Ham Radio Help Desk

Many folks have successfully modeled all versions of the Hex Beam. Most of the simulation attempts use NEC programs.

Despite being a popular and productive way of simulating amateur radio antennas, another method of electromagnetic simulation makes use of the Finite-Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method.

Without going into too many details, the method divides up the simulation space into little cubes of volume. Then the next magnetic field values are derived from the current electric fields. Then the next electric field values are derived from the current magnetic fields. Repeat.

FDTD makes use of Maxwell’s equations to calculate the above fields. Being a Time Domain method, what follows shows a movie like display of what is happening in the antennas in super slow motion.
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By now I have posted several times about my new G3TXQ Broadband Hex Beam which came online in March 2010. I figure it is time to post a bit more on the materials I used for my version of the hex beam. Read more about the fine spreader kit from Max-Gain Systems.
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This year our club ran 3A for the ARRL Field Day.

Radios included an Icom IC-756 Pro, TenTec Omni VII, Icom IC-746 (for the GOTA) and a Icom 7000 for VHF plus HF spare. All these radios performed quite well despite the high temperatures.

The 100 Watt Elecraft K2 stood above the others not necessarily on performance, but the elegant way the radio’s owner configured his K2, 100 Watt Amplifier and 100 Watt Matcher.
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This post is an all call for any ham radio operators in the Northern Virginia – Maryland – West Virginia area.

Bob Bruninga is organizing the second annual Golden Packet event up and down the Appalachian Trail along with some new West Coast trail activity. Last year the Virginia team was successful in placing an APRS packet repeater on White Rock Cliff. We desire to repeat the process again this year.

Details on the White Rock Cliff ARPS station are on Bob’s site…

Particularly needed is a backup APRS radio, like the Kenwood D700/D710 along with a 7 AH GelCell along with the Hiker to haul it up the mountain.

If you would like to join the hikers in this ham endeavor, please contact John, KX4O, at kx4o@hamradio.me.

ARRL Field Day 2010 was a blast. A member of our club bagged a satellite contact within two minutes of start time. Wow. One new item to this year’s operation was a G3TXQ Broadband Hex Beam antenna with elements for 20, 15, 10 and 6 meters.
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