[Lowfer] Loop Practice ?

[Peter Barick]

>>> Bill Ashlock <ashlockw at hotmail.com> 07/31/08 7:19 PM >>>
>> The null when using all 14 turns was about 21 dB, but it dropped to 17 > dB when only 7 turns were used.
 
>Oh, BTW, your comments bring up another point: Why is it that few use rotators, in fact cheep ones, to rotate their loops?
<...>
All,

I've had a limited experience so far of the multi-turn rotatable loops, that being that rx is very broad and nulling at this location is not a factor. Therefore, to Bill's query on rotor use, not necessary here, mostly an E-W ordeal or spot-fixed for the day.

The loop here has been wound. It was a beast to do, taking over 3 hours.  First shortcoming was not making notches in the end pieces to grip the windings (now 7). In order to wind it. I first stood it against a tall garage peak. Then a ladder allowed reaching the top arms. Took patience to get all 7 turns to stay on using temp tape and some clamps. (The end pieces are 5" 1/2" pvc tubes, notched far a fastening cleat to the spreader arms.) Finally after tension adjs. and all, a bead of silicone adhesive was applied to secure the windings to the end tubes. Today, I plan on hoisting it to it's guyed-3" pvc pipe mount. Lower windings to be 6ft high. Tops out at 18 feet.

Series tuning is being used, a la TAG's loop description. Also will use an elevated feed line to minimize ground imbalance to the 75ohm coax. Thanks for reminder, Bill.

Peter