Raibeam Antennas

Is not just another Yagi

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Antennas Information

High supergain beam
More gain from shorter boom
Lower receive noise
Outstanding F/B ratio
Rugged construction 6063-T832 tubing
All stainless steel hardware
Narrower elevation beamwidth gives superior DX performance

About

Establish in 1999

Applying Critical Coupling to achieve Supergain

Probably the most familiar use of the term ‘critical coupling’ is normally applied to tuned LC circuits, and describes a condition in which 2 resonant inductors in close proximity will each develop equal amplitudes of current.

This same condition can occur between two parallel ½ wavelength (resonant) dipole elements as well, and can be achieved through several methods of coupling. i.e.; mutual inductance, capacitive coupling, physical coupling, or by a combination of these methods.

One popular method in use today uses capacitive coupling, where two parallel ½ wave dipoles (usually a driven element and a reflector element) are folded or bent in such a fashion that their tips come into close proximity to each other (forming a square or diamond shape). Another popular method is to feed two parallel ½ wave dipoles. Typically, the dipoles are spaced at 1/8 wavelength and fed with a phase difference of 135º. Attaining critical coupling using this method is certainly more difficult and if not properly designed, its performance is no greater than a two element log cell.

A yagi beam uses mutual inductance to achieve directional gain but, unfortunately, it is impractical to apply critical coupling methods to this design. When the driven element of a yagi is placed in close enough proximity to a parasitic element for the currents in both elements to become equal (or nearly equal), the spacing between them has become too close to develop good directional gain and will also suffer greatly in bandwidth. A practical two element yagi design will have unequal currents, a rather poor front-to back ratio, and a maximum directional gain of approximately 4.3 dBd (6.5 dBi) in free space.

The patented Critically Coupled bi-periodic method

This method is similar to the dual fed system mentioned previously except the element spacing is reduced to 1/10 wavelength, which is the optimum spacing for maximum mutual coupling gain, and critical coupling (equal currents) is achieved through the use of a coaxial delay line that is impedance matched to both elements. Unlike the aforementioned dual fed system, the rear element is not a typical “fed” element, rather, it is adjusted to have a negative impedance characteristic, so that any induced energy that has not been dissipated by radiation will flow back through the delay line into the feedpoint, reinforcing the current in the front driven element (similar to a feedback loop), thus satisfying both critical coupling and supergain conditions. The measured directional gain is 6.0 dBd (8.2 dBi) with a typical front-to-back ratio of around 30 dB.

Determining Supergain

To determine if an antenna is normal (gain) or if it falls into the supergain category, let the antenna be enclosed in the smallest sphere that just surrounds all of the antenna elements. The maximum gain that can be developed by an antenna operating in the normal range is:

Gnmax = (1*PI*A/Lam)2+ 4*PI*A/Lam

Where A is the radius of the enclosing sphere, and Lam is the wavelength. This equation is plotted in the graph shown to the right.  

A 2 element yagi beam with its elements spaced at .1 wavelength occupies a radius essentially the same as a ½ wave dipole – a ¼ wavelength radius – so the maximum normal gain can be no greater than 7.4 dBi. Since the measured gain of the 2 element Raibeam using .1 wavelength element spacing is greater than 7.4 dBi it definitely falls into the supergain region.



RB-206

     RB-206 6 meter               2 element beam  

The performance of the 2 element RB-206 6m beam is surprisingly good. This lightweight compact monoband beam is easily supported by a light-duty TV mast or push-up pole, and turned with a TV rotor. It’s ideal for use in limited installation environments, mountaintop or rover activities. Its also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications

  1. Wind loading: .85 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 3.25 lbs.
  2. Maximum element length: 9’ 10” Turning radius: 5.0’
  3. Boom Length: 2.1’ Boom diameter: 1.25”
  4. Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal. Feedpoint: UHF Connection
                                                                                                                                   

RB-306

     RB-306 6 meter 3 element beam
The RB-306 has surprisingly good DX performance even when it is operated as low as 1 wavelength above ground. This lightweight 3 element full-size monoband beam is easily supported by a light-duty t0wer or TV push-up pole, and turned with a light-duty rotor. When mounted at 3 to 5 wavelengths or higher it’s a force to be reckoned with. It’s also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. It will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, and you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications

Wind loading: 1.12 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 5.4 lbs. Maximum element length: 9’ 7¼” Turning radius: 6.25’ Boom Length:  6′ Boom diameter: 1.25” Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal. Feedpoint: UHF coax connector.

               

RB-406

                                                     

RB-406 6 meter 4 element beam 
The RB-406 has surprisingly good DX performance even when it is operated as low as 1 wavelength above ground. This lightweight 4 element wide-spaced monoband beam is easily supported by a light-duty tower or TV push-up pole, and turned with a light-duty rotor. When mounted at 3 to 5 wavelengths or higher it’s a force to be reckoned with. A very competitive contest beam, it’s also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. It will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, and you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

                                           Specifications

Wind loading: 2.2 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 11.5 lbs. Maximum element length: 9’ 56” Turning radius: 9.7’ Boom Length:  13.8’Boom diameter: 1.375” Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.  Feedpoint: UHF coax connector  Free space gain : =>11.5   dBiF/B ratio: =>25 dB

                 

RB-506


                                                         

RB-506 6 meter 5 elements beam

The DX performance of the RB-506 is awesome even when it is operated as low as 1 wavelength above ground. This 5 element wide spaced mono-band beam is easily supported by a medium-duty tower, and turned with a medium-duty rotor. When mounted at 60 to 75 ft. or higher it is the ultimate contest beam… truly a force to be reckoned with. It’s also excellent for field day and DXpeditions.

This antenna is a true “pileup buster”. It will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, and you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications

Wind loading: 4.125 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph)
Weight: 19 lbs.
Maximum element length: 9’ 6”
Turning radius: 13.6’
Boom Length:  23.8′
Boom diameter: 1.5”
Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.
Feedpoint: UHF coax connector
Free space gain : =>13 dBi

RB-210

RB-210 10 meter 2 elements beam
The RB-210 10m beam’s DX performance is surprisingly good even when it is operated as low as ½ wavelength above ground. This lightweight compact monoband beam is easily supported by a light-duty TV tower or push-up pole, and turned with a light-duty rotor. It’s also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications  

Wind loading: 1.7 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 6 lbs.
Maximum element length: 17’ 6” Turning radius: 8.6’
Boom Length: 3.6’ Boom diameter: 1.25”
Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal. Feedpoint: UHF Conn.
Free space gain : =>8 dBi  F/B ratio: =>25 dB


RB-410

     RB-410 10 meter 4 element beam
The RB-410 has surprisingly good DX performance even when operating below one wavelength above ground. This lightweight 4-element wide-spaced monoband beam is easily supported by a medium-duty tower or heavy-duty push-up pole, and turned with a medium-duty rotor. When mounted at 3 to 5 wavelengths or higher it is a force to be reckoned with. An extremely competitive contest beam, it is also excellent for field day and DXpeditions.

Do not let its small size fool you. It will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, and you will hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its super gain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

                                                      Specifications

Wind loading 4.5 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 21 lbs.  Maximum element length: 17’ 56”  Turning radius: 15.7’ Boom Length:  13.8′  Boom diameter: 1.375”  Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.  Feedpoint: UHF coax connector

     

RB-212

                                                   

RB-212 12 meter 2 element beam

The RB-210 10m beam’s DX performance is surprisingly good even when it is operated as low as ½ wavelength above ground. This lightweight compact monoband beam is easily supported by a light-duty TV tower or push-up pole, and turned with a light-duty rotor. It’s also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications  

  1. Wind loading: 1.7 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 6 lbs.
  2. Maximum element length: 17’ 6” Turning radius: 8.6’
  3. Boom Length: 3.6’ Boom diameter: 1.25”
  4. Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal. Feedpoint: UHF Conn.
  5. Free space gain : =>8 dBi  F/B ratio: =>25 dB

RB-215

                                                     
RB-215 15 meter 2 element beam

The RB-215 15m beaeven when it is operated as low as ½ wavelength above ground. This m’s DX performance is surprisingly good lightweight compact monoband beam is easily supported by a light-duty TV tower or push-up pole, and turned with a light-duty rotor. It’s also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications

  1. Wind loading: 2.2 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 11 lbs.
  2. Maximum element length: 23’ 7” Turning radius: 12.25’
  3. Boom Length: 5’ 0″ Boom diameter: 1.25”
  4. Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal. Feedpoint: UHF Conn.
  5. Free space gain : =>8 dBi F/B ratio: =>25 dB

RB-315

                                  
RB-315 15 meter 3 element beam

The RB-315 has surprisingly good DX performance even when operating as low as ½ wavelength. A full-size wide spaced 3 element monoband beam, it’s easily supported by a medium-duty tower, and turned with a medium to heavy-duty rotor.  When mounted at 1 to 1½ wavelengths or higher it’s a force to be reckoned with.

This antenna was designed with the serious DX’er/contester in mind. It will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, and you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

           Specifications

Wind loading: 3.75 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 25 lbs. Maximum element length: 23’ 6½”  Turning radius: 14’ Boom Length: 17.1′ Boom diameter: 1.75” Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.  Feedpoint: UHF coax connector

                                                                                    

RB-217

                                 
RB-217 17 meter 2element beam

The RB-217 17m WARC-band beam’s DX performance is surprisingly good even when it is operated as low as ½ wavelength above ground. This lightweight compact monoband beam is ideal for mounting on a common mast with a tri-bander or can be easily supported by a light-duty TV tower or push-up pole and turned with a light-duty rotor. It’s also perfect for field day and DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This little beam will outperform  yagis of twice the boom length and greater, and you will hear the weak ones even better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

                          Specifications

Wind loading: 3 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 13 lbs. Maximum element length: 29.23’  Turning radius: 14’ 5″ Boom Length: 5.7’  Boom diameter: 1.25”Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.  Feedpoint: UHF conn.  Free space gain : =>8 dBi F/B ratio: =>25 dB

   

RB-220

    RB-220 20 meter 2 element beam
The RB-220 20m beam’s DX performance is surprisingly good even when it is operated as low as ½ wavelength above ground. Its Light weight and short boom make it perfect for both normal and limited installation environments, field day, and especially DXpeditions.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This little beam will outperform  yagis of twice the boom length and greater, and you will hear the weak ones even better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.                                

Specifications

Wind loading: 3 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph)  Weight: 16 lbs.  Maximum element length: 35’ 4” Turning radius: 17.5’  Boom Length: 7.125’ Boom diameter: 1.5” Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.  Feedpoint: UHF conn. Free space gain: =>8 dBi  F/B ratio: =>25 dB                                                  

Your 20 meter, two element Raibeam is a firecracker… It’s on a 12 meter crank-up Russian military mast, near the north edge of a three-story building. I can easily believe your claims for a low take-off angle with respect to ground proximity, because anything I can hear, I can work, usually without the amplifier. Thanks for a great antenna.”  

 

RB-320

    RB-320 20 meter 3 element beam
The RB-320 has surprisingly good DX performance even when operating as low as ½ wavelength. As a full-size wide spaced 3 element beam, it should be mounted on at least a medium-duty tower, and turned with a heavy-duty rotor. When mounted at 1 to 1½ wavelengths or higher it’s a force to be reckoned with.

This antenna was designed with the serious DX’er/contester in mind. It will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, and you’ll hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its supergain performance is backed by a money-back guarantee.

                          Specifications

Wind loading: 7 Sq. ft. (maximum 80 mph) Weight: 38 lbs.  Maximum element length: 35’ 9″ Turning radius: 20.8’ Boom Length: 25.75′ Boom diameter: 2.125″ tapered  Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal.  Feedpoint: UHF coax connector  Free space gain : =>10 dBi  F/B ratio: =>25 dB

   

RB-36X

                                                     

RB-36x tri-band 10, 15, 20  meter beam
With separate feed points for each band, the RB-36x tribander offers no compromise mono-band performance on each band. Lightweight with a short boom, this is the perfect “city dweller” multi-band beam.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with triband yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you will hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its awsome performance is backed up by a money-back performance guarantee.

           Specifications

  1. Wind loading: 7 Sq. ft. (maximum 90 mph) Weight: 36 lbs.
  2. Maximum element length: 35’ 4” Turning radius: 18.5’
  3. Boom Length: 12’ Boom diameter: 2”
  4. Feedpoint Imp: 50 Ohm unbal. Feedpoints: 3

RB-24X

                                                       
RB24X 15, 20 4 element beam

With a separate feed point for each band, the RB-24x dual-band beam offers no compromise mono-band performance on the 20m and 15m bands. Designed specifically for those whose requirements does not include the 10m band, yet require a lightweight, compact beam. It is easily supported on a light-duty TV tower or push-up pole, and can be turned with a light-duty rotor. Its also perfect for field day and DXpeditions. Plans for a common coax feedline decoupler is included.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you will hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its awsome performance is backed up by a money-back performance guarantee.

           Specifications

Wind loading: 6 Sq. ft. (maximum 90 mph) Weight: 25 lbs.

Maximum element length: 35’ 4” Turning radius: 18.125’

Boom Length: 10’ 2″ Boom diameter: 1.5”

RB-24W

                                                   

RB-24w 12, 17 meter                    4  element beam
With a separate feed point for each band, the RB-24w dual WARC-band beam offers no compromise mono-band performance on the 17m and 12m bands. This lightweight compact beam is ideal for mounting on a common mast with a tri-bander or is  easily supported on a light-duty TV tower or push-up pole, and can be turned with a light-duty rotor. Its also perfect for field day and DXpeditions. Plans for a common coax feedline decoupler is included.

Don’t let its small size fool you. This antenna will compete with yagis with up to twice the boom length, yet you will hear the weak ones better due to its low noise characteristics. Its awsome performance is backed up by a money-back performance guarantee.

           Specifications

  1. Wind loading: 3.8 Sq. ft. (maximum 90 mph) Weight: 20 lbs.
  2. Maximum element length: 28’ 3½” Turning radius: 16’ 4″
  3. Boom Length: 8’ Boom diameter: 1.375”

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