[Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Dan Presley]

Hi Stan-and list. I've used the Alexloop for the past 2 years and overall am very pleased with it. I primarily use it for portable use particularly SOTA, and with my newly acquired KX2 it makes the best portable combination I've ever had for speed and ease of setup. I used mine on a SOTA activation a few weeks back and in 1& 1/2 hrs I worked 25 Q's in 14 states and New Zealand. Propagation was iffy so I had to be patient, and this was all on 20 CW at 5W. Tuning is very sharp so it takes some getting used to, and you need to elevate it  at least 5 Ft above ground for good results. I use a cheap camera tripod or sometimes a  portable music stand base (like a Manhasset, for those who know what that is!). You want to get it a few feet away from you and tuning at first may seem tricky but after a bit I can get really close just by tuning to band noise. Sometimes I use the little IP60 antenna analyzer that Buddipole sells which is handy but you can do well with the KX2 or 3 SWR indicator. I figure I can have my station up and running in less than 5 minutes. I also have a variety of end fed wires, Buddipole, lightweight dipoles, etc for all situations but they all take time to set up, so the Alexloop wins out because it's light and quick, and works pretty darn well on the upper bands especially. One of my buddies just picked up the Alpha loop at a hamfest which looks very similar so we plan to have a shootout soon to see if there's any difference between the 2-I suspect they're very similar. He got a hamfest deal on his so if that's an option that's a good way to go.
Dan Presley  N7CQR
n7cqr at arrl.net


On Jul 12, 2016, at 1:23 PM, stan levandowski wrote:

> I would like to correspond with anyone who has experience using the Alexloop antenna with 1-2 watts.
> 
> Normally, I use either an end fed antenna and a T1, a resonant linked dipole, or a resonant Par HF Omni-Angle (for 20 and 17 meters).  They all work quite well for their intended use but require some effort to erect.
> 
> 
> I have been reading about the Alexloop Walkham for at least the last two years.  It would present some distinct advantages to me and the reviews seem to be overwhelmingly positive.
> 
> 
> My concern is that while I have a KX2 for my home station, I only take my LNR five band Mountain Topper out on my portable jaunts.  On a 9 volt transistor battery, I get a bit over 1 watt; on 12 volts I get 2.5 watts.
> 
> 
> My specific interest is in finding out as much as I can about how this small Alexloop performs at such low power levels since its efficiency is reported to be about 7% on 40 meters, rising to about 25% on 20 meters.
> 
> 
> An email to Alex has gone unanswered for the last two days.
> 
> 
> Thanks and 73 from Stan WB2LQF 
> 
> 
> 
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