Home Brew Hex Wire Beam Construction - W4RDM

DIY Hexbeam Map - Wait on Push Pins to load - Map is slow

2010-07-17T01:34:00.004-05:00

View HexKit Customer Locations - Hex, Moxon, Spider Wire beams in a larger map

Wait on the map to load the push pins for the HexKit baseplate customer locations.

Thanks,
Ron Mott W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

hexagonal, hexxagonal, hexbeam, G3TXQ, K4KIO

Mini Horse MH Antenna Hub - QST March 2010 - SM0DTK

2010-02-13T21:10:00.005-06:00

After building the Mini Horse MH antenna in the March 2010 QST Magazine I have
developed an improved hub for the antenna that I am offering for sale.

See the following link on how to purchase the hub
http://www.hexkit.com/mh_antenna_baseplate.html

TNX es 73,

Ron Mott W4RDM

40 Meter Hexbeam Parts

2009-12-21T22:26:00.005-06:00

Anyone looking parts and information to build the larger Hex Wire Beams I have the baseplate kit and dimensions for building the 30 and 40 meter Hexbeam using the wire dimensions from G3TXQ broadband calculations. A list of the required Max Gain Systems fiberglass tubing is also on the link below.

Click Here for the link on the 30/40 meter HexKit.com Baseplate site

TNX es 73,

Ron Mott W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

Hex Beam Baseplate Assembly with two different size flanges

2009-12-13T16:42:00.011-06:00

Many hex wire beam builders want to use a larger mast between the rotator and the baseplate than the original. The following is a short description on how to assemble the baseplate with two different size flanges. The top flange is a 1"IPS(1.315" actual ID), the lower flange is 1.5"IPS(1.9" actual ID)

The top of the baseplate is the side with the hexkit.com logo. I normally assemble the top small flange with the set screws towards the logo that is the front of the baseplate. The coax hole is located at 2 o'clock

Start assembling the baseplate by inserting the four small hex bolts from the back of the baseplate to attach the small flange, use lockwasher between the nut and flange. You can tighten these fasteners for the small flange

(Click on the images for larger pictures for more detail)

Next, insert the larger bolts from the top of the baseplate. Run the nuts up to the back of the baseplate finger tight.

Then slide the larger flange onto the bolts.

You can now tighten the nut that is between the large flange and the baseplate. Install the lock washer and nuts that attach the large flange to the baseplate assembly. Tighten the outside nuts.

That's pretty much it. The assembly is simple as long as you start with the smaller upper flange and then attached the larger lower flange with the shim nuts.

The baseplate assembly is very strong.

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.

My email address can be found on qrz.com and hexkit.com

Keep On Building,

73,

Ron W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

homebrew hex beam, diy hexbeam,G3TXQ hex beam, broadband hex beam, broadband hexbeam, broadband hex-beam, hexagonal beam, G3TXQ broadband hexagonal beam, MaxGain Systems, hex beam kit, FB-77-1024, Ferrite Beads, 40 meter hexbeam, 30 meter hexbeam

What is a not a Hex-Beam?

2009-08-30T14:11:00.004-05:00

Any inverted hex shaped antenna not manufactured
by Mike Traffie in Ashby Massachusetts.

Hope this reduces the confusion over what a hex-beam is or is not.....

73,

Ron

Traffie Hex-Beam Pricing Since 2000

2009-08-29T17:27:00.005-05:00

Hex-Beam or Hex Beam Pricing on the Web

Hex-Beam Price List Year 2000

Hex-Beam Price List April 2001

Hex-Beam Price List 2002

Hex-Beam Price List 2006

Hex-Beam Price List 2009

These pages are from WayBack website archive "Click Here to research the pages for yourself"

Hex Wire Beam Hint:: How to hold your Hex Wire Beam during construction

2009-06-27T15:40:00.008-05:00

I have been asked several times. What do you use to hold your Hex Wire Beam baseplate hub while your are building the antenna. I use two different methods of holding the antenna. One is a Ridgid 40A Portable Tristand Yoke Vise($450) shown in the first picture. The Rigid vise is very expensive for using it to build one antenna.

The more economical stand is a umbrella stand with a granite base (60 lbs) shown in the second picture. It retails for approximately $25 and is multi-use. You can always use it for its intended purpose when your finished.

The third picture is the umbrella stand with a 40 meter baseplate.

Keep On Building,

73,

Ron W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

Keywords: homebrew hex beam, diy hexbeam,G3TXQ hex beam, broadband hex beam, broadband hexbeam, broadband hex-beam, hexagonal beam, G3TXQ broadband hexagonal beam, MaxGain Systems, hex beam kit, FB-77-1024, Ferrite Beads, 40 meter hexbeam, 30 meter hexbeam

Hex Wire Beam Hint: Simple Current Balun Using Ferrite Beads

2009-06-26T00:22:00.011-05:00

This is a simple low cost 1:1 current balun for use on the Hex Wire Beam. It will work on any antenna that requires a 1:1 balun. The Hex Wire Beam requires a 1:1 current balun to reduce the common mode current flow on the outside of the coax. This common mode current will distort the radiation patten of the antenna. The RF Choke uses six of the ferrite beads over the coax just before the feedline from the shack attaches to the 20 meter driver..

Coax sizes up to RG-8 / RG-213 will pass through
the beads.

Historically the rf choke impedance rule of thumb(ROT) is a five or ten to one common mode balun impedance. This ROT would suggest that a 500 ohm common mode impedance is enough for 50 ohm transmission line. But in practice the ROT impedance requirement can be any value, depending on the system voltage exciting the feedline and system common mode impedance.

Based on tests using a RF current meter(W8JI Homebrewed Meter) at multiple points along the coax six of the ferrites provide more than enough impedance for the a common mode choke on the hex wire beam antennas whether it is located at the feedpoint of the antenna or below the baseplate.

Theoretically placing the balun/rfchoke below the baseplate indicates that it can distort the pattern of the hex wire beam. On the air tests indicate there are no difference.

The first picture is the ferrite beads before waterproofing. The second is after heat shrink waterproofing of the ferrite beads.

As you can see this is very very simple and inexpensive.

Link to where you can purchase a ferrite balun kit

Keep On Building,

73,

Ron W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

Keywords: homebrew hex beam, diy hexbeam,G3TXQ hex beam, broadband hex beam, broadband hexbeam, broadband hex-beam, hexagonal beam, G3TXQ broadband hexagonal beam, MaxGain Systems, hex beam kit, Ferrite Beads

Hex Wire Beam Hint:: Wire Guide Examples for Hex Wire Beams

2009-06-25T23:45:00.011-05:00

Here's several ways to construct wire guides
for home brew hex wire beams.
I have used them all. They all are low cost
and many times you already have
the components to build them.

Keep on Building,

73,

Ron W4RDM
www.HexKit.com

This guide uses a plastic D-Ring and a hose clamp.

A guide using a wire tie and a hose clamp.

Wire Guide using two wire ties.

Here's the wire guide that I use on the driver and reflector wire on the end of my spreaders.

Keywords: homebrew hex beam, diy hexbeam,G3TXQ hex beam, broadband hex beam, broadband hexbeam, broadband hex-beam, hexagonal beam, G3TXQ broadband hexagonal beam, MaxGain Systems, hex beam kit

Don Tunstill, W4NO (SK)

2009-06-13T13:04:00.004-05:00

I met Don when I moved to Huntsville in the 1980's. He was always a good friend.
I only saw him about once a year at the Huntsville Hamfest since I moved to Tennessee.

From the ARRL Newsletter:
Don Tunstill, W4NO (SK): Don Tunstill, W4NO, founder of the Central America VEC, passed away at his home in Huntsville, Alabama on Monday, June 9. He was 69. Tunstill, an ARRL Life Member, was a charter member of Huntsville Amateur Radio Club and served as president of Huntsville Hamfest  for more than 30 years. With the FCC, Tunstill assisted with the formulation and implementation of the Volunteer Examiner Coordinator program and the vanity call sign system. He founded the Central America VEC, one of the first VE programs in the state of Alabama. A memorial service is planned for 10 AM on June 13 at Berryhill Funeral Home in Huntsville.

USS Alabama Museum Ships on the Air Special event

2009-06-06T15:40:00.008-05:00

I grew up in South Alabama in the small community of Chickasaw, near Mobile. One of my earliest memories is collecting Dimes to bring the USS Alabama to Mobile. I also remember
how hot the deck was the first time me and my cousins toured the ship barefooted. We learned to walk in the shade.
I worked the USS Alabama today on 7.260 today during the Museum ships on the Air Special Event.
73 Ron W4RDM
Link to USS Alabama Google Map
Wave Recording File of USS Alabama 40 Meter Station

Dx Engineering Hexxagonal HexBeam Hub

2009-06-04T11:28:00.010-05:00

I ordered one of the Dx Engineering Hexxagonal HexBeam Hubs this past weekend to do
some comparisons with the hex baseplate hub that I have been fabricating over the past two
years.

Note: click on the pictures for a larger view

I received the hub in a well packed 9 pound box yesterday via UPS
Three days from Ohio to Tennessee is pretty standard shipping time.

Here's a top view of the DX Engineering hexxagonal hub.

Here's a bottom view of the DX Engineering hexxagonal hub.

Here's the hardware included with the DX Engineering hexxagonal hub.

Here's a view of the DX Engineering hexxagonal hub on a scale for weigh in

My observations so far:

It's heavy
The center post clamping configuration is much more complicated than my (hexkit.com) standard baseplate.

73,

Ron Mott W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

Keywords: homebrew hex beam, diy hexbeam,G3TXQ hex beam, broadband hex beam, broadband hexbeam, broadband hex-beam, hexagonal beam, G3TXQ broadband hexagonal beam, MaxGain Systems, DX Engineering, K4KIO, hex beam kit

Dayton Hamvention 2009 HexKit.com

2009-05-30T22:49:00.018-05:00

Me(W4RDM) and my wife Kathy(KD4COS) went to the Dayton Hamvention again this year.
We were setup in the flea market just across the isle from W5KUB. We came in Thursday afternoon to drop off our cargo trailer and decide how we were going to setup. We were a little
surprised at the lack of vehicles and people in the flea market area for setup.

We stayed at the University of Dayton in one of the dorm rooms. The rooms were very nice and clean. We enjoyed eating at Milano's Thursday night on the strip near UOD.

Friday - We arrived at the flea market entrance at 6:30am - there were three vehicles in front of us. In the 1990's the line would be backed up to the highway no matter what time you arrived.
Setup was uneventful. We were very busy all day. Lots of questions about our MOXON antenna accessories and the hexbeam baseplate. We both were at our flea market spaces all day except for restroom breaks. On one of my breaks I cruised through the Hara arena and came across DX Engineering new Hexxagonal Beam die cast aluminum hub and antenna that was on display. My reaction to the display antenna was that it was small. While talking to Ed NX7TT that I met at the booth we decided that it was a half scale model. What a shame, it was a perfect opportunity for DXE to show the actual antenna to scale. Anyway, back to work. I met lots of customers that have
purchased hexagonal, hexbeam components from our website: www.hexkit.com
I also can't count how many times that I heard "Hey! I've been to your website" Also saw one of my best friends from my General Electric Engineering days - Randy W4 AUB That's right! He's a Auburn Grad - "bless his heart" as we say in the south of US 80 Roll Tide!! Sometimes I miss those 30 plus hours of Paper Mill shutdowns.
We also met many DX hams - I5GON was one that I remember specifically - a very nice Italian gentleman that spoke very little English. He showed me pictures of his station on his digital camera. I5GON's optibeam was the size of our house. We met hams from Ukraine, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Kuwait, and so on. All were very nice and cordial. We completed putting everything up at around 7:00 that night. We ate at J Alexanders that night. It was one of the best meals in a while. Made us feel like we were back in Tennessee.

Saturday
Up early to only to find that it's raining. We made it the flea market again with little waiting to get in.
I left Kathy in the truck to get a little sleep while I perused the flea market in the rain.
The flea market has changed so much. I would estimate that half the spaces were empty. I spent about an hour looking around. Not many deals were found. Came back and setup our tent etc.
We sold a lot of my non-stock accumulation of stuff. Even sold the large linear actuators that brought to hold the tent down. Spent most of the day trying to keep dry things dry. Met a lot of
hexbeam and MOXON wire beam enthusiasts again on Saturday. Got a chance to met Carl Moreschi N4PY at his booth, and Roy Lewallen W7EL and purchased EZNEC+
Also purchased a couple of carchip pro modules from Davis Instruments at a show discount.
We shutdown and packed up for the return trip. We stopped in Florence KY at the Cracker Barrel for supper. Arrived home at about 6:30am Sunday morning.

Reflections & Thoughts from Dayton 2009 - I would spent another night. I would take more pictures. I would erect a full size hex beam.
I was surprised that DX Engineering is entering the grass roots hexbeam market...... I guess they will use the 12 months of the provisional patent process "patent pending" to decide if there is a market. The DXE hexxagonal hub is heavy, and the center post/mast is going to be a weak point due to the number of components involved to make it work. I also would hate to know that I had to have the margin in my prices to pay for the patent process.

One of the common questions: When are you going to offer a complete antenna? At the time I had delayed the release of complete antennas while I was supplying components to two of the commercial hex antenna builders. I didn't want to have a competing product with a customer.
(Business ethics - Not common even in the Amateur Radio Market)
They have since developed another source for what I was supplying. You will now see complete antennas slowly appear on the hexkit.com site. The antennas will have new features that have
not been offered on any of the competitors hexagonal / hexxagonal / hex / beams.

The Hamvention: If they don't figure out a way to grow the Hamvention it will die. Downsizing is a cowards way to quit. It takes a lot of work to grow.
I think I would rather spend a week at Gulf Shores Alabama next year............. I still want to activate the Sand Island Light House about three miles south of Dauphin Island Alabama.

The Reflections & Thoughts are my own. I reserve my right to change my mind!

73,

Ron Mott W4RDM
www.hexkit.com

PS: A wise man changes his mind, A fool never does - Spanish Proverb

Keywords: HexBeam, HexKit, Moxon Beam, Hexagonal Beam, Ham Radio,

Amateur Radio Operations to Begin Again on Midway Atoll October 5-19, 2009

2009-01-27T14:01:00.006-06:00

Link to ARRL.com story on Midway

Midway Island Website

Wilkimapia map of Midway

10 - 20 meter - HexBeam Baseplate - Free Template

2009-01-26T00:50:00.004-06:00

Yes that's correct! A free full size template for the 10 - 20 meter home brew hexbeam.
All I ask is that you pay the postage.
The template is printed on a piece of 11" x 17" paper.
Just cut it out. You can use it to mark the cuts required on the aluminum plate and to
mark the centers of the holes that are drilled for the u-bolts and mast flange.

Just send me an email address on QRZ.com my callsign is W4RDM

HexBeam Home Brewing - Build Your Own HexBeam

2009-01-26T00:24:00.000-06:00

This blog page was created to assist amatuer radio hex wire beam homebrewers with ideas etc to build their own hex wire beam antennas.

Here's what a hex wire beam look like?