TECHNICAL MANUAL

and

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

V802 Series
35-FOOT WHIP ANTENNAS
REV E

Designed and Manufactured by:

Valcom Manufacturing Group, Inc

Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Valcom Manufacturing Group, Inc i

REVISION SHEET

Revision Description Date

A Original Issue September 30, 1999
B Made mod’s specific to current May 12, 2000
application (F-2024)
C Made changes to generalize the manual November 27, 2006
for all V802 series antennas
D Added additions to maintenance and April 10, 2011
changed paint
E Various missed errors fixed September 27, 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 V802 INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Technical Reference Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Electrical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.5 Mechanical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.6 Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.7 Corrective Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2.0 INSTALLATION
2.1 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 New Site Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Assembly and Raising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Electrical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.0 PARTS LIST

3.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

4.0 QUICK REFERENCE DATA

4.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.2 Manufacturer’s Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

LIST OF FIGURES
(1) FOUNDATION DETAILS FOR VBP-T2A BASE PLATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(2) V802 WHIP ANTENNA GROUND SCREEN INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
(3) TRENCH DETAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(4) CONNECTIONS AND CABLE ARRANGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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1.0 V802 INFORMATION

1.1 Introduction

This section describes the electrical and mechanical properties of the V802 series
fibreglass whip antennas. Information necessary to install, operate and maintain the
antenna system is covered in the sections to follow.

1.2 Technical Reference Data

Mechanical Properties
Top Section Length 18 feet (5.5 meter)
Base Section Length 17.8 feet (5.4 meter)
Typical Assembly Length 35.8 feet (11 meter)
Weight Approximately 73 lbs (33 kg)
Copper wire and strips embedded in the fiberglass and
Material
thermo-setting epoxy resin composite
Finish Polyurethane
Mounting Position Vertical
Base Diameter 12.0 inches (30.48 cm)
Mounting Hole Diameter 0.56 inches (1.43 cm)
6 places equally spaced on a 10 inch (25.4 cm) diameter bolt
Mounting Holes Dimensions
circle
Storage Temperature -95°C to +70°C (-140°F to +158°F)
Operating Temperature -50°C to +65°C (-76°F to +140°F)
Wind Loading Test Up to 150 mph (240 km/hr) relative
Abrasion Resistance Very Good
After 24 hours immersed: 0.2%
Water absorption After 48 hours immersed: 0.6%
After 168 hours immersed: 2.0%
VBP-T2 Steel Base Plate
Optional Accessories BBMT-50/70 or VMT-7117 Broadband Matching
Transformer

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Electrical Properties
Frequency Range 100 kHz to 30 MHz (with capacity of the antenna tuner)
Resonant Frequency 5.93 MHZ (nominal)
5kW (average) at 2 MHz to 30 MHz (power derating is
Power Rating
necessary for operation lower than 2 MHz)
Dry Withstanding Voltage 25 kV
Electrical Length 35.4 feet (10.8 m)

1.3 General Description

The V802 series whip antennas are intended to be used as part of an overall
communication system which consists of a transmitter (or receiver or transceiver), an
antenna coupler and the antenna. They are used around the world in many applications
with requirements in the 100 kHz to 30 MHz bands for marine and aeronautical radio
beacon communication systems.

Numerous model versions of this antenna are available depending on the specific
application. The standard V802 is a side-fed, medium duty antenna. The V802FT is a
feed-through version, medium duty antenna. The V802M is a rugged military version
with drip shields.

1.4 Electrical Description

The Valcom, V-802 model, is a field proven 35-foot (11 m) epoxy fibreglass antenna. It is
capable of operating with an average power of up to 5 KW (10 KW peak power) over the
frequency range of 1.6 to 30 MHz and at reduced power down to 100 kHz. When the
antenna is used in receive mode, it is normally connected to a receiver matching unit,
such as a BBMT-50. Or when the antenna is used in transmit mode, it is normally
connected to a VMT-7117. Either one is then connected to the associated transceiver(s).

1.5 Mechanical Description

Top-Section. The top-section is a hollow, tapered cylinder made of circumferentially and

longitudinally wound fibreglass filaments using a thermosetting epoxy resin matrix.
Copper strips are embedded in the composite and are secured at the top end to a
hemispherical corona ball and at the bottom end to a female threaded ferrule. The surface
is sanded to a smooth finish, then it is primed and painted with a polyurethane surface
coating.

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Base-Section. The base-section is constructed and finished in the same fashion as for the
top-section, except that the diameter expands out to meet the mounting base. Embedded
copper conductors are connected to the threaded male ferrule at the top and to a
conducting ring near the bottom. The side feed terminal extends from the bottom ring to
the surface of the antenna approximately 12.0 inches from the bottom of the base flange.
The base can withstand a flash-over voltage of 25 kV.

1.6 Scheduled Maintenance

The antenna is virtually maintenance free. The external finish is an epoxy polyamide two
part compound paint. The minimum finish life before showing signs of deterioration
should be at least six years under normal climate condition.

When used in salt-water environments, it is recommended to wash the antenna base with
fresh water to remove any build-up of dried salt residue. This should be performed on a
monthly basis or after prolonged exposure to sea-spray.

Use a small wire brush to clear any debris from the drain groove found in the bottom of
the antenna base.

All threaded hardware, including the base mounting bolts, the set-screws at the joint and
the input power connection should be inspected for signs of damage and to ensure proper
tightness (suggested torque settings can be found on pages 4 and 5). In most cases a quick
visual inspection is all that is required. This must be performed on a monthly basis or
whenever practical.

1.7 Corrective Maintenance

Generally, no corrective maintenance is possible or required. If one section is severely

damaged, it must be replaced by a new section. Workshops having experience in
handling epoxy fibreglass composite structures may attempt the repair of minor surface
damage if practicable.

NOTE

DO NOT USE LEAD BASE PAINT TO TOUCH-UP OR REPAINT

THE ANTENNA. USE ONLY EPOXY BASE PAINT.

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2.0 INSTALLATION

2.1 Unpacking

Open the shipping crates and remove the antenna sections and any possible accessories
purchased with it. Remove all packing material including the male ferrule protector on
the antenna section. The V802 antenna, as shipped, consists of the items listed in Table
3.1. Check that all of the items are present and in good condition.

2.2 New Site Preparation

The following are the basic steps to erect a complete V802 antenna system on land.
Other configurations should be handled accordingly.

(1) Check to see that the site is free of cables, debris and other obstructions.
(2) Excavate and pour concrete pad in the site chosen (see Foundation Details for VBP-
T2A Base Plate).
(3) Excavate trench in site chosen (see Trench Details).
(4) Install Ground Screen in site chosen (see V802 Whip Antenna Ground Screen
Installation).
(5) Lay cables and backfill all trenches
(6) Erect antenna

2.3 Assembly and Installation of Antenna on the site

The following steps should be followed to assemble the V802 whip antenna (see
Installation Layouts).

(1) Obtain four saw horses or other supports that will hold the complete antenna
horizontally at a convenient working height and place them in the assembly area. The
assembly area must be a cleared working space approximately 40 feet long and 20
feet wide.

(2) Support the base section (item 1, Table 3.1) on two of the saw horses.

(3) Assemble the VBP-T2A base plate (if purchased) to the base antenna section, secure
base section to the plate with hardware supplied, fed through from underside. A final
torque between 90-100 ft-lbs is acceptable for the bolts.

(4) Support the top section (item 2, Table 3.1) on the other two saw horses so that the two
sections lie in the same straight line.

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(5) Make sure the threads of the male ferrule on the base section are clear of foreign
material and not damaged.

(6) Assemble the second antenna section onto the base section and tighten to align the
arrows (if applied) at the joint using the strap wrench supplied (item 3, Table 3.1).
Install the set screws at the joint and seal over with the sealant provided. A final
torque between 65-85 in-lbs is acceptable for the set screws.

(7) The antenna is now ready to be raised to its final position. A minimum of three people
are required to raise the antenna upright onto the foundation. Other options are to use
a crane or a bucket truck.

(8) Once the antenna is in the vertical position, secure the base plate to the foundation
with the hardware provided. Otherwise, secure the antenna to the foundation with
appropriate ½" hardware. A final torque between 90-100 ft-lbs is acceptable for the
bolts.

(9) Make an electrical connection from the Ground Screen to the Base Plate, then proceed
to Section 2.4 Electrical Installation.

2.4 Electrical Installation

A) If a third party coupler is being used, connect a suitable feed wire from the antenna to
the coupler.

B) If Valcom tuner or transformer is used, then two leads made of heavy gauge solid
copper wire are provided with the matching unit: the output lead to the antenna and
the ground lead. The output lead may be gently bent to conform to the distance
between the output connector on the matching unit and the antenna feed point.

The ground lead is to be connected between any one of the four mounting bolts on the
matching unit enclosure (available separately) and the antenna ground screen.
Determine the length of lead required to reach the ground screen (the shorter the
better). Next, cut the lead to the appropriate length and scrape the protective varnish
off the end. Now using a torch and solder, braze the end of the ground lead to the
antenna ground screen. Finally connect the terminal lug on the other end of the
ground lead to the mounting stud on the matching unit enclosure.

Connect a suitable coaxial line from the transmit/receive equipment to the N-type
connector of the matching unit.

The coupler (available separately) has been pre-tuned at the factory with the
accompanying antenna to the frequency band requested. No adjustments should be
necessary.

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3.0 PARTS LIST

3.1 General

A list of parts shipped with Valcom V802 whip antenna appears in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 - List of Parts for the V802 Whip Antenna

Item No. Part Number Description Qty Notes

1 Base Section (V802) 1
2 Top Section 1
3 Strap Wrench 1 ea
4 Silicone Sealant 1
5 Setscrew Kit 1 set
6 Technical Manual and Installation 1 ea
Instructions

Table 3.2 - List of parts required for full installation (Shipped separately)

Item No. Part Number Description Qty Notes

1 VBP-T2A Base Plate for V-802 Antenna 1 Optional
2 VD-00-00051-1 Ground screen kit for V-802 Antenna 1 Optional
3 VMT-7117 Matching unit 1 Optional
4 Hardware kit 1set* Optional

*Hardware Package Parts List:

1. Cap screw, Hex Hd, ½-13UNC-2A x 3-½ lg, Corrosion Resistant Steel, Qty: 6
2. Nut, Hex, ½-13UNC-2B, Corrosion Resistant Steel, Qty: 10
3. Flat washer, ½ Nom, Corrosion Resistant Steel, Qty: 16
4. Washer, Lock-spring, Helical, ½ Nom, Corrosion Resistant Steel, Qty: 16
5. Cap screw, Hex Hd, ¼-20UNC-2B x 5/8 lg, Stainless Steel, Qty: 4
6. Flat washer, ¼ Nom, Stainless Steel, Qty: 4
7. Washer, Lock-spring, Helical, ¼ Nom, Stainless Steel, Qty: 4
8. Wire to connect matching unit to antenna
9. Wire to connect matching unit to ground

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4.0 QUICK REFERENCE DATA

4.1 General

Quick reference engineering data and illustrations for use during planning and installation
activities for the V802 whip antenna are presented on the following pages.

- Foundation Details For VBP-T2A Base Plate.

- V802 Whip Antenna Ground Screen Installation.
- Trench Details.
- Installation Layout Instructions Valcom V802 Whip Antenna, VBP-T2A, VMT-7117.
- Connections and Cable Arrangements.
- Quick Reference Data - VBP-T2A Base Plate.
- Valcom’s V802 Whip Antenna

4.2 Manufacturer's Address

Postal address: Shipping address:

Valcom Manufacturing Group, Inc Valcom Manufacturing Group, Inc
P.O. Box 603 175 Southgate Drive
Guelph, Ontario Hanlon Industrial Park
Canada Guelph, Ontario
N1H 6L3 Canada
N1G 3M5

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FOUNDATION DETAILS FOR VBP-T2A BASE PLATE

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V802 WHIP ANTENNA GROUND SCREEN INSTALLATION

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TRENCH DETAILS

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INSTALLATION DETAILS

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CONNECTIONS AND CABLE ARRANGEMENTS

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