Page-26
BevFlex-4X Installation Manual Rev 2.23 November 2019
The BevFlex-4X has the unique ability to be fed from any point along its entire length. Plus, it utilizes inexpensive
RG-6 coax cable vs. more expensive ladder line that is required for other reversible direction systems.
6. What bands does this antenna cover?
The BevFlex-4X antenna is capable of receiving all HF bands, as well as the AM and LW broadcast bands. The
most dramatic reception improvements are usually in the 1.8, 3.5, 7.0, and 10 MHz. amateur bands. It is still usable
on 20m through 10m bands and down to 100 kHz.
7. How does the overall system cost of this antenna compare with other Beverage antennas available?
The overall cost of the BevFlex-4X system is lower than any other commercially available system on the market due
to the use of low cost CATV type RG-6 coaxial cable for all portions of the antenna and feed system. The system is
entirely passive, which reduces cost (no pre-amp, remote relays, or power injector required) and increases reliability.
8. Which is better, a shielded loop, or a Beverage antenna? Both are advertised as low noise receiving
antennas.
Both antennas have advantages and disadvantages. Although there will be few cases where the loop may nearly
equal the performance of the BevFlex-4X, the main advantage of the loop it that it requires no significant space. The
loop can be rotated to null out specific, local, noise sources. If you are receiving signals from the directions favored
by the Beverage polar pattern, the BevFlex-4X will always outperform the loop. A combination of the loop and the
BevFlex-4X as a phased array using a two input antenna noise cancelling device is a very powerful noise
suppression tool.
9. What is the optimum height above ground where I should position the Beverage antenna cable?
7 to 10 feet above ground is ideal in that it maintains the correct impedance as well as allowing for mowing under the
antenna and minimum interaction with wandering people and animals.
10. Can I install the Beverage antenna on the slopes of hills on my property without the need for the terrain
to be flat in elevation for the best results?
Absolutely! Simply follow the contour of the land, whether it is flat or hilly. Crossing a creek or depression in the
ground will have little impact on the antenna’s performance. The ground under the BevFlex-4X does not need to be
flat. You can even install it on a moderate hill side.
11. How much can I deviate from a straight line in azimuth and still get good results as I layout the cable?
Although the ideal situation is to have a long antenna run in a perfectly straight line, deviations of 20 to 30 degrees
from the desired direction are acceptable. Try to keep the average direction correct as you install the antenna, but
do not worry too much about necessary variations to accommodate your situation. Symmetrical, horizontal, zig-zags
in the direction of the BevFlex-4X antenna wire where space is limited, can actually be helpful by providing some
loading of the antenna which effectively increases the antenna’s electrical length versus its physical length.
12. Can I attach the RG-6 antenna cable to metal fence posts with wire ties, or do I need to use some type of
insulator to standoff the cable from the metal post?
Insulated supporting posts or trees have the least impact on BevFlex-4X performance. Metal posts can be used if
the antenna element is supported with an insulator at least 18” away from the metal post. The antenna performance
will be significantly degraded if there are any nearby wires running parallel to the antenna element.
13.
What is the best kind of RG-6 cable to use? Quad-shield, standard single-shield RG-6 or 75 Ohm coax
with a carrier support wire?
