MODEL AV-174 SIGMA IV ANTENNA YOU, YOUR ANTENNA AND SAFETY WARNING INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT NEAR POWER LINES !S DANGEROUS FOR YOUR SAFETY, FOLLOW THE» INSTALLATION DIRECTIONS the antenna specialists co. ame’ of The Alea Group 12435 Euclid Avenue « Cleveland, Ohio 44108 » 216 791:FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CB BASE ANTENNAS Occasionally users are heard to remark that a particular antenna is not liv- ing up to the advertised performance figures such as gain, S.W.R. or front- to-back ratio. These statements are usually founded on their personal field tests based on comparisons between one antenna and another. The dis- parity between the tests of the user and the factory usually stems from the conditions under which the tests were run. Here are a few conditions that can affect performance. EFFECT OF OTHER ANTENNAS. When two antennas are mounted near each other (even if used for different frequencies), a coupling usually results which in some way alters their operation. This coupling is even more pronounced when the antennas are mounted less than one wavelength apart and may change your antenna's performance in some way. THE EFFECT OF METAL STRUCTURES Not only antennas, but water towers, power lines, buildings, or any material ‘of a conductive nature has the ability to misdirect anaiission Sometimes these obstacles may act as directors or as reflectors — cau: the signal to Increase or decrease In the intended direction. Complaints of oor front-to-back ratio or lower than expected gain can usually be traced to this above circumstance — especially in beam-type operation. SIGNAL INTENSITY The signal strength of a transmitting station can never be assumed to be of the same strength as in previous transmissions. Signals of incoming sta- tions should be recalibrated to the antennas being compared. For this reason, you cannot take down one antenna, put up another one a week I and expect to make accurate measurements. If the stations being used are using beam type antennas, a slight change in the beams’ direction can also be critical. Contacts with mobiles are even less valid. A movement of five feet sometimes makes measureable differences in mobile communications. $ METER CALIBRATION Depending upon the CB set, an S meter is calibrated so that one S unit is equal to 6 dB. Therefore, an antenna responsible for 1S unit gain over another has also about 6 dB over that other antenna. Some S meters, however, are calibrated at only 3 dB per S unit and others at 3 or 4 at the low end, and 6 or 7 at the top of the scale. Another problem encountered with S meters is the inability to measure high strength inputs. Some bounce back at a powerful signal and appear erratic in operation even reading lower on the scale with an increased signal. Printed in U.S.A. PAGE 2COAX AND CONNECTORS The quality of a coax, connectors and especially the soldering of the coax to the connector can affect S.W.R. and gain. An unsuspecting user may buy a low grade coax and lose 2 or 3 dB after paying good money for an expensive transceiver and antenna. A quick check for good coax and connectors can be run by substituting a dummy load on the antenna end of the coax. If all is right, the S.W.R. with the dummy load should be 1 to 1 match. FREQUENCY VARIATIONS Mr. A and Mr. B are neighbors and they are comparing the performance of their antennas by their ability to transmit to Mr. C about 20 to 30 miles away. If Mr. A's frequency is slightly higher, he might show a weaker signal to Mr. C even though his operation has more power. This would make A's antenna seem inferior to B's. This problem can be eliminated by Mr. C’s having a tunable receiver on his transceiver to match A's variation. ANTENNA HEIGHT Whenever antennas are being compared, they should be installed at the pro- per distance above the ground and preferably in an open field. ideally anten- ‘nas should be one wave length (36’ at CB frequency) or more above the ground. For comparison testing always install test antennas at the same height. TIME VARIATION Any test of antennas should be performed with a time var minutes or less or variations due to tropospheric shifts and other changes will affect performance. GUY WIRES AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURES Guy wires should be of the non-mettalic type using ski tow rope or other plastic lines. If metallic, they should be broken up at uneven intervals along their length to avoid interference and possible high S.W.R. In many cases, the mast or tower is used as a radiating element. ‘These are just a few of the important variations to consider in antenna installation; understanding them will certainly be to the user's benefit and may save time in finding a trouble source. WARNING: Great care should be exercised in installing any avoid contact with electrical wires. Assume any overhead lines to be a potential electrocution hazard! PAGES‘SIGMA IV — AV-174 REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST pant 528-3069, 519.358 520-3074 519-360 ‘503-3080 1520-2556 520-3138, 506-1783 528-2541 520-2640 509-1010 509-1619 20-33-17 20-33-16 2033-20 2033-19 2033-18 516-369 503.9154 503-9188 603-1740 503-3084 503-2083, 503-1524 603-1623 503-3078 1503-3082 519-362 811-1186 812-1082 524-1188 528-1182 143-12 123-46 243.87 512-1099 113.29 20-33-15 522-3097 524-1196 519-998 bescarnion 413 of Tr brackat (3 required for full bracket) Connector Bracket Assembly Gamma Bracket (2 required) Gamma Match Assembly Loop Section — 3/8” Diameter 3/4" High Loop Clamp. 4-118" High Spreader Clamp 518" Hose Clamp 314" Hose Clamp 1" Hose Clamp 1-1/4" Hose Clamps 1-112" Hose Clamps 412" Arm Assembly 316 x 34” Alum. Tube 2 x 45" Alum. Tube 8/8 x 38” Alum. Tube 314 x 30" Alum. Tube 718 x 30" Alum. Tube 1" x 38" Alum, Tube 4-118" x 98" Alum, Tube 116" x 98" Alum. Tube 4-9/8" x 38° Alum. Tube 4.9/2" x 88" Alum. Tube 5/16" Star washer 5/16" x 18 Hex Nut 114-20 x 1" Hex Head Bolt 114" Flatwasher 114” Starwash 414" Hex Nut 1032 x 12” Screw 10-32 Square Nut #10 Starwasher Hose Clamp Cardboard Spacer 10-92 x 3/4" Serew Spreader Assembly PAGESHOW TO ASSEMBLE Construction will be done in two subassemblies. These sub- assemblies will then be joined to complete antenna construction. LOWER ASSEMBLY 1. Locate the three tribrackets and the connector bracket. Use three 1/420 x i” bolts, nuts, flatwashers and starwashers to assemble the pieces as shown in Fig. 1. cies \ Exaeeen| man 2. Locate the 88” x 1-1/2" (2.24 mx 3.8 cm) aluminum tube. Slide the tribracket assembly with the connector bracket over the plain end. ‘The threaded end of the connector should point towards plain end of tube as shown in Fig. 3. Position the bracket between the set of marks nearest the plain end. Tighten the hardware just enough to hold the bracket in position. 3, Locate the 3 black Spreader Brackets along with the 2” hose clamp, shown in FIG. 2. 4. Position this assembly between the two marks nearest the slotted end of the tube. Secure spreader brackets with hose clamp. Tighten ‘the clamp just enough to hold the assembly in position, Rotate the assembly so that the “ears” line up with the “ears” of the lower tribracket. 5, Locate three identical 60” X ¥4"" (1.52 MX 1.27 CM) arm assemblies with one end flattened. FIG. 3. Place one arm assembly through the hole on the spreader bracket, making sure the rubber grommet stays in place and sandwich the flattened end between the “ears” on the lower tribracket assembly. Align the hole in the arm assembly with the holes in the “ear”. Attach with a %-20X1" bolt and nut. Use a flatwasher under the head of the bolt and a starwasher under each ut. Leave loose. Repeat for the remaining two arm assemblies. Tighten hose clamp and all tribracket nuts and bolts.FIGURE 2 \ See A re 6. Locate three of the smallest tube clamps. Slip one over each of the three %"" arm assemblies. Leave loose, FIG. 3. 7. Locate the three 34” x 3/8” (86.4 cm x 9.5 mm) aluminum tubes. In- ert one end of each into the ends of the 1/2” arm assemblies. In- sert the 3/8” tubes up to the dimples in the arm assemblies. Do not force beyond the dimples. FIG. 4. & Position the three tube clamps __even with the ends of the 1/2" arm assemblies. Securely tighten the three tube clamps. (Fig. 4) 9. Check to make sure the two assemblies are: a) At their proper locations along the 88” tube. Fig. 2. b) Aligned so that the 1/2” arm assemblies will not be bent or twisted when step 12 is performed. 10. Tighten the six 1/4” bolts on the lower tribracket. Draw down on each bolt a little at a time in succession until all six are securely tightened. 11. Make sure hose clamp is securely tightened. 12. Locate gamma match assembly. FIG. 5. Connect flattened end to the solder lug on the coaxial connector. Use a 10-32 x 3/4” screw and square nut. Place a#10 starwasher between the flattened end of gamma and solder lug on connector. Also use a#10 starwasher underneath the square nut. Leave loose. Refer to Fig. 5. PAGESLace} Pant S037 19, Locate the two identical gamma brackets. Use four 10:32 x 3/4” screws, and square nuts to assemble the gamma brackets onto the 88" (2.24m) tube between the bracket assemblies. Leave loose Fig. 5. 14, Slide the gamma bracket assembly up just above the end of the 114" (6.4 mm) rod of the gamma match. Insert the 1/4” rod into the slot near the end of the gamma bracket. Lower the bracket until it is between the two middle marks on the 88” (2.24 m) tube. This will be approximately 33” above the mast tri-bracket as shown in Fig. 5. Rotate the gamma bracket so that the gamma match assembly is not bent or twisted. Securely tighten the four 10-32 screws on the gamma bracket. Fig.5, PAGE?FIGURE 5 PAGES 527-3088-2 3/8215. Tighten the 10-32 screw on the connector bracket. Fig. 5 inset. 16. There are seven “U" shaped steel clamps. FIG. 6. Four are 3/4” (1.9 cm) high and three are 1.125” (2.86 cm) nigh. Separate the clamps by height into two piles. Bend the “legs” of each clamp so they are parallel to each other. Install a 10-32 x 1/2” screw and square nut on each of the seven clamps (Fig. 6). Leave loose. 17. There are four identical curved loop sections. Place a 3/4" (1.9. cm) Joop clamp onto each section. Join the four sections as shown in Fig. 6. 18. Place the loop on a flat surface. Position each loop clamp over a joint as shown in the blow up of Fig.6. Note that the “legs” of each clamp are placed on the non-reduced section of each joint. Orient all four loops as shown in Fig. 6. Securely tighten the 10-32 screws on the clamps. As the screws dimple the other aluminum tube they will securely fasten the sections together. ici =a sE¢ ENLARGED View aN fiishee mono sores ON —Kacartus 19, Locate the cardboard spacer. It will serve two purposes. The first is to check the loop just constructed for roundness. Place the loop on a flat surface. Hold the spacer on edge and place it inside the loop. The ends should just clear the inside of the loop. Check the loop in 3 or 4 different directions. If the loop is found to be slightly “egg shaped,” grasp opposite sides and exert gentle pressure to shape the loop as desired. Recheck with the spacer. 20. Select the three 1-1/8" (2.86 cm) high spreader clamps. Place the completed loop over the tips of the three arm assemblies so that the arm tips lie inside the loop (Fig. 7). Rotate the loop so none of the four loop clamps are against the arm assembly tips. PAGES.21. Position one of the 1-1/8" spreader clamps against the loop as shown in Fig. 7 and the blow up in Fig. 7. Pass the tip of the arm assembly through both holes in the clamp until approximately 1/2" (1.27 cm) extends above the clamp. Securely tighten the 10.32 screw on this clamp. 22, Repeat this procedure for a second arm assembly but do’ not tighten the clamp screw. Place one hole of the cardboard spacer over the tip of the arm assembly of Step 21. Place the hole on the other end of the cardboard spacer over the tip of the second arm (Fig. 9). You may have to slide the arm assembly along the loop in order to get the arm to fit into the hole. Do not bend the spacer. When this is done, securely tighten the 10-32 screw on the spreader clamp. 23. Repeat step 22 for the third arm assembly. When finished the spreader should fit over any two arm assemblies. 24. There are four plastic end caps. Place the three smaller caps on the tips of the arm assemblies. 25. Place alarge tube clamp over the slottedendof the 88” x 1-1/2" tube. Leave loose. ‘This completes the lower assembly. UPPER ASSEMBLY 1. Refer to Fig. 8. There are eight remaining tubes of telescopic size from 1-3/8" (3.5 cm) diameter to 1/2" (1.27 cm) diameter. Place the indicated size tube clamp over the slotted end of each tube leave loose. 2. Beginning with the largest tube, telescope sections together suc- cessively. Insert each section up to the dimple in the previous sec- tion. Do not force beyond the dimple. As each section is joined, place the tube clamp even with the edge’of the slotted section and securely tighten. Refer to Fig. 4 for a typical clamp placement. 3. Place the large plastic cap over the tip of the top section 4, Take this telescoping section just completed and slide it into the slotted end of the 88” (2.24m) tube of the lower assembly. Insert up to the dimple. 5. Position the edge of the tube clamp on the 88” tube at the edge. (Fig. 4 typical) and securely tighten. PAGE 10 527-3088-2 3/82acl Use) (NOT SUPPLIED) sey PAGE ITMOUNTING ‘The Sigma IV is designed to be side mounted to a mast whose outside diameter is between 1-1/2 (3.81 cm) and 1.3/4" (4.45 cm). ‘The coaxial cable may be routed up the center of your mast or taped alongside your mast. Ifyou decide o route coax up the centr of your mount the Sigma IV such that its coaxial connector will be in- Side your mast when fully assembled. Otherwise, rotate the Sigma IV to orient the connector alongside your mast. 1. Connect your coax to the base of the Sigma IV. A small amount of silicone grease on the threads will help prevent water leakage and make disassembly at a later date much easier. Use pliers to tighten the connector. Do not rely upon hand tightening alone. 2. Refer to Fig. 9. Space the “H” brackets with their “U" bolts as far apart as possible on the section of the 88” (2.24 m) tube below the coaxial connector. Back up the “U” bolts with the two bar clamps. LimtTED WARRANTY “The Antena Specials Co/Aunt » Onision of Orion Indu, ne. ("Antenne Specie) warrants onthe terms tnd conditions erin et forth al product manutcture by tobe Wee une poral se oe trie fom Gets n mers and workmanship For «peti of riety (90) drs the eae of dey tote ft conumer (the Warranty Pee Antenna Spuciis/Arant sbliption under this Warranty limited to sromet repair or replacement of the rot, 3A ootion, without car, xan shied Antena Specials dealer ovat the factory of Anne ‘recaiin Cleland, Oho, when ts produc i vtured Yo am-athoriee dear ort the Tatry with a Vane oration carer seri and examination ofthe prouct shal das to have ben fective nthe respect afore: rng te Warranty Pod “The Warranty Period al ot be extend beyond torial arm with respect fay Pato ars ead reolced by Antenna Spits Av¥ arunc. ‘This Woranty Period shal ot apy to any product Which at bento oe aed any manner by anyone cotter hon Antenna Spellts/Avant cr an authorized outlet ot Ariens Speciale Ava or te eta, rane: ‘ono fae ot the praduct to conform to tht Warranty wat enue by damae (nat esting Wom det o ma ‘encvon! whist the pamenon of the conse, er fom unteasnabe use, or from impronetisation oF BD ‘avon of fo any protct which hat Not bean aitine Or Und In acornee with the operating weclfction at {rtm in Anoeana Specat/Avan wien navuctions IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE NINETY DAY WARRANTY PERIOO SPECIFIED ABOVE UNDER No CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ANTENNA SPECIALISTS/AVANTI BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSE. ‘OUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR GREACH OF THISWARRANTY OR OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY. Some sts do not slow latin on how long an mpi waranty ag, sth bow imitation may no spay te you, Some tts Go not sow the excaionolmtaton of nina rsosequetial damages, ote above Hit ‘tin or ncuaion ay not soy to ou. Ts Waronty gives ou tec lp hs and you maya Rave ther Fig whch vary rom at to ste Anemos Sowciin/Avant eter seus nor authorizes any person to asue fr tay eligntion ory comer tana herein exon Ste ©1982 By The Antenne Speci 527.9088-2 3/82