Please Suggest 2 or 3 Element HF Beam

[chrissim]

Experienced a severe storm here which took down the hexbeam. It's irreparable. I've been considering which route to go next. However, I live in a restricted neighborhood which "prohibits" masts and antennas. I got away with it for three years in plain sight of anyone walking by the front of the house. I'll move the new antenna to a less conspicuous area in the back, and since were in a cul-de-sac surrounded by trees, it shouldn't be a problem.

The antenna (HF) needs to be able to be supported by a ROHN telescoping mast or similar. I realize that I have to consider weight restrictions, so I will likely have to use an antenna that is functional on three bands comprised of two or three elements. I've read some reviews of certain Cushcraft and Hy-gain models, but wanted more options and opinions.

I loved the hex and it's five band coverage and it preformed well beyond expectations for a two element beam at 30 feet, but I never liked that it uses fiberglass for spreaders so I don't think I want to purchase another one.

The Yaesu G450A rotor seems to be salvageable, so I can use that with the new antenna.

Please consider and inform. Thanks in advance.

 

[N5TWB]

Mosley, either the Mini-32A or Mini-33A.

Mosley Electronics | HF Compact Antennas

 

[chrissim]

Thanks for the suggestions. Regardless, despite spending plenty of time researching the past couple of days, I keep coming back to the hex. It's five bands, handles legal limit, extremely broadbanded, about 25 lbs, and works very well.

Much of my trepidation over a compact yagi lies in the use of traps. I've read countless reviews at this point regarding them, and many users often experience problems with traps. I also tend to think that the advantage going to a three element compact from a two element hex is minuscule and won't make the difference between working weak DX and not.

I was convinced I was going to purchase something else, but I don't feel that the hex can be topped for what it does and is.

Thanks again.

 

[prcguy]

What brand was your hexbeam?
prcguy

 

[mm]

I like aluminum now also because I had a similar bad experience on 2 different occasions with 2 hexbeams both with 2 sets of 4 guys on a pushup 25 foot mast and Phoenix dust storms.

The fiberglass elements were really beat up by the 75 mph winds which are common in Phoenix in july and august.

The Tennadyne T6 is a nice 13 to 30 MHZ antenna both cost, size and performance wise.

Tennadyne, L.L.C. - Specifications & Prices

Also the new T7 is slightly smaller element wise if you don't want 20 meters.

Tennadyne, L.L.C. - New Antenna Models

 

[chrissim]

prcguy: I had the kio hex.

mm: the T6 is 47 lbs, well beyond my criteria in that I need to place it on a telescoping mast due to neighborhood restrictions. I've read that people often paint the spreaders to protect against UV and the like. Might be an option for longevity if I do go back to a hex. We'll be in this house for another couple of years. I'm stuck with a lightweight mast until then.

 

[mm]

Chris, I was thinking the same thing after i sent my reply that weight would be an issue for you even with a T6

I use a heavier support mast than the old style weak push up mast for the Phoenix install which is at my father-on laws qth.

My latest antennas at my Oregon qth are 2 dual band, home brew open-sleeve fed 5 and 9 element aluminum, square boom yagis for 3 upper hf bands and 6 meter.

I stay away from 20 meters so my antennas are no more than 32 lbs, we have lots of snow ice and 85 mph winds in the fall up here but I use stronger home made mounts with my antennas which are only up to 40 feet high, all with the help of a real reinforced chimney support.

How are you mounting your Yaesu rotator?

 

[chrissim]

mm: I place the rotor at the top, just below antenna. I thought about mounting it from the bottom of the mast and using a thrust bearing near the bottom, but with the help of my wife I was able to get the mast extended even with the extra weight at the top. I pushed up and she locked it in place. I used three sets of Wireman 3/16 770 lb pull strength UV dacron. I have every confidence it would have withstood the wind force from the storm, it was the two branches that landed on the hex that took it down. I estimate both branches weighed roughly 50 to 75 lbs.

There's one other antenna that I didn't think of until last night. The Spiderbeam. Not as much information on it out there as there is for hex beams, but it's something to consider. I think it's a three element. I'll have to look into it a bit more.

Thanks for the comments.