[Cliffdwellers] Low Profile Loop Antenna

[FreitasRJ@aol.com]

Hi,

I have a horizontal loop antenna in my attic ( I live in a antenna-restricted area ) that is approximately 80 feet of wire; it feeds into an SGC-230 tuner mounted on the ceiling joists.  I would've done a loop around the eaves of the house but I have a very convoluted roofline and it would be difficult to run a contiguous loop in some areas. I have a composition shingle roof.

Basically, I think this amounts to a NVIS antenna although I sometimes receive signals that amaze me.  I've also thought about trying to run a vertical loop in the attic space; there is about 7 feet of vertical clearance down the centerline which would give me almost the same amount of wire.  I've heard that a vertical loop is a much better DX antenna.  I could encase the antenna wire in PVC pipe to ensure any high voltage points wouldn't be hazardous but it would also put parts of the antenna wire fairly close to some house wiring and heating ducts.

Since I can't have an outside antenna (even a stealth is out of the question since there are no trees around that are taller than the house) I'm also looking for ideas.

73,
Rich, KF6SZA

In a message dated 1/5/2004 2:04:46 AM Eastern Standard Time, fwbray@mminternet.com writes:

> I wonder if anyone out there is using a loop antenna at roof and/or eves 
> level?  I have enough room for a full wave loop for 40 meters which would be 
> at about 22 - 28 feet AGL.  It would run around the eves on the long sides of 
> the house with the short sides lying on the top of the tile roof.  I would 
> feed it with an SGC tuner mounted under the eves.  Fortunately, from an RF 
> perspective, the builder seems to have omitted the metal flashing at the edge 
> of the roof, so I would think this would reduce coupling problems.
> 
> I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has used this type of setup.  
> Is it practical for DX or does it turn out to be too much 
> of an NVIS antenna.
> 
> Thanks & 73.