M2 Antenna Systems 44.5-5 User manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2022 M2 Antenna Systems Incorporated 09/02/22
Rev.00
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 44.5-5
Model .........................................44.5-5
Frequency Range.......................44.2 to 44.8 MHz
*Gain ..........................................10.69 dBi
Front to back ..............................24 dB Typical
Feed type ...................................“T” Match
Feed Impedance. .......................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.5:1 Max
Input Connector..........................“N” Female
Power Handling..........................1.5 kW
Boom Length / Dia......................17’ 6” / 2”
Maximum Element Length..........157” / 7/8”-3/4”
Turning Radius: ..........................Call
Stacking Distance.......................Call
Mast Size....................................2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival ...................3.0 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................45 Lbs. / 50 Lbs.
FEATURES:
The 44.5-5 has been computer optimized from the ground up for gain and pattern covering 44.2-44.8 MHz. The original
design was for Meteor Scatter, but can be used for Monitoring systems. The custom 4:1 balun and low loss “T” match
help maintain high efficiency. Element ring clamps and other important components are CNC machined for maximum
strength and electrical integrity. All antenna hardware is stainless steel and the U-bolts for mounting are zinc plated.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. has well over 30 designs for Meteor Scatter applications covering from 39 MHz to 50 MHz. If
you have a specific requirement, please contact us for more details.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

44.5-5 ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Note: A cup of zince past (PENETROX, NOALOX, or equivalent) has been provided to enhance the quality of all
the electrical joints in this antenna. Apply a thin coat wherever two pieces of aluminum come in contact.
1. Refer to the Dimension Sheet. Note the different boom sections and the approximate position of each
element. Slide the 2” RING CLAMPS into their approximate positions on the appropriate boom sections. For
example, the rear boom section has three 2” ring clamps, one at 67-7/8” from the rear end. Note this section also
has a 1/4” hole (for “T” match block). Accuracy is unnecessary: the boom must be assembled for exact settings.
Spread the ring clamp fingers with a flat blade screwdriver to ease movement on the boom. Loosely add a 1/4-20
x 1” bolt and locknut to fingers of all clamps.
2. Return to the rear boom section. Mount the “T” MATCH ASSEMBLY BLOCK on the 1/4” hole, using a single
1/4-20 x 2-1/4” bolt. Orient balun connectors forward. Make sure the Driven Element ring clamp is to the rear of
the “T” match block. Now slide the ring clamp up against the “T” match block and rotate until the element channel
is on the opposite side of the boom from the “T” match block. Tighten the 1/4-20 x 1” bolt and locknut to hold the
clamp in position.
3. Sort the five 7/8” CENTER SPLICE sections: four are 30” long for use with parasitic elements. One is 15” and
is used with the driven element.
4. Select the two 3/4” x 63.26” ELEMENT SECTIONS (length specified on the Dimension Sheet for the driven
element) and slide a 4-3/8” long SHORTING BAR onto each one. Position them about 12” from the butt ends.
Slide the butt end (with hole) of each 3/4” ELEMENT SECTION halfway into a7/8” x 15” CENTER SLEEVE and
line up holes. Slide a 1/4-20 x 1-3/4” bolt through each hole and place this assembly into the Driven Element ring
clamp channel. Add the 1/4” locknuts and tighten.
5. Add the 8-32 x 1-1/4” screw and locknut and the two 8-32 x 1/4” set screws to each SHORTING BAR. Slide
the shorting bars down onto the “T” MATCH rods and position them according to the Dimension Sheet. The given
dimension is from the outer face of the “T” match block to the inner face of the shorting bar. Align the rods
parallel with th element sections and tighten the hardware. A 5/64” Allen wrench has been provided for the set
screws. Black plastic tip caps are supplied when match rods are 3/8” tube.

44.5-5 DIMENSION SHEET

44.5-5 ASSEMBLY MANUAL
6. Now assemble all the boom sections, using 1/4-20 x 2-1/2” bolts and locknuts.
7. Pair up the remaining 3/4” element sections and 7/8” x 30” sleeves and mount to the ring clamps as in step #4,
following the Dimension Sheet for length.
8. Now adjust ELEMENT SPACING following the Dimension Sheet. Since the Driven Element is fixed, use it as
the primary measurement reference. Dimensions given are “center to center” but can also be used with a meas-
uring tape, hooked and measured “edge to edge”. After setting spacing, align elements with Driven Element and
tighten the 1/4-20 x 1” ring clamp bolts.
9. Before installing the balun, thread a 3/8-32 seal nut all the way onto both block connectors, black Neoprene
side facing out. Attach balun and tighten connectors 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). A lot of
torque is unnecessary. Secure balun coil to the boom with two nylon cable ties. If the feed connector will be
inaccessible after installation, install a feedline section forward to the balance point. Secure with harness ties.
10. Pick up the boom and mark the balance point. Center the BOOM TO MAST PLATE here, 6” length horizontal
and secure with two 2” U-bolts, cradles, stainless lockwashers and nuts. Two 2” U-bolts are supplied for
attaching the antenna to the mast.
This completes the ASSEMBLY. When the antenna is installed in position on the mast, the main feedline can be
attached and sealed at that time. REMEMBER to support the feedline at the antenna boom and on the mast.
Leave an adequate feedline loop for rotation around the tower. Mount horizontally polarized VHF and UHF anten-
nas at least 40” above or below this antenna to minimize interaction.
Carefully designed and manufactured by:
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax [phone]
www.m2inc.com email: [email protected]

44.5-5 PARTS & HARDWARE
DESCRIPTION......................................................................................... QTY
BOOM SECTION, 2” X .058 X 84” SOE................................................... 2
BOOM SECTION, 2” X .058 X 49” STR ................................................... 1
ELEMENT SECTION, 3/4” X .049 X SEE DIMENSION SHEET .............. 10
ELEMENT SLEEVE, 7/8” X .058 X 30” .................................................... 4
ELEMENT SLEEVE, 7/8” X .058 X 15” .................................................... 1
BOOM TO MAST PLATE ......................................................................... 1
DRIVEN ELEMENT ASSEMBLY ............................................................. 1
BALUN, RG-6........................................................................................... 1
RING CLAMP, 2”...................................................................................... 5
U-BOLT AND CRADLE, 2”....................................................................... 4
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................. 1
IN HARDWARE BAG
SHORTING BARS, 1/2” X 1” X 4.375....................................................... 2
NUT, 5/16-18 SS...................................................................................... 8
LOCKWASHER, 5/16 SPLIT RING SS .................................................... 8
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/2” SS ........................................................................ 4
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 2-1/4” SS ........................................................................ 1
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 1-3/4” SS ........................................................................ 10
BOLT, 1/4-20 X 1” SS .............................................................................. 5
NYLOCK NUT, 1/4-20 SS ........................................................................ 19
SET SCREW, 8-32 X 1/4” SS .................................................................. 4
SCREW, 8-32 X 1-1/4” SS ....................................................................... 2
NYLOCK NUT, 8-32 SS ........................................................................... 2
NYLON TIE, 11” ....................................................................................... 5
NUT SEAL, 3/8-32.................................................................................... 2
TIP CAPS, 3/8”......................................................................................... 2
ZINC PASTE, 1 OZ .................................................................................. 1
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93722
[phone] FAX: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]