Antenna work

9 May 2014: I've made some progress with antenna projects today (Friday afternoon, 5/9/14), thanks to the help of my spouse. Perhaps I can complete the wiring later this weekend and use my transceiver to test each antenna. Chores, sinus issues (dang allergies have been awful this year!) and a forecast of rain may slow down my progress.

1) HEX Beam:
- The center core was replaced with a new "air coax center post" by KIO HEX. This revised center
post is equipped for 6 bands. Additionally, the coax was replaced.

- Continuity tests with a multimeter indicated the old center core and the coax had intermittent "shorts." The new center core (HEX post) and cable passed continuity tests with flying colors!

- A quick assessment using an antenna analyzer revealed reasonable outcomes on all specified bands except 20 meters. Tests were performed either the antenna situated a few feet from the ground, which means the 20 meter wires on the HEX were closest to the ground. This may have skewed the analyzer results, so I've raised the antenna back to the operating position (approximately 40' via the pulley system) and I'll run more tests soon.
- Update (11 May 2014): Success!



2) Coax Cables:- I've used an end fed, multi-band, wire antenna that covered all bands from 80 to 6 meters for several
years. The antenna was used primarily on 40 Meters at my station and was a solid performer. Unfortunately, I discovered it had a "short" and the SO-239 connector on the "Balun" was rusted. Bummer.
- I've really enjoyed this antenna, yet it's definitely time to remove it and complete some rehab. I hope to come up with an alternate antenna solution this weekend.
- One option: I have an unused Zero-Five off center wire (with a ground staked at the Balun) that could be used as a temporary sloper. This antenna should function from 10 to 75/80 meters with a tuner. I just need to secure the fiberglass military mast and raise the wire to create a sloper.
- Both the Cage Dipole (75/80 Meters) and the Arrow J-Pole (U/VHF) coax were replaced. I have no idea if or how these antennas will function, yet I'm hopeful. Historically, both items have performed well.
- Update (11 May 2014): The J-Pole was suspended under the HEX beam resolved the SWR issues. Unfortunately, the 75M Cage is not working.


3) Ferrite Beads:- Six clip-on ferrite beads were attached to the HEX feed-line. Hopefully, this will prevent the transmission life from "acting like" another antenna.
- Update (11 May 2014): Success!


4) Patch Cables:

- I will attach the 4' coax patches to my transceiver, feed them thru the window access panel and connect them to the lightning arrestors (positioned on blocks and ground rods) later this weekend. This step will complete the installation and allow RF testing.
- Update (11 May 2014): Success! One more lightning arrestor is needed for the V/UHF J-Pole.

Fingers crossed ... I'm hopeful for good outcomes!





- Update (11 May 2014): The KIO HEX beam is functioning well on all six bands. The J-Pole has be relocated and appears to function well with a fair SWR. The 40M End Fed is being refurbished and the 75M Cage is not functioning. More testing is needed to determine the issues with the Cage.