Hex Beam Antenna

Bob G W1GLV

I just completed the installation of my hex beam antenna. I hooked it up to the 6500 and voila, great results. Thanks to the Flex team for a great radio, unbelievable performance.

Steve Conklin

I love the combination of my hexbeam and the Flex 6K. I always monitor multiple bands to catch openings, and I can just click over and transmit on any of them.

Dave - WB5NHL

Agreed Flex and a hex beam are a great combination.

W0QKL

Yes the Hex and Flex are great, I band hop left right and center depending on propagation and what's on the spots.

DonS

Out of curiosity, there are a number of variants (5 or 6 that I have seen so far) of the hexbeam. What seems to be the choice of users? I was also curious as to how one would compare a hex beam with a SteppIR 2 or 3 element beam.

Reg

I was literally typing a similar question when I saw Don's post come up. For starters, products include the Traffie Technologies HEX-BEAM-BH5i, DX Engineering HEXX-5TAP-2, and a KIO Technology BBHEX5BB (which has a 6-meter option). Their websites are www.hexbeam.com, www.dxengineering.com and www.k4kio.com. A product then called a Traffie Hex Beam II was reviewed in the March 1998 issue of QST as one of several portable antennas which were compared in a single review. According to the Traffie Technologies website some of their models, including the 40-meter hex beams, have been discontinued. So the question is, which manufacturer and model of hexagonal antennas are in use that work so well with a Flex-6000? The hex beams don't have a lot of gain and F/B is modest compared to small beams. Is it low noise that makes them so desirable? I am seriously considering a hex beam as an additional receive antenna so specific feedback will be appreciated. Thanks. Reg, KD5RB

Dave - WB5NHL

There are 3 unmatched sources for everything hex-beam. First is the Yahoo group 'hex-beam'. This is a great group of helpful hams. The group has picture files of hex installation (including mine). Do a search of message threads and you find many helpful discussions. Second is a web site. G3TXQ has created the definitive web site with all kinds of technical data on hex beams. Wander through his site to understand the hex beam. Finally, K4KIO, one the most respected suppliers of hex beams, has a great site with all kinds of helpful info.

Bob G W1GLV

I built the G3TXQ variant of the beam. I am very satisfied with the performance. For example, on Sunday afternoon I made contact with a ham in Weisbaden Germany. I asked him for a signal report, he gave me a 30 over 9 at 450 watts. My other antenna is a G5RV which is excellent on 40 meters. I cannot comment on the SteppIR as I cannot afford one and have never had the opportunity to use a radio that was attached to a SteppIR.

Brad - N6SPM

I too have investigated the Hex Beam variants vs. other beams and Quads; it has some desirable features to be sure. I would strongly urge those interested in comparisons to either do some modeling at heights representing your situation, or find someone to do it for you. Model all of the basic possibilities with the same real ground and height. Compare Hex Beam, dipole, Yagi and Quad. Look at the elevation takeoff angle under *your* situation for the various options. Compare the F/B and beamwidths. Modeling gets you away from the subjective performance anecdotes and gives solid relative comparative data. Many good sources are available ( including the ARRL Antenna handbook) to help you make sure the models are delivering trustworthy results. It's really valuable and enjoyable. 73, Brad - N6SPM

Bob G W1GLV

My hex beam has been up and running for 5 days. I've made 54 contacts, mostly DX and never tuned it once. Great design. The highest SWR that I have been subjected to is 1:1.2.

Reg

Bob: That sounds like a great start with your new hex beam. Which manufacturer and model of hex beam did you install? Is there a measurable difference in the noise floor of the hex beam when compared to your other antennas? Thanks, Reg, KD5RB

Bob G W1GLV

Reg, I built the G3TXQ version. The noise level is about the same as my G5RV but more sensitive and of course it's directional.

5Z4EE

I have been using the Traffie HX5-Bi Hex-Beam for eight years now in South Africa and now in Kenya. I have been using it with the Flex 5000. I now have the Flex 6500 also. The Traffie antennna works great and is very robust. See my review on eHam.net. 73 Sig 5Z4EE

Steve Conklin

Mine is a hybrid, built with parts from several vendors. It's a 6-band. I used the DX Engineering cast hub, wire and fiberglass kits from max-gain, and Leo Shoemaker's center post. Every antenna is a compromise, unless you have unlimited funds. In my case, I live on a heavily sloped wooded lot with house placement that pretty much excluded a tower. Building codes here allow one antenna "attached to the house", as long as the overall height does not exceed 10 feet above the roof peak. I was able to put the hexbeam atop a 4.5 foot rooftop minitower on our 2 story house, keep it under the height limit, and have it be about 40' AGL on the downhill side, about 25' on the high side. It fits entirely within the outline of my roof. And, it was a whole lot cheaper than putting up a tower.

Al_NN4ZZ

The NA4RR Broadband Hexagonal Beam Antenna. Here is another good hexbeam to consider. I met Roger at the Orlando HamCation in 2013. His booth was next to mine and I got a chance to see his product up close. It is very well made and his price is very good. If you are looking for a hexbeam check it out. Roger is also a FLEX 6000 user and in the community here. http://www.hexagonalbeam.com/index.htm Regards, Al / NN4ZZ