Homebrew 6 Meter Yagi’s
By 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
Force 12 Loop Fed Array and Optimized Wideband Low Impedance
Model
3el 1.9M
4el 3.5M
5el 4.1M
5el 4.4M
5el 4.6M
5el 4.7M
5el 4.9M
6el 6.4M
6el 6.8M
6el 7.3M
7el 8.9M
LFA2
8el 9.5M
LFA2
7el 9.7M
8el
12.5M
9el
15.0M
10el
17.3M
11el
19.8M
Boom
Lngth
/ft
7
12
14
15
15.5
16
16.5
21
23
24
Gain /
dBi
F/B / dB
Peak
Gain
Peak F/B
Bandwidt
h kHz
8.49
9.91
10.41
10.63
10.82
11
11.01
11.9
11.87
12.33
30.37
19.01
29.2
29.33
23.84
22.37
19.37
27.5
27.51
23.17
8.58
10.05
10.41
10.64
10.83
11.1
11.04
11.69
11.9
12.4
30.7
26.25
32.79
34.57
25.28
25
19.98
32.43
28.85
25.46
500
500
700
600
600
500
600
29.5
12.81
43.33
12.82
44.56
31.25
13.02
29.15
13.06
31.5
13.16
26.98
41
14.06
49.25
VSWR
AZ beam EL beam
width
width
<1.3:1
<1.2:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
<1.1:1
60
54
54
96
76
68
48
48
64
58
600
<1.1:1
42
50
29.86
600
<1.1:1
13.21
31.9
500
<1.1:1
25.2
14.11
32.26
500
<1.1:1
14.5
32.53
14.54
34.86
600
<1.1:1
57
15.1
30.54
15.12
32.87
500
<1.1:1
67
15.57
25.3
15.6
38.86
500
<1.1:1
600
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
Part #
Part Name
DXE-AT1189
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.375" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.500" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.625" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.750" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 0.875" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.000" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.125" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.250" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.375" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.500" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.625" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.750" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 1.875" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 2.000" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
Aluminum Tubing 6' x 2.125" x 0.058"
wall, 6063-T832 drawn, no slits
DXE-AT1480
New - DX Engineering Type 6063-T832
DXE-AT1481
drawn - not extruded - aluminum tubing
DXE-AT1482
in telescoping 6 foot lengths..
DXE-AT1483
DXE-AT1484
HIGH STRENGTH TELESCOPING
DXE-AT1485
ALUMINUM TUBING
DXE-AT1486
Rugged aluminum alloy 6063 is most
commonly used for seamless structural
tube and pipe. It is popular in structural
DXE-AT1487
DXE-AT1488
use for both its high strength and great,
DXE-AT1489
long lasting appearance.
DXE-AT1490
DXE-AT1491
DXE-AT1492
DXE-AT1493
Price
$ 2.95
$ 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
Aluminum Tubing
Cycle 24
PO Box 2233
Harrison, AR 72602
(870) 743-4027 (870) 743-4027
(870) 715-8228 (870) 715-8228
Fax: (870) 743-4023
sales@cycle-24.com
Part #
Description
Price Per
Foot
AL24-375
Aluminum Tubing 0.375" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$.50
AL24-500
Aluminum Tubing 0.500" OD x 0.058 wall", 6063-T832
$.70
AL24-625
Aluminum Tubing 0.625" OD x 0.058 wall", 6063-T832
$.80
AL24-750
Aluminum Tubing 0.750" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$.90
AL24-875
Aluminum Tubing 0.875" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$.95
AL24-1000
Aluminum Tubing 1.000" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$1.00
AL24-1125
Aluminum Tubing 1.125" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$1.10
AL24-1250
Aluminum Tubing 1.250" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$1.30
AL24-1375
Aluminum Tubing 1.375" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$1.40
AL24-1500
Aluminum Tubing 1.500" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$1.50
AL24-2
Aluminum Tubing 2" OD x 0.058" wall, 6063-T832
$2.25
Cycle 24
PO Box 2233
Harrison, AR 72602
(870) 743-4027 (870) 743-4027
(870) 715-8228 (870) 715-8228
Fax: (870) 743-4023
sales@cycle-24.com
U-Bolts and Saddle Clamps
U-Bolts and Saddle Clamps
Cycle 24
PO Box 2233
Harrison, AR 72602
(870) 743-4027 (870) 743-4027
(870) 715-8228 (870) 715-8228
Fax: (870) 743-4023
sales@cycle-24.com
FOR
TUBING
SIZE
**** (For tubing sizes
1 1/4, 1 3/8, and 1
1/2) U-Bolt - 5/16-18
UNC-2A Threads
Nuts – Serrated
Flanged
For tubing sizes 2"
through 3 ½" U-Bolt
-- 3/8-16 UNC-2A
Threads
Nuts - Serrated
Flanged
All Clamps are Zinc
Plated with Yellow
Dichromate Dip
Part#
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
U
BOLT
COMPLETE
GA
AND
CLAMP
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
CL125
2.44 1.75 2.39 1.00 1.48 0.26 0.99 .560 13ga $1.60
$.80
CL1375
2.56 1.88 2.54 1.00 1.61 0.26 1.05 .560 11ga $2.20
$1.10
CL2000
3.25 2.50 4.00 1.50 2.17 0.31 1.42 .640
****
1 3/8"
****
1 1/2"
****
2"
11ga
2"
$2.75
$1.35
$8.75
$4.50
11ga
CL2000SS 3.25 2.50 4.00 1.50 2.17 .31
1.42 .640
Stainless
3/8"
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
U-Bolts and Saddle Clamps
DX 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
DXE-SAD-150A
1-1/2 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt &
Hardware
$ 7.40
DXE-SAD-175A
1-3/4 in. Saddle Clamp, Stainless 1/4 in. U-Bolt &
Hardware
$ 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
U-Bolts and Saddle Clamps
DX Engineering
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.
Part #
Part Name
Price
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
U-Bolts and Saddle Clamps
DX Engineering
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 highstrength 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.
Part #
Part Name
Price
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
Anti-Seizing Compound
DX 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.
Part #
Part Name
Price
*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 Stores
Daytona Bolt and Nut
Ace Hardware
Tractor Supply
Northern Tool
Home Depot
Lowes
Travis Hardware
Astro Too
Skycraft (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
Split Driven Element with Fiberglass
Insert Insulator
Current Balun
This is being used on my “Clone” HygaIn VB66-DX
Using Level to place elements Horizontal
Finished Beam is “Clone” Hygain VB66DX
Boom is 24 Feet long, 2 inch diameter
From 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
Plexiglas Spacer
Aluminum Strap
Making a Gamma Match Feed
Making a Gamma Match Feed
SO-239
Tuning a Gamma Match with a Trimmer Capacitor
5-75 pfd Trimmer
Capacitor
Once the Trimmer Capacitor is set for Lowest
SWR, it is removed and the capacitance is
measured with the MFJ-269 unit.
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 pfd
It 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 $30.00
Using a Gamma Match from a Cushcraft A5S design.
Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 Analyzer
Frequency of interest 1.3:1 VSWR
Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 Analyzer
2-1 VSWR High Frequency 51.438 MHz
Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 Analyzer
Perfect Match @ 48.432 MHz
Tuning Antenna with MFJ-269 Analyzer
2-1 VSWR Low Frequency 46.076 MHz
The Finished Product !
A “Clone” of the Hygain VB-64DX
Commercial Cost = $159.95
My Cost = Less that $ 24.00
Boom 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 $ 30.00
Boom came from a broken 204BA, cost was U-Bolts at ACE hardware.
Boom Length = 24 Feet, Weight = 40 Pounds
Feeding the Antenna
In 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
Balun
A 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?