Hy-Gain VB-215DX instruction manual

Model VB-215DX

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2 Meter 15 Element Yagi for SSB/CW

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Hy-Gain Model 215DX is a high
performance yagi antenna for SSB/CW DXing in
the Amateur 2 meter band.

It features 15 elements on a 28 foot (4.03
wavelength) boom, with superior gain, low
sidelobes, and high front-to-back ratio. It also
features an encapsulated feedpoint and a
weatherproof, low loss type N connector for use
in all types of climates. The useable frequency
range of 144-146 MHz makes the 215DX suitable
for 144 MHz EME and terrestrial DX, and 144­146 MHz satellite communications. The 215DX
antennas may be easily stacked for increased

erformance

ELECTRICAL DESIGN

MECHANICAL DESIGN

The 215DX mechanical design features a 6­section boom which can be easily disassembled
and reassembled for portable operations. A sturdy
tubular boom support is included to reduce boom
droop and to add structural strength for severe
icing conditions.

Most hardware is stainless-steel including the
element retaining rings (push nuts). All insulators
are UV protected. The coaxial balun assembly is
made from high quality RG-303/u and RG-142
B/u PTFE dielectric and FEP jacketed coaxial

The 215DX is constructed so that the addition of
2 or 3 more directors will not adversely affect the
balance or structural integrity of the antenna.

The 215DX design is based upon the DL6WU
log-tapered design information. Performance was
verified by testing on Hy-Gain's antenna range
and by computer modeling with the NEC-2 and
Yagi Optimizer(C) computer codes. The
antenna's per f orm ance ch ar ac ter is tic s wer e
optimized for the 144-144.5 MHz frequency
range. This electrical design also permits the
addition of more director elements for additional
gain, with little or no retuning.

Yagi optimizer(C) copyright by Brian Beezicy

Figure 1

VSWR Chart

Figure 2
Gain Chart

PREPARATION FOR ASSEMBLY

y

y

g

g

FOR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS: If you use the
Metric System, see the American-to-Metric
conversion table in the rear of this manual. Most
illustrations in this manual will provide bcth
American and Metric Dimensions.

Choose a moderate-sized clear area to assemble
the 215DX Beam. The area must be at least 5' x
6' (1.5 m x 1.8 m) for each boom section. A
bench-vise is recommended to hold the booms
while the elements are being installed. An
alternate method is to drive a 5' (1.5 m) length of
mast material into the ground and attach the
entire boom and boom-to-mast bracket to this
mast temporarily during assembly. If you
assemble this antenna over a grassy area,
precautions should be taken so that hardware is
not accidentally lost during assembly. A concrete
drivewa

Tools: The following
easy assembly of the 215DX Beam:

Qty Tool Type
1 Tape measure, 12 ft.
I Nut Driver, 1/2 in.
1 Nut Driver, 7/16 in.
1 Nut Driver, 3/8 in.
1 Nut Driver 11/32 in.
1 Screwdriver, small flat blade

is an excellent area for assembly.

tools are required for

One nut driver should have a hollow handle.
This can be used for pushing on the
pushnuts. Standard 'wrenches or adjustable
wrenches may also be used in place of the
nut drivers.

Make all measurements to the given dimensions,
plus or minus, not more than 1/16 inch! The
assembly of this antenna will be easier if you
read this manual completely through at least
twice and follow the recommended directions.
Allow at least 4 hours for assembl

.

ASSEMBLY OF THE BOOM-TOMAST
BRACKET AND BOOM

Select the boom sleeve, insert, and splice, boom
sections and mast bracket parts as shown in
Figure 3. Line-up the holes in the 6 boom
sections as shown. The #3 and #4 boom sections
should meet at the center of the boom-to-mast
brackets for best wind area balance.

The boom sections can be identified by their
length and diameter. The mating ends of each
boom section can be identified by the element
mounting hole reference dimensions as shown in
Fi

ure 2.

If the elements are to be installed in the boom
sections indoors, label each boom end with
masking tape at this time, and assemble the
boom sections together when the antenna is
ready to be attached to the mast.

If the elements are to be installed in the boom
outdoors, assemble the boom sections together at
that time and ti

hten all hardware securely.

When unpacking your antenna, check inside of
all tubing for small parts and elements. To
conserve space, these smaller articles are
sometimes put inside larger pieces. Check all
parts against the parts list in the rear of this
manual to ensure no parts are missing.

Figure 3 Assembly
of Boom