A27010S
A27010S
A27010S
A270-10S
2 METER/70 CM YAGI ANTENNA
144-148/430-450 MHz
C O R P O R A T I O N
951377 (1/94)
A270-10S
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 VHF/UHF antenna is designed and manufactured to give top performance and trouble free service. The antenna will perform as
specified if the instructions and suggestions are followed and care is used in assembly and installation. When checking the components received
in your antenna package use the parts lists in each section. It is easiest to identify the various dimensions of tubing by separating them into groups
of the same diameter and length. 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. There is a master parts list on page 2.
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. YOU MUST INSURE THAT NEITHER PEOPLE NOR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH YOUR ANTENNA
WHILE IT IS IN OPERATION. DEADLY VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS MAY EXIST. ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF 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 F.
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 in charge and that they must follow your instructions. If you have any doubts at all employ a professional antenna
installation company to install your antenna.
MOUNTING
The A270-10S mast mount bracket will take up to a 2" (5.1 cm) O.D. mast. A 1-1/4" (3.17 cm) television type tubing is satisfactory for a single A270-
10S beam. A good heavy-duty antenna rotator will provide the best service and longest life. Often it is desirable to mount several antennas on
one mast. To keep possible interaction to minimum, place your antennas as far apart as you can. For vertical polarization (normally FM and packet),
mount the A270-10S as shown in figure G. For horizontal polarization (normally SSB and CW), mount the A270-10S with the elements parallel
to the ground.
SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna, mast and tower is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes, static buildup and 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 6. 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 A270-10S does not normally require tuning after assembly. Due to the difficulty in adjusting the tuning without the proper test equipment,
we do not advise adjusting either of the Reddi-Match straps. Please use the factory specified settings. An VSWR of 2:1 or less is sufficient.
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 (2.1 m) above ground and clear of surrounding objects. Keep all metal obstructions such as guy wires and other
antennas at least 7 feet (2.1 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 (3 m) 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. Note: The feedline harness (FL) must be connected to both driven elements for proper match.
Do not attempt to match separately since the two driven elements interact.
Measure the VSWR. If it is greater than 2:1, move the tuning strap for that band by 1/8" (.3 cm) in one direction and check the VSWR. If the VSWR
improves, continue moving the tuning strap in the same direction. If the VSWR deteriorates then move the tuning strap in the opposite direction.
Repeat this procedure until no further improvement can be made. Alternate between adjusting both 2m and 70cm until an SWR of 2:1 or better
is achieved on both bands. You have matched your antenna to 50 Ohms. Note that both driven elements will have a slight interaction when adjusted
for best match. Very little improvement in performance will result from a match better than 2:1 VSWR. Tighten all connections making sure to keep
the Reddi-Match assembly parallel to the elements (EC & ED). Tape the feedlineharness to the boom and mast (figure G).
1
A270-10S
#1 - BOOM ASSEMBLY
Assemble the boom as shown below. Slide the appropriate end of BB (figure A) into the slotted end of BA until the first holes align. Pin these aligned
holes temporarily with a machine screw (231) and slide worm clamp (410) over BB onto the slotted end of tube BA and tighten. Push the end caps
(61 & 38) onto the ends of the boom. Tighten clamp 410, remove temporary screw (231) and return it to the parts bag.
FIGURE A
1" 3-3/8" 2-1/2" 8"
(2.5 cm) (8.6 cm) (6.3 cm) (20.3 cm)
BB BA
231
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
2
A270-10S
#2 - REDDI-MATCH ASSEMBLY
9 9
53
53
70 cm
2m
KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
3
A270-10S
26 28
28 190028 ALUMINUM 8
231 HALF WASHER
26 41 011941 SS LOCK #8 8
WASHER
TABLE A
ELEMENTS
ELEMENT LENGTH
KEY NO. INCHES CM
EA 1 40-3/4 103.5
EB 2 14-15/16 37.9
EC 3 37-1/4 94.6
ED 4 12-7/16 31.6
EE 5 12-7/16 31.6
EF 6 12-3/16 30.9
EG 7 12-1/16 30.6
EH 8 36-3/8 92.4
EI 9 35-13/16 91.0
IMPORTANT: Placement of 70cm and 2m elements and driven EJ 10 34-13/16 88.4
elements are on opposite sides of the boom.
END
VIEW
EJ EI EH EC EA
FIGURE
D
EG EF EE ED EB
70 cm
70cm
2m
15" 14-1/4" 11-3/4"
(38.1 cm) (36.2 cm) (29.84 cm)
6-13/16" 4-3/16" 3-3/4"
(17.3 cm) (10.6 cm) (9.5 cm)
2-5/16" 5-1/4" 1-13/16"
(5.9 cm) (13.3 cm) (4.6 cm)
4
A270-10S
#4 - FEEDLINE HARNESS
Slide back all four vinyl boots on the feedline harness (FL) to expose
the male PL-259 coaxial connectors. Unthread both connectors from
the coaxial T-connector. Apply silicone grease (116) to the outer FIGURE E
threads of the in-line connectors on the T-connector and re-attach Back
both coaxial male connectors to the T-connector. Apply silicone
grease to the outer shells of both male PL-259 connectors. Do not Tape
coat the center pin or socket of the PL-259! Slide both vinyl boots
over the connectors until they butt against the T-connector to create
a waterproof seal. Coat the outer threads of both Reddi-Match
connectors located on dipoles EC and ED. Do not coat the center
pin or socket of the PL-259! Thread on both free ends of the feedline
FL
harness (FL). Note that both lengths of cable are equal. Coat outer
shells of connectors with silicone grease (116). Slide both vinyl boots FL
over the PL-259 male connectors. Make sure the boots butt against
the connector brackets. Tape the feedline harness as shown (fig. E).
FL FEEDLINE 1 Vinyl
HARNESS T-Connector Boot
cushcraft cushcraft
326
5
A270-10S
TAPE
FIGURE G
#6 - FEEDLINE
Tape your feedline down the mast (figure G). Any TAPE
FL FL
length of feedline can be used with your A270-10S. cushcraft cushcraft
The shortest length cable will have the least loss.
Before installing your connector, slide boot (115) over Do NOT coat
your feedline. Now, coat the outer threads of the T- center pin SILICONE GREASE
or socket!!
connector with silicone grease (116). Do not coat
center pin. Thread PL-259 connector onto T-connec- Your PL-259 115 TAPE
cushcraft
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL A270-10S Boom Length, ft (m) 6.17 (1.9)
Frequency, MHz 144-148 Longest Element, in(cm) 40.3 (102.4)
430-450 Turning Radius, ft (m) 6 (1.8)
No. Elements 5/5 Mast Size Range, in 1.25-2.0
Forward Gain, dBd 10/10 (cm) (3.2-5.1)
Front to Back Ratio, dB 20/18 Wind Load, ft2 (m2) .725 (.07)
SWR 1.2:1 Typical Weight, lb (kg) 1.8 (.81)
2:1 Bandwidth MHz ≥4 / ≥10 Hardware Stainless steel
Power Rating, Watts PEP 350 / 350
3 dB Beamwidth, Degrees
E Plane 52 / 52
H Plane 60 / 60
6
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.
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS