XR5 9 Element 5 Band Yagi
20/17/15/12/10M
Model: XR5-MKII - Z08564-002
XR5C pictured
Rev. V1.9 - 24/11/2020
Weight: 34,0 Kg. Copyright 2020 InnovAntennas Limited
Max Power: 10 kW+
Contents
Antenna Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Boom construction & boom join configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Element plate mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Boom to mast plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Boom to mast plate photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Illustration showing individual element joining methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Element sizes and taper layout with taper schedules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Element layout on boom - illustration showing the built antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation photos - built antenna photos with close-up of feed system . . . . . . . . .11
Construction photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Parts list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Antenna Overview
The XR5 is a unique multi-band HF directional beam Yagi antenna. Some of the features which
make this antenna unique include the following:
Full-sized 5 band HF Yagi
The XR5 is a compact 5 band HF Yagi with a single feed point and although this makes the XR5
some 11m (37') wide, the optimisation for extended bandwidth means the elements are closed
spaced meaning the boom is only 3.5m (12') long.
Interlaced elements for each band with no more than 3 bands
The more bands that are interlaced on a given boom, the more compromised the performance
becomes. With this in mind, the XR5 was optimised with no more than 3 bands interlaced at any
one position on the boom. The antenna has at least two active elements per band. On the 20/17/15
meter bands a more traditional reflector and driven element arrangement is used. 12/10 use a
driven element and director arrangement and are placed at the front of the boom in order the larger
elements of 20/17/15 (at the back of the boom) provide some directive properties to them too.
There is just a single dedicated element for 12m. however, the driven element for 10m provides the
director in this case. 10m is also enhanced as a result of being able to use the 12m element as a
reflector and therefore, there are three active elements on the 10m band.
SDR-friendly Yagi
Unlike ‘active’ dynamic antennas, the XR5 can be used on ALL BANDS AT ONCE. This means if
using a radio such as a Flex 6700 which can have up to 8 operation receivers, 6 receiver slots on 5
bands can be used at the same time on the XR5.
Wet Weather Stable
Being optimised with close-spacing and wide bandwidth the XR5 provides stable operation within
wet weather.
Computer optimised Electromagnetic and mechanical design
In addition to using computer optimisation for the electromagnetic design, the XR5 has been
mechanically optimised by computer too, to ensure long-term survival. Elements all taper quickly
with the center sections of the 20m elements being 35mm in diameter in the middle and 13mm at
the tips.
Check your Parts and Read the Manual!
Before doing anything else, check the parts list in the back of this manual against what you have
received and read the construction information fully before attempting to build this antenna. This will
ensure your construction will be trouble-free and you will spend less time building the antenna too.
Boom Construction
The boom is constructed of 50mm diameter square tube (2mm wall thickness) in several
sections. A round joining tube is supplied and should be fitted as per the picture below.
Insert the M6 bolts into the holes and all the way through the boom secure on the opposite side
with an M6 nut and washer. It is advised that you insert the joining tube into one section of outer
boom, fully secure with the M6 bolts and then add the next piece of boom (also marked ‘A’ in
order the boom join now shows ‘A-A’ as in the below picture) and duplicate the finalisation
process with M6 bolts.
DO NOT over-tigthen the bolts and always oil or grease all hardware before joining to prevent
galling. Over-tigthening could weaken the join and lead to a shorter life length of your antenna
boom.
Below is one section of the XR 3 boom with the square joining tube inserted. The second square
section of boom should be slid onto the joiner and both sides bolted as shown in the photo below.
Boom Joining Tube
Boom to Element Plate Mounting
Element plates are bolted to the boom with the supplied M6 bolts.
fed dipole elements will use 4 insulator/plate arrangements while
all parasitic elements will use 2 insulator (shorter) plates.
Boom
Element insulators (white in shipped product)
M6 bolts hold insulators
in place
M6 nuts M6 nuts
Plate is counter-sunk for screw heads
DIN 7991 M6 x 70mm bolt
DIN 127 M6 nut
Centre hole has a bolt which screws into a RivNut
which is inserted into the boom.
4 holes in a square around this one, have bolts which
EA010085 go through them and sit either side of the boom, bolting
Bottom plate to a plate beneath the boom.
Boom to Mast Plate Mounting
EA010320
Main boom to mast plate
150mm
EA010321
Rear boom to mast plate
Boom Boom
70mm
150mm
150mm
U-bolt and Saddle
DIN 912 M6 x 80mm
Square Tube Boom
Nut and Bolts
DIN 985 M6
DIN 127 M6
MAST
A-0163
50mm
50mm
U-bolt
23035.50
Saddle Clamp
Boom to Mast Plate Photos
All Element held in place with hose clamps to ensure a constant contact patch around each join.
Hose Clamp 25-40mm Ø Hose Clamp 20-32mm Ø
35mm Ø 30mm Ø 30mm Ø 25mm Ø
Hose Clamp 16-27mm Ø Hose Clamp 12-22mm Ø
25mm Ø 20mm Ø 20mm Ø 16mm Ø
Hose Clamp 8-16mm Ø
16mm Ø 13mm Ø
Smaller tube over-laps into next tube by 150mm
Parallel Feed line fitment
The XR 5 is feed at the 20m dipole centre. However, a pair of parallel square tubes sit
on top of the 5 sets of feed point terminals and are bolted to them. This ensures that
the one, single feed line connected to the antenna will feed all 5 bands.
The photo across the page shows this arrangement on an XR 6 and therefore, there
is a passive 6m element shown which is not fitted to the XR 5.
Final element tip adjustment
On most bands the XR5 will cover the majority if not all of the 5 bands it covers. However, as with most HF Yagis, proximity to ground, ground
type and nearby objects and antennas, may vary the point at which the antenna dips (lowest SWR). Therefore, the tips of each element on each
band can be adjusted in order that you can fine-tune your antenna for your working requirements.
Adjust the driven element of a given band for lowest SWR wherever that may fall, not where you want it to be. If the point of lowest SWR is
not in the band section you desire, adjust BOTH band elements by the same amount to move the dip to the desired point and then re-adjust
the driven element for lowest SWR dip.
For example, if after adjusting the 20m driven element for lowest SWR, the lowest point of SWR is 14.300MHz, then BOTH the 20m reflector
and driven element need to be made larger by the same amount. If you wanted your antenna at 14.100, add 10mm to each tip end on the
reflector and director 20mm to the total length of each element) and check SWR again. adjust the driven element in and out a few mm to
establish the final lowest dip and make adjustments accordingly. If the antenna dips on 13.9MHz rather than 14.1MHz then the reverse would
need to be applied, removing 10mm from each tip (20mm total from each element overall length).
The above examples are extremes and it is unlikely you will see the variants suggested above. Also note that 20m, 17m and 15m have a
reflector and driven element. 10m uses a driven element and director while 12m has 1 driver and uses the 10m elements as directors.
Note also that any fine-tune adjustments to each band should be done in this order - 20m, 17m,15m, 12m then 10m.
Element Layout on the boom
(Not to scale)
20m Reflector
17m Reflector
15m Reflector
Drop coax/balun 90 degress away
from feed point
12m Driven
10m Driven
Feed point at 20m element
20m Driven
17m Driven
15m Driven
Perspex spacers held to elements
with cable-ties
10m Director
These parallel feed lines are made from square
aluminium tubing and are drilled to sit on top of
each feed point. Due to the variation in size of
each of the driven elements, the feed lines will
not sit flat on the boom and will need to be
fastened as per the photo (left).
Antenna Build Notes:
This drawing is NOT TO SCALE and the majority of elements in the drawing are far more widely spaced than on the
built antenna. This is in order to make the drawing clear for the constructor.
This antenna is better hung ‘upside down’ with all insulators and feedline facing towards ground. This will allow for
easy coaxial connection to the feed point and routing away form the antenna, towards and down the supporting
mast.
Element plates on antenna are NOT the same size as indicated in the drawing above, again this is presented this
way for clarity. the correct sized element plates for each band (and their respective size) can be found in the parts list
at the rear of this manual.
See photos on page 10 of a mounted antenna for the ‘ideal’ boom to mast plate mounting position and choke/1:1
balun/coax feedline routing.
Typically element placed on driven elements have four insulators, parasitic element plate holders have two while the
6M elements are held in place on the boom with one insulator and no plate.
Element Sizes & Taper
20m
11600mm Reflector - 10492mm Driven @13mm diameter
8780mm@16mm
7084mm @20mm
5388mm @25mm
3692mm @30mm
1996mm @35mm
17m
8760mm Reflector - 8660mm Driven @13mm diameter
7084mm @16mm
5388mm @20mm
3692mm @25mm
1996mm @30mm
15m
7450mm Reflector - 7100mm Driven @13mm diameter
5388mm @16mm
3692mm @20mm
1996mm @25mm
12m
5900mm Driven - Only one dedicated element on 12m @13mm diameter
3692mm @16mm
1996mm @20mm
10m
5420mm Driven - 5010mm Director @13mm diameter
3692mm @16mm
1996mm @20mm
Installation Photos
The twin feed lines of the XR5 (XR6 shown) can be
clearly seen above with the coax cable directly
connected and running down the mast away from the
antenna.
Panned view of the feed arrangement on the XR5 (XR6
shown) with all elements in place on the boom
PACKING LIST
BOX #1 BAG #1
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
A-0163 U-BOLT M8 x 50mm 2
23035.50 SADDLE CLAMP 50mm 2
DIN 127 WASHER
S127-98 M8 4
S934-98 DIN 934 NUT M8 4
S7991-9630 Flat Head DIN 7991 Screw M6x30mm 9
P0100026 Hose Clamp 25-40mm 4
P0100025 Hose Clamp 20-32mm 8
P0100023 Hose Clamp 16-27mm 12
P0100024 Hose Clamp 12-22mm 18
Hose Clamp 10-16mm 18
P0100033
BOX #1 BAG #2
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
S912-9660 Allen DIN 912 Screw M6x60mm 24
S912-9650 Allen DIN 912 Screw M6x50mm 32
S985-906 DIN 985 NUT M6 56
S7991-9460 Flat Head DIN 7991 Screw M4x60mm 10
S125-94 Washer DIN 125 M4 10
S9021-94 Washer DIN 9021 M4 20
S934-94 DIN 934 NUT M4 30
BOX #1 BAG #3
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
S7380-9660 Allen DIN 7380 Screw M6x60mm 8
S9021-96 DIN 9021 M6 8
S985-906 DIN 985 NUT M6 8
BOX #1 BAG #4
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
EAHYP035 Plastic Blocks 35mm Ø 6
EAHYP030 Plastic Blocks 30mm Ø 6
EAHYP025 Plastic Blocks 25mm Ø 6
EAHYP020 Plastic Blocks 20mm Ø 10
BOX #1 BAG #5
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
Element holder plate (bottom) 50mm
EA010085 70 x 50 x 6mm 9
S7991-9670 Flat Head DIN 7991 Screw 70x6mm 36
S127-96 Lock washer DIN 127 M6 36
S985-906 DIN 985 NUT M6 36
BOX #1 BAG #6
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
S912-9680 Allen DIN 912 Screw 80x6mm 8
S127-96 Lock washer DIN 127 M6 8
S985-906 DIN 985 NUT M6 8
BOX #1 SPARE PARTS
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
EA010261 250 x 70 x 5mm 1
14 MHz. Elements plates DRIVEN
EA010267 200 x 70 x 5mm 1
14 MHz. Elements plates REFLECTOR
18 MHz. Elements plates DRIVEN 250 x 70 x 5mm 1
EA010258
18 MHz. Elements plates REFLECTOR/D1 200 x 70 x 5mm 1
EA010264
21/24/28 MHz. Elements plates DRIVEN 250 x 60 x 5mm 3
EA010252
21/24/28 MHz. Elements plates REFLECTOR/D1 200 x 60 x 5mm 2
EA010255
Boom to mast plate (front) 1
EA010320 150 x 150 x 10mm
Boom to mast plate (rear)
EA010321 150 x 70 x 8mm 1
Driven element Spacer plates 380 x 50 x 3mm 1x
EA010322 2
339 x 50 x 3mm 1x
BOX #2 SPARE PARTS
PART # PART IMAGE
DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
Xr5 .. BOOM A 1627,5mm x 50mm 1
A-A
Xr5 .. BOOM B 1627,5mm x 50mm 1
A-B
EA0140045.IN
Boom Joining Tube 400mm x 45mm 1
20m Centrall part
XR5 20#1 1996,0mm x 35mm Ø 1
XR5 20#1A .. DE 20m Central part
1996,0mm x 35mm Ø 1
XR5 20#2 20m 2nd PART 998,0mm x 30mm Ø 4
XR5 20#3 20m 3rd PART
998,0mm x 25mm Ø 4
XR5 20#4 20m 4th PART
998,0mm x 20mm Ø 4
XR5 20#5 20m 5th PART
998,0mm x 16mm Ø 4
XR5 20#6R 20m 5th REFLECTOR TIPS
1560,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
XR5 20#6D 20m 5th DRIVEN TIPS
1060,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
17m Centrall part
XR5C 17#1 1996,0mm x 30mm Ø 1
XR5C 17#1A .. DE 17m Central part
1996,0mm x 30mm Ø 1
XR5C 17#2 17m 2nd PART 998,0mm x 25mm Ø 4
XR5C 17#3 17m 3rd PART
998,0mm x 20mm Ø 4
17m 4th PART
XR5C 17#4 998,0mm x 16mm Ø 4
17m Reflector end
XR5C 17#1R 988,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
17m Driven end
XR5C 17#1D 938,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
BOX #2 SPARE PARTS
PART IMAGE
PIEZA Nº DESCRIPTION SIZES QUANTITY
15m Centrall part
XR5 15#1 1996,0mm x 25mm Ø 1
XR5 15#1A .. DE 15m Central part
1996,0mm x 25mm Ø 1
XR5 15#2 15m 2nd PART 998,0mm x 20mm Ø 4
XR5 15#3 998,0mm x 16mm Ø 4
15m 3rd PART
XR5 10#1 10m Centrall part
1996,0mm x 20mm Ø 1
XR5 .. 1996,0mm x 20mm Ø
DE 10/12m Central part 2
10/12#1A
XR5 10/12#2 998,0mm x 16mm Ø 6
10/12m 3rd PART
XR5 15#4R 1310,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
15m REFLECTOR Final part
XR5 15#4D 1006,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
15m DRIVEN Final part
XR5 10#3R 1014,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
10m REFLECTOR Final part
XR5 10#3D 809,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
10m DRIVEN Final part
XR5 12#3D 12m DRIVEN Final part
1264,0mm x 13mm Ø 2
EA010314 770 x 15 x 15mm 1
FEED SQUARE TUBE SET
