ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

R7000
R80 Add-On Kit for R7000
10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80 Meters

COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS
951466 (12/96)
 R7000+

WARNING
THIS ANTENNA IS AN ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR. CONTACT WITH POWER LINES CAN RESULT IN DEATH, OR SERIOUS INJURY. DO NOT
INSTALL THIS ANTENNA WHERE THERE IS ANY POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT WITH HIGH VOLTAGE OR ARC-OVER FROM POWER CABLES
OR SERVICE DROPS TO BUILDINGS. THE ANTENNA, SUPPORTING MAST AND/OR TOWER MUST NOT BE CLOSE TO ANY POWER LINES
DURING INSTALLATION, REMOVAL OR IN THE EVENT PART OF THE SYSTEM SHOULD ACCIDENTALLY FALL. FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES
FOR ANTENNA INSTALLATIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION AND LISTED IN THE ENCLOSED
PAMPHLET.

Your Cushcraft R7000+ vertical antenna is designed and manufactured to give trouble free service. This antenna will perform as specified if
the instructions and suggestions in this manual are followed and care is used in the assembly and installation. When checking the components
received in your antenna package use the parts listed beside each diagram. There is a master parts list on page 2. If you are unable to locate
any tube or component, check the inside of all tubing. IMPORTANT: Save the weight label from the outside of the carton. Each antenna is
weighed at the factory to verify the parts count. If you claim a missing part, you will be asked for the weight verification label.

PLANNING
Plan your installation carefully. If you use volunteer helpers be sure that they are qualified to assist you. Make certain that everyone involved
understands that you are the boss and that they must follow your instructions. If you have any doubts at all, employ a professional antenna
installation company to install your antenna.

LOCATION
Although the R7000+ will operate in almost any location, it will perform best if it is mounted vertically and located in the clear away from
surrounding objects such as buildings, trees, power lines, towers, guy wires, antennas and metallic objects. The R7000+ should not be attached
to a ground radial system. Failure to heed these points will possibly degrade performance, detune the antenna and increase VSWR.

EXTREME CARE MUST BE USED FOR YOUR SAFETY. YOU MUST INSURE THAT WHILE THE The R7000+ IS IN OPERATION NEITHER
PEOPLE OR PETS CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY PORTION OF YOUR ANTENNA INCLUDING THE COUNTERPOISE RODS.
DEADLY VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS MAY EXIST. ALSO, SINCE THE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO RF ARE NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD,
LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO INTENSE RF FIELDS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

MOUNTING
Your mast should be rigid and pointing straight up. Always use a mast at least 1-3/4 inches (4.4 cm) but not larger than 2-1/8 inches (5.4 cm)
in diameter. If you guy the mast, use non-conducting guys.
GUYING
The R7000+ must be guyed at the two points shown in Figure E. Non conductive UV stable 400 lb. tensile strength rope is supplied for proper
guying.

SYSTEM GROUNDING
Direct grounding of the antenna mast is very important. This serves as protection from lightning strikes and static buildup, and from high voltages
which may be present in the equipment attached to the antenna. A good electrical connection should be made to one or more ground rods
directly at the base of the antenna or mast using a least #10 AWG ground wire and non-corrosive hardware. For details and safety standards,
consult the National Electrical Code. You should also use a coaxial lightning arrestor. Cushcraft offers several different models, such as the
LAC-1, LAC-2 or the LAC-4 series.

ASSEMBLY
Assemble your The R7000+ by following steps 1 through 3. After assembling the antenna, verify all dimensions in Chart 1 for accuracy. Then
return to the adjustment section below for final tuning.

ADJUSTMENT
The dimensions in Chart 1 normally allow proper operation on all the bands. However, some variations may occur from one location to another.
Adjustments must be made from the bottom of the antenna to the top. Adjusting the antenna from top to bottom will not work. This is because
the settings at the top are severely affected by the adjustments at the bottom.

We suggest measuring the VSWR of your antenna by using the SWR meter in your transceiver. If your transceiver does not have one, use a
good quality VSWR bridge for this application. Begin with 10 meters since this is at the bottom of the antenna. Set your transceiver at your
favorite frequency on 10 meters. Key the rig and check your VSWR. The R7000+ is extremely broadbanded on 10 meters and seldom needs
adjustment. If the VSWR is low enough (below 1.5:1) then move on to the 12 meter band. If the 10 meter VSWR is not low enough, adjust
the antenna as follows: Check several frequencies on 10 meters to find the frequency of lowest VSWR. If the frequency of lowest VSWR is
above your favorite frequency, lengthen dimension A (Figure A) by 1 inch (2.5 cm). This should lower the frequency of lowest VSWR by 50 to
100 KHz. If the frequency of lowest VSWR is below your desired frequency, shorten dimension A (Figure A) by 1 inch (2.5 cm). Check your
desired 10 meter operating frequency again to see if the VSWR is less than 1.5:1. Repeat this procedure until the VSWR at your desired
frequency is low enough. Adjusting Dimension A is also used to move the resonant frequency of 12m.

Continue this procedure by selecting your desired frequency on 15 meters and checking the VSWR there. Dimension B (Figure A ) should be
used to adjust the VSWR on 15 meters. Remember to shorten this dimension to raise the frequency or lengthen it to lower the frequency.

The balance of the antenna should be adjusted in a like manner. The dimensions and the bands that they effect are shown in Figure A. On
10 through 20 meters 1 inch (2.5 cm) of change in length will change the operating frequency by 50 to 100 KHz. On 30 and 40 meters the
change will be 15 to 25 KHz per inch (5 to 10 KHz/cm). On 80 meters the change will be 7-10 KHz per inch (3 to 4 KHz/cm). When the antenna
is completely adjusted, check all fasteners to be sure they are tight. Improving VSWR's that are less than 2:1 will not noticeably improve station
performance.

1
 R7000+

INSTALLATION
Following the guidelines in the location and adjustment sections above, place the antenna on its mast in its final operating location. If you plan
to install the antenna in a salty or corrosive environment, you may want to consider coating it with a clear marine varnish or equivalent after
final assembly and adjustment has been completed. Now connect your transceiver. If you have any difficulties, reread the information above
and the helpful hints below.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Try to locate your R7000+ as far away from TV antennas and their feedlines as possible. This will help to avoid overloading your television
with RF.

• The dimensions recommended in Chart 1 are based on mounting the R7000+ approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters) above the ground and 25
feet (7.5 meters) from surrounding objects. Antennas installed with less clearance may require additional adjustments.

• If you check the resistance across the coax connector on your R7000+ you will find a DC short. This is normal. It does not mean that the
RF path is short circuited. It is approximately 50 Ohms at your operating frequencies.

• High VSWR is sometimes caused by poor contact between the matching network and the counterpoise rods. Make sure that corrosion has
not formed on the jumper strap terminals. Check to insure the hardware is tight. Also, ensure hardware on matching network is secure.

• If your R7000+ is very close to your shack you may experience RF on the feedline. Try lengthening your feedline several feet, placing an
RF ferrite bead on the coax, winding the feedline on a toroid or winding the coax in a 10 turn coil 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.

• Long periods (2 minutes or longer) of key down operation, such as RTTY, at high power (over 1000 Watts) may damage your R7000+.

MASTER PARTS LIST

KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY KEY PART# DESCRIPTION QTY
R80BH 5/8" x 6-1/2" (1.6 x 16.5 cm) aluminum tube 1 CT5 80 meter loading coil assembly 1
R80BI 5/8" x 7-3/4" (1.6 x 19.7 cm) aluminum tube 1
R80BJ 1" x 12" (2.5 x 30.5 cm) aluminum tube slotted 2 ends 1 77 050077 3/8" (.9 cm) plastic cap 1
R80BK 7/8" x 18" (2.2 x 45.7 cm) alum tube slotted 2 ends 1 258 094258 Guy rope coil (250 feet) 1
R80BL 7/8" x 6" (2.2 x 15.2 cm) aluminum tube slotted 2 ends 1 259 094259 Guy rope thimble 6
R80BM 3/8" x 36" (.9 x 91.4 cm) aluminum tube slotted 1 end 1 407 030407 5/8" (1.6 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 2
R80BN 1/4" x 43-3/4" (.6 x 111.1 cm) aluminum rod 1 411 030411 1-1/4" (3.2 cm) stainless steel worm clamp 4
R80BO 3/8" x 15" (.9 x 38.1 cm) aluminum tube 1 631 193631 Guy bracket 6
R80CW Counterpoise wires with anti-resonators 3

2
 R7000+

#1 - ASSEMBLE RADIATOR
Lower your R7000 antenna or assemble it using the R7000 manual. KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY
Place it horizontally across supports so the couterpoise whips and
capacity hat rods are not damaged. 77 050077 PLASTIC 3/8" 1
CAP (.9 cm)
Place 411 worm clamp on section BC loosely. Loosen worm clamps 407 030407 SS WORM 5/8" 2
at points W,X and Y. Slide CT1 from tubing sections BC and BD1. CLAMP (1.6 cm)
Insert R80BH tube into bottom tube of CT1 until it stops against
rivet inside CT1. Slide CT1 into tube BC of the R7000 until it stops 411 030411 SS WORM 1-1/4" 4
CLAMP (3.2)
against hardware for capacity hat rods. Tighten worm clamp. Verify
that the length from top of base to bottom of CT1 equals the value R80BH ALUM 5/8" x 6-1/2" 1
of Dimension A in Chart 1. If you require more length, do not change TUBE (1.6 x 16.5 cm)
the location of CT1. Lengthen exposed tubing sections of tube BB
R80BI ALUM 5/8" x 7-3/4" 1
and BC. TUBE 1.6 x 19.7 cm)

Slide R80BI tube into top of CT1 until it stops against rivet inside of R80BJ ALUM 1" x 12" 1
CT1. Remove both worm clamps (410) from tube BD1 and put aside TUBE (2.2 x 45.7 cm)
for later. R80BK ALUM 7/8" x 18" 1
TUBE (2.2 X 45.7 cm)
Insert BD1 tube flush into R80BJ tube. Place two 411 worm clamps
from R80 hardware kit on the R80BJ tube (one on each of the slotted R80BL ALUM 7/8" x 6" 1
TUBE (2.2 x 15,2 cm)
ends). Slide R80BJ assembly two inches onto top end of CT1.
Tighten worm clamp. R80BM ALUM 3/8" x 36" 1
TUBE (0.9 x 91.4 cm)
Slide CT2 / CT3 assembly into top of R80BJ assembly. Adjust the
R80BN ALUM 1/4" x 43-3/4" 1
length between CT1 and CT2 to match value of Dimension B in ROD (0.6 x 111.1 cm)
Chart 1. Tighten worm clamp.
R80BO ALUM 3/8" x 15" 1
NOTE: The next 3 steps depend on whether you will be using CW, TUBE (.9 x 38.1 cm)
Center or SSB on 40 meters. Choose the appropriate section below. CT4 40M 1
TRAP
40m SSB - Loosen worm clamps at points U & V. Remove and
discard BD3 and BG tubes. Place 410 worm clamps on ends of CT5 80M LOADING 1
COIL
R80BL. Place R80BL tube on top of CT3. Insert bottom of CT4
into R80BL. Adjust the distance between CT3 and CT4 to match
value of Dimension E in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamps.

40M Center - Loosen worm clamp at point V. Remove and

discard BG tube. Insert bottom of CT4 to match value of Dimension CHART 1
E in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamps.
Dimention Band CW Center SSB
40m CW - Loosen worm clamps at points U & V. Remove and A 10 / 12m 129" 129" 129"
discard BD3 and BG tubes. Place 410 worm clamps on ends of (328 cm) (328 cm) (328 cm)
R80BK. Place R80BK tube on top of CT3. Insert bottom of CT4 B 15 / 17m 16" 15" 14"
to match value of Dimension E in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamps. (41 cm) (38 cm) (36 cm)
C 20 / 30m 17" 15" 14"
Place 411 worm clamp then 410 worm clamp (one of the clamps
from point X or Y) on large slotted tube end of CT5. Leave 411 (43 cm) (38 cm) (36 cm)
worm clamp loose for guy bracket attachment in Step #3. Insert E 40m 22" 13" 8"
bottom of CT5 onto top of CT4. Tighten worm clamp. Verify that (56 cm) (33 cm) (20 cm)
the length between top of CT4 and bottom of CT5 equals Dimension F 80m 2" 2" 2"
F in Chart 1.Note: the next 2 steps depend on whether you will be (5 cm) (5 cm) (5 cm)
using CW, Center or SSB on 80m. Choose appropriate section
G 80m See Below
below.

NOTE: the next 2 steps depend on whether you will be using

CW/Center or SSB on 80m.
Frequency MHz Dimension G
80m SSB - Place 407 worm clamp on top of CT5. Adjust distance 3.525 76" (193 cm)
from top of R80BM to top of CT5 to match value of Dimension G 3.600 64" (163 cm)
in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamp. For lengths less than 13 inches, 3.700 52" (132 cm)
use R80BO tube. Place plastic cap (77) on top of 3/8" tube. 3.800 40" (102 cm)
3.900 23" (58 cm)
80m Center/ CW - Place 407 worm clamp on top of CT5. Insert 3.975 8" (20 cm)*
R80BM 2 inches into CT5. Tighten worm clamp. Place 407 worm
clamp on top of R80BM. Insert R80BN into R80BM. Adjust * Use R80BO tube
distance from top of R80BN to top of CT5 to match value of
Dimension G in Chart 1. Tighten worm clamp.

3
 R7000+
FIGURE
A
R80BN
77
407
Dimension G
R80BO (Adjust for 80m)
The R7000+ is shown with the For 80m
SSB R80BM
R80 kit in white and the original
R7000 parts in gray.
407

CT5

411
R7000 +
R7000 Use 1 here
(Leave loose)

410 Dimension F
(Do not adjust)

Use for
CT4
BG 40m
Center
Dimension D
410 V 410
R80BK BD3 Dimension E R80BL
BD3
(Adjust for 40m)
U 410
410
Use for
40m CW Use for
40m
CT3 SSB
CT3
BD1
410

BD2 Dimension C Dimension C

BD2 (Adjust for 20/30m)
411
R80BJ
CT2 CT2

Y 411
410
BD1 Dimension B R80BJ Dimension B
X (Adjust for 15/17 m)
411

CT1 CT1
R80BI

W
411
CT1
BC BC

R80BH

BB Dimension A BB Dimension A
(Adjust for 10/12 m)

BC

BA BA

4
 R7000+

#2 - ATTACH COUNTERPOISE WIRES

There are three counterpoise wires for the R7000+. Each is twenty
feet long (Figure C). The counterpoise wires provide a proper
match for 80 meter operation on the R7000+. The anti-resonator
in each counterpoise wire keeps the twenty foot length of wire
from detuning the higher frequency bands.

The three counterpoise wires attach to the R7000 base with existing
hardware (Figure B). Each counterpoise wire is tied off to one of
your three guy points. Tie the wire and rope together in a knot.
No insulator is required. Tape knot to prevent snagging. The
counterpoise wires should hang at an angle between 60 and 90
degrees relative to the support mast (Figure D). The ends of each
wire should be three or more feet above ground to minimize R80CW
detuning. Do not over tighten these wires. Do not use them
as guy supports.

FIGURE
B
R80CW

R80CW

End of
counterpoise wire
FIGURE 8-10 ft
C (typ)
600- 900
3 ft. min.
(91 cm min.)

FIGURE
D
120 0

6 ft.
(1.8 m) Anti-Resonator

20 ft.
(6 m)
Tie Off Rope

To Guy Point

5
 R7000+

#3 - ATTACHING GUY ROPES

The R7000+ requires guying at two points with a non-conductive material
(Figure E). The R80 kit contains 250 feet of UV stable 400 lb. tensile
strength guy rope. This is enough guy rope to secure an R7000+
mounted on an eight foot support mast on level ground. Extra rope
can be used to tie off the counterpoise wires. If more guy rope is FIGURE
required, use a similar material with equivalent specifications. E
Insert three 631 guy brackets into the 411 worm clamps already placed
on the radiator in Step 1. Tighten the worm clamps. 1200 1200
Attach the guy ropes to the guy brackets using a 259 thimble (Figure
2). The thimbles are provided to eliminate wear on the guy rope at this
connection point. Use pliers to open the end of each thimble and insert
1200
the thimble into the hole on the guy bracket. Use pliers to close the
opening in the thimble end. Tie the guy ropes securely and cover the 631
259
knot with electrical tape to eliminate snagging during antenna raising.

411
Notes for raising the R7000+ 30 ft
(7.6 m)
258
1) Ensure your support mast is securely mounted. The base of the
R7000+ must not be allowed to move. typical
FIGURE
2) Do not let the guy ropes snag during antenna raising. F
3) Walk the antenna up and down slowly

4) The wind loading of the R7000+ is small. Do not over tension the
guy ropes. Guy anchors must be securely installed and capable of
properly supporting the antenna.

5) Double check antenna assembly before raising to minimize repeated

raising and lowering.

6) Have sufficient help to perform installation.

7) Check guy ropes occasionaly for tightness and wear. The guy rope
should be replaced every three to five years depending on your
environment. Do not use polypropelene rope.
41 ft (10.4 m) guy
8) Calculate guy rope lengths before installation using equation in (3 places typical)
Figure G. Add extra length for tying off.
22 ft (5.6 m) typical
9) Sear rope ends with open flame to prevent fraying.

KEY P/N DISPLAY DESC SIZE QTY

258 094258 GUY ROPE 250 ft 1

COIL

259 024259 GUY ROPE 6

THIMBLE
33 ft (8.4 m) guy
631 193631 GUY ROPE 6
BRACKET (3 places typical)

Counterpoise Wires
3 places
(NOT FOR GUY SUPPORT)
ANTENNA FIGURE
G
C= (A)2 + (B)2
Base Mast 8 ft
(Not Supplied)
C Mast must be self
B Guy Anchors supporting
90 0
not supplied
Guy
Anchor
A Ground Level
8 ft Rope Tie Off
3 Places Typical 25' (6.3 m) typical

6
 SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency, meters 10,12,15,17,20,30,40,80
Gain, dBi 3
Wavelength each band Half-wave
VSWR 1.2:1 typical
2:1 bandwidth, KHz 10m (1700)
12m (100)
15m (450)
17m (100)
20m (250)
30m (100)
40m (100)
80m (70)
Power Rating, Watts 1500
Radiation angle, deg. 16
Horizontal rad, deg. 360
Height, ft(m) 34.5 (10.5)
Mast size range, in 1-3/4 to 2-1/8
(cm) (4.4-5.4)
Wind load, ft2 (m2) 2.5 (.23) antenna
1.5 (.13) guy ropes
Weight, lb. (kg) 24 (10.8)

LIMITED WARRANTY
Cushcraft Corporation, P.O. Box 4680, Manchester, New Hampshire 03108, warrants to the original purchaser for one year
from date of purchase that each Cushcraft antenna is free of defects in material or workmanship. If, in the judgement of
Cushcraft, any such antenna is defective, then Cushcraft Corporation will, at its option, repair or replace the antenna at
its expense within thirty days of the date the antenna is returned (at purchasers expense) to Cushcraft or one of its
authorized representatives. This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties, any implied warranty is limited in
duration to one year. Cushcraft Corporation shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages which may
result from a defect. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions or limitations
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty does not extend
to any products which have been subject the misuse, neglect, accident or improper installation. Any repairs or alterations
outside of the Cushcraft factory will nullify this warranty.

COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNAS

48 PERIMETER ROAD, MANCHESTER, NH 03108 USA

TELEPHONE: 603-627-7877 • FAX: 603-627-1764 • E-mail: [email protected]

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE