEAD WRENCH, 5/64”.........................1
PUSH TUBE, 3/8 X 3” .......................................1
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93711
[phone] FAX [phone]
WEB SITE: www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
432-12EME PARTS & HARDWARE