VertX — Technical Overview
Updated: 2025-08-19 — Technical overview validated against VertX feed system and fan geometry.
VertX — Technical Overview
VertX is a smarter multiband fan vertical engineered for low loss, clean feedline behavior, and consistent low-angle DX. Its raised feedpoint (~1.1 m above the radial field), full 20 m quarter-wave aluminum radiator, and fan wires aligned at current maxima give it predictable multiband performance across 20–6 m.
VertX ships with factory-installed choke, modular radiator, and precision ASA fan plates for straightforward setup and instant HF coverage.
Specs at a Glance
| Bands | 20 m, 17 m, 15 m, 12 m, 10 m, 6 m |
|---|---|
| Power | 6 kW ICAS / 3 kW PEP / 1.5 kW FT8 |
| Feedpoint | 50 Ω with integrated high-power choke |
| Feedpoint Height | ~1.1 m above radial plane |
| Main Radiator | 35 mm aluminum pole, full ¼-wave (20 m) |
| Fan Elements | 2 × ASA plates; wires start ~20 cm above 20 m radiator |
| 10 m Coverage | Three dedicated elements for bandwidth & efficiency |
| Radial Plate | Optional — supports RF.Guru radial kits |
| Materials | Marine-grade aluminum, ASA, RVS 316 stainless steel |
Operating Bands & Angles
| Band | Performance | Typical Takeoff Angle* |
|---|---|---|
| 20 m | ¼-wave radiator, stable DX | 18–22° |
| 17 m | Fan element, efficient coupling | 16–20° |
| 15 m | Fan element, low-loss pattern | 14–18° |
| 12 m | Balanced low-angle DX | 12–16° |
| 10 m | Three elements, broad bandwidth | 10–14° |
| 6 m | Efficient, Es-ready | 8–12° |
*Modeled at 6–10 m height, average ground, full radial field. Real installs vary.
Radial Strategy
- Good: 16 × 5 m radials — compact baseline
- Better: 24 mixed (8 × 5.3 m, 8 × 3.6 m, 8 × 2.7 m)
- Best: 32 mixed spread 360° (16 × 5.3 m, 8 × 3.6 m, 8 × 2.7 m)— near-solid RF ground
Feed System & Choking
- Integrated choke: factory installed at feedpoint
- Multi-antenna or RFI sites: add shack-end isolator (+30 dB CMR)
- Coax routing: run at right angles for first meters; avoid parallel metal runs
VSWR Sweep
(Indicative) — measured at the feedpoint with integrated choke and full radial/ground field. Expect small shifts with soil, height, and nearby structures.
Radiation Patterns
Patterns shown are simplified models for clarity — see why we use simplified models and not NEC. Real-world results vary with soil, height, and surroundings.
20 m
17 m
15 m
12 m
10 m
6 m
Apply AL-1100 aluminum paste at joints, ensure radials are evenly spread, and use a quality isolator in complex RFI sites. Re-torque after heavy weather.
Mini-FAQ
- Is NVIS supported? — No. VertX is a DX vertical, not for high-angle NVIS.
- Do I need an external choke? — Not normally. Only add an isolator in multi-antenna/RFI setups.
- What mast size? — Base fits Ø60.3 mm poles.
- Power rating? — 6 kW ICAS / 3 kW PEP / 1.5 kW FT8.
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