Maco Antennas VQ2-QUAD User manual

®
VQ2-QUAD
MACO Antennas, A Division of Charles Electronics, LLC
302 S. East Street, Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
Copyright © 2009 Charles Electronics LLC • All Rights Reserved
www.macoantennas.net
[phone]

MACO VQ2 QUAD
PACKING LIST
PART QTY OD SIZE LENGTH DESCRIPTION CHECKLIST
T12P 4 ½” .050” 72” ALUM. TUBING FLATTENED W/HOLE ____
T13P 4 5/8” .050” 72” ALUM. TUBING SLOTTED ONE END ____
T28 1 1 ½” .050” 72” ALUM. TUBING ____
T50P 2 1 3/8” .050 4” ALUM. TUBING ____
P01P 1 ¼” x 5” 5” PLATE ____
W01P 1 7/14 34” COPPER WIRE ____
G06P 1 30” GAMMA MATCH (LONG ONE) ____
S42 1 FEMALE COAX CONNECTOR W/MTG NUT ____
Z09P 2 3” GAMMA STRAPS W/COAX CONNECTOR ____
HARDWARE BAG #1
U02 8 1 ½” PLATED U-BOLTS ____
S02 8 1 ½” PLATED SADDLES ____
N03 16 5/16” LOCK NUTS ____
HARDWARE BAG #2
BE1P 4 BOOM TO ELEMENT MOUNTS ____
W58P 4 5/8” EXTRUDED ALUMINUM CLAMPS ____
N11 13 10-24” SQUARE NUTS ____
S30 4 #12 1” SHEET METAL SCREWS ____
S21 12 10-24” ½” MACHINE SCREWS ____
N26 4 #10 FLAT WASHERS ____
N12 4 #10 LOCK WASHERS ____
F01P 1 ¾” COIL FORM ____
PL10 1 1.187-32 PLASTIC CAP-BLACK W/HOLE ____
Z01P 2 ½” 3” GAMMA STRAPS ____
P11 1 BLACK PLASTIC CAP W/HOLE ____
1 TIP SHEET ____
1 WARRANTY SHEET ____
1 SET OF INSTRUCTIONS ____
WHEN ORDERING PARTS, ALWAYS GIVE PART NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION.
Please note: In an effort to keep the price on Maco Antennas down, we have decided not to clean up all the burrs
and rough edges on the parts. We recommend that you deburr and clean up each part with files, sandpaper, etc. so
that they go together easily. We are aware this needs to be done but have elected not to do it to save you the money
we would have to add to the price of the kit for this service.
Rev: 04/09

MAC0 VQ2 QUAD
REFLECTOR WIRE
DIRECTOR WIRE ASSEMBLYASSEMBLY
A\ \
(SEE FIG. 5)
ELEMENT ASSEME
(SEE FIG. 3)
ELEMENT-TO-BOOM
GAMMA MATCH MOUNMOUNTING
(SEE FIG. 6)(SEE FIG. 7)
DIRECTION
OF
RADIATION
BOOM-TO-MAST MOUNTING
(SEE FIG. 7)
FIGURE 1
GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
This figure depicts an overall view ofwhat the antenna shouldlook like upon completion of assembly.
Refer to Figures 2 through 7 for specific assembly details. All hardware should be coated with a silicon rubber
sealant or similar compound to insure that wind vibration does not cause it to work loose.
V QUAD
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,--------s-e------- ----m-w---------------
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END OF BOOM
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(Figure 2B)
. . V’
tubing (T13P)
* .-.. . . . .
---
1 -\.T50
Tomount the elements onto the boom, insert the unslotted end of the 5/E
1 (Figure 2A)
into a boom-to-element mount (Ha 1 Y). Now attacn tnis I ” nom tne ena or tne Doom wltn
a U-bolt, saddle,, and hardware as shown. Tighten the U-bolt so as to crimp the boom into
f
Slide a 4” boom reinforcer (T50)
an oval shape. This will prevent the element from twisting. Next, fasten a second length
, mto each end ofthe boom (T28) as
of 5/8” tubing to the boom in the same manner, l/4” in from, and at a 90 degree angle to
1 shown.
the first element mount. Tighten as before.
I (Figure 2C)
; Repeat step 2B on the other end of the boom with the remaining lengths of
518” tubing. Be sure the elements are lined up with the ones onthe opposite
t end of the boom and at a 90 degrees angle. Spacing on each end of the boom
1 should be shown as above.
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3/64” DRILL I
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-1 l/64” DRILL I
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Ifyouliveinahighwindareayoumayfurtherinsure 1
that your elements will not twist around the boom.
Drill a 13/64” dia. hole thru the center of the element
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mount (BE 1P) & saddle (SO2). Using these holes as I
a guide, drill a 1 l/64” dia. hole thru one side of the
boom and install the #12 x 1” sheet metal screw
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t
(S3 0). In areas with normal wind conditions this will 1
not be necessary.
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ELEMENT-TO-BOOM MOUNTING
\
)-- _----- ---- -_--- -------- ____-____ --_--------------- ---- - ---- 4
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Please read the Assembly and Troubleshooting Tips at the
end of this instruction booklet before assembling elements.
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$1
1 1 ‘-9”
Take the (4) lengths of l/2” tubing
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(T12P) and mark each one 3” from
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the unflattened end. Using a W58P
clamp and hardware shown, insert
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the l/2” tubing into the slotted end
of the 5/8” tubing to the mark and
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tighten clamps. The overall length I
of each element should be 11’ 9”.
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ELEMENT ASSEMBLY
.___________ ----------------__-_---------------------------
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V QUAD

;
,WIRE
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(OPTIONAL)
13’- 7 IQ” ____I__--. -
1 wgure4A)
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From the 34 ft. roll of copper wire (WO lP), measure and cut a length of 14’ 3 l/2”.
, Starting 4” from one end, wrap the wire around a nail or any suitable anchor and twist
I to form a loop as shown. Making sure that there are no kinks, pull the wire tight and
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measure to a length of 13’ 7 l/2. this should allow you 4” to form a loop and twist
in the same manner as the opposite end. Check to make sure that your overall length
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s21 /
Attach the wire between the element
ends on the director end of the boom
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is 13’ 7 l/2”. If you desire, in order to insure a stronger and more permanent
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connection, you may solder the wire twists.
using #lO hardware as shown. It is I
nomial for the elements to bow towards I
each other. This will cause a spring
action and keep any slack out of the
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wire.
:
DIRECT WIRE ASSEMBLY c-%3 ;
> ------- -------------- _____________ ---------------------(
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PLI 1
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FOl P
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(Figure 5A)
Using the remaining copper wire, start 4” from one end and wrap it around a nail or
suitable anchor and twist to form a loop. Next string the loose end of the wire thru
the hole in the smaller of the two plastic caps (PLl 1). Now string the wire thru one
of the holes in the coilform (FO 1P) from inside to out as shown and slid the coilform
over the wire to bring its front edge to a distance of 7’ l/2” from the loop end.
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(OPTIONAL)
(Figure SC)
Making sure there are no kinks, pull the wire tighten and measure 14’ 3” from the loop end of the wire. Allowing 4” for wrapping,
cut off any excess and foml a loop in the same manner as the opposite end. Now push the small plastic cap over one end of
the coilfonn is in the center of the wire, and that the overall length is 14’ 3”. Solder your wire twists if desired. Now attach
the wire & coil assembly between the element ends on thee retlector end of the boom using the #lO hardware. (Refer to Fig.
4B)
REFLECTOR WIRE ASSEMBLY
GiEiTi@B
(Figure 5B)
Wind the wire 3 turns around the
coilfonn, maintaining equal spacing
between the turns and keeping the
coilfonn in its same position on the
wire. String the wire thru the hole in the
other end of the coilfonn. Next string
the loose end ofthe wire thru the hole in
the larger plastic cap (PLl 0).
V QUAD
4

ZOIP
\
* NOTE:THESE DIMENSONS ARE AP-
PROXIMATE. REFER TO THE MSTRUC-
TIONS ON ADJUSTINNG THE S.W.R. TO
DETERMINE EXACT SETTINGS. THERE
ARE 2 SEPARATE GAMMA ADJUSTMENTS,
1. CAPACITOR ADJUSTMENT, 2. SLIDER
POSITION.
DO NOT MOVE BOTH AT THE SAME
TIME. MOVE THE CAPACITOR FIRST,
THEN, IFNECESSARY MOVETHE SLIDER,
AND GO BACK TO THE CAPACITOR.
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318 STARWASHER\-
S21, Nil, N12
#10-24x SCREWS,
LK. WSRS, & SQ. NUTS
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09P -REAR GAMdA
GAMMA MATCH MOUNTING
STRAPS
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(INSTALL FLUSH I
AGAINST BOOM-TO-
ELEMENT MOUNT) ;
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Attach the Gamma Match (G06P) to the driven element on the director end of the boom (ref. Fig.
f
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1) using the Gamma Straps (ZOlP, ZO9P) and attaching hardware as shown. Attach your coaxial cable
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to the connector (S42) and dress along boom and down mast.
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ADJUSTING STANDING WAVE RATIO
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The dimensions given are approximate and should be used as a starting point.*
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The Gamma Match has 2 adjustments. First is the capacitor adjustment and second is the slider
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adjustment. Connect a S.W.R. bridge between your transmitter and the antenna and check the S.W.R.
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If adjustment is requiredloosen the clamp on the gammamatch and the screws holding the slider (Gamma
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Straps ZO 1P. Next move the capacitor adjustment first in one direction, then the other until a minimum
:
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S.W.R. reading is obtained. If S.W.R. isnot satisfactory, move the slider out 2” towards the boom. Now
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readjust the capacitor for a minimum S.W.R. You should now be able to determine which direction to
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move the slider. Repeat the above procedure, moving the slider in smaller incrementsuntil a satisfactory
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S.W.R. reading is obtained. Tighten all hardware. Disconnect the S.W.R. bridge and reconnect your
1
coaxial cable.
5
V QUAD

--------
_----
_----- _---P-e
--------\
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I 112” O.D. MAST
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NOI, N02,
/
PO3P
02
OF
(CUSTOMER FURNISHED)
BOOM WITH
ATTACHED
‘so2
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(Figure 7A) (Figure 7B)
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this antenna is designed for mounting on a 1 l/2” O.D.
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Mark the center of the boom and attach the boom-to-mast
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plate (PO3P) centered on the mark with 1 l/2” U-bolts,
heavy duty mast. Attach using 1 l/2” U-bolts, saddles
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saddles and hardware as shown. and hardware as shown.
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BOOM-TO-MAST MOUNTING
.-------- __----- --w-p
The VQ2-Quad offers CBer’s the advantages of both horizontal and vertical polarization with only one coax. feed
line. The “V” configuration gives outstanding gain and pin point rejection. Experienced CBer’s know how
annoying fading due to polarization loss can be. With the dual polarity ofthe VQ2-Quad, signal fading is reduced
as much as 20 Db. Both horizontal and vertical polarization is achieved through the VQ2-Quad loop
configuration. Low loss impedance matching GammaMatch assures low S.W.R. for maximum power transfer.
A pretuned reflector resonating coil assures max. F/B ratio.
REFLECTOR
7
4
DIRECTOR
DIRECTIONThe
VQ2-Quad’s rugged mechanical
structure of top grade aluminum tubing
1 I'-9"
VERTICALassures long lasting dependable service.
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It handles up to 2000 watts with maxi-
mum power transfer.
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11' - 9" BACK
HORIZONTAL
For both horizontal and vertical polarization, mount in configuration above.
DIRECTORREFLECTOR
Mechanical SDecifications:
Boom Length . . . . . . . . . . . 6’
0”
Element Length . . . . . . . . 11’ 9”
Accepts masts up to . ...1.5”
Wind survival . . . . . . . . . . 100 MPH
Net Weight . . . . . . 7.4
lbs.
OF RADIATION
For horizontal polarization, mount as show11
here in contiguratlon above.
Electrical Snecifications:
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . 10.5
Db.
F/B Ratio . . . . . . . . . . 25
Db.
Side Rejection . . . . . . 40
Db.
S.W.R. . . . . . . 1.2 :
1
Impedance . . . . . . . . 50
Ohms
Polarity . . . . . . . .
Vertical & Horizontal
V QUAD
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10 METER ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
ELEMENT ASSEMBLY
,n. ‘I\
\mgure 3)
(OPTIONAL)
- 4” +
n
12’ - 7-l/2”
(Figure 4A)
PLll,
FOI P
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6’ 6-l 12”
PLII.
(Figure 5A)
‘-SOLDER
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(OPTIONAL)
-
(Figure 5C)
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!
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---_______________________-____--_------
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7
V QUAD

Installing and rigging towers, masts and antennas require specialized skills and experience. Information
supplied by MACO assumes that all products will be installed by personnel having these skills and have installed
similar products before. No one should attempt to install towers or masts without these knowledgeable skills.
MACO assumes no liability if faulty or dangerous installation practices are used. There are available, trained
and experienced personnel to assist in installation, maintenance, or dissassembly. Contact your local installer if
consultation or assistance is required.
All tower and antenna installations should be throughly inspected at least twice a year by qualified,
experienced, and trained personnel to insure proper performance and safety standards.
An additional warning precaution is given to be careful of surrounding high voltage power wires and other
electrical hazards duing installtion of your tower, rotor, or antenna.
MACO Antennas is a Division of Charles Electronics, LLC
www.macoantennas.net
[phone]
Do not erect a tower, rotor, or antenna during an electrical
storm, rainstorm, or when lightning is a possibility.