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M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
- M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
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M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK8MS/3 > 26-12-2022, 11:41 AM
Hi All,
Im refurbishing my 6M2.5WL Yagi I rebuilt in Darwin a few years ago, I recently decided to put it back together since shipping down from Darwin and found or cant find the bags of Button Insulators and keepers, putting feelers out if anyone may have some of these they wish to sell, I require 11 of each.
Regards,
Mark VK8MS / VK3IMS -
RE: M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK5PJ > 27-12-2022, 08:20 AM
Hello Mark,
as far as the insulators go, that might be like rocking horse poo, except for special order from M2 USA, the keepers on the other hand can be sourced in VK in many different forms. here is one: https://www.unitedfasteners.com.au/produ.../push-nuts
the specialist bolt and fastener stores (not bunnos) will know what your after, they are often called "Push Nuts" in some industries. You may need to 'shim' the holes for the insulators as they become oval in shape when the booms see some wear-an-tear. I have in the past use sections of fizzy drink cans or thicker material to be the shim and use a G clamp to push the button in to get a tight fit.
I have some photos here of the repairs to me M2 6M2WL http://www.users.on.net/~pedroj/6m2wl_m2...epair.html -
RE: M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK8MS/3 > 27-12-2022, 10:45 AM
(27-12-2022, 08:20 AM)VK5PJ Wrote: Hello Mark,
as far as the insulators go, that might be like rocking horse poo, except for special order from M2 USA, the keepers on the other hand can be sourced in VK in many different forms. here is one: https://www.unitedfasteners.com.au/produ.../push-nuts
the specialist bolt and fastener stores (not bunnos) will know what your after, they are often called "Push Nuts" in some industries. You may need to 'shim' the holes for the insulators as they become oval in shape when the booms see some wear-an-tear. I have in the past use sections of fizzy drink cans or thicker material to be the shim and use a G clamp to push the button in to get a tight fit.
I have some photos here of the repairs to me M2 6M2WL http://www.users.on.net/~pedroj/6m2wl_m2...epair.html
Hi Peter,
Thanks for information, I know I have a whole bag of the Insulators somewhere, found the smaller ones M2 use on 2mt Yagi's, I noticed on M2inc site the Insulators for the 6M Yagi's not listed as all the new variety of their six yogis dont go through boom anymore. The keepers I had some sent from a fastener company however they have sent the wrong size will get back to them when they open after xmas break.
That shimming system you have put in place is such a fantastic idea, luckily the 11 Element boom I have hasn't got thise problems as ive only ever had it a for a few years when I used as I mainly used the 9El and the 5/5 stack, however I will make sure the keepers are kept as flush to the insulators as possible, which I use a ally tube Ove the lemon ts to hammer them in place. -
RE: M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK4VU > 01-01-2023, 04:38 PM
Hi Mark,
I'm not sure what diameter those elements are, but one option might be these 'snap bushings' made by Heyco.
NPA is their distributor in Adelaide
https://www.npa.com.au/bushings#/specFilters=6!#-!17139
In the past, I've used these for both 2m and 23cm yagis. I use a small amount of epoxy glue to secure the element once I'm happy that it's centered. No need for those retaining rings.
I've also bought Delrin insulators from Directive Systems, and I note that they list them (and the keepers) for both 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch elements.
I'm using the 3/16-inch insulators on my 70cm yagis.
Hope this helps.
73,
Rod VK4VU -
RE: M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK2ZIW > 02-01-2023, 02:58 PM
For 6, 2 and 70cm beams I use a square boom.
Mount the elements on small pieces of 6mm PVC sheet.
.![[Image: 2-70yagi.jpg]](http://www.unixservice.com.au/hamradio/antenna/2m/2-70yagi.jpg)
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RE: M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK8MS/3 > 02-01-2023, 06:52 PM
(01-01-2023, 04:38 PM)VK4VU Wrote: Hi Mark,
I'm not sure what diameter those elements are, but one option might be these 'snap bushings' made by Heyco.
NPA is their distributor in Adelaide
https://www.npa.com.au/bushings#/specFilters=6!#-!17139
In the past, I've used these for both 2m and 23cm yagis. I use a small amount of epoxy glue to secure the element once I'm happy that it's centered. No need for those retaining rings.
I've also bought Delrin insulators from Directive Systems, and I note that they list them (and the keepers) for both 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch elements.
I'm using the 3/16-inch insulators on my 70cm yagis.
Hope this helps.
73,
Rod VK4VU
Thanks for the idea Rod,
I looked them up yesterday and would work great however I was looking for something else today and I found a bag of the M2 3/8"-10mm button insulators, I knew I had some here some where.
Will get the 11 element back together this week.
Mark - VK8MS / VK3IMS -
RE: M2 Button Insulators / Keepers
VK4VU > 02-01-2023, 10:09 PM
(02-01-2023, 06:52 PM)VK8MS/3 Wrote:
(01-01-2023, 04:38 PM)VK4VU Wrote: Hi Mark,
I'm not sure what diameter those elements are, but one option might be these 'snap bushings' made by Heyco.
NPA is their distributor in Adelaide
https://www.npa.com.au/bushings#/specFilters=6!#-!17139
In the past, I've used these for both 2m and 23cm yagis. I use a small amount of epoxy glue to secure the element once I'm happy that it's centered. No need for those retaining rings.
I've also bought Delrin insulators from Directive Systems, and I note that they list them (and the keepers) for both 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch elements.
I'm using the 3/16-inch insulators on my 70cm yagis.
Hope this helps.
73,
Rod VK4VU
Thanks for the idea Rod,
I looked them up yesterday and would work great however I was looking for something else today and I found a bag of the M2 3/8"-10mm button insulators, I knew I had some here some where.
Will get the 11 element back together this week.
Mark - VK8MS / VK3IMS