[Lowfer] Antenna questions

[Peter Barick]

Hi Ed,

Yep, ya need an effective LF antenna to hear the weak ones on LF. I can
appreciate your creativity in utilizing ready-at-hand objects, as some
would say," in the true ham spirit." However, consider a few important
things.

Any ant that has directional props. should be directable for max
benefits. Your two 4x4s will not be. Your choice of conductor is a
compromise of sorts. Yes, it can be made to pick up a signal but it's
not an ideal arrangement of conductors, nor is the pvc insulation a good
rf insulator, so that too is a compromise, and at 1 foot dia its got to
be HEAVY. Note, the home stores sell 500-foot rolls of house wire for
about $15. Now what?

Have you considered any of the three loop designs from the Web? These
are proven performers and there is a ready support group to answer
possible glitches (we all make them ... ha). For example there's Lyle's
fine design, an open loop about 6 feet dia and used light wire spread on
simple combs at each arm -- and its rotatable. Plus one of his pre-amps
is a nice addition and I recommend. Next there's Mitch's "Burhan's loop
and amp combo," I like it and also use one. Mine is 10 feet and
supported with pvc pipe framing. I mounted it 4 feet off the ground on a
4x4 and it has hinges so to rotate about 150 degs, enuf for the popular
directions.  If you like bigger, there's a West Coast VE with a 10
footer having detailed plans for it. It's on the Web too.

Here's another site w/ some info on a few loops.

http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/tele410/ 

The other issue of matching into your high input impedance is not so
clear. I'm not versed on that or your rx except to say a step-up xfmr is
needed, may be a toroid type, but I'll defer to others.

On another note, I'd guess that our Bill "Mr Looper" Ashlock would have
another use for that Anaconda-like conductor. Heh-heh.

Peter