Folding Hexbeam

Posted date: January 13, 2015in: AntennaNo Comments

The design

The folding Hexbeam is a 2-element directive antenna for five amateur bands (20/17/15/12/10m band, 6m band optional). It consists of wire elements attached to a support structure in a concentric way. The center post carries the support cords and is a coaxial feeder for the drivers. The driver/reflector arrangements are fixed to the fibreglass spreaders.

The feedpoint cord support is molded onto the center post. Connector SO-239 (N type socket optional at no extra cost)

The hub takes up six swivel spreaders and electrically isolates the center post from the mast or rotator underneath

The spreader sections are connected with locking swivel joints

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Specifications

Impedance	50 Ohms
Connector	UHF socket (SO-239), N type socket on request
Gain	max. 5-6 dBi in free space (3-4 dB over dipole)
F/B ratio	peak >20 dB (varies by band)
SWR	<2 over the entire band (20/17/15/12/6m), 10m band: 28-29.3 MHz
Rated power	1500 watt
Elements	high strength and flexible tinned stranded copper wire 1.0 mm² (AWG 18), black PVC insulation
Spreaders	flexible and sturdy fiberglass rods, UV resistant, 10 mm (~0.4″) diameter
Support cords	1.5 mm Dyneema® rope, UV resistant
Center post	high quality aluminium tubing 30 x 2 mm (~1.2″ x 0.08″)
Mounting hardware	all stainless steel A2
Other plastic parts	injection molded from PBT (polybutylenterephthalate) black, high impact, UV resistant
Turn radius	approx. 3.20 m (10.6 ft.)
Weight	approx. 6 kg (13 lbs)
Wind load area	approx. 0.25 m² (2.7 sqft.)
Size when collapsed	approx. 1.15 m (45″) x 15 cm (6″) x 15 cm (6″)
Antenna fixture	fiberglass rod 5″ x 1″ O.D., e.g. fits into telescope masts with top section of 26 mm (1″) I.D.