DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 User manual

HEXXAGONAL BEAM
Mark 2
DXE-HEXX-5TAP-2, DXE-HEXX-1TAP-2
DXE-HEXX-BEAM-MARK2-INS Rev. 6
© DX Engineering 2016
1200 Southeast Ave. - Tallmadge, OH 44278 USA
Phone: [phone] ∙ Tech Support and International: [phone]
Fax: [phone] ∙ E-mail: [email protected]

2
Table of Contents
Introduction
2
HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 Features
5
HEXXAGONAL BEAM Kits
5
Parts Lists
DXE-HEXX-1HBP - HEXX HUB (US Patent No. D605,184)
6
DXE-HEXX-1SCP-2 - HEXXAGONAL BEAM Spreader & Center Post
6
DXE-HEXX-5FFP HEXXAGONAL BEAM 5-Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid
Feeder System (US Patent No. 8,669,91, US Patent No. D624,060, British Patent No. GB248003 B)
6
DXE-HEXX-5WRP-2 - HEXXAGONAL BEAM 5-band Wire Element & Wire Guide
6
DXE-HEXX-1WRP-2 - HEXXAGONAL BEAM 1-band Wire Element & Wire Guide
7
Parts Required but not supplied
7
Tools Required
7
Manual Updates
7
HEXXAGONAL BEAM Construction
8
Hexxagonal Hub Assembly Instructions (US Patent No. D605,184)
9
Working with Fiberglass
10
Center Post Assembly
11
5-Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System (US Patented & British Patented)
13
Installing the Center Post Rope Hub
14
Installing the optional Feedline Current Choke
16
Spreader Assembly
17
Installing the Wire Elements
22
Installation on a Mast and Rotator
26
SWR Testing
27
Single Band Wire Element and Wire Guide Package Instructions
28
Technical Support
32
Warranty
32
Introduction
The DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM KITS provide a fast,
economical way to build the hottest new design of an antenna concept
that has been around since the 1980’s. HEXXAGONAL BEAM
component kits are available for an easy, step-by-step approach to
designing your own antenna or to upgrade an existing installation.

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The DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 Five Band Hexxagonal Beam Antenna
Package is a complete build-it-yourself system, including pre-assembled wire element kits,
assembled wire guide and rope attachment clamps and a revolutionary new Five-Band Stainless
Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System (US Patent No. 8,669,91, US Patent No. D624,060, British Patent No.
GB248003 B) which operates all bands, 20 thru 10 meters with a single
feedline. All hardware is high quality stainless steel. The pre-cut wire
elements are 14 gauge stranded copper with black PVC insulation with
special black wire guide tubes and ring terminals factory assembled.
The rope supplied is a double-braided Dacron/Polyester, not weakened
by decay or mildew and provides excellent resistance to abrasion. The
color sealed black polyester yarn used in the braided jacket also
protects the cord from damage due to ultra-violet light. The fiberglass
spreaders are measured and cut to length with pre-cut slits on one end
for proper tightening using the stainless steel band clamps. Also
included is the complete DX Engineering Hexx Hub (US Patent No.
D605,184). The cast aluminum Hexxagonal Beam Hub provides a
superior mounting platform with built-in v-saddle clamping channels
and all stainless steel v-bolts and hardware are included.
The DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 can offer gain
and front-to-back performance that exceeds your expectations for a
multi-band two element
beam, as its unique shape is
much smaller, better
balanced and has been
reported to receive less
noise than typical beams.
This lighter, easier to handle
antenna can be rotated with
a light duty rotator, and it
performs well, even when it
is not mounted very high
above the ground. With the
DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 and kits are based
on the G3TXQ design with a broadband, u-shaped reflector for better
coverage of the bands with low SWR. This is only one of the dramatic
improvements of the G3TXQ broadband design over the "classic"
dual-w hex beam antennas.
The patented Five Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System is a
revolutionary breakthrough for Hexagonal Beam Antennas!
This new Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System (US Patent No.
8,669,91, US Patent No. D624,060, British Patent No. GB248003 B) eliminates
vulnerable coaxial cable feedpoint sections - providing a weatherproof,
low-loss, high power balanced connection to all bands for optimum

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antenna pattern control. This revolutionary Rigid Feeder attaches directly to the outside of the full-
size 1-1/4" fiberglass Center Post. It is no longer necessary to drill or slice up a center post -
weakening it - to attach or protect older coaxial cable feeders with homebrew or terminal strip
connections. The use of this balanced feeder system maintains optimal pattern, where other
antennas have compromised unbalanced coaxial feeders with potentially distorted patterns.
The integral center insulators with the unique serpentine wire grip assure long, reliable
performance. The pre-assembled and tested Five Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System is
also ideal for retrofitting to other, older hexagonal beam designs using the DX Engineering wire
element dimensions - or with your own hex antenna with appropriate testing and modifications.
At the center of the new HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 is the exclusive DX Engineering cast
aluminum HEXX Hub (US Patent No. D605,184).Specially designed and mechanically superior to
available home-made base plate designs, the HEXX Hub has integral V-saddles and Stainless Steel
V-Bolt hardware to firmly attach the fiberglass
spreaders in proper alignment without drilling or
crushing. The upper and lower mast mounts are
integrally cast into the hub, eliminating the need to find
separate mounting flanges, reducing assembly time,
improving mast alignment and providing a far stronger,
heavy duty attachment for the mast. For the rest of the
antenna frame, high quality stainless steel element
clamps rigidly hold the telescoping fiberglass sections at
the correct lengths without drilling holes. Exclusive DX
Engineering stainless steel element clamps with studs
provide secure attachment points for the Five Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System (US
Patent No. 8,669,91, US Patent No. D624,060, British Patent No. GB248003 B) without drilling. The unique Floating
Element Wire Guides allow independent movement of the radiating wire elements and flexible
fiberglass spreaders in the wind without creating breaking stresses. These special Wire Guides are
attached to the spreaders without drilling, for a stronger, longer lasting antenna.
The DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 is a directional beam antenna made with
fiberglass spreaders and wire elements that looks like a very large inverted umbrella frame. Even at
22 feet wide and approximately 5 feet tall, it has a smaller turning radius than a two element 20
meter Yagi, and offers several enhanced operating characteristics. It may be mounted at the top of a
rotatable mast or directly into a light to medium duty rotator. This antenna is fed at the top of the
center post with a single 50Ωfeedline. This top fed feedline arrangement has been tested and
proven to function better than a bottom feedpoint connection. The Mark 2 purposely excludes
poorly functioning 6 meter elements that other hex beam manufacturers have added, to preserve the
broadband hex beam antenna’s 10 and 12 meter performance.

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HEXXAGONAL BEAM Features
The DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 design has a number of important
advantages over a Yagi:
●Small turning radius -the HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 has a turning radius of 11'
●Gain - 5 dBi (3 dBd), depending on band - similar to 2 element Yagi, far exceeding
performance of multi-band mini-beams
●Front-to-Back - >20 dB, depending on band
●Balanced in the wind - Hexxagonal symmetry reduces torque on the rotor
●Light weight - fully assembled - less than 25 pounds
●Wind load - less than 5 square feet
●Can be turned with a light duty rotator - no need to spend big dollars
●Performs well at low heights - good results at 20 to 30 feet above ground
●Five Band gain and front-to-back - can meet or exceeds other small antennas
●Handles full legal limit power – no power restriction as on competing antennas
●Low Noise results - approaches performance of closed loop antennas
●Full length pre-cut elements - no lossy coils or traps
●Five-Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System (US Patent No. 8,669,91, US Patent No.
D624,060, British Patent No. GB248003 B)
●Requires no matching network - direct single 50 ohm coax feed
●New, easier and faster assembly - fewer parts to speed completion of the antenna project
HEXXAGONAL BEAM Kits
DXE-HEXX-5TAP-2 - The DX Engineering HEXX BEAM Mark 2 - Five-Band Total Antenna
Package consists of these four kits:
DXE-HEXX-1HBP HEXXAGONAL BEAM Hub package (US Patent No. D605,184)
DXE-HEXX-1SCP-2 HEXXAGONAL BEAM Spreader & Center Post package
DXE-HEXX-5FFP HEXXAGONAL BEAM 5-Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid
Feeder System (US Patent No. 8,669,91, US Patent No. D624,060, British Patent No.
GB248003 B)
DXE-HEXX-5WRP-2 HEXXAGONAL BEAM 5-band Wire Element & Wire Guide
package
DXE-HEXX-1TAP-2 - The DX Engineering HEXX BEAM 1-Band Total Antenna Package
consists of these three kits:
DXE-HEXX-1HBP HEXXAGONAL BEAM Hub package (US Patent No. D605,184)
DXE-HEXX-1SCP-2 HEXXAGONAL BEAM Spreader & Center Post package
DXE-HEXX-1WRP-2 HEXXAGONAL BEAM 1-band Wire Element & Wire Guide
package

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Parts Lists
DXE-HEXX-1HBP - HEXX HUB
Qty
Description
1
Cast Aluminum Hexxagonal Hub (US Patent No. D605,184)
12
1.5" short Stainless Steel V-Bolt
12
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hardware Kit for V-Bolts
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolt 1.5" long
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex Nut
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Flat Washer
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Split Washer
DXE-HEXX-1SCP-2 - HEXXAGONAL BEAM Spreader & Center Post
Qty
Description
1
Fiberglass Tube, Gray, 1.25" OD x 58" Long, .120 Wall (for the Center Post)
6
Fiberglass Tube, Gray, 1.00" OD x 58" Long, .120 Wall with slits
6
Fiberglass Tube, Gray, 0.75" OD x 43" Long, .120 Wall with slits
6
Fiberglass Tube, Gray, 0.75" OD x 5" Long, .120 Wall
6
Fiberglass Tube, Gray, 0.50" OD x 48" Long, .120 Wall
1
Tube, Antenna, Aluminum, 1.375" OD x 14" Long, Slit one end (for the Center Post)
6
DXE-ECL-1000 - Element Clamp for 1" and 1.125" OD tubing
6
DXE-ECL-0875 - Element Clamp for .75" and smaller OD tubing
1
DXE-ECL-1500 - Element Clamp for 1.375" and 1.5" OD tubing
1
Vinyl End Cap, Black
2
STI-DBR-94-100 - Dacron/Polyester Rope, 100 Foot Roll
6
Spreader Rope Connection Assembly w/cushioned P-Clamps mounted on Stainless Steel Band Clamps
1
Center Post Rope Connection Assembly - includes the following parts:
1
DXE-MPH-1 Multi-Purpose Hub 1.5"
3
1/4-20 x 1.25" Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolt
3
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Nut
3
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Square Nut
3
1/4" Stainless Steel Split Washer
3
1/4" Stainless Steel Flat Washer, 18-8
DXE-HEXX-5FFP - HEXXAGONAL BEAM 5-Band Stainless Steel/PTFE
Rigid Feeder System (US Patent No. 8,669,91, US Patent No. D624,060, British Patent No. GB248003 B)
Qty
Description
1
Five Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder (US & British Patented)
1
Coaxial cable feedpoint pigtail
1
UHF Female-to-Female Adapter (dual SO-239 type)
DXE-HEXX-5WRP - HEXXAGONAL BEAM 5-band Wire & Wire Guide
Qty
Description
2
20/17/15/12/10 Meter Wire Driven Element Sets - #14 Copper Stranded Wire with Black PVC
Insulation with Ring Terminals attached and Wire Guides installed
1
20/17/15/12/10 Meter Wire Reflector Element Sets - #14 Copper Stranded Wire with Black PVC
Insulation with Ring Terminals attached and Wire Guides installed
15
#10 hole, 16-14 Wire Gauge Ring Terminal (Spares for various bands and/or adjustment in element
lengths)
12
Floating Wire Guides for 1/2" Spreader
18
Floating Wire Guides for 3/4" Spreader

7
DXE-HEXX-1WRP HEXXAGONAL BEAM 1-band Wire & Wire Guide
Qty
Description
2
20 Meter Wire Driven Element - #14 Copper Stranded Wire with Black PVC Insulation with Ring
Terminals attached and Wire Guides installed
1
20 Meter Wire Reflector Element - #14 Copper Stranded Wire with Black PVC Insulation with Ring
Terminals attached and Wire Guides installed
6
#10 hole, 16-14 Wire Gauge Ring Terminal
(Spares for various bands and/or adjustment in element lengths)
1
UHF Female-to-Female Adapter (dual SO-239 style)
1
Coax Wire Assembly, 10" with PL-259 and Ring Terminals
1
Single Band Feeder Insulator Clamp Assembly
6
Floating Wire Guides for 3/4" Spreader.
Parts required but not supplied
JTL-12555 - Jet-Lube SS-30 Pure Copper Anti-Seize
The above products are limited to domestic UPS Ground shipping only
Note: Jet-Lube SS-30 or Never Seez®should be used to prevent
galling (seizing) of stainless steel hardware.
TES-2155 - 3M Temflex™ 2155 Rubber Splicing Tape
TES-06132 - Scotch®Super 33+ Tape
The DXE-FCC050-H05-A - Feedline Current Choke and the DXE-BMB-1P Balun Mounting
Kit for a .750 in. thru 1.50 in. Boom - are suggested options and this manual describes their
installation.
Tools Required
1/4", 5/16", 3/8" and 7/16" Deep Well Nut Drivers and/or Open End Wrenches
Tape Measure, 50 ft
Step Ladder, 6 ft. Use proper precautions for step ladder safety
Screwdriver
Pliers
Scissors
Lighter or flame source (to slightly melt the cut rope ends to keep them from fraying)
Use proper safety precautions for a lighter or flame producing item
Marking Pen or Pencil
Three foot Tripod and three foot mast pipe - To hold the antenna while under construction.
Manual Updates
Every effort is made to supply the latest manual revision with each product. Occasionally a manual
will be updated between the time your DX Engineering product is shipped and when you receive it.
Please check the DX Engineering web site (www.dxengineering.com) for the latest revision manual.

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HEXXAGONAL BEAM Construction
This manual for the DX Engineering HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2 is written in sections for
the various assemblies. Each section of assembly instructions is titled with the HEXXAGONAL
BEAM Mark 2 kit name and model number for easy reference.
The typical build sequence is:
1. Assemble the patented HEXX HUB
2. Center Post assembly
3. 5-Band Stainless Steel/PTFE Rigid Feeder System Installation
4. Install the Center Post Rope Hub
5. Installation of the optional DXE-FCC050-H05-A Feedline Current Choke
6. Spreader assembly
7. Wire Element installation
8. Installation on a Mast and Rotator
9. SWR Testing
An outdoor area of about a minimum 30 foot square is required for assembly of this antenna.
There are parts made from fiberglass in this kit. Take normal precautions when handling any
fiberglass material. There may be fiberglass dust, slivers or particles present when the fiberglass
parts were manufactured. The use of typical fiberglass handling safety gear (gloves, dust mask, eye
shield, clothing, etc.) when handling and working with fiberglass is recommended. Use a damp rag
to wipe the parts. Do not use compressed air to clean fiberglass parts. Measures can be taken to
reduce exposure after a person has come in contact with fiberglass. Eyes should be flushed with
water and any area of exposed skin should be washed with soap and warm water to remove fibers.
Clothing worn while working with fiberglass should be removed and washed separately from other
clothing. The washing machine should be rinsed thoroughly after the exposed clothing has been
washed. Check with your local or state safety and/or environmental agencies for more detailed
precautions.
The use of a three foot tripod and a three foot mast pipe makes construction of the antenna easier
(see Figure 1).
Figure 1 - Using a temporary tripod and mast for
assembly at ground level
Sufficient space is required for the installation of the antenna on your
mast or tower.
The finished antenna is approximately 22 feet in diameter.

9
Hexxagonal Hub Assembly Instructions
DXE-HEXX-1HBP - HEXXAGONAL HUB (US Patent No. D605,184) Parts List
Qty
Description
1
Cast Aluminum Hexxagonal Hub (US Patent No. D605,184)
12
1.5" short Stainless Steel V-Bolt
12
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hardware Kit for V-Bolts
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex Head Bolt, 1.5" long
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Hex Nut
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Flat Washer
6
1/4-20 Stainless Steel Split Washer
Insert the twelve Stainless Steel V-Bolts over the cast V-Saddles as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2
Jet-Lube SS-30 Anti-Seize or Never Seez®should be used to
prevent galling (seizing) of stainless steel hardware.
Install a flat washer, a split washer and a 1/4-20 nut on each V-Bolt leg, snug the nuts partially.
Install six 1/4 -20 bolts, six flat washers, six split washers and six nuts, into the top and bottom cast-
in flanges of the hub, as shown in Figure 3. These will be adjusted to fit the center post for the
HEXXAGONAL BEAM.

10
Figure 3
The DX Engineering Hexxagonal Hub is now ready for use as the solid foundation for your
HEXXAGONAL BEAM Mark 2.
Working with Fiberglass
There are parts made from fiberglass in this kit. Take normal precautions when handling any fiberglass
material. There may be fiberglass dust, slivers or particles present when the fiberglass parts were
manufactured. The use of typical fiberglass handling safety gear (gloves, dust mask, eye shield,
clothing, etc.) when handling and working with fiberglass is recommended. Use a damp rag to wipe
the parts. Do not use compressed air to clean fiberglass parts. Measures can be taken to reduce
exposure after a person has come in contact with fiberglass. Eyes should be flushed with water and any
area of exposed skin should be washed with soap and warm water to remove fibers. Clothing worn
while working with fiberglass should be removed and washed separately from other clothing. The
washing machine should be rinsed thoroughly after the exposed clothing has been washed. Check with
your local or state safety and/or environmental agencies for more detailed precautions.