300 likes | 606 Views
Hex Beam. Presented By Andy Kunik AE8J. What the hex is a Hex Beam?. The “Hex Beam” or Hexagonal Beam is a two element, directional, wire antenna. It can be configured as a monoband or multiband antenna Can be designed for up to six bands Mostly practical for 20 meters and above.
E N D
Hex Beam Presented By Andy Kunik AE8J
What the hex is a Hex Beam? • The “Hex Beam” or Hexagonal Beam is a two element, directional, wire antenna. • It can be configured as a monoband or multiband antenna • Can be designed for up to six bands • Mostly practical for 20 meters and above
Features of the Hex Beam • Six bands low SWR 20, 17, 15, 12, 10 and 6 Meters • Broadband characteristics • No antenna tuner required • No loading coils or traps • Light weight…. 25 lbs. • Low wind load…. < 5 sq. ft. • Single coax feed • Can handle full power • Gain and F/B ratio comparable to a 2 element yagi • Better than 6 dBi gain • Performs well at low heights…. 30 ft. • Small turning radius…. 11 ft. • Easy to build
Versions of Hex Beams • There are two versions of the Hexagonal Beam The classic Hex Beam by Traffie Technologies And the G3TXQ Broadband Hex Beam Classic Hex BeamBroadband Hex Beam
Classic Hex Beam • The original Hex Beam was developed by Mike TraffieN1HXA • Smaller turning radius…. 9 ft. • Rather narrow band • Sold as a kit $1,129 for 5 band array
Broadband Hex Beam • Developed by Steve Hunt G3TXQ • More Broadband • Slightly better gain and F/B ratio • Slightly larger turning radius…11 ft. • Sold as a kit by DX Engineering… $600 for 5 band array • Hexagonal Beam Antennas by NA4RR $450 for 6 band array
Commercially AvailableHex Beams • U bolts can crush fiberglass • Coax exposed to elements • Uses hose clamps and tie wraps • Wire clamps hard to adjust
AE8J Hex Beam • Center hub and aluminum clamps
Solid Model Design • Manufacturing Drawings
AE8J Hex Beam • Wire Spacer made from PVC plastic
AE8J Hex Beam • Center hub all aluminum with compression clamps • Spreaders are telescoping fiberglass glued with marine epoxy • Coax runs inside center support mast • Stainless Steel hardware • Dacron tip spacers • 14 Ga. insulated wire • Wire spacers are PVC
Tower Project • Easy access to antenna • Telescoping or tilt over • Minimum height 30 ft. • No guy wires • Rohn 25g • House (roof) bracket • Tilt over base section • Winch and pulley system
AE8J Hex Beam • Project Complete
EZNEC Model Plots • 20 Meters
References • Homebrew Hexbeam Page by W1GQL • Hexagonal Beam by K4KIO • Understanding the Hex Beam by G3TXQ • March 2009 QST Building a five band broadband Hexagonal Beam by K4KIO • Max-Gain Systems • Traffie Technology • DX Engineering • NA4RR Hexagonal Beam Antennas