[Elecraft] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[jerry]

I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be 
to
have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  That 
could
operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it 
can tune
itself...

                    - Jerry, KF6VB



On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:
> If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact, 
> clear
> the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
> (assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, especially
> random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button is
> simply "PTT".
> 
> 
> 
> For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, somewhere 
> in
> the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they 
> are
> effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are 
> adjusted
> with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on 
> effective
> use.
> 
> Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum 
> amount of
> noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio are 
> now
> tuned.
> 
> Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of interesting
> signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).
> 
> Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for 
> your
> exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear 
> the
> signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.
> 
> If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag 
> loop
> as above.
> 
> 
> 
> IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until 
> you
> get a station to work.
> 
> 
> 
> Once the mag loop is tuned to the band, you won't have to adjust it 
> much to
> tune it for the particular part of the band you are on. Gentle tweaks 
> is the
> way.  Notice too, mag loops are very directional. Consult the 
> manufacturing
> manual for where it's sensitive and turn it along a great circle to 
> where
> you want to go.  (In Boston, where I live, Europe is north east by 
> great
> circle.
> 
> 
> 
> I note there is something about tuning the radio in some mag loop
> instructions.  I find this not necessary with the KX3.  What I describe 
> here
> is what I do and it works well.
> 
> 
> 
> I have contacted Europe USB with a KX3 at 15 watts and a mag loop.  The
> antenna was on the top floor of my wood frame town house for this, not 
> even
> outdoors.  If you think about what I wrote, you want the antenna in 
> arm's
> length while working the radio.  Don't worry about your body affecting 
> the
> near field. Mag Loops are not like that.
> 
> 
> 
> -73-
> 
> W1GCF
> 
> Geoff
> 
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