Elk Antennas Mounting Suggestions

1.0
The antenna points toward the end having the coaxial connector.

2.0
When attaching the coax cable to the antenna, dress the cable to extend straight away from the connector for at least eight inches before starting a gradual curve to have the cable meet the supporting mast about twenty inches for the 440 antenna and thirty inches for both 2M and the 220 antennas. If this orientation is not followed, severe SWR (standing wave ratio) degradation will occur and the full superior performance of our antennas will not be achieved. Two different techniques are shown in the photos below. The rule is: no conductive material in parallel with the elements.

Sight along the end of the boom to observe parallelism of the elements. If the elements are not parallel, bend the screws to make them parallel, although slight non-parallelism is just cosmetic, it does not affect performance of the antenna.

3.0
If desired, the PVC fittings may be glued in place to prevent the antenna from changing position in windy conditions. Remember, if you glue the fittings, you will not be able to change polarity. Some users have drilled holes at a 90 degree angle to allow the use of cotter pins or screws to hold the antenna in the horizontal or the vertical position. Some slight reduction in the strength of the fittings would be expected.

Some form of locking compound should be used on the threads of the screws used to attach the elements to the boom. Do not use a permanent locking compound if you want to disassemble the antenna in the future. We use Loktite # 272 to hold the screws in place. Use a very small amount or a strap wrench may be required to remove the elements. We recommend Loktite ‘Purple’ if you plan on permanently mounting the elements. We use SCH 40 PVC.

4.0
Remember to seal the front and rear edges of the knurled nut on the coax cable.

We have changed to a silver-teflon connector on all of the antennas. The Military grade sealant we have used in the past will not adhere to the Teflon insulator on the UHF receptacle so you will have to provide the seal by use of antenna putty or some other sealant.

5.0
We recommend coating the white PVC support fittings with opaque pigmented acrylic lacquer (Krylon has a type specifically formulated to adhere to plastic called Fusion) to prevent ultra-violet light embrittlement. If the antenna is to be used in an area subjected to long periods of rain, the antenna boom may be similarly coated.

Examples of methods used to support coaxial cable (shows coax coming straight away from connector):

1. Coax supported with added tee fitting and extension on mast 2. Coax supported with hose clamp