M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: 15M6DX
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model ........................................15M6DX Power Handling ..........................3 kW, Higher avl.
Frequency Range.......................21.0 To 21.450 MHz Boom Length / Dia......................44’ 10” / 2-1/2” & 2”
*Gain, (FS) / Over gnd ...............11.5dBi / 16.9dBi @47’ Element Length / Dia..................23’ 8” / 1” To 1/2”
Front to back ..............................23 dB Typical Turning Radius: ..........................27’
Beamwidth ...............................E=48° / H=53° Stacking Distance.......................40’ To 50’
Feed type ...................................Hair pin match Mast Size....................................2” to 3 ” Nom.
Feed Impedance. .......................50 Ohms Unbalanced Wind area / Survival ...................8.5 Sq. Ft. / 100 MPH
Maximum VSWR........................1.5:1 Weight / Ship Wt.........................50 Lbs. / 68 Lbs.
Input Connector..........................SO-239, Others avl.
*Subtract 2.14 from dBi for dBd / FS = Free Space
FEATURES:
The 15M6DX design joins our quality series of SUPER GAIN Yagis made possible by careful computer optimiza-
tion. Full band coverage, combined with excellent overall VSWR, allows total frequency agility while maintaining excellent
gain and pattern. It is also ideal for stacking. Mechanically, the 15M6DX features our CNC machined aluminum element-
to-boom ring clamps which ground all the elements for static and lighting protection. Elements are sleeved and double
bolted to each clamp with stainless hardware. A rugged and versatile hairpin match and high power 1:1 coaxial balun
keep the efficiency high. All hardware is stainless steel except the U-bolts. The 15M6DX Yagi is designed to be a trouble
free, DX pileup topper for years to come.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: (559) 432-8873 Fax: (559) 432-3059 Web: www.m2inc.com
©2011 M2 Antenna Systems Incoporatedf 07/13/11
Rev.01
15M6DX ASSEMBLY MANUAL
Note: A cup of zinc paste (PENETROX, NOALOX, or equivalent) has been provided to enhance the
quality of all the electrical joints in this antenna. Apply a thin coat wherever two pieces of aluminum
come in contact.3
1. Refer to the Dimension Sheet. Note the different boom sections and the approximate position of
each element. Slide the 2” and 2-1/2” RING CLAMPS into their approximate positions on ALL the
appropriate boom sections. Now assemble the boom sections using the 1/4-20 bolts and locknuts, 1/4-
20 x 2-1/2” for the 2” boom sections and 1/4-20 x 3” for the 2-1/2” boom sections. Install the
5/16 x 4” eyebolts in the rear and front boom sections using stainless nuts and lockwashers. Now
place the reflector ring clamp 1/2” from the end of the boom. Spread the ring clamp fingers with a
flatbladed screwdriver to ease movement on boom. Loosely add a 1/4-20 x 1” bolt and locknut.
2. Locate the 1” x 5’ (60”) element sections and the five 7/8” x 30” CENTER SPLICE sections: four
are drilled with holes 3-3/8” apart for the 2” ring clamps / one is drilled with holes 4-1/2” apart for the 2-
1/2” ring clamp. Slide a 7/8” x 30” CENTER SPLICE (for 2” ring clamp) halfway into the butt end of
one 1” section and line up the holes. Push a 1/4-20 x 1-3/4” bolt through this hole and add the second
1” element section. Add another 1-3/4” bolt and place this assembly into the REFLECTOR ring clamp
channel. Add the 1/4” locknuts and tighten.
3. Refer to the HARDWARE ARRANGEMENT SHEET for a detailed assembly of the DRIVEN
ELEMENT. Note that the balun mounting plate and 7/8 x 29 3/4 fiberglass rod mounts to the ring
clamp using 1/4-20 x 1-3/4 bolt and locknuts. Remember to slide the poly rings into place before
installing the 1.0 x 60” tubes. Continue assembly per drawing.
4. Pair up the remaining 1” inch element sections and 7/8” x 30” sleeves and mount to the ring clamps
as in step #3. Note: the 30” sleeve for the 2-1/2” ring clamp separates the 1” element butts by about
1”. This is normal.
5. Pair up the 1/2” tip sections by length. Install the longest pair (27-7/8”) into a pair of 3/4” x 60”
Element sections and secure with 5/8” compression clamp (See generic compression clamp detail
sheet). Then install these 3/4” / 1/2” assemblies into the 1” Reflector elements. Secure with 8-32 x 1-
1/4” screws and locknuts. Repeat for all elements, using the shorter lengths forward. See the
Dimension Sheet for supplied lengths.
6. Now adjust ELEMENT SPACING following the Dimension Sheet. Since the Driven Element is
fixed, use it as the primary measurement reference. Dimensions given are “center to center.” After
setting spacing, align elements with the Driven Element and tighten the 1/4-20 x 1” bolts.
7. Pick up the boom and mark the balance point. Center the BOOM TO MAST PLATE here, multiple
U-bolt holes vertical, and secure with two 2-1/2" U-bolts, cradles, stainless lockwashers and nuts. Four
2” U-bolts are supplied for attaching the antenna to your 2” mast.
8. To prepare the overhead guy system, begin by temporarily installing a 2” U-bolt through the
TURNBUCKLE PLATE and into the top set of 2” U-bolt holes on the boom to mast plate. Add a couple
of 5/16” nuts to hold in place. Unscrew turnbuckle eyes / hooks until only a thread or two shows inside
the turnbuckle body and hook to turnbuckle plate.
9. Uncoil DACRON CORD. Secure one end to rear eyebolt, taking two turns through the eyebolt, then
adding three TIGHT half-hitches. Pull hard on cord to set the knots. Repeat for the front eyebolt. Seal
cord ends with heat (lighter, propane torch, etc) and tape to main length.
15M6DX DIMENSION SHEET
ELEMENT EXPOSED
SPACING 1/2" TIP
DIMENSIONS ARE LENGTH
CENTER TO CENTER 0 1" X 60" SOE 3/4 X 60" SOE
0.0
2 x 19" STR
27.875"
8-32 X 1-1/4"
7/8 X 30" INNER SCREWS & LOCKNUTS 5/8"
SLEEVE COUPLING COMPRESSION
EYEBOLT CLAMP
19
39" 1:1 BALUN
7/8 X 29-3/4" FIBERGLASS
CENTER INSULATOR
2-1/2" UBOLT AND POLY DISC.
BALUN MTG PLATE
39.0
16.375"
16.0"
SHORTING BAR
60" 3/8" HAIRPIN TUBES
1/4-20 X 1-3/4" 2 x 95" SOE
1/4-20 X 2-1/4" BOLT BOLT & LOCKNUT
LOCKNUT &
CLAMP BLOCKS 1/2" TIP
3/8" HAIRPIN TUBES LENGTH
99.0
106 17.0"
2-1/2 x 95" SOE
1/4-20 X 2-1/2"
BOLT & LOCKNUT
8 PLCS.
116"
1/2" TIP
201 LENGTH
215.0
2-1/2" x 95" SBE
14.0"
288
MOUNT BOOM TO MAST PLATE
174.625"
2-1/2 x 95" SOE
AT THE BALANCE POINT.
1/4-20 X 3"
BOLT & LOCKNUT
4 PLCS.
1/2" TIP
383 LENGTH
389.625
12.125"
2 x 95" SOE
1/4-20 X 1-3/4" BOLT
149.375" & LOCKNUT
2" RING CLAMP
470 1/4-20 X 1" BOLT
2 x 71" STR
EYEBOLT & LOCKNUT
1/2" TIP
LENGTH
539.0
541 9.625"
NOT TO SCALE
15M6DX ASSEMBLY DETAILS
15M6DX ASSEMBLY MANUAL
10. Equalize cord length at turnbuckle plate and cut. Put two turns trough rear turnbuckle eye, pull
slack out of rope, and add three TIGHT half-hitches. Repeat for front cord section. Seal and tape cord
ends.
11. Both cords should now be fairly taut and parallel with boom. Disconnect the 2” U-bolt holding the
turnbuckle plate and lift it up until the boom bows up slightly. This is approximately how high the plate
will need to be mounted on the mast when the antenna is installed.
12. During final installation on the tower / mast, secure the turnbuckle plate at the appropriate height
with the 2” U-bolt. Then lean or pull on the cords to increase the tension and help the knots take their
final “set.” Make sure the knots are not slipping. When the guy system has taken a “set”, loosen the 2”
U-bolt and adjust turnbuckle plate height until boom is straight and level. Finer adjustments can be
made at any time, if necessary, with the turnbuckles.
13. This completes the ASSEMBLY. When the antenna is installed in position on the mast, the main
feedline can be attached and sealed at that time. REMEMBER to support the feedline at the antenna
boom and on the mast. Leave an adequate feedline loop for rotation around the tower. Mount
horizontally polarized VHF and UHF antennas at least 40” above or below this antenna to minimize
interaction.
Carefully designed and manufactured by:
M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
(559) 432-8873 FAX: 432-3059
www.m2inc.com Email:
[email protected]15M6DX PARTS & HARDWARE
DESCRIPTION ....................................................................... Qty
Boom section, 2” x .065 x 19” straight ............................................. 1
Boom section, 2” x .065 x 71” straight ............................................. 1
Boom section, 2" x .065 x 95” swaged one end .......................... 2
Boom section, 2-1/2” x .065 x 95” swaged one end ........................ 2
Boom section, 2-1/2” x .065 x 95” swaged both ends ..................... 1
Element section, 1” x .058 x 60” swaged one end........................... 12
Element section, 3/4” x 0.049 x 60” ................................................. 12
Element tip, 1/2” x .049 x see Dimension Sheet ............................. 12
Sleeve, element, 7/8” x .058 x 30” (for 2” ring clamp) ..................... 4
Sleeve, element, 7/8” x .058 x 30” (for 2-1/2” ring clamp) ............... 1
Fiberglass insulator, driven element, 7/8 x 29-3/4” solid ................. 1
Polydisc, 7/8” hole ........................................................................... 2
Hairpin tube, 3/8 x 30” ..................................................................... 2
Shorting bar, hairpin 1/2 x 1/2 x 5” .................................................. 1
Balun, 1:1 3-30MHz, standard ........................................................ 1
Plate, Balun mounting, 2 x 4” alum ................................................. 1
Band clamp, 2-3” ss modified # 32.................................................. 1
Boom to mast plate, 8” x 8” x .25” ................................................... 1
Ring clamp, 2” ................................................................................. 5
Ring clamp, 2-1/2” ........................................................................... 1
Dacron rope, 5/16” x 40’ .................................................................. 1
Eyebolts, 5/16” x 4” ......................................................................... 2
Turnbuckles, 5/16”, hook & eye....................................................... 2
Turnbuckle Plate, 2” x 5” x .188” ..................................................... 1
U-bolt and cradle, 2”........................................................................ 5
U-bolt and cradle, 2-1/2”.................................................................. 3
5/8” Compression Clamp ................................................................ 12
Assembly Instructions ..................................................................... 1
IN HARDWARE BAG............................................................. Qty
Clamp block, Hairpin, 1” x 1/4 x 1-1/4” alum. .................................. 4
Spacer, hairpin, 3/8” x 1” tube ......................................................... 1
Nut, 5/16-18 ss ................................................................................ 18
Lockwasher, split ring 5/16"............................................................. 18
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3” ss .......................................................................... 4
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 2-1/2" ss .................................................................... 8
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 2-1/4 ss ..................................................................... 3
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1-3/4" ss .................................................................... 12
Bolt, 1/4-20 x 1" ss .......................................................................... 6
Set screw, 1/4-20 x 1/4" ss............................................................. 2
Nut, 1/4-20 locking, ss..................................................................... 35
Screw, 8-32 x 1-1/4” ss ................................................................... 24
Screw, 8-32 x 1” ss.......................................................................... 24
Screw, 8-32 x 1/2”, ss...................................................................... 12
Nut, 8-32, ss .................................................................................... 12
Nut, 8-32 locking, ss........................................................................ 50
Nylon tie, large black, 11”................................................................ 3
Zinc paste, 1 oz. cup ....................................................................... 1
Allen wrench 1/8"............................................................................. 1