- Fiber glass tubes are recommended for the spreaders. These can be purchased from Max Gain
Systems. Max Gain provides tips for attaching them together. Three thicknesses are needed; 1" O.
D., 3/4" O.D., and 1/2" O.D. The smaller sizes fit perfectly into the next larger size.
- While it is not necessary, you can spray paint on the spreaders to achieve the color you want.
- Some have tried to build spreaders using PVC but I have heard of no one who has done this
successfully. PVC is simply too limber and does not have the "spring tension" needed to maintain
the hexagonal beam shape. I recommend against its use for a five band hexagonal beam.
Hexagonal Beam by K4KIO
Building the G3TXQ Broad Band Hexagonal Beam
Available for purchase
Buy or build a hex beam
Other Sites
Understanding the
Hexbeam byG3TXQ
Yahoo hexbeam user
group
G3TXQ Broad Band Hex
Beam built by WY3A
Understanding the
Hexbeam byG3TXQ
Yahoo hexbeam user
group
G3TXQ Broad Band Hex
Beam built by WY3A
Six Steps to build it - Spreaders
Parts needed
Tools needed
Hacksaw
Straight edge
Measuring tape or ruler
Screwdriver, med.
Felt tip marker
Straight edge
Measuring tape or ruler
Screwdriver, med.
Felt tip marker
Finished product
|
The thinner pieces slip easily
into the next larger pieces for a
telescoping structure that will
be 136" long when assembled.
Each section is 48" long.
into the next larger pieces for a
telescoping structure that will
be 136" long when assembled.
Each section is 48" long.
One end of the large and the
medium spreaders should be
slit about an inch with a hack
saw or a jig saw, if available,
as shown so that later, when
telescoped together the clamp
can be slipped over the slits
and tightened. An unslit end
goes into a slit end.
Drill a 9/64 inch hole through
the end of the largest section
at the opposite end of the slit
end. This hole should be 1 1/2
inch from the end and will be
used to insert a pinning
machine screw into the base
plate where the section is U
bolted.
medium spreaders should be
slit about an inch with a hack
saw or a jig saw, if available,
as shown so that later, when
telescoped together the clamp
can be slipped over the slits
and tightened. An unslit end
goes into a slit end.
Drill a 9/64 inch hole through
the end of the largest section
at the opposite end of the slit
end. This hole should be 1 1/2
inch from the end and will be
used to insert a pinning
machine screw into the base
plate where the section is U
bolted.
Click these photos to enlarge
Mark with tape or felt tip pen
the initial locations for the wire
clamps. These should be 61,
70.5, 83.5, 101 and 134.5
inches from the thick end of
the spreaders.
the initial locations for the wire
clamps. These should be 61,
70.5, 83.5, 101 and 134.5
inches from the thick end of
the spreaders.
Slip the hose clamps on now
for use in attaching the wires
later at the places marked in
the preceding photo. Use the
#8 Med clamps on the large
section and #6 on the other
two sections. Insert P clamps
under them for slipping the
wires through later. Tighten
them only a little as you will be
making adjustments later in the
assembly stage.
for use in attaching the wires
later at the places marked in
the preceding photo. Use the
#8 Med clamps on the large
section and #6 on the other
two sections. Insert P clamps
under them for slipping the
wires through later. Tighten
them only a little as you will be
making adjustments later in the
assembly stage.
| Site publication date 12/2007 Page revision date 10/2009 Copyright 2009 |
Fiberglass tubes can be obtained from Max Gain Systems
at www.mgs4u.com. Other items can be obtained at local
hardware outlets.
at www.mgs4u.com. Other items can be obtained at local
hardware outlets.
Table of contents
General
Overall Description
Broadband vs Classic
Six Steps to Build It
The Parts
The Mast
Specs and FAQ's
SWR Results
General
Overall Description
Broadband vs Classic
Six Steps to Build It
The Parts
The Mast
Specs and FAQ's
SWR Results
