Topband: K9AY Loop Questions

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

The SAL is pretty much just an AY loop with a more functional 
controller?  I have had moderate success with a pennant at V31 as well.

W0MU

On 1/5/2022 7:23 PM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> I tried an AY loop decades ago, without the Array Solutions adjustable
> termination controller, and I do not remember it being that useful for RX.
> The antenna is ground dependant so perhaps it works better for some than
> others. Even a short Beverage may be a better choice. From my P40A station I
> used a Pennant with decent results. It was inexpensive to build and not
> ground dependant however it only covered one direction. The Array Solutions
> Shared Apex Loop Array has great reviews and may be worth considering, Pete.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
>   
> Pete Smith N4ZR 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.
>