[TenTec] 80 meter loops

[Stuart Rohre]

Bob, when you operate FD from the same location over a sun spot cycle you
can reach some decisions about antennas, in spite of the variability of
conditions.  This is gleaned from long time observation as a station captain
for one band using extra large (3.5 lambda at 80m) loops used on 20m.

Given about the same people operating year in and out, a plot of sections
worked with larger than normal loops gives them the edge over doublets,
verticals, beams, and vee beams all tried on 20m.

Vee beams have to be lower than usual for Field Day distances, and you have
to have enough to cover most directions.   3 is minimum, and 4 to 5 might be
ideal.  Putting a Vee too high, (over 10 feet makes it a DX only antenna.
In fact one of the most interesting discoveries is the horizontal loop does
better at low (20 foot elevation) on 20m than any other antenna tried.  Of
course, a ground mounted vertical has low angle DX take off, and is a
differing class than the horizontals tried.
73,
Stuart
K5KVH