[TowerTalk] 1980s Cushcraft A4

[Rex Lint]

It looks to me like there is a Balun involved with connection to the driven
element from that.  You plug the coax into the balun.

Here's the manual for the ATB-34:
 http://bama.edebris.com/download/cushcraft/atb34/atb-34_manual.pdf

      -Rex-
 
     K1HI
       Rex Lint
       Merrimack, NH
       WWW.QRZ.COM/db/k1hi 

 
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of W7RIS
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 12:59 PM
To: mikflathead at aol.com; towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 1980s Cushcraft A4

I believe you have the predecessor to the Cushcraft A3S, it’s a ATB-34. If
you do some searching on the web you can find a manual on this older
antenna. If you need support or parts from Cushcraft for the antenna, forget
it. I’ve had no luck getting any level of support from Cushcraft on my old
ATB-34. 

The feed line connection on this antenna is problematic. There are 2, ¼”
bolts that are threaded through the black insulating material and jammed
into the driven element tubing. This is not a good way to connect RF to a
driven element. Suggest using stainless rather then brass hardware. On one
of the bolts I could not get a good electrical connection to the driven
element. I finally drilled out the leading side of the tubing. Used a longer
bolt that would jam against the back side of the tubing. This seam to
provide a reasonable electrical connection. 

Good luck,
Mike – W7RIS

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of mikflathead at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2011 12:23 PM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] 1980s Cushcraft A4


 

 I acquired a late 70 A4 off a friend late dad. The center of the driven
element is a black insulated material about 2 inches in diameter that the U
bolts mount to the boom. There are two 1/4 20 tapped holes that I assume
were to mount the feed line. As you might have determined I do not have the
instruction manual. Can I use two brass bolts to connect the feed line to?
How are they making connection to the tubing? It evidently worked as this
was up for almost 30 years. Thanks Mike


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