OctaLoop & OctaLoop3 Mini: Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

The photos in this guide show the OctaLoop3 Mini. The larger OctaLoop uses the same assembly method and preassembled mounting arrangement, with longer frame tubes. Follow the same steps for either model, using the tubes supplied with your antenna.

All tube dimensions in this guide apply only to the OctaLoop3 Mini. The larger OctaLoop's tube dimensions are not listed here. Do not cut or select full-size OctaLoop tubing using the Mini measurements.

Build the frame loosely, route the coax, connect the two frame sections, and then secure the cable terminals and frame hardware. Keeping this order makes the cable much easier to install.

This guide covers the mechanical assembly. Keep the antenna disconnected from power while assembling it.

Before you begin

Work on a clean, flat surface with enough room to lay out the whole frame. Identify the parts and separate the M4 frame hardware from the M6 enclosure hardware. Use hand tools that fit the supplied fasteners.

Important: Leave the perimeter joints unbolted until the coax is in place. The M4 bolts pass through the tube connections and can obstruct cable routing if installed too early.

Parts and hardware

You will also use the supplied tubing, enclosure/mounting assembly, coax cable with ring terminals, M4 countersunk bolts and nuts, and M6 washers and nuts.

The tube lengths below apply to the OctaLoop3 Mini only. The metric dimensions are the reference; inch values are approximate. For the larger OctaLoop, use its own supplied short perimeter tubes, long perimeter tubes, and center brace.

Do not cut or substitute tubing based on the rounded inch values.

Step 1 — Check the enclosure and brackets

On both models, the metal mounting plate and center-brace holder are supplied preassembled with the enclosure. Leave preassembled hardware in place.

If the mounting brackets still need to be fitted, install them as follows:

1. Place the washers on the protruding enclosure studs before sliding the mounting brackets into position. These washers must remain between the enclosure-side hardware and each bracket, as shown in the photo.
2. Fit the two brackets in their matching positions, with their tube sockets pointing outward to form the enclosure end of the frame.
3. On each stud that will not receive a coax ring terminal, add one washer and one M6 nut outside the bracket.
4. On each stud that will receive a ring terminal, also add one washer and one M6 nut outside the bracket. This first nut secures the bracket. Leave the exposed thread available for the terminal connection later.

Do not attach the coax ring terminals yet.

Step 2 — Loosely assemble the enclosure-side section

Insert one long perimeter tube into each mounting bracket. Fit a corner piece to the free end of each tube. The OctaLoop3 Mini uses two 24.5 cm tubes and two corner pieces here. For the larger OctaLoop, use its supplied long perimeter tubes in these positions.

Push the pieces together, but do not install the M4 bolts yet. You must be able to separate these joints while feeding the coax through them.

Step 3 — Install the center brace

Slide the center-brace tube into the holder on the metal mounting plate. The OctaLoop3 Mini brace is 57.3 cm long. Use the larger model's supplied center brace when assembling the OctaLoop.

Align the fastening holes, fit an M4 countersunk bolt and an M4 nut, and secure this connection. Seat the flat bolt head in the countersunk recess and the nut in its matching recess where provided. Leave the opposite end of the brace free for now.

Step 4 — Loosely assemble the opposite section

Start with the T-joint, with its center socket pointing toward the enclosure. Fit one short tube into each side of the T-joint. The OctaLoop3 Mini short tubes are 11.7 cm long. For the larger OctaLoop, use its own supplied short tubes.

Working outward on each side, add the following:

Short tube → corner piece → long tube → corner piece → long tube

The OctaLoop3 Mini long tubes are 24.5 cm; use the larger model's supplied long tubes for the OctaLoop. This section uses the four remaining corner pieces and forms the opposite end and sides of the loop.

Again, leave the perimeter connections without M4 bolts so the coax can pass through. The photo shows the cable already routed through this section; the next step explains how to complete that routing.

Step 5 — Route the coax and join the sections

Use the supplied coax cable with a ring terminal at each end. This cable runs through the outer frame, not through the center brace.

1. Gently uncoil the cable without twisting it or pulling on the ring terminals.
2. Feed it through the perimeter tubes and joints of the loose opposite section. Separate a joint as needed to guide the terminal through the next piece.
3. With the two frame sections laid out opposite each other, feed each free cable end through the remaining enclosure-side corner and tube, toward its mounting bracket.
4. Guide each end out through the bracket opening near its terminal stud. Follow the route shown in the close-up; do not trap the cable under a bracket or across a fastening hole.
5. Join the two open perimeter connections and fit the free end of the center brace into the T-joint. Check that the tubes are fully seated and the frame lies flat without being forced.

If a terminal catches, stop and open the joint to guide it through. Do not pull harder on the cable or force a bolt past it.

Routing detail: the red line illustrates the coax route toward the ring terminal; the blue outline marks the bracket opening used by the cable. These colored lines are annotations, not additional wires or components.

Step 6 — Attach the ring terminals

Connect the ring terminals only after the complete frame has been joined.

At each designated terminal stud:

1. Leave the bracket's existing washer and M6 base nut in place.
2. Slide the ring terminal over the exposed stud, against the base nut.
3. Add one washer and a second M6 nut.
4. Hold the base nut so it cannot turn while tightening the outer nut. Keep the terminal aligned with the cable so the cable does not twist.

The finished order, moving outward from the bracket, is:

Bracket → washer → M6 base nut → ring terminal → washer → outer M6 nut

The enclosure-side washers installed before the bracket are separate from this outside stack. The ring terminal does not replace the bracket's washer or base nut.

Step 7 — Install and tighten the M4 frame hardware

With the cable routed and the ring terminals connected, install the remaining M4 countersunk bolts and M4 nuts at all of these connections:

• Corner pieces
• Mounting-bracket tube sockets
• Center-brace connection
• T-joint

Align the holes before inserting each bolt. Check that the cable is clear of the bolt path, seat each countersunk head correctly, and make sure each nut is properly seated. Tighten with hand tools until secure, without crushing the tubing or deforming the printed parts. Recheck the center-brace fastener fitted earlier.

Final check

• Every tube is fully seated and every required M4 bolt and nut is installed.
• The enclosure and brackets are secure, with their washers in place.
• Both ring terminals are firmly clamped by their outer washer and M6 nut.
• The coax is not pinched, twisted, sharply bent, or caught in a fastener.
• The frame and center brace are aligned and secure.

The mechanical assembly is complete.

Questions, antenna-factor records or height trials to share? Contact RF.Guru.