M2 Antenna Systems 6M3 User manual

M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.m2inc.com
©2011 M2 Antenna Systems Incoporated 7/20/11
Rev.01
Model ........................................6M3
Frequency Range......................50.0 To 50.6 MHz
Frequency Range......................51.0 To 54.0 MHz
*Gain..........................................8.2 dBi
Front to back..............................20 dB Typical
Beamwidth ...............................E=64° H=90°
Feed type...................................“T” Match
Feed Impedance........................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR .......................1:1 @ 50.75 mHz
Input Connector .........................SO-239
Power Handling..........................3 kW
Boom Length / Dia.....................6’ 9” / 1-1/2”
Maximum Element Length.........9’ 8”
Turning Radius:..........................6’ 3”
Stacking Distance ......................14’ High & 18’ Wide
Mast Size ...................................1-1/2” to 2” Nom.
Wind area / Survival...................1.2 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt........................6 Lbs. / 8 Lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 6M3
FEATURES:
The 6M3 is a light but rugged computer optimized Yagi offering low wind load and great performance for its size.
It will compliment the rest of your antennas and tower system. Quick and easy to assemble, it is also great for mountain
topping, grid expeditions and DXpeditions. The 6M3 features the same machined aluminum mounting blocks and sealed
‘T’ match block that its big brothers use. The 6M3 is perfect for the ham trying 6 meters for the first time or the the sea-
soned vet who may stack them for improved gain. For the serious 6 meter enthusiast, it provides and effective, inexpen-
sive building block for vertical stacks and MOONBOUNCE arrays. A tuning chart is included for the FM band
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd

TOOLS REQUIRED: Screwdriver, 11/32 wrench, socket or spintite, a 7/16" and 1/2" wrench or
socket, tape measure.
1. Layout the boom sections as shown on Dimension Sheet and assemble with 8-32 x 1-3/4" screws,
lockwashers and nuts. Tighten the nuts securely.
2. Use the Dimension Sheet as reference for installing the ELEMENT HALVES on to the ELEMENT
MOUNTING BLOCKS. Use the 8-32 x 1" screws and locknuts.
3. Mount the longest element (REFLECTOR - 57-7/8” element halves) to the hole at the rear end of
the boom using a 8-32 x 2" screw and locknut. Tighten securely.
4. Mount the DRIVEN ELEMENT next, threading the 2” screw into the 'T' MATCH BLOCK held to the
underside of the boom. Orient the match block with the “N” feed connector pointed to the front. Mount
the remaining DIRECTOR ELEMENTS. Carefully note lengths on Dimension Sheet:
5. Thread the gold SEAL NUTS all the way onto the two small connectors on the 'T' match block with
the black neoprene side out. Then connect the balun connectors and tighten them GENTLY with a
7/16" end wrench. Now run the seal nuts up against the face of the balun connectors and tighten them
about 1/2 turn with a 1/2" end wrench. Secure coiled balun to boom with two nylon ties.
6. Install two 8-32 x 1/4” Setscrews into each SHORTING BAR. Then slide a SHORTING BAR onto
each DRIVEN ELEMENT HALF and position per the DIMENSION SHEET oN the “T” match rods.
Align rods and element halves parallel and tighten the set screws with the 5/64" Allen wrench.
7. Install the feedline, tightening the Male connector carefully, and route the cable forward to the
balance point, securing it with the cable ties provided.
8. Mount the BOOM TO MAST PLATE perpendicular to elements at the physical balance point of the
TYPICAL HARDWARE ARRANGEMENT
ELEMENT MOUNTING BLOCK
8-32 X 2" SCREW
AND LOCKNUT
DRIVEN ELEMENT
SHORTING
BAR
1/2 WAVE LENGTH
RG6-U BALUN
1-1/2" BOOM
REFLECTOR
ELEMENT
8-32 X 1" SCREW
AND LOCKNUT
FEEDLINE
8-32 X 1/4" SETSCREW
"T" MATCH
BLOCK
NYLON TIE
6M3 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

antenna. Secure with the 1-1/2" U-bolts, 5/16” stainless steel lockwashers and nuts. Do not over-
tighten as severe boom distortion and subsequent weakening can occur. 2” U-bolts are supplied for
attaching plate to your mast.
9. 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. When stacking this antenna with other HF
models, maintain a minimum 5’ of separation; more if practical. Mount horizontally polarized VHF and
UHF antennas at least 40” above or below this antenna to minimize interaction.
10. INSTALLATION AND STACKING INFORMATION
A. A mast or cross boom that is mounted to this antenna in the element plane must be non
conductive (fiberglass, etc).
B. To protect your investment in this high performance antenna, always use high quality coax and
connectors. Old, corroded, or poor quality materials are common sources of serious performance
losses.
C. If possible, test the antenna, connectors and feedline BEFORE installing to your mast or tower.
Set antenna on a tall wooden or fiberglass ladder or temporary mast. Check for continuity and
match across the bandwidth. It should be similar to rated specifications and plots.
D. STACKING REMINDERS:
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 multiples of 1 wavelength in order to
maintain equal phasing in the array. Improper phasing can severely deteriorate performance.
If you are unsure about stacking multiple antennas, please call M2and let us help you DO IT
RIGHT
THIS COMPLETES THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
Carefully manufactured by:
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
6M3 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

BOTTOM VIEW
To optimize the 6M3 from 51 to 52 MHz trim reflector to 56.125"
" driven el. to 54.625"
" director to 51.00"
" driven el to 53.875"
" director to 50.375"
To optimize the 6M3 from 52 to 53 MHz trim reflector to 55.375"
" driven el to 52.75"
" director to 49.25"
To optimize the 6M3 from 53 to 54 MHz trim reflector to 54.25"
TYPICAL VSWR CURVES ABOVE 10' IN HEIGHT.
COUPLE BOOM SECTIONS
WITH 8-32 X 1-3/4" SCREWS
AND LOCKNUTS
50.4
51.4
50.2
51.2
50.0
51.0
1.2:1
1.5:1
FM typical
curve over
1 MHz section.
50.6
51.6 51.8 52.0
cw/ssb
2.0:1
81.375
SHORTING BARS
LOCKED WITH
8-32 X 1/4" SET
SCREWS
MOUNT DRIVEN ELE.WITH
AN 8-32 X 1-3/4" SCREW
41.00
57.0
0.50
ELEMENT
SPACING 0.0
USE 8-32 X 1"
SCREW AND
LOCKNUTS
53.25
SECURE BALUN WITH
BLACK NYLON TIES.
For upper 1 MHz sections, the
'T' match dimension may have
to increase by 1"or more.
MOUNT BOOM TO
MAST PLATE JUST
IN FRONT OF OR JUST
BEHIND THE DRIVEN
ELEMENT.
8.0"
56.00"
ALL ELEMENTS 3/8" TUBE.
USE 8-32 X 2"
SCREW AND LOCKNUT
TO MOUNT BLOCKS
57.50
6M3 DIMENSION SHEET

DESCRIPTION QTY
Boom Section #1 1 1/2 x .058 x 60" S.O.E. Alum............................1
Boom Section #2 1 1/2 x .058 x 25" Alum. ......................................1
Boom Plate 4 x 6 x 3/16 Alum. ........................................................1
Element 57.5 x 3/8” tube..................................................................2
Element 56.00 x 3/8” tube................................................................2
Element 53.25 x tube.......................................................................2
Driven `T' Match Assembly with SO-239 conn. ...............................1
Balun, 4:1, 50 MHz, RG-6................................................................1
Assembly Instructions......................................................................1
BAG #1
U-Bolt 2"...........................................................................................2
U-Bolt 1 1/2".....................................................................................2
HARDWARE BAG
Shorting Bars 3/4” x 1/4” x 2-7/8" machined alum...........................2
Element Mounting Blocks 3/4” x 3/8” x 3" alum. for 1-1/2” boom.....3
Screw 8-32 X 2" panhead ss ...........................................................3
Screw 8-32 x 1 3/4" panhead ss......................................................2
Screw 8-32 x 1" panhead ss............................................................6
Locknut 8-32 ss ...............................................................................10
Nuts 5/16-18 ss................................................................................8
Lockwashers 5/16” Split Ring..........................................................8
Cable Ties 8" Black..........................................................................4
Screw Internal Hex Set 8-32 x 1/4” ss .............................................4
Allen Wrench 5/64” ..........................................................................1
Nut Seals.........................................................................................2
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
[phone] Fax: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
6M3 PARTS & HARDWARE