Does anyone know what the spacing between elements on a beam antenna should be? I built a 146 MHz 3 element beam following instructions, and the spacing was 16" between the driven element and the reflector and 20" between the driven element and the director. I was just wondering how you determine the proper spacing between elements; is there any set formula you use to determine boom length, element spacing, etc. that you can use to design a yagi? If anyone can tell me, I would really appreciate it.
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1$\begingroup$ There are many kinds of beam antennas. Do you mean a Yagi antenna (the most common kind) or some other type? $\endgroup$– Kevin Reid AG6YO ♦May 14, 2014 at 4:21
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$\begingroup$ You can use the beam antenna calculator at csgnetwork.com/antennae3ycalc.html for a quick check on your math. $\endgroup$– ghendricksMay 14, 2014 at 4:42
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$\begingroup$ Yes, I am talking about a yagi, I probably should have stated that in my question. @ghendricks Thanks for the site, I will have to check it out. $\endgroup$– Delta1XMay 14, 2014 at 12:41
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$\begingroup$ @ghendricks that site doesn't seem to be working. Maybe it doesn't like my computer. $\endgroup$– Delta1XMay 15, 2014 at 15:24
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2 Answers
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It would be nice to think that there is simple formula or algorithm that one could plug the frequency and desired gain into, and out would come the required element spacings.
The reality is that the math is difficult - requiring the solution of many simultaneous equations - and the results may still not absolutely mirror reality due to variations in materials.
Most Yagi-Uda designs are based on empirical methods and often use pre-tested models such as those by the NIST and DL6WU.
The spacing of the reflector and the first director are usually the most critical. Multiple directors usually end up with around 0.4 wavelength spacing. Small amounts of improvement in gain can be obtained by playing with the spacing of the directors - however, it is generally not worth the effort.
If you can obtain a copy of the ARRL Antenna Book, chapter 18 will likely be helpful.
Additionally, the following resources may also be informative:
K7MEM VHF/UHF Yagi Design Help
There are a few more that I would like to include, but I do not have enough reputation points.
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$\begingroup$ Also see: Appreciating DL6WU Wide-Band Long-Boom Yagi Design and NBS Technical Note 688 - Yagi Antenna Design. $\endgroup$– XeviousMay 19, 2014 at 2:26
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$\begingroup$ Thanks for the information, I will definately check it out. $\endgroup$– Delta1XMay 22, 2014 at 0:55
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The spacing of of the driven element from the reflector of a Yagi antenna is $$0.19 \cdot \text{wavelength}$$ then, the spacing of the driven element from the director element is $$0.17 \cdot \text{wavelength}$$
