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Cubic quad antennas are renowned for their high gain, excellent front-to-back ratios, and low angles of radiation, making them a popular choice among amateur radio operators. This resource provides detailed designs for constructing cubic quads optimized for 2, 6, 10, 12, and 15 meter bands. The lightweight structure can be easily built using fiberglass tubes and central hubs, allowing for portability and ease of assembly. The article discusses the specific dimensions and configurations required for both HF and VHF applications, emphasizing the importance of proper spreader lengths and boom dimensions. It also highlights the challenges of assembling larger cubic quads in limited spaces, offering practical solutions for hams with smaller backyards. With a focus on multi-band operation, this guide serves as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced operators looking to enhance their antenna systems.

This resource provides comprehensive instructions for constructing a 2 element quad antenna specifically designed for the 10, 12, and 15 meter bands. The antenna features a diamond configuration, which offers improved gain compared to a square configuration. The author shares insights into the materials used, including a square-aluminum boom and bamboo poles, along with construction techniques that ensure durability and optimal performance. This project is ideal for amateur radio enthusiasts looking to create their own antennas at home. In addition to construction details, the author discusses the antenna's performance, noting its effectiveness even at a height of 8 meters. The quad antenna reportedly performs comparably to a 3 element yagi, with excellent SWR readings and strong signal reports from European stations. This project is suitable for beginners and offers a cost-effective solution for those interested in enhancing their amateur radio setup with a homemade antenna.

The Pfeiffer Maltese Quad Antenna System presents a unique approach to traditional quad antennas by utilizing a linear loading technique. This method effectively reduces the overall size of the antenna while maintaining its performance capabilities. Designed by Andrew Pfeiffer, the antenna's configuration resembles a Maltese cross, which not only enhances its structural integrity but also allows it to withstand challenging environmental conditions. This system is adaptable, offering various configurations from a 4-spreader Maltese Quad to a 16-spreader Maltese Quadruple-Cross, making it suitable for operators looking to optimize their setup without sacrificing efficiency. This antenna system is particularly versatile, covering multiple bands including 40, 20, 17, 12, and 10 meters. The design focuses on minimizing the physical footprint while ensuring effective signal transmission and reception. Amateur radio operators can benefit from the detailed plans available in the accompanying PDF, which outlines the construction process and specifications. Whether you're a seasoned DXer or a newcomer to the hobby, the Pfeiffer Maltese Quad Antenna System offers a practical solution for enhancing your station's capabilities.

The boomless quad antenna is a unique design that offers versatility for amateur radio operators. This antenna consists of two half-wave dipoles arranged in a square or circular shape, allowing for both vertical and horizontal polarization depending on the feed point. The design facilitates easy installation and rotation, making it suitable for various operating conditions. The construction utilizes strong materials, such as bamboo, and incorporates waterproofing techniques to enhance durability. This project outlines the necessary dimensions and materials, including copper wire and insulators, to successfully build the antenna. It emphasizes the importance of tuning each radiator element for optimal performance. The boomless quad is particularly effective across multiple HF bands, including 14 MHz, 21 MHz, and 28 MHz. By following the detailed instructions, operators can achieve a reliable and efficient antenna setup that enhances their DXing and contesting capabilities.

8 elements quad antenna for 2 meters band, centered on 145 Mhz

Examines the operational differences between **quad** and **Yagi** antenna designs, focusing on their respective performance characteristics for amateur radio applications. The document highlights key metrics such as forward gain, front-to-back ratio, and bandwidth, which are crucial for effective DXing and contesting. It discusses how element configuration, boom length, and material choices impact the efficiency and radiation patterns of each antenna type across various HF bands. Practical considerations for antenna builders are addressed, including structural integrity, wind loading, and overall weight, particularly when using fiberglass spreaders for quads. The resource also covers precipitation static reduction in quads due to their closed-loop design and their ability to operate efficiently at lower elevations compared to Yagis. It provides insights into dual-polarization feed systems for quads, offering independent vertical and horizontal feed points for enhanced operational flexibility.

PKW Antennas for ham radio bands, Quads, delta loops, log periodics antennas for military and professional use by Ditta Martelli fabbrica italiana antenne

Multi Band Quad,Cushcraft R5, R7, R7000, repair and maintenance, Remote Antenna Switching, Hexagonal Beam, Automatic Band Decoder, Low Band Verticals, Crank-up Tiltover Tower etc

2 element Quand antenna for 10 - 12 - 15 -17 - 20 meters band

Starting from an original project for a 2 element quad antenna for six meter band, ve7ca presents the dimensions for a 3 element version.

Quad, Yagi for low bands. Specialist in antennas, supports and moving of medium-large sized radio antennas, professional rotators, masts, towers, and accessories.

BiQuad 802.11b Antenna 11dBi, wide band by Trevor Marshall

The KD6WD Moxon Antenna Project details the construction of 50-ohm two-element wire beam antennas, specifically Moxon rectangles, for the 10, 15, 17, and 20-meter bands. It utilizes AC6LA's software for critical measurement calculations (A-E) based on center frequency and wire size. Construction involves 16-gauge silver-coated copper wire, 16-foot telescoping fiberglass crappie fishing poles as spreaders in an "X" configuration, and various hub designs including aluminum tubing or PVC joints. A 1:1 current balun is used at the feedpoint, with wire nuts for connections, often achieving a 1:1 SWR across the design band. The project highlights practical applications, such as running a kilowatt into the antennas for greyline DX contacts, consistently yielding excellent signal reports. Comparisons to quad loops show 4 to 5 S-unit improvements in both receive and transmit. The Moxon design, according to L.B. Cebik's analysis, offers superior forward gain and front-to-back ratio among wire beams. The author notes a "DX-Vane" effect where a freely suspended Moxon automatically points to the strongest DX signal. Attempts at dual-band operation (17/20 meters) with a single feed were unsuccessful, reinforcing the Moxon's monoband nature, with EZNEC plots provided for a 17-meter Moxon at 30 feet.

EI7BA Multiband Cubical Quads projects, includes two elements quad antennas for 10 12 15 17 20 meters band. Performance considerations, detailed pictures and construction notes.

A reversable quad antenna for 40 meters band by N4JTE

This Multiband Cubical Quad antenna a boomless Quad design with glass-fibre arms and a single coax wire connected to a remote antenna switch. This aerial work on 8 bands and has a 60-degree beam width. Despite achieving critical technical requirements, the antenna's three-dimensional structure presents obstacles, such as installation issues on fixed towers and risk of frost damage. The spider framework is built of stainless steel, with a compact 18-inch boom and strong angle iron arms. Tait use a variety of methods to fasten element wires and suggests placing them on the outside of the spreaders for improved insulation. The use of nylon twine or parachute cord between key attachment points allows for adjustable separation between pieces.

A project by N6BG for a four element cubical quad antenna for the 2 meters band

A Quad Fractal Antenna for 20 meters band by F3DD

VE7CA reprint an interesting article taken from arrl antenna compendium. Two elegant practical and portable 6-meter gain antennas, a two-element quad and a tree-element Yagi antenna for 50 Mhz-6 meter band

Dimension and formula for a 4 element QUAD antenna for the 10 meters band

MQ-1 four band HF beams 20,15,10,6 meters MQ-2 six band HF beams 20,17,15,12,10,6 meters, beam antennas and Hybrid Quad antennas

This article describes how to make a quadrifilar helix (QFH) antenna easily, from inexpensive materials: uPVC plumbing pipe and RG-58U co-axial cable

One of the best antenna values on the market is the LightningBolt Quad. At about half the cost of a tri-band yagi, you get five band coverage with a single coax feedline and excellent performance from a light, low wind load antenna.

A suitable high gain 70cms antenna for SOTA operation was sought that did not have the drawbacks of a long Yagi antenna, principally a narrow beamwidth and bandwidth.

An experimental fractal Quad antenna for 10 meter band project by AG1LE

This project outlines the construction of a 3-element reversible quad antenna specifically designed for the 40-meter band. The materials required include pushup towers, pressure-treated posts, insulated wire, and various electrical components such as relays and a balun. The construction process is straightforward, beginning with the installation of the posts in a straight line, followed by the assembly of the antenna elements and their elevation to the desired height. The antenna's design allows for directional signal reception, making it ideal for operators looking to enhance their communication capabilities on the 40-meter band. The project includes detailed instructions on tuning the antenna for optimal performance, ensuring that operators can achieve the lowest SWR possible. Additionally, the design can be adapted for other bands by extrapolating dimensions, providing versatility for amateur radio enthusiasts. Overall, this reversible quad antenna project is suitable for both beginners and experienced operators, offering a practical solution for improving signal strength and directionality in 40-meter communications.

A two element multiband quad antenna

The document details the construction of a compact, two-element Quad antenna specifically designed for the 10, 12, and 15-meter HF bands, featuring a single feedline for all three bands. It provides specific dimensions for the driven element and reflector loops, along with boom length and spacing, emphasizing a **0.12 wavelength** spacing between elements. The design incorporates a gamma match for impedance transformation and uses PVC tubing for spreaders, aiming for a lightweight yet robust structure suitable for portable or restricted-space operations. Performance measurements indicate a forward gain of approximately **6 dBd** on 10 meters and a front-to-back ratio of _20 dB_ on 15 meters, demonstrating effective directivity and signal rejection. The antenna exhibits a VSWR below 1.5:1 across the target bands, achieved through careful tuning of the gamma match. This compact Quad offers a viable directional solution for HF DXing and contesting, particularly where full-size Yagis are impractical.

Dutch Antenna and Tower Manufacturers from Slimline Square Triangular Round Towers. Antennas production include Yagi Monoband/Dipole/HF Quad /50MHz and 70MHz Yagi-Quad, VHF-UHF yagi-Quad and Comby antennas VHF/UHF/SHF

A 2,4 GHz 13cm band quadrible qiad antenna with reflector offering a 14dbd gain

Fractal antenna for 28 Mhz band by AG1LE

A Quad Loop antenna for 17 meter band

Quad and loop antennas comparisons, evaluating the impedance and gain of both antennas and considerationso n horizontal loop antennas for low bands by PA0FRI

Construction details and tests about a 2 elements cubical quad antenna for HF Bands (20,17,15,12 and 10m band).

3 Element reversable quad antenna for 40 meters band

The Quadlong antenna for the six meter band. This antenna feature a total gain of 6,4 dBd, F/B 21 dB and is also available in 70MHz version. Includes detailed pictures and plot diagrams.

A 5 band two element quad antenna working from 20 to 10 meters using hardware-store parts or modifying an existing commercial triband quad by KC6T

probably the most simple and inexpensive antenna you could make for 23cm.

Home made WiFi 11dBi, wide band antenna by T. Marshall

Constructing a compact, single-feed triband Moxon antenna for 20, 15, and 10 meters is detailed by DU1RZ, drawing from his personal experience with space-constrained antenna projects. Initially fascinated by cubical quads, the author transitioned to Moxon designs in 2005 after realizing his roof space was insufficient for a bulky quad. His first experimental monoband Moxon for 15 meters, built from repurposed materials, provided solid DX QSOs for seven years, despite being slightly below the 21 MHz band center. The project outlines the design process, including using the _MOXGEN Calculator_ for element dimensions and material selection, such as #14 AWG enamel copper wire and fishing poles for spreaders. DU1RZ shares insights from simulations with DL2GMS regarding insulated versus non-insulated wire performance, noting that insulated wire can shift resonant frequencies lower. The assembly instructions cover preparing wire elements, connecting feed points, and tuning the antenna, with initial SWR measurements taken at 10 feet and final readings on a mast showing excellent results: 1.0:1 on 14.225 MHz, 1.1:1 on 21.250 MHz, and 1.3:1 on 28.50 MHz. Transmission tests with 4F1BYN indicated a front-to-back ratio of approximately 2 S units with 10 watts output. The author emphasizes adaptability, encouraging builders to use readily available materials rather than strictly replicating his setup. Key observations from DU1RZ and DL2GMS highlight the antenna's strong performance across 20, 15, and 10 meters, good front-to-back ratio, full bandwidth on 20 and 15 meters, and its small turning radius of about 4.18 meters (13.54 feet), making it suitable for limited antenna space. Its lightweight construction and low wind load are also noted as significant advantages.

Article by G4AON about a 4 and 2 Element Quad Antennas for the 6m band

The 60-page PDF document, "Antenna Systems and Theory For The Non-Technical Ham" by Jim Abercrombie, N4JA, provides a foundational understanding of antenna systems. It explains basic antenna theory, including how antennas work, electromagnetic wave polarization, and the role of frequency. The resource details various antenna types such as flat top dipoles, inverted-V dipoles, shortened loaded dipoles, G5RV dipoles, Carolina Windoms, and end-fed configurations. Vertical antennas, including ground-mounted trapped verticals and inverted-L verticals, are also covered. Directional beam antennas like monoband Yagis, cubical quads, and log-periodic arrays are discussed. Propagation modes, including ground-wave, direct wave, and skywave propagation, are explained in detail, with specific attention to the D, E, and F layers of the ionosphere and their effects on HF communication. Technical concepts such as standing wave ratio, decibels, resistance, and reactance are defined, along with calculations for half-wave resonant dipole lengths. The document addresses feed-line radiation, balun applications, and critical antenna and tower safety considerations. It aims to dispel common antenna myths and educate hams on making informed antenna choices.

This resource details the construction of a Moxon rectangle antenna, a two-element wire beam, drawing inspiration from a _QST_ article by Allen Baker, KG4JJH, and a project group led by KD6WD. It outlines the use of _AC6LA_ software for critical measurements (A-E) to design the antenna for specific bands like 17 meters, emphasizing the simplicity of adjusting frequency and wire size. The guide covers material selection for spreaders, such as telescoping fiberglass fishing poles, and various hub constructions, including aluminum tubing and PVC joints, with accompanying images. The author shares practical insights from building multiple Moxons for 10, 15, 17, and 20 meters, noting consistent 1:1 SWR at design frequencies and broadbanded performance. It describes the feedpoint assembly using a 1:1 Yagi current balun and wire nuts for robust, adjustable connections. The resource also discusses element insulators made from Lucite strips and attachment methods to spreaders using plastic wire ties and duct tape, ensuring precise element spacing. Performance observations include significant signal improvements (4-5 S units) over quad loops and a unique "DX-Vane" effect where the suspended antenna self-aligns with the strongest DX signal. The author also recounts an unsuccessful attempt at a dual-band 17/20 meter Moxon, concluding that the Moxon is inherently a monoband antenna, supported by _EZNEC_ plots for a 17-meter design.

Cheap but effective multiband quad antenna covering the entire horizon on 10-12-15-17-20m bands.

An inverted V Dipole antenna for HF bands, working on 10 20 40 and 80 meters band. PDF Presentation

A light and sturdy Quad for 10 and 15 meters. Basic Quad antenna design considerations. Building and assembling a dual band HF QUAD antenna, designing and joining cross-arms and boom, assembling spreader and element wire installation notes. QST article.

The structure of this dual band VHF UHF antenna is very simple. It consists of two identical square loops, whose sides measure a quarter wave, connected together at the ends. A project by I5NZR

Building A Full-Wave Quad Loop Antenna for 6 Meters. This is an easy antenna to build and the materials cost about $15-20. It exhibits 1.8dB gain over a 1/2-wave dipole. Using an open-wire parallel feedline (commonly called ladder line) with an antenna tuner, it tunes up on the 10m band as a 5/8-wave loop as well

Examines various low-band receiving antennas, including the Beverage, Pennant, Flag, and Quad, specifically for deployment in noisy city environments. The resource provides a semi-scientific analysis of common receiving antenna types, focusing on their performance characteristics and practical considerations for urban settings. It details construction parameters for each antenna, such as the use of 9:1 baluns and 300-500 Ohm terminating resistors, and discusses the necessity of preamplifiers for certain configurations. Specific deployment advice includes avoiding radial fields to minimize noise pickup and methods for temporary wire antenna installations. The document provides antenna dimensions, noting a full-size Quad requires 540 feet of wire. Performance observations highlight a Quad variant used by N0XA (AB0X) that achieved 160M CQ WW records and facilitated over 120 JA contacts without a preamp.

Handmade drawing of a 3 bands single loop, portable quad antenna used by the author during his dx pedition in Kenya as 5H3FM. This antenna is done using 3 telescopic spreaders and the spreader kit for 1 element quad by spiderbeam.