The Challenge: Wood framing, asphalt shingles (lossy at some frequencies), limited turning radius. The Moxon Solution: A 20m Moxon made of aluminum arrow shafts or 14 AWG wire. Because it is only 6 feet tall and 22 feet wide, it fits between the trusses. You can rotate it using a cheap TV rotator because the wind load is negligible indoors. Loss from shingles? Minimal—most users report only 0.5 dB loss, far outweighed by the gain over a dipole.
What should you build your Moxon from? That depends on your “location” from the keyword phrase.
Title: The Backyard Billion-Mile Beam
Leo was frustrated. He lived in a classic "deed-restricted disaster": a rental townhouse with no attic, a tiny patio, and a homeowners' association that banned anything taller than a tomato stake.
For six months, he fought with a ham stick. He tried an end-fed half-wave thrown into a maple tree. Nothing worked. On 20 meters, he was a whisper in a hurricane. "Sorry, Leo, you're down in the noise," became the hated refrain.
One rainy Tuesday, he stumbled upon an old QST article scanned into a PDF. The title read: "The Moxon Rectangle for the Space-Limited Operator."
He almost scrolled past. The word "rectangle" sounded boring. But the subtitle hooked him: "Two elements. 3 dB gain. 20 dB front-to-back. Fits on a painter's pole."
He opened the PDF. It wasn't like the thick antenna books he owned. This was a survival guide for the desperate.
The PDF explained the magic: The Moxon wasn't a Yagi. It was a folded, bent dipole that tricked the radio waves into thinking the antenna was twice as big as it really was. No massive booms. No giant rotators. Just two wires bent into a C-shape, spaced less than a foot apart for 10 meters.
Leo found the "Moxon Generators" online—free software that spat out exact cutting lengths. You typed in the frequency (say, 14.150 MHz), and it gave you inches: A, B, C, D.
The Build (The "Porch Session")
That Saturday, he bought 50 feet of 14-gauge house wire, a cheap 4:1 balun, and two fiberglass driveway markers for $8.
He followed the PDF’s sacred rule: "Square corners matter. Use a cardboard template."
By 3 PM, he had a floppy diamond shape hanging from a telescoping fishing pole tied to his deck railing. It looked ridiculous. It looked like a broken clothes hanger. But according to the PDF’s SWR charts, it was a laser.
The Test
That evening, a rare 10-meter opening to Japan appeared. Leo’s usual antenna would have heard static.
He pointed his "fishing pole Moxon" east by using a cheap compass app. He called "CQ DX."
A voice punched back. "Whiskey-Seven-Leo, you are 5-9 plus! Where is the beam?"
Leo laughed. "It’s a bent wire on a stick, Tokyo."
"Impossible," the voice replied. "You have no noise. You sound like a broadcast station."
For the next hour, Leo worked Japan, New Zealand, and Brazil. The PDF had promised a 20 dB front-to-back ratio—meaning he couldn't hear the neighbor's plasma TV or the HOA chairman's leaf blower behind him. It delivered.
Why the PDF Matters
That night, Leo printed the PDF, laminated the two pages, and hung them in his shack. The title read: "HF Antennas for All Locations: The Moxon."
In tiny text at the bottom, the author had written a note: "If you have a wall, a window, or a will—you have a place for a Moxon."
Leo finally understood. You don't need 100 feet of tower and an acre of land. You need the right geometry. The Moxon rectangle is the guerrilla fighter of HF antennas: small, stealthy, and shockingly fierce.
The End.
If you want the actual PDF: Search for “Moxon Rectangle Project” by L. B. Cebik (W4RNL) or use the free “MoxonGen” software. Most ham radio sites host the original 2-page build guide.
Moxon Rectangle is widely regarded as one of the most efficient "small" antennas for HF (High Frequency) communication, especially for radio amateurs with limited space. This design was famously popularized by Les Moxon, G6XN, in his definitive book, HF Antennas for All Locations
, which provides a comprehensive guide for building high-performance antennas in less-than-ideal environments. Internet Archive Why the Moxon Rectangle? hf antennas for all locations moxon pdf
The Moxon is essentially a two-element Yagi antenna with its ends folded inward. This simple modification offers several key advantages:
HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon - Internet Archive 21 Mar 2023 —
HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. Internet Archive DIY 6 Meter Moxon Antenna: Boost Your Summer VHF Fun! 6 Jun 2024 —
The Moxon antenna, also known as the Moxon Rectangle, is a compact, two-element directional antenna renowned for its exceptional front-to-back ratio and simple construction. Originally detailed in Les Moxon's (G6XN) seminal work, "HF Antennas for All Locations," this design remains a favorite for amateur radio operators facing space constraints or requiring portable solutions. 1. Understanding the Moxon Design
The Moxon is a specialized version of the Yagi-Uda antenna, consisting of a driven element and a single parasitic reflector. Its unique rectangular shape is achieved by folding the tips of both elements toward each other.
Folded Elements: The folded ends reduce the antenna's width to approximately 70% of a standard two-element Yagi.
Air Gap: A critical air gap between the tips of the driven element and the reflector provides the coupling necessary for its distinctive radiation pattern.
No Impedance Matching: Most Moxon designs are inherently 50-ohm antennas, allowing for a direct connection to coaxial cable without complex baluns or matching networks. 2. Key Performance Advantages
Despite its smaller footprint, the Moxon often outperforms larger antennas in specific environments: Moxon Antenna Array Design and Pattern Synthesis Technique
HF Antennas for All Locations by L.A. Moxon (1982) is a definitive guide on constructing high-performance, space-efficient antennas for amateur radio, particularly popularizing the 2-element "Moxon Rectangle" design. The book provides practical techniques for optimizing HF performance in limited spaces by focusing on antennas with high front-to-back ratios and direct 50-ohm feeds. View the original text at Internet Archive
HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon - Internet Archive
HF Antennas for All Locations by Leslie "Les" Moxon (G6XN) is widely considered a foundational classic in the amateur radio community. First published in 1982, the book bridges the gap between dense theoretical physics and the messy reality of setting up antennas in restrictive environments like small backyards or urban locations. Core Content & Themes
Practical Problem Solving: Unlike academic textbooks, Moxon focuses on "real-world" constraints. He addresses issues like nearby obstacles, poor ground conductivity, and limited space.
Theory Without Overload: Reviewers from Amazon UK and Amazon.de highlight that Moxon uses simple mathematics to illuminate concepts rather than overwhelm the reader.
Beyond the "Moxon Rectangle": While Moxon is famous for the antenna that bears his name, this is not a book solely about the Moxon antenna. It covers a vast range of wire antennas, beams, and tuned counterpoises.
Terrain Effects: One of the book's most cited strengths is its deep dive into how local terrain influences HF signals, a topic often glossed over in other manuals. Pros and Cons Pros:
Authoritative: Written by a WWII radar specialist and communications engineer with deep technical mastery.
Broad Appeal: Helpful for both beginners looking for simple wire designs and experienced hams interested in gain and directivity.
Visual: Rich with sketches, examples, and charts to clarify complex antenna behaviors. Cons:
Non-Linear Structure: Some readers find the practical material scattered across different chapters, requiring a full cover-to-cover read to find specific building instructions.
Style: Described by some as a "challenging read" because it expects the reader to engage deeply with the logic rather than just providing "cook-book" recipes. Recommendation
This book is often recommended over the ARRL Antenna Book for those who want a deeper conceptual understanding of why certain antennas work in specific spots. It is a "must-have" for any radio enthusiast who likes to experiment or build their own gear.
The classic book HF Antennas for All Locations by Les Moxon (G6XN) is a seminal work for amateur radio enthusiasts, particularly those facing space constraints or difficult environments. Moxon is widely recognized for his expertise in designing effective antennas that prioritize performance even in restricted locations. 0x9900.com Moxon Rectangle Antenna
While Les Moxon wrote extensively about various designs, he is most famously associated with the Moxon Rectangle , a compact, directional two-element beam antenna. Albury Wodonga Amateur Radio Club Design Characteristics
: It consists of two folded elements—a driven element and a reflector—with a distinct air gap between their ends. Performance : It offers a high front-to-back (F/B) ratio
and gain comparable to a 2-element Yagi, but in a significantly smaller footprint. : It typically features a feed-point impedance close to , making it easy to match with standard coaxial cable.
: The design is relatively broadband, often achieving an SWR of 1.5:1 or better over a 1000 kHz range on certain bands. Accessing the Book and Technical Guides
If you are looking for digital versions or practical construction data, several resources are available: A 20 Meter Moxon Antenna - 0x9900 The Challenge: Wood framing, asphalt shingles (lossy at
The Moxon Rectangle, popularized by Les Moxon (G6XN) in his seminal book HF Antennas for All Locations, is a compact, two-element directional antenna favored for its high performance-to-size ratio. Core Design Features
Rectangular Geometry: Unlike a standard straight-element Yagi, the Moxon folds the ends of the driven element and reflector toward each other.
Space-Efficient: The folded ends reduce the antenna's width to approximately 70% of a standard two-element Yagi, making it ideal for restricted spaces.
Direct Feed: It typically presents a near-perfect 50-ohm impedance, allowing it to be fed directly with coaxial cable without complex matching networks like baluns or gamma matches.
Critical Gap: The spacing between the ends of the driven element and the reflector (the "gap") is the most critical dimension for achieving its unique performance characteristics. Performance Benefits
Exceptional Front-to-Back (F/B) Ratio: The Moxon is renowned for its high F/B ratio (often exceeding 30-40 dB), which effectively rejects unwanted signals from the rear.
Broad Forward Beam: It offers a wide main lobe (often over 100 degrees), making it more forgiving to aim than a narrow-beam Yagi.
Low Angle of Radiation: When mounted correctly, it provides the low radiation angle necessary for long-distance (DX) communication.
Wide SWR Bandwidth: Especially when constructed with tubing, it maintains a low Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) across a broad frequency range. Common Construction Materials (PDF) Design and Development of UHF Moxon Antenna
The primary resource for " HF Antennas for All Locations " is the seminal book by Les A. Moxon (G6XN)
, first published in 1982 by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). This work introduced what is now known as the Moxon Rectangle, a compact, directional HF antenna that has become a staple for amateur radio operators in space-constrained or portable environments. The Evolution of the Moxon Rectangle
The Moxon antenna evolved from the VK2ABQ square. Les Moxon discovered that a rectangular shape significantly improved gain and that the spacing between the ends of the folded elements was critical for optimal performance.
Design Philosophy: It is essentially a 2-element Yagi with the ends of the driven element and reflector bent toward each other.
Physical Footprint: Due to the folded ends, the antenna's width is approximately 70% of a standard dipole. Key Performance Characteristics
The Moxon Rectangle is favored for its balance of simplicity and high-end performance metrics:
HF Antennas for All Locations : L. A. Moxon - Internet Archive
Moxon Antenna Overview
The Moxon antenna, also known as the Moxon rectangle or Moxon design, is a type of HF (shortwave) antenna that consists of two parallel elements, typically made of wire or tubing, connected at their ends to form a rectangle. It's a popular antenna design for amateur radio operators and shortwave listeners due to its simplicity, compactness, and relatively good performance.
Advantages and Applications
The Moxon antenna has several advantages:
Considerations for Different Locations
When installing a Moxon antenna, consider the following factors to optimize its performance:
PDF Paper: "The Moxon Antenna" by VK5BRB
A comprehensive paper on Moxon antennas is "The Moxon Antenna" by Brian, VK5BRB (now VK5BQC). The paper covers the history, design, and performance of Moxon antennas, including practical tips for construction and installation.
You can find the PDF paper on various online repositories or websites, such as:
Other Resources
Additional resources on HF antennas, including Moxon designs, can be found on websites like:
To find the specific "HF Antennas for All Locations" guide featuring the Moxon design, you are likely looking for the work of L.B. Cebik (W4RNL) Moxon Antenna Project Title: The Backyard Billion-Mile Beam Leo was frustrated
. The Moxon Rectangle is a popular HF antenna because it provides directional gain and a high front-to-back ratio in a footprint 30% smaller than a standard 2-element Yagi. Key Resources and PDF Guides The Moxon Project : The primary hub for Moxon designs, including the Moxon Rectangle Construction Guide , can be found at MoxonAntennaProject.com
. This site hosts numerous PDF calculators and design models for all HF bands. L.B. Cebik’s Collection : The late L.B. Cebik
wrote extensively on "Moxon Rectangles for All Occasions." His technical papers are the gold standard for understanding the geometry and feedpoint impedance (typically , requiring no matching network). Antenna Programs : For custom builds, the Moxon Calculator
allows you to input your target HF frequency to generate exact wire lengths and spacing. Barrett Communications Why Choose a Moxon for "All Locations"? Compact Footprint
: Its folded-end design makes it ideal for small yards or portable "all location" setups like POTA (Parks on the Air). Directivity
: It offers a very clean pattern with almost no side or back lobes, which helps reduce local noise. Broadband Performance
: Unlike some specialized beams, it maintains a low SWR (typically 1.5:1 or better ) over a wide range, such as 1000 kHz on some bands. Durability
: Because the elements are physically shorter and supported at both ends (forming a rectangle), it is more robust against wind than a traditional Yagi. Quick Design Specs for HF Typical Value ~5.5–6.0 dBi Comparable to a full-sized 2-element Yagi. Front-to-Back Ratio 20–30 dB Exceptional rejection of signals from the rear. Direct coax feed with no tuner needed in many cases. ~70% of a Yagi Fits in restricted spaces or HOA-friendly setups.
For a successful "all location" install, ensure the antenna is mounted at least 1/2 wavelength high
for the target band to optimize the takeoff angle for long-distance (DX) communication. specific wire cutting list for a particular HF band, such as 20m or 10m? EAntenna 8MOX Moxon antenna 8m band - WiMo
HF Antennas for All Locations , written by the late Les Moxon (G6XN), is widely considered a cornerstone of amateur radio literature. While many associate the name with the popular Moxon Rectangle antenna, the book is actually a comprehensive guide to practical antenna theory and design tailored for typical backyard environments. Key Takeaways from the Book
Practical Focus: Moxon focuses on antennas that can realistically be built and installed in standard residential areas, emphasizing wire antennas as low-cost solutions.
Theory Over Math: Readers praise the book for providing a deep understanding of antenna "mechanics" without overwhelming them with complex calculus.
Broad Scope: Despite the author's famous invention, the book covers a vast range of HF types, including beams, verticals, and even tuned counterpoises. Community Perspectives
Readers often highlight that the book requires a thorough "cover-to-cover" study rather than being a quick-reference guide.
“I find this book superior to even the ARRL Antenna Handbook for building understanding.” Amazon UK
“It is not a book of Moxon antennas. In fact, only one example even remotely resembles the Moxon design.” Amazon UK Performance of Moxon Designs
For those specifically interested in the Moxon Rectangle mentioned in the text, community testing often reveals:
High Front-to-Back Ratio: It is highly effective at nulling out interference from behind the antenna.
Compact Size: It offers roughly 70% of the length of a standard 2-element Yagi, making it easier to mount and rotate.
Wide Bandwidth: It typically maintains a low SWR across a broader range of frequencies than similar designs. Digital Access
The book is available in several formats for those seeking a "pdf" or digital version:
Internet Archive: A digital version is available for borrowing or viewing at the Internet Archive.
Scribd: Excerpts and related documents can be found on Scribd.
Physical Copies: New and used copies are often available through Amazon or eBay.
Are you planning to build a specific antenna from the book, or Hf Antennas for All Locations: L.A. Moxon - Amazon.com
Pro Tip: Build the antenna 3-5% longer than calculated. You can always shorten wire. You cannot stretch it. The Moxon is sensitive to corner angles (90 degrees is ideal).