ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Five-Band High-Performance Mini-Vertical Antenna

MA5V

951495 (8/01)

MA5V
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 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 3.

LOCATION
To prevent detuning, install the MA5V in an open area clear of metal buildings, guy wires, towers, and dipole feedlines. Important Warning: Never mount your antenna where humans and pets may contact it accidentally. Protruding elements and hardware can cause injury, and contact with energized conductors may inflict severe RF burns. Also, transmitting antennas may expose humans to intense RF fields. The medical effects of RF exposure are unknown, but may be harmful. U.S. amateurs are required to comply with FCC exposure-safety guidelines (for more information, see the FCC web site at www.crr.gov./oet/rfsafety and ARRL web site at www.arrl.org/news/safety). Amateurs in other countries may also be subject to governmental standards (check publications for your region). Never install antennas without assistance. Plan work carefully and use only qualified persons to monitor or assist. If in doubt about safety, obtain the services of a professional installer.

MOUNTING
The MA5V accepts mast diameters to 2.0 OD (5.1 cm). To prevent injury and minimize ground losses, always mount at least 10-12 feet above the surface. For best DX performance, mount high and in-the-clear. Because of its light weight, the MA5V may be roof-mounted with conventional TV hardware. However, avoid installing near conductive guy wiresthese may couple to the lower element and detune the antenna. Also, do not mount next to parallel vertical conductors such as dipole feedline drops, other masts, metal chimneys, and utility poles.

SYSTEM GROUNDING
To ensure lightning-strike protection, always disconnect the feedline from its building-entrance when the antenna is not in use. For backup protection from unexpected nearby strikes, install a quality lightning arrester such as the Cushcraft LAC4.

ASSEMBLY
Assemble carefully, following all directions, photos, and illustrations. Before mounting, verify each part was installed correctly and check all hardware for tightness.

FEEDLINE SELECTION
Feedline losses are inevitable, and a small amount is even beneficial because it enhances the antennas bandwidth without noticeably degrading performance. However, to ensure best results, avoid long runs of lossy cable or short runs of low-loss cable. We recommend the following: 1. RG-58 for runs up to 75. 2. RG-8X (Mini-8) for 50-150 foot runs. 3. RG-8 or RG-213 for longer runs.

TUNING PROCEDURE
As needed, fine-tune resonator stubs to compensate for varied mounting locations or to provide best SWR in a favorite band segment. When adjusting, use the same feedline you plan to install permanently. MA5V resonators are labeled by band. Lengthen to lower frequency and shorten to raise frequency (interaction between resonators is minimal). A handheld SWR analyzer speeds fine-tuning.

PRECIPITATION
A buildup of precipitation will lower resonant frequency (a condition common to most antennas). If SWR exceeds 2:1 due to precipitation loading, you may use an antenna tuner (ATU) to temporarily correct the problem. Alternatively, if you live in a wet region, consider tuning resonators slightly high to provide built-in compensation for when it rains or snows.

RF POWER RATING
The MA5V will safely handle up to 250 Watts pep on SSB, but power should not exceed 100 Watts for high duty-cycle modes such as AM, FM, RTTY, and PSK. Important Warning: Never use a high-power linear amplifier with this antenna. Permanent damage to the sealed resonator coils may result.

MA5V

MASTER PARTS LIST

KEY PART # DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

01 02 07 11 12 20 26 29 31 32 40 41 44 45 68 77 93 411 BA BB BC BD EA EB EC ED EE RA RB RC RS FL HK

125401 035402 030407 010011 XHR12 010120 290326 010229 010231 902832 010040 011941 014544 321045 053368 050077 195393 030411 MA5VBA MA5VBB MA5VBC MA5VBD MA5VEA MA5VEB MA5VEC MA5VED MA5VEE MA5VRA MA5VRB MA5VRC MA5VRS MA5VFL GOMNIHK

Coaxial balun form 3/16 Nylon cable clamp 7/32 - 5/8 worm clamp #8-32 Nut 12 Long X-hat rod 8-32 x 2 RH slotted machine screw Danger label #8-32 x 1 SS RH machine screw #8-32 x 1-3/4 RH machine screw 49 SS whip & tip assembly #8-32 x 1-1/4 Screw #8 SS split lock washer #8 SS flat washer Aluminum spacer .156ID x 1/4 long black vinyl cap 3/8 x 7/8 black plastic cap Radial rod clamp 9/16-1-1/4 worm clamp MA5V base tube MA5V insulated base section MA5V tube BC MA5V tube BD MA5V element #A MA5V element #B MA5V element #C MA5V element #D MA5V element #E MA5V 10M/12M resonator assembly MA5V 15M/17M resonator assembly MA5V 20M resonator assembly MA5V radial sleeve MA5V feed-line Omni mounting kit

1 2 5 18 2 6 5 2 2 4 2 8 12 2 4 5 8 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

MA5V
Important Note: Unless otherwise noted, all hardware used in assembly will be #8-32 Stainless Steel. Photo-1
MA5BB 20
2 PLACES

Step #1 Wind and Mount Coaxial Choke:

Find the 54 fiberglass insulated tube (MA5BB). Also, find two 2 screws (20) and two nuts (11). Locate choke mounting holes 9-1/2 apart on base end (Photo-1). Install a 2 screw in each hole and secure with a nut as shown. Find the 1-1/8 x 12 aluminum base tube (MA5BA). Also, find one 1-1/4 screw (40) and one nut (11). Slide the slotted end of the aluminum base tube over the fiberglass tube and align mounting holes. Install a screw and nut at the top mounting hole and tighten so the slotted tube compresses onto the insulated mast (Photo-2). The second mounting screw will be installed later. Find two 1/2 OD x 5/16 aluminum spacers (45). Install one over each mounting screw so it clears the nut (Photo-3). Find the 2-3/8 OD x 10-1/4 PVC balunl form (01). Slide form over the end of the mast and seat into position so it rests on the spacers (Photo-4). Find the 34 roll of RG-58AU coaxial cable (MA5VFL). Also, find two 3/16 nylon cable clamps (02), two flat washers (44), and two nuts(11). Locate the pig-tail end of the coax cable and measure 38 down from the end. Install a nylon cable clamp at this location. Install the cable and its clamp as shown in Photo-5, securing in place with a flat washer and a nut. Uncoil and lay out the opposite end of the feedline, removing any bends or loops that could interfere with winding the balun. To wind, rotate the coil form and mast with one hand, while guiding turns into place with the other (Photo-6). Wind until the last turn falls 1/2 from the opposite mounting stud. Turns should be tight with no open areas between windings. Install the remaining cable clamp and secure in place with a flat washer and nut (Photo-7).

11
2 PLACES

Photo-2
MA5BA 40

11

Photo-3

Photo-4

45

2 PLACES

01 02

Photo-5
RG-58AU

11

44

Photo-6

Photo-7
02

Step- #2 Install Mounting Hardware:

Find two extruded aluminum V blocks and the mast-mount hardware kit (GOMNIHK). Open the plastic bag and separate the smaller 1/4 hardware from the larger 5/16 hardware. Using 1/2 hardware, install the mast-mount blocks approximately 10 apart on the support tube, as shown in Photo-8. Align the lower block with the upper block by sighting down between the narrow splits in the mounting rings while tightening hardware. You may install the 5/16 U-bolt hardware temporarily at this time, or set it aside until the antenna is ready to mount on a support. Find a 1-1/4 screw (40) and nut (11). Install in the base tubes remaining mounting hole and tighten securely (Photo-9).
KEY P/N BB MA5VBB 20 11 BA 40 45 01 FL 02 44 010120 010011 MA5VBA 010040 321045 125401 MA5VFL 035402 014544 DISPLAY DESC Insulated Base RH Machine screw Hex nut Base tube SIZE 1 x 54 8-32 x 2 #8-32 1-1/8 x 12 QTY 1 2 18 1 2 2 1 1 2 2
(Omni mounting kit)

44

11

Photo-9
18 14 85 84

Photo-8
04 11 10 40 118 19

KEY P/N 14 84
GOMNIHK KIT

DISPLAY

DESC Hex screw Lock washer Nut Aluminium V-block U-bolt Nut Lock washer

SIZE 1/4 1/4 1/4

QTY 2 2 2 2

010214 010084 010085 323718 010404 010118 010119

RH Machine screw #8-32 x 1-1/4 Aluminium spacer 1/2 OD x 5/16 Balun form Feedline cable Nylon cable clamp Flat washer ------34 3/16 1/4

85 18 04 118 19

5/16 5/16 5/16

2 2 2

MA5V

Step #3 Install Lower-Element Mounting Hardware:

Find the 1-1/8 OD x 3 radial sleeve (MA5VRS). With the mounting holes closest to the top (Photo-10), slip over the mast and align with the 4 pair of mounting holes, as shown. Find eight X-pattern radial clamps (93). Also, find four 2 screws (20), four lockwashers (41), nine flat washers (44), and five nuts (11). Lay two radial clamps face-to-face to form a round mounting channel for the radial rods. Install two mounting screws and place a flat washer over each (Photo-11). Insert the screws through the radial sleeve and mast. Place a flat washer over each screw where it protrudes through the mast. Lay two more radial clamps face-to-face and install over the mounting screws. Install a lock-washer on each and secure in place finger-tight with nuts (Photo-12). Repeat the above procedure, installing the remaining four radial clamps finger-tight. Temporarily secure the shield of the coax to one of the upper mounting screws using the left-over flat washer and nut (Photo-13). The four 49 whips making up the lower element will be installed last, when other work on the main element is complete.

MA5VRS

Photo-10

Photo-11
31
4 PLACES

Photo-12
41
4 PLACES

11

4 PLACES

93
8 PLACES

44

9 PLACES

Photo-13

Step #4 Install Upper Element:

Find the 1-1/8 x 48 element tube (MA5VBC). Also find two 13/4 screws (31), two lockwashers (41), one flat washer (44), and three nuts (11). Slide the drilled and slotted end of the element over the mast and align the mounting holes. (Photo-14). Install the 1-3/4 screw in the upper mounting hole. Secure in place with a lockwasher and nut (this screw is longer than necessary because it also supports the optional 6-Meter add-on kit when purchased and installed). Install the remaining 1-3/4 screw in the lower mounting hole and secure in place with a lockwasher and nut, compressing the slotted tube against the insulated mast. Temporarily install the coax center-conductor on the lower mounting screw using the remaining flat washer and nut . Find the 1 x 48 aluminum tube (MA5VBD) and one large worm clamp (411). Slip the clamp onto the slotted end of the lower tube. Install the upper tube for an extended length of 40 and tighten (Photo-15).
31
2 PLACES

44 11

Photo-14
41
2 PLACES

11

3 PLACES

Photo-15

E2
KEY P/N RS 93 31 20 41 44 11 BC BD 411 MA5VRS 195393 010231 010120 011941 014544 010011 MA5VBC MA5VBD 020411 DISPLAY DESC Radial Sleeve Radial rod clamp RH machine screw Lock washer Flat washer Hex nut Aluminium tube Aluminium tube Large worm clamp SIZE ______ ______ #8-32 x 2 #8 #8 #8-32 1-1/8 x 48 1" x 48 QTY 1 8 2 4 6 10 8 1 1 1
411 MA5VBD

RH machine screw #8-32 x 1-3/4

MA5V

Step #5 Assemble and Install 20-Meter Resonator Coil and X-Hat:

Find the 20-Meter resonator assembly (MA5VRC ) and two 3/16 OD x 12 center-drilled X-hat rods (XHR12). Also, find two 1 screws (29), two lockwashers (41) and two nuts (11). Install X-Hat rods as shown in Photo-16. Note that each pair of mounting holes are step drilled (one hole is larger than the other). Place the hat rod over the larger hole to lock it into position and secure in place with a screw, lockwasher, and nut. Find four flexible vinyl caps (68) and a small worm clamp (07). Install a cap on the tip of each X-Hat rod. Also, install the small worm clamp on the top section of the resonator (Photo-17). Find a large worm clamp (411). Slide clamp on the slotted end of the 1 element tube and install coil assembly for an extension length of 2-1/2 (Photo-18). Photo-18
411

Photo-16
XHR12
2 PLACES

11

2 PLACES

41

2 PLACES

29

2 PLACES

Photo-17

07 68
4 PLACES

Step #6 Install 10/12-Meter and 15/17Meter Resonator Assemblies:

Find the 10/12-Meter resonator assembly (MA5VRA) and the 15/17-Meter resonator assembly (MA5VRB). Also find four small worm clamps (07) and two nuts (11). Locate the lower of the two resonator-mounting holes on upper element tube MA5VBD (21-1/2 below top lip of tube). Mount the 10/12-Meter coil assembly as shown in Photo -19 using a nut (resonators are labeled by band). Install a worm clamp loosely on each end. In similar fashion, locate the higher of the two resonator-mounting holes (6-1/2 below top lip of tube), and mount the 15/17-Meter resonator coil assembly. Install worm clamps.
KEY P/N RC MA5VRC 12 29 41 11 68 07 411 RA RB HXR12 010229 011941 010011 053368 030407 030411 MA5VRA MA5VRB DISPLAY DESC Resonator assembly X-hat rod RH machine screw Split lock washer Hex nut Vinyl caps Small worm clamp Large worm clamp Resonator assembly Resonator assembly SIZE 20 Meter 12 #8-32 x 1 #8-32 #8-32 .156 ID x 1/4 ------------10/12 meter 15/17 meter QTY 1 2 2 6 4 4 5 1 1 1
07
4 PLACES

Photo-19

11

MA5VRA

MA5V

Step #7 Install and Pre-set Resonator Element Tubes:

Find the five 3/8 OD resonator tubes: 21 (MA5VEE), 18 (MA5VED), 14 (MA5VEC), 12 (MA5VEB), and 6 (MA5VEA). Also, find five 3/8 ID black-plastic end caps (77). Install a 21 tube in the 20-Meter resonator, adjust for 18-1/4 extension, and tighten. (Photo-20) Locate the 10-Meter resonator (marked) and install the 6 resonator tube for 3-3/8 extension (Photo-21). Tighten worm clamp. Install a 12 tube in the 12-Meter resonator, adjust for 9-1/4 extension, and tighten. Install a 14 tube in the 15-Meter resonator, adjust for 10-1/4 extension, and tighten. Install a 18 tube in the 17-Meter resonator, adjust for 14 extension, and tighten. Install a black-plastic end cap on the end of each tube.

Photo-20
MA5VEE

77

Photo-21

MA5VEC

MA5VED MA5VEB

Step-8, Install Lower-Element Rods:

Find four 49 stainless whip-and-tip rods (32). Note that whips should be mounted so they extend outward from the mast in a pinwheel pattern (Photo 22). Insert two whips in upper opposing clip-pairsas shown in Photo-20. Loosen hardware and remove coax pigtail for easier installation. Once inserted, tighten hardware securely and reinstall coax pigtail. Insert two whips in the lower set of clips and secure. Attach all safety warning labels included with your antenna. This completes assembly of the MA5V 5-band vertical antenna.
Handling Note: For convenient handling during installation, you may slide all four whip ends into the feedline choke coil form and use this as a temporary retainer (do not store in this manner for extended periods). Always confirm each whip returns to its original 45-degree angle when released.

77

4 PLACES

MA5VEA

Photo-22

Photo-22 Top View

Photo-22

26
WARNING LABEL

KEY P/N EE MA5VEE ED EC EB EA 77 32 26 MA5VED MA5VEC MA5VEB MA5VEA 050077 902832 290326

DISPLAY

DESC Element tube Element tube Element tube Element tube Element tube Black end cap Whip and tip Danger label

SIZE 3/8OD x 21 3/8OD x 18 3/8OD x 14 3/8OD x 12 3/8OD x 6 .156 ID x 1/4 -------------

QTY 1 1 1 1 1 5 4 5
45

32

4 PLACES

45 26
WARNING LABEL 4 PLACES

SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL Frequency Meters: Gain: SWR Minimum: Power Rating, Watts PEP: MA5V 20,17,15,12,10,6* 1-2 dBi <1.2:1 All Bands 250 SSB

Dimensions: 14.7 (4.48m) High Mast Size: 1.25 - 2.0 (3.18 - 5.1 cm) Wind Survival, mph: >80 Weight lb. (kg): 6.5 (2.95) Hardware: Stainless Steel * Optional 6 meter add on kit available

LIMITED WARRANTY Cushcraft Corporation, 48 Perimeter Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03103, 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.

48 PERIMETER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03103 603-627-7877 / FAX 603-627-1764

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE