You are TRULY unbelievable, Colin!! Your many projects are simply well thought-out, and financially feasable. Your Hexbeam is my next project to accomplish!! I Thank you so very much for ALL that you have done to advance the Ham science/art!! .....Ron K6PAM
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Yeah I think so too, but I am still sceptical about the final price point 😄 I did some quick browsing through Amazon etc. and my total is probably going to be closer to 250. Still much better than something like a BuddiHex for example, though 😉
I quite fancied using stainless balustrade wire for a project i am on with but i was a little put off by its conductivity or should i say what i have read. If this works it will be spot on for portable as you will get loads less tangle and kinks, also its a whole lot stronger than copper bouncing about. Brilliant video anyway 73’s M3VWN
Colin been watching your post and details but I can't find the details on distance of the elements specifically for all frequencies you have tested. I very much like your design for the price point you shared. Can you share the exact measurements of the distance to get the bands you successfully made available. And are those poles aluminum or fiberglass tent poles. Tnx and 73s to all... 👌🏼
Check my other Hexbeam videos, most have the link to the Hexbeam info files. Its a google spreadsheet. The details you want are along tabs at the bottom.
Hello. I've subscribed to your channel for a long time. But the Hexbeam will be my next project. My Maria Maluca is to be replaced. Most of the material is also available on eBay here in Germany. With great anticipation for your material list and wire lengths. 73 de DO8MN
Great Stuff Colin! As usual you do a great amount of research, and engineering in your builds. Very well done! Be looking to build one of these for our club's field day!
Appreciated John. Your right, theres about 80% research. Simple is always better, usually over complicate it before discovering the simple way. The Hex will make a great club field day antenna for you guys.
Looking great Colin! Was just wondering if you think 12.7mm poles would work better as they are readily available everywhere as well? Or do you think it`ll get too heavy?
13:25 I build myself a Hex Beam antenna .. i wish i had built the center post as in the video...i used PVC pipe and dont ever use copper wire for connecting the terminal between band on the center post ...😂 have tried that and the swr too high, use Coaxial rg213 instead ....
Hey there Colin! This video inspired me to look into the hexbeam design. (I've been a ham since the early 80's but not much active since late 80s...getting into it again as I near retirement). Anyhoo, I was looking G3TXQ's (SK) information, and noted the troubles and degraded performance when trying to include lots of bands (as you plan to do) due to coupling between elements of adjacent bands. So here's an idea for an experimentation minded bloke like yourself: What if you were to alternate the driven and reflector elements on each end of the beam, making pattern for every alternate band "backward" on the framework?. Shouldn't be so hard to adjust for in operation with just two pointers on the mast labled with the bands they corrispond to. While this would still put the driven elements in close proximity to the adjacent reflectors, the hex-beams asymetric element shap means they only paralell(ish) for part of thier length. The hexbeam is rather well suited in being able to pull such a stunt, as the feedpoint remains in the middle, unike a classic two element yagi. There are six possible directionalities, so there might even be something to be gained by turning each set of elements 240 degrees with respect to the next lower band. This would minimize the paralellism of any of the elements on adjacent bands. Yes, I do think to much...is that a bad thing? 73 de ko0b.
Fantastic, Colin! I have been following your work for a while now and have really stopped buying antennas ever since you showed me how easy it was to test and build my own. I’m very excited to see the final design and bill of materials so I can get started on building a MM0OPX Hexbeam for myself!
Hi Tom, im always thinking about this but I have so much snagging points to remedy. I may get it in the air and need to adjust wire lengths. I will also take me time to compile a detailed BOM with links. At a guess its Mar/April. Keep an eye on my community page as I will post occasional updates. Better still follow me on twitter as I post much more there.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio regrettably I sold it a few years ago after my interest waned a little. I'm now building a 15m moxon (on the cheap), see how that goes.. all the best
Great work! I’ve been watching your work on moxon antennas and have ordered parts to build one for 20m. This hex beam might be the one I build after the moxon. Thank you for the great videos!
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio not I my current conditions. I do radio in sessions of 30 min max when coming home from work, I post my activities here on yt. With more time available this would be great! 73!
Really great project Colin - thanks for sharing this. Using tent poles is genius as they are readily available and very strong. I admire the way you are using easily available stuff to make it. Have had a Hexbeam for a long time - really interested in the specifics of the wire clamps you sourced as that is a tricky problem to solve (I built my first heavy-duty hexbeam a few years ago using the K1KIO site but now have one from Ant in Wales). Looking forward to the next video mate. 73
Thanks Tom. I don't see the point in showing folks how to build something they cant get parts for. Any part of this can be replaced super easy. Problem with non branded fibreglass poles and you can rarely buy the same ones twice. Lots of snagging to do and the elements may need trimming. 73 for now 👍
Top quality work Colin. Very impressive and neat build. I like the idea of stainless wire but for a permanent build. Looking forward to seeing how all works in future video's.👍
Without sounding entitled, yes I probably do. The channel is growing faster than ever currently but I wont make content just for the sake of it to gain subs or views.
Can you tell me the weight of your hexbeam design? I believe the KIO version is 25lbs or 11.3kg. Is the wire for the elements the same as gripple wire which is used to hang overhead fixtures and light fittings in factories etc.
Colin, what (make and source) the hydraulic pipe clamps that you are using? I can find something similar locally but, they would be quite expense to use them.
NP, Stauff are are "original" brand but very expensive and no better than RSB if you can get those. May be cheaper sourcing from Europe and shipping them to you depending on amount you need.
@@nandrews8412 Actually that's not quite correct. There are many 3d printing services that you can send a design to and they will print the parts for you, and there are many vendors on places like Etsy that will sell parts for anything they can make a profit on. Most public libraries have 3d printers for public use, and anyone with kids in school probably has access to them indirectly, and the friend of a friend probably has one as well. 3d printers start at $100-200 so there's little reason not to have one. They provide better solutions than off the shelf parts for many things. The clips and brackets you are having to modify or find something that sort of works for can be made better with 3d printing. Your designs can be improved with 3d printed parts. Design it both ways and see. Make what you need instead of making do. Makers should have good tools and the 3d printer is the best tool I have ever purchased. Also good for custom project and balun enclosures.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Sounds like a plan, I got some ideas from your build and I looked at mine and I have parts to hold the wires and didn't need to design and print
You are TRULY unbelievable, Colin!! Your many projects are simply well thought-out, and financially feasable. Your Hexbeam is my next project to accomplish!! I Thank you so very much for ALL that you have done to advance the Ham science/art!! .....Ron K6PAM
Dont know if I would quite say this. This has been a slow burner but bearing lots of fruit now.
Great work! Look forward to the next part.
What a project! A hexbeam was already on my list for 2024, but now that you showed how easy it is, I might actually build it instead of buying one. 😅
I was initially put off making one too. Its well within the realms of Joe Bloggs.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Yeah I think so too, but I am still sceptical about the final price point 😄 I did some quick browsing through Amazon etc. and my total is probably going to be closer to 250. Still much better than something like a BuddiHex for example, though 😉
Great one Colin! I'm looking for to this series, maybe I can have one built for spring!
Of course, go for it.
I quite fancied using stainless balustrade wire for a project i am on with but i was a little put off by its conductivity or should i say what i have read. If this works it will be spot on for portable as you will get loads less tangle and kinks, also its a whole lot stronger than copper bouncing about. Brilliant video anyway 73’s M3VWN
Don't be put off. I was but I dont look back now. Make sure you get the 316 stainless. The galvanised stuff causes all sorts of issues.
Great work!
Thanks 👍
Colin been watching your post and details but I can't find the details on distance of the elements specifically for all frequencies you have tested. I very much like your design for the price point you shared. Can you share the exact measurements of the distance to get the bands you successfully made available. And are those poles aluminum or fiberglass tent poles. Tnx and 73s to all... 👌🏼
Check my other Hexbeam videos, most have the link to the Hexbeam info files. Its a google spreadsheet. The details you want are along tabs at the bottom.
Great Colin , thanks , I think I,ll have a go
Great, thats the idea of the video. It sounds more complex than it really is.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio I,ll keep an eye open for the parts list
Have you made a second video on Hexbeam ty 10:36
I have a Hexbeam playlist on my channel, check it out.
Hello. I've subscribed to your channel for a long time. But the Hexbeam will be my next project. My Maria Maluca is to be replaced. Most of the material is also available on eBay here in Germany. With great anticipation for your material list and wire lengths. 73 de DO8MN
Thanks for the comment. I am well on with the bill of materials. I will have this ready to share before a video. Keep an eye out on my community tab.
Hi me and my dad built a hexbeam but ours is 8 bands and the 40 metters dosent have a swr reading what can i do it infinety 13:25
Excellent. Its been a great project.
WHERE YOU BUY CLAMP ? R12 WHAT THE COMPLETLY NAME ?
Made by RSB. The part number is RAPR-112
Great Stuff Colin! As usual you do a great amount of research, and engineering in your builds. Very well done! Be looking to build one of these for our club's field day!
Appreciated John. Your right, theres about 80% research. Simple is always better, usually over complicate it before discovering the simple way. The Hex will make a great club field day antenna for you guys.
Great build as always Colin. Can't wait to see it working. Always wanted to try a hexbeam compared to my little ma5b
I knew a few guys with an MA5B. The Hex is bigger but you get full bandwidth on all bands as well as a beam on 17 & 12.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio I do have a full size 3 element for 20 15 10 down my allotment on a 10m mast. Tbh we have only.used it once.
Is your Ma5b for sale
@@chrisabbott1009 already sold and gone
Looking great Colin! Was just wondering if you think 12.7mm poles would work better as they are readily available everywhere as well? Or do you think it`ll get too heavy?
I haven't seen 12.7 (1/2") poles about. They would work ok if the rest is built to suit.
13:25 I build myself a Hex Beam antenna .. i wish i had built the center post as in the video...i used PVC pipe and dont ever use copper wire for connecting the terminal between band on the center post ...😂 have tried that and the swr too high, use Coaxial rg213 instead ....
Appreciate the hints.
Hey there Colin! This video inspired me to look into the hexbeam design. (I've been a ham since the early 80's but not much active since late 80s...getting into it again as I near retirement).
Anyhoo, I was looking G3TXQ's (SK) information, and noted the troubles and degraded performance when trying to include lots of bands (as you plan to do) due to coupling between elements of adjacent bands.
So here's an idea for an experimentation minded bloke like yourself: What if you were to alternate the driven and reflector elements on each end of the beam, making pattern for every alternate band "backward" on the framework?. Shouldn't be so hard to adjust for in operation with just two pointers on the mast labled with the bands they corrispond to.
While this would still put the driven elements in close proximity to the adjacent reflectors, the hex-beams asymetric element shap means they only paralell(ish) for part of thier length.
The hexbeam is rather well suited in being able to pull such a stunt, as the feedpoint remains in the middle, unike a classic two element yagi.
There are six possible directionalities, so there might even be something to be gained by turning each set of elements 240 degrees with respect to the next lower band. This would minimize the paralellism of any of the elements on adjacent bands.
Yes, I do think to much...is that a bad thing?
73 de ko0b.
Thats an interesting thought. There is nothing stopping me doing this as is. I will set up as normal initially and try that down the line.
Fantastic, Colin! I have been following your work for a while now and have really stopped buying antennas ever since you showed me how easy it was to test and build my own. I’m very excited to see the final design and bill of materials so I can get started on building a MM0OPX Hexbeam for myself!
Yes, thats me. Always building now, I like to know exactly how it goes together with quality parts.
Great video Colin, thanks. Was planning how to go about building a hexbeam and then I found this, which is basically a complete how-to.
Subscribed!
Thanks Gerry, It was the same for me too. This will save a lot of time for folk. I will have few more subsequent videos to come yet.
No rush Colin, but when do you think that you'll get to Part-2 ? Thanks for an excellent video! This will be my next "steerable" POTA antenna.
Hi Tom, im always thinking about this but I have so much snagging points to remedy. I may get it in the air and need to adjust wire lengths. I will also take me time to compile a detailed BOM with links. At a guess its Mar/April. Keep an eye on my community page as I will post occasional updates. Better still follow me on twitter as I post much more there.
Top banana Colin.. Keep it up fella!
Cheers Callum 👍
Great work here Colin. I built my own hexbeam about 8 years ago and it worked extremely well.
I had a commercially built one years ago and missed it sorely.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio regrettably I sold it a few years ago after my interest waned a little. I'm now building a 15m moxon (on the cheap), see how that goes.. all the best
Just saying hello Colin. GM0EEH in not so sunny Carfin. All the very best for the new year. Looking forward to seeing part two.
HNY for 2024. Probably Mar/Apr this will be properly finished.
Great work! I’ve been watching your work on moxon antennas and have ordered parts to build one for 20m. This hex beam might be the one I build after the moxon. Thank you for the great videos!
Thanks, so much convenience with it having a 5 band beam.
This is a very good project! If 8 was able to have an antenna at home I’d build it. 73!
What about building it to go portable?
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio not I my current conditions. I do radio in sessions of 30 min max when coming home from work, I post my activities here on yt. With more time available this would be great! 73!
Really great project Colin - thanks for sharing this. Using tent poles is genius as they are readily available and very strong. I admire the way you are using easily available stuff to make it. Have had a Hexbeam for a long time - really interested in the specifics of the wire clamps you sourced as that is a tricky problem to solve (I built my first heavy-duty hexbeam a few years ago using the K1KIO site but now have one from Ant in Wales). Looking forward to the next video mate. 73
Thanks Tom. I don't see the point in showing folks how to build something they cant get parts for. Any part of this can be replaced super easy. Problem with non branded fibreglass poles and you can rarely buy the same ones twice. Lots of snagging to do and the elements may need trimming. 73 for now 👍
@MM0OPXFieldRadio Could you post links for the spreader pole clamps and the circular collar? Thanks...
Top quality work Colin. Very impressive and neat build. I like the idea of stainless wire but for a permanent build.
Looking forward to seeing how all works in future video's.👍
Thanks, my OCD dictates it must be neat 😂
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio haha, okay, now I understand! 😂👍
you deserve more views and subscribers
Without sounding entitled, yes I probably do. The channel is growing faster than ever currently but I wont make content just for the sake of it to gain subs or views.
Brilliant. I look forward to more videos and a parts list....
Thanks, yeah a BOM will be available 👍
Can you tell me the weight of your hexbeam design? I believe the KIO version is 25lbs or 11.3kg. Is the wire for the elements the same as gripple wire which is used to hang overhead fixtures and light fittings in factories etc.
Its wayyyyy lighter. Its on my list to weigh, let you know when I do. Guesstimate 4-6kg
Yes same wire, 1mm 7x7 49 strand.
Fantastic work! Look forward to the next.
Thanks. Likely next week or week after showing the centre post.
Super Colin .............following your build
Thanks 👍
You could probably 3d print those clamps 👍
Definitely but personally I don't see it worth the effort when each clamp is 55p each. Cost you more in electricity to print them.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio that is cheap!!
I love hexbeam antenna!
Definitely.
73's🎙KD9OAM🎧📻📡
73 💥
Colin, what (make and source) the hydraulic pipe clamps that you are using? I can find something similar locally but, they would be quite expense to use them.
These are made by RSB and and example order code is RAPR-110. These were 55p from the Bearing Shop.
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio thanks Colin! I’ll do some hunting for them here in Canada. That’s a very reasonable price.
NP, Stauff are are "original" brand but very expensive and no better than RSB if you can get those. May be cheaper sourcing from Europe and shipping them to you depending on amount you need.
@@brianholmes3451how did you make out with your project Brian? I saw those clamps availability at princess auto.
Thats fantastic mate.
Thanks 👍
Love it!
Thanks 👍
🤜🤛
73
Thanks, 73
3D Printed Clamps would be good.
It's a great idea but unfortunately not everyone has easy access.
@@nandrews8412 Actually that's not quite correct. There are many 3d printing services that you can send a design to and they will print the parts for you, and there are many vendors on places like Etsy that will sell parts for anything they can make a profit on. Most public libraries have 3d printers for public use, and anyone with kids in school probably has access to them indirectly, and the friend of a friend probably has one as well. 3d printers start at $100-200 so there's little reason not to have one. They provide better solutions than off the shelf parts for many things. The clips and brackets you are having to modify or find something that sort of works for can be made better with 3d printing. Your designs can be improved with 3d printed parts. Design it both ways and see. Make what you need instead of making do. Makers should have good tools and the 3d printer is the best tool I have ever purchased. Also good for custom project and balun enclosures.
You dont need to 3D print anything here. Those clamps are 55p here in the UK.
Good points 👍
Awesome Colin, can't wait to see it finished!
Thanks Chuck. Hex to Hex parehaps next Fall?
@@MM0OPXFieldRadio Sounds like a plan, I got some ideas from your build and I looked at mine and I have parts to hold the wires and didn't need to design and print
Fantastic video as ever Colin, Link for 11 mm Poles. De CT7AYQ 73s
Here you go Dave. Shop around though www.andescamping.co.uk/99806-adtrek-fibreglass-pole-kit.html
Cheer's Colin could only find the 7mm poles looking fwd to vid2@@MM0OPXFieldRadio
Great video Collin, makes me want to start building one myself. Absolutely love it. 73 de ON4MGY/OO4M Nic
Thanks, go for it.