Vectronics VEC-896 - Manual (Page 4)

VEC-896 Vertical Antenna Instructions
4
Quality low-loss 50-Ohm coax with a PL-259 from antenna to transmitter.
Either a SWR meter or Analyzer (such as the Vectronics SWR-584)
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Warning: You can be killed if the antenna, feedline, or the equipment used to install the
antenna accidentally contacts any utility lines. Never install an antenna near
power lines!
1. Be careful while climbing and carrying the antenna. It is heavy enough to cause you to lose
your balance if it is handled too casually or if the capacitance spokes are snagged on a gutter,
ladder, tree limbs and so forth.
2. Mount the antenna high enough so that it is out of reach. The ends of the capacitance spokes
can cause eye injury, serious RF burns or both.
3. Make sure that the mast is sturdy enough to support the weight (15 pounds) and the wind load
(approximately 2 square feet).
ASSEMBLY and INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
During assembly of this antenna refer to the figures in this manual and the picture on the inside
cover. The assembly instructions tell you how to first install the balun and then connect the
upper and lower elements. Then the 2 and 6 meter stub elements are installed. Last the loading
coil assemblies are assembled and installed on the upper and lower elements.
If you do not wish to install the 6 and 2 meter stubs operation on the other bands will not be
affected. Skip step 4, do not install the hose clamps in step 10 and skip steps 13-18.
After the antenna is assembled it is checked and adjusted for resonant frequency and SWR. It
can then be mounted on a tower or rooftop and given final adjustments See the Tuning The
Antenna section for details.
Note: Wear safety glasses whenever working near or on this antenna.
Warning: Do not tighten the screws that connect the loading coil terminal lugs to the
capacitance hats or you will BREAK the fiberglass form. If the terminal lugs
loosen tighten the NUT down on the lug.
Step-By-Step Procedure