Hf Antennas For All Locations Moxon | Pdf Fixed
The Ultimate Guide to HF Antennas for All Locations: Why the Moxon Rectangle Deserves a Spot in Your PDF Library
For decades, the Holy Grail of amateur radio has been the same: high performance, small size, and low noise. Whether you live on a sprawling acreage in the countryside or a cramped HOA-restricted condo on the 4th floor, the laws of physics remain annoyingly consistent. A full-size 160-meter dipole is 260 feet long. A 3-element Yagi for 20 meters requires a 30-foot boom and a tower that costs more than a used car.
The Moxon antenna, also known as the Moxon Rectangle, is a compact, two-element directional antenna renowned for its exceptional front-to-back ratio and simple construction. Originally detailed in Les Moxon's (G6XN) seminal work, "HF Antennas for All Locations," this design remains a favorite for amateur radio operators facing space constraints or requiring portable solutions. 1. Understanding the Moxon Design hf antennas for all locations moxon pdf
- The Rural Operator: Has space for a rhombic or a massive tower but struggles with wind load and lightning.
- The Suburban Operator: Has a 50x100 ft lot. A 40-meter dipole fits diagonally, but a triband beam is impossible without a heavy tower.
- The Urban/HOA Operator: Has a balcony, an attic, or a 10-foot-wide courtyard. Vertical antennas pick up local noise; magnetic loops are finicky.
Location 1: The Suburban HOA (Deed Restrictions)
The Challenge: No towers, no visible large wires, “property aesthetics” clauses. The Moxon Solution: Build a stealth Moxon using dark enameled magnet wire (#14 or #12 AWG) framed by small diameter PVC or fiberglass poles. Mount it horizontally on a 20-foot telescoping flagpole or vertically against a wooden fence painted to match. The Ultimate Guide to HF Antennas for All
- Pros: Good efficiency, broad bandwidth, lower noise pickup sometimes.
- Cons: Requires large perimeter (≈1λ), height and space needed.
- Best for: Larger properties and suburban sites.
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