HOLD IT! STOP! WAIT A MINUTE!

My recent post on this site concerning our "time of reflection and consideration" has some folks running scared and thinking they need to order spare parts for their HEX-BEAMs that aren't broken. Others feel we're desperate to "sell", "get out", etc.

YES, we would like to see someone with the means and ability bring the HEX-BEAM and its technology to the next level.

NO, regarding someone just "running with it" and leaving our many customers "hanging". We intend that your present and future needs would be met.

At present we enjoy, and plan to continue, building HEX-BEAMs as we have thus far, using the time-proven, custom built approach that has worked so well. We believe the HEX-BEAM is one of the most durable and best performing beams built today and don't regret giving it the best we can. Since we have almost 15 years and well over $1M invested in this effort, we aren't interested in just "walking away".

We realize however, that "we" can only do so much and not everyone appreciates, or is willing to pay for, the time and expense involved with making parts step by step and pre-assembling an array piece by piece. To most, if not all our customers, a finely crafted, durable, insulator or spreader arm is part of the enjoyment and satisfaction of owning a HEX-BEAM. Also, many want a beam that goes together quickly, requires no tuning, and works right the first time. Our happiest customers believe as we do -- "cheaper isn't always cheapest" and "bigger doesn't always mean better". Still, we would like to see the HEX-BEAM made more affordable without sacrificing quality, so owning and enjoying the benefits of a HEX-BEAM could become a reality to those who now feel they can't afford one...yet. Our question was, and is, what should the next step be?

It does seem to us that this endeavor has become "bigger" than "we" are and we would like to hear from the right someone or group of 'someones' who sees the potential of this technology, and would continue forward with the same, or an improved, level of quality as found in the present HEX-BEAM product line. Also, of perhaps greater importance, are the pending proprietary improvements and developments resulting from our work thus far. The HEX-BAM, as it now exists, is a fine antenna. Much has been done. But, much more can be done. Much more should be done. The HEX-BEAM "at its best" isn't "out there" yet! Please contact me directly if you or your company is interested.

Sincerely,
Mike T.

April 2006 marks the beginning of our 15th year with the Hex-Beam. For us, it is a time of reflection and consideration.

Looking back, the arrival of the creative spark for a hexagonal beam was a very exciting time. We remember the moment and the many long, but enjoyable hours of testing and developing what is now known as the HEX-BEAM. We had expected a somewhat compromised beam and a rather modest level of performance with the tiny hexagonal configuration, but it wasn't long when it became obvious that the HEX-BEAM was very "quiet" and "got through" when other beams could not. Also, the expected "compromises" didn't exist and many of the problems found in existing arrays were eliminated. It really did work -- often better than much larger conventional designs.

Today, the HEX-BEAM's performance, durability and other benefits are widely known and well established. HEX-BEAMs are now in virtually every state and many countries around the world. The HEX-BEAM has gone from a creative spark to a proven product with an established market. Now it's time for the next step. That step is bigger than we are.

I would be pleased to hear from that someone or group of 'someones' who sees the potential of this technology and would continue forward with, not only the present HEX-BEAM product line, but also the pending proprietary improvements and developments resulting from our work thus far with the controlled field concept.

If you are interested in the acquisition of this business and the associated technology please contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Mike Traffie

Re: Installation Comments

Hex-Beams are now in use in various parts of the world. Those who have installed and are using Hex-Beams as recommended, report that our specifications are, if anything, conservative. Recently, we have been made aware of a few instances of disappointing performance with H-Bs.

In one instance, a much larger tri-bander was installed just below an HX-5Bi. Another has a large 11 element, HF array 12-14 ft. below a 40M HEX-BEAM. In the third, compromised performance is reported when an HX-5Bi is compared with a trapped tri-bander. In this instance, both antennas were reportedly at 65 ft., which is 25-30 ft. above the recommended height for the HX-5Bi!

Other antennas, a building itself, or its roof (especially if metal), can act as an elevated: ground. Even wooden structures containing pipes, ducts, wires, etc., can affect performance. The effect is generally minimal, but if V.S.W.R. changes during beam rotation or compromised performance (especially in a certain direction) is experienced, these possibilities should be considered.

The HX-5Bi (and any HEX-BEAM w/20M) is optimized for a working height of 40 ft. above "average" ground. Generally speaking, with HEX-BEAMs, higher isn't better. When a HEX-BEAM w/20M is installed at the "usual" Yagi height of 65 to 70 ft., its overall performance is compromised -- sometimes severely. While using the stacked pair at our test site once a given band is open, the single lower HX-5B at 30 to 35 ft. usually outperforms the upper HX-5B at 80 to 90 ft. by 5 to 12 dB. Its performance is often equal to or greater than the stacked pair! At gray-line the upper antenna sometimes has the edge (5-6 dB+/-). With QSB/multi-path propagation, the pair is generally better (10-12 dB +/-). With higher angle paths, (such as mid-stateside) the upper antenna can be up to 20dB down from the lower HX-5B.