[Lowfer] RX loop project update

[Dexter McIntyre W4DEX]

This has been one of those projects that I would have never started had 
I know how much time it would waste :)

After at least 25 trips into the woods, about a 1/3 mile round trip for 
the easiest navigable route, and up a 40% grade for about 150 feet I 
finally found out why I can't tune the loop.  After I strung the wire I 
checked continuity which measured a few Ohms with the two conductors 
parallel.  For a few days I used the loop connected directly to the 
coax.  A while later I ohmed the conductors in order to connect the two 
wires in series for a test.  Then I wound and connected the transformer 
for a trial.  After installing the transformer I could never receive 
near as good with the loop as with it connected directly to the coax.  
That's when I started trying to bring it to resonance.  After no success 
and confused by what I was seeing I started wondering if the wires still 
had continuity.  This wire is very strong since the conductors are 
copper clad steel.  I suspect the breaking strength is several hundred 
pounds.  I had installed round procelian insulators at the sharp angled 
that provided a nice wide radius for the wire.  At the apex the tree 
limb is about 6 inches in diameter and since the angle the wire travels 
over it I figured that would not damage the wire.  Not having an Ohm 
meter with me on this trip I did a tug test figureing if the wires are 
broken the jacket would break.  It didn't so another trip back up the 
hill.  With Ohm meter in hand back at the antenna I found both 
conductors wide open.  I don't know where the break is but I don't plan 
to fix it because this wire is history!

Dex