[VHFcontesting] eFactor Dual Band Loops

[beamar via VHFcontesting]

The eFactor dual band, 70 cm/2M loops have kind of caught on here in Florida. They really do a nice job. The eFactor is at least the equal of the M2 and Par loops. 25 mile mobile to mobile contacts, with 50 watts, on 2M are an every day occurrence. 70 cm range is less, due to the smaller aperture. 

I do not own an antenna range, so the following observations are somewhat un-scientific. On 2M, the antenna seems to be pretty well Omni-directional. On 70 cm, it is Bi-directional, with very strong lobes off the side of the antenna. I have not modeled the antenna on any software package, but I assume the 2M loop is canceling the signal, from the 70 cm loop. Any of you remember the "Keyhole Pattern" antennas that you used to see in the Land Mobile Service? I suspect, that on 70 cm, the eFactor dual band loop is exhibiting a dual keyhole pattern. 

I am not bad mouthing the eFactor dual bander. I think it is an antenna that definitely has it's place in weak signal work. But, from what several of us have noticed, it is not really omni, on 70 cm. Anyone else noticed this?

Buddy WB4OMG
EL 98