[Lowfer] Makeshift lowfer receiving antenna

[Garry Hess]

Interesting discussion of the PA0RDT e-probe antenna.

I built one to provide an alternative to my single-turn shielded loop. 
Both are indeed quite simple to construct. The e-probe has the advantage 
in size (it's tiny) but the loop has the advantage in mounting (ground 
level is fine; the e-probe should be well above everything metallic for 
best results). My 10' loop outperforms my e-probe for lowfer and NDB 
reception but the e-probe is better at VLF. The 60-Hz harmonic spurs are 
less obtrusive and the Navy transmitters in the 20-40 kHz range come 
through nicely. I also use the e-probe for 60 and 160 meter WSPR since I 
have no other antenna that tunes those bands. It's good enough to copy 5 
W European stations on the former.

I powered it down and disconnected the feedline from my shack equipment 
over summer and had no EMP-induced failures of the FET (a J310), despite 
using a full-sized CB whip for the probe.

The Chicago area has two big-time AM stations spaced at 60 kHz (WGN 720 
and WBBM 780) so I see some racket around WWVB, but that doesn't prevent 
reception. I generally use an AM BDCST band-elimination filter to 
minimize the impact of AM broadcast intermodulation products.

73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL