Scott,
Not to be argumentative with Wes, but I disagree with his descriptions.
You actually have the best of both worlds. You just use your vertical for
transmitting and your horizontal loop (I think that is what you have?) for
receiving. Reason? A loop has very little, if any, gain over a dipole type
antenna. But a loop, being a closed and balanced antenna, picks up
substantially less noise. You will notice the received signal strength does
not increase, but the noise level drops when you switch to a loop antenna.
Less noise pick-up sometimes gives on the illusion of more gain, but of
course that is not the case.
Tom - W4BQF
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Wes Attaway (N5WA)
Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:43 PM
To: 'Scott MacKenzie'; towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Dumb Question
You need to observe the signals over a period of time. Keep the data in a
notebook so you can have an accurate record of what you observed (heard).
You will probably notice that the antennas will compare differently on
different nights and on different signal paths.
For one thing, the angle of arrival for the DX signals will likely be
variable. This will affect how either of the antennas will show up in your
notebook.
Typically (on the lower bands), the vertical will do better on low-angle
signals and the loop would probably do better on high-angle signals.
This is a good reason why you need more than one antenna, particularly if
you are using wires and can't rotate them.
------------------ Wes Attaway (N5WA) ------------------
1138 Waters Edge Circle - Shreveport, LA 71106
318-797-4972 (office) - 318-393-3289 (cell)
Computer Consulting and Forensics
-------------- EnCase Certified Examiner ---------------
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Scott MacKenzie
Sent: Sunday, November 08, 2009 8:18 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Dumb Question
I have a full size 80M loop up approximately 40 to 50 feet in an approximate
square. I also have a modest vertical, 40 feet tall, with capacitance hat.
Comparing signals tonight, the loop is obviously better for local - about 2
s-units or more. What is surprising, is that the loop is also hearing DX
better. Europe as a whole is approximately 1 s-unit louder on the loop than
on the vertical. Is this anomalous behavior - or is my vertical that
crappy?
Scott aka KB0FHP
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