Computer Optimized & Modeled | Compact & Light Weight
Over 90% Efficient | Ideal for Limited Spaces
Light Beam & Light Beam Plus Radio Frequency Design
The radio frequency design of both the Light Beam and the Light Beam Plus antenna is the same. Essentially, the antenna is a two element mono-band antenna with each element being a three-wire folded dipole that is configured in a unique way. The Light Beam antenna models consist of two elements, a driven element and a parasitic element. The feed-point has an impedance close to 50 ohms resistive and is slightly reactive. A simple balanced line transformer is used to eliminate the reactive component at the designed center frequency. A balanced L-Network can also be used instead of the transformer. No adjustment of the element lengths is required.
All designs are computer optimized, using NEC2GO antenna modeling software, to operate at only 30 feet above the ground. The antennas are light weight and have a small surface area, enabling the use of light-weight tower and rotor components. Light Beam and Light Beam Plus antennas are compact – about 1/4 the width of a standard yagi beam. They are also 1/2 the width of a cubical quad. The efficiency of all Light Beam antennas is over 90%, which is remarkable considering their compact size! They are ideal for yards with limited space or where an antenna with low visual impact is necessary. In many cases, our antennas perform better than much larger antennas sold by other companies. For specific antenna performance parameters, see the Products page and the antenna detail pages.
Light Beam & Light Beam Plus Support Structure Design
All Light Beam and Light Beam Plus antennas incorporate stainless steel hardware and a thick-walled tube boom for maximum strength and protection against corrosion. All fasteners are self-locking to minimize the risk of loosening over time. The wires and support structures of our antennas form a triangular structure giving great strength. These antennas are extremely rugged! Learn more about our innovative design on our Products page.
Tried & True Moxon Design | No Lossy Traps
No Matching Network or Antenna tuner required
Light Beam Multi-band (LBM) Radio Frequency Design
The radio frequency design of the Light Beam Multi-band (LBM) antenna series is essentially the tried-and-true Moxon design that has been computer optimized for maximum performance at only 30 feet above the ground. Forward Gain and the Front-to-Back Ratio are excellent for these very broad 50 Ohm Impedance antennas. The antennas are designed to operate at power levels of over 1.5 KW. No lossy traps are incorporated in this very Efficient design and a matching network or antenna tuner are not required. As a consequence, most of the power applied to the antenna is radiated as useful signal.
The two-band models of the antenna utilize four (4) elements, two of which are active on each band. This design provides a no-compromise approach to element spacing thereby enhancing the gain and directivity of the antenna. The antenna is essentially a balanced two element beam that has a natural impedance of 50 Ohms. Only a 1:1 Balun is needed to translate the interface from the balanced antenna to your unbalanced coaxial cable. Only one coaxial cable is used to feed the antenna and the antenna can be operated on both amateur radio bands of the given model. The antennas are very broad and have a SWR ratio of less than 2.0:1 across the entire band for each of the two bands. Coaxial cable loss is thereby minimized by this unique design.
Light Beam Multi-band (LBM) Support Structure Design
The Moxon based design of the Light Beam (LBM) antenna series results in a structure that is only 70 % the width of a dipole antenna or Yagi antenna designed for the same operating frequencies. In addition, the antenna structure is light in weight and has a relatively small surface area. All LBM antennas incorporate stainless steel hardware and a thick-walled tube elements, spreaders and boom for maximum strength and protection against corrosion. All fasteners are self-locking to minimize the risk of loosening over time. The copper-clad steel wires and support structures of our antennas form a stable and reinforced structure giving great strength. The boom of these antennas incorporates a unique, laminated fiberglass and aluminum boom structure. These antennas are extremely rugged! Learn more about our innovative design on our Products page.