Hexagon coupler - v1.1

 Introduction

 (Later improved model than this  is here :  Racetrack Tuner)

This is a capacitive coupler for tuning Short Loop Antennas (STL).

It is an evolution from the ‘Patterson Match’ aka military loop from 1967, this is my fifth generation of: Simplified Patterson Coupler

More build description and use here: Hexagon Coupler v1 from the blog Electromagnetic Adventures.

Needed material

• Printed model
• 5 cm wide copper tape
• 2 pcs Knobs (optional)
• 4 pcs small self threading screws
• 1 pcs BNC Connector 
• 2 pcs banana female connector

Tools:

• M10 Threading tool - or modify model and print with threads
• Small drill
• Screwdriver

INSTRUCTION

(please contact me if instruction is unclear so I can improve)

Add copper tape to inner, outer and middle hexagon. Thread inner and outer hexagon.

Secure each shaft with disk and 2 self-threading screws.

Solder wires, add some foil to solder wire away from hexagons, Be careful and work fast to not melt 3D model: 

• RFin 
  • Ground: to middle hexagon, 
  • Signal: to upper hexagon
• Loop antenna
  • L1: Outer hexagon
  • L2: Middle Hexagon

Tested only with 10W but it should be able to handle more, ensure that distance between foils are > 1mm and cut away excess to avoid short circuit

Warning❗

Keep  away when in operation, use the protective cover, because when in resonance the voltage can be several 1000 volts and burn your fingers. 

Revision History

• v1.0 2023-10-15 First release
• v1.1 2023-10-19 Add shaft, remove disk, add separate STL per object. Make text visible on case