Tell your friends, you found it at:

Serving Telecommunications and HAM Radio since 1969
Toll-free OrderLine:  Monday thru Friday  9am to 4pm, Eastern 1 866 300 1969
Toll Free
, OrderLine  Saturday,  12 noon  to  6 pm  Eastern  1 800 726 2919
 

The HRO's Guide to Building HAM Radio Antennas
(c) 1995-2006 by Buck Rogers, K4ABT


QUICK INDEX

BUT FIRST.... let's review some antenna "basics" in pictorial form.








The basic two-element quad antenna, with driven-element loop and reflector loop. The driven loops are electrically one wavelength in circumference
(1/4 wavelength on a side); the reflectors are slightly longer. Both configurations shown give horizontal polarization. For vertical polarization, the driven
element should be fed at one of the side corners in the arrangement at the left, or at the center of a vertical side in the “square” quad at the right.

When compared to a Yagi of the same number of elements and boom length, the quad exhibits almost 1.5 dB more gain for the same boom length. 

One of the high-points of the QUAD, is its inherent property to have a high immunity to terrestrial noise.  The quad’s design emphasizes greater gain for fewer elements.  And a final note; The Quad has a sharper beam-width which contributes to the added gain-bandwidth figure.

All Points Favor the Diamond configuration over the Square:

The question of how to orient the spreader arms has been raised many times over the years. Should you mount the loops in a diamond or a square configuration? Should one set of spreaders be horizontal to the earth as shown in Fig 1 (right), or should the wire itself be horizontal to the ground (spreaders mounted in the fashion of an X) as shown in Fig 1.  

From the mechanical point of view there is no question which version is better. The diamond quad, with the associated horizontal and vertical spreader arms, is capable of holding an ice load much better than a system where no vertical support exists to hold the wire loops upright. Put another way, the vertical poles of a diamond array, if sufficiently strong, will hold the rest of the system erect. When water droplets are accumulating and forming into ice, it is very reassuring to see water running down the wires to a corner and dripping off, rather than just sitting there on the wires and freezing. The wires of a loop (or several loops, in the case of a multiband antenna) help support the horizontal spreaders under a load of ice.  A square quad will droop severely under heavy ice conditions because there is nothing to hold it up straight.

Of course, keep the bottom spreader away from the tower guys when you rotate the antenna.

Hitch Pin Clips are used as "keepers" on many Cubicle Quad antenna spacers.  Keep a few "keeper" spares on-hand.  
Plated,  = zinc-coated.
Made of MB spring wire size=.042
Spring wire
Diameter = 3/64
Max Shaft Diameter 5/16"
Overall length = 1 inch
Inside Diameter = 5/16 "

      10 for .99 cents  BUXCOMM Part No.  HPC223  

 
2 meter version:  144 to 148 mHz
(model JPOL2) 29.95  
 
 
70cm version:   430-450 mHz
(model JPOL4) 24.95   

 

BUX VBALUN De-Coupling transformer

Primary use and application:
Feed point isolation and matching for J-Poles and VHF/UHF BEAMS.

This decoupling transformer prevents RF currents from traveling down the outer shield of the coax. The input connector is an SO239 (female) and the output connector is a PL259 (male).

BUX "VBALUN" De-Coupling transformer, has SO-239 (female) input connector.  Output connector is 2 feet RG8X cable with Amphenol PL-259 (male).   BUX VBALUN is an UNbalanced to UNbalance decoupling transformer designed to be used by the Apartment dweller or the RV ops when feeding J-Poles and similar VHF/UHF antennas. 

$19.95  VBALUN

Teflon ®™ E I DuPont corp.
Amphenol ®™ TYCO Corp.


BUXCOMM, VHF 4 element, full wave Cubicle Quad.
has more gain than a 6 element yagi, and the Quad is inherently immune to terrestrial noise.   This two meter quad makes a great antenna to reach out and touch those distant repeaters.  One of the outstanding features of the quad is its immunity to terrestrial noise.  This feature alone, makes if ideal for our digital modes, including: Packet, EchoLink, Eqso, SSTV, and many more.  Because of its highly directional feature, the Quad lets you pick out those distant stations without inter-mod from stations that are slightly off-path.   The BUXCOMM Cubicle Quad is extremely light, and comes complete, ready to assemble.  Fiber glass boom, and fiber glass spreaders.  Boom has provisions to "end mount" the BUX Quad to a tower leg, or  center mount to a rotating 1-1/4" mast.  Elements are made from Teflon(™ EI DuPont)  covered, Silver flashed, stranded wire for good skin-effect, and strength.  Assembly time is approximately 1 hour, and you're ready to connect your coax, and have fun.

Many VHF DX'ers and SWL's use this Quad to monitor Public Service, Fire & Rescue, and Air-Craft frequencies in distant cities.  Until you've tried the BUXCOMM Cubicle Quad, you don't know how much fun you are missing. 

2 Meter Specifications:

Frequency Range 143 - 150 Mhz
Vertical or Horizontal polarization
Gain 9.2 dbi
F/B 21.6 db
VSWR Typical 1.05:1
VSWR 2:1 bandwidth >6 Mhz
Impedance 50 ohms
Beamwidth 3 db 65. degrees
Cross Band Isolation 24 db
Power Max 700 watts
Number of elements 4 - #16 Teflon coated, Silver flashed, stranded wire
Boom Length 40"
Mast Mount 1-1/4"
Wind load < 1.0 Sq. Ft.
Weight 3 lbs.

$ 49.95   Order  VQUAD  

Hitch Pin Clips are used as "keepers" on many Cubicle Quad antenna spacers.  Keep a few "keeper" spares on-hand.  
Plated,  = zinc-coated.
Made of MB spring wire size=.042
Spring wire
Diameter = 3/64
Max Shaft Diameter 5/16"
Overall length = 1 inch
Inside Diameter = 5/16 "

      10 for .99 cents  BUXCOMM Part No.  HPC223  


Cubical Quad Antenna JavaScript Calculator for CB and Amateur Radio Communications
JavaScript PROGRAM by N6ACH Ron vanVarden
Enter the center frequency: mHz 
All directors are optional
Elements
Element -
Total Length
Wire -
One Side
 Spreader -
Half Length
Spreader - 
Total Length
 Element -
Spacing
  INCHES / CM INCHES / CM  INCHES / CM  INCHES / CM INCHES / CM 
Reflector  
Driven 
Director 1
Director 2
Director 3
Director 4
Director 5
Total Boom Length > FEET= INCHES= CM=

 

quad



When the stations with the gain and power in their antennas are transmitting in the horizontal plane, then you should be meeting them in the same plane.  Horizontal signals tend to follow the earths contour, and are easier to capture using a horizontally polarized antenna.  See the BUX UNUN elsewhere on this page.

 

 

 

 

 

By combining a pair (two) of the single band HF Mobile (loaded) tuneable-tip antennas above, you can have an ideal, single element, horizontal dipole (beam). This type antenna opens the world of HF communications for the apartment dweller, RV HAM, field-day operating, and a variety of other uses and applications.  The packages described below include two antenna, the Double Antenna-Bracket (DBLBRKT), and mounting hardware. 
$
39.97 DBLSPCL (
without BUX UNUN (ONION) With BALUN, see "DBLCOMBO", below.
75 Meters→,    40 Meters→,    20 Meters→,

17 Meters→,    15 Meters→,    10 Meters→,

 

 6 Meters → 

By combining a pair (two) of the single band HF Mobile (loaded) tuneable-tip antennas above, you can have an ideal, single element, horizontal dipole (beam). This type antenna opens the world of HF communications for the apartment dweller, RV HAM, field-day operating, and a variety of other uses and applications.  The package described here include: two antenna, the Double-Bracket (DBLBRKT), mounting hardware, and BUX BALUN (UNUN).    $AVE $$$$$,  BOTH, DPLSPCL & BUXUNUN,   for only $ 54.97, ORDER, DBLCOMBO 
75 Meters→,   40 Meters→,   20 Meters→,  17 Meters→,   
15 Meters→,   10 Meters→,  6  Meters →

Here's the perfect solution for your RV and portable HF antenna applications.  Use our dipole, mast-mounted bracket for 'fixed-station', field-day operating, apartment dwellers, and the RV travelers.  With two of the mobile HF antennas shown at left, you can have the best of both worlds.  By combining a pair (two) of the single band HF Mobile (loaded) tuneable-tip BUX Stix, and (VHF) whips shown below,
you can have an ideal, single element, horizontal dipole (beam). This type antenna opens the world of HF and VHF communications for the apartment dweller, RV HAM, field-day operating, and a variety of other uses and applications.   Antenna(s) Not Included.  

DBLBRKT  $14.95
 

BUX-stix
tuneable-tip
Mobile Antennas
tuneable-tip antennas allow adjusting for minimum VSWR.

BHF75M  75 METER  3/8" X 24 THREAD 8 feet long $16.95       

BHF40M 40 METER  3/8" X 24 THREAD  8 feet long $16.95       

BHF20M 20 METER 3/8" X 24 THREAD  8 feet long $16.95        

BHF17M 17 METER  3/8" X 24 THREAD 8 feet long $16.95        

BHF15M 15 METER 3/8" X 24 THREAD 8 feet long $16.95        


                                                    BHF10M 10 METER  3/8" X 24 THREAD 8 feet long $16.95        

                                                    BHF6M  6 METER  3/8" X 24 THREAD 5 feet long  $16.95          


   Replacement, 48 inch Tips for above tuneable-tip antennas. TIP48, $2.95        

Dual Antenna Mount

For HAM HF whip type antennas (similar to those shown below).  Use the two, (3/8"X24) SM1 (included),  mount as dual-antennas, or install your antennas in opposite directions, and mount the DAM bracket on 3/4" metal conduit for dipole performance, or portable and field-day operating.

 

$11.95  Order  DAM

Reinforced, Double Bracket used with our "DBLSPCL" antennas shown elsewhere on this page.  Mount two mobile whips in a horizontal plane to form a compact apartment dweller Dipole,  or RV antenna.    Double Antenna Bracket as shown at right.

$16.95 DBLBRKT  



CLICK ON the small graphic to view full size.




CLICK ON the small graphic to view full size.




CLICK ON the small graphic to view full size.




Read why:

BUX BALUN

is

The # 1 selling BALUN

 

At BUX COMM, *We don't cut corners!


The elements used in the development of our BUX BALUNs are manufactured from top quality components, beginning with the Silver Plate SO239 connectors and center insulator, made of teflon™(E.I Dupont).

 

The wire we use to wind the ferrite donuts is heavy-duty, silver flashed wire, with teflon™ insulation that will handle RF voltages above 5000 volts, and temperatures to 1000 degrees. The binding posts are heavy-duty, tempered brass, with end holes and side-thru holes to accommodate either type loop-thru connection.  A double-shoulder brass capture nut is used to add a secure bite and improve antenna wire electrical connections. 

BUX BALUNS are analyzed and tested in our lab, using a General Radio Impedance Bridge (GR1145) and Rohde & Schwarz, Vector Signal Generator and RF Spectrum Analyzer,  (SAM300) from 9 kHz -3 GHz to a WALFEUR 3000 watt, step range Pyronol-Dummy Load (SRDL3K).

With our BUX UN UN (ONION), the coax is Belden™ RG8X and the PL259 connectors are Amphenol™ with Silver flashed SO239, and Gold center pins.  Center Insulator is Teflon(EI DuPont)

BUX ONION     $19.95

model  BUXUNUN  
 


o 50 ohm, SO-239 unbalanced input
o UNBalanced output
o Two feet, RG8X to PL259
o 1.5 to 54 MHz  (160 Mtrs to 6 Mtrs)
o Toroid (CURRENT) design
o Heavy Duty, Lightweight
o Sealed against moisture

 

$19.95   ADD TO CART

 

 

MasterMatch4:1
BLACK HAWK

$19.95    MM41  

Our BUX Master-Match™ 4:1 current Balun is ideal for matching windoms, web'd or folded dipoles, and antennas fed at a 250 ohm to 500 ohm impedance feed point with normal 50 or 75 ohm coax cable. In contrast to ordinary Baluns the BUX MasterMatch™ 4:1 Balun support balanced currents in each leg of the antenna and prevents feedline (re)-radiation. As mentioned in our windom articles, feedlines and 450-ohm, brown, UV resistant, PolyCovered-Ladder-Line are easy to handle, and more-over they present another efficient means to feed multi-band antennas.  We strongly suggest the use of our UV resistant PolyCoat-Ladder-Line as it is made of strong, copper-clad, steel conductors. This light but durable, UV resistant Ladder-Line will  outlast the normal open copper with plastic spacers. (Includes three FREE antenna insulators, shown elsewhere, this page).

Master-Match™ "Black Hawk"  4:1 Features:
o DynaMAX Colored and Hardened, UV Resistant Resin, Enclosure
o Toroid CURRENT design, wound with teflon covered, silver flashed, copper wire.
o 50 ohm, silver plated, gold pin, teflon center insulator, SO-239 unbalanced input
o Heavy duty Hardened Brass, Balanced output terminals.
o 160 Meters through 10 Meters
o Heavy Duty, Lightweight construction
o Sealed against moisture

At BUX COMM, *We don't cut corners! The components used in the manufacture of our BALUNs are from top quality components, beginning with the UV resistant enclosures, then the Silver Plated SO239 connectors with center insulator made of teflon™(E.I Dupont). The wire we wind the ferrite donut with, is heavy-duty, silver flashed wire, with teflon™ insulation, which will handle RF voltages above 2500 volts, and temperatures above 400 degrees. The binding posts are heavy-duty, tempered brass, with end holes and side-thru holes to accommodate either type loop-thru connection. A double-shoulder brass capture nut is used to add a secure bite and improve electrical connections to the wire .
SPECIAL   BONUS !
Buy either our Master-Match™ 4:1 BALUN or our Master-Match™ 1:1   BALUN and receive "FREE," a Package of three TyNITE™ Insulators, shown elsewhere on this page.
  The BUX Master-Match 4:1 & Master-Match™ 1.1 High Performance ,  1.5  KW Balun (if SWR is less than 2:1)  *CW/SSB duty-cycles only.   SSB/CW Power @ 3.5 MHz* >1.5 kW if SWR is less than 3:1  *Not rated for AM, RTTY or other high duty-cycle digital modes.

MasterMatch 1:1
CARDINAL

 
$19.95   Order MM11  

BUX Master-Match™ 1:1 current Balun is ideal for Dipoles, Slopers, Inverted-Vees and center feed-point, RV antennas. They are also employed at the driven element of of many HF beams and Quads, and where feedpoint impedance is at, or near 50 ohms. By equalizing the currents in the antenna feeders, the Dipole pattern improves and prevents feedline (re)-radiation by preventing antenna currents flowing along the outer braid of the coax or transmission Line.
Master-Match™ 1:1 Features:
o DynaMAX Colored and Hardened, UV Resistant Resin, Enclosure
o 50 ohm, silver plated, gold pin, teflon center insulator, SO-239 unbalanced input
o Heavy duty Hardened Brass, Balanced output terminals.
o 1.8 to 54 MHz
o Toroid CURRENT design.
o Heavy Duty, Lightweight construction
o Sealed against moisture

At BUX COMM, *We don't cut corners! The components used in the manufacture of our MasterMatch BALUNs are from top quality components, beginning with the UV resistant enclosures, then the Silver Plated SO239 connectors with center insulator made of teflon™(E.I Dupont). The wire we wind the ferrite donut with, is heavy-duty, silver flashed wire, with teflon™ insulation, which will handle RF voltages above 2500 volts, and temperatures above 400 degrees. The binding posts are heavy-duty, tempered brass, with end holes and side-thru holes to accommodate either type loop-thru connection. A double-shoulder brass capture nut is used to add a secure bite and improve electrical connections to the wire
SPECIAL  BONUS
Buy either our Master-Match™ 4:1 BALUN or our Master-Match™ 1:1   BALUN and receive "FREE," a Package of three TyNITE™ Insulators, as shown elsewhere on this page3 The BUX Master-Match 4:1 & Master-Match™ 1.1 High Performance ,  1.5  KW Balun (if SWR is less than 2:1)  *CW/SSB duty-cycles only.   SSB/CW Power @ 3.5 MHz* >1.5 kW if SWR is less than 3:1  *Not rated for AM, RTTY or other high duty-cycle digital modes.

AMERICAN EAGLE

2500 WATT BALUN
This is our BUX COMM High-Performance, Heavy Duty, "Big Talker"
We designed it to cope with a "couple" kilowatts... or  three.   We decided that was NOT good enough, so we built it to endure harsh treatment.

  STATS: Current Balun, Wt. 1.5 LBs, 4:1 Hi-Power, 160 thru 10 Meterz
  HEAVY DUTY TOROID MADE OF TYPE 43 FERRITE
  LOW PERMEABILITY CORE

  2500 WATT 4:1 current High Performance, Heavy Duty,

  *CW/SSB duty-cycles only.  SSB/CW Power @ 3.5 MHz* >2.5kW * SWR  is less than 3:1, Not rated for RTTY & AM

 Will not saturate at Amateur Radio Power Levels
  Regular $64.97   

Order Model AE41 $ 34.95  

1:1 version High Performance, Heavy Duty, 2500 WATT (Current BALUN),
Order Model AE11 
$ 34.95

ebux
FALCON 6:1 balun

50 ohms unbalanced (coaxial) to 300 ohms balanced
For use with OCF dipoles, doublets, and antennas fed with 300 ohm transition sections 1 .5 MHz to 30 MHz @ 1Kw

o 50 ohm, silver plated, gold pin, teflon center insulator, SO-239     unbalanced input

o Heavy duty Hardened Brass, Balanced output terminals.

o 1.8 to 30 MHz

o Dual Toroid design

o High Efficiency

o Lightweight construction

o Sealed against moisture

o BUXcomm BALUNs are equipped with stainless eyebolts for easy hanging support, and suspension.
Order Model  FALCON 
$ 27.95

Master-Match™ FALCON is a 6:1 Balun is ideal for matching OCF, antennas fed with, web'd or ladder-line.  In contrast to ordinary Baluns the BUX MasterMatch™ FALCON 6:1 Balun supports balanced currents to each leg of the antenna and prevents feedline (re)-radiation.

 

MOBILE KING, Antenna UNUN
For bottom fed, and Screw-Driver antennas.
1.8 MHz to 54 MHz
 Master Match
MOBILE KING "Big Talker"  UNUN
 

o  FREE  3ft RG8X coax jumper with PL259's.
o
1.8 to 54 MHz
o Ferrite (current) Broadband Toroid design
o Heavy Duty, Lightweight construction
o SO-239 UNbalanced input.
o
SO-239 UNbalanced output,
o Sealed against moisture

 In Stock  Order SDAB  UNUN  $19.95

BUX VBALUN De-Coupling transformer

Primary use and application:
Feed point isolation and matching for J-Poles and VHF/UHF BEAMS.

This decoupling transformer prevents RF currents from traveling down the outer shield of the coax. The input connector is an SO239 (female) and the output connector is a PL259 (male).

BUX "VBALUN" De-Coupling transformer, has SO-239 (female) input connector.  Output connector is 2 feet RG8X cable with Amphenol PL-259 (male).   BUX VBALUN is an UNbalanced to UNbalance decoupling transformer designed to be used by the Apartment dweller or the RV ops when feeding J-Poles and similar VHF/UHF antennas. 

$19.95  VBALUN

Teflon ®™ E I DuPont corp.
Amphenol ®™ TYCO Corp.


A good method to suspend a balun and the center of your antenna without placing undue stress on the BALUN or the binding posts.







A=Benz-O-Matic propane torch; B=Lead-Free solder; C=Tape measure: D=Tubing cutter; E=Sharpie marking pen; F=Solder Paste; G=1/2 inch copper caps; H=Hardcopy of the above drawing; I=Wet Towel; J=PreCut, ready to assemble parts of the 2 meter J-Pole.








CLICK HERE
AND DESIGN YOUR OWN "J" Pole


Design-A-Quad Antenna

Calculate the total wire length for each element of a quad antenna.
REFLECTOR = 1030 / F (MHz)
DRIVEN = 1005 / F (MHz)
DIRECTOR 1 = 975 / F (MHz)
DIRECTOR 2 = 960 / F (MHz)

ELEMENT SPACING between:
1) Reflector & Driven Element = 730 / F (MHz)
2) Driven Element & 1st Director= 600 / F (MHz)
3) 1st Director & 2nd Director = 600 / F (MHz)

Enter the formula for the antenna calculation
Divided by
Freq MHz

Total wire-length in feet is FEET.
Total wire-length in inches is
INCHES.
One of four sides in FEET =
<- Use ONLY this number for "element spacing" when entering the element spacing numbers (constants; 730 or 600) above!
Total all spacing measurements (in inches) then add 2 inches for each end.

THE QUAD SHOWN BELOW IS AN EXAMPLE OF A QUAD DESIGN USING DESIGN-A-QUAD ABOVE

Call our toll-free OrderLine: 866 300 1969 Monday > Friday 9:AM to 4:PM,
Saturday, 1 800 726 2919, ORDERS ONLY  toll FREE  12 noon > 6 pm  eastern time
We accept:

RASCAL + CABLES TNC to Radio Cables RASCAL GLKits BASE ANTENNAS Mobile Antennas + RV/Portable Antennas RF Connectors, ETC Audio Connectors-CBLs BALUNS & UNUNs WINDOM & Antennas Power Cords-Connectors RASCAL CABLES WIRE & CABLE + Switches & Relays Meters, DVM & Panel Tools & Test Equip't Speakers & Mounts Fuses & Fuseholders NEW ADDITIONS RASCAL for EchoLink Replacement MICs J-Pole Handbook RASCAL Setup Manual RASCAL GLX on EchoLink Accessories & Solid State PSK31 for the Beginner HAM Antenna Primer PacketRadio Primer Packet Radio Glossary Volume Controls TNC to PC Comports Antenna Handbook Solving Hum & Noise Problems Loop Antenna Calculator IC-706 on EchoLink RASCAL CABLES CB Replacement MICs CB Mic Wiring Page 9600 Baud PhoenixSX Toroids & Ferrites Dealers Area All Products SOLAR Power for HAMs HAM Radio Freeware PConnector Index Building Packet Networks X1J4 Node Setup Packet SysOp Help Download BUXterm Free Radio Mods & More HAM Station Grounding Packet Node Code PacketRadio Band-plan Our Customer's say Mail Order Form Shipping & Returns HOME Zipped Catalog RASCAL 2006 CBLs JACOMMemphis TN Sale & Discount Items

We accept:
 All text and graphics on these pages are ©®™ of G. E. Rogers Sr and BUX COMM Corp 1986 - 2006
For tech support, Email: S U P P O R T @ B U X C O M M . c o m

SORRY, due a large number of losses, missing items, and similar issues;  WE DO NOT SHIP TO Mexico, or Indonesia
NOTICE: We ship WINDOM and G5RV antennas worldwide, However; Due to excessive damage, we cannot ship HF Mobile or VHF Base antennas outside the continental USA !

Dealer Orders, Monday thru Friday, 10 AM  to  4 PM EDST,  1 800 726 2919   All orders ship same business day if received before 2 pm EDST
Tracking information is sent to you via email.  Business days are Monday - Friday, Excluding Holidays
 
Semper Fidelis
 

 

For Dealer Pricing and Quantity Quotes;

Hit Counter