Array Solutions VHQ HEX User manual

VHQ HEXBEAM ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for purchasing the highest quality, highest
performing Hexbeam available. We have done most of
the work for you by assembling most of the time-
consuming steps in our factory, bringing you an easy to
assemble antenna. Of course, it’s always best to have
experienced hams to help you, and a couple of helping
hands as well.
Please use the caution you would use with any antenna
installation and place the antenna in a clear area away
from people and powerlines to avoid RF contact and
exposure as outlined in many antenna book references.
Mount your antenna in a secure manner. For your safety
and others, please ground your antenna and mast using
the guides from ARRL and other qualified sources.

UNPACKING
Your VHQ Hexbeam is shipped to you in one large box
that contains everything you will need to complete the
assembly of your antenna. There are no other parts
necessary to run to the hardware store and purchase.
The box contains the following:
6 sets of Support Arms (spreaders) wire guides installed.
6 wire antenna elements, one for each band.
1 completed center post with coax standoffs attached.
Mounting plate with top and bottom aluminum hubs.
Six high strength support cords for fiberglass arms.
Six ice/wind cords.
Two forward mounting spreader cords (intermediate
cords).
Five ferrite Chokes

Unpack the contents of the box and identify each part
PREPARATION
You will notice each part is clearly marked and identified.
Most people find that painting the fiberglass spreader
arms prevents UV damage to the arms, and we suggest
you use an outdoor paint such as Rust-Oleum or other
commercial outdoor paint. Please note that each section

of spreader arms slides into a larger section, and paint
thickness may make the arm insertion difficult, so go
lightly in this area. Allow the paint to dry completely
prior to assembly.
It is a good idea to place your mounting plate on a
support top about waist high. This makes assembly
easier in future steps. You can put your mast in a bucket
filled with sand and place your mast in an upright
position should you not have a suitable support.
As a first step, place the base plate on your mast or
support and tighten the hex screws as shown in the
picture below. Then insert the large diameter fiberglass
spreader arm into the U-Bolts, tightening both clamps
evenly. Wire guides should be out near the ends of the
rods. Make a point of having the wire guides facing up at
90 degrees. Fig.2

Keep all rod ends equal distance from
radius of hub - approximately ½”
Fig.2

Next, Place the center post into the base plate with the
HEX stickers aligned as shown in the picture below. And
then tighten the two set screws as shown, Fig.3
Fig.3
Place the medium fiberglass rods into the open ends of
the larger diameter rods. Repeat this for the smaller
diameter rods as show in fig.4 Again, all Wire Supports
on All arms need to be pointing up.

Fig.4

As a note, some people have suggested a small amount of
cyanoacrylate glue applied to the inserted arm to prevent arms from
self-rotating over time.
At this point, your VHQ Hexbeam is starting to take
shape! With the help of another person, pull the arms
together as shown in fig.5 and secure the arms to the
center post with the supplied Kevlar supports, and repeat
this for all arms. Make sure you apply the band clamps at
the ends of the arms to secure the S-Hook as shown. All
the arm supports at this point, attach to the eyelet on
top of the center post.

Insert S-Hook into the end of each arm
Then to center post eye bolt
Secure end S-Hooks with band clamps
Close open ends of S-Hooks once installed
Fig. 5

You are now ready to place the wire elements for the
VHQ Hexbeam for each band, starting with the 6 meter
set first, and working your way away from the center
post to ultimately install the 20 meter set last, as shown
in fig.7 Be sure to pass each wire thru the wire support
on each arm. You also should attach the coax as shown
in fig. 8, routing it thru the stand-offs.
Front of Beam
Antenna Wire Routing
Fig. 7