The HexTenna ™ by Alpha Antenna® is an efficient portable antenna and covers VHF/UHF/HF on 2 to 40 meters plus 220MHz, & 440MHz. This legal limit antenna is a resonant full sized rigid portable HF Dipole Antenna that can also be deployed as a HF Vertical Antenna.
Details
The whips for the HexTenna Deluxe™ are telescopic, so as to enable you to adjust them for the band you are using. These whips are angled to change the naturally occurring 72-ohm dipole component to 50 ohms. This is not a ‘no tune all-band antenna’. For example, when deployed for 20 meters, it has two self-supporting telescopic whips that have a total deployed length of about 34 feet. The resonance is naturally occurring as you adjust the whips for the band you would like to operate on. Furthermore, when deployed on 40 meters, then this antenna becomes an M-Dipole that is 35 feet 9 inches on each side.
Antenna Specifications
- Power: Full legal limit
- RF Connection: SO-239
- Frequency: 2 – 40 Meters, plus 220MHz, & 440MHz
- 80 ounces is the maximum weight when deployed as a dipole
- Stored size is 24 x 4 1/2 inches
- Environmental operating parameters: -15 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit and winds up to 50 Mph
Included
- 2 – 5.41 meter (17′ 9″) telescopic stainless-steel whips (with “Alpha Antenna” laser engraved)
- 1 – Hextenna™ hub
- 2 – 30/40 meter wire clip-on 18′ elements (one set)
- 1 – 31 foot counterpoise for use on 12-20 meters
- Please note that Counterpoise are highly efficient tuned elements that are deployed at resonant lengths by rolling up the coil.
- 1 – Top of Mast Mount
Deployment
For temporary outdoor use, deployment can be achieved using the included Top of Mast Mount, which can be affixed to any sized pipe between 1 to 1 1/4 inch outside diameter. It is recommended that you ALWAYS guy this system. For guying options see the Mast Guying Adapter to stabilizes deployments.
NOTE – There is no upgrade path to the HexTenna Yagi, as it has a different design, and the hubs are physically mounted on the boom.
Analysis
DIPOLE CONFIGURATION | VERTICAL CONFIGURATION | |||
Band | SWR | Band | SWR | |
2 Meters | 1.01:1 | 440 MHz | 1.39:1 | |
6 Meters | 1.2:1 | 220 MHz | 1.1:1 | |
10 Meters | 1.15:1 | 10 Meters | 1.65:1 | |
12 Meters | 1.6:1 | 12 Meters | 1.23:1 | |
15 Meters | 1.43:1 | 15 Meters | 1.29:1 | |
17 Meters | 1.49:1 | 17 Meters | 1.49:1 | |
20 Meters | 1.48:1 | 20 Meters | 1.38:1 | |
40 Meters | 1.65:1 | – | – |
Videos
Run over and beaten! Will the HexTenna survive?
5 feet vs 20 feet, results in 1/2 an S-Unit is the difference when mounting the HexTenna.
Is the whip really 17 feet 9 inches long?
Here is a quick fix when your whip gets stuck.
We are dedicated to improving all of our antennas. Specifications and descriptions are subject to change without notice.
Out standing. I have two active
The HexTenna combo Vertical Dipole antenna has to be the very best resonant antenna I have ever used. No loading, No transformers. Adjust whips to resonant frequency and have at it, all the power you put out, gets out. It’s almost unfair how easy it is to set-up. I have made contacts all over the world with 0.5 watts to 100 watts on all HF bands and even 2M SSB, It takes it all. Very fun to use, no fus antenna. Just put it up adjust wipe lengths and have fun making contacts. 73, N2PLG
This antenna is the best. As it can be configured multiple ways. Easy to set up for Field Day. And POTA outings.
I purchased the original version and just received the new version that’s now a Dipole and a Vertical, as well as a Yagi when two or more are deployed together. This system now operates on VHF/UHF/HF and has been given a name, which is the HexTenna. Also, it is rated and handles full legal limit! This is a full sized system, yet I can still mount it on my deck with the included Top of Mast Mount. This system has much better performance than anything I’ve ever encountered! My initial QSO’s were on 20 meters, which included OM7CM in Slovakia and a station in Cuba, and now I am having QSOs with South Africa, Japan, Russia, and so many more! My entire setup has been updated to include the HD-Tripod from Alpha Antenna along with their Expedition bag. Everything (the tripod, a pair of really heavy duty stainless steel telescopic whips, the HexTenna hub, etc) fits into the bag from Alpha Antenna that is about two feet long. I still even have enough room left over in the Expedition bag for my battery, coax, power supply, and Ft-817ND. Alpha’s support is legendary, and my experience with the Alpha Team over the years has been outstanding!———————-Earlier 5-star review posted by WA7JFO on 2013-02-28Finally, a 6-80 meter dipole that I can put on my deck. The manufacturer web site says to expect mobile type results from this 10 foot long antenna, which my experience has shown me is about right. Some examples of my QSO’s on 20 meters from yesterday include OM7CM in Slovakia who gave me a signal report of S3 and a station Cuba who reported me at an S5. State side I am getting signal reports averaging an S7 on 40 and 17 Meters. My entire setup includes a tripod from Alpha Antenna along with their bag and mount. Now everything (the tripod, a pair of really heavy duty stainless steel telescopic whips, and the Alpha Match) fits into the bag from Alpha Antenna that is little more than two feet long. I even had enough room left over in the bag for my battery, coax, Radio Shack power supply, and Ft-817ND with RM Italy amp.