M2 Antenna Systems 432-6WL 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 Incoporated 05/28/15
Rev.03
Model .........................................432-6WL
Frequency Range.......................420 To 440 MHz
*Gain ..........................................18.04 dBi
Front to back ..............................23 dB Typical
Beamwidth ...............................E=22° H=24°
Feed type ...................................Folded Dipole
Feed Impedance........................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.2:1 Typical
Input Connector..........................“N” Female
Power Handling..........................1 kW
Boom Length / Dia......................14’ 6”’ / 1”
Maximum Element Length..........13-7/8”
Turning Radius:..........................96”
Stacking Distance.......................65” High & 65” Wide
Mast Size....................................2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival...................0.85 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................4.6 Lbs. / 7 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 432-6WL
FEATURES:
The 432-6WL is the ultimate antenna: computer and range optimized for very high gain and excellent pattern
across its bandwidth. It can be mounted vertically or horizontally and is also ideal for OSCAR, FM, LONG HAUL TROPO,
ETC. Its lightweight, yet sturdy, construction keeps the wind area low without compromising the 100 MPH wind survival
rating. We guarantee you will be impressed.
The heart of the 432-6WL is a unique Driven Element Module with superior weather resistance and power han-
dling abilities. The module is CNC machined from a solid aluminum block, features O-ring sealed connectors and internal
connections embedded in a special silicone gel that seals out weather and improves power handling. The Balun connect-
ors are triple-sealed to the coax. Other key mechanical and electrical parts are CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum
and all hardware except U-bolts is stainless steel.
The 432-6WL offers you uncompromising performance, enduring mechanical construction, and long term electri-
cal integrity. Where else but M2.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

TYPICAL TOOLS REQUIRED: measuring tape, std slot or phillips screwdriver, 11/32, 7/16, and 1/2
spin-tite, end wrenches and / or sockets.
1. Lay out the boom sections and assemble using the DIMENSION sheet as a guide for position and
hardware.
2. Lay out the elements by length and position as shown the DIMENSION sheet. Find rough center of
the reflector (longest) element 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 the 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 specified on Dimension
Sheet.
3. Now begin centering the elements. Use a tape measure to EQUALIZE the amount the element
sticking out on each side of the boom. Once all are centered, sight down the antenna from the rear
and compare tip symmetry. Look for any obvious discrepancies and correct if found.
4. Stainless steel SHAFT RETAINERS are used for securing the elements and insulators. Always use
for permanent and long term antenna installations. For most portable or temporary use, the button
insulators are satisfactory and the retainers may
be left off.
5. Use thumb and index finger to hold a Shaft
Retainer over end of the 3/8 x 3” push tube
(internal fingers dished into tube). Hold the
element firmly and start the keeper onto the rod
by applying pressure with the push tube. Push the
Shaft Retainer down element until 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 Shaft Retainer too far). Repeat
432-6WL ASSEMBLY MANUAL

for the opposite side. Continue installing Shaft Retainers until all elements are locked in place.
6. Mount the DRIVEN ELEMENT FEED BLOCK to the boom using a single 8-32 screw 1/4" longer
than the boom diameter. Orient with feed and balun connectors oriented as shown on the
Dimension Sheet.
7. Thread a 3/8” SEAL-NUT fully onto each balun connector on the feed block, with black Neoprene
side facing out. Generally the balun is installed in one long loop. Rear mounted baluns may be
coiled once if length extends beyond boom. Attach balun to the block connectors and tighten gently
using a 7/16" end wrench. 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). Form the balun coax close to the boom
and secure with cable ties (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 the 1/4" Feed Block Rods. Position the
Shorting Bars as 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 setscrews.
9. For center mounted antennas, the boom to mast plate is normally mounted as close as possible to
the balance point (with feedline or a temporary equivalent attached). For rear mounted antennas,
use the boom length provided behind the reflector element. Keep mounting plate at least 1" from
any element. Secure plate with two U-bolts and the stainless nuts and lock washers provided. DO
NOT OVER TIGHTEN. Additional U-bolts and stainless nuts / lockwashers are provided for
mounting the antenna to your mast. THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
10. 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.
11. MOUNTING AND STACKING INFORMATION
Rear mounted antennas can generally be mounted in any polarization to any type of mast,
conductive or non-conductive.
Center mounted antennas can also be mounted in any polarity. However, a mast or
crossboom in-line (parallel) with the element plane must be non-conductive. Anything
conductive in the element plane will disrupt the pattern and reduce performance (even the feedline).
When a non-conductive mast or crossboom is in-line with elements, route feedline away at right
angles to the elements and reattach at least 6" beyond element tips. Fiberglass is the
recommended material for a non-conductive mast or crossboom because of it's strength and
weather resistance.
Stacking: See the Dimension Sheet for stacking separation dimensions.
1. All driven element blocks MUST be oriented to the same side of boom.
2. All boom-to-mast plates MUST be mounted at the same point on the boom.
3. Feed / phasing lines MUST be of equal electrical length or, ideally, multiples of 1 wavelength in
order to maintain equal phasing in the array.
Carefully manufactured by:
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
432-6WL ASSEMBLY MANUAL

432-6WL DIMENSION SHEET

DESCRIPTION...................................................... QTY
BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 60 SOE.................. 2
BOOM SECTION, 1 X .058 X 60 STR.................. 1
ELEMENTS, 3/16 ROD x Dimension Sheet ......... 21
FEED BLOCK, ..................................................... 1
BALUN, RG-6 1/2 l ................................................ 1
BOOM-TO-MAST PLATE, 3 X 4 X .188".............. 1
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 2" ...................................2
U-BOLT, 1"............................................................ 2
ASSEMBLY MANUAL........................................... 1
IN HARDWARE BAG:
BUTTON INSULATORS ......................................42
SHAFT RETAINER, SS .......................................42
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....................................5
LOCKNUT, 8-32 SS.............................................4
SHORTING BAR..................................................2
SETSCREW, 8-32 X 1/4, SS ...............................4
CABLE TIE, NYLON ...........................................4
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 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
432-6WL PARTS & HARDWARE