Building the BuddiHex Hexbeam | Best Portable Ham Radio Antenna

Today I go through all of the steps and pieces for building the BuddiHex Hexbeam antenna from Buddpole. This might be the best portable ham radio antenna I have used in the field, and I would like your thoughts also.
Link: www.buddipole.com/buddihex2.html
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Thanks for watching!
#Hamradio #kc5hwb #bestportablehamradioantenna

[@DaveW6OOD]

I got mine a few weeks ago. The first time I set it up, I talked to a guy in Slovenia from California on 100w, both of us had a 59 signal. The SWR for the entirety of all the 6 bands were a flat 1.0-1.1 across the whole of each band, except a 1.3-1.4 in the bottom of the 6m. I've never had my waterfall display so much activity, and this on a mid-day Monday. Chris at Buddipole is obviously a perfectionist. The design of this product at release looks like it's gone through many iterations to be this well designed. I didn't get a build pole and was trying to figure out making one so I don't have to build it at ground level. Field Days will never be the same again.

[@gregbarthol5381]

Does the Hex come with tripod & mast?

[@DaveW6OOD]

@@gregbarthol5381 No, it does not. Chris advised me on the necessity of getting the Mastwerks mast. The bottom of the BuddiHEX has a teardrop shaped opening and clamp designed for the Mastwerks masts. I had saved up for the HEX but had to get creative to buy the mast at the same time. It was worth it as they mate together amazingly well and the rotating mast is genius. He said he is working on a fitting to allow you to use another mast, but it is still months away from being ready.

[@georgekern1914]

Had the opportunity to see one in action. Thanks for putting this vid up to see the assembly. Very interesting

[@gsansoucie]

This was super helpful. I made it about half way via FFWD and realized this is not for me. I barely use my Buddipoles now because they take so long to assemble, this makes the Buddipoles look quick. I’m sticking with a wire and on the air in a minute. Thanks for posting.

[@frankwc0o]

Prototype, nice. Can't wait to see the final product.

[@naetuir]

Looks great. Thanks for showing off the new hardware!

[@n5pa]

Jason: You did a good job of presenting the build process and I imagine like any hex beam, it performs well. I hope it is not overpriced!

[@vu2bpa]

Excellent insight on BuddiHex, looking forward to having one.

[@t3chblog296]

This looks like an amazing product! Something like this for 2m & 70cm would be great for me. I can't have a permanent structure where I live (it's a co-op), but something I can set up and take down easily when I want to use my radio would be great!

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Jason, great video. Thanks a lot for taking the time to make it. I enjoy your videos very much. Keep up the great work my friend! Larry de K7HN

[@infoaffiliatemagic]

Set up one of the early versions Chris sent for us to try out. Used it for field day and made over 200 contacts worldwide from N. Florida. It was easy to set up and very directional - Love the hand crank on the Mastwerks mast as it was extremely easy to turn the antenna. Will hopefully be using the newest version Buddi-Hex on the island of Bimini late October.

[@marcoverdesca2534]

Do you think if I install it on my 32 ft house roof will perform well at 20 and 40 meters? I'm not sure about 40 meters...

[@billsbullets]

About to pull the trigger on one. Looking forward to today’s live stream.

[@mikel5077]

It's not even out yet I've been waiting for 2 weeks

[@MrJimmy440]

Thanks for posting. Waiting for part 2 .

[@CC-hk6vy]

Fantastic video not only ly for BuddiHex but also to show a Hexbeam too.

[@randygc3704]

Good video. This looks like a great antenna for Field Day. Thanks.

[@HamRadio2]

It is!

[@flhtcui2000]

Smiling! Good one sir, always thought they looked strange but understand they work well. 73

[@HamRadio2]

Yes they do

[@charleszimmermann7784]

Thanks for the video!

[@garryhammond3117]

Looks awesome! - Thanks!

[@HamRadioTV]

Nice job! BUT, You did not convince me you are faster….you forgot to put it up in the air and 😉

[@slcoareschannel1943]

Great job!! Thx!

[@tonyridlen]

Jason impressive build of this antenna KC9QVE Marion,Indiana

[@wiltonsmith3397]

Pretty slick!

[@don_n5skt]

Still want one and I check the site every day ;)

[@Sonicgott]

Pretty cool design! I’d nickname this a spider web antenna.

[@HamRadio2]

Honestly a spiderweb antenna is something slightly different

[@joeyshmoey8514]

It would be easy to put plastic hinges where each rod meets the center pole. then it could be left assembled; and to store it the rods would fold upwards, which would then be able to fit inside a sleeve about 10 inches in diameter. That would be similar to how some umbrellas have a 'sleeve' or 'sheath for storage. The antenna could then be deployed in about 3 minutes and packed up just as fast. It would have to be carried on a roof, but it would be worth the convenience. It doesn't makes sense to have to do all that assembly each time when an easier method can be devised. Perhaps the lateral rods, or 'limbs', could be made to 'telescope' into a shorter length. the segments could be spaced at the wavelength connector locations. That would create a package about 3ft long x 12" diameter, but it could be erected in about 3 minutes, and stowed in its case in about the same time. Make the limbs 'collapse' by telescoping, and then have them fold upwards on hinges where they join the central pole. Provide a custom carrying bag, or case, that holds the antenna when folded and keeps it protected and clean, with a shoulder strap, a handle, and a small accessory pocket that could hold the coax, and a meter, etc. Put an attractive logo on the carrying bag to advertise your 'brand'. That would be a complete and very usable package.

[@paulhastings3109]

Nice review 👌

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

wow, big antenna... be hell to put up in a tight campsite,. Still looks nice and being a hexbeam I bet it sings.

[@alanfloyd3332]

Thanks good video

[@greg94080]

Sounds like you and Jason should have a hex build race. =D

[@stefhesselager]

Nice review. Wait for him to put it online for sale.

[@prepr8725]

excellent video thank you

[@HamRadio2]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dv87]

stick a 2m/440 vertical on the top of center mast for the ic-705! (or small yagi add-on) the forward facing poles could be a different color to aid with orientation in the field.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes that has been suggested before also. Might try that next time.

[@dv87]

@@HamRadio2 thanks for sharing. will own it.

[@denisbrunette8378]

Awesome looking antenna. I saw it at the 2023 Dayton hamvention. I actually bought the Buddystick Pro while I was there. Question is are they making one with 40 meters added on. I know this one goes to 20 meters. Thanks a Million. Awesome presentation. Denis. VA3DCB.

[@HamRadio2]

No 40M add-on.

[@budshepherd9893]

wow, what a beautiful job you did making this video....thank you soo very much.. 73 w2bud

[@HamRadio2]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shakinwheels7587]

nice project bud i have that antenne build in de 19660 of a vissing umbralla

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@higginsjoshua]

Have you had any experience with the G3TXQ's ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT D-HEXPEDITION PORTABLE HEXBEAM? Can you do a video comparing and contrasting them? I'm stuck between deciding which one to buy.

[@HamRadio2]

Have not had my hands on one of those.

[@boblewis8783]

Unless I missed it I don't think you put on the tensioner which is the last thing that goes on the BuddiHex set up after the wires are placed.

[@robertallbright]

Should be a winner, but expensive 73 Rob G3RCE excellent video thanks

[@johnleonardelli_VE3IPS]

I ordered one so can't Wait. No reason to not use it for a 2 hr POTA activation if set up is 20mins

[@W9HJBill]

Very cool. If it's the $600 mark, that's actually a good price. Like you said, it would be great for a weekend trip, but not for POTA. I can't wait to see the gain numbers on it and how it sounds. But I have to give you a little ribbing ... you didn't wind your wire elements in a figure 8 pattern. ;) But seriously, I wonder if doing the "Over Under Method" for coiling the wires and then putting them in the plastic bag (or getting some heavy duty 8 mil bags would be better. Certainly would decrease setup time and make the wires less kinked.

[@DaveW6OOD]

The antenna at release will have a few larger winders that are made from carbon fiber cut-offs from building the poles and 3D designed end pieces that are pretty cool. I only got one with my pre-release one and it was 3d printed. I plan of asking to buy a couple more when it goes up for sale.

[@TangoOscarMikeN3WS]

Looks really well designed. I would imagine you could just run one element, like 20 meters without putting all the other elements on it if you were in a hurry?

[@brucestarr4438]

Chris said this in another video. You can put up only the bands you're going to run at the time. It would be lot faster if you're going for a single band, over the whole thing.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@brucestarr4438 Putting up the Buddi Stik would be even faster ;)

[@mrjikey]

In regards to your 2M question being added, from my research in building a hex for my home station, the 6M element is actually resonant on 2M as well. Be curious if that is the case with this hex. Mike - N7CCD

[@HamRadio2]

I'll have to check

[@randygc3704]

My NA4RR Hex checked at at around 1.8:1 and 1.6:1 across the entire 2M band using my analyzer. I haven't done any 2M SSB with it yet as I will have to swap the feed line from t he HF to the VHF antenna port on my '706. Besides, I'm having too much fun on HF with it.

[@CKJEntertainmentServ]

is there any certain reason why the feed point is all the way at the top at the 20m element as opposed to feeding it at the 6m element?

[@N8JLS]

Now I want to buy one...

[@h2osmokey]

What is your band width experience and forward gain. Noise level.

[@Cystem]

I'm in the market for a hex beam as a permanent install on top of my house. I'm curious if there's any advantage to go in with any manufacturer other than this. it looks like it's about as sturdy if not more so than the ones intended for permanent install.

[@randygc3704]

I put up a NA4RR Hexbeam about 2 months ago and I love it. From the video it looks like it would not be as sturdy for long term use as mine , particularly the attachment points to the arms where the elements are strung. Also, what would be the long term impact of UV on it? Mine has been painted with UV resistant paint, and I have extra Ice cords to provide strength during the winter. Obviously your conditions will vary. The Buddihex may be able to take it, but I've never been comfortable using equipment designed for portable/temporary use as a permanent installation. Hope this helps. 73 de KAØAZS

[@VE9ASN]

It doesn't appear these are for sale on the website? I'd sure love to get my hands on one!!! 73

[@christopherwalsh7700]

Is it necessary to run all element wires? If I wanted only 20 meters couldn’t I just string the 20m element to save time?

[@richarde735]

how long are those poles? wondering if I have enough room to set it up.

[@rfengineer3]

You could just cut a small section out of the ring terminals and turn them into a "hook". 😉🤜🤛

[@you2tooyou2too]

If you do, always hook it clockwise (the same direction as the clamping knob). If not, tightening would tend to spread the hook away from the terminal lug. Heavily tugging on the driven element would tend to loosen it, but that should never happen (except in heavy icing conditions, where special procedures would apply).

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

Dude I need one of these.

[@HamRadio2]

Put one of these to your backpack when you jump out of a plane, that would be awesome

[@AlphaCharlieFour]

Dang... I want one.

[@spencerhumpherys170]

Does anyone know if you need a mastwerks system to use the buddihex? or can you use the normal buddipole mast and tripod?

[@marcr1230]

Jason - is there a companion mastwerks setup video?

[@Kd4jwf2024]

I already saving mula for.ot

[@garymurdoch1]

any idea when it will be available ?

[@submarineradioman5535]

What is the gain and F/B ratio of this “beam”?

[@TheStevenhull]

Hamstick ftw!

[@Ben-md9yx]

I WANT!! Take my money now!! LOL It's not available online yet.

[@jonperelstein2480]

I wasn't clear on what tripod/mast system you were using.

[@georgekreuter8826]

It looks like the BuddieHex mounts on a round stud. What is the OD and length of the stud? I want to build a cap to adapt the antenna to Army mast poles as I have the Army mast tripod with a Yaesu AZ rotator on the bottom that I use for EME.

[@you2tooyou2too]

Wow! I'd like to see how that gets aimed at the moon!

[@andyM7XTT]

Hi Jason,does it feel as strong as other hex beams to have as a permanent install?? Would it mount on top of a steel pole on a tower? Great work as usual 👍

[@charleszimmermann7784]

Hey how did that hex beam work for you, was it worth the time to set it up?

[@HamRadio2]

Depends on what you are activating, but yes it works very well.

[@michaelclueless]

Tell the manufacturer that he can put VHF/UHF in the support mast, below the HF array. Or use discone elements, again below the HF stuff…unless he wants to add enough rising mast to clear the HF wires by at least a quarter wave. Either way, he’ll probably want to alter the feed line for VHF/UHF.

[@HamRadio2]

He tried that. It was very inefficient so they never put it into production

[@sm3ttz]

I instantly need that :) Tho it's on the expensive side at > $600

[@ac2v311]

Do you have to put all of the elements on or can you only put on the ones that you are going to use ie. 20, 17, 15?

[@you2tooyou2too]

It was designed with the passive interactions of all of the other band elements, so stringing only one element will alter the behavior, but perhaps not by much. . The original designer could probably predict the spectral delta for each of the bands, and might be willing to post it, especially considering how many of us balance assembly time, against operating time, and desired performance. . It took me 8 minutes to get one band raised, and almost 30 to put them all up. I wrap the bundles for much quicker release than our host. And wire them from the top, down, raising the 'mast' so I'm always at eye level. ...

[@scottf4277]

I have been trying to order it. Website says you can order since Sept 15th. Even sent an email to Chris. Still can order it though. Dang...

[@HamRadio2]

Hopefully soon

[@jimw9170]

@@HamRadio2 Thank you for yet another video of an antenna we still cant buy. With all due respect that has been the answer since your March video if I am correct. I got one email response from Chris the rest have been ignored. Maybe I need to just go wherever they are and work to help get this antenna out the door finally. I am sure everyone has grown weary of waiting. I know I have. When I saw your video on it the first time my excitement level was high. I ended up buying a different brand for my base antenna. I would still like one to take with me camping and for emergencies.

[@HamRadio2]

@@jimw9170 I'm just repeating what Buddipole has told me. If you want a more specific date, contact them.

[@jimw9170]

@@HamRadio2 I have tried that is what I indicated. No response is what I have experienced.

[@trwinco]

Just checking, but for that price does it include the tripod or does that have to be ordered separately?

[@HamRadio2]

Price is for the antenna only.

[@gregbarthol5381]

@@HamRadio2 Then it's a deal breaker....bummed

[@tommywalls1167]

Why not build the hexbeam fully assembled for unfolding and using and then folding backup to take down? The poles or legs could be hinged to the hub and locked into place when unfolded. Maybe similar in idea to how a fake Christmas tree's branches hinge up and down for setup and storage. Since the lengths of the wires and strings are fixed for the bands why not go ahead and have them secured in place on the legs so the wires would fold up or down with the legs? It seems this would help reduce the setup and take down times. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@HamRadio2]

Their original design tried that but it proved to be problematic

[@you2tooyou2too]

@@HamRadio2 How long does a folding umbrella last? ;-)

[@DaveJohnsonad5nm]

Beam in a bag for $600, it has my interest.

[@donr2670]

What are the spreaders made of? PVC or Fiberglass?

[@HamRadio2]

The arms? I believe fiberglass.

[@SteelWolf13]

Fun fact. Later on that afternoon an egg was cooked on a tree stump in the middle of that V. And for the egg it was neither fun or a fact.

[@stevenaustin2860]

were can i get hold of one jason i think its a great little well big antenna and how much will it set me back m7byf in liverpool eng oh great stream mate

[@HamRadio2]

Unfortunately he's ran behind and production due to current worldwide shortages of all industries. The latest projection is January for these, last I heard. Of course that might change again

[@stevenaustin2860]

@@HamRadio2 how much are they mate

[@FjHenderson]

Little late to the party but I just came across this video. One thing you can do with the feed point to make a high power feed point is to put a so-239 connector onto the feed line and run it down to just below the bottom of the antenna and connect your main feedline there. I built one from scratch and can see it on my QRZ page at AC8GF. 73

[@HamRadio2]

Buddipole actually has a feedpoint like you describe, that they released after this video was made. Of course you can build your own too, like you stated. Thanks for watching.

[@3oo3tube2020]

Can you use the 15 meter for 40 meter?

[@HamRadio2]

Maybe but it would be very compromised.

[@randygc3704]

I'd be interested to see what Buddipole says, but the manufacturer of my Hex has this warning in the instructions: "It is not designed to operate on 30m or 40m or outside the amateur bands. DO NOT transmit, even with the aid of a tuner, outside the designed bands. This can cause excessive voltage and arching of the terminals on the center post...". I would assume that would be common among all antennas of this design.

[@dj6orandrew915]

Hopefully there will be a European distributor.

[@DewayneW4FDT]

ok I got to ask, how the heck you get the tripod that low... haha.. im as short as you and i cannot reach the top of the center post on the tripod.

[@Cystem]

He explains early on in the video how it happens there's a piece that you swap out for building

[@DewayneW4FDT]

@@Cystem next time ill watch it with the sound up..

[@Cystem]

@@DewayneW4FDT yeah not digging on you for not listening, I get it. I just want the point out that if you rewatch it you'll see the part he uses to make it short.

[@DewayneW4FDT]

@@Cystem its cool man youre right, i wouldve heard it if the sound had been up.. looks like the setup stick i was hearing about, i have the 7m mast, it didnt come with one.

[@dd6fm]

Tnx .. good explained .. 73 DD6FM - Marco

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TLCLandscape]

Howdy everyone, Looking forward to Ham Expo, hopefully ill meet some of you regulars

[@Advil1024]

Asking because I'm always trying to learn more about antennas: So my first impression looking at how this antenna is constructed, each band is essentially a moxon antenna and each band is joined together like you would assemble a fan dipole it would seem. So you basically have a multi-band fan moxon antenna right? Given that a moxon antenna is a rectangle and this is hexagonal with the driven element pulled in to the middle, how does this change the antenna's directivity, if at all?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes it's a Moxon. I don't understand how the directionality of it works though. There is some good documentation on many websites about it

[@melvinetheridge2134]

Add 40M to it and I’m sold!

[@denp54z]

I could tune up the 20 m wire with my autotunner for 40 m on my KIO don't see why it wouldn't work with this one. Might not be perfect but it got contacts.

[@andrewmoore3064]

where can i buy one

[@HamRadio2]

Link in the description

[@forgetyourlife]

Wind load rating?

[@N8JLS]

15:39 Might cover that if you listen closely....

[@austieoutdoors9763]

hey budd is your friend still selling them im looking for one im in west lancishire england please help new amateur operator m7byf

[@Knarf14]

Lmao @ 15:40 was that a fart when bending down to walk under element

[@HamRadio2]

that was the lapel mic rubbing again my shirt

[@Knarf14]

@@HamRadio2 ok …. I listened to it like 30 times laughing cause it actually looked like you looked at camera with a face like oh boy wonder if camera heard that but ok 73 … good times

[@denp54z]

Squeaky shoes !

[@JeffHochberg]

Thank goodness KZbin allows for increasing the playback speed! Wow! Just set the damn thing up! We can figure the rest out. 🤣

[@replysoon3216]

15:31 well played. lmao

[@HamRadio2]

OK?

[@replysoon3216]

@@HamRadio2 Sorry it just sounded like you farted

[@replysoon3216]

lol was that a fart though?

[@HamRadio2]

@@replysoon3216 that was my shirt, which had the mic attached to it, rubbing against the cord of the Hexbeam. Real mature, though...

[@replysoon3216]

@@HamRadio2 Yes I knew that's what is was but I was just joking with you. I didn't mean to offend you. I've been a subscriber for almost 2 years and most of my shopping revolves around your review videos. Making DX contact with your callsign is pretty high on my bucket list.

[@mikegianfrancesco9431]

Hows the swr

[@DaveW6OOD]

Mine is basically flat at under 1:1 across the entire band on all but 6m. 6m comes up to 1.3:1 near the bottom. I was shocked and pleased when I measured it.

[@alanbrockmeier6871]

Very informative! NM5SP

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Py1axRADIOAMADORISMOSEMSTRESS]

Like in BRASIL we dont have this antena here like to have one is any possibility to sale thus used ine fir me will be better price tham to bay a new one just like to niw the size the air mail here just acept max 1meter i dont need a bag i will live in my tower as my main antena 15m up thats what i want ok for ypu let me now pls PY1AX im ok on QRZ As well ok many tks for a very goid video like it so much 73 from tony py1ax saquarema rio de janeiro .

[@ericdreizen1463]

Yes....yes, I know there's the temptation when u're finished building it to cover it with a nylon-plastic material & use it as an umbrella when it's pouring cats & dogs!! But I'm gonna give u the same advice they gave Oswald, heh heh heh heh.........."DON'T DO IT!!" UH HUH!!!

[@denelson83]

Folded fan dipole.

[@vintageguitarz1]

Hey Dude, you opened up your Umbrella upside down!! There's this weird guy out in Death Valley with an antenna like that, he says he talks to UFO's and Space Aliens with it. ..... GMRS is better than HAM.

[@HamRadio2]

You were doing well until that last sentence

[@denp54z]

Haha

[@rohnkd4hct260]

Nice antenna but, a little 'pricey' to me.

[@frailingham6065]

Caution ! Buddipole will sell you the "Deluxe Package" but you soon discover if you really want to operate, you need to buy an additional $400.00 in accessories. Money pit.

[@HamRadio2]

Disagree. I've operated with the Deluxe Package multiple times

[@davenewmyer3735]

Trying to decide between a hexbeam and a log-periodic beam to replace the Mosley tribander I took down. This is for my home station. de n0km

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Dave, I'd read some reviews for the K4KIO hexbeam and its competitors. Owners seem to just love them! I think this buddipole product is more intended for portable use. 73 de VE3GKT

[@randygc3704]

I went with a Hexbeam (NA4RR version) due to my limited space suburban lot. I'm loving it. I've even been on the receiving end of DX pileups for the first time in my life. It's not as directional and the side/back lobe rejection is not as great as a traditionally 3 el Yagi, but I'm happy. I agree that this one looks great for portable use, but I'd be concerned with putting it up on my 30Ft tower for long term use (especially since I can't climb anymore). 73

[@josephtotter7484]

Looking at this. It seems to me a TH3JRS is easier to set up after the initial build and marked and is cheaper and may work better. Joe WA4UJY

[@Blake-W8LB]

New General here, trying to learn, and get into POTA , what would be the benefit of this vs the Buddipole or Buddistick pro? KQ4GVR

[@HamRadio2]

More bands and better receive gain

[@ncphotos]

Great video & antenna! de W2CSI