Built a 6m Moxon Antenna

Sep 13

wstearnsAmateur Radio 2 Comments

Colby and I spent some time last night doing some soldering with a torch on our 6m Moxon antenna.  Was going to try and have it ready for the VHF contest start, but the bathroom floor needed to get done first.  The antenna is constructed from 1/2″ rigid copper and was modeled using the software from the Moxon Antenna Project.  We did have enough time to get it about 15′ off the ground to take a look at the antenna analyzer.  Wow, something must have worked because I was presented with a 50.150 MHz with an SWR of 1.1:1 and an impedence at 50Ω.  Must be something to say for using software and sticking to the design plans.

Nothing comes without a couple of glitches, the boom mounting plans weren’t followed and I soldered before I slid on my CPVC parts.  A 2×4 on its side was substituted for the boom.  The weather wasn’t very cooperative either, so we were constantly going back in the garage to avoid being rained on.  Anyways, will hopefully do some more testing and take some obligatory shots of the antenna for posterity.

Also tuned around the 40m band last night for possibly participation in the North American CW Sprint.  I decided that my copying speed and the battery in my newly acquired Bencher paddle were not up for the challenge.  Maybe we’ll do the SSB Sprint coming up in a couple weeks.

On a side note, my Extra Class Amateur Radio License was granted by the FCC.  Time to look for a vanity callsign I suppose.  :-)

2 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Jerry Ward, G4JQN
    Jul 29, 2010 @ 09:25:20

    Hello William,
    I’m just about to start my own Moxon using 15mm ( 1/2″) copper water pipe.
    Would be most grateful of you would kindly provide the measurements you adopted please, and from where these are taken, ie, mid pipe, inside of pipe or outside of pipe.
    Thanks and 73
    Jerry, G4JQN

    • wstearns
      Aug 22, 2010 @ 08:40:01

      Well, it’s obvious I barely read comments here. Sorry about that! I used a program called MoxGen. You can plug in wire gauges or pipe size in mm or inches. I did mine from the outside. I’ll have to get some pictures up on the page eventually.