Hex Beam Baseplate Assembly with two different size flanges

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








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

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

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

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