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MM0OPX Field Radio
United Kingdom
Приєднався 8 сер 2019
Amateur Radio Operator & Antenna Builder
Hexbeam Antenna Building - Lessons Learned Along The Way
Want to build this? Here is a link to the files -
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link
Переглядів: 1 056
Відео
Simple Tools You Need to Build a Hexbeam Antenna for #hamradio
Переглядів 62014 днів тому
Want to build this? Link to Video Playlist - ua-cam.com/play/PL4c9JYrasWlJp-d_qRnCOGLZVL_x7P7zY.html Link to Info Files - drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link
Hexbeam vs Vertical Ham Radio Antennas - Whats the Real World Difference?
Переглядів 3,6 тис.21 день тому
In this video I make a comparison between a ground mounted quarterwave vertical and a Hexbeam at 25ft. If you want to to build this Hexbeam heres a link to the video playlist - ua-cam.com/play/PL4c9JYrasWlJp-d_qRnCOGLZVL_x7P7zY.html
Improve your Icom IC-705 Audio Easily #hamradio
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Місяць тому
Link to the speaker on Sonys website - www.sony.co.uk/wireless-speakers/products/srs-xb100 Amazon Link (not affiliate) - www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-SRS-XB100-Lightweight-Waterproof-Hands-Free/dp/B0CCYFP62W
Hexbeam Wire Elements - What, Why & How #hamradio
Переглядів 1,8 тис.Місяць тому
This video details some basics on Hexbeam wire elements. If you want to build this Hexbeam - Video Playlist - ua-cam.com/play/PL4c9JYrasWlJp-d_qRnCOGLZVL_x7P7zY.html&si=Gan-K68-XSObd8DK Hexbeam Files - drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link K4KIO Website - www.hex-beam.com/
Setting up an HF Hexbeam in Only 20 Minutes
Переглядів 1,3 тис.2 місяці тому
After 15 months of design/planning/work I am finally setting up the 20m through 10m portable Hexbeam as finished project. if your building along, this is what you can expect. Not started your build yet? Checkout this video playtlist - ua-cam.com/play/PL4c9JYrasWlJp-d_qRnCOGLZVL_x7P7zY.html Additionally, all the info you need to build one (note still some updating required). - drive.google.com/d...
The $25 Hexbeam Antenna Centre Post you can build easily.
Переглядів 2,7 тис.2 місяці тому
This video covers the Hexbeam Centre Post used on my lightweight portable Hexbeam. If you want to build, here is a link to the files you need (note these are still being updated) drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link
Spreader Arms for a Lightweight Portable Hexbeam Antenna you can build.
Переглядів 1,8 тис.2 місяці тому
Info on the Hexbeam Spreader Arm sub assemblys thats part of my lightweight HF Hexbeam I've been building. Link to the bill of materials and all info - Note its still being updated so check back often. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link Link to these exact poles (11mm option) www.andescamping.co.uk/99425-andes-fibreglass-pole-kit.html?_gl=1*19dm467*_...
How to Make Professional Looking Hexbeam Rope Sets #hamradio
Переглядів 1,1 тис.2 місяці тому
How to make Rope Supports for your Hexbeam. Link to my Hexbeam files - Note its still a work in progress so please check back often. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ftLL1dIJ2aD1lRSk7CY7_P8sdURkuglZ?usp=drive_link
End Fed Half Wave Effieciency - Resistor vs Back to Back Methods
Переглядів 4,5 тис.2 місяці тому
End Fed Half Wave Effieciency - Resistor vs Back to Back Methods
The lightweight field day Hexbeam Antenna you can build
Переглядів 4,3 тис.3 місяці тому
The lightweight field day Hexbeam Antenna you can build
a VERY windy POTA Activation #hamradio #hamr
Переглядів 7514 місяці тому
a VERY windy POTA Activation #hamradio #hamr
Building a #hamradio Hexbeam Baseplate for less than £40
Переглядів 2,1 тис.4 місяці тому
Building a #hamradio Hexbeam Baseplate for less than £40
The HF Ham Radio that fits in the palm of your hand
Переглядів 3,5 тис.4 місяці тому
The HF Ham Radio that fits in the palm of your hand
Can The Best 100w End Fed Half Wave Get Any Better?
Переглядів 12 тис.4 місяці тому
Can The Best 100w End Fed Half Wave Get Any Better?
How to wind an End Fed Half Wave Autotransformer
Переглядів 9 тис.5 місяців тому
How to wind an End Fed Half Wave Autotransformer
How one person can easily set up a #hamradio Fibreglass Pole
Переглядів 4,6 тис.5 місяців тому
How one person can easily set up a #hamradio Fibreglass Pole
Build Yourself a Cheap Efficient End Fed Half Wave for High Power
Переглядів 6 тис.5 місяців тому
Build Yourself a Cheap Efficient End Fed Half Wave for High Power
This Computer Part Was Killing my Ham Radio
Переглядів 4,1 тис.6 місяців тому
This Computer Part Was Killing my Ham Radio
Building a 20m - 10m Hexbeam for less than £150 #hamradio #antenna
Переглядів 11 тис.7 місяців тому
Building a 20m - 10m Hexbeam for less than £150 #hamradio #antenna
How to MASSIVELY Reduce Your Noise level on SSB & CW.....For Free
Переглядів 11 тис.7 місяців тому
How to MASSIVELY Reduce Your Noise level on SSB & CW.....For Free
How much better is a Beam Antenna over a Multiband Dipole on 10m?
Переглядів 4,5 тис.7 місяців тому
How much better is a Beam Antenna over a Multiband Dipole on 10m?
Ham Radio State of the Union...........4 Years on Youtube
Переглядів 9958 місяців тому
Ham Radio State of the Union...........4 Years on UA-cam
What EFHW Core and Winding to use for HIGH POWER?
Переглядів 6 тис.8 місяців тому
What EFHW Core and Winding to use for HIGH POWER?
How to Turn a Fishing Reel Into a Ham Radio Antenna
Переглядів 5 тис.8 місяців тому
How to Turn a Fishing Reel Into a Ham Radio Antenna
Cheap 5/8th 10m DX Antenna to get you on the air
Переглядів 4,2 тис.8 місяців тому
Cheap 5/8th 10m DX Antenna to get you on the air
How efficient is the best 100w End Fed Half Wave Core when stacked for QRO? #hamradio #antenna
Переглядів 9 тис.8 місяців тому
How efficient is the best 100w End Fed Half Wave Core when stacked for QRO? #hamradio #antenna
Small, Cheap, Efficient Vertical Antenna for 40m
Переглядів 13 тис.9 місяців тому
Small, Cheap, Efficient Vertical Antenna for 40m
Awesome DC Power Bank Build for #offgridliving #hamradio #vanlife
Переглядів 1,1 тис.10 місяців тому
Awesome DC Power Bank Build for #offgridliving #hamradio #vanlife
I would like to see what the difference would be between a transformer like this and different kinds of matching networks. Also radiation strength of an endfed vs a center fed antenna system. That being said, a lot of this might be splitting hairs as the ground losses with the way antennas are deployed in the field is usually knocking off a few DB. Thanks for the videos!
Does the size of the fish help the Q of the antenna?
I have exactly the same battery and charger as you mate. I've noticed also that it won't charge at 20 amps, the maximum charge it seems to settle at is 15.6 amps. As you say it must be to do with the charger. Thanks for a great video 👍
Possible only on a Flat Earth
You know, you could be onto something there 🤔
Why are the radials so long?
I've watched this video several times. I finally got off my kiester and made it! I had to buy a meter, but wanted one anyhow. I had fin with this project. It works! I still have to tune just a bit... thanks for making this video. Very articulate! Well done kind sir.
Nice Colin, where do you get your wire from
This stuff was from Cablecraft. It was about 16p/m. Now up to about 20p/m I think.
Hello, and that you for all your video also for the time you take to share your work. I have a question I build an end fed using the new toroid and the winding method you use. My problem is that I have a good vswr on 40 and 20 but on 10 meters it at 5:2 very high on 10 meters. Any suggestions that would help bring 10 meters lower on loss
Secret Squirrel here.. I know the secret :) 3:22
Colin, Thanks for working out and sharing the details of your hex beam build. You have inspired me to gathering and fabricating parts for the antenna.
Excellent, thats the idea. It can be a daunting project without some encouragement.
I feel like you and the hexbeam have a relationship similar to that of Dr. Xavier and the Cerebro! Of course, you have better HAM powers than him!
Lol. I've spent long enough to become one with the Hexbeam.
Colin, are you going to make a permanent version??
Unlikely as I dont have a use for one. It be a waste of money unless I had a permanent location for it.
Great job Colin, and a excellent end product. I have often thought about building one, which would not be a problem for me, being a carpenter and ex electronics engerneer, but with my time focused on being on the air everyday , and the height required to get more gain than I already get from my vertical array, would require a tower etc, and more cost and time. But a great project, and I hope many folk do build your hex, and that will give them the gain to contact me here in zl. Although I work plenty of uk op,s running qrp with a simple vertical, so don't dispare those who cannot have a hex. Well done mate, 73 zl3xdj.
Thanks mate. Your in a fantastic location for a vertical, wish it was the same for me. I just really enjoy the designing and building.
Velcro cable ties make life substantially smoother. Not burning time untangling cables all the time is so nice. The really thin ones don't pick up random stuff from the ground as much too.
Yep and super cheap. Got a pack of 60 for next to nothing.
Ive been able to put up at my forever home an SP6CYN Hex beam which ive had in my possession for 2yrs and as an M7AUC im loving it but ive told lots of people of what you have done and your amazing cheers
Thats a cracking Hexbeam and the way to go for permanent setup.
Good night, Colin. Excelent video. Congratulation. Greeting from Julio👍😃
Thanks Julio
Brilliant video!!
Thank you 👍
I'll hold off till the new bit is tried out but keep at it bud good work and thanks for the how to vids.
Quite right. Hope to retrofit the new Centre Post too.
First!
Late one mate. I was sleeping 😴
Colin, very helpful indeed, thank you. I'm looking to put up a vertical doublet, 10m total height. The DX commander looks good enough, and also the Spiderbeam. There won't be any lateral force at the top, only half way down at the feed point, so I should think either of these will do nicely. I'll guy it as well. Many thanks!
Not sure what your doublet centre would be but I would opt for the Spiderbeam or DX Commander signature 12.4. The DXC 12.4 has marginally thicker walls.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Thanks for the thought. My doublet centre would be halfway up at most, possibly offset a little downwards, due to effect of ground on the electrical length of the lower leg. I had pretty much decided that the Spiderbeam would be better than the reviewed DX pole, given it's thicker construction and also height, which would enable me to get the lower leg well above ground level. I hadn't come across the 12.4m DX pole though, so thank you for suggesting it. I will go with one or other of the 12m poles; with a weight of 3.95kg, the DX 12.4 is as you say slightly thicker walled than the 3.3kg Spiderbeam. I think I can also put some sort of a guy line on the opposite side of the ladder line feed, so hopefully should be good. I'm planning on transforming my existing 20m horizontal doublet into a 10m vertical doublet, to better receive vertically polarised groundwave (so relatively local) transmissions, and am content to lose the existing 80m capability that my existing antenna gives me. 40m, 20m 10m etc I think will do me fine.
I keep worrying about wire gauge for my antennas, but then I remembered no, it is the transformer that I need to worry about over-powering, so now I'm back to rewatching all of your EFHW videos all over again!
Theres a few. Probably a few more videos in me yet.
I found a very similar mast by searching amazon for light bulb changing poles (for very high, vaulted ceilings) and discovered that if doesn't say anything about HAM radio, the same item is sold much cheaper for other purposes. I paid less than $50 for mine, but the clamps are strong plastic, not metal, so yours will probably last longer.
I checked those out. I may get one. I'm sure the wall thickness on thickness is thicker.
This is a great design! Now I want to build one!!!
Yeah it turned out not too bad.
Seems like this is a easier fix than making a new base plate! Glad you thought of it!
Yes, this really tested me.
This is a cool choke! What is it? 4:1?
Its a 1:1, GM3SEK design.
That choke is rather simple, looking forward to seeing the results!
Use them all the time. Great simple choke.
I love your attention to detail! The deburring tool, where did you get that? I do tons of 3-D printing and I have a C&C machine, so a tool like that would help me a lot!
I'm a machinist to trade. Its a rotary deburr tool. I got one first day of my apprenticeship. Get them on amazon cheap as chips.
It is a lot of fun seeing the small challenges that come up, and your milestones in reattacking each challenge to get past them!
This was a very cost effective option. Still have loads of these in different sizes.
That sounds crystal clear!!! FANTASTIC BUILD!!!
The front to back is awsome on it.
That base plate sound like an old American TV show, bigger, stronger, faster, gentlemen, we can build it! (the six million dollar man). I think I like your antenna better!
This is a great primer on the moxon! I've been ignoring the moxon, but you are making me want to experiment!
Your should. Hard to beat for a monoband beam.
I have a home brew 0.64 wave vertical. I did away with the matching transformer by using a 4 element capacitance hat. It really helped the bandwidth too and no matching device. Ben VK8GC
I need to have a look at that.
Colin, I really appreciate you empathizing with those of us (me!) that can't necessarily fund a big project every time they want to try a new experiment! You are a HAM's HAM!!! This is a great ongoing contribution to the entire HAM community!!!
Thank you 😊. While I love manufacturing technology unfortunately it isnt accessible to most. Thats why I do this to show what can be done with minimal tools.
I wound the autotransformer as you've shown. I then checked it using resistors as you've shown in one of your videos. Everything looked good, but when I actually put a real antenna on it, the SWR was very high (almost 3:1). I may try the 56:1 winding to see if that works better. I'm using the 26432511002 core that you recommend. Do you use a counterpoise on your end feds? I'm pretty sure I did something wrong, and so far I'm not sure what that would be? Thanks for everything you've done!!
Its frustrating when we get these issues but sure you will get through it. Ive found the counterpoise to make no difference in my use case. Try the 56:1 as you suggest. Ive found wire location/orientation critical to the SWR.
There is a Rig Expert free down load and you can connect via a usb cable to your computer and your RigExpert and shows a sweep graph across the whole range and giving reactance and SWR and so on.
Thats right. I should try it but 99% I'm using this in the field.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Yes OK . I have built a wide band transformer which was nearly flat from 1.8 mhz up 25 mhz then it started dropping of at the HF end shown using the RigExpert ANT2 software and I can set the sweep range for a given band. Connecting it to your computer will power up The RigExpert G4LMZ
I bought one for my IC705 after watching your video sounds a lot better than radio which I found distorted when turning up the volume. Sounds clear on SSB I can make stations out better with this speaker 👍 73 M7GHW
I'm glad it helped. Certainly not a "must have". Since I have one, I will use it.
Drilled the holes for the split rings today,put the clamps on the center post for all the bands also. Coming along slowly but surely. Really enjoying this project Colin. Thank you Mick
Take your time Mick. I've found sometimes just hanging off has saved me loads of mistakes. I'm loosely planning the CitiHex for the end of September but if it takes longer, so be it.
Genius. I made a 4 element 10 meter quad back in the 80’s with an aluminum boom and mast mount so I know the thought process. Your Moxon is inspiring. 73
Thanks, this project was a bit of work. I'm now concentrating on Hexbeams due to the convenience of multiband and smaller turning radius.
Thanks so much for this Colin. I have nearly completed mine as per your instructions, and it is looking great. Last thing to do is make the wires, however on your spreadsheet the lengths seem to be different to the recalculated lengths on your sheets in the video. Are the lengths on the spreadsheet your final lengths for the 1mm stainless steel wire?
Very smart spot👌. So the short story is I made the adjustments and remade all the wires. They were roughly 5% out. After doinf this they were slightly too short. The sizes you see in the video are these. I then adjusted circa 2% and added these sizes to the spreadsheet. There are interactions between the wires so the theory doesn't exactly match the practice. Subtract the final video sizes to the spreadsheet sizes and it should be circa 2%. Yes 1mm stainless wire. Please email me some pics when complete 👍
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Thanks for the quick reply. So, for example on 10m you have 2633mm as your final value for the driven elements (in the paper in your vid), so at 2% longer that would be about 2686mm but in the spreadsheet you have 2817mm. It’s just I have made the 10m elements to the spreadsheet now and the total length is far too long for the suggested spreader arm length and is resonant at something like 26 Mhz (very rough test). Just wondering if those numbers in the spreadsheet are a bit out, or perhaps it is something I have mucked up my end. And yes, I will certainly send you some picks when I am done, this has been a really good build so far.
I'm now doubting myself Matt. The spreadsheet lengths do seem long. The final sizes on the video is what im running. Its not perfect but close enough and not worth charging. I will look at this tonight and change the spreadsheet if need be. There should only be the 1-2% difference. I do apologise if any if you have cut wrong lengths. Remember to check SWR with the beam in the air. Ground has a big effect.
Matt, send me an an email and I will reply with updated sizes. Cheers
Hi Colin do you have a shopping list of all the parts including the spreaders arms and centre post etc that you could make available to me? Cheers Peter
It's in the description Peter. Inside the google drive link there is a bill of material for everything.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadiothanks Colin very much appreciated 😊
@Cherhill your welcome.
How many watts is that good for?
If its 52 material 3 stack then easily 1K plus.
Top job. Looking forward to the 15m to 10m build. Thanks G0INL
Colin, first of all, loved the delivery in this one, and the hexbeam series in general! Quick question: for buidling transformers up to 100 W, what diameter/awg/swg enamelled copper wire would you recommend so that it's easy to work with, and do you have a favourite supplier?
Thanks Alex, for 100w I use 1.12mm diameter, easy to work with. I get it from Brocott, good value and service.
Great work colin Regards Steve
Appreciated Steve 👍
Good night, Colin. Excelent video. Very interesting. Congratulation. 👍😀😀
Thanks once again Julio.