VE6WZ Dual Band 80m-40m 2 el Yagi with instant 180°

direction switching
Steve Babcock VE6WZ Calgary, Alberta

Please note: This paper is not meant to be a “construction article” to provide details for building a duplicate
antenna. It is a guideline to explain how modeling can guide the electrical design and tuning of an antenna of the
builder’s choice. Building a loaded Yagi like this will NEVER be a plug-and-play process. The variability in
loading inductor values, parasitic capacitance at the element mounts and element diameter differences will
change the final tuning. If a Yagi like this is built, it is absolutely essential that modeling be done by the builder,
and that tuning is done with the use of an antenna analyzer as described below. Mechanical and loading coil
design is not discussed since those details can be found here: VE6WZ 80m Yagi

Modeling, electrical design and a simplified
tuning method is explained for a 2 element 80m
and 40m inductor loaded, short boom Yagi. The
80m and 40m elements share the same 28’ boom,
and the longest element is 60’.
A feed system is described that allows for instant
180° direction switching. A lumped component
L-C feedpoint matching system is used that
greatly simplifies the Yagi tuning compared to
using a traditional “helical” hairpin system. The
Yagi can be tuned quickly and with confidence
for maximum performance without complex
multiple iterations of field strength testing.
The Yagi is tuned to maximize gain in order to
offset loading losses as much as possible in order
to approach full size performance. However,
tuning the antenna to maximize gain greatly
diminishes SWR bandwidth performance so
relay band switching is implemented at each
element to provide full band coverage. Discussed
is the 17 years of field reliably of this relay system
experienced at VE6WZ.
switching system the matching method was changed
from a “helical” hairpin to a lumped L-C network.
Using an L network match at the feedpoint makes
tuning the Yagi for maximum performance much
easier than using a hairpin. By using an antenna
analyzer and sweeping the feed point, the reflector
tuning can be accurately adjusted to maximize
performance. There is no need for field strength
testing for maximum F/B.
Any 2-element parasitic array can be tuned to
provide an expanded SWR bandwidth. Yagis with
very broad SWR bandwidth performance are likely
scarifying some gain. Modeling clearly shows that
as the maximum gain point is approached, the SWR
bandwidth will become very narrow. This effect is
even more pronounced on an inductor loaded, short
boom design. Using relay switched inductors at the
driver and reflector elements provides full band
coverage while maintaining maximum performance.
This added complexity of relay band switching is
offset by the mechanical survivability and reduced
tower load of the reduced size design.

A full-size Yagi will always yield the best
performance for gain and bandwidth, but the
compromise for an inductor loaded design must
be balanced against the mechanical survivability
and tower loading especially on 80m. This
reduced size Yagi has been in service at VE6WZ
for 17 yrs.
Concern regarding mechanical and electrical
reliability of tower mounted relays can be mitigated
by using quality vacuum relays. The switching
system described here has been in service for 17 yrs
and there has only been one relay problem, which
was a solder connection issue to one of the relay
terminals.

Introduction Other feedpoint methods and designs are available

A homebrew 2 element inductor loaded 80m and
40m Yagi has been in service at VE6WZ for 17 yrs.
The design and modeling detail has been available
on my webpage at VE6WZ 80m Yagi since 2002.
In the summer of 2018, a redesign of the feed system
was implemented that allows for instant 180°
direction switching. To accommodate this
to increase SWR bandwidth such as OWA, but this
will only improve the match at the feedpoint. In
order to maintain maximum performance across the
band, the reflector (or director) needs to be re-tuned.
The performance (F/B and gain) of any parasitic
array is determined by the parasitic element
tuning.
The 180° direction reversal system was inspired by
Peter, HA8RM. Each element is made the same
identical length, and a coax feedline from each
element is routed to the center of the boom at the
mast point. By shorting one of these coax feedlines
introduces an inductive value that converts that
element into a reflector. The other feedline is fed as
a driver and matched with an L network. Reversal
is simply achieved with a relay swap of this system.

Modeling
Modelling was done using freeware 4nec2. There
are many other great options available for antenna
modelling, some with more advanced functions but
4nec2 proves adequate for my needs. (Please
consider donating if you use this great resource)

For the purpose of this paper I will not describe

details about element diameter and taper since this
is not meant to be a “plug-and-play” construction
article, but rather a guideline for design. It is
assumed a builder will create their own model based
on their preferred parameters.

I intend to only describe the design and tuning of the

80m Yagi. The 40m Yagi that shares the same boom
is included in the model for completeness. The same
design and tuning approach as described for the 80m
Yagi applies to the 40m antenna.
The 2el design chosen is based on a reflector model.
(A director model could also be designed if desired)
Each 80m and each 40m element is made identical
length. The elements are Hi-Q inductor loaded at
approximately 50%-70% along the element half-
length to bring them to the desired resonance point.
In my design the 80m elements are 60’ long and
loaded with 27 uH coils. Each inductor has .5 ohms
series resistance added to the model to account for
the losses of my 6” diameter, 6” long, ¼” Cu tubing
coils. The elements are spaced 28’ apart on the 28’
boom. The 40m elements are 40’ long and loaded
with 12 uH inductors. The 40m elements are spaced
15’ and interlaced on the same boom.
Photo 1.
The 80m model was adjusted to be tuned for the SSB
end of the band at 3850 kHz. In the final physical
design, 18 equal inductance segments of about .7 uH
will be relay switched in at each element using relay
boxes to move the operating window down the band
in 20 kHz increments. This is described in detail in
the switching section of this paper.
In the model each 80m element is made to be
resonant on 3872 kHz. At one element, a load of 1.7
uH is inserted to load this element down to become
the reflector. This is to simulate the inductance of
about 18’ of RG-213 coax which will be shorted at
the feed point at the center of the boom. As will be
explained, this exact inductance is not important at
this point. The source is placed on the other element
which is the driver. A frequency sweep is made of
the model, and the results showing the Impedance,
Gain and F/B is presented below in figure 2.
Figure 2
Some important things to notice about Figure 2
which are common to ALL 2 el parasitic arrays:
1. For this discussion, the most important
plot in Figure 2 is the bottom impedance
chart. Please carefully notice the “dip” in
the “real” R curve (blue) at around 3795
kHz. This is the point of maximum
coupling between the parasitic and the
driver and is entirely a function of
parasitic tuning.
This decrease in resistance at the driven
element is because of the mutual coupling
from the parasitic element. The dip is
entirely a function of the parasitic element,
and has nothing to do with the driven
element tuning. (The driven element could
be made longer or shorter, and the dip in R
would not change, although the reactance
(red) would since this defines the
resonance point of the driver.)
A way to think of this, is that at the
resonant frequency of the parasitic
reflector, RF energy (current) is being
induced into that element, and therefore,
the driver resistance falls because it like
having the two elements in parallel sharing
the power.
The relationship between the minimum R
dip of the Yagi and the point of maximum
F/B and gain is important. As discussed
later in the tuning section, by field
measuring the R at the feedpoint, the Yagi
can be confidently tuned for the desired
F/B or gain.
2. The frequency of maximum gain and
maximum F/B do not occur at the same
point.
3. The sweep clearly shows how the Yagi
switches directions and becomes a
Director as you move down frequency.
In the above model, the driven element can be
matched to a 50 ohm feedline at any frequency.
Anywhere ABOVE the minimum R frequency the
Yagi will be tuned as a reflector model. Anywhere
BELOW the minimum R point and it will act a
director model.
Figure 3 above shows the following:
1. If the Yagi is tuned for minimum SWR at
the maximum gain point at 3812, then the
SWR BW will be unusably narrow at only
10 kHz. (This is 17 kHz above the
minimum R frequency of 3795)
2. If the Yagi is tuned for minimum SWR at
the maximum F/B frequency at 3817, then
the BW remains quite narrow at only 16
kHz. (This is 22 kHz above the minimum
R frequency of 3795)
3. If the Yagi is tuned at 3822, then the SWR
BW will be 30 kHz, which is usable if band
switching is implemented. The worst case
gain response will only be 1 dB down from
peak gain. (This is 27 kHz above the
minimum R frequency)
4. The last SWR curve shows that the Yagi
can be tuned at 3830 kHz to provide a
In order to show the effect of driver tuning, the Yagi
shown in figure 2 was tuned for minimum SWR at
four different frequencies as shown below in Figure
3. This figure shows the Gain sweep of the model on
top, and below are four SWR plots for various
minimum SWR points
broader SWR profile with 65 kHz of BW.
(This is 35 kHz above the minimum R
frequency). This broad BW may seem
compelling, but notice at the higher end of
SWR window the gain is down 2 dB from
the peak. This is why a broad SWR profile
of a Yagi is not a proxy for good
performance.
In summary, notice that the SWR bandwidth
becomes narrower as the Yagi is tuned closer to the
minimum R frequency, and max gain.
It was decided to tune the Yagi at 3822 to achieve a
30 kHz SWR operating window. This is 27 kHz
above the minimum R point of 3795 kHz. Therefore,
as will be explained more in the tuning section, an
antenna analyzer sweep of the Yagi will show the
minimum R point on the impedance graph, and then
the driven element will be tuned for 1:1 at 27 kHz
above that frequency. Fine tuning can then be done 3500 to 3850 kHz. Each design will be different
by observing the SWR bandwidth. If the BW is too depending on element length and spacing.
broad, you are probably sacrificing some gain. If it
is too narrow, then you need to tune the driver Here is a photo of one of the switch boxes:
slightly higher in frequency, or lower the reflector
tuning.

Below are azimuth and zenith far field pattern plots

of the Yagi at the max F/B frequency of 3817 kHz
at a modest height of 90’.

Photo 2.

Below is a schematic of the switch box together with

a table of the relay matrix logic (relays are normal
closed vacuum devices):

Electrical Design-band switching

The very narrow BW performance of this design is Below is a multiple sweep plot from the AIM
a function of the loaded elements and short boom. analyzer showing the SWR profile across the 80m
A full size Yagi, or even a loaded design with longer band for all 18 relay segments:
elements, and a longer boom will show much better
SWR bandwidth performance. However, the smaller
physical size of this design can increase the
mechanical survivability and minimize tower
loading.

In order to maximize the gain and F/B performance

of this small antenna, the Yagi as modeled above
will be tuned at 3822 which will yield a fairly narrow
30 kHz 2:1 SWR bandwidth.

At each element there is a relay box that will add 18 On the above plot you can see there is some
increments of .7 uH for a total of about 12 uH. For asymmetry and gaps with the SWR segments. There
the VE6WZ design, this provides coverage from
are two reasons for this. Building an inductor
switching box to accurately increment by .7 uH can
be difficult. In the future I would use a different
design, perhaps using individual .7 uH inductors
rather than tapping a larger inductor. Secondly, as
explained in the tuning section, the L network tuning
will change across the band.

The inductor switch boxes mounted at each element

must be identical. Each box must increment the
inductance by exactly the same amount and at full
inductance they must be equal. This is essential to
maintain relative tuning and symmetry for the 180°
direction reversal system. Practically speaking this
is not a trivial effort.

In shack switching of the relay boxes could be done

with a mechanical rotary switch, but it is much better
to use a band decoder that will cause the switching
to follow the radio frequency as needed. I use the
device called Station Master from MicroHam. I have
made a YouTube video that explains my setup. The
Yagi switching is completely automated and
transparent.

Jennings RF5A-26S vacuum relays have proven to

be very reliable and have been in service for 17 yrs,
although I am sure other sealed units could be
substituted.

Electrical Design-180° direction switching
Although this is not a large Yagi, instantly switching
direction 180° can minimize wear-and-tear on the
rotator. Also, it is common during the morning 80m
and 40m long-path openings to Europe that these
bands will switch from the polar SP to the typical LP
to the SW. Instant switching is great for this.
Photo 3 below shows the switch box at VE6WZ.
The components are mounted on the lid of a
Hammond Aluminum box large enough to contain
the switching and L networks for BOTH the 80m
(left) and 40m Yagis (right) which share the same
boom.

I owe thanks to Peter HA8RM for this direction

switching idea. Peter also has a great performing 40
and 80m Yagi.

This system is also very easy to tune because of the

lumped component matching network as will be
explained later.

From each element an equal length of RG-8

equivalent coax is brought to the center of the boom
at the mast mounting. The direction switch and
match box is shown below. Relays R1 and R2 are
switched together and cause one element feedline to
be shorted, while the other feedline is fed to the rig
through the lowpass LC matching network. The
shorted element becomes the parasitic reflector.

Photo 3
Component values must be selected to handle the
expected current and voltage from the transmitter.
Typical Russian doorknob capacitors prove to be
more than adequate for my station. Close to exact
capacity is achieved by paralleling selected values.
I used TE RTH14012 relays which are not RF rated,
but have 16A contact ratings.
Tuning the Yagi
The method is to first tune the Yagi at the very
lowest frequency with the full inductance switched
in at the tuning boxes. Doing this assures full band
coverage starting at the lowest desired frequency.
Modeling will indicate what the maximum required
inductance of each tuning box will be to provide the
required band coverage. In my case it was 12 uH
total in .7uH increments.
Modeling is also used to guide the physical
dimensions of each element. The elements should
be built to provide resonance at the high end of the
band because the relay switching inductor boxes will
bring the element tuning down to low end of the
desired coverage.
Step one is to tune the elements so they will be
resonant at the right place to act as a reflector. As
was explained in the modeling example above, we
determined that for our preferred tuning, we want
the 1:1 SWR point to be about 27 kHz above the
minimum R value. This will yield about a 30 kHz
bandwidth and be optimized for gain and F/B.
Therefore, if we want our 1:1 SWR point to be
around 3510, then we want the minimum R dip to be
at 3483 kHz.
While one element has the coax shorted at the
feedbox (acting as a reflector), the other element
will be swept with the analyzer to find the minimum
R dip on the impedance graph.
Below is a sweep from my Yagi while doing this
testing. The minimum R dip is seen at 3515.
Therefore, the reflector element should be
lengthened until the minimum R dip is closer to
3483 kHz.
The process should be repeated with the other
element so it is exactly the same. If the elements are
constructed identically, then measuring the element
tips and making them the same should get close.
Step 2 is to tune the driver to match the feedline at
3510 kHz.
One method is to use the analyzer and measure the
R and Xs at 3510 at the end of the feedline at the
feed box, and use one of the many L network
calculators available online to compute the required
L and C values. Be aware that this will NOT be the
same value as your model will calculate because
there is the 15’ coax line added to the element.
The second, and preferred method (which I used) is
to build a portable tuning box with motor drives on
a roller inductor and variable capacitor. (another
option is to do this by hand at the top of the tower)
The variable L network is placed at the feedpoint,
and then adjusted remotely to provide a perfect
match at 3510 kHz. The adjusted values are
measured and then the final network is built with
equivalent value components. Using this method, it
is easy to retune the antenna at different frequencies
to see the effect on SWR. For example, if the SWR
bandwidth is too narrow at 3510 kHz, then the
network can be retuned up frequency until the SWR
BW is acceptable. The final tuning of the L
network is entirely base on achieving the desired
2:1 SWR bandwidth by moving the 1:1 SWR
frequency.
Step three is to fine-tune the operating window by
adjusting both elements equally to move the 1:1
SWR point as required. As long as both elements
are lengthened or shortened by an equal amount, the
optimized tuning will be preserved.
Activating the direction reversing relays should
show little or no change in the SWR match if both
elements have been tuned identically and the
inductor switching boxes are identical.
Incrementing the inductor switch boxes should
move the operating window up the band as each
relay is activated. Depending on the Yagi design,
and the tuning range, it may be required to fine-tune
the L network across the band. This adds some
complexity, but using relays, L or C can be added to
the network. The VE6WZ design required a switch
in the middle of the 80m band. These two vacuum
relays can be seen in photo 3 of the switch box
above.
This tuning method may appear complicated, but
once the adjustable test L network is setup, it is very
simple to find the perfect sweet spot which will yield
the desired bandwidth, and preferred gain and F/B
performance. There is no need to field test the Yagi
to confirm F/B performance since if the SWR
bandwidth has been maximized as per the model,
then the tuning has been optimized.
At VE6WZ on both 40 and 80m, with DX signals at
the correct arrival angle, the F/B when switching
directions is dramatic.
performance would be greatly diminished.
Obviously, a full size or larger loaded design or
Moxon type could be built to show better
performance, with less complexity. However, the
trade-off and compromise is balancing cost, tower
load, and uncertain mechanical survivability of a
larger Yagi, against the .5 or 1 dB lost with a smaller
loaded antenna that has added design, construction,
tuning and switching complexity.
Working DX is not proof of good performance, but
since 2002, 336 DXCC have been confirmed on
40m, and 293 DXCC confirmed on 80m, mostly
worked from my 60’X100’ city lot, with the Yagi
mounted on a crank-up tower at 95’.
Similar design and construction methods could be
used to build reduced sized “baby” antennas for
other bands which might be more easily deployed on
city lots, on smaller towers. There is no reason why
loaded Yagis for 40m and 30m can’t be installed in
most city locations. They could be built to be the
same size or smaller than a 20m Yagi.

A note about Antenna Analyzers Note:

There are a number of antenna analyzers on the A companion video is available on my YouTube
market, but to tune a Yagi as describe here the channel here, that discusses the relationship of
device must be able to provide a frequency sweep mutual coupling and parasitic tuning and the
output of the measured parameters. effects of relative driver tuning on SWR
bandwidth, as well as how field tuning is done
The AIM-4170 is what I use, although my AA-55 using an analyzer. The video shows how 4nec2 is
zoom could work as well. used to model the Yagi. Warning this is a long 44
min video.
It is vital that you understand how to calibrate the
instrument, and make sure the correct calibration file
is in use as needed. It is also very helpful to
understand how to calibrate the analyzer to be used
at the end of a long coax line. I will use a 150’ long
piece of RG-6 coax that can be attached to the test
point at the top of the tower, but be calibrated back
to the instrument in the shack.

Conclusions
This paper describes a design and tuning approach
for a reduced size, inductor loaded Yagi. The 80m
Yagi at VE6WZ is almost ½ full size. Modeling
indicates that this design will have about 1 dB less
gain, but equal F/B compared to its full-size brother.
There is significant added complexity with this
loaded design because of the very narrow
bandwidth, and the required switching to maximize
and maintain the gain performance. Without using
this complex switching, the gain and F/B