N2YET- Moxon projext
Building a 17-meter Moxon Rectangle for mast mounting with crappie poles and PVC.
Description
Details the construction of a 17-meter Moxon Rectangle antenna, specifically engineered for mounting on a mast beneath an existing beam. The design incorporates insulated wire calculations (0.95804 x generator length) to compensate for velocity factor differences, utilizing readily available materials such as crappie poles for elements, PVC for the boom and mast, and a Budwig HQ-1 dipole connector for the 50 Ohm coax feed. The project outlines a step-by-step assembly process, including mast construction from PVC T-connectors and pipe, element fabrication from crappie poles, and securing elements to prevent droop.
Initial testing demonstrated an SWR of 1.3:1 on 17 meters, achieving a 5-8 signal report into Texas with 100 watts. Subsequent reinforcement and elevation of the antenna resulted in a 15 over 9 report from Florida. Comparative testing against an 88-foot center-fed Zepp antenna indicated superior performance, with the Moxon consistently outperforming the Zepp and receiving signals the Zepp could not. A notable DX contact with JA8NFV in Hokkaido, Japan, yielded a 5-9+ signal report both ways using 100 watts.