Cheap Effective Moxon Beam Antenna for 10, 11 or 12m Bands

Apologies for the video quality, my computer is creaking at the seams while rendering.
This is an overview of my 10m Moxon project. This can easily be adapted for use on 12m or 11m.
Here is the link to the bill of materials for this project - note I am still adding to this so please check back.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Here is a link to the tube drilling jig I used
www.amazon.co.uk/Centering-Do...
Thanks to Max Mountain World for lots of inspiration, please subscibe as Max makes lots of good Moxon videos. Here is a link to his video that I got the idea of pinning the tubes together.
• 11m. Moxon Fast-Build ...

[@M0XCR]

Absolutely brilliant, you’ve given me the urge to have a go at constructing one of these. I’ve often looked at the moxon as a way of getting beam performance in a small space, but have been put off by figuring out the best way to go about making one. Great video.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Best of luck 👍

[@G6MDX-Dai]

Thanks for sharing this Colin, great stuff! A nice little project for the winter ✅

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks Dai. 10m is going to be great for the next few years.

[@brucecash3939]

Brilliant, the use of the tent poles is a great idea.

[@kevhaworth5313]

Great video Colin. I once built one for 20M and living within 100 yards of a beach, it was an unwieldy beast but worked so well.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Yes 20m is a different animal altogether but the 10m version is a delight.

[@garyh8315]

That looks very well constructed Colin. A very good walk through from parts to testing. 👍 73

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks 👍

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Very nice Colin! I built a 11m Moxon using this design back in my cb days. I wish I had thought of the tent poles it wasn't as clean as yours but it worked great!

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

As long as they work thats all that matters. Still a few plans to tidy this up some more.

[@johngulliver6151]

Great job you have done of making a really efficient antenna, I love the Moxon I have single band commercially made 20metr Moxon works fantastically.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Yes, they punch well above their size. I'm going to remake my 20m Moxon.

[@DK5ONV]

Happy Sunday Evening into Scotland, Master Colin 💯👍🙋‍♂

[@DK5ONV]

Again, what a fantatstic Job you did. Hat down & big Respect. 💯🙏🙋‍♂

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Appreciated as always UG 🙏

[@on4mgy_radioamateur]

A real great channel you have here. Enjoy every single video you're posting. Keep up the good work ! 73

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks, much appreciated 🙏

[@WaynesWorld69]

Ohhh dude this is a think of beauty! Love it. Well done.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Worked out better than expected 👍

[@WaynesWorld69]

@@MM0OPXFieldRadio I need to build one. Very impressed. At the moment my antennas are vertical or an EFHW. 10m MOXON I might be able to point it to get better results. Well done.

[@johanpretorius3759]

Excellent.. I built mine based on your ideas.. it is tuned for 27-29 mhz.. so I can do CB and 10m. Love the antenna

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Brilliant, great that you can get the bandwidth to cover both bands 👍

[@timdbl7804]

Thanx for the construction video. There should really be a balun at feedpoint to avoid quirky pattern and SWR, and even noise pick-up and RF in the shack. It could go after a length of 50 ohm twin, from the feedpoint, if you can make some. 😊I wonder what is the RF resistance of the steel wire?

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Yes your right. Difficult to make 50 ohm twin feeder thats small. I will come up with something.

[@scott41598]

Sweet setup..

[@Texas1FlyBoy]

That's a beautiful antenna. I've had the same idea using similar materials. I still need to put it together, and your video encourages me to get it done! Thank you. 73 DE K5MSK

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Glad its some inspiration. Im now looking at a 15m version.

[@trig6712]

Good More power to your elbow Colin

[@Olly_F]

Great video. Definitely inspires me to make one of these!

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

15 years ago I would have said no chance but its not bad really.

[@Andy2e0ree]

This will be fun

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Hope so Andy 👍

[@mareksp9tkw908]

Great job Colin, I'm currently gathering materials for multiband Moxon 20/15/10 and hope to put it up early in the spring just in time for CQ WPX. I might use some of your ideas for a build. GL 73 Marek

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks Marek. You get these poles up to 11mm but may be too heavy. I'm with trying the 9.5mm poles for a 15m version.

[@jimbridge4166]

Love moxon antennas

[@robbannstrom]

Just found this - great job there Colin. It will certainly help me to build one of these for SOTA uses, although the problem here in Germany is the perennial one of sourcing materials and parts :(

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

I think all these parts should be available in Germany, I know the centre clamps that fo onto the mast are distributed from Germany. Tent poles will be easy to get hold of too. Good luck.

[@MaxMountainWorld]

Nice One Colin and thanks for the Link. 73's Max

[@MaxMountainWorld]

I put a link on my Facebook page too. Cool!!! 73's

[@zsradioham]

I like your simplistic design. GD DX GL with all CW contacts!

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thank you 😊

[@juanchaves2971]

Wow, thank you for an amazing video- very informative and helpful. I am going to try this using bamboo for the spreaders because I have a limitless supply of bamboo near my house.... I can not wait to try it- Thank you very much! from N4NNN

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Your very welcome. Good luck 👍

[@marek100play]

Excellent, I'm trying to make one for the 20m band. Will copy a few ideas from your build.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Excellent. I currently have a Hexbeam in the works using these poles. With the right support they work well.

[@marek100play]

I'm thinking of making a HexBeam, but now I will wait for your build and see what I can do; I plan to make a very portable HexBeam for my QRP/P op.

[@brianfields4479]

great job colin, and yes i could get one in my garden no bother, if only 10m would open hi hi. cheers mate.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Think if you got one up you would find the band open more than you think. Perhaps not as often to EU but still open elsewhere.

[@harrymagooslum5770]

Very cool and informative. I’m wondering if you could find a beacon and rotate the antenna to get a sense of if it performs similar to the theoretical front, back, and sides pattern. Perhaps that in addition to the comparison to a 1/4 wave vertical?

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Yes thats a good idea, Ive already tested front to back and it was circa 25db. I will be doing a comparison between this and the 5/8 vertical.

[@Linas_LY2H]

Looks gorgeous, congratulations! An interesting solution for the central hub. Good luck, good DX with it! 73! Linas LY2H

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks Linas. The available tube clamps are not a great match for the 10m SB. I will have to shim the pole slightly but it will still work. That will really be a compact setup.

[@m7trsradio]

Great video Colin. I am very aware of moxons but they haven't been on my radar. I am going to give it a go. Probably for 2m first. Nice video. 73 mate. Hope to catch you on the air. 😊

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks, 2m the ideal frequency to build your first Moxon.

[@m7trsradio]

@@MM0OPXFieldRadio thanks for the great advice. 👍🏽🤙🏽

[@dangermandave67]

Thanks, Colin. I want to build one of these. I'm thinking of using telescoping fibreglass fishing rod blanks for the arms, probably holding them in place on a sheet of plywood or plastic chopping board with some U-bolts. Question: how critical are the lengths of the sides of the rectangle, assuming that the total length of radiating and reflecting elements are correct? Will I need to trim the fishing poles to make them specific lengths so that the lengths of the sides of the rectangles are specific values?

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Whats ctitical is the right angle of your poles. Your idea is sound tho. Use a longer pole and remove an end section or 2.

[@olaala9324]

good job

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks

[@Mofman47]

Hi Colin. Great design and i am about to build mine. How are the keyrings attached to the ends of the poles and when measuring the elements, do you have to add on more wire for the loops that are linked to the keyrings or just use the lengths from the moxon calculator? Cheers. MM0AWU- Graham, also in Edinburgh.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

I just drill through the ferrule on the end of the pole. I just used the lengths from the calculator and it was close enough. Ifnineas making another I would add 10mm per corner.

[@Mofman47]

OK.cheers for that. I have now built it and had added 20mm per corner. Not fully tested it yet but SWR was below 2 and i use the ATU to tune it down. I think the band has been dead last couple of days. Mine is too high on driven element side so need to adjust tension somehow on reflector to raise it to match other side. Hopefully get some good DX soon. Thanks again.

[@26TM034]

you could "nest" the 10 meter within the 20 mtr antenna and a 6 mtr one too,

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Definitely, The 20m is a behemoth in comparison to this. I will do that at some point.

[@georgekey7538]

What is the length of the driven element and the reflector (inches or mm's)? Looks like a good field day antenna.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Cant remember of the top of my head but it was exactly as per the online Moxon calculator.

[@user-gg3px9jl9v]

Hello Colin, very good video, I wanted to know which calculator you used since all the ones I consulted give me different measurements for the same cable diameter and same frequency. Thank you very much LW5DAG 73

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

I think it may have been this one w4.vp9kf.com/moxon_design.htm

[@izzzzzz6]

How directional is it? If you are going to guy it you might want to make a system where you can still rotate it but that pole isn't great for an actual rotator. Perhaps a guy ring slightly larger than the pole (perhaps made from a bearing) so you can twist the mast by hand from beneath. Oh, right. So that is you spinning it with that guy calling contest wow around 7 S points depending. I think i have to give this go. I think wire diameter has quite an effect with loop style antenna i wonder if it's the same here. I like the lightweight stainless. I was considering buying a load to make ladder line with around 1.2-1.5mm

[@c3pno]

Pulley system with ratchet winder

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Its very directional. Its a doddle to rotate, even when guyed. Yes a rotator would be nice but not needed for field ops.

[@cristianbocca4484]

Hello, thanks for the video. Could you tell me what the thickness of the fiber rods is? So I can buy them. Thank you in advance

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

They are 8mm diameter tent poles.

[@RT038]

Hard to buy one of these in Australia. Some won't ship to Australia

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Shame. Expensive to get the American kit to the UK. I end up just making all my own antennas.

[@Frank35WR035]

Using a fishingpole will be brings much more stability and the wight will be thhe same.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Fishing poles are fine too. More expensive though and the kit cant pack as small. Use the diagonal support cords and there is no issue.

[@davebarksdale]

I'm interested in building your version of the Moxon but the link for the parts is showing broken. Is it just me?

[@davebarksdale]

Nevermind, the work computer was blocking access to Google docs. I should have known.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thats cool, glad you got access 👍

[@woodskid4ever]

Do you use your trampoline for on-the-fly trimming? hi hi

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Its very handy 😉

[@theradioham]

Nice job Colin, my only observation is swap out the Ally Caribiners for plastic ones as that will change the resonance of the elements and throw the Moxon lengths out

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

I did try without and there was no noticeable difference. For good housekeeping your 100% right.

[@oscarfreggiaro7676]

Hola podrias informarnos las medidas de los componentes de la antena ya que no los encuentro n ningun lado. Gracias y 73

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

The wire measurements as as per Moxgen or the online Moxon calculator.

[@msn164]

What make is that telescopic pole?

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

It's a Lifes a Breeze 10m Pro Pole

[@MM0IMC]

How does a Moxon compare to a HB9CV, performance wise? 🤔

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

I think you would be hard pushed to tell the difference. Both are 2 eli beams. The HB9CV probably has marginally more gain but the Moxon has more F/B.

[@Massey_Fferguson]

Could I build it in a square by pvc Cross section or like aluminium

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Yes but the angle is critical to function. I dont know how it will perform as a square.

[@Massey_Fferguson]

@@MM0OPXFieldRadio I'd buy this kit if it was available

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

@@Massey_Fferguson unfortunately I just do have the time.

[@Massey_Fferguson]

@@MM0OPXFieldRadio pitty

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Have a go yourself, whats the worst that could happen.

[@h2osmokey]

What is max power

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

It depends on what coax you use from the feedpoint. The antenna itself will handle 3kw+ but with this RG316 I recon 800w or so.

[@MrJarbuck]

you should sell them and sign me up to buy and redistribute lol

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

I dont have the time but go for it yourself 😉

[@lyderiscom]

Brilliant!

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks. Look forward to getting it out to use over the winter.

[@MAGNETAR-187]

Wow İ am a newbie! İ thought all 11m antennas were vertical! İ am new to this stuff! Never seen something like this!! 😂

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Same rules apply for all frequencies. Look for Max Mountain World on here. He has a 10m Moxon and works the world.

[@MAGNETAR-187]

@@MM0OPXFieldRadio yeah i know him. Your video came after i watched his umbrella x type antenna! İt is a real alien tech antenna😂!

[@mm3nrx]

I used the moxon antenna for over a decade, what a little performer with a small footprint. Although I used thicker and more rigid poles which eliminated the flopping about. I also added a parasitic element for 6m located near to the driven element. 73 Colin de MM3NRX/M3NRX

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks Jason, I remember you using one way back to great effect. With the cross cords it really stiffens it up. I had to do this for 15m Moxon. I am going to try a 20m Moxon with 11.5mm tent poles.

[@kennyc3984]

Excellent this Colin. Simple and very efective. Great video and the simplicity of it ought to be an encouragement for others to try the same. Ken G4VZV

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Thanks Ken. I did think for quite a while before starting and yes simple is usually better. Still going to upgrade it some and make make an adaptor to turn it into a vertical Moxon for saltwater use.