Topband: Sanity Check on K9AY Loop Sensitivity

[Frank Donovan]

Hi Pete - 

What version of the K9AY components are you using (e.g., original 
K9AY, Array Solutions, etc) ? Some versions incorporate broadcast band 
filters or switchable bandpass filters. Could that be your problem? 

Once you get your loop antenna going you might consider experimenting 
with alternative loop configurations for improved performance. For example, 
the VE3DO loop has excellent reviews. K3LR is a big proponent of 
VE3DO loops. 

[ https://www.ok1rr.com/index.php/antennas/8-the-ve3do-receiving-loop | https://www.ok1rr.com/index.php/antennas/8-the-ve3do-receiving-loop ] 

[ http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VE3DO.pdf | http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VE3DO.pdf ] 

Because of their very low signal levels, to achieve desired performance 
all small loop antennas require serious attention to common mode current 
suppression and a very low noise figure preamp Some commercial 
components for small loop antennas include effective common mode 
suppression and preamp noise figure of 2 dB or less. 
But others --- not so much --- 

73 
Frank 
W3LPL 




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pete N4ZR N4ZR" < [ mailto:pete.n4zr at gmail.com | pete.n4zr at gmail.com ] > 
To: "topband" < [ mailto:Topband at contesting.com | Topband at contesting.com ] > 
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2022 2:59:09 PM 
Subject: Topband: Sanity Check on K9AY Loop Sensitivity 

I just deployed my K9AY loop (yes, I know I'm late). Anyhow, while it 
shows substantial directivity on broadcast stations, I was surprise by 
how much the K9AY loop's sensitivity suffers compared to my inverted L. 
Listening to a broadcast station with the K9AY on 1500 KHz, the station 
is S6-7 in the right direction and S3 in the reverse. and S9 +10 on the 
inverted L. There's also something haywire in the K9AY's preamp, which 
*reduces* signal by a couple of S-Units. Could be I need to replace the 
transistor? 

-- 
73, Pete N4ZR 
One of the RBN team 
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