I'll run a series of tests on each band (low, mid, and high end of the phone spectrums), with and without the filter, and will try both ends of the filter.  I'll post the results when I have them.

I am getting a noticeably higher SWR reading (sometimes > 3:1) indicated on my K3 when using a Bencher YA-1 Low Pass filter.  In some cases, my K3 gives me a HIGH CURRENT warning.

Taking the filter out of the loop immediately reduces the SWR (only 1 bar of SWR on the K3's SWR meter, or about 1.1:1).  The antenna is a Traffie Hex Beam which I previously confirmed had low SWR across its operating spectrum.  I am bypassing my internal tuner, as one should not be required with this antenna.

Can anyone advise me on whether the Low Pass filter is defective, or if this is a trade off of using one?  What other kinds of tests might I conduct to further identify the culprit?

I tested with two jumpers, one RG8X, the other LMR400 Flex, but both showed the same increased SWR reading.

Thanks for any and all comments!

-Jeff

Yeah, the ferrite beads will be going on the neighbor's computer speakers next time she mentions any interference.  I did end up buying a Bencher YA-1 filter anyway.  The homes in this area are 30 years old, and some of the original residents are still here.  Some even have the old aerial antennas.  So if anything, it makes be sleep easier knowing I've gone the extra mile to reduce my footprint on legacy electronics.

-Jeff

Same impression here.  Sometimes they sound a little fuzzy or muffled.  Maybe the CME hitting us has some effect on this?

But, they were clear enough to get in my log! 

-Jeff

Dave, I'll send you an e-mail.

Quick followup...712 QSOs on 3 bands in under 10 hours in the NAQP SSB.  It's a 100 watt contest, but it sure didn't sound like it.  Could not believe how strong signals were from every corner of the country.  Worked 49 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and DX (Columbia, for example) was calling ME!

What a dream antenna this is for me.  Highly recommended to anyone with a small lot, tower restrictions, etc.  If the price is objectionable, then homebrew your own hex.  Talked to someone on a homebrew and he sounded great.  It's a terrific design!

-Jeff

A few days I think.

I'm emulating the grounding and filtering system used by N6PEQ, a friend in my club who has one of the cleanest sounding/RFI-proofed stations ever assembled.  At full legal limit, the most he's ever had to do for a neighbor is donate a few ferrite beads.  I've never had problems with my neighbors, and only after I got the hex up did my good neighbor next door start to hear some garbled audio coming out of her PC speaker.  I'm going to do everything I can on my end to make sure I've got good clean RF coming out of my QTH.  Last thing I want to do is find out I've caused TVI to some stranger down the street.

-Jeff

Still learning about this stuff; didn't know if going from LMR400 down to a short run of RG8X was going to cause an issue.  But thanks for confirming it's not a problem!

-Jeff

I'm going to be purchasing a low pass filter, probably the Bencher model.  My HF antenna is fed with LMR400 Flex.  I have a short (3') jumper made of RG8X.  I've used this jumper with band pass filters connected to a feed of 9913 without issue.

Is it worth the time and trouble to make a jumper out of LMR400? (I don't have any parts at the moment, nor do I have an adequate soldering iron handy).

Thanks for your opinions/advice.

-Jeff

Hi Greg,

The mast is made by Spiderbeam (spiderbeam.us).  It is the 15m model.  While that mast will extend to 50 feet, it cannot support a 20 lb antenna at that height safely.  The top two sections are not used, leaving you with about a ~38' mast if fully raised.  The hex beam itself is almost 4' tall, so your 20m element is going to be in that desired 40' range.  I plan to use the discarded tubes to mount an HD antenna on my chimney.

So, you are left with a top section that accepts a 1" water pipe very nicely.  This is exactly the diameter pipe needed to mate a Traffie hex beam antenna.

To make this mast work with most rotators, you also need Spiderbeam's rotator adapter.  This is inserted into the bottom section of the mast and has a stub tube that will fit most rotators.

The guy plates consist of a plate and an aluminum bushing.  The bushing sits on top of the section below it and loosely rotates around the mast.  Even tension on the guy lines allows the mast to rotate freely inside the bushing.

-Jeff

It's like being a new ham all over again! I was +20 into AK yesterday with 100 watts.  +10 into VP8.  VE6AO had me +15 (compared to 57 last time we QSO'd).  I now have a usable shack several hours earlier in the morning compared to my inverted-v doublet.  No comparison!

It's a whole new world for me, especially now that I have to incorporate using a rotator.  Contesting is going to be at a whole new level for me now, as will DXing.  Hopefully I get to 200 DXCC this year (need 97 new ones to make that).

20 meters is actually FUN now! Before, it was harsh on my ears!

-Jeff

Hi all,

In the interest of helping others come up with antenna installation ideas for their own QTH, I documented the construction of my rotating mast system and Hex beam antenna.

The photo gallery is posted here: https://picasaweb.google.com/107624273163048625393/HexBeam?authuser=0&feat=directlink

I've added comments on most photos to help the viewer understand what is being shown.

In a nutshell:

- Traffie 5-band hex beam @ ~40'
- Guyed, rotating mast (Spiderbeam aluminum type raised to 37')
- Ground-mounted G-800DXA rotator
- House bracketed thrust bearing for added rigidity

In a few weeks, I'll be adding ground rods and lightning protection, and will post additional photos.

73, Jeff

The primary factor for me was the smaller turning radius (9.5' vs 11') and reduced weight (19.5 lbs vs 25 lbs).  I have to put this up on an aluminum push-mast (Spiderbeam 15m @ 38' and guyed, to be rotated at the base).

I read hundreds of customer testimonials for each version of hex beam out there, and what I found is there were hardly any negative reviews by anyone for any vendor (they all work good!).  It's a good design that is proven.  Some say the Traffie is a bit more refined and polished that the other makes, while others prefer to spend less money on the KIO, Bobber, or DX Engineering version.  I didn't come across any in-depth performance comparisons between the various brands, but it would be moot anyway, since I'm putting this up on a very small lot and can't have an 11' turning radius (the antenna would just about be extended beyond my backyard wall and very close to some trees).

I'm upgrading from an inverted V doublet so I have no doubt I'm going to be thrilled with the Traffie's performance.  I can't find a better antenna compatible with my QTH.

BTW, when you have a question or need technical support, you get Mike Traffie.  Quickly!

-Jeff

Did you place your rotator at the top of your mast?

My rotator will be placed at the base of the mast and 2 levels of guys will keep everything aligned vertically.  A 65mm thrust bearing will keep a lower section of mast secured to the house.  The rotator will be sitting on a welded structure firmly weighted down with rebar and concrete in the ground.  Spiderbeam has said a 15m mast should be fine as long as I keep the mast length to 38 feet or less.  Since the Hex is 4' tall, the whole antenna is going to be between 38' and 42' AGL, which is an effective height for this antenna.

For extra stability I'm going to adjust the tube sections of the mast so that the upper guy ring is just under the Hex Beam's hub. 

-Jeff