40m 4-square vertical array

Ernst

 

Why 4-square array?

Ok first of all, I have space 🙂

2nd because of the current sun spot cycle the lower bands are becoming more important. 40m is my favorite band.

A couple of month after receiving my license (May 2016) I installed an endfeded longwire (10m – 80m) … With this antenna I worked until March 2017. It is a very good antenna, but not really for DX. So I need an upgrade.

First thought: Yagi, at least 3el … ok, lets calculate: tower (20m), basement, antenna, rotator, etc. … a lot of money.

Then I worked VE9ZY, Mac, and he told my about 4-square vertical array’s. The rest is a lot of reading, reading, learning, learning and at last a lot of work 🙂
Project start was January 2017 (reading, checking parts, etc.) … first wave: April 2017 🙂
Also many thanks to Steve, G0UIH (“Mr. Vortex”) for helping me out on some technical questions.

  • 4 x Lambda/4 self-supporting verticals from Steve, G0UIH (Vortex Antenna Systems Link)

  • Phasing Box & controller from DX-Engineering

  • 24 Radials on each vertical

  • calibrated for 7.150 Mhz, SWR 1:1.07

  • Feedlines to the phasing box: RG11, 75 Ohm, v/c 0.85 tuned for 7.150 Mhz

  • Feedline from shack: H2000 flex

  • Return-line for dummy load reading in shack: Ultraflexx 7

  • F/B 25db minium, 35db maximum

  • Return power to dummy load @400W: 2-4 W

So how does it perform?

Ok, I have no comparison to a dipole, but I can compare it with my 40m long endfeded wire-antenna (direction north/south). On short/middle (Europe) skip distances, the 4-square beats the longwire with 6 to 12db (mostly 2 s units). On DX the difference is amazing. Stateside signals are up to 4 s-units louder than on the longwire. JA/VK with 5/6 on the 4-square are not readable on the longwire.

Conclusio:

If you do not have the possibility to build a 20m (60ft) tower and mount a 2el (or bigger) yagi on top, I can recommend the 4-square to 100% 🙂

7 thoughts on “40m 4-square vertical array”

  2. Started on my 4sq for 40m jan 20. My space is much less but let’s see how we go. Mine is more home brew . Yours looks amazing. 73’s John ON8EI

    Reply

  4. Good evening sir
    Ernst Siderits thank you very much, I called you on the 20m HF band, tonight but you can’t hear me, I know you are using the amplifier, I get you crisp and clear, you were very loud, I saw your page it is very enriching, as you are technically knowledgeable, I have a question that I want to buy an antenna that will allow me to reach distant contacts, that is why I would like you to advise me which type of antennas you recommend me:
    * Delta loop Vortex Tribander Delta loop (20m / 15m / 10m)
    or
    * Ultrabeam antennas, UB 2el 6-40
    Thank you and 73 dear friend OE3IDE Austria
    coming from Hassan CN8HAN Morocco

    Reply

    1. Hello Hassan,
      thank you for calling me, yesterday I had a pileup from the states.. Most signals above 5/9… so hard to come through.
      Since Vortex Antennas closed the doors (retirement), the delta-loops are not available anymore. But of course, build you own deltaloop would be possible. The UB 6-40 is definitly a very good antenna, but for good results, especially on 40m, you need to put it up at least 20m over ground. And be aware: There are a lot of moving parts in all dynamic antennas, so a tiltable tower – for doing maintenance – would be suggested.
      Hope to work you soon!

      73 de Ernst
      OE3IDE

      Reply

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