[TowerTalk] Beta match adds capacitive reactance on 2 el Hy-gain 40m (reply)

[Scott Yost]

SM0HRP,

Two years ago I built a 2 element 40 meter yagi.  I tried to use a DXE
hairpin, but could not effect a match.  After consulting with DXE tech
staff I abandoned it, as the device they sell did not offer adequate
matching range.   I broke out my 1974 ARRL Antenna Handbook and used its
charts to determine the reactance needed for the impedance transformation
and wound an inductor to place across the feedpoint.  It worked like a
charm.  I used aluminum clothesline wire to avoid dissimilar metal issues
at the contact with the driven element, and sealed all connections well.
Beyond the ARRL Antenna Handbook, the other key was my VA-1 antenna
analyzer, which was very instructive.  And the magnifying lamp on the work
bench.  Those charts were really small.   73 & GL, NM8R