[UK-CONTEST] Enamelled wire -vs- Flexweave (Callum M0MCX)

[brian coyne]

I had a full wave top band loop at my last UK qth, (those were the days!).

I also used pvc covered stranded copper wire. I also used porceline egg type insulators which enabled the wire to run free through them. This method reduced the tension breakages to nil because supporting trees tend to bend in opposit directions at the same moment. I also used bungees to give greater flexibility.

You do not say how many supports your loop is using. I had only 4 which gave lengths of approx 40 mtrs per side, so there was significant sag, especially with perching birds added but the weight ratio between flexiweave and the pvc, or other options is the critical factor. In Cornwall we had zero snow or icing so I never saw that problem but I imagine (if flexiweave looks like a strap) you may need to take that into account. If you are fortunate enough to have more than 4 supports then that problem diminishes. 

Large loops are great antennas, iirc mine went like a bomb on all bands except 80mtrs.

73  Brian.