Hf Antennas For All Locations Moxon Pdf May 2026

HF Antennas for All Locations: A Comprehensive Guide to Moxon Antennas (PDF)

Introduction

High-frequency (HF) antennas are a crucial component of any amateur radio or shortwave communication setup. With the increasing popularity of digital modes and global communication, having a reliable and efficient HF antenna system is essential. One popular design that has gained widespread acceptance is the Moxon antenna, named after its inventor, Les Moxon (G3PPT). This essay provides an in-depth look at HF antennas, specifically Moxon antennas, and their suitability for various locations.

What is a Moxon Antenna?

A Moxon antenna is a type of beam antenna that consists of two parallel elements, typically made of wire or tubing, fed in the center. The design is characterized by its compact size, simplicity, and excellent performance. The Moxon antenna is a form of a directional antenna, which concentrates the radiated energy in a specific direction, increasing the signal strength and reducing interference.

Advantages of Moxon Antennas

Moxon antennas offer several advantages that make them an attractive choice for HF communication:

  1. Compact size: Moxon antennas are relatively small compared to other beam antennas, making them ideal for limited spaces, such as urban areas or small backyards.
  2. Easy to build and install: The design is straightforward, and the construction requires minimal materials and expertise.
  3. Good directivity: Moxon antennas provide a moderate gain of around 6-9 dB, which helps to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce interference.
  4. Low cost: Moxon antennas can be built using inexpensive materials, making them an affordable option for amateur radio operators and shortwave enthusiasts.

Considerations for Different Locations

When choosing an HF antenna, it's essential to consider the specific location and environment. Moxon antennas can be used in various locations, but some factors need to be taken into account: hf antennas for all locations moxon pdf

  1. Urban areas: In urban areas, space is often limited, and Moxon antennas can be a good choice due to their compact size. However, the presence of buildings and other obstacles can affect the antenna's performance.
  2. Rural areas: In rural areas, there is often more space available, and Moxon antennas can be used to great effect. The reduced noise and interference in rural areas can also improve the overall performance of the antenna.
  3. Coastal areas: In coastal areas, the proximity to saltwater and the potential for high winds and storms require careful consideration when designing and installing an HF antenna. Moxon antennas can be used in coastal areas, but they should be designed and installed with these factors in mind.

Design and Construction

The design and construction of a Moxon antenna are relatively straightforward. The antenna consists of two parallel elements, typically 1/4 wavelength long, fed in the center. The elements can be made of wire or tubing, and the antenna can be mounted on a mast or a self-supporting structure.

Moxon Antenna Design Parameters

To design a Moxon antenna, the following parameters need to be considered:

  1. Frequency range: The antenna should be designed for the specific frequency range of interest.
  2. Element length: The element length should be approximately 1/4 wavelength at the center frequency.
  3. Element spacing: The element spacing should be around 1/8 wavelength.
  4. Feedline: The feedline should be matched to the antenna impedance, typically 50 ohms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moxon antennas are a popular and effective choice for HF communication in various locations. Their compact size, simplicity, and good directivity make them an attractive option for amateur radio operators and shortwave enthusiasts. By considering the specific location and environment, and designing and constructing the antenna with care, Moxon antennas can provide reliable and efficient HF communication.

References

  • Moxon, L. (G3PPT). (1982). The Moxon Beam Antenna. Radio Communication, 56(5), 21-25.
  • G4EML. (n.d.). Moxon Antenna. Retrieved from https://www.g4eml.com/moxon.htm

PDF Resources

For those interested in a more detailed and visual guide, there are several PDF resources available online, including:

  • "The Moxon Beam Antenna" by Les Moxon (G3PPT)
  • "Moxon Antenna Design and Construction" by VK2CA
  • "HF Antennas for All Locations" by ON4UN

These resources provide a comprehensive guide to designing, constructing, and installing Moxon antennas for HF communication in various locations.

The primary resource for " HF Antennas for All Locations " is the seminal book by Les A. Moxon (G6XN)

, first published in 1982 by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). This work introduced what is now known as the Moxon Rectangle, a compact, directional HF antenna that has become a staple for amateur radio operators in space-constrained or portable environments. The Evolution of the Moxon Rectangle

The Moxon antenna evolved from the VK2ABQ square. Les Moxon discovered that a rectangular shape significantly improved gain and that the spacing between the ends of the folded elements was critical for optimal performance.

Design Philosophy: It is essentially a 2-element Yagi with the ends of the driven element and reflector bent toward each other.

Physical Footprint: Due to the folded ends, the antenna's width is approximately 70% of a standard dipole. Key Performance Characteristics

The Moxon Rectangle is favored for its balance of simplicity and high-end performance metrics: HF Antennas for All Locations: A Comprehensive Guide

HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon - Internet Archive

Moxon Rectangle is widely regarded as one of the most efficient "small" antennas for HF (High Frequency) communication, especially for radio amateurs with limited space. This design was famously popularized by Les Moxon, G6XN, in his definitive book, HF Antennas for All Locations

, which provides a comprehensive guide for building high-performance antennas in less-than-ideal environments. Internet Archive Why the Moxon Rectangle?

The Moxon is essentially a two-element Yagi antenna with its ends folded inward. This simple modification offers several key advantages:

HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon - Internet Archive 21 Mar 2023 —

HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. Internet Archive DIY 6 Meter Moxon Antenna: Boost Your Summer VHF Fun! 6 Jun 2024 —

3. Construction Materials for Any Setting

  • Wire Moxon (fishing poles, PVC spreaders, nylon rope) — best for portable/attic.
  • Tubular Moxon (aluminum or copper pipe) — for permanent outdoor.
  • Tape-measure Moxon — for SOTA/POTA.

Key Capabilities (What the Feature Does)

| Capability | Benefit | |------------|---------| | Band-Agnostic Design Tables | Pre-calculated dimensions for 160m–6m, including WARC bands (17m, 12m, 30m). | | Space-Constrained Variants | "Shortened Moxon" models using loading coils or capacitance hats — with full construction data. | | Portable/Travel Versions | Collapsible, lightweight Moxon designs for SOTA, POTA, and DXpeditions. | | Material-Specific Build Guides | Aluminum tube, wire, fiberglass pole, and even tape-measure versions. | | SWR & Gain Plots | 4NEC2 / MMANA-GAL simulation outputs embedded in the PDF as reference charts. | | Interactive Calculator (Excel/HTML) | Input your available boom length → get custom wire spacing, element lengths, and feedpoint impedance. |

Unique Selling Points (USPs) for This Feature

  • ✅ No antenna analyzer required — the PDF includes cut‑and‑try charts for fine-tuning with just an SWR meter.
  • ✅ Works from 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz — one design philosophy, any band.
  • ✅ Field‑tested by DXers — includes real-world notes for coastal, high‑RFI, and wooded locations.
  • ✅ Instant PDF delivery + optional free online calculator access.

Part 6: Construction Materials – From Washington State to Wires in a Tree

What should you build your Moxon from? That depends on your “location” from the keyword phrase. Compact size : Moxon antennas are relatively small

  • For Permanent Installations (Suburban/Rural): 1/2” aluminum tubing or rigid copper pipe. Use PVC crosses for the corners. This is durable, rotatable, and survives 60 mph winds.
  • For Stealth/HOA (Critical): #14 THHN stranded wire (available in brown or green to blend with trees). Frame with 1/2” EMT conduit or fiberglass driveway markers. The wire version is nearly invisible at 50 feet.
  • For Portable/Field (Backpacking): 300-ohm TV ladder line (cut the wires apart and restring them on SMO-55 push-button fishing poles). Weight: under 2 pounds.