CUBEX SkyMaster Series Manuale utente

INSTRUCTIONS: CUBEX -SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

CUBEX

Quad Antennas

SKYMASTER III– 3B

SKYMASTER III– 5B

3 Element ; 3 and 5 band Quad

Plus 6 meters

Safety warning

Please read through these instructions completely before

starting your installation.

Antenna work is dangerous. Always wear an OSHA approved

safety harness with the appropriate nylon or wire rope safety

lanyards to protect yourself and your helpers from falls. Also all

helpers on the ground should be wearing hard hats to protect

them from falling objects such as tools etc.

Cubex Co., Inc. has no control over the conditions at the antenna site and therefore

can not be held responsible for any damage or injury to persons or property.

If for any reason you do not understand any part of these instructions, or your

installation is different and these instructions do not pertain to your situation. Do not

hesitate to call Cubex Co., Inc. for assistance at (561) 748-2830; or email:

[email protected]

Note: Take precautions when handling and further processing fiberglass material. It

is recommended that gloves and dust mask be used when cutting and drilling this

material.

Price: $ 4.95 US

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 2

Butt end

Reinforcement – pre-

installed at factory

82”

1”

Drill 3/16” hole through both

pieces 1” from end 1”

13’-0”

48” 48”

15”

7”

Tip

Extension

Base

INTRODUCTION

The construction instructions and dimensions contained in this Manual are intended

primarily for use with the basic SKYMASTER QUAD KIT. The design data and dimensions

can, however, also be used with other quad support structures.

There are two basic design concepts for the Quad with respect to the method of

determining reflector and driven element lengths. One method provides for making both

the reflector and director element(s) physically equal to the driven element. In this case

they are electrically lengthened or shortened through the use of stubs or inductors. The

other method calls for a determination of the proper physical length of the elements (usually

plus and minus 3% respectively) prior to cutting them. This manual will present data for

both methods but a choice should naturally be made prior to measuring and cutting the re-

flector and (if used) the directors as the case may be. A choice should also be made

regarding the orientation of the element assemblies themselves with respect to ground, i.e.

a diamond or a square configuration. (The Square configuration is recommended, and the

data presented is in reference that orientation).

The book Cubical Quads Antennas by William Orr and Stuart Cowan is also an excellent

source of dimensions and information about quad antennas and is a great addition to your

library. This book is available at most amateur radio stores.

Some Quad “experts” feel that the square position results in a slightly higher forward gain.

While others favor the diamond configuration, because it offers a convenient anchor point

for the element termination, as well as a support for the feedlines in routing them up to the

boom. The physical dimensions given in this manual can be used for either configuration,

note however it is not possible to use a single feed point or the matching transformer in the

Diamond configuration.

ASSEMBLING SPREADER ARMS

The SKYMASTER spreader arms are a three piece design and require assembly (Refer to

Assembly Drawing Attached). The three pieces of telescoping fiberglass tubing that when

completed will produce a robust spreader arm about 13 feet long (4m). Each arm is

identical in its assembly and construction regardless of the function, Reflector, Driven or

Directors. However the holes for the element wires are unique and those dimensions must

be carefully measured and positioned per the drilling chart found later in these instructions.

1. The spreader arms may now be drilled for the element wires using a 3/32 inch

(2.38mm) drill bit (or other size suitable for wire being used). Naturally the 3 holes in

each arm should be drilled in the same plane. The spreader arm drilling data maybe

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 3

found in TABLE III.

2. To assure uniform drilling of any one type element set, the following procedure is

recommended. Select four (4) of the previously prepared arms and line them up side by

side with the butt end against a solid stop to assure common length and alignment.

REMEMBER to allow for drilling THROUGH the arm by spacing the arm above the work

surface. Pieces of scrap wood positioned along the length of the arms will provide the

necessary clearance. Orient the arm assembly screws vertically and clamp the arms to

prevent them accidentally turning during the drilling process. Now using the dimensions in

Table III and measuring from the “butt” end mark each arm for each band. Recheck your

measurements and then proceed to drill through both sides of the arm with a 1/8” (3.1 mm)

drill bit. Mark the arms per their function (REFL, DRV, D1, D2) and set them aside.

PREPARATION OF WIRE ELEMENTS

4. The wire has been spooled in a relatively large diameter to minimize “curl” and reduce

the chance of kinking. The wire bundles are marked for as follows – Reflectors &

Driven Elements (2el, 3bands) WARC band Reflectors and Driven Elements

(12m/17m) are separately packaged. There are additional packages of wire for the

Directors as applicable. All wire lengths should be carefully un-spooled by rolling the

coil of wire in the appropriate direction.

A convenient device for helping to keep the wire manageable is a

plastic water “Pail” inverted. Its conical shape allows the wire spool to

slip over while providing support for the bundle.

5. A suggested method for winding accurate elements is to fabricate

a temporary winding jig consisting of a few lengths of 1” x 4” wood board stock for a

total length of about 20 feet (6 m). Mark the center of this board, and 1-1/4” (3 cm) on

either side. The center is used for Reflectors and Directors, and the two separated

points are for Driven Elements. Regular number 6pd finishing nails can be driven into

the board leaving about 1” or so protruding.

10m 15m 20m

Butt end

Refer to

TABLE III

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 4

6. Now using the dimensions in TABLE IIb (per side) Mark the end points of each band

element by measuring from the center nail half the length of the side in each direction.

Mark and drive more nails at those points. It is less confusing if you only have the end nails

in place for the band you are fabricating the element for to facilitate this. Also when

completed remove those nails and use then for the next element. This may be facilitated

by simply drilling holes in the board at the appropriate places and using the nails as

“PEGS” for the proper dimensions.

When using this method of winding the elements, it is better NOT to precut the wire.

Use the entire full spool of wire, and carefully wind each element (remember to

include the “connection tails”) then cut the wire at that point. (Be sure to add at

least 2” to each side for Directors and Reflectors, and 12” for DRIVEN elements as a

provision for splicing and attaching to the feed point terminals

This board, element-winding jig, can be lain across several saw horses, attached to a

convenient backyard fence or on the side of a building. It is worth the effort to make this

tool as it forms the corners of each element, which can be easily marked and then lined up

on the arms. To minimize tangling and unnecessary wire kinks it is recommended that the

wire loops be lightly taped along their length prior to removing them from the winding jig.

Set these finished elements aside taking precautions to keep them identified and separated

for future use.

Alternatively you could measure the appropriate length of wire per Table II a. and then

carefully measure and mark the wire per Table II b. (total length is 4 X each side length).

Before cutting the wire should be re-measured exactly and marked for the total required

length from Table IIb. (be sure to add 2” to each side for Directors and Reflectors, and

12” for DRIVEN elements as a provision for splicing and attaching to the feed point

terminals). Now with tape or marker pen (if tape mark an arrow indicating which edge of

the tape is used for the marker). Elements should also be clearly identified, i.e., 10 mtr.

driven ele.; 10 mtr. Refl. Ele.; 10 mtr. director, etc., as required. Element wires should be

cut according to dimensions shown in Table IIb, plus the added amounts for splicing and

connections, and the corners marked by using Table IIb “one side” dimensions.

NOTE- If you have taken the time to create the “winding fixture”, it is recommended that

you do not cut the wire (per Table Iia), but spool the wire around the “per side nails” from

20m

15m

10m

15m

20m Start – all bands

Element Winding Fixture

Four (4) loops will complete the four sides of each quad loop -

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 5

the main spool. Allow enough connecting wire at the start, wrap around the nails so as to

have four (4) sides and finish with a “tail” of connecting wire – now cut the wire.

Elements should also be clearly identified, i.e., 10 mtr. driven ele.; 10 mtr. Refl. Ele.; 10 mtr.

director, etc., as required, and the corners can be marked with paint or marking pen while

still on the winding jig. These Corner markings can be useful in aligning the element

squarely.

ASSEMBLING THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE

There are several methods of assembling and erecting large antennas such as the SKYMASTER, and they

are dependant on the type of supporting structure (Tower), space available, clearance from surrounding

objects and other mechanical aides and helpers. The exact method will be left up to the assembler, and the

following are general requirements for completing the antenna assembly and do not necessarily address

specific erecting procedures.

7. Choose a level area that will accommodate a 17 X 17-ft square with extra working

room around all sides. Lay one of the end spider castings in the center of this area with

“troughs” facing upward. Lay four of the assembled spreader arms, one in each of the

depressed troughs. Be sure to orient the drilled holes now horizontally to facilitate element

wire assembly. Fasten each spreader arm to the spider using two stainless steel worm

gear clamps. One clamp is positioned near the butt of the spreader arm and should seat

between two small “buttons” on the underside of the spider spoke. The other clamp is

placed near the outer end of the spider spoke and should seat into a depression in the

underside of the spoke. DO NOT TIGHTEN COMPLETELY AT THIS TIME.

8. Assembly of the Boom

The boom for the 3 element Quad is two equal length pieces, coupled together with an

“split” insert section about 17” long. these are coupled together and secured with four (8)

#12 SS Screws. Boom Type I (HD)

Next the Bridge Truss Eyebolts must be installed at the pre-drilled points near the ends of

the boom. The “eye” should be topside, and apply the lock washer and tighten the nuts

again just until the washer is compressed. This completes the boom assembly.

9. Element Spacing and Placement:

The REFLECTOR Assembly, is placed at the end of the boom, as shown in Figure 4.

The DRIVEN ELEMENT is placed at the 10 ft. mark , and The DIRECTOR is at the

other end of the boom. After the assemblies are in place on the boom they should be

rotated and aligned so that all bottom element wires are parallel to the ground.

BOOM LENGTH Reflector Driven El Director 1

18 ft

9 ft

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 6

18 ft Boom End (start) + 10 ft 18 ft

10.The next step is to attach the 5/16” truss guying Dacron to the two Boom “Eye-Bolts”

and dress the rope through the element array and secure to the two “S” hooks that

make up the Mast support assembly (2” U-Bolt, plates and S hooks) that is installed on

the top of the mast and put a slight upward tension on the boom using a truckers knot to

gain a mechanical advantage. Final tensioning can be made by sliding the u-bolt along

the mast then tighten securely!

Assembly of the Boom to the Mast

11. These directions are a general outline only and your installation may be different. For

instance you may have a tilt over tower and this would make the installation process

different and easier. Feel free to modify these instructions to meet your individual

needs.

Place the BOOM/MAST COUPLER plate at the center of the boom (for improved clearance

offset from center 6 inches toward the Reflector). Fasten the mast plate to the boom using the

supplied bolts. 3” OD boom requiring 4 - 3”x3/8” U-bolts. All U-bolts are secured using, nuts

and lock washers. The bolts should be tightened on the boom sufficiently to preventing

rotation of either with respect to the other. One should keep in mind that as the mast length is

increased the matter of side loading on the rotor increases. Also, if longer lengths are to be

used, the wall thickness of the material should be sufficient to withstand the greater side

loading effects. When the rotor is placed inside a tower, lengths of 10 feet can be used

without trouble as the side loading is absorbed by a tower bearing sleeve. As an aid to lifting

the array, an 8 to 10 foot pole or pipe section (GIN POLE) may be temporarily slipped into the

mast and secured. The Gin Pole is a pole or pipe that has a small pulley at the top. Using a

strong rope the antenna can be pulled up to the final mounting position by an assistant with

little danger to the tower climber. This will usually facilitate getting the array up to the top of

tower, mast, etc.

The antenna array is then lifted into place on the tower and the boom/mast coupler plate is

secured to the mast using the supplied hardware. The antenna & boom assembly is bolted to

the mast using the supplied 3”, “U “bolts REMINDER: DON’T TAKE CHANCES. USE A

CLIMBING BELT OR SAFETY HARNESS WHILE ON A TOWER. THE LIFE YOU SAVE

COULD BE YOURS!

CAUTION; While every effort has been made in designing and fabricating both

the spreader arms and the spiders for maximum strength, it is possible to suffer

breakage if the assembly is dropped or impacted against buildings, trees, etc.,

Use care in handling.

Position the boom to achieve adequate tower clearance while still maintain

a reasonable balance of support by the boom to mast plate. Take time to

sight the arms and adjust to obtain alignment.

12. FEEDING THE, 3 ELEMENT QUAD. The feed-point impedance’s of this antenna

will vary with each band. Twenty meters is about 50 ohms, Fifteen meters about 75 ohms

and Ten meters is about 110 ohms. The CUBEX matching transformer is a combination

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 7

unbalanced to balanced and impedance transformation device. It will allow for single feed

line with acceptable SWR while using 3 or 5 bands of operation.

An alternative method of feeding the multi band quad utilizes a remote antenna switch such

as the AMERITRON RCS-8V. When using the remote antenna switch or separate feed

lines for each band it will be necessary to fabricate Co-Ax matching sections from 75 ohm

RG11U cable. See TABLE I

For 10 meters use 68 inches (172.72cm) of RG/11U attached to 10 -meter DRVN. EL. FEED POINT

and any length of RG8/U from the other end of the RG/11U to the transmitter.

For 15 meters, use 92 inches (233.68 cm) of RG/11U attached to the 15-meter DRVN. EL. FEED

POINT and any length of RG8/U from other end of RGII/U to the transmitter. (Note: in many cases

the match is satisfactory feeding directly with 50 ohm cable. It is suggested that you try 50

ohm connection first)

Any excess cable can be coiled and taped together.

For 12 meters use 79 3/4 inches (202.74 cm) of RG/11U cable.

Where a REMOTE SWITCHING SYSTEM is used, one would position the remote unit at a

point on the boom where both 10 and 15 meter matching sections could terminate in the

box. This would eliminate splicing of cables, Baluns are generally not needed and have

proven effective in only a small percentage of unusually rough situations. Fortunately, the

great majority of quad installations perform very satisfactorily without the need to resort to

complicated matching systems, but in an occasional "rare" case of difficulty, the Gamma

Match (either individual or Tri-Gamma) has proven to be a good solution. For Gamma

Match information see Note No. 3 at end of instructions.

The CUBEX matching transformer is an excellent choice for matching the antenna system

to the transceiver. It allows for a single FEED LINE and matches the CUBEX antenna

without the hassle of complicated matching networks.

Good luck and DX –

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 8

Note: These terminals are not supplied when Cubex Matching Transformer is ordered with Antenna

Matching Stub dimensions: Table I

Electrical Quarter wave 75 ohm coax ; velocity factor = 0.66

BAND CABLE TYPE LENGTH (IN.) LENGTH (CM)

10 Meters RG11/U 75 ohm 68 in 172.72 cm

12 Meters RG11/U 79 3/4 in 202.74 cm

15 Meters RG11/U 92 in. 233.68 cm

17 Meters Note 3

20 Meters RG 8/U 50 ohm Any length

40 Meters RG11/U 23.35 ft (420 in) 711.71 cm

Note 1- that any length 50 ohm coax maybe connected to the end of these matching stubs.

Note 2- Some experimentation may be required in adjusting each matching stub to optimize the

impedance transformation.

Note 3- 17 meters should not require any stub and match okay with 50 ohm cable.

For ¾ wave lengths multiply the lengths above by a factor of 3, excess cable may be

coiled into a 6 inch dia. Coil and taped together.

Dimensions above

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 9

Table IIa

3 ELEMENT QUAD Total Length Cutting Chart *

BAND 10 M 12M 15M 17M 20M

Reflector 39 ft 44 ft 50 ft 59 ft 80 ft

Driven El 38 ft 43ft 48 ft 58 ft 74 ft

Director 1 35 ft 40 ft 47 ft 54 ft 70 ft

* Note, the above dimensions are longer then required to permit adequate wire for forming elements.

The following table has precise per side measurements.

Be sure to cut elements from the appropriately labeled spool of wire

Table IIb 3 ELEMENT QUAD DIMENSIONS (PER SIDE) Element Framing Dimensions

BAND 10 M 12M 15M 17M 20M

Reflector 107.5” 124.0” 145.0” 170.5” 218.0”

Driven El 105.0” 120.75” 142.0” 166.5” 212.0”

Director 1 100.8” 117.25 139.0” 161.5 207.25”

The total length is 4 X the above dimensions. In order to make splices and connections

and additional 4 inches must be added to Reflectors and Directors. Driven elements need

an additional 24” for 10m/20m, 18” for 12m/17m and 6” for 15m - This is IMPORTANT.

This additional Driven Element length is essential if the MT-3 matching transformer

will be used!

Table III ARM DRILLING DIMENSIONS

REFLECTOR:

|BUTT END

|-------------- 10M --------- 74-3/8” ( 188.91 cm) ------------------------->

|-------------- 12M --------- 85-1/2” ( 217.17 cm) ------------------------------->

|-------------- 15M --------- 101-3/8” ( 257.50 cm) ------------------------------------------>

|-------------- 17M ---------118-1/2” ( 301.0 cm) ----------------------------------------------->

|-------------- 20M --------- 152-5/8” ( 387.67 cm) ------------------------------------------------------>

DRIVEN ELEMENT:

BUTT END

|-------------- 10M --------- 71-3/8” ( 181.30 cm) ------------------------->

|-------------- 12M --------- 83-1/2” ( 212.09 cm) ---------------------------------->

|-------------- 15M --------- 98-3/8” ( 249.87 cm) ------------------------------------------>

|-------------- 17M ---------115-1/4” ( 292.74 cm) ------------------------------------------------>

|-------------- 20M --------- 147-5/8” ( 374.97 cm)------------------------------------------------------>

DIRECTOR:

BUTT END

|-------------- 10M --------- 69-1/8” ( 175.58 cm) ------------------------->

|-------------- 12M --------- 80-1/2” ( 204.47 cm) --------------------------------->

|-------------- 15M --------- 96-3/8” ( 244.79 cm) ------------------------------------------>

|-------------- 17M ---------112-1/4” ( 285.12cm) -------------------------------------------------->

|-------------- 20M ---------144-7/8” ( 367.98 cm) -------------------------------------------------------->

NOTE:

These dimensions are for reference only, actual dimensions may vary slightly from those above in actual

practice.

Instructions: Cubex SkyMaster Series

Cubex Co., Inc. 05-06 Rev 0

Pg. 10

QUAD LOOP DIMENSIONS:

BAND 10M 12M 15M 17M 20M

Reflector

Driven

Director 1

Director 2

Additional notes about Feeding quads: Separate lines are to be preferred over the simplified “Single

FEED LINE” method to a common juction point of elements. This is not to say that the “SF” system is

unacceptable, but one must be prepared to accept some SWR compromise when using it If difficulty is

encountered in LOADING and/or SWR with either system.

FEED LINE PRUNING should be attempted as the NUMBER ONE approach when using

the “SF” approach.

Baluns are generally not needed and have proven effective in only a small percentage of unusually rough

situations. Fortunately, the great majority of quad installations perform very satisfactorily without the need to

resort to complicated matching systems, but in an occasional "rare" case of difficulty, the Gamma Match

(either individual or Tri-Gamma) has proven to be a good solution. For Gamma Match information see

historical notes at end of instructions, or refer to Bill Orr’s book on Quads.

20m

17m

15m

12m

10m

Location of Cubex

Matching

Transformer when

used.

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