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Step Two - Spreaders
- Fiber glass tubes are recommended for the spreaders. These can be purchased from Max Gain Systems and are sold in 8 foot
sections. However, for a small fee, Max Gain will cut them in half to greatly reduce the shipping charges. Max Gain provides tips for
attaching them together and for greater UV protection.
- The best approach for using Max Gain tubes would be three 4 foot sections of 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch outside diameter for each
spreader. They can be nested inside each other to achieve the desired length. You will need a minimum of 126 inches for each
spreader. If you decide to cut off a little, there are special considerations for sawing fiber glass and cutting tips are provided by Max Gain.
- Some have tried to build spreaders using PVC but I have heard of no one who has done this successfully. PVC is simply too limber and
does not have the "spring tension" needed to maintain the hex beam shape. I recommend against its use for a five band hexbeam.
Insert the smaller pieces into
the larger to work out to no less
than 126 inches. I inserted the
pieces four inches and cut off
a piece on the larger end
rather than the smaller end so
as to maximize flexibility of the
spreader. See Max Gain's tips
before cutting the fiber glass.
the larger to work out to no less
than 126 inches. I inserted the
pieces four inches and cut off
a piece on the larger end
rather than the smaller end so
as to maximize flexibility of the
spreader. See Max Gain's tips
before cutting the fiber glass.
A coat of primer paint was
sprayed on before this color.
The sections are attached with
adhesive but bolts or clamps
can be used if you desire to
disassemble the spreaders in
the future. See Max Gain tips
for this.
sprayed on before this color.
The sections are attached with
adhesive but bolts or clamps
can be used if you desire to
disassemble the spreaders in
the future. See Max Gain tips
for this.
Slip the hose clamps on now
for use in attaching the wires
later at the places marked in
the preceding photo. Use the
large or small clamps as
needed. Tighten them only a
little as you will be slipping
attachments under them later
and making adjustments.
for use in attaching the wires
later at the places marked in
the preceding photo. Use the
large or small clamps as
needed. Tighten them only a
little as you will be slipping
attachments under them later
and making adjustments.
Click these photos to enlarge
Mark with tape or felt tip pen
the initial locations for the wire
clamps. These should be 57,
63, 75, 90 and 123 inches
from the thick end of the
spreaders.
the initial locations for the wire
clamps. These should be 57,
63, 75, 90 and 123 inches
from the thick end of the
spreaders.
