MFJ-1890

2 Element Moxon Beam for 10 meters

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CAUTION: Read All Instructions Before Operating Equipment

300 Industrial Park Road

Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: 662-323-9715 Fax: 662-323-6551
COPYRIGHT 2012
C MFJ Enterprises Inc. Rev 1A
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Moxon Rectangle is a close-spaced 2-element Yagi consisting of a driven element
and a reflector with the element tips folded toward each other to reduce turning radius.
The Moxon features a broad cardioid pattern with roughly 3.3 dBd of foward gain and
front to back ratio measuring -30 dB or more. Spanning just over 12 feet and weighing
only a few pounds, it is well suited for rooftop installations using lightweight TV hardware.

Choosing a location
For best performance on receiving and transmitting, mount the antenna in a clear location
above or away from buildings, towers, feedlines, utility wires, and other antennas. While
your own ingenuity and particular circumstances will determine the final mounting method,
we’ll pass along a few ideas for both permanent installation and portable operation.

Never mount this antenna in a location that will permit unsuspecting people to come in
contact with the antenna elements.

Never mount this antenna where a mechanical failure might allow the antenna to contact
power lines or other utility wires.

Always ground the feedline at the point where it enters a building to a good earth ground
for lightning protection.

WARNING Always mount this antenna so that it is out of reach of adults and children.
The elements can cause injury and/or severe RF burns.

WARNING
WHEN INSTALLING YOUR SYSTEM, TAKE EXTREME
CARE TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENTAL CONTACT WITH
POWER LINES OR OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS.
FAILURE TO EXERCISE THIS CARE COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURY

2
 Permanent Installation
The ideal installation is a rigid pole or roof mount that puts the antenna completely
in the clear. If the ideal installation is not possible, choose the best compromise.
TV mast, heavy-duty rigid electrical conduit, and steel water pipes are suitable
mast materials. The use of soft or thin wall mast is not recommended.

Portable Operation
The MFJ-1890 may be easily transported to temporary locations for portable,
emergency, and contest operation. Even for temporary or portable operation, do not
be casual about selecting a suitable mast. If the antenna falls, it can be damaged and
may cause serious injury. Whatever type of installation you choose, remember that
the antenna should be installed where it cannot be contacted by people or animals or
come in contact with power lines.

Antenna Assembly
Assemble the antenna on a flat level surface. Avoid assembly over grass as you may
drop some of the parts and never find them again. You may use a couple of saw horses
or other means of support to aid assembly. Loosely assemble the #1 and #11 brackets
using the 1/4-20 nuts, bolts and washers as shown in figure 1. Don't forget the square
nuts that go inside the brackets. The square nuts are different for each bracket and also
take different bolts.
24 14

This hole should be 3 inches

from the end of the boom
19

22

24 25
16

Figure 1

3
 Install the 5/8 elements into the bracket while it is loose on the boom. Tighten them
enough to hold the element but allow for the bracket to rotate on the boom as you
will have to align the elements with the mast when the antenna is fully assembled.

15
14

20

10

1
21

15 25
16

Figure 2
Secure the driven element insulator to the other end of the boom also allowing 3 inches
from the center of the bracket to the end of the boom. Install the remaining two main
elements to the insulator as shown in figure 2. Leave the bracket loose enough to align
the elements when the antenna is finished.

Short end
7/16 x .028 x 26

#4 hose clamp

28-1/2”
7/16 x .028 x 26 Assemble the end elements as shown in figure 3.
Use the #4 hose clamps to secure the tubing
together. The corner tubes have one side longer
than the other. The short end should insert into the
6-1/4” 3/8 x 9 insulator 7/16 x 20 elements. Repeat this assembly again
to make the other side of the antenna.

7/16 x .028 x 18
20-1/2”
7/16 x .028 x 26

Short end
Figure 3
4
 Reflector element

Short side on Driven element

Driven element
Figure 4

Install the end pieces onto the elements using the #4 hose clamps. Sliding these end
pieces in and out will be how you adjust the final length of each element. Measure the
distance from the center of the boom to the outside of the element. This distance will
be the same for all four elements. Use the antenna diagram on the next page to verify
all your measurements. Install the u-bolt on the boom. Place the 1-1/4 end caps on
each end of the boom.

23

18

17 3/4”

Figure 5

Attach the feed line to the driven element as shown in figure 5. Place the 5/8 clamps
3/4 inch away from the insulator. Use the 10-24 bolts nuts and lock washers to tighten
the clamps to the tube. Place the feed line eyelets over the remaining section of the
bolt and secure with another lock washer and nut. Secure the coax to the boom with
electrical tape or other suitable fasteners.

5
 28-1/2 6-1/4” 20-1/2”

7/16 x .028 x 26 3/8 x 9” 7/16 x .028 x 18

long end of corner

7/16 x .028 x 26
74-5/8”

173273 5/8 x 53-1/4

DIRECTION OF
RF ENERGY

3” 3”
55-1/4”
REFLECTOR ELEMENT

DRIVEN ELEMENT

Figure 6

6
Final Assembly
Check the alignment of the elements and make sure all hardware is tight. Mount the antenna
in the final location.
Connect the coax balun to a high quality low loss cable such as LMR-400 or equivalent.

SWR Check
Resonance can be checked with an MFJ-256 or MFJ-269. Alternately a transceiver and
SWR meter can be used. Resonance may be changed by adjusting the length of the elements.
If the resonance point is too low, shorten the element length. If the resonance point
is too high, lengthen the element length.

Grounding Considerations
Although this antenna is designed to operate efficiently without the requirement of an earth
ground, safety grounding must still be provided to protect equipment, property and persons
from the hazards fo lightning strikes and other weather related electrical discharges. In addition,
the coaxial cable feeding the antenna should have the shield grounded to eliminate the risk of
any indoor equipment failure allowing hazardous voltages that could create a shock hazard.
Adequate protection can be accomplished by grounding the shield of the coax to a good earth
ground where it enters the building, or directly burying the cable in the earth for several feet
before it enters the building. For maximum lightning protection, the coaxial cable should be
totally disconnected from the station during threatening weather conditions.

7
 PARTS LIST
1 173273 Tube 5/8 x 53-1/4 swaged ---------------------------------------- 4
2 20-1890-1 Tube, Boom, 1-1/4 .058 x 61-1/4” Drilled -------------------- 1
3
4 20-1890-3 Tube, 7/16 x .028 x 26” slotted ---------------------------------- 6
5 20-1890-4 Tube, 7/16 x .028 x 18” slotted --------------------------------- 2
6 20-1896-5 Tube, 3/8 corner --------------------------------------------------- 4
7 20-1890-6 Rod, Fiberglass 3/8 x 9” ------------------------------------------- 2
8 13-1890-1 Balun Assembly ------------------------------------------------------ 1
19 161422 Bracket, # 11 --------------------------------------------------------- 2
20 165138 Bracket, # 1 ---------------------------------------------------------- 2

17-1890-1 Parts Pack MFJ-1890

9 745-3104S Hose Clamp #4 ------------------------------------------------------ 16

10 461057 Insulator 1-1/4- 5/8 ------------------------------------------------ 2
11 171329 Clamp, 5/8 ------------------------------------------------------------ 2
12 455630 Caplug, 1-1/4 ABS ------------------------------------------------ 2
13 758-9199 U-bolt 1-3/4 ---------------------------------------------------------- 1
14 505266 Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/4 --------------------------------------------------- 16
15 500156 Bolt, 1/4-20 x 3/8 --------------------------------------------------- 2
16 554099 Nut, 1/4-20 Hex ----------------------------------------------------- 16
17 711-1037S Washer, #10 Internal lock ----------------------------------------- 4
18 554071 Nut, 10-24 Hex ------------------------------------------------------ 4

21 551367 Nut, square 1/4-20 ------------------------------------------------- 2

22 555362 Nut, square 10-24 -------------------------------------------------- 2
23 504069 Bolt, 10-24 x 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 2
24 500158 Bolt, 10-24 x ½ ----------------------------------------------------- 2
25 562961 Washer, 1/4 Internal lock ---------------------------------------- 16

8
SITE SELECTION TELESCOPING
MAST
Beforeattemptingto installyour antenna,thinkwhereyou can best Guywiresshouldbe equallyspacedin at leastthreedirections.Use at
placeyour antennafor safety and performance. leastthreeguy wiresfor each10 footsectionof mast.

To determinea safedistancefromwires,powerlinesandtrees: SIDEOF HOUSEMOUNTING

1. Measurethe heightofyour antenna. Thesafedistancefrompowerlines is at leasttwicethe heightof antenna
2. Addthis lengthto the lengthof yourtoweror mast,andthen andmastcombined. Whereroofoverhang the sideof the
is notexcessive,
3. Doublethistotalfor the minimumrecommended safedistance. houseprovidesa convenient mounting.Positionthe bracketsovera stud
if possible,one abovethe other,and spacetwo or threefeet apart.For
lfyou areunableto maintain thissafedistance,STOP!GETPROFES- metalsiding,firstmarkmountingholes,thendrillpilotholesthroughthe
SIONALHELP.Manyantennasaresupported by pipemastsattached sidingto acceptmountingscrews.
to the chimney,roofor sideof the house.Generally,the higherthe
antennais abovethe ground,the betterit performs.Goodpracticeis TOWER
to installyourantennaabout5 to 10 feetabovethe rooflineandaway Towersafetyis paramount to a goodinstallationandrequires thatyoutake
from powerlinesand obstructions. Rememberthat FCC limitsyour location,treegrowth,soildepthand proximity to buildingsintoconsider-
antennaheightto 60 feet. lf possible,find a ation. Tower foundations mustbe securelybasedon a solidconcrete/
mountingplacedirectlyaboveyourset,where
towermountingplate.An alternative is to sinka 4-6footsectionof tower
theantennawirecantakea short.verticaldroo
intoa concretebasefor an extremelyruggedmount.Properguyingis
on the outsideof the housefor entrythrougha
essential to a safeweather-resistant
installationthatmusthandlesevere
wallor windowneartheset.Yourdealercarries
windloadingand is bestaccomplished withpreformed guy grips,torque
a completelineof installation
hardware. bracketsandturnbuckles.Whenworkingon
AVOIOTHIS LOCAnOil
towersalwaysuse a safetybelt madeof
highqualityweb-typematerial

The safe distancefrom

power linesshouldbe
at leasttwicethe height
of the antennaand
mastcombined.

CHOOSE
A PROPERSUPPORT
AND
MOUNTING
METHOD
However youdecideto mountandsupport yourantennaalwaysmake
surethatsafetyis yourfirstconcern. Someof the morecommon
installation
methodsareillustrated
below.
ROOFMOUNTEO

CHIMNEY
MOUNTING
Thechimneyis oftenan easyandconve-
nient mountingplace.But the chimney
must be strong enoughto supportthe
antennain highwinds. Do not use a
chimneythathasloosebricksor mortar.A
goodchimneymountmakesuseof a 5 or
'10foot,1-114"diameter steelmast,anda
ROOFMOUNTING heavydutytwo strapclamp-type bracket.
Theswivelfeatureof "universal"typemountingbracketsmakesa conve- Installthe upperbracketjustbelowthetop
nientantennamountfor flator peakedroofs.Oneblamptype bracketis courseof bricks,and the lowerbracket
usedwith3 or 4 guywiresequallyspacedaroundthe mastandanchored two or threefeet belowthe upperbracket.
to the roofor eavesby eyebolts.
Applyroofingcompound aroundthe base For maximumstrength,spacethe brack-
of the bracket.screwsandeveboltsfor moisturesealino. ets as far apartas possible.
NOTES
FULL 12 MONTH WARRANTY
MFJ Enterprises, Inc. warrants to the original owner of this product, if manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
and purchased from an authorized dealer or directly from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of purchase provided the following terms of this
warranty are satisfied.

1. The purchaser must retain the dated proof-of-purchase (bill of sale, canceled check, credit card or money
order receipt, etc.) describing the product to establish the validity of the warranty claim and submit the original of
machine reproduction or such proof of purchase to MFJ Enterprises, Inc. at the time of warranty service. MFJ
Enterprises, Inc. shall have the discretion to deny warranty without dated proof-of-purchase. Any evidence of
alteration, erasure, or forgery shall be cause to void any and all warranty terms immediately.

2. MFJ Enterprises, Inc. agrees to repair or replace at MFJ's option without charge to the original owner any
defective product under warrantee provided the product is returned postage prepaid to MFJ Enterprises, Inc. with
a personal check, cashiers check, or money order for $7.00 covering postage and handling.

3. MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will supply replacement parts free of charge for any MFJ product under warranty
upon request. A dated proof of purchase and a $5.00 personal check, cashiers check, or money order must be
provided to cover postage and handling.

4. This warranty is NOT void for owners who attempt to repair defective units. Technical consultation is
available by calling (601) 323-5869.

5. This warranty does not apply to kits sold by or manufactured by MFJ Enterprises, Inc.

6. Wired and tested PC board products are covered by this warranty provided only the wired and tested
PC board product is returned. Wired and tested PC boards installed in the owner's cabinet or connected to
switches, jacks, or cables, etc. sent to MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will be returned at the owner's expense unrepaired.

7. Under no circumstances is MFJ Enterprises, Inc. liable for consequential damages to person or property
by the use of any MFJ products.

8. Out-of-Warranty Service: MFJ Enterprises, Inc. will repair any out-of-warranty product provided the
unit is shipped prepaid. All repaired units will be shipped COD to the owner. Repair charges will be added to
the COD fee unless other arrangements are made.

9. This warranty is given in lieu of any other warranty expressed or implied.

10. MFJ Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacture
without incurring any obligation to install such changes upon any of the products previously manufactured.

11. All MFJ products to be serviced in-warranty or out-of-warranty should be addressed to MFJ
Enterprises, Inc., 300 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, Mississippi 39759, USA and must be accompanied by
a letter describing the problem in detail along with a copy of your dated proof-of-purchase.

12. This warranty gives you specific rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.

300 Industrial Park Road

Starkville, MS 39759 USA
Tel: 662-323-9715 Fax: 662-323-6551
COPYRIGHT C 2012 MFJ Enterprises Inc.