Topband: Flattop "T" vs. Horizontal Loop

[Les Rayburn]

Lots of variables to this next question, so answers may be hard to
come by, but here goes:

Currently, I'm running a 40 foot wire vertical with a 70 foot three wire 
horizontal
tophat. This is mounted over a "stealth counterpoise" of over 50 wires stapled
to the underside of our very large deck (approx. 50 feet by 40 feet). I've also
got the counterpoise connected to my 27 foot above ground aluminum pool.

The vertical can be seen at:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr

I use a 45 foot section of RG-8 back to the shack, where it is tuned
using a MFJ-969 tuner. This works well on all bands, 160-10 meters,
including the MARS frequencies. My only real complaint with the
antenna is that it doesn't work great has a receive antenna.

Living in the middle of the burbs with houses being only 10 feet or so
apart, I get lots of manmade noise on this antenna.

I've considered taking it down and replacing it with a three sided
horizontal loop. The loop would be about 40 feet up and perhaps 75
feet per side. I could feed it with either open wire ladder
line or coax and then tune it in the shack.

Any thoughts? My main interests are:

1. 160 Meter operation.
2. Mars operation
3. AM BCB DXing
4. 20 Meter SSTV, DXing, etc.

My small 120 foot by 80 foot lot will not allow
for much more. Help is appreciated.

73,


Les Rayburn, N1LF
Navy MARS NNNØHSI
"Proudly Serving Those Who Serve"
------------------------------------------------------
4919 Cox Cove
Helena, AL 35080
Try the 1750 Meter Band:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr