M2 Antenna Systems 8-30LP9 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 Incorporated 09/21/15
Rev.00
Model .........................................8-30LP9
Frequency Range.......................8 To 30 MHz
*Gain ..........................................9.5 dBi @ 70’ OG
Front to back ..............................12 dB
Feed Impedance........................50 Ohms Unbalanced
Maximum VSWR........................1.9:1
Input Connector..........................SO-239, “N” Female avl.
Power Handling..........................3 Kw, Higher avl.
Boom Length / Dia......................48’ X 3” X 0.125 wall
Maximum Element Length..........50’
Turning Radius:..........................36’
Wind area / Survival...................18 Sq. Ft. / 125 MPH
Weight / Ship Wt.........................170 lbs. / 190 lbs.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 8-30LP9
FEATURES:
This special hybrid log periodic is a rugged versatile performer designed for years of trouble free service. Ma-
chined aluminum element to boom clamps and solid fiberglass rod center insulators are just a few of the
unique structural features in this remarkable antenna. The 8-30LP9 is a single antenna system that matches
up with today’s modern solid state equipment.
Maritime, Government, Commercial, MARS and Scientific users will find that the 8-30LP9 reliably fills a variety
of communication requirements. When properly installed at 65 feet or higher this nine element antenna is a
world wide, world-class performer. Solid electrical and structural design will maintain communications when
other antennas have long since faded into the noise.
SPECIFICATIONS:
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd* (OG = Over Ground)

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Look over the DETAIL DRAWINGS, ELEMENT ASSEMBLY AND
DIMENSION SHEET, to get familiar with the various parts of the log periodic. Tools handy for
assembly process: Phillips screwdriver, 11/32, 7/16, 1/2, & 9/16” nut drivers, end wrenches and/or
sockets, measuring tape.
Two containers of zinc paste (Penetrox, Noalox, or equiv.) have been provided to enhance and
maintain the quality of all electrical junctions on this antenna. Apply a thin coat wherever two
pieces of aluminum come in contact or any other electrical connections are made. We also
recommend dabbing the end threads the bolts and screws with the zinc paste just before you
install them. This adds long term protection to the hardware, reduces friction and lets you get
each bolt or screw tighter on the first tightening.
1. ASSEMBLING ELEMENT #1, 2 & 3 MOUNTING PLATES. See the “DETAIL, ELEMENT #1,2
AND #3” drawing. The back three large elements will mount on the four inch boom. This requires
6” x 6” x 1/4” flat plates. 1-1/4” saddles hold the 1-1/4” diameter fiberglass rod center insulators
and the plates mount on the boom with 4” saddles. Element #1 and 2 have 3/4” vertical support
risers. Element #3 does not. The center insulator is 1-1/4” diameter. Push on two 1-1/4” poly rings
and center them at just over 6” apart. Set this assembly on the 1-1/4 aluminum saddles and add
the top saddles. Hardware for this whole assembly is shown on the drawing. Continue adding all
the parts shown on the drawing except the elements and the phasing line parts
The disc insulators are sometimes a very tight fit on the rods. If so, place them in hot water
a few moments before installation.
2. ELEMENT #4 MOUNTING PLATES. The two 3 x 6 x 1/2” plates milled with a .5” radius channel
are for ELEMENT #4. LOCATE THE 1’ diameter fiberglass rod and slide on two 1” poly rings and
center them just over 6” apart. Clamp this assembly between the two plates. Align the holes in the
fiberglass vertical and tighten the hardware. This element attaches to the boom with two 3”
saddles. Center the rod and tighten the hardware EVENLY, so the plates are parallel and the
same amount of threads are showing through all the locknuts.
8-30LP9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

ELEMENT MOUNTS, #5 THROUGH 8
3. ELEMENT #5 MOUNTING PLATES. Element #5 uses two 2-1/2 x 4” plates and TWO SADDLES
to attach it to the boom. A 7/8” diameter fiberglass rod gets two 7/8” I.D. poly rings pushed on and
centered just over 4” apart. Align the holes vertical and tighten the hardware.
4. Elements #6 through #8 use a single 2-1/2 x 4 x 3/8” plate and a matching rectangular 1-1/2 x 4 x
1/4” clamp plate. The 7/8 x 29-3/4 inch long fiberglass rods each need 7/8“ poly rings installed and
centered just over 4“ apart. Clamp these assemblies between the plates, aligning the holes vertical
and tighten the hardware. (Elements #6, 7 and 8 each use a single 3” bottom cradle).
Note: Element #8 is the feed point and a BALUN BRACKET is added to the clamp plate assembly
5. Element #9, the front DIRECTOR element mounts differently, using two 3” machined cradles back
to back. It is grounded to the boom. A 7/8” x 30 “ sleeve couples the two 3/4” element halves together
with the same bolts that hold the bottom saddles. Assemble loosely at this time.
LOG PERIODIC ELEMENT ASSEMBLY
1. REFER TO “ELEMENT ASSEMBLY” SHEET
2. Start with the smallest elements. Elements #8, #7, #6 and #5 are similar. There are two halves to
each element. Do the following for both halves. Locate and install a 1” hole, ELEMENT CLAMP
BLOCK 1/4” from the butt end of a 1” x 48” section. Use an 8-32 x 1-1/2” screw and locknut. Orient
the clamp block so its upper hole is aligned with the hole in the butt of the tube. Locate a small
clamp plate and attach it loosely to the inside of the element clamp block using a 1/4-20 x 1” flat
head bolt and locknut. Now add the 3/4” section on element #8 and secure using 8-32 hardware
shown on the drawing. Finally, slide each element half over the center 7/8” fiberglass rod insulator
assembly and secure with 1/4-20 x 1-1/2” bolts and locknuts. When element #8 is complete, set it
aside and continue finalizing elements 7, 6, & 5.
8-30LP9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS HAVE SLEEVED SECTIONS. MOST ARE IN PLACE FROM
THE FACTORY BUT IF NOT, WIPE THE SLEEVE CAREFULLY AND LUBE LIGHTLY WITH OIL
OR W4-40 PRIOR TO INSERTION. IF THE SLEEVE STICKS OR BINDS AT ALL, STOP, STOP
STOP. DO NOT GO FURTHER, REMOVE CAREFULLY AND CLEAN AGAIN. IT MAY ALSO BE
NECESSARY TO PUSH A CLEAN CLOTH THROUGH THE ELEMENT BEFORE TRYING THE
INSERTION AGAIN. AT THE FACTORY, WE HAVE FOUND THAT WD-40 IS THE BEST AT
LOOSENING THE BIND BETWEEN TWO SECTIONS OF ALUMINUM TUBING.
3. Element #4 is next. Again place an element clamp block with a 1-1/4” hole at 1/4” from the butt of
the element. Align with element hole as before and secure using an 8-32 x 1-3/4 screw and
locknut. Add the small clamp block and 1/4-20 x 1” flat head bolt and locknut loosely. If it is not
already there, insert a 1-1/8 x 20” sleeve in the butt of the element and hold in place temporarily
with a 1/4-20 x 1-3/4” bolt and locknut but don’t tighten yet. Continue adding the 1”, 3/4 and 1/2”
sections securing with the 8-32 hardware listed on the drawing. Tighten each joint securely so no
wiggle is felt when moving the element. Finally, remove the 1/4-20 x 1-3/4 bolts and slide each
element half on the dual saddle center insulator assembly. Re-install the bolts and tighten.
8-30LP9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

8-30LP9 DIMENSION SHEET

8-30LP9 ELEMENT ASSEMBLY

4. Element #3 is has 3 internal sleeves as noted on the ELEMENT ASSEMBLY drawing. Again start
at the butt and insert the 1-3/8 x 25” sleeve and hold in place with a 1/4-20 x 2” bolt and locknut
but don’t tighten. Next, install an element clamp block 1/4” in from the end. Secure with 8-32 x 2”
screw and locknut, align with the element hole and tighten. Add the small clamp block and secure
as before. Now insert ( if not already in) the 1-1/8” x 35” inner sleeve into the butt of the 1-1/4”
section and attach to the 1-1/2” section. Continue assembling the rest of the element. Tighten all
element hardware. Finally remove the 1/4-20 x 2” bolts and install the element halves on the
center insulator assembly. Re-install the bolts and tighten.
5. Element #2 has an outer 1-5/8 x 27” sleeve and an inner 1-3/8 x 85” sleeve. The inner sleeve
should already be in place from the factory. Slide on the outer sleeve and hold in place using
another 1/4-20 x 2” bolt and locknut but don’t tighten. Next slip on another ELEMENT CLAMP
BLOCK with a 1-1/2” hole. Note that the very end of the element is still 1-1/2” O.D. secure the
clamp at 1/4” from the butt end of the element and secure with 8-32 x 2” screw and locknut
aligning as before. Add the small clamp block and secure loosely with another 1/-20 x 1” flat head
bolt and locknut. As you insert the next 1-1/4” section, note that it goes in 5” instead of the normal
3”. This is so it can couple with the last inch or so of 1-3/8” sleeve inside the 1-1/2” section. This
overlap is extremely important to maintain the overall strength of the element in this joint. Continue
assembling the rest of the element. Tighten all element hardware. Finally, remove the bolts and
slip each element half on the center insulator assembly. Re-install the bolts and tighten.
Now install the two 1/4” eyebolts. Install a thimble or cable eye in each eyebolt and attach a 166”
length of HPTG-1200 and secure with two clips. Repeat for the other element half. Open the 5/16”
turnbuckles till just one thread shows inside the body of the turnbuckle. Add a thimble to each
turnbuckle eye and secure the cable at each turnbuckle with two clips.
6. Element #1 is last and requires the most attention. SEE LINEAR LOADED ELEMENT ASSEMBLY
drawing. This element is almost the same as #2 except for the linear loading. Prepare the element
as shown except for the linear loading (3/16” dia. Rods). Now place the element on a level surface
with the support post up. FROM THE ELEMENT BUTT SIDE, feed a 3/16” LINEAR LOADING
RODS through the flat, support insulator and into the LL ARMS until 1/2” extends beyond each
arm. Tighten the 8-32 x 1/4" set screws. Using the 3/8 x 3” “Push tube”, Install two SHAFT
RETAINERS, one at a time, onto this rod tip and snug up against each linear loading arm.
NOTE: to start the RETAINER, hold the 3/8 x 3" PUSH TUBE in your hand with one end between
your thumb and forefinger. Now center retainer on this end, “dish” into tube, and hold in place with
the same thumb and forefinger. Grasp the linear loading rod near the end with your other hand and
firmly push the retainer onto the rod.
Next, cut two 9 foot (108”) lengths of HPTG 1200 Philistran. Note that one of the two center
grooves in the pre-assembled LINEAR LOADING CLAMP assemblies is “on center”. Slip about 4”
of the HPTG 1200 through the center groove and back through the other so about 2” of cable is
there for the 1/8” cable clip. Now slide this assembly on the rods to the dimension shown. Tighten
the center screw enough to hold the assembly together. Align it so it is parallel with the ground and
tighten all screws. Double check you dimension to make sure nothing has slipped. Correct if
necessary. Repeat for the other element half.
Now attach the other end of the HPTG 1200 cables to center 5/16” turnbuckles. Open the
turnbuckle first and install a cable eye in each turnbuckle. Pull the lines tight and tighten the clips.
Final tensioning of the linear loading rods is done with the turnbuckles. Adjust until each element
droops 10 to 16 inches at the tip. NOTE: The element is most stable in wind with a small amount of
droop.
8-30LP9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

LINEAR LOADED ELEMENT ASSEMBLY

7. BOOM ASSEMBLY
Wipe off any dirt or grit from the coupling rings on the end of the long 3” section. Also clean the
inside of the 4” x 20 foot section. Lubricate the inside of the 4” tube and the coupling rings lightly
with oil or zinc paste Gently insert the 3” section into the 4” boom section. Align the holes, install
the 13/8-16 x 4-1/2” bolts and locknuts and tighten. Clean the boom tip section and slip it into the
main section. Install the 1/4-20 x 3-1/2” bolts and locknuts.
Install the 3/8 EYEBOLTS to the outer ends of the boom, securing with
3/8-16 nuts and lock washers. Align the eyes parallel with the boom and tighten.
8. Orient the boom with the eyebolts "up”. Using a tape measure and a marking pen or masking tape,
place a mark 1/2” in from the rear of the boom. This will be where you position the back edge of
the clamp plate for element #1. Now measure forward 98” from that mark and make another mark
for element #2. Continue marking the locations of all the elements using the element spacing
figures given on the Dimension Sheet.
9. Attach Element #1, the linear loaded element, to the boom. For ease of element installation,
support the boom about 3’ above ground, eyebolts "up." Slip Element #1 over the rear of the boom,
placing the back edge of the rear plate on your first mark. ALIGN the elements horizontal
perpendicular to the eyebolts and tighten bolts EVENLY and firmly. Use element #1 as the element
alignment reference.
10. Mount element #2 and align and tighten as before. Note it is usually easier to begin installing the
phasing lines at this time between each new element mounted. Mount the next to the longest pair
as shown on the dimension sheet. Hold the spacer in place loosely around the boom with a large
nylon tie but don't tighten it yet. Adjust phasing lines so that their bends are even and the lines run
parallel to the boom.
ALSO ATTACH THE 13 TURN COIL ACROSS ELEMENT #1 Tighten only the clamps on Element #1
at this time. After installing element number #3, then install the longest set of phasing lines
between #2 and #3 and tighten the clamps at Element #2, and so on. Continue until you get to
element #8 where the 4:1 BALUN is attached. Add the two 3 turn COILS to the balun and attach
the other end of the coil leads to the bolts that tighten the rod clamps.
11. Now mount the DIRECTOR as shown on the DIMENSION SHEET. Align the completed elements
as required with the element #1 at the other end of the boom.
.
Attach the BOOM TO MAST PLATE using 4 more 4” machined saddles. Mount the plate at the end
of the 4” boom section. This should be close to the physical balance point as well. Reshape the
phasing lines as needed to clear the plate by at least 1/2”.
8-30LP9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

12. OVERHEAD BOOM SUPPORT SYSTEM.
Install a temporary mast if possible to get the overhead system just right before installing the antenna.
Attach one end of the HPTG-4000 Philistran cable at the eyebolt at the REAR end of the boom.
Install a thimble or cable eye in the eyebolt. Secure the cable using two 1/4” cable clips. Repeat at
the other eyebolt. Attach the turnbuckle plate to the mast about 5 feet above the boom to mast
plate. Open the 3/8 forged JAW AND EYE turnbuckles till just one thread is showing inside the of
the turnbuckle. Attach the JAW end of each turnbuckle at the plate. Insert a thimble or cable eye
in each turnbuckle eye and then attach the two HPTG-4000 cable, tensioning the cables and
securing with two more clips on each. Do final boom straightening with the turnbuckles now or at
the time of installation on the tower.
13. Check ALL hardware for tightness. Check ALL element sections, especially tip sections, for correct
placement. Make any final adjustments to linear loading tension.
14. Attach feedline section to balun. Route from element #8, back to boom to mast plate. Secure at
regular intervals with tape or nylon ties.
15. When mounting this log periodic on a tower or mast with other antennas there may be interaction
with other nearby antennas, particularly if they are resonant in the 8 to 30 MHz band. In general
VHF and/or UHF antennas mounted for HORIZONTAL POLARITY should be at least 40 inches
above or below the log antenna. Use good quality 50 Ohm feed line to feed the log and be sure
your tower and rotator system can handle to wind area and weight of this antenna.
THIS COMPLETES ANTENNA ASSEMBLY
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93722
[phone] FAX: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
8-30LP9 ASSEMBLY MANUAL

DESCRIPTION............................................................................................QTY
Boom section, 4” x .125 x 240" ..................................................................1
Boom section, 3 x .125 x 240" straight w/ coupling rings to 3-3/4” ID.........1
Boom section, 3 x .125 x 108" swaged.......................................................1
Sleeve, outer, 1-5/8” x .058 x 27.................................................................4
Sleeve, 1-3/8 x .058 x 25" ..........................................................................2
Sleeve, 1-3/8 x .058 x 85” ...........................................................................4
Sleeve, 1-1/8 x .058 x 35” ...........................................................................6
Sleeve, 1-1/8 x .058 x 20” ...........................................................................2
Sleeve, outer, Director 7/8 x .058 x 30” ......................................................1
Sleeve, 7/8 x .058 x 12”...............................................................................4
Element butt section, 1-1/2 x .058 x 89" SOE, ...........................................4
Element butt section, 1-1/2 x .058 x 30” SOE.............................................2
Element butt section, 1-1/4 x .058 x 60" SOE 1/4" hole.............................2
Element section, 1-1/4 x .058 x 60” SOE (holes in butt shifted..................4
Element section, 1-1/4 x .058 x 60” SOE ...................................................2
Element butt section, 1.0 x .058 x 48 SOE, w/ 1/4” hole.............................8
Element section, 1.0 x .058 x 48" SOE ......................................................8
Element section, 1.0 x .058 x 7”..................................................................2
Element section, 3/4 x .049 x 60" SOE.......................................................10
Element butt section, 3/4 x .049 x 48" SOE 1/4" hole................................2
Element section, 3/4 x .049 x 48" SOE ....................................................2
Element tip section, 3/4 x .049 x 52.50" ...................................................2
Element tip section, 3/4 x .049 x 33.00" ...................................................2
Element section, 1/2 x .049 x 62.0" ............................................................2
Element tip section, 1/2 x .049 x 60.0" .......................................................2
Element tip section, 1/2 x .049 x 58.50 .......................................................2
Element tip section, 1/2 x .049 x 53.625" ...................................................2
Element tip section, 1/2 x .049 x 45.0"........................................................2
Element tip section 1/2 x .049 x 34.0”........................................................2
Element tip section, 1/2 x .049 x 32.0”........................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 114”...........................................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 104.0" .......................................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 101.0" .......................................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 82.0" .........................................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 67.0" .........................................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 54.75" .......................................................................2
Rod, phasing, 3/16 x 45.0" .........................................................................2
Linear loading element 3/16 x 108” alum. rod.............................................4
Rod insulator, 1-1/4 x 24" fiberglass ...........................................................3
Rod insulator, 1 x 24" fiberglass..................................................................1
Rod insulator, 7/8 x 29.75" fiberglass..........................................................4
Rod insulator, 7/8” x 9” fiberglass................................................................2
Support post 3/4 sq. x .125 x 10.5" welded alum. tube...............................2
Boom to element plate 6 x 6 x 1/4”..............................................................3
Boom to mast plate, 12 x 12 x 3/8“ alum.....................................................1
Balun, 4:1 ferrite core, 3 kW .......................................................................1
Coil, 16 turn #12 awg on 1” form.................................................................1
Coil, 3 turns, #13awg on 7/8” form..............................................................2
8-30LP9 PARTS & HARDWARE

IN HARDWARE BOX
Saddle, 4” machined alum...........................................................................16
Saddle, 1-1/4”, machined alum. ..................................................................12
Clamp plate, 1/2 x 3 x 6", .500 radius, alum...............................................2
Clamp plate, 3/8 x 2-1/2 x 4" alum..............................................................5
Clamp cap plate, 1/4 x 1-1/2 x 4" alum. ......................................................3
Clamp cradle, 1/2 x 1.0 x 4" alum. ..............................................................9
Element clamp block, 3/8 x 1-3/4 x 2-5/8" with 1-1/2" hole ........................6
Element clamp block, 3/8 x 1-1/2 x 2-7/16" with 1-1/4" hole ......................2
Element clamp block, 3/8 x 1-1/4 x 2-3/16" with 1" hole ............................8
Small phasing line clamp plate, 1/4 x 3/4 x 1-1/4" .....................................16
Poly ring insulator, 3/8 x 2" white polyethylene, 1-1/4" hole ......................6
Poly ring insulator, 3/8 x 2" white polyethylene, 1" hole.............................2
Poly ring insulator, 3/8 x 2" white polyethylene, 7/8" hole...........................8
Spacer standoff, 3/4 x 3.0" Delrin, black, ...................................................7
Linear loading arm, .375 x 1.5 x 4.0” 1” hole..............................................4
LL Shorting bar halves, 1/4 x 3/4 x 6~.........................................................4
Insulator, stabilizer bar, 1/4 x 1 x 6” black ABS bar ....................................2
Support arm, for stabilizer bar .375 x 1.50 x 2.875 alum. 1-1/4” hole.........2
Turnbuckle plate, 2 x 5 x 3/16" ...................................................................1
Balun mounting ‘L’ bracket, 2 x 4.5 x 1/8 ....................................................1
Eyebolt, 3/8" x 6" forged .............................................................................2
Eyebolt, 1/4-20 x 2 1/2” zinc........................................................................2
Turnbuckles, 3/8" eye and jaw, forged........................................................2
Turnbuckle, 5/16” hook and eye, stainless..................................................4
Support rope, (main boom) 45 ft. HPTG 4000 Philistran, .........................1
Support rope, (element) 46 ft HPTG 1200 Philistran ................................1
Cable eyes, 3/16” .......................................................................................6
Cable eyes, 1/4” ..........................................................................................4
Cable clips, 1/4”...........................................................................................8
Cable clips, 3/16” ........................................................................................14
U-bolt, 3" (alternate mast clamps)...............................................................3
U-bolt, 2-1/2" ...............................................................................................1
U-bolt, 2” heavy duty " (mast clamps) .........................................................4
U-bolt, 2” standard.......................................................................................1
Nylon ties, large 14.5" black........................................................................14
Assembly manual........................................................................................1
Zinc Paste ( Penetrox, Noalox or equivalent) container.............................2
8-30LP9 PARTS & HARDWARE

IN HARDWARE BAG
Bolt, 3/8-16 x 5-1/2”, stainless.....................................................................16
Bolt, 3/8-16 x 4-1/2” stainless......................................................................2
Nut, 3/8-16, locking, stainless .....................................................................26
Bolt, 5/16-18 x 2-1/2” stainless....................................................................12
Nut, 5/6-18, locking, stainless .....................................................................12
Nut, 5/16-18 stainless..................................................................................4
Lock washer, 5/16" split ring, stainless .......................................................4
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 5” stainless............................................................................2
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3-1/2" stainless......................................................................2
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 2-3/4" stainless......................................................................14
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 2-1/4" stainless......................................................................6
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 2.0" stainless.........................................................................6
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-3/4" stainless......................................................................18
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-1/2" stainless......................................................................8
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-1/4” stainless......................................................................4
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1” stainless............................................................................4
Screw, 1/4-20 x 1" countersunk, flathead, stainless ...................................16
Nut, 1/4-20 locking, stainless ......................................................................68
Screw, 8-32 x 2" panhead stainless............................................................6
Screw, 8-32 x 1-3/4” panhead, stainless.....................................................18
Screw, 8-32 x 1-1/2" panhead, stainless.....................................................26
Screw, 8-32 x 1-1/4" panhead, stainless.....................................................40
Screw, 8-32 x 1.0" panhead, stainless........................................................42
Nut, 8-32 locking, stainless .........................................................................132
Set screw, 8-32 x 1/4 stainless ..................................................................8
Shaft retainer, 3/16 stainless.......................................................................8
Push tube 3/8 x 3" alum..............................................................................1
Allen wrench 5/64”.......................................................................................2
M2ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93722
[phone] FAX: [phone]
www.m2inc.com Email: [email protected]
8-30LP9 PARTS & HARDWARE