Topband: K9ay loop not performing

[N4ZR]

I just put up a K9AY loop, using the Array Solutions control boxes, and 
am pretty disappointed.  There is no audible or visible difference in 
the noise level, while the received signal strength is down whenever I 
A/B it with my inverted L.  There does seem to be a little directivity, 
but not much, and subjectively I find that weak signals are all heard 
better on the transmit antenna. Judging by results in the current 
contest, I've got an alligator on my hands!

The preamp amplifies by a couple of S units, and I can hear the relays 
out at the antenna switching when I change directions or termination 
resistances, although gain and directivity do not change noticeably. 
 From this I assume there's nothing wrong with the electronics

I tried to do my installation "by the book."  Ground is provided at the 
base of the antenna by a 6-foot ground rod.  There are two common-mode 
chokes on the feedline, one at each end of approximately 100 feet of 
RG-6.  About the only deviation from the published design is that the 
top of the crossed loops is at 28 feet, not 25, and the loops have their 
bases more or less horizontal, where the published designs show them 
tilting upward approximately 15-20 degrees from the center in each 
direction.  I can make that happen with some more rigging, but before I 
do that, I'm looking for suggestions of other places to look for the 
problem.

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
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