Topband: Eighteen years later, K9AY rethinks the receiving loop antenna

[K9AY]

>The only question I have (if you have time) is about the updated grounding
>suggestions for your original design. I know you posted something in the
>past that it works better if the ground is changed somehow.
>
>...73, Mike
>www.w0btu.com


Mike and all,

Yes, over time I gained a better understanding about grounding the K9AY Loop. My own installations have worked well with only a ground rod, including Georgia red clay over granite bedrock and black Midwest farmland soil.

My recommendation for a while has been to go ahead and build it with just a ground rod. If it has good F/B, don't worry about further grounding. BUT... 

1) If you don't see a deep rearward null, and you're sure there is no installation problem, coupling to nearby things, or common-mode issues with feedline and control lines, or...

2) You see obvious changes with the seasons (typically in dry summer or with winter frost), then...

Install some radials to stabilize the ground connection. A minimum of 4 located under the loop wires may be OK, but reports suggest that 4 more (total 8) is a better choice. Radials should extend 10 ft. or so beyond the footprint of the loop.

I'll repeat that I have little personal experience since my QTHs have been fine without radials, but I've received enough reports to see a trend with the above recommendation.

73, Gary
K9AY