[Elecraft] Horizontal Loop Antenna

[Vic K2VCO]

Kevin Shaw wrote:

> I've thought about putting up a
> horizontal loop antenna. Basically I was planning to run some enameled
> magnet wire around the perimeter of the roof (I have no plans on running
> more than 10 watts). The wire would lay under the shingles so it can't be
> seen. The antenna will be 1 WL long on 80 meters. I'll run coax down to the
> K2 + ATU. 

I ran a square loop with 65' sides, up 20 feet, fed at a corner, through 
EZNEC.  The antenna would be a good NVIS antenna on 80 and 40 meters, 
with maximum radiation straight up on 80 and at 55 degrees on 40. It 
would be good for QSOs up to a couple of hundred miles, but poor for 
longer distances.  Horizontal patterns would be round on 80 and sort of 
a slightly squashed circle on 40.  On 20, you would get maximum 
radiation at 40 degrees, a little better, and the horizontal pattern 
would be a squashed cloverleaf.  Feeding it in the center of a side 
gives you about the same on 80 and 40, and makes the 20 meter pattern 
look like 80!

Also, an antenna in this location would couple very strongly to 
conductors inside the house.  A lot of power would be wasted, RFI 
potential maximized, and it would pick up a LOT of noise.

My conclusion is: don't do it.

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco