G0KSC SC0405Q 5el 70Mhz OWA Quad Antenna with a 3.531 Metre Length Boom
Do you want over 11.7dB gain from an antenna with a 3.5 metre boom? This is the one to do it!
Some have said there are no benefits to be seen from Quads over Yagi's with more than 3 elements. This model is set to prove this statement wrong. Over 11.7dBi has been achieved with respectable front to back ratio on a boom length of a little over 3.5 metres. This is around one to two metre less than would be required to see similar gain from a Yagi. In addition, I have been able to model the antenna without the narrow bandwidth characteristics normally associated with an antenna of this kind.
If Quads are your type of antenna, this one maybe for you.
As with all my antennas, this is a non-critical design and therefore, any small errors in you calculations when building the antenna WILL NOT have a great impact on the antennas final performance.
Dimensions in Metres
Element spacing:
- Ref = 0
- Driven = .819
- D1 = 1.361
- D2 = 2.379
- D3 = 3.531
Elements lengths - full quad length:
- Ref = 4.552
- Driven = 4.4
- D1 = 4.312
- D2 = 4.32
- D3 = 4.192
Performance figures @ 70.250Mhz:
- Froward Gain: 11.74dBi free space
- Front to Back: 22.93dB
- Radiation angle at 10 Metres above ground: 8 degrees
Element diameter:
This antenna has been models with 12# copper wire. You will need to mail me if you wish to use a different gauge as the model will change. Isolated spacers will be needed. fiberglass would be a good option.
NOTE:
Build orientation is as per the layout image below with the feed point on the bottom section of the quad indicated by a red circle.
Feeding the Antenna
Whilst OWA is not normally a term used in quad antennas, I felt it appropriate due to the low SWR and wide bandwidth of this antenna. Like all of my antennas, this has a 50 Ohm impedance so can be fed directly with 50Ohm coax, no matching is required. However, a balun or RF chokes should be used in the coax as close to the feedpoint as possible.
