[OKDXA] Optimizing a HyGain 204-BA

[Mark Beckwith]

It has been my experience that computer-optimizing a yagi deisgned in 
the 1960s can result in a much better antenna.

That said, my experience with 204BAs involves lengthening the boom by a 
lot, which, after doing so, I then determined to be well worth it.

If you can lengthen the boom from the factory 26' to 42' then I can show 
you designs and real-world data that should make you wet your pants.

Oh wait, 26' is a 205BA.  Right.  I ditched one element to get better 
results.  This was in 1983 for W6AQ.  I then built two of them for my 
own station in 2002 because the design was just so ... good.

If you can't lengthen the boom you might be able to improve the pattern 
a little and the bandwidth a little.  But as Allen says, only a little.

Sincerely,

73 - Mark N5OT



On 2023-08-09 6:10 PM, Unosuave Hombre wrote:
> Hi Jeff,
> Its been my experience, shortening or lengthening an HF antenna elements or boom will not made much difference.  I would split the difference on the 3 measurements you found,  put the antenna with the reflector on the ground, director up in the air and take a swr measurement.  I think you will be really close to optimum performance!
> 73
> Allen R.
> N5RMS
>
> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
>
> From: Ken Roberson via OKDXA<mailto:okdxa at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 5:38 PM
> To: Oklahoma DX Association<mailto:okdxa at mailman.qth.net>; Jeff Martin<mailto:jeffk5we at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [OKDXA] Optimizing a HyGain 204-BA
>
> Jeff,
> There is some information on page 2-18 in the ARRL YAGI Antenna Classics publication.
> Hope this helps
> 73 Ken K5DNL
>
>      On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 03:45:16 PM CDT, Jeff Martin <jeffk5we at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>   Good Afternoon...
>    I am rebuilding a HyGain 204-BA, 4 element 20 meter yagi. This antenna
> is 45 years old. It originally came out some time before 45 years ago,
> so the design is old. There were some mods which came out years ago,
> after computer modeling became fashionable, for better element spacing
> and length. In researching the internet, I have found 3 different sets
> of measurements. So, I don't know which is best..
>    By chance, has anyone any experience with optimizing a 204-BA? Do you
> have any recommended measurements? Do you have any Eznec EZ files?
>    Thanks for any help...
>
> 73,
> Jeff - K5WE
>
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