5 Best 11 meter Beam Antenna5 Best 11 meter Beam Antenna
An 11 meter beam antenna is a type of directional antenna that is commonly used for ham radio communications. The term “11 meter” refers to the wavelength of the radio waves that the antenna is designed to receive or transmit. This type of antenna is also known as a Yagi antenna, named after its inventor Hidetsugu Yagi.
The 11 meter beam antenna consists of a driven element, which is the active part of the antenna that is connected to the radio transmitter or receiver, and a number of parasitic elements. The parasitic elements include a reflector and one or more directors, which are arranged in a specific pattern to create a directional beam of radio waves.
The 11 meter beam antenna offers several advantages over other types of antennas, including high gain, which allows for long distance communications, and directional characteristics, which allow the user to point the antenna in the direction of the desired station. This can be especially useful for making contacts during contests or for communicating with rare or distant locations.
Installation and maintenance of an 11 meter beam antenna can be challenging due to its size and complexity. The antenna must be carefully assembled and mounted on a sturdy support structure, such as a mast or tower, and regularly inspected for damage or corrosion.
Overall, the 11 meter beam antenna is a powerful and effective tool for ham radio enthusiasts who want to communicate over long distances and improve their radio operating skills.
Buying Guide:
If you’re considering purchasing an 11 meter beam antenna, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Gain: The gain of an antenna refers to its ability to focus radio waves in a particular direction, which affects the strength and clarity of signals. Higher gain antennas offer better performance, but they can also be more expensive and larger in size.
- Size and weight: An 11 meter beam antenna is typically a large and heavy piece of equipment, so it’s important to ensure that you have the space and support structure necessary to install it safely and effectively.
- Frequency range: Make sure the antenna is designed for the frequency range you plan to use. Some antennas may only work on certain frequencies or bands, so check the specifications carefully.
- Build quality: The build quality of the antenna can affect its durability and performance over time. Look for antennas made from high-quality materials and with solid construction.
- Brand and reputation: There are many manufacturers of 11 meter beam antennas, so research the brand and read reviews from other users to ensure that you’re getting a quality product from a reputable company.
- Cost: Beam antennas can vary widely in price, depending on the features and performance you’re looking for. Set a budget and prioritize your needs to find the best option for your specific use case.
Product Comparison Table
| Feature | Hy-Gain TH-11DX | Mosley TA-33-M-WARC | Cushcraft A3S | SteppIR DB-11 | Force 12 C3SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 10-20 meters | 10-20 meters | 10-20 meters | 10-20 meters | 10-20 meters |
| Number of Elements | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Boom Length | 32 ft (9.75 m) | 22 ft 6 in (6.86 m) | 15 ft 9 in | 36 ft (10.97 m) | 15 ft 6 in |
| Gain (dB) | 11.9 | 7.0-7.8 | 7.6 | 6.2-9.2 | 6.6-7.3 |
| Front-to-Back Ratio (dB) | 25 | 20-24 | 20 | 25-30 | 25-35 |
| Power Handling Capacity | 1500 watts | 1000 watts | 1000 watts | 1500 watts | 1000 watts |
| VSWR | 1.2:1 or less | 1.5:1 or less | 1.2:1 or less | 1.5:1 or less | 1.3:1 or less |
| Wind Load (sq ft) | 7.5 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 8.3 | 4.2 |
| Antenna Weight (lbs) | 91 | 65 | 49 | 100 | 55 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 3 years | 1 year |
Hy-Gain TH-11DX
The Hy-Gain TH-11DX is a high-performance 11 meter beam antenna that is designed for amateur radio use. It has a directional pattern with a 5-element Yagi design, which provides high gain and excellent directivity. The antenna is capable of operating on multiple bands, including 10, 12, and 15 meters, with an optional kit for 17 and 20 meters.
The TH-11DX has a robust design, with a heavy-duty boom and hardware to withstand harsh weather conditions. The antenna is relatively easy to assemble and install, although it does require a sturdy support structure due to its size and weight.
Overall, the Hy-Gain TH-11DX is a popular choice among amateur radio operators who want a high-performance beam antenna that is versatile, durable, and reliable.
Mosley TA-33-M-WARC
The Mosley TA-33-M-WARC is an 11 meter beam antenna that is designed for amateur radio use on multiple bands. It is a 3-element Yagi design that provides high gain and excellent directivity. The antenna is capable of operating on multiple bands, including 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
The TA-33-M-WARC has a unique design that uses a single feedline for all bands, which simplifies installation and eliminates the need for a complex switching system. The antenna has a durable construction, with a heavy-duty boom and hardware to withstand harsh weather conditions.
The TA-33-M-WARC is relatively easy to assemble and install, although it does require a sturdy support structure due to its size and weight. The antenna also requires some adjustment for optimal performance, which may require a bit of experimentation and tuning.
Overall, the Mosley TA-33-M-WARC is a popular choice among amateur radio operators who want a versatile beam antenna that is easy to install and provides excellent performance on multiple bands.
Cushcraft A3S
The Cushcraft A3S is an 11 meter beam antenna that is designed for amateur radio use on multiple bands. It is a 3-element Yagi design that provides high gain and excellent directivity. The antenna is capable of operating on multiple bands, including 10, 15, and 20 meters.
The A3S has a sturdy and durable construction, with a heavy-duty boom and hardware to withstand harsh weather conditions. The antenna is relatively easy to assemble and install, although it does require a sturdy support structure due to its size and weight.
The A3S has a compact and lightweight design, which makes it easier to install on smaller support structures. The antenna also features a low angle radiation pattern, which makes it ideal for long-range communications.
Overall, the Cushcraft A3S is a popular choice among amateur radio operators who want a reliable beam antenna that is easy to install and provides excellent performance on multiple bands.
SteppIR DB-11
The SteppIR DB-11 is an 11 meter beam antenna that is designed for amateur radio use. It has a unique design that uses a variable length dipole and a proprietary software-controlled tuner to provide excellent performance on multiple bands. The antenna is capable of operating on multiple bands, including 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
The DB-11 has a compact and lightweight design, which makes it easier to install on smaller support structures. The antenna also features a low angle radiation pattern, which makes it ideal for long-range communications.
The DB-11 has a durable construction, with a heavy-duty boom and hardware to withstand harsh weather conditions. The antenna requires some adjustment for optimal performance, which can be done using the included software.
Overall, the SteppIR DB-11 is a popular choice among amateur radio operators who want a versatile beam antenna that is easy to install and provides excellent performance on multiple bands. Its unique design and software-controlled tuning make it a popular choice among advanced radio operators.
Force 12 C3SS
The Force 12 C3SS is an 11 meter beam antenna that is designed for amateur radio use on multiple bands. It is a 3-element Yagi design that provides high gain and excellent directivity. The antenna is capable of operating on multiple bands, including 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters.
The C3SS has a durable construction, with a heavy-duty boom and hardware to withstand harsh weather conditions. The antenna is relatively easy to assemble and install, although it does require a sturdy support structure due to its size and weight.
The C3SS features a unique “shorty forty” design, which allows it to have excellent performance on 40 meters despite its relatively small size. The antenna also has a low angle radiation pattern, which makes it ideal for long-range communications.
Overall, the Force 12 C3SS is a popular choice among amateur radio operators who want a high-performance beam antenna that is versatile and easy to install. Its unique design and excellent performance on multiple bands make it a popular choice among advanced radio operators.