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DW-Manual-Sigma-280 Magnum-001   FORCE 12  SIGMA-280Magnum Assembly Instructions   Page  1   of   32 

 

 
Thank  you for selecting the Force 12 

Sigma-280 Magnum

 2 element Yagi for 80/75 meters. Released in 

the summer of 2003, the 

Sigma-280 Magnum

 is another step up in the finest 80/75 meter production Yagis. 

It is the product of about 9 years of development and the Sigma design is the new era in efficient antenna 
design for both horizontal and vertical antennas. Thanks to the members of Team Vertical and their years 
of competitive operating that eventually led to this design. 

Sigma-280 Magnum

 is composed of a pair of 

Sigma-180  Magnum

  dipole  elements.  One  is  the  driver  and  the  other  is  the  reflector.  Other  than  their 

tuning, they are physically identical. The function of each element is determined by the tuning of each one 
and  that  the  coax  feed  line  goes  to  the  driver.  This  manual  describes  building  each  dipole  element,  the 
attachment  to  the  boom  of  both  and  how  to  tune  the  antenna.  Yagis  for  80/75  meters  are  tuned  much 
differently than one would expect. The old theory that the reflector is tuned 3-5% lower in frequency does 
not hold. The reflector is actually tuned approximately 0.7% lower.   
 
The 

Sigma-280 Magnum

 covers several segments of the 80/75 meter band with the 2-relay external switch 

box. The antenna is composed of two elements. Each has T-bar capacitive loading about 24’ out on each 
side, plus large diameter, Hi-Q coils on each side of the feed point, providing the highest efficiency of any 
shortened antenna to date. The antenna is designed to present a low profile and withstand winds in excess 
of 90 mph.  

 
 
 
 

 

Sigma-280 Magnum 

2 element 80/75 Meter Yagi Antenna 

FREQUENCY COVERAGE: CW and Phone segments, each approximately 100 kHz 2:1 VSWR 

 

Force 12, Inc. 

P.O. Box 1293    Bridgeport, TX  76426 

Technical Support and Order Line:1 940 683 8371    FAX 1.940 683 8378 

Summary of Contents for Sigma-280 Magnum

Page 1: ...coax feed line goes to the driver This manual describes building each dipole element the attachment to the boom of both and how to tune the antenna Yagis for 80 75 meters are tuned much differently t...

Page 2: ...reflector is set first without the driver in the circuit to the correct frequencies for phone and CW The driver is then set with the reflector active Once set the reflector is not re adjusted as it is...

Page 3: ...tached to the element and to the center riser post on the element mount The element tubing segments are both bolted and riveted The bolted joints are on the larger tubing and the riveted joints are on...

Page 4: ...tion has either an A or B on it and the sections taper as they go towards the tip Assembly requires only that the identifications are matched All the rivet holes are pre drilled and will align exactly...

Page 5: ...crimped swaged end of the larger piece _____2b If the rivet holes do not align please check to be sure the section is oriented properly and that the correct side A or B is on the correct side It shou...

Page 6: ...of the two 2 cover tubes These will be the drain holes They can be drilled later but now is a better time _____f Spread the turns on the coils for about one 1 turn per inch or about one tubing diamete...

Page 7: ...f the eye bolts are not already installed in the riser on each element mount slide one in from each side so that there is a loop the eye on each side of the riser _____16 Attach the center of each lin...

Page 8: ...saddle can then be removed from each coil _____4 While tuning tape the covers and end caps to the element to prevent them from sliding out of reach _____5 If not already done attach both elements to t...

Page 9: ...3 750 for the JA window the reflector should be tuned lower to about 3 750 The F B in the window will be a bit less but the operating bandwidth will be much wider The VSWR curve for the antenna both e...

Page 10: ...the driver feed point on the relay box _____a Set the initial spacing on the hairpin coil about between turns _____28 Energize the CW Phone relays for LOW PHONE _____29 Tune the coils on the driver fo...

Page 11: ...the antenna is balanced with the coax and balun _____2 Carefully lower the antenna into the cradle Be sure to watch for the relay box control lines and the coax feed line _____3 Center the antenna fo...

Page 12: ...not designed This warranty does not cover transportation installation punitive or other costs that may be incurred from warranty repair or installation Force 12 Inc must be notified and warranty repa...

Page 13: ...DW Manual Sigma 280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 13 of 32...

Page 14: ...DW Manual Sigma 280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 14 of 32...

Page 15: ...DW Manual Sigma 280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 15 of 32...

Page 16: ...DW Manual Sigma 280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 16 of 32...

Page 17: ...DW Manual Sigma 280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 17 of 32 Sigma 280 Magnum at WA5VGI...

Page 18: ...280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 18 of 32 End of coil secured with 20 bolt Note cap is already on at the center The tube and outer cap are already positioned on the...

Page 19: ...ma 280 Magnum 001 FORCE 12 SIGMA 280Magnum Assembly Instructions Page 19 of 32 Coil cover tube and caps Note the through bolts on this mounting bracket were for a proto type only The actual go from th...

Page 20: ...ERROR undefined OFFENDING COMMAND f STACK...

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