[Lowfer] Longwave Antenna Question

[John Andrews]

Andy,

A vertical loop, supported either by towers or trees, works fairly well. 
That's all that I have used for either TAG or the various LF/MF 
experimental operations. My site doesn't lend itself well to "Marconi" 
or similar antennas -- no towers, and the available trees are along the 
back line of the property. The top wire and downlead would be buried in 
the trees.

A horizontal loop will help earthworms over a large area to survive a 
really cold winter. Given the part of the country you live in, this 
wouldn't be much of a service! <g> Seriously, the idea has been tried, 
and it doesn't work, as even with the horrible ground conductivity up 
here in New England, the signal is effectively short-circuited in the 
ground. You're welcome to try, but you will be very discouraged.

The important things with a vertical loop are to maximize the area, and 
minimize long, low runs parallel to the ground. That would tend to argue 
against the triangular configuration with the high point in the middle, 
but anything is better than no antenna at all. The long, low concept 
will produce a high loss resistance which limits your antenna current.

If you haven't done so already, take a look through Bill Ashlock's 
transmit loop articles. The links I have to them have gone stale, but 
maybe someone else can provide the correct ones.

John A.