This HF, VHF, and UHF antenna functions as both a resonant, legal-limit rigid dipole and vertical antenna. When used as a dipole, it covers 2 to 40 meters; deployed as a vertical, it operates on 10–20 meters as well as 220 MHz and 440 MHz. Included for mounting is a mount for 1.25-inch masts. PATENT PENDING
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Specifications
- Power: Full legal limit (1500W PEP)
- RF Connection: SO-239
- Frequency: 2 – 40 Meters, plus 220MHz, & 440MHz
- Weight: 80 ounces
- Stored size: 24 x 4 1/2 inches
- Environmental operating parameters: -15 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and winds up to 50 Mph
Included
- 2 – 5.41 meter (17′ 9″) telescopic stainless-steel whips (with “Alpha Antenna” laser engraved)
- 1 – HexTenna hub
- 2 – 30/40 meter wire clip-on 18′ elements (one set)
- 1 – 31 foot counterpoise for use when deploying the Vertical on 12-20 meters
- Please note that Counterpoise are highly efficient tuned elements that are deployed at resonant lengths by rolling out the coil of wire.
- 1 – Top of Mast Mount that will fit on a tripod with a mast diameter up to 1.25″ (31.75mm)
- 1 – Non-padded bag. NOTE – Everything except the Optional tripod fits in the non-padded bag. Purchase the optional Large Padded Field Bag that will hold everything.
Options
Delta Loop: Provides touch free matching from 6 through 80 meters and a power rating of 250W PEP SSB, 125W CW, and 25W Digital, which is most effective from 10.1 to 54.0 MHz (30-6M), while also providing short range Near-Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) propagation on 3.5 to 7.0 MHz (80 – 40M).
Simply add BOTH the Delta Loop Element and the MIL 2.0 Match from the ‘Options’ on this page to your cart.
* An external antenna tuner should be used if the antenna system is deployed over a poor ground or not placed in a clear area.
Deployment
For temporary outdoor use, deployment can be achieved using the included Top of Mast Mount, which can be affixed to any sized pipe between 1 to 1 1/4 inch outside diameter. It is recommended that you ALWAYS guy this system. For guying options see the Mast Guying Adapter to stabilizes deployments.
Two (2) DX/NVIS Tips and Tricks for the HexTenna are:
- To transform the V-Dipole that enhanced NVIS into an Inverted V-Dipole to enhance DX, hang it from a tree or install it upside down on a mast or hang it from a tree. NOTE –DX and NVIS will still also work, but with less effectiveness, no matter how it is installed.
- To improve performance, especially for DX and when deployed as a Vertical, then Multiple Raised Resonant Counterpoise Elements can be constructed in lieu of the single Counterpoise that is rolled out/in for resonance.
NOTE – There is no upgrade path to the HexTenna Yagi, as it has a different design, and the hubs are physically mounted on the boom.
Differences
2-20M HexTenna Yagi antenna vs a Vertical Dipole VHF HF HF HexTenna
Analysis
| PORTABLE HF DIPOLE CONFIGURATION | PORTABLE HF VERTICAL CONFIGURATION | |||
| Band | SWR | Band | SWR | |
| 2 Meters | 1.01:1 | 440 MHz | 1.39:1 | |
| 6 Meters | 1.2:1 | 220 MHz | 1.1:1 | |
| 10 Meters | 1.15:1 | 10 Meters | 1.65:1 | |
| 12 Meters | 1.6:1 | 12 Meters | 1.23:1 | |
| 15 Meters | 1.43:1 | 15 Meters | 1.29:1 | |
| 17 Meters | 1.49:1 | 17 Meters | 1.49:1 | |
| 20 Meters | 1.48:1 | 20 Meters | 1.38:1 | |
| 40 Meters | 1.65:1 | – | – | |
More Information
The whips for the HexTenna Deluxe are telescopic, so as to enable you to adjust them for the band you are using. These whips are angled to change the naturally occurring 72-ohm dipole component to 50 ohms. This is not a ‘no tune all-band antenna’. For example, when deployed for 20 meters, it has two self-supporting telescopic whips that have a total deployed length of about 34 feet. The resonance is naturally occurring as you adjust the whips for the band you would like to operate on. Furthermore, when deployed on 40 meters, then this antenna becomes an M-Dipole that is 35 feet 9 inches on each side. The HexTenna can also be configured as a Delta Loop when the Alpha Antenna option for that configuration is purchased.
FAQs: HexTenna antenna – Alpha Antenna
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We are dedicated to improving all of our Portable VHF UHF HF Antennas. Specifications and descriptions are subject to change without notice.
Before i wrote a review on the hextenna I wanted to use it several times before i am writing this. I will tell you i am very pleased with both performance and portability of this antenna as well as the ease of setting up and tuning. Best of all no tuner is required.
Been using the hextenna a few weeks now and it’s an excellent Pota antenna or portable setup. It takes a few minutes to setup and tune. I’ve used it both on 5 ft tripod and also at 26ft elevated having great results with both configurations. I reside in Florida and have worked both east and west coast on 20m with it. I’ve made contacts in Japan, Australia and Europe from the park using 20w or less with CW with the antenna setup on 5ft tripod.
I was very skeptical before i purchased this antenna with a dipole so low to the ground and it has exceeded my expectations by far. I already have recommended this antenna to several friends who currently use as well and they have all had success as well.
I did pay for this antenna out of my own pocket and can tell you that the build quality is excellent, the whips are a bit longer than the standard 17 ft whips the other companies sell with this whip having 11 sections and totaling 17ft 9 inches. The only disappointment is the bag is a no frills bag that is very thin, i don’t expect it to last very long but for now I’ll use it until i can’t. By no means is this a deal breaker and for me the bag was just a bonus to get as most companies charge extra for it.
I would recommend this antenna for anyone looking for a portable solution especially not requiring an antenna tuner. It’s also very nice having the option of running the antenna horizontal or vertical. I did add my own tuned radials and use alligator clips to the ground lug and also have had great success. Like I’ve mentioned i do recommend this antenna to anyone looking for a pota/ portable setup antenna. I am extremely happy with my purchase and will give it 5 out of 5 stars.
One last thing, I’ve tried many many antennas over the time I’ve been licensed having more than 80k qso’s logged and can tell you this is one of the best kept secrets in portable antennas. Thank you for putting out such a great product Alpha Antennas!
Awesome antenna! Dipole as well as vertical. I tried it both ways and made good contacts. I’m really impressed with the quality of materials. Thanks! de N5RRC
I’m very happy with this antenna, its such a nice package and the customer experience was great.