Topband: K9AY Loop Questions

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Thanks, Cecil.  I may have to look into one of those multi-element 
solutions.

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at<http://beta.reversebeacon.net>.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 1/2/2022 11:01 AM, Cecil acuff wrote:
> Hi Pete,
>
> I built one several years back and my results were much like you describe.
>
> I have tried several different RX antennas and for some reason on this lot none have heard significantly better than my Inverted L.
>
> All have been separated from the L by 250’.
>
> I’ve also had the Array Solutions SAL-30 and a couple BOG installations to no avail.  Currently have a DX Engineering loop @ 30’ and it’s a marginal improvement at times.
>
> No longer have the L up as I’m testing a half sloper for 160, 80 and 40/30.
>
> Not sure what I’m missing because these things work for other folks.
>
> My noise level here is fairly low..S1-2 on 160 at night but I have little luck hearing Europe.
>
> I’ve used the Hi-Z 4 element at our club station during 160 contests and it works great!  Night and day difference between RX antenna and listening on TX antenna. Can’t hear a thing on TX antenna but the world opens up when using the RX antenna.
>
> Can’t duplicate that at home. Have no room for the HI-Z at home either.
>
> I’m on a 150’ x 450’ lot with a 60’ tower.
>
> Hope you find the magic fix.
>
> Cecil
> K5DL
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jan 2, 2022, at 9:29 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR<pete.n4zr at gmail.com>  wrote:
>>
>> I recently installed a K9AY loop (with the Array Solutions controller), and have a couple of questions.  Installation is pretty standard, with a fiberglass pole at the center, ground rod at its base, and on the ground radials under each direction of the loop.
>>
>> The antenna is directional, as demonstrated by tuning in broadcast stations at the high end of the AM band and separating stations on the same frequency so that I can hear one or the other.  Atmospheric noise is 1-2 S units more on my inverted L than on the K9AY antenna, but signal strengths of stations in the favored direction of the loop seem about the same or a bit lower than the inverted L.  The Termination adjustment is working, to judge by the switching transients, but seems to make little or no difference.
>>
>> How do these results compare with others' experience?  I didn't expect a "magic bullet", but the K9AY loop seems a little bit underwhelming.
>>
>> -- 
>> 73, Pete N4ZR
>> Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
>> web server at<http://beta.reversebeacon.net>.
>> For spots, please use your favorite
>> "retail" DX cluster.
>> _________________
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