Hex-Beam

While I am not disappointed with the SteppIR BigIR Mk III, I am probably at a bit of a disadvantage due to the length and number of ground radials installed. Currently there are 58 radials of varying length (21′ to 48′). While this might have been good enough for the Hustler 6-BTV, it is maybe half of what I should have installed (from what I have been reading). I have read that 108 is about the number of radials that should be installed from the SteppIR Yahoo Group.

While I am pleased with the performance so far, mainly on 20m, but have been working 40m with regularity. I even got K4M on 80m yesterday morning! But, with that said, I am still looking to improve my antenna situation. Of course 5 acres with no neighbors, sitting on a 2000 foot peak would be optimal, I will have to wait for retirement for that situation.

Currently I am in an HOA controller community that does not allow antennas, thankfully I have received an exemption from the management company, which has allowed me to erect the vertical. I decided on a new antenna, a hex-beam, based on the G3TXQ design and information from K4KIO. I received all the pieces last night and began construction. What is nice about this antenna is that its simple to build and has a smaller footprint than say, a 3-el beam.

I am planning on using a pressure treated 4×4 that will be set in concrete in the backyard. I will then add a Rohn H50 (2″ OD) mast, which can extend to 50′ but will be limited to 25′. When the antenna is stored it will sit about 8′ off the ground.

I would like to add a rotator to the antenna and have been looking at a Yaesu G-450A ($295), which would be mounted at the top of the mast, which would not require me to add thrust bearings if I were to mount it at the based, which might be easier for maintenance.

With any luck I should have the beam up in time for the CQ Worldwide DX Contest, SSB on October 24-25. This should really provide me a good opportunity to try to the hex-beam in contest conditions. It is a great time to be building a new antenna.