[Elecraft] Experiences using a portable HF loop

[WD4SDC]

I've had good results using LMR400 (outer conductor) and an air dielectric
tuning cap which will handle the 10-15W power of a KX3.  In some informal
testing comparing a 6 foot diameter loop and a 1/4 wave wire antenna (40
meters) using a car chassis as a counterpoise, the loop beat the wire by 5dB
(NVIS path) (C/N on spectral display).

How efficient is the loop? I don't know - not as efficient as a 4" diameter
copper pipe 6 foot loop, but I do know it's relative ;) 

A mobile whip is *very* inefficient.  The loop in this case is generally
*less* inefficient :) 
You can make contacts on both.

K4HKX did a very detailed comparison of loop antennas with full dipoles and
other HF antennas.  He posted his results here:

qrz.com/db/k4hkx

Very interesting read.

I'm playing around with a mobile loop idea for 80 and 40 meters using the
KX3.  If it works as good as I think it will, it should give me about the
same performance as adding a KXPA100 - or not... that's why playing with ham
radio is fun.

73's
Steve
WD4SDC



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