Topband: Using shielded CAT5 data cable as feedline foractive antenna; benefits of multi-turn K9AY loop/SAL/etc?

[Tom W8JI]

> Sounds like you, Tom, and LZ1AQ are saying the same: in order for loops to 
> be effective (low SNR and high signal levels), they must have large area 
> and low reactance (inductance to be exact). Parallel loops or fat conduits 
> increase the signal levels, while the CP configuration and other similar 
> measures are aimed at lowering the loop's inductance. All this of course 
> is paired with a designed-for-purpose amp that does match the low loop 
> impedance.
>
> Rudy N2WQ

There are a dozen ways to say the same thing, but the physical area of a 
loop (when it is very small) determines the maximum energy extracted. This 
is why small transmitting loops are all pretty much single turn and single 
conductor.

The sensitivity and what configuration produces maximum sensitivity has a 
great deal to do with the load placed on the loop and how the loop matches 
the load. For example, if the loop has a high impedance amplifier or 
matching system terminating the loop, it might be more sensitive with the 
extra turns in series rather than parallel.

Then we have things that are called loops and look like loops, but really 
function in a different mode than a small loop. All of the small 
unidirectional loops act like pairs of small verticals that are phased. This 
includes the EWE right through the flag or pennant. They ideally have 
uniform current, which is made uniform by the terminating resistance which 
terminates the wire in its surge impedance, but the vertical or sloped ends 
are what we want to act like the antenna.

It is pretty risky to generalize across everything, but what it all boils 
down to is the multiple wires can be used to improve the matching or reduce 
the losses. Which is more effective depends on the exact antenna and the 
things we have  terminating the antenna.

I wouldn't count on a system of more series turns, more parallel turns, or a 
thicker conductor, offering improved S/N or performance without know the 
specific system, the external noise, and the internal noise. Pretty much 
everything "loop" I have played with gets into propagated noise without 
multiple wires or a thick element.

The thickest element I have used was old flexible copper waveguide from a BD 
station, I think it was maybe four  to six inches and oval. I've also used 
ribbon cable in small loops, but as a series connected group. For all of my 
directional loops, I never used more than a single turn because they all 
occupied enough area to get into external noise.

If there was any magic in this, it would have been used 40 years ago. :)

73 Tom