[OKDXA] Hexbeam follow-up

[Jeff Martin]

   To follow up on Coy's question about using a Hexbeam again on 
DXpedition:

   We were running out of time & I failed to mention a few facts 
regarding my Hexbeam. I have the K4KIO Hexbeam. It works good, and most 
importantly, it is quite portable. It breaks down into a pretty small 
package for carrying as luggage on an airplane.
   However, the method used for connecting the copper wires to the string 
between the copper wires is not very good. It's just a crimp together 
thing that is susceptible to a flash-over arching that will burn up the 
string, especially in a wet, drizzly, salty environment like the Chatham 
Islands.
   I contacted the manufacturer of the original G3TXQ Hexbeam in Wales. 
He was the only one who seemed to be familiar with this problem, and 
willing to do something about it... I purchased a new set of wires from 
him. These wires have about a 3 inch non-conductive insulator between 
the wires and the strings. So, I will rebuild my Hexbeam with these new 
wires before I go out again on DXpedition. Hopefully, this will do the 
trick, and I will continue to use the Hexbeam. I haven't found any other 
antenna with gain on 5 bands that is lightweight and breaks down into a 
small package. Install time and take down time is not too bad, either...
   So, that's my Hexbeam story...

73,
Jeff - K5WE