Topband: The band sans noise

[Rob Atkinson]

>The issue with noise is growing fast and the only way to improve signal to
>noise ratio is more directivity and when possible filter the man made noise
>with a horizontal loop.

A big complication is that almost everyone's circumstances are
different due to variables such as property size.   A horizontal loop
won't work for me (I tried it) because even though most noise is
vertically polarized, the sources are so close they still provide a
significant field strength on an antenna that is orthogonal to the
signal.  And, a horizontal loop is omnidirectional so the ability to
null is lost.

>For 160m you need the horizontal loop high as possible, more information on
>my Webnair, the slides are also available here.

If you can get it high enough to work, then you are probably on a
large enough piece of property to not experience the difficulties I
have on a 50 x 100 foot lot in a municipality.

In tests, the Pixel magnetic loop provided at least 20 dB null off the
sides.  From my experience, that is much better "filtering" than what
would be had with a horizontal loop.   Of course it isn't all in the
antenna itself--a great deal of the success comes from the special
preamp designed for use with the antenna.

I've tried a lot of small rx antennas that can fit on my property,
where there isn't even enough room for a flag or pennant.  I've tried
ferrite "loop stick" antennas, small wire dipoles, ham-stick dipoles,
homebrew coaxial small loops, random length wires, and the Pixel loop
is by far the best single solution for someone with severely
restricted space that I have tried.  I didn't intend to post an
advertisement but I was genuinely amazed and all my other rx antennas
are coming down this summer.

73

Rob
K5UJ