ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

22XB
2 METER OSCAR BOOMER
144-148 MHz

C O R P O R A T I O N

951449 (10/98)
 22XB

WARNING
THIS ANTENNA IS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR. CONTACT WITH POWER LINES CAN RESULT IN DEATH, OR SERIOUS INJURY.
DO NOT INSTALL THIS ANTENNA WHERE THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT WITH OR HIGH VOLTAGE ARC-OVER FROM
POWER CABLES OR SERVICE DROPS TO BUILDINGS. THE ANTENNA, SUPPORTING MAST AND/OR TOWER MUST NOT BE CLOSE
TO ANY POWER LINES DURING INSTALLATION, REMOVAL OR IN THE EVENT PART OF THE SYSTEM SHOULD ACCIDENTALLY
FALL. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION AND LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED PAMPHLET.

Your Cushcraft 22XB Boomer antenna is designed and manufactured to give trouble free service. This antenna will perform as specified if the
instructions and suggestions in this manual are followed and care is used in the assembly and installation. When checking the components received
in your antenna package use the parts listed beside each diagram. There is a master parts list on page 2. If you are unable to locate any tube or
component, check the inside of all tubing. IMPORTANT: Save the weight label from the outside of the carton. Each antenna is weighed at the factory
to verify the parts count. If you claim a missing part, you will be asked for the weight verification label.

PLANNING
Plan your installation carefully. If you use volunteer helpers be sure that they are qualified to assist you. Make certain that everyone involved
understands that you are the boss and that they must follow your instructions. If you have any doubts at all, employ a professional antenna
installation company to install your antenna.

LOCATION
Location of the antenna is very important. Surrounding objects such as trees, power lines, other antennas, etc. will seriously reduce efficiency. To
minimize the effects of surrounding objects, mount the antenna as high and in the clear as possible. If metal guy wires are used, they should be
broken with strain insulators. EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE 22XB IS IN
OPERATION NEITHER PEOPLE OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF YOUR ANTENNA. DEADLY VOLTAGES AND
CURRENTS MAY EXIST. ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF FIELDS ARE NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD, LONG TERM
EXPOSURE TO INTENSE RF FIELDS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. THERE IS A WARNING STICKER WHICH MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE
BOOM AS SHOWN IN FIGURE G.

MOUNTING
The mast mount bracket will accommodate up to 2" (5.1 cm) mast. A 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) or larger heavy wall mast should be used. A good heavy duty
antenna rotator will provide the best service and longest life.

Mount your 22XB as high as possible with the boom-to-mast plate mounted as shown in figure G. The mast should be at a 45 degree angle to both
element planes.

SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna, mast and tower is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes and static buildup, and from high
voltage which is present in the radio equipment connected to the antenna. A good electrical connection should be made to one or more ground rods
(or other extensive ground system) directly at the base of the tower or mast, using at least #10AWG ground wire and non-corrosive hardware. For
details and safety standards, consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrester. Cushcraft offers several different
models, such as LAC-1, LAC-2 and the LAC-4 series
.
ASSEMBLY
Assemble your antenna by following the directions and illustrations in steps 1 through 5. After the antenna is completely assembled, verify
dimensions and element spacings for accuracy. Then, return to the section below for final tuning.

TUNING PROCEDURE
The 22XB does not normally require tuning after assembly. However, if you wish to check the VSWR before installation, please observe the
following procedures. To prevent detuning the antenna, it should be tuned in place or at least 7 feet (2.13 meters) above ground and clear of
surrounding objects. Keep all metal obstructions such as guy wires and other antennas at least 10 feet (3.05 m) away since they will nullify any
adjustment and degraded performance will result.

Run the coax cable from your transmitter to the area in which the antenna is going to be tested. The length of this cable or your feedline is not critical.
Connect a good quality VSWR bridge to the end of this cable. Connect a short length of cable [10 ft. (305 cm) or less] from the VSWR bridge to the
antenna. Set the transmitter to your center operating frequency. When you read VSWR, be sure you move far enough away from the antenna so that
your body does not effect the reading.

Measure the VSWR. If it is high, move both T-Match straps on both driven elements (125) by 1/4" (.6 cm) either inward or outward and check the
VSWR. Both T-match straps on each driven element should be the same distance from the center of the driven element. If the VSWR improved,
then continue moving the T-Match straps in the same direction. If the VSWR deteriorated then move the T-Match straps in the opposite direction.
Repeat this procedure until no further improvement can be made. You have matched your antenna. Then tighten all connections on the T-Match
driven element assembly. Tape the feedline to the boom and mast.

1
 22XB

MASTER PARTS LIST

KEY P/N DESCRIPTION QTY KEY P/N DESCRIPTION QTY
11 010011 8-32 stainless steel hex nut 38 404 010404 2-1/2" x 3" (5.5 x 7.6 cm) stainless steel U-bolt 2
13 050013 1-1/14" (3.2 cm) black plastic cap 2 412 030412 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 4
26 190026 7/8" (2.2 cm) formed aluminum bracket 22 BA 1-1/4" x 48" (3.2 x 121.9 cm) aluminum tube, 8 holes 1
28 190028 Aluminum half washer 20 BB 1-1/2" x 72" (3.8 x 182.9 cm) aluminum tube, 8 holes 1
41 011941 No. 8 split lock washer 38 slotted both ends
53 050053 1/2" (1.27 cm) black plastic cap 4 BC 1-3/8" x 12" (3.5 x 30.5 cm) aluminum tube, 2 holes 1
70 190070 4" x 6" (10.2 x 15.2 cm) formed mounting plate 1 BD 1-1/2" x 72" (3.8 x 182.9 cm) aluminum tube, 6 holes 1
79 010079 8-32 x 1/2" (1.3 cm) stainless steel machine screw 8 slotted both ends
84 010084 1/4" (.64 cm) stainless steel lock washer 4 BE 1-1/4" x 48" (3.2 x 121.9 cm) aluminum tube, 4 holes 1
85 010085 1/4" (.64 cm) stainess steel hex nut 4 BN 29" (73.7 cm) Coaxial balun 2
104 010104 1/4" (.64 cm) stainless steel flat washer 4 DC Connector bracket assembly 2
109 353109 Phono plug male 1 EA 40" (101.6 cm) aluminum rod 2
115 050115 Vinyl Boot 1 EB 1/2" x 39-1/2" (1.3 x 100.3 cm) aluminum tube 2
116 240116 Silicone Package 3 EC 37-1/4" (94.6 cm) aluminum rod 2
118 010118 5/16" (.79 cm) stainless steel hex nut 4 ED 36-3/4" (93.3 cm) aluminum rod 2
119 010119 5/16" (.79 cm) stainless steel lock washer 4 EE 36-3/8" (92.4 cm) aluminum rod 2
120 010120 8-32 x 2" (5.1 cm) stainless steel machine screw 10 EF 35-7/8" (91.1 cm) aluminum rod 2
124 190124 Connector strap 1" (2.5 cm) 1 EG 35-1/4" (89.5 cm) aluminum rod 4
125 200125 Tuning strap 4 EH 35" (88.9 cm) aluminum rod 2
232 010232 8-32 x 2-1/2" (6.4 cm) stainless steel machine screw 14 EI 34-3/4" (88.3 cm) aluminum rod 4
251 050251 3/8" (1 cm) white plastic cap 4 ET 3/8" x 10" (1 x 25.4 cm) T-match tube 4
326 290326 Danger label 1 FL Phase harness assembly with T-connector 1
401 010401 1-1/2" x 3" (3.8 x 7.6 cm) stainless steel U-bolt 2 PS2 Polarity switcher assembly 1

#1 - ASSEMBLE BOOM
Slide worm clamps (412) onto the non-swaged ends of tubes BB and BD (figure A). Locate the short tube BC and insert end with hole closest it into tube
BD. Align the hole through BC with the first hole in BD. Temporarily pin tube BD to tube BC with screw (232) and nut (11). This screw will be removed
later to install the elements. Slide tube BB over the free end of tube BC aligning holes and temporarily pinning in place with screw (232) and nut (11).
Slide both worm clamps (412) over slots in tube BB and BD and tighten. Slide worm clamps (412) over the swaged ends of tubes BB and BD. Referring
to figure A, insert the correct end of tube BA into tube BB until the first set of holes align. Permanently install screw (120), washer (41) and nut (11). Insert
the correct end of BE into tube BD until the first set of holes are aligned. Permanently pin tubes together with screw (120) and nut (11). Tighten clamps
(412). Push the end caps (13) onto the boom ends.

1-3/16"
(3.0 cm)
BB 412 412 BD 14-1/2"
20-1/8
BA BE (36.8cm)
cm)
(51.1

8 holes 412 4 holes

8 holes BC 6 holes 412
3-3/4"
3-3/4" 2-3/8" 4-13/16"
(9.5 cm) (6.0 cm) (12.2 cm)
FIGURE A
11 BB 232 11 11
13 41 BD 41 13
BA 41 412 BE

412 120 41 412 232 120 FRONT

11

KEY P/N DESC. SIZE QTY KEY P/N DESC. SIZE QTY
BA ALUM TUBE 1-1/4" x 48" 1 13 050013 PLASTIC 1-1/4" 2
(8 holes) (3.2 x 121.9 cm) CAP (3.2 cm)
BB ALUM TUBE 1-1/2" x 72" 1 41 011941 SS LOCK #8 2
(8 holes) (3.8 x 182.9 cm) WASHER
BC ALUM 1-3/8" x 12" 1 120 010123 SS 8-32 x 2" 2
TUBING (3.5 x 30.5 cm) SCREW (5.1 cm)
BD ALUM TUBE 1-1/2" x 72" 1 232 010232 SS 8-32 x 2-1/2" 2
(6 holes) (3.8 x 182.9 cm) SCREW (6.4 cm)
BE ALUM TUBE 1-1/4" x 48" 1 412 030412 SS WORM 1-1/2" 4
(4 holes) (3.2 121.9 cm) CLAMP (3.8 cm)
11 010011 SS HEX 8-32 4
NUT

2
 22XB

#2 - ASSEMBLE DRIVEN ELEMENTS

Assemble the T-match and polarity switcher (PS2) to the first driven element (EB) as illustrated in figure B. Refer to figure E and F and attach driven
element at the second hole in from the rear of the boom using bracket (26), screw (232), washer (41) and nut (11). The connector bracket should face
the front of the antenna. Connect T-match tubes (ET) to driven element using strap (125) and hardware. Set the spacing between the straps and brackets.
Install coax balun (BN) across the T-match (figure B) and weather proof with silicone as shown in figure B-2. Tighten hardware and press on endcaps
(251) and (53).

Assemble other driven element as illustrated in figure C. Locate position of element from figure E. Note that the element will be 90 degrees (figure F)
from the other driven element and the connector bracket will face the rear of the antenna. Attach driven element assembly to boom as outlined above
using hardware as shown in figure C. Install coaxial balun (BN) to connector bracket and weatherproof with silicone (figure B-2). Tighten all hardware
and press on endcaps (251) and (53).
11

41
FRONT
FIGURE B BOOM
LOOP ONCE
AND TAPE.

125 26

EB

53 11 DC
41 BN
53
79

11
251
ET
41
ET 79 251
PS2
125
232

DC

7-3/4"
11 41 (19.7 cm) 7-3/4"
(19.7 cm)
ET

11 41
ET
PS2

KEY P/N DESC. SIZE QTY

11 010011 SS HEX #8 16
NUT

26 190026 ALUMINUM 7/8" 2

BRACKET (2.2 cm)

41 011941 SS LOCK #8 16
WASHER

FIGURE B-2 53 050053 PLASTIC 1/2" 4

CAP (1.3 cm)

79 010079 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 1/2" 8

cushcraft cushcraft SCREW (1.3 cm)

116 240116 SILICONE GREASE

SILICONE 2
COAT WITH SILICONE GREASE PACKAGE
(DO NOT coat the center pin or socket!) 125 200125 TUNING 4
STRAP

124 190124 CONNECTOR 1" 1

STRAP (2.5 cm)
KEY P/N DESC. SIZE QTY 232 010232 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 2-1/2" 2
SCREW (6.4 cm)
ET T-MATCH 3/8" x 10" 4
TUBE (1" x 25.4) 251 050251 WHITE 3/8" 4
CAP (1 cm)
PS2 POLARITY 1
SWITCH ASSY BN COAXIAL 29" 2
BALUN (73.7 cm)

DC CONNECTOR 2
BRACKET ASSY

3
 22XB

FRONT 11

41

BOOM
LOOP ONCE
AND TAPE.

125 26

53 11
41 DC BN 53
79

11
251
ET
124 41
ET 79 251
125
232

DC
7-3/4"
11 41 (19.7 cm) 7-3/4"
(19.7 cm)
ET
124

FIGURE C
11 41

ET

KEY P/N DESC. SIZE QTY #3 - MOUNT ELEMENTS

11 010011 SS HEX 8-32 20 Sort solid rod elements by length using Table A. Group into two separate
NUT
sets, one for each plane of the antenna. Refer to figures D and E as guides
26 190026 ALUMINUM 7/8" 20 in mounting elements. Install the element (EA) using the hole closest to
BRACKET (2.2 cm) the rear. The next hole along the boom is for a the driven element with the
polarity switcher (figure B). Install the progressively shorter elements
28 190028 ALUM HALF 20 working towards the front of the boom. Remove temporary pins as you
WASHER
proceed and replace with elements. Use screw 120 on sections BA and
41 010941 SS SPLIT #8 20 BE. Use screw 232 on tubes BB and BD. Note: the pins joining the rear
WASHER boom BA to the boom BB and front boom BE to BD should not be removed.
After completion of one plane of elements, repeat the installation of
120 010120 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 2" 8 elements for the other plane.
SCREW (5.1 cm)
232 010232 SS MACHINE 8-32 x 2-1/2" 12
SCREW (6.4) FIGURE D

11
TABLE A 41
Element Lengths ELEMENT
BOOM
Key Element # Inches CM
EA ......... 1 .......................... 40 ........... 101.6
EB ......... 2 .................... 39-1/2 ........... 100.3
26
EC ......... 3 .................... 37-1/4 ............. 94.6
ED ......... 4 .................... 36-3/4 ............. 93.3
EE ......... 5 .................... 36-3/8 ............. 92.4 28

EF ......... 6 .................... 35-7/8 ............. 91.1

120 & 232
EG ....... 7, 8 .................. 35-1/4 ............. 89.5
EH ......... 9 .......................... 35 ............. 88.9
EI ...... 10, 11 ................ 34-3/4 ............. 88.3

4
 22XB

231"
6-5/8" (586.7 cm)
(16.8 cm) Direction Of Maximum Signal
12-1/8" 12-3/16"
(30.8 cm) (31 cm)
16-7/16" 20-9/16" 24-1/4" 24-7/8" 28-13/16' 30-13/16" 30-5/16"
(41.7 cm) (52.2 cm) (62.2 cm) (63.2 cm) (73.2 cm) (78.26 cm) (77 cm)

8"
(20.3 cm)
EA EB EC ED EE EF EG EG EH EI EI

FRONT

EA EB EC ED EE EF EG EG EH EI EI

16-13/16" 20-1/8" 24" 25-15/16" 28-5/16" 29-5/8" 31-1/2"

(42.7 cm) (51.1 cm) (61.0 cm) (65.9 cm) (71.9 cm) (75.2 cm) (80.0 cm)
12-1/8" 12-3/16"
(30.8 cm) (31.0 cm)
6-5/8"
(16.8 cm)

View
From End
FIGURE E

#4 - INSTALL PHASE CABLE KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

Route phase cable assembly (FL) to driven elements (figure F). Apply 109 353109 PHONE 1
PLUG
silicone (116) to outer threads of UHF connectors on both driven elements
(EB). Do not coat center pins! Thread on connectors and coat outer shell 115 050115 cushcraft VINYL 1
of connectors with remaining silicone. Slide vinyl boots (115) over BOOT
connectors until they butt up against connector brackets (DC). Attach two
conductor wire to phono plug (109). Without power applied to the polarity 116 240116 SILICONE GREASE SILICONE 1
PACK
switch, the antenna has LEFT circular polarization. With +12 Volts DC
applied polarity switches to RIGHT circular. Do not switch while transmit- FL PHASE CABLE 1
ting. Run switch wire along side the phase harness. Tape feedline and w/T CONN.
power cable in place.

Male Phono Plug

+12 Volts DC
on Center Pin
Changes
Polarity
BN Main Feed To
PS2 Station
EC ED FL
EB
BN

FL
12 Volt Wire
Not Supplied

FRONT
FIGURE F
EA EC

EB

5
 22XB

#5 - BOOM TO MAST AS- FIGURE G

SEMBLY 70
Assemble and mount the boom to mast clamp (70) between elements
MAST
7 and 8 with U-bolts (401) as shown in figure E and G. Rotate mast clamp
so that it makes a 45 degree angle between both sets of elements.
404
Secure with flat washers (104), lock washers (84) and nuts (85) in that
order. Note that the center of the mast must be 8" (20.3 cm) away from
element 7. Tighten hardware using care not to crush the boom. You are
now ready to mount the antenna to your mast using U-bolts (404). 401
Secure with lock washers (119) and nuts (118). Affix warning label (326)
85 84 104 119 118
to boom (figure G).

119 118
401

326

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

84 010084 SS LOCK 1/4" 4
WASHER (.64 cm)
85 010085 SS HEX 1/4" 4
NUT (.64 cm)
104 010104 SS FLAT 1/4" 4
WASHER (.64 cm)
118 010118 SS HEX 5/16" 4
NUT (.79 cm)
119 010119 SS LOCK 5/16" 4
WASHER (.79 cm)
401 010401 SS 1 1/2" x 3" 2
U-BOLT (3.8 x 7.6 cm)
404 010404 SS 2 1/2" x 3" 2
U-BOLT (5.5 x 7.6 cm)
70 190070 MOUNTING 4" x 6" 1
PLATE (10.2 x 15.2 cm)
326 290326 DANGER 1
LABEL

6
 SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL 22XB
Frequency, MHz 144-148
No. Elements 22
Forward Gain, dBdc 14
Front to Back Ratio, dB 25
Ellipticity dB at boresight 2
SWR 1.2:1 Typical
2:1 Bandwidth, MHz 4
Power Rating, Watts PEP 600
3dB Beamwidth, Degrees
E Plane 30
Boom Length, ft (m) 19.33 (5.9)
Longest Element, in (cm) 39.19 (99.6)
Turning Radius, ft (m) 11 (3.35)
Mast Size Range, in (cm) 1.5-2.0
(3.8-5.0)
2 2
Wind Load, ft (m ) 2.6 (.24)
Weight, lb (kg) 11 (5)
Polarity switch Included

LIMITED WARRANTY
Cushcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 4680, Manchester, New Hampshire 03108, warrants to the original consumer purchaser for one year from
date of purchase that each Cushcraft antenna is free of defects in material or workmanship. If, in the judgement of Cushcraft, any such antenna
is defective, then Cushcraft Corporation will, at its option, repair or replace the antenna at its expense within thirty days of the date the antenna
is returned (at purchasers expense) to Cushcraft or one of its authorized representatives. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed
warranties, any implied warranty is limited in duration to one year. Cushcraft Corporation shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential
damages which may result from a defect. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions or limitations
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty does not extend to any products which have been subject
to misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation. Any repairs or alterations outside of the Cushcraft factory will nullify this warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

P.O. Box 4680, 48 Perimeter Road, Manchester, NH 03108 U.S.A.

603-627-7877 FAX: 603-627-1764