Do you want big-station performance for a small station budget?
Are you only interested in working stations in one direction?
Do you want an antenna that doesn't stand out?
If all three apply then some sort of fixed direction wire beam might be for you.
Especially if you have a large tree that you could conceal it in.
Compact options include a two element quad or delta loop. Or a two or three element yagi. If a yagi you could even have the elements drooping down a bit like two inverted vee.
Once you've got the basic antenna refined you could make it switchable in direction. That could be handy for long distance DX where there's the option of working long path and short paths. Switchable direction is easiest for three element beams as you leave the centre (driven) element the same and electrically lengthen or shorten the outer elements to make them a reflector and director respectively. Relays could be used for remote switching with a control line from the shack.
Another option is to do what Les Moxon G6XN suggests in his book HF Antennas for All Locations for two element quads and that is to feed both elements with open wire line and handle the switching in the shack.
Here are some ideas on wire beams of various types.
* N6IJ 75m 3 element delta loop wire beam
* M0MCX bidirectional switchable wire yagi
* VE3RGW field day wire beam for 20 or 40m
* VE3VN 3 element wire yagi for 40m
* 2 element wire beam with 4 switchable directions
If you build any let us know how you get on in the comments below.
PS: Want to read more about antennas? Consider this selection of antenna books. They are affiliate links meaning that I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to purchase.
Are you only interested in working stations in one direction?
Do you want an antenna that doesn't stand out?
If all three apply then some sort of fixed direction wire beam might be for you.
Especially if you have a large tree that you could conceal it in.
Compact options include a two element quad or delta loop. Or a two or three element yagi. If a yagi you could even have the elements drooping down a bit like two inverted vee.
Once you've got the basic antenna refined you could make it switchable in direction. That could be handy for long distance DX where there's the option of working long path and short paths. Switchable direction is easiest for three element beams as you leave the centre (driven) element the same and electrically lengthen or shorten the outer elements to make them a reflector and director respectively. Relays could be used for remote switching with a control line from the shack.
Another option is to do what Les Moxon G6XN suggests in his book HF Antennas for All Locations for two element quads and that is to feed both elements with open wire line and handle the switching in the shack.
Here are some ideas on wire beams of various types.
* N6IJ 75m 3 element delta loop wire beam
* M0MCX bidirectional switchable wire yagi
* VE3RGW field day wire beam for 20 or 40m
* VE3VN 3 element wire yagi for 40m
* 2 element wire beam with 4 switchable directions
If you build any let us know how you get on in the comments below.
PS: Want to read more about antennas? Consider this selection of antenna books. They are affiliate links meaning that I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you decide to purchase.
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