This is my SP7IDX broadband hexbeam on its pole, just now, in the light of a waning gibbous moon. The low, fast-moving cloud is being lit up by the lights of Drogheda. Light pollution is a big problem these days for Irish astronomers, where once it wasn't a difficulty. The hexbeam is a lightweight and small structure, ideal for small properties like mine. It has helped me work some fantastic DX, including ZL9HR, Campbell Island, just about the furthest place from Ireland. Anyway, I'm off to bed. No HF tonight. I spent a while out in the garden with the 25x100 binoculars, watching the moon, before taking a few shots with the Nikon D7000.
The photos you made are incredible Anthony. You sure need to see this kind of light. It seems to be a nice antenna with great results. How is the construction, would it be good enough to hold in a storm? 73, Bas
ReplyDeleteBas, thanks. Actually, this antenna has suffered somewhat from wind damage. One of the spreaders broke at a previous location, and at my QTH it has been repaired a couple of times already. The spreaders are telescopic, and need a LOT of insulating tape and cable ties etc to keep them from slipping back into each other. In the above pic, the spreader facing to the left has retracted slightly and you can see where the wires are a bit loose so that needs to be repaired!!
DeleteHi Anthony - it looks like a very tidy antenna. What's the overall diamaeter and what bands do it cover? By the way, excellent photograph! Cheers de Mark, EI7IS
ReplyDeleteMark, not exactly sure of the dimensions but I reckon it's about 15 to 18 feet in diameter. This one covers 20, 17, 15, 12 & 10m but the new version also covers 6m. Great antenna. Performs reasonably well at 25ft, but optimum is 35ft. Light weight and not too expensive. The Mark II version from SP7IDX is (I believe, but don't quote me) around 450 euro, maybe less.
DeleteHi OMs. There is one for sale now in EI. We had this antenna on Saltee EU-103 last year. 6-bands version.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Anthony, very nice shot of the antenna and the moon as well.
ReplyDeleteMike
My YL has the D700 and D800 Nikon and loves them!!
From what I understand it's a 2-element beam; i don't see any performance figures on the manufacturer's website, only some SWR charts, how does it perform compared to other antennas you used ?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Razvan.