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Topband: Using shielded CAT5 data cable as feedline for active antenna;

To: topband reflector <Topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Topband: Using shielded CAT5 data cable as feedline for active antenna; benefits of multi-turn K9AY loop/SAL/etc?
From: Pete Smith N4ZR <n4zr@contesting.com>
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2016 10:45:43 -0500
List-post: <topband@contesting.com">mailto:topband@contesting.com>
I was recently reading a web page by LZ1AQ <http://www.lz1aq.signacor.com/>. It is full of fascinating data and design equations for the use of small magnetic loop antennas. There were two points, in particular, that caught my layman's attention:

1. He recommends using shielded CAT5 data cable with RJ-45 connectors as feedline. The obvious advantage is having three pairs left over for voltage supply and control. See <http://active-antenna.eu/amplifier-kit/> for more information.

2. He cites experimental data showing that coplanar crossed loops and multi-turn quad loops both offer very significant improvement in the recovered signalcompared with a single loop. See <http://www.lz1aq.signacor.com/docs/experimental-comparison-v10.pdf> to check whether I got this right. Anyway, it occurred to me to ask if anyone has ever tried multiturn K9AY, SAL or flag/pennant receiving antennas, and did you see something similar?

Any other critiques of his design would be appreciated. The price is certainly right, and the construction looks good. A couple of 1-meter coplanar loops wouldn't be at all hard to construct.

--

73, Pete N4ZR
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