[TenTec] 80 meter loops

[Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX]

Admittingly, this is a great discussion, although not specifically Tentec
related.

I have 2 complete Tentec stations being a Paragon and an Omni VI+ on my
property.  Here's the antennas for the Tentec's.  The 80/75M antennas at one
station are 2 inverted V's being 1/2 wavelength electrically, one with the
apex at 35 ft and one at 120 ft.  Clearly there is a marked difference in
the performance of each one.  The lower one is great for less than 200 mile
contacts the other is great for much longer distances.  Consistent proof day
in and day out with contacts is the basis for my statements.  The antennas
are fed with 1/2" Andrew hard-line and 1:1 current baluns at the center.
The 3rd antenna is a 2 wavelength 160M (1024 ft) loop fed with open wire.
Its height varies from 100 ft to 55 ft. in more of an umbrella fashion with
2 opposite corners at 75 ft, one at 100 ft and one at 35 ft.   It out
performs each of the inverted V's on all bands day in and day out.

As to how to technically explain it, I won't try.  As to rag chewing or
working DX on low bands, I'll stay with the winning loop all the time.  More
wire, more performance.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message -----
From: <W9efl at aol.com>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 9:26 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] 80 meter loops


> Hello Paul!!!! Regarding 80m loops. I have two orthoganal 80m loops and an
> inv V for 80m. I was told by several DXr's that I needed an inv V  and
that it
> would outperform the loops. The V hasn't been up very long but so far the
loops
> blow the sox off the inv V.
> Admittaly the loops are up high.......top at 185ft and the V is at about
> 70ft. So there is a significant difference. This spring I'm going to raise
the V
> up to about 90 ft and compare. I like to investigate the launch angles
also of
> the loop vs the inv V. I'm open to any suggestions!!!!!!!  73 W9EFL NOEL
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