INSTRUCTIONS
The Bandspringer consists of two wire elements. The wires are identical in length but the radiating
element has a red banana plug and a nylon cord extension. The elements are supplied on a Wire Winder
and, before undoing the wires, take a moment to note how the toggle is fastened and how the wires have
been wound on the Wire Winder (note the “figure-of-eight” method). We strongly recommend this method
as the wire can be pulled off the Wire Winders very quickly—without snagging.
Unwinding the radiating element (the one with the cord attached) is best done by
starting roughly where you want the far end of the antenna to be and walking
back to the operating position, paying out the wire as you go. The first time that
you use your Bandspringer there are some tasks to perform. Firstly at the
operating end of the wire (the one with the red plug on), you need to make a
strain relief system so that wind, horses, children that might pull the wire, won’t
pull your radio away. About 30cm along the wire from the plug, tie a knot (we
recommend a loop formed with a figure-of-eight knot as shown above). Pass a
cable-tie (provided) through the loop and fasten very loosely. The cable tie can
then be used as a pegging point close to the radio, leaving the banana plug free to plug into the adapter
(red plug goes into red socket).
Next you need to get your aerial in the air. Make an attachment point about 7
metres from the banana plug end of the wire using the insulator (supplied). This
gives you a firm attachment point which will slide onto a SOTAPOLE or that you
can tie a cord to. You can use a handy tree-branch or, better still, a SOTAPOLE to
support this part of the aerial. Aim to get the attachment point of the aerial at
least 4 metres up in the air.
The corded end of the aerial can either slope down to the ground in which case use a peg through the
pegging loop at the end, or alternatively, you can attach the far end to another elevated support. We
supply a spare cable tie for this.
The other wire is a radial. This can simply be laid on the ground. Ideally one would lay it under the
radiating element but in reality it makes little difference where it is laid. Do use it however, as the system
will not work as well without it. Plug the black banana plug on the end of the radial, into the black socket
on the adapter. Connect the adapter to your radio.
Before using the antenna, adjust your antenna tuner to give a low VSWR and enjoy! When you pack your
antenna up, leave the strain relief and support cable-ties in place, ready for your next adventure.
Safety: Never pass your antenna wires over or under overhead electrical cables. Never use an
antenna in thundery conditions. Do not erect your antenna where it could trip or otherwise injure
others (or yourself).
SOTABEAMS
Unit 1, The Green
Fountain Street
Macclesfield, SK10 1JN
+441625 501643
www.sotabeams.co.uk
© SOTABEAMS 2019
