Topband: Elevated K9AY Loop

[K9AY]

Topbanders,

I just received a note from 4F2KWT (via WX0B) -- although it was a testimonial that his new K9AY loop was working well, an important technical note was also included.

Gil is using a single loop (reversible) mounted at the TOP of a 40-foot tower. The wire is supported by old quad spreaders and mounted ABOVE his multiband beam. He reports that F/B is typically S9-to-S1 -- very good, although most S-meters are 'generous' in this range.

Modeling suggests that an elevated loop will work just fine, but I never had time to do that experiment -- many thanks to Gil for confirming that this is a viable way to install a K9AY Loop. I have heard many concerns about deer, pedestrians, mowing, etc. (deer knocked down my own loops twice this winter); now I can more confidently suggest raising the antenna.

Hopefully, I'll get someone to install an elevated loop on a small lot -- getting it above problems like house wiring, aluminum siding, wire-mesh-reinforced stucco, etc. should help the performance.

73, Gary
K9AY