[Lowfer] Band conditions

[John Andrews]

> The maximum signal loss for your heading would be -3db (really not that
much
> of a signal reduction) since you are at a 45deg heading from here. Some
> weird scattering effects sometimes improve on this, however. My N/S loop
> would yield about the same signal.

For those not up on loop antenna patterns, they are a "fat" figure-8. The
theoretical drop in dB by being at an angle "A" from maximum is:

dB = 20 * log(cos (A))

So, in Bill's example, if A is 45 degrees, you'll be 3 dB down.

Those who have seen antenna pattern charts may be familiar with "thin"
figure-8s. Two towers that are 1/2 wavelength apart and fed in phase will
produce such a pattern. The loop's pattern is much more filled out.
(Actually, it is the pattern you would get from two towers 1/2 wave apart,
and fed 180 degrees out of phase.)

For those of us in the Northeast, a loop along an East-West (true) line can
be useful from the bearing to Dex in NC, all the way around to Lyle in MN.
When I re-do TAG's transmit loop, I will place it in that direction.

John A.