Hex Beam by K4KIO
Building the G3TXQ Broad Band Hex Beam
Click these photos to enlarge
Step Five - Assembly of the frame

  • You will need a temporary test stand for mounting the hexbeam during assembly of the wires. This can be a 2 inch steel pipe driven in
    the ground, a wood post or other arrangement that is convenient.

  • Attach the spreaders to the baseplate using the 1/2 inch pipe U bolts and 1/4 inch split lock washers.

  • This might seem like an unnecessary step but it will save you a lot of frustration in Step Six. Establish the inverted umbrella shape of
    the hexbeam using nylon cords. This will make it much easier to install the wires with a minimum of fuss because you won't have the
    tension of the spreaders making it difficult to pull the clamps and wires into the right position on the spreaders.

  • Follow the steps below to get the frame established. Later, when the 20 meter wires have been installed and connected to the
    terminals, you will be able to remove the nylon cords and the 20 meter wires themselves will hold the hexbeam in shape in conjunction
    with the assistance of six Kevlar/Dacron cords that will be explained later.
Measure out 12 nylon cords
with little "S" hooks on the end.
The cords should be 130
inches long, including the
hooks.
The little hooks make it so easy
to string the cords between the
spreader ends.
This is a handy way to keep the
cords untangled before
actually using them on the hex
beam frame.
Start with the six radial cords
first. Slip an "S" hook over the
lip of the top of the center post
and then to the end of a
spreader. Then do the same
with the spreader on the
opposite side.
Install all the radial cords until
all the spreaders are pulled up.
Then start installing the cords
around the perimeter until all
12 cords are installed
Install the spreaders on the
baseplate using the 1/2 inch
pipe U bolts and split lock
washers with nuts on the
bottom side.
This will be a temporary stand
for the hexbeam while the
wires are being installed.
Also pin the spreaders to the
baseplate using the #6-32 X
1-1/2 bolts to prevent twisting
of the spreaders and chafing
by the U bolts.
The base plate with center
post is ready for installation of
the spreaders and wire
elements.
Site publication date
12/2007
Page Revision date
7/2008