LCARA HAM Radio: Hy-Gain AV-640 Antenna - Part1

[@kenc5156]

For anyone referencing this for assembly help, in this video the mast brackets with stub brackets are oriented incorrectly. (he is referring to them as "standoffs") Refer to your instruction/assembly manual. The mast brackets are to be mounted with stub brackets ON TOP of the mast brackets. As done here, they all should be flipped 180° from what is shown. re: 4:40 - 5:28 in the video.

[@KX4UL]

Good job with the antenna and video! I have considered one of the popular verticals in the past so, it's good to see it assembled in bite-sized pieces. 73!

[@coffeemocha]

I am considering this antenna. I note your radials might touch a tree branch from time to time. I would have that same situation in my installation. Does that pose and issue? I can't find anything in the manual that says it would be a problem.

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

@Dan McGee - you are correct there were some branches touching a couple of the radials. I cut them back so that they would not make contact. I noticed the SWR was fluctuating as well when testing and once the branches were trimmed back the fluctuations disappeared.

[@mikemcdonald5147]

im putting mine up on a taller post so I don't poke my eye out with those long spider legged radials. Friend I bought it from told me to do that so you don accidentally walk into one.

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

Indeed I have bright orange screamers on my radials to prevent someone not seeing them as a hazard. Thanks!

[@mikemcdonald5147]

no antenna building is frustrating to me. Not Fun LOL. When I open one up and see bags of tiny parts I start getting stressed and my blood pressure goes up LOL

[@bobevery1626]

bryan my l1 coil assembly only goes 3 inches into "BD" 3 inches and stops. the manual says 4 inches but there in an inner diameter that won"t let it go that far. did you have that experience ? thank"s bob kv3v

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

@bob every - Hey Bob, honestly, I don't remember the sections not going in incorrectly. You may want to contact MFJ/Hy-Gain and see if this is a manufacturing defect or how it's being built now. Thanks for watching!

[@bobevery1626]

LCARA HAMRadio thank you for your reply. I gave them a call....they said it was a misprint; it should have read 3 inches. Oh we’ll I’ll find out once it’s built. Thanks &73s .

[@Shastasays]

@@bobevery1626 I just put together the AV-680. The instructions are very dodgey. Tons of misprints, and confusion with the parts and putting part together. I called MFJ Tech support for clarification and they were confused. I looked at various reviews and the major complaint was the instructions. Good luck 73 de KD9NGU

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

My neighbours would be complaining about that beast.

[@LCARAHAMRadio]

@ Walking Man Video I hear you! I purposely put this antenna within some smaller trees that shouldn't damage it and hides it mostly from my neighbors. The highest point on my compound is there, so it allows me to reach out and make contacts.

[@SiezureLips]

@@LCARAHAMRadio f the neighbors, at least you're not black

[@enriqueacevedo7651]

Antenna is very expensive $$$. I will stay with my dipole antenna.