Antennacraft Antenna CCS1843 manual

							
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Read this manual and Consumer Product Safety Commission information. 
For  your  safety  and  convenience,  plan  each  step  of  the  installation  and 
purchase  the  necessary  hardware  in  advance.  The  order  in  which  you 
perform the steps and the hardware required depends on the mounting and 
connection methods you choose.
We recommend two people assemble the entire antenna on the ground, then 
mount the assembled antenna on the mast. The following steps are required 
to assemble your antenna depending on which model you have. Look at your 
antenna and the picture of the assembled antenna on the carton label.
Warning: When you install your antenna, use extreme cau-
tion.  If  the  antenna  starts  to  fall,  let  it  go!  It  could  contact 
overhead power lines. If the antenna touches the power line, 
contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can cause 
electrocution and death. Call the power company to remove 
the antenna. Do not attempt to remove it yourself.
ASSEMBLING THE ANTENNA
1.  If your antenna has more than one main boom section, use the supplied 
splint hardware to assemble the sections as shown. If necessary, lift one 
end of the main boom so the wires reach the threaded posts of the next 
section. 
 Note:    Some  antenna  models  may  have  straight  wires  that  connect 
across the splint instead of crossover wires.
Digital Ready
2.  Use the supplied hardware to loosely attach the supplied mast clamp 
assembly to the main boom as shown. If your antenna has a support 
boom, attach its mast clamp assembly, facing it the same direction as 
the main boom’s mast clamp assembly. 
   Note: Some antenna models may have the mast clamp 
    pre-attached.
  
3.  If your antenna has a support boom, align its support straps and mast 
clamp with the main boom’s strap holes and mast clamp. You may have 
to flip the support boom ends to get the correct hole alignment. Attach 
the support straps to the main boom using the two supplied 1½-inch 
screws and large wing nuts. 
4.  Press  the  supplied  large  end  plugs  into  the  main  boom  and  support 
boom. If your antenna has wing booms, press the supplied small end 
plugs into the wing booms.
1
WARNING: Installation of this product near 
powerlines  is DANGEROUS.  For  your 
safety, follow the installation directions.
Note: This is a sample representation of your antenna. To see your particular model, check the end label on the antenna carton. 
						

							
1.  Thread a 300 to 75 Ohm matching transformer’s spade terminal ends 
through the antenna’s strain-relief tab.
2.   Slide the spade terminal ends around the antenna’s lead-in terminals 
marked CONNECT  LEAD-IN  HERE.  Secure  them  with  the  supplied 
flat washers and large wing nuts.
3.   Screw  the  cable’s  F-connector  onto  the  matching  transformer.  Then 
slip the weatherboot over the connection.
 Note: If you use a cable without a weatherboot, cover the connection 
with weatherproof tape.
UNFOLDING THE ANTENNA ELEMENTS
1. If your antenna has a UHF dipole, pull the dipole’s two halves from the 
main boom until they lock into place. Place each unattached end over 
each of the antenna’s lead-in terminals .
 
 Note: Both sections of the isolation network should remain parallel to 
the main boom. 
2. 
If your antenna has a UHF wing boom, hold each wing boom and turn 
its elements until they snap squarely into place.
3.  Fold  out  the  wing  booms  and  secure  them  into  position  with  the  two 
supplied 1¼-inch screws and wing nuts.
4. 
Hold  the  main  boom’s  elements  near  the  pivot  points  and  pull  them  away 
from the boom until they snap into the locking support brackets. 
 Note: You may wait to unfold the elements until you get the antenna up on the 
roof. Do not pull the elements near their outer ends or you could damage them. 
Once the elements are locked into position, do not attempt to unlock them.
 
CONNECTING LEAD-IN CABLE TO THE ANTENNA
We recommend RG-6 cable, and if you prepare your own cable, a quality 
F-connector. 
Note: If you prepare your own cable, slide a 300 to 75 Ohm matching trans-
former’s weather boot onto the cable before you attach the F-connector.
Main Boom
 
3.  If your antenna has triangle shaped delta wings on some of the elements, 
unfold each pair of them so that one wing points upward and one wing 
points downward.
ATTACHING TO THE MAST
We recommend you get the help of another person before you put up the 
mast  or  attach  your  antenna  to  it.  How  you  set  up  your  mast  depends  on 
your specific installation. 
Refer to the Consumer Product Safety Commission information on pages 3 
and 4 of this manual for recommended methods.
1.  With the antenna’s locking support brackets on top of the boom, slide 
the antenna’s mast clamp assembly or assemblies over the top of the 
mast. If your antenna has a support boom, make sure the main boom 
is on top and the element’s support brackets are on top.
2.  
Tighten the mast clamp assembly’s lock nuts to hold the antenna in place. 
Do not overtighten the lock nuts. 
 Caution:  The  crossover  wires  must  not  touch  the  antenna  boom,  the 
mast, or each other. If necessary, carefully bend the crossover wires to 
provide at least 1/2 inch of clearance.
3.   Set up the mast, then rotate it so the antenna’s shortest elements point 
toward the stations you want to receive.
ROUTING THE CABLE TO YOUR RECEIVER
	Use plastic tape to secure the coaxial cable to the mast at about 3-foot 
intervals.
	Use coaxial nail clips every few feet to secure the cable between the 
mast and where the cable enters the house.
	Use  a  75-ohm  grounding  block  at  the  point  where  the  coaxial  cable 
enters  the  house.  Read  the  Consumer  Product  Safety  Commission 
information for grounding instructions.
		Use a drip-loop before the cable is routed into the house.
	Use a wall-through tube to neatly route the coaxial cable through the 
wall.
Main
Support Brackets
Support Boom
Delta Wings
Delta Wings
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WARNING: INSTALLATION OF 
THIS PRODUCT NEAR 
POWERLINES IS DANGEROUS. 
FOR YOUR SAFETY, FOLLOW THE 
INSTALLATION DIRECTIONS.
 
DANGER
WATCH FOR POWERLINES! 
You can be KILLED if this antenna 
comes near electric powerlines. 
READ INSTRUCTIONS.
IF AN ACCIDENT SHOULD 
OCCUR WITH POWERLINES
1.  Call for emergency help.
2.   Don’t touch a person who has come in 
contact with the antenna and the pow-
erline (you’ll be electrocuted, too).
3.   If the victim is free and clear from any 
electric  powerlines  and  is  unrespon-
sive, check their breathing and pulse. 
If  the  victim  is  not  breathing,  admin-
ister artificial respiration. If they have 
no  pulse,  administer  CPR  until  emer-
gency help arrives.
FOLLOW THESE RULES AND LIVE
1.  If  you’re  not  sure  about  a  careful,  safe  installation—don’t  try  to  do  it 
yourself. Call your local power company or check with Yellow Pages 
under  “Antennas  or  Television  and  Radio  Antenna  Systems”  for  an 
installer in your area.
2.  With  at  least  two  people,  assemble  as  much  of  the  antenna  on  the 
ground as possible.
3.  Watch  out  for  overhead  powerlines.  Check  the  distance  to  the  pow
-
erlines  before  you  start  installing—WE  RECOMMEND  YOU  STAY A 
MINIMUM OF TWICE THE MAXIMUM LENGTH OF THE ANTENNA 
AND ITS MAST AWAY FROM ALL POWERLINES.
4.  Do not use a metal ladder.
5.  Remember, even the slightest touch of an antenna to a powerline can 
cause a fatal shock.
6.  Don’t try to do the job on a windy day.
7.  Have a friend watch as a spotter on the ground when you’re on the roof 
to see things you can’t.
8.  If you start to drop the antenna, get away from it and let it fall.
9.  If any part of the antenna comes in contact with a powerline—
CALL 
YOUR  LOCAL  POWER  COMPANY;  DON’T  TRY  TO  REMOVE  IT 
YOURSELF! They will remove it safely.
10.  Keep  mast,  lead-in  and  metal  guy  wires  away  from  powerlines,  too. 
They are all excellent conductors of electrical current.
11.  Be  sure  everyone  understands  the  danger  of  touching  an  overhead 
powerline.  Tell  them  never  to  try  to  remove  any  object  touching  a 
powerline.
12.  Make sure that the antenna and its mast are properly grounded.
HOW TO SELECT AND MEASURE YOUR 
INSTALLATION SITE
Before attempting to install your antenna, think of where you can best place 
your antenna for safety and performance. Most antennas are supported by 
pipe masts attached to the chimney, roof, or side of the house. Generally, 
the higher the antenna is above the ground, the better it performs. A good 
practice is to install your antenna about 5 to 10 feet above the roofline and 
away from powerlines and obstructions. 
Remember that the FCC limits your antenna height to 60 feet. If possible, 
find  a  mounting  place  directly  above  your  set,  where  the  antenna  lead-in 
wire  can  take  a  short,  vertical  drop  on  the  outside  of  the  house  for  entry 
through a wall or window near the set. To determine a safe distance from 
wires, powerlines, and trees:
1. Measure the length of your antenna.
2.  Add the antenna length to the height of your tower or mast. 
3.  Double this total for the minimum recommended safe distance.
If you cannot maintain this safe distance, 
STOP! GET PROFESSIONAL HELP.
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           CHOOSING A STRUCTURE MOUNT
Follow the installation directions for the individual type of mount you 
choose.
GENERAL INSTALLATION DIRECTIONS FOR MAST 
MOUNTED ANTENNAS
1. Assemble  your  new  antenna  on  the  ground  at  the  installation 
site.Follow the separate assembly instructions that come with it.
2.  Install the selected mount for your antenna.
3.  Attach the mast and antenna to the mount.
  Note:  If you are going to use guy wires:
  • Install guy wire anchor bolts
  • Estimate length of guy wires and cut them
  • Attach to mast using guy wire ring
  • Have a second person hold the mast upright while the guy wires 
are attached and tightened to the anchor bolts
4. IF YOUR MAST DOES NOT HAVE A DANGER LABEL, INSTALL 
THE SELF-ADHERING DANGER LABEL PACKAGED IN ANTENNA 
HARDWARE KIT AT EYE LEVEL ON YOUR MAST.
ANTENNA GROUNDING
To  protect  your  house  and  your  TV/FM  installation,  your  antenna 
system must be properly grounded.
1.  Clamp a #10 copper or #8 aluminum grounding wire to the base of 
thee antenna mast. Using stand-offs every 4 to 6 feet, run the wire 
down the building in as straight a line as possible.
2.  Attach a 300 ohm static discharge unit (lightning arrestor) or a 75 ohm 
grounding block to the antenna’s lead-in cable as close as possible 
to the point where the cable enters the house.
3.  Attach the grounding wire to the lead-in cable’s grounding unit and 
run the wire to the central building ground.
Acceptable central building ground points may include:
•  Grounded interior metal cold water pipe within five feet of the point 
where it enters the building.
•   Grounded metallic service raceway
•   Grounded electrical service equipment enclosure
•   8-foot  grounding  rod  driven  into  the  ground  (only  if  bonded  to  the 
central building ground by #6 or heavier bonding wire)
•   Other  acceptable  grounding  electrodes  that  comply  with  sections 
250 and 810 of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
ANTENNA REMOVAL
To remove the antenna, follow the instructions for installing the antenna, 
but start with the last step first. That’s the only safe way to remove an 
antenna.
B A S E   A N D   R O O F MOUNT:  Mast    locks  into  U-bolt.  Swivel  base f i t s   t h e   s l o p e   o f   m o s t  rods.
UNIVERSAL MAST ANCHOR MOUNT: Has U-bolt for easy  swivel. Adapts to most roof slopes.
VENT  PIPE  MOUNT: For  smaller  antennas.  At-taches to vent pipe.
CORNER MOUNTS: Two Y-mounts with straps for chimney corner mounting.
CHIMNEY RACHET MOUNT: Provides secure mounting to chimney with straps.
TOWER:  Not  recom-mended, for professional use only.
TELESCOPIC  MAST:  Has interlocking sections.
TRIPOD MOUNT: Sturdy antenna mount for larger antennas subject to stronger winds. Fits most roof slopes.
WALL MOUNTS: Used on side of structure.
E AV E   M O U N T:  F o r attaching  antenna  mast to  hanging  rafters  or  trim boards.
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