Vee-Beams Array
- skylarkcolo
- Nov 1, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Nov 19
The Vee Beam (or V-Beam) is just one half of a Rhombic.
If you have a larger lot, this easy, low-cost antenna might be perfect for you. With a single taller support and sloping Vees, it offers high gain, low cost, and no moving parts. Using switches eliminates the need for a rotator, providing access to every direction, every band, and every time with multiple V Beam antennas.
I am using three 1200-foot-per-leg Vee-Beams to fill in a few directions where I could not add four poles as required for the rhombic. I don't see much real day-to-day difference from the rhombics; however, these are very long Vs. Even a 300-foot V would provide good gain on the higher HF bands and work on 40 meters.
These antennas rival traditional rhombics in performance and are switched using relay boxes for instant band and direction changes.
An Easy V Beam
A great 40 -10 meter V Beam setup, would be two or three, 400 to 600 footers on a rotary switch, using just one tall support. A V Beam is a good, very low cost way to go, if you have a large lot. Which has the same gain as a 3 or 4 element mono-band beam, however providing that gain all those bands.
Longer legs and narrower angles increase gain and sharpen the beam.
Feedpoint impedance is typically 600–1000Ω, so open-wire feeders and matching networks are used.
Why Use a V-Beam?
High gain without rotators or towers.
Broadband operation across multiple HF bands.
Simple construction using wire, trees, poles, and resistors.
Ideal for large properties, DXing, and experimental setups.
It’s like having a wire-based spotlight for your radio signals—focused, efficient, and surprisingly low-cost.
V-Beam Basics
The terminated V array forms a Vee-beam, that is, a directional terminated V array. The technique seems simple enough. We simply place a non-inductive terminating resistor at the end of each leg. However, the resistor cannot simply float at the terminating end of the wire. One option is to bring the terminated end of the leg wire to ground. Alternatively, we may run a wire between the two terminated wires end and place the non-inductive resistor at the center.Optimize for Frequency and Design
Tailor the Vee beam antenna's dimensions (length and angle) to the specific operating frequency for maximum radiation efficiency
Use simulation tools to refine the antenna design, and predict its performance before construction
Reduce Side Lobes
Adjusting the V angle and the lengths of the elements in an antenna design is a critical step in optimizing its performance. By carefully manipulating these parameters, you can effectively concentrate more energy within the main lobe of the radiation pattern. This focus enhances the antenna's ability to transmit and receive signals in the desired direction while simultaneously reducing the intensity of side lobes. Side lobes can be detrimental as they not only waste valuable power that could otherwise be directed towards the main lobe, but they also have the potential to pick up unwanted noise and interference from other signals. Therefore, a well-optimized V angle and element length are essential for achieving a high-performance antenna that operates efficiently and effectively in its intended application.
Ensuring proper impedance matching between the antenna and the feedline is paramount for achieving optimal signal integrity. This process minimizes signal reflection and maximizes power transfer, which is essential for the overall efficiency of the antenna system. It is advisable to utilize only the highest quality balun to facilitate this matching process. The significance of proper impedance matching cannot be overstated, as it directly affects the performance of the antenna. When the impedance of the antenna aligns with that of the transmission line, typically around 50 ohms for most systems, signal losses due to reflections are greatly reduced. It is crucial to note that in a traveling wave antenna, such as a dipole or a Yagi, standing wave ratio (SWR) is not a concern in the same way as it is with traditional antennas. Instead, the mismatch between the antenna's characteristic impedance, which can range from 600 to 800 ohms, and the 50-ohm transmission line is what leads to reflections and inefficiencies. Thus, achieving a harmonious impedance match is vital for maximizing the effective use of RF power directed to the antenna.
In the context of traveling wave antennas, such as Rhombic or V beam configurations, the use of resistors at the ends of each leg plays a significant role in maintaining optimal performance. These resistors are designed to absorb the radio-frequency energy that reaches the extremities of the antenna, effectively preventing any reflected energy from traveling back along the wire. This absorption is critical as it ensures that the current remains in a traveling wave configuration rather than reverting to standing waves, which can compromise both directionality and bandwidth. By carefully selecting resistor values that match the characteristic impedance of the antenna leg, reflections are minimized. This matching process is essential for preserving the unidirectional and broadband performance of the antenna, allowing it to operate efficiently across a wide range of frequencies.
Resistors play a vital role in sustaining a stable traveling wave within antennas by effectively absorbing the energy that reaches their ends. This absorption prevents any reflected energy from traveling back and forming standing waves, which can significantly degrade the antenna's performance. By ensuring that the current maintains a progressive phase along the length of the antenna, these resistors support unidirectional wave travel and contribute to stable radiation patterns. Matching the resistor value to the characteristic impedance of the antenna is essential for minimizing reflections, which leads to consistent traveling wave behavior. This consistency is crucial for enhancing both directionality and bandwidth, allowing the antenna to perform effectively in various applications and under different conditions.
Operation: Rhombic and V beam antennas are classified as true traveling wave antennas, which means that the current propagates along the length of the antenna wire and radiates energy as it moves outward. This characteristic results in minimal reflection at the ends of the antenna, allowing for a more efficient transmission of radio waves. The design of these antennas facilitates a continuous flow of energy, which contributes to their effectiveness in various applications, particularly in long-distance communication. In contrast, the Yagi antenna operates on a different principle, utilizing a combination of driven elements, which are directly connected to the feed line, and parasitic elements, which are not directly connected but influence the radiation pattern through mutual coupling. This arrangement enables the Yagi antenna to effectively shape and direct its radiation pattern, resulting in a focused beam of energy. However, the current distribution in a Yagi antenna is more complex, consisting of a mix of forward and backward waves due to the interactions between the driven and parasitic elements, leading to a different performance profile compared to traveling wave antennas.
Directivity and Gain: Both Rhombic and V beam antennas, as well as Yagi antennas, can achieve high directivity, which is a measure of how well an antenna focuses energy in a particular direction. The design of Rhombic and V beam antennas allows them to radiate efficiently over a wide area, making them suitable for applications that require broad coverage. In contrast, Yagi antennas, with their specific element configurations, excel in applications where a narrow, focused beam is necessary, such as in point-to-point communication systems. The gain of these antennas, which quantifies how much power is radiated in a specific direction compared to an isotropic radiator, can also be quite high for all three types, although the methods of achieving this gain vary significantly.
Bandwidth: When it comes to bandwidth, V beams and Rhombic antennas are known for their broader operational bandwidth. This characteristic allows them to perform effectively over a range of frequencies, making them versatile choices for various communication needs. Their design supports effective radiation across a wide spectrum, which is particularly advantageous in situations where frequency agility is required. On the other hand, Yagi antennas are generally more frequency-specific due to their reliance on precise element lengths and spacing to achieve optimal performance at a particular frequency. While they can be designed for multiple frequencies, doing so often results in a compromise in performance, leading to narrower bandwidth compared to their traveling wave counterparts. This makes Yagi antennas particularly well-suited for applications where a specific frequency or narrow band of frequencies is utilized, such as in television reception or amateur radio.
Only by measuring the RF radiation pattern of your simulation will you fully understand what the antenna is actually doing at your particular location. This process requires several crucial steps that are vital for accurate assessment and analysis.
Leg Length (λ) | Apex Angle (°) | Gain (dBd) | Radiation Type |
2 | ~70 | 4.5 | Low-angle, directional |
4 | ~47 | 6.5 | Narrow beam, high gain |
6 | ~37 | 8.5 | Long-range DX |
An easy low cost high gain array: Just add more Vee Beams on a tall support, and run them out in multiple directions, they can even slope back towards the ground. Install them as high as you can, from a tree, pole or tower.
The terminated Vee array forms a V- beam, that is, a directional terminated V array. The technique seems simple enough. We simply place a non-inductive terminating resistor at the end of each leg. However, the resistor cannot simply float at the terminating end of the wire. One option is to bring the terminated end of the leg wire to ground. Alternatively, we may run a wire between the two terminated wires end and place the non-inductive resistor at the center.Fig. 6 shows 4 classic implementations of the terminated V-beam. Model A places the feed=point close to ground and slopes the legs upward to their normal (1 wavelength) height. (The opposite slope for the array is also possible. See model A1.) The terminated ends run vertically to the ground, with the terminating resistors at ground level. The model will use the same ground-rod technique used in constructing models of single terminated long-wire directional antennas. However, none of the models will use a vertical wire at the feed=point end. The single long-wire beams could use the vertical feed=point end with the actual feed-point close to ground. If we apply that same technique to the V-beam, we end up with the 2 legs in parallel, which does not yield much gain or directivity.
All long Traveling wave antennas are known for fantastic Improvements in the reduction of QSB fading, for both transmit or receive.
It is like Diversity, theses large arrays cover a lot of area. My station uses over a mile of wire, so you are both listening and transmitting signals coming and going at different angles. Signal-to-noise ratio (S+N/N ratio, or SNR) is one technical aspect not too many amateurs give a second thought about, however if you can't hear them you can't work them. This is very apparent on audio reception,long Traveling wave antennas eliminates much of the audio amplitude fading for both transmit or receive. The RF signal is almost never in a stable phase relationship at both places at the same time. This means the signal will have random phase and amplitude differences. The arrival angle and polarization of incoming signals will change. This generally results in the fading, by having many wavelengths of wire in the air, the chances are that while one experiences a fade, the other will not. The power is in the diversity size of the array and what you can now hear with out QSB fading. Traveling wave antennas are just quieter and have substantial noise reduction. That is why so many people use the Beverage receive antennas.
PLANNING YOU ARRAY BUILD
How to start your project.
Simulate your design using NEC2 or others before building.
Terminate legs properly to maintain traveling wave behavior, and to avoid reflections.
Step-by-Step Guide to Build a V Beam Vee Array
Choose Your Operating Bands
Decide which HF bands you want to cover (e.g., 40m, 20m, 10m).
Each leg should be 2 to 4 wavelengths long for optimal gain to start.
Design the Geometry
Form a V shape with two long wires, typically at 40°–70° apex angle.
The apex is the feed point, elevated using a mast or tower.
Terminate each leg with a non-inductive resistor (400–800Ω) to absorb residual energy. See my other blogs for sources of parts https://www.k0uo.com/post/termination-resistors
Gather Materials
Insulated wire (e.g., 14 AWG or stronger)
Tall support (pole, tree, tower)
Termination resistors (but not required for Bi)
Ground rods for termination
6:1 to 12:1 balun (depending on impedance)
Coaxial feedline
Rope or pulleys for tensioning
Construct the Antenna
Mount the apex at least 30–70 feet high.
Stretch each leg outward and downward at the desired angle.
Connect termination resistors to ground rods at the ends of each leg.
Use a balun at the feed point to match impedance to your transceiver.
Tune and Test
Use an antenna analyzer to check SWR across bands.
Adjust leg lengths or apex height for optimal performance.
Selecting the correct values of the 2 terminating resistors as the following trial table shows, the value is not exceptionally critical, although we may have reasons for choosing one value over another. For design purposes, the reasons may involve the best compromise among gain, front-to-back ratio, and impedance. In practical installations, the reasons generally focus on what non-inductive resistors may be available. The test table (and others to follow) uses NEC-4 models with 5 wavelength legs 1-wavelegnth above an average SN ground.
Terminating or not, see below
So where to find large non-inductive resistors are used to terminate the antennas
Where to find 12:1 Baluns
Vertical V-Beam antenna array
Advantages
The structure of the antenna is quite simple and it is cost affordable.
It provides high directivity by radiating most of the power along the main axis.
It provides efficient long-distance radio communication when installed in a large space.
The offered input impedance is quite large.
The radiation pattern and input impedance remain constant for a large range of frequency.
These can be easily switched from one working frequency to another during operation.
It suits long-distance F-layer propagation due to low vertical radiation angle.
A excellent choice HF antenna for commercial, maritime shore stations, military, broadcasting, frequency agile, requirements, high speed traders, diplomatic, EME and ham amateur radio.
I am also working on a Vertical V-Beam Antenna, much like the Vertical Rhombic, (see in my other blogs). https://www.k0uo.com/post/vertical-polarized-1-2-rhombic
A Vertical V-Beam antenna is a variation of the classic V-Beam design, where the two long-wire legs are arranged in a sloping or upright V shape, fed at the bottom, with the top wire sloping up, at the proper angle and length required for the band.
I think many people using end fed long wire antennas (EFLW), may have been doing this with out knowing, that it is a form of a V Beam (Vee Beam).
This one in the youtube below, used a kite, with is not practical at all, but a tall tree, pole or tower could be easily used on the far high end. The lower horizontal wire could be a few feet off the ground, or on the ground. With good soil one might just use the soil its self, like I do on my Vertical rhombic.
W7YRV/SK used a 200 foot tower and spaced 9 sets (18 wires) of V beams, 360D around the tower. Then he used two sets each to form his "W7YRV X- Rhombic", such a great antenna that he used on 80 meters and up. When in QSO with him on 40 meters he would just start rotating it, and the S numbers at my QTH in KS, would change by one to two S units on each switch, running a 1000 mile day time path. 40 over 9 with a KW, to S2 or 3 in the noise. He gave me his switch control unit. I will write more on this system later, also see his blog which is still up. http://w7yrv.blogspot.com/2013/
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The KØUO Rhombic Antenna Farm and Test Range: Home to the World's Largest amateur radio (ham), High Frequency (HF) Wire Antennas.
SEE
Feed System info
What is a V Beam
See
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Thank you so much on the sloping v-beams. I have erected at them in five different directions and they blow my hex beam away. It's truly amazing the front to back and directivity.
Easy to build a High Gain directional antenna system at very low cost. 300ft V beams
Good info