HEXBEAM

 

MENU

  I was looking for an 5 or 6 bands antenna, reliable, small-scale and relatively efficient, when I discovered the Hexbeam. After a few days of research, I decided to build the G3TXQ version. Steve Hunt (G3TXQ) bring great improvements to the classic version of the Hexbeam :

  1. -better SWR

  2. -wider bandwidth

  3. -gain more linear


   I will not reinvent the theory, so I prefer to guide you towards the websites that help me in this project :

  1. -G3TXQ : All what you need to understand the Hexbeam.

  2. -K4KIO : All what you need to build the Hexbeam.

  3. -HB9MCZ : The secret of the aluminium center post.

  4. -KG4JJH : Amazing work.

INTRODUCTION

   The Hexbeam is easy to build, but some details have to be respected for the general quality of the antenna. There is the most important things to me :

  1. -Base plate must be strong enough to resist to the spreaders movements.

  2. -With the help of a small cove, add a little angle at the base of spreaders: less stress on the spreaders and better spacing between the wires 10, 12 and 15m.

  3. -In order to obtain an impedance of about 50 Ohms, you have to respect a formula between the two tubes of your aluminium central post. See diagrams and formulas below, for air dielectric only.

TECHNICAL INFOS

A

B

A

B

Z = 136,7 x LOG (0,9259 x A/B)

Z = 138 x LOG (1,07 x A/B)

B

A

Z = 138 x LOG (A/B)

   After have been mounted over one year in French Guiana, I could say : the objective is complete. The climate is very hard for antennas, but apart a raptor attack, I never had any mecanical problem. For the price it’s a very good value.

   The Front/Back ratio is according to the theory, SWR and bandwidth are great. I do not many runs, I’m looking principally for DX and after over 2000 contacts my number of DXCC is about 185. For sure, it’s not a big gun antenna, but for using 100 watts and this small-scale antenna, it seems to work very well.

CONCLUSION