M2 Antenna Systems 436CP42UG 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 7/10/18
REV A
Model .........................................436CP42UG
Frequency Range.......................430 To 438 MHz
*Gain...........................................18.9 dBic
Front to back ..............................25 dB Typical
Ellipticity .....................................1.5 db Typical
Beamwidth ................................21° circular
Feed type ...................................Folded Dipole
Feed Impedance. .......................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR ........................1.5:1
Input Connector ......................... “N” Female others opt.
Power Handling ......................... 1Kw (.5kW w/POL SW1)
Boom Length / Dia..................... 18’ 10” / 1-1/2” To 1”
Maximum Element Length......... 13-1/4”
Turning Radius: ......................... 95”
Stacking Distance...................... 68” High & 68” Wide
Mast Size................................... 1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival .................. 2 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt........................ 7.5 Lbs. / 10 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 436CP42UG
FEATURES:
The 436CP42UG (Ultra-Gain) sets a new performance standard for UHF circular polarized antennas. Gain and F/
B are excellent. The boom length is matched to the 2MCP22, and together they form an unbeatable satellite
communications package. The extremely clean pattern maximizes forward gain and F/B. The pattern is important in order
to match the antenna’s noise temperature with modern low-noise preamps. The CP42 is also excellent for ATV, repeater
operation, and long haul tropo DX and EME around 432 MHz.
The driven element and 'T' blocks are CNC machined, with connectors O-ring sealed for low maintenance and
long-term peak performance. Internal connections are embedded in a space-age silicone gel that seals out moisture and
improves power handling. The 3/16” 6061-T6 rod elements are centered in the boom to minimize interaction and maintain
low ellipticity. Insulators are UV stabilized and locked in place with stainless retainers. The central boom section is 1-1/2"
dia., tapering, front and rear,through 1-1/4" sections to 1" ends.If you are looking for rugged construction and top-notch
performance, For EME use, M2 can supply an optional polarity switch and parts needed to convert these to dual polarity
Yagis. Contact us for more details.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY: Screwdriver, 11/32 nut driver or wrench, 7/16” and 1/2” socket or end
wrenches, measuring tape.
1. Assemble the boom using 8-32 screws and locknuts to join sections. Use screw lengths 1/4" longer than the
larger of the two boom sections to be assembled (1-/34" hardware for 1-1/2" boom section, etc.)
ASSEMBLING THE HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS
2. Lay out the elements by “H” length and position as shown the DIMENSION SHEET. Start with the reflector
(longest) element. Balance it on your finger to find rough center and push on a black button insulator to about
1/2” off 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 CENTERING the element at this time and DO NOT
INSTALL the stainless steel shaft retainers.
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. Stainless steel SHAFT RETAINERS lock the elements in place. They should always be used for permanent
and long term antenna installations. For portable or
temporary use, the button insulators are adequate for holding
the elements and the retainers may be left off.
To install the stainless steel SHAFT RETAINERS, use thumb
and forefinger to hold the retainer over the end of the PUSH
TUBE ( 3/8" x 3" tube, supplied in the kit), internal fingers on
retainer dished into tube. HOLD THE ELEMENT FIRMLY TO
PREVENT IT FROM SLIDING OFF CENTER and press the
retainer onto the element end and continue until retainer
butts on insulator button. Locking pliers, lightly clamped up
against opposite button insulator will help maintain center reference (if you push the first retainer too far,
remove element from boom, push retainer completely off the element, and start over). Install another retainer
to the opposite side of the element. Continue installing retainers until all elements are secured.
6. Mount the HORIZONTAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK / ROD ASSEMBLY to the TOP of the boom using a
single 8-32 X 1-1/4" screw. Orient the block with the two balun connectors facing to rear.
436CP42UG ASSEMBLY MANUAL

7. Install the 8-32 x 1/4” set screws (internal Allen head - tool supplied) into the SHORTING BARS. Slide the
bars onto the 1/8" Driven Element Block Rods and the 3/16" driven element rod. Position the Shorting Bars
as specified on the Dimension Sheet: the given distance is between the outer face of the driven element
block and the inner face of the shorting bar. Align the bars and rods to each other and tighten the set screws.
ASSEMBLING THE VERTICAL ELEMENTS
Note: The vertical element set is shifted forward on the boom by 1/4 wave length.This increases isolation
between element planes, improving circularity and ease of phasing / matching the two element sets.
8. Repeat steps #2 through #5 for the Vertical elements, using the Dimension Sheet as your guide to lengths
and spacing.
INSTALLATION OF THE VERTICAL DRIVEN ELEMENT BLOCK DETERMINES THE CIRCULARITY OF
THIS ANTENNA. THE ORIENTATION OF THE BLOCK FOR RHC - RIGHT HAND CIRCULARITY, IS
SHOWN ON THE DIMENSION SHEET AND DRAWING AND DESCRIBED BELOW:
9. Viewed from the rear of the boom (the Horizontal Driven Element Block), is to be mounted on the top of the
boom. The VERTICAL Driven Element Block mounts to the LEFT hand side of the boom with the two Balun
connectors oriented to the FRONT. Secure with 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw. Install the Shorting Bars as in step #7.
Mount the 'T' Junction Block on the same side of the boom, just to the rear of the horizontal driven element.
10. Attach Baluns and Phasing lines to the Driven Element Blocks and Junction Block as shown on the drawing.
Tighten the connectors gently using a 7/16" end wrench. A lot of torque is unnecessary. Depending on
model and polarity, the Vertical balun may loop around another element. This is normal. Form balun coax
until it is close to the boom and secure with a nylon cable tie. Also secure the other balun and the matching /
phasing harness coax with cable ties. Ties should be snug but not crushing or kinking the coax.
11. Use good quality coax and “N” connector for your feed line (see Installation Tips). Secure feed coax near
connector on Junction Block, to provide stress relief. Allow about 60” of coax to hang in a loop between the
rear end of the boom and the reattachment point (at least 12” beyond element tips) on the mast or cross
boom. Do not route feed line to boom to mast plate as exiting antenna here will adversely affect
circular field.
12. A conventional flat plate was not used for this ultra gain CP antenna, because it severely affected the
circularity and gain of this antenna. We found that a smaller angle plate bolted to the boom allowed the
antenna to work up to its potential. We have drilled two sets of holes in the boom to attach the plate.
If neither of these positions work for your particular application, feel free to drill your own two holes. Mount
the plate with two 8-32 x 2” screws and tighten securely, 1/2” and 2” u-bolts are provided to match your
mast/boom diameter. Be sure not to over tighten the U-bolts as this may damage your mast.
THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
INSTALLATION TIPS
13. A circular polarized antenna creates a field in all planes or polarities. Performance DETERIORATES
SIGNIFICANTLY if it is mounted on a metal (conductive) mast or cross boom. A mast or cross boom of any
NON-CONDUCTIVE material must be used. Fiberglass is the prime choice for its strength and weather
resistance. Mount so that element tips are at least 12” from any conductive material (mast, tower, feed line,
etc.).
14. Recommended feed lines, in order of preference:
Andrews or Celwave 1/2” hardline
Times FM-8, LMR400, or Belden 9913 (We can highly recommend LMR400 because of its improved
resistance to moisture and reduced weight.)
Try to keep the cable run to under 100 ft. to prevent excessive signal loss.
15. If stacking two or more antennas, contact M2 specific stacking information
436CP42UG ASSEMBLY MANUAL

436CP42UG DIMENSION SHEET
NOTE: ANTENNA SHOWN IN RIGHT HAND CIRCULARITY.
SHORTING BAR 4.375

DESCRIPTION QTY.
Boom section, 1-1/2 x .058 x 59" SBE .........................1
Boom section, 1-1/4 x .058 x 42-1/2" SOE ..................1
Boom section, 1-1/4 x .058 x 46-1/2" SOE ..................1
Boom section, 1 x .058 x 31" STR...............................1
Boom section, 1 x .058 x 59" STR...............................1
Boom to mast plate, 4 x .125" angle (M2APT0063) .....1
Elements, 3/16" alum. rod x (see dim. sheet) ..............42
Driven element block assembly ...................................2
`T' Block assembly (SADE0060) ..................................1
Balun, RG-6U halfwave length .....................................2
Phasing line, RG6-U, 1/4 .............................................1
Phasing line, RG6-U 3/4 ..............................................1
U-bolt and cradle, 2”.....................................................2
U-bolt and cradle, 1-1/2" ..............................................2
Assembly instructions ..................................................1
IN HARDWARE BAG
Shorting bars, .75 x 1.532 x .250" mach. alum. ...........4
Button insulators, 3/16" black ......................................84
Shaft Retainers, 3/16" ss..............................................84
Nut, 5/16-18 ss.............................................................8
Lockwasher, 5/16" ss ...................................................8
Screw, 8-32 x 2” ...........................................................2
Screw, 8-32 x 1-1/4" panhead .....................................3
Screw, 8-32 x 1-3/4" panhead .....................................4
Screw, 8-32 x 1-1/2" panhead .....................................4
Set screw, 8-32 x 1/4" ss .............................................8
Locknut, 8-32 ss...........................................................10
Allen wrench, 5/64" .....................................................1
Push tube, 3/8 x 3" (for keeper installation)..................1
Cable ties, 8" ................................................................5
M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
436CP42UG PARTS & HARDWARE