[Elecraft] Magnetic Loop Antenna Question

[Thomas Beltran]

Hi Terry - I have two loops: the MFJ 1788 (40-15 meters) and the Ciro
Mazzoni Midi loop (80-20 meters).  

I use the MFJ portable, on a MFJ tripod, and it works well, but better to
answer someone's CQ than trying to call.  The downside is it is limited to
places you can drive up to - it is pretty heavy for its small size.
Interestingly, I use it on 40 meters, where I seem to do better than on the
higher bands.  I used this loop extensively during the last low cycle,
2008-2010, and checked into a 40 meter net every Sunday with good results
most of the time.  The stations were located all over the state.

The Midi is for permanent operation.  It weighs 40 pounds, the loop is made
of 3" diameter thick wall tubing, 6.5 feet in diameter.  I had troubles at
first with the KX3's cat system, but it is working fine with a work-around
(I use the KX3PA100 as a generic amp).  For the past week, I have been
comparing the Midi with my regular antenna, a vertical delta loop with the
apex at 50'.  I've only used the Midi on 40 meters so far, where the Midi is
is typically lower than the loop by less than an S-Unit.  On receive, they
for the most part, identical.    Tom W2CRN