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Re: Topband: K9AY Loop Questions

To: Cecil acuff <chacuff@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Topband: K9AY Loop Questions
From: Pete Smith N4ZR <pete.n4zr@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2022 11:20:01 -0500
List-post: <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Thanks, Cecil.  I may have to look into one of those multi-element solutions.

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at<http://beta.reversebeacon.net>.
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On 1/2/2022 11:01 AM, Cecil acuff wrote:
Hi Pete,

I built one several years back and my results were much like you describe.

I have tried several different RX antennas and for some reason on this lot none 
have heard significantly better than my Inverted L.

All have been separated from the L by 250’.

I’ve also had the Array Solutions SAL-30 and a couple BOG installations to no avail.  
Currently have a DX Engineering loop @ 30’ and it’s a marginal improvement at times.

No longer have the L up as I’m testing a half sloper for 160, 80 and 40/30.

Not sure what I’m missing because these things work for other folks.

My noise level here is fairly low..S1-2 on 160 at night but I have little luck 
hearing Europe.

I’ve used the Hi-Z 4 element at our club station during 160 contests and it works 
great!  Night and day difference between RX antenna and listening on TX antenna. Can’t 
hear a thing on TX antenna but the world opens up when using the RX antenna.

Can’t duplicate that at home. Have no room for the HI-Z at home either.

I’m on a 150’ x 450’ lot with a 60’ tower.

Hope you find the magic fix.

Cecil
K5DL



Sent from my iPad

On Jan 2, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR<pete.n4zr@gmail.com>  wrote:

I recently installed a K9AY loop (with the Array Solutions controller), and 
have a couple of questions.  Installation is pretty standard, with a fiberglass pole 
at the center, ground rod at its base, and on the ground radials under each direction 
of the loop.

The antenna is directional, as demonstrated by tuning in broadcast stations at 
the high end of the AM band and separating stations on the same frequency so 
that I can hear one or the other.  Atmospheric noise is 1-2 S units more on my 
inverted L than on the K9AY antenna, but signal strengths of stations in the 
favored direction of the loop seem about the same or a bit lower than the 
inverted L.  The Termination adjustment is working, to judge by the switching 
transients, but seems to make little or no difference.

How do these results compare with others' experience?  I didn't expect a "magic 
bullet", but the K9AY loop seems a little bit underwhelming.

--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at<http://beta.reversebeacon.net>.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.
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