homebrew 6 meter yagi’s by eric smitt k9es

Homebrew 6 Meter Yagi’sBy Eric Smitt K9ES

Why Build an Antenna ???

• Look at the cost of Commercial 6M Beams…….

• 6M Beams are not that hard to build

• Parts ARE available

• 6M Beams are not that large

Commercial Pricing !Manufacturer Model Elem. Boom Gain Cost

Cushcraft A503S 3 5’ 6” 8 dbi $139.95

Cushcraft A505S 5 12’ 10.5 dbi $199.95

Cushcraft A506S 6 20’ 11.6 dbi $399.95

Hygain (MFJ) VB64DX 4 12’ 8.2 dbd $144.95

Hygain (MFJ) VB66DX 6 24’ 10.3 dbd $265.95

M-Squared 6M-3 4 6’ 9” 6.4 dbd $179.99

M-Squared 6M-5XHP 5 18’ 9.5 dbd $366.99

M-Squared 6M-7JHV 7 30’ 8” 10.9 dbd $389.99

Mosely AM-56 5 12’ 10.8 dbi $455.99

Boom Lngth

/ft3el 1.9M 7 8.49 30.37 8.58 30.7 500 <1.3:1 60 964el 3.5M 12 9.91 19.01 10.05 26.25 500 <1.2:1 54 765el 4.1M 14 10.41 29.2 10.41 32.79 700 <1.1:1 54 685el 4.4M 15 10.63 29.33 10.64 34.57 600 <1.1:15el 4.6M 15.5 10.82 23.84 10.83 25.28 600 <1.1:15el 4.7M 16 11 22.37 11.1 25 500 <1.1:15el 4.9M 16.5 11.01 19.37 11.04 19.98 600 <1.1:1 48 646el 6.4M 21 11.9 27.5 11.69 32.43 <1.1:1 48 586el 6.8M 23 11.87 27.51 11.9 28.85 600 <1.1:16el 7.3M 24 12.33 23.17 12.4 25.46 <1.1:17el 8.9M

LFA229.5 12.81 43.33 12.82 44.56 600 <1.1:1 42 50

8el 9.5M LFA2

31.25 13.02 29.15 13.06 29.86 600 <1.1:1

7el 9.7M 31.5 13.16 26.98 13.21 31.9 500 <1.1:18el

12.5M41 14.06 25.2 14.11 32.26 500 <1.1:1

9el 15.0M

49.25 14.5 32.53 14.54 34.86 600 <1.1:1

10el 17.3M

57 15.1 30.54 15.12 32.87 500 <1.1:1

11el 19.8M

67 15.57 25.3 15.6 38.86 500 <1.1:1

Force 12 Loop Fed Array and Optimized Wideband Low Impedance

ModelGain /

dBiF/B / dB

Peak Gain

Peak F/BBandwidt

h kHzVSWR

AZ beam width

EL beam width

Commercial Designs – Cushcraft A505S

Commercial Designs – Cushcraft A506S

Commercial Designs – Hygain VB46DX

Commercial Designs – Hygain VB66DX

Very Large Commercial Yagis

Aluminum Tubing

Aluminum Tubing

DX Engineering Aluminum Tubing Type 6063 - 6 ft. unslit ends

New - DX Engineering Type 6063-T832

drawn - not extruded - aluminum tubing

in telescoping 6 foot lengths..

HIGH STRENGTH TELESCOPING

ALUMINUM TUBING

Rugged aluminum alloy 6063 is most

commonly used for seamless structural

tube and pipe. It is popular in structural

use for both its high strength and great,

long lasting appearance.

Part # Part Name PriceDXE-AT1189 Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.375" x 0.058"

wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits $ 2.95

DXE-AT1480 Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.500" x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits

$ 4.15


$ 4.75


$ 5.35


$ 5.65


$ 5.95


$ 6.55


$ 7.75


$ 8.45


$ 8.95


$ 9.75


$ 10.65


$ 11.55


$ 12.45


$ 13.35

http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=2386&PLID=364&SecID=136&DeptID=%7B28CBC4E4-F689-4618-9B6A-47B89A8F4DCA%7D&PartNo=DXE-AT1189















Aluminum Tubing

Part # DescriptionPrice Per Foot

AL24-375Aluminum Tubing 0.375" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832

$.50

AL24-500Aluminum Tubing 0.500" OD x 0.058 wall", 6063-T832

$.70

AL24-625Aluminum Tubing 0.625" OD x 0.058 wall", 6063-T832

$.80


$.90


$.95

AL24-1000

Aluminum Tubing 1.000" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832

$1.00

AL24-1125


$1.10

AL24-1250


$1.30

AL24-1375


$1.40

AL24-1500


$1.50

AL24-2 Aluminum Tubing 2" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832 $2.25

Cycle 24PO Box 2233Harrison, AR 72602(870) 743-4027 (870) 743-4027 (870) 715-8228 (870) 715-8228 Fax: (870) 743-4023 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.cycle-24.com/

U-Bolts and Saddle Clamps

Cycle 24PO Box 2233Harrison, AR 72602(870) 743-4027 (870) 743-4027 (870) 715-8228 (870) 715-8228 Fax: (870) 743-4023 [email protected]



U-Bolts and Saddle ClampsCycle 24PO Box 2233Harrison, AR 72602(870) 743-4027 (870) 743-4027 (870) 715-8228 (870) 715-8228 Fax: (870) 743-4023 [email protected]

FOR TUBING

SIZEPart# A B C D E F G H GA

COMPLETE CLAMP

U BOLT AND

NUTS ONLY

1 1/4"

****CL113 2.31 1.63 2.30 1.00 1.36 0.26 0.93 .560 13ga $1.50 $.75

1 3/8"

****CL125 2.44 1.75 2.39 1.00 1.48 0.26 0.99 .560 13ga $1.60 $.80

1 1/2"

****CL1375 2.56 1.88 2.54 1.00 1.61 0.26 1.05 .560 11ga $2.20 $1.10

2"

2"

Stainless

CL2000

CL2000SS

3.25

3.25

2.50

2.50

4.00

4.00

1.50

1.50

2.17

2.17

0.31

.31

1.42

1.42

.640

.640

11ga

11ga

3/8"

$2.75

$8.75

$1.35

$4.50

2 1/4" CL2250 3.50 2.75 4.12 1.50 2.42 0.32 1.55 .640 11ga $3.00 $1.50

2 1/2" CL2500 3.75 3.00 4.38 1.50 2.67 0.33 1.68 .640 11ga $3.25 $1.60

3" CL3000 4.38 3.50 4.87 1.50 3.17 0.30 1.90 .82 11ga $4.50 $2.25

3 1/2" CL3500 4.88 4.00 5.37 1.50 3.67 0.56 2.40 .820 11ga $5.00 $2.50

**** (For tubing sizes 1 1/4, 1 3/8, and 1 1/2) U-Bolt - 5/16-18 UNC-2A ThreadsNuts – Serrated Flanged For tubing sizes 2" through 3 ½" U-Bolt -- 3/8-16 UNC-2A ThreadsNuts - Serrated Flanged All Clamps are Zinc Plated with Yellow Dichromate Dip



U-Bolts and Saddle ClampsDX Engineering

U-Bolt Saddle Clamps

Our U-bolt saddle clamps are designed specifically for antennas:

First, they're made in sizes that fit tubing--not pipe sizes like the clamps that you might be able to purchase at the hardware store.

Second, the U-bolts that come with them are made of high-strength 18-8 stainless steel, and they're long enough to attach tubing to thick plates. In addition to 5/16’’ U-bolts in the 2, 2.5 and 3’’ clamps we have recently added 3/8’’ U-bolts in the same sizes. See Clamp Dimensions below.

Part # Part Name Price

DXE-SAD-050A 1/2 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 4.95

DXE-SAD-075A 3/4 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 5.35

DXE-SAD-100A 1 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 5.70

DXE-SAD-125A 1-1/4 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 6.55


$ 7.40


$ 8.55

DXE-SAD-200A 2 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 5/16 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 9.75

DXE-SAD-200B 2 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 3/8 in. U-bolt & Hardware

$ 10.95

http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=108&PLID=14&SecID=1&DeptID=%7B2D322FED-6913-436A-ACE0-A2799DF6EDF9%7D&PartNo=DXE-SAD-050A







http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=425&PLID=14&SecID=1&DeptID=%7B2D322FED-6913-436A-ACE0-A2799DF6EDF9%7D&PartNo=DXE-SAD-200B


V-Bolt Saddle Clamps

The saddles are sold as a set and not as individual components, however you may order additional or replacement “V” bolt hardware sets.


DXE-CAVS-1P V-Saddle Clamp, 1/2 in. to 1-3/4 in. O.D. Applications

$ 9.95

DXE-CAVS-11P V-Saddle Clamp, 1/2 to 1-3/4 in. O.D. Applications, 5/16-18 thread

$ 10.45

DXE-CAVS-2P V-saddle clamp, 1 to 2 in. O.D. Applications $ 11.95

DXE-CAVS-3P V-Saddle Clamp, 2 in. to 3 in. O.D. Applications $ 14.95

http://www.dxengineering.com/products.asp?ID=176

http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=215&PLID=167&SecID=1&DeptID=%7B2D322FED-6913-436A-ACE0-A2799DF6EDF9%7D&PartNo=DXE-CAVS-1P





Powder Coated Saddle Clamps

Our powder coated saddle clamps are made in sizes that fit tubing--not pipe sizes like the clamps that you might be able to purchase at the hardware or automotive sources. The U/V-bolts that come with them are made of high-strength 18-8 stainless steel, and they're long enough to attach our Multi-Purpose Mounting Plates to a variety of different roll cage or tubing diameters.

These powder coated saddles are cast with high-strength 535.0 aluminum, which also has superior anti-corrosion properties, to grip the tubing securely. Unlike the stamped or machined type their as-cast rippled surface is the correct size to fit the tubing closely and will grip the aluminum tubing for a secure fit that resists the ravages of weather. The powder coated saddles are sold as a set and not as individual components, however you may order additional or replacement “U/V” bolts sets.Always use a lubricant such as Never-Seez to prevent the stainless steel hardware from seizing.


DXE-PCAVS-1P 1/2 in. to 1-3/4 in. O.D. Blk Powder Coated V-Saddle Clamp

$ 10.90

DXE-PCAVS-2P 1 to 2 inch Powder Coated V-saddle Clamp, Black $ 12.95

DXE-PSAD-050A 1/2 in. Powder Coated Blk U-Bolt Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 6.80

DXE-PSAD-075A 3/4 in. Powder Coated Blk U-Bolt Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 7.10

DXE-PSAD-150A 1-1/2 in. Powder Coated Blk U-Bolt Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 9.05

DXE-PSAD-175A 1-3/4 in. Powder Coated Blk U-Bolt Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt & Hardware

$ 10.15




http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=1170&PLID=190&SecID=1&DeptID=%7B2D322FED-6913-436A-ACE0-A2799DF6EDF9%7D&PartNo=DXE-PCAVS-1P

http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=2460&PLID=190&SecID=1&DeptID=%7B2D322FED-6913-436A-ACE0-A2799DF6EDF9%7D&PartNo=DXE-PCAVS-2P

http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=1171&PLID=190&SecID=1&DeptID=%7B2D322FED-6913-436A-ACE0-A2799DF6EDF9%7D&PartNo=DXE-PSAD-050A

Anti-Seizing CompoundDX Engineering

An Anti-seize compound MUST be used on any Stainless Steel nuts, bolts, clamps or other hardware to prevent galling and thread seizure. Any of these products can be used for this purpose.


*DXE-80078 ANTI SEIZE 8oz Brush Top Can $ 10.99

* This product is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only*DXE-81343 Anti-Seize, 1 oz. Squeeze Tube $ 2.99

* This product is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only*DXE-81464 Anti-Seize, 8.5 oz. Aerosol Can $ 12.99

* This product is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only*DXE-NSBT8 Never-Seez, 8 oz. Brush Top $ 12.95

* This product is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only*DXE-NMCBT8 Never-Seez, 8 oz. Brush Top, Mariner's Choice $ 14.95

* This product is limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only

Local Hardware + Surplus StoresDaytona Bolt and Nut

Ace HardwareTractor SupplyNorthern ToolHome Depot

LowesTravis Hardware

Astro TooSkycraft (Orlando)

Fastenall (Dow Road)

Inexpensive Element to Boom Mounting

An Aluminum Plate (3” x6”) is drilled with 8 holes spaced for the different U-Bolts. The U-Bolts support the element and the boom. In this case, the element is electrically connected to the boom.

Inexpensive Boom to Mast Mounting

A used Aluminum Panel is drilled and 2 DX Engineering Saddle Clamps are mounted to hold the boom. The panel will then be drilled to mount 2 additional Saddle Clamps to connect to the mast. This is a low cost solution to the $100 commercial units.

Inexpensive Direct Feed with Balun

This is being used on my “Clone” HygaIn VB66-DX

Split Driven Element with Fiberglass Insert Insulator

Current Balun

Using Level to place elements Horizontal

Finished Beam is “Clone” Hygain VB66DX

Boom is 24 Feet long, 2 inch diameterFrom old Hygain 204BA damaged yagi.Total cost was less than $30.00 for new U-Bolts. Element to Boom Plates were cut from old aluminum panel. Antenna element tubing was from old antennas. This antenna will be at 152 feet.

The Cushcraft A5S Gamma Match

Making a Gamma Match Feed

Aluminum Strap

Plexiglas Spacer


SO-239

Tuning a Gamma Match with a Trimmer Capacitor

Once the Trimmer Capacitor is set for Lowest SWR, it is removed and the capacitance is measured with the MFJ-269 unit.

5-75 pfd Trimmer Capacitor

Replace Trimmer with RG-213 Capacitor RG-213 has a capacitance of 29 pfd/ft Cut more coax than you need for the capacitor Leave 4 inches of center conductor without braid Remove 1” less braid than calculated at 29 pfd/ft Measure capacitance with MFJ 259 or MFJ 269 Trim additional braid and remeasure capacitance Repeat until you arrive at desired value Carefully solder 2” wire at end of braid and solder lug at other end Trim ½ inch of insulation from center conductor and tin with solder.

This capacitor measures 15 pfdIt is weatherproofed & inserted in Gamma tube, with the center soldered to the SO-239 connector and the terminal lug screwed to the Gamma Tube.

Another method of Tuning Antenna at 25’ in air

Antenna is “Clone” Hygain VB64DX with a cost of less than $30.00Using a Gamma Match from a Cushcraft A5S design.

Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 AnalyzerFrequency of interest 1.3:1 VSWR

Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 Analyzer2-1 VSWR High Frequency 51.438 MHz

Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 AnalyzerPerfect Match @ 48.432 MHz

Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 Analyzer2-1 VSWR Low Frequency 46.076 MHz

The Finished Product !A “Clone” of the Hygain VB-64DX

Commercial Cost = $159.95 My Cost = Less that $ 24.00Boom came from a broken TH3jr, cost was U-Bolts at ACE hardware.

Boom Length = 14 Feet, cut to 12’, Weight = 20 Pounds

Another Finished Product !A “Clone” of the Hygain VB-66DX

Commercial Cost = $265.95 My Cost = Less that $ 30.00Boom came from a broken 204BA, cost was U-Bolts at ACE hardware.

Boom Length = 24 Feet, Weight = 40 Pounds

Feeding the AntennaIn order to achieve the desired results, the currents and voltage on the driven element must be balanced, where coaxial cable is unbalanced.

Unwanted current on the braid of the coax

Use a Balun, a Gamma Match, Beta Match, or a Hairpin Match

BalunA Balun can be purchased through many sources, or you can make a Balun out of Coaxial Cable. Make sure they work at 6 Meters.

Choke Balun

Use an aerosol can as a form. Tape 2 nylon tie wraps on opposite sides of the can. Start wrapping the coax tightly around the can. 5 turns is a sufficient Choke Balun for 6 Meters. Secure the turns with the tie wrap, and using a utility razor, trim the end of the coax 9 inches from the choke balun, soldering the center to a terminal lug and the braid to another terminal lug. Coat the brade and center conductor with weather sealant and then wrap with outdoor tape.

Gamma Match

15 5/8”

1 7/8”

The Coax Line can be an SO-239 mounted on a small plate at the center of the element.Initially, use an air variable (10-50 pfd) to find the best match. Then measure the capacitance, and replace with a piece of coaxial cable, knowing that RG-8 (Belden 8237) has a capacitance of 29 pfd per foot.

Hairpin Match

The Hairpin is balanced and easy to tune. It has the correct electrical and mechanical design to allow it to be easily installed and tuned in 10 minutes and has enough capacity for almost any Yagi design.

Beta Match

Similar to the Hairpin Match, with an adjustable shorting length, the Beta Match is fed with a 1 to 1 Balun.

Any Questions?

homebrew 6 meter yagi’s by eric smitt k9es

Documents

dxeat1480aluminum tubing

dxeat1481aluminum tubing

dxeat1482aluminum tubing

dxeat1483aluminum tubing

dxeat1484aluminum tubing

dxeat1485aluminum tubing

dxeat1486aluminum tubing

dxeat1487aluminum tubing