Tiny Magnetic Loop - Big DX

Фильм және анимация

I took the homebrew QRP 1 m diameter small transmitting loop out to a local summit for some fun and was surprised with some fantastic propagation, on 40 meter nonetheless. This was one of my first DX contacts on the band, and with a small compromise antenna and QRP power, nonetheless.
Small transmitting loop antennas are relatively simple and fun to build. Here's a little helpful info to get you on the right path to building.
www.66pacific.com/calculators...
webclass.org/k5ijb/antennas/Sm...
Also check out ‪@vk3ye‬'s videos here on KZread - he has done lots of work with small transmitting loops.
Here's the hardware I use to make the larger part of the loop. Pretty simple bar-stock aluminum folded out straight and then bent into a circle. Works great!
1/16" x 1/2" Flat Aluminum Bar: amzn.to/3trTdAX
Mini project box: amzn.to/3h8FeNP
6-32 x 1/2" Stainless Screws: amzn.to/3tmqI7G
6-32 Nylock Nuts: amzn.to/33lLnyj
#6 Flat Washer: amzn.to/3h9YJWy
Feeding and matching a loop takes a bit of trial and error, and some specific electrical components - primarily variable and potentially also switched capacitors that can handle very high voltage and currents. Study up before you build to optimize your design.
If there's interest, I can create some videos that go more into my strategy for building and matching these types of antennas. It's a fun build!

Пікірлер: 211

  • @janhenkins
    @janhenkins3 жыл бұрын

    Good one, Adam! Yes please, a build video would be very much appreciated! 73, Jan M7HNK

  • @ddaddybass
    @ddaddybass3 жыл бұрын

    A build video would be awesome.

  • @yakovdavidovich7943

    @yakovdavidovich7943

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, I'd like to see the inside of that little box!

  • @msgaltman3075
    @msgaltman3075 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome build Adam. I'd very much like to see a build video! Thanks.

  • @OE8ZZZ
    @OE8ZZZ3 жыл бұрын

    Hey Adam, very interresting and probably the best design of a mag loop for sota I have ever seen. I agree with some comments before, a build video would be much appreciated! 73 Patrick - OE8ACT

  • @rsdaarud
    @rsdaarud2 жыл бұрын

    Build video for this awesome SOTA loop!

  • @acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE
    @acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE2 жыл бұрын

    I'm just getting into loops and love your concertina fold design. That is a very good way to get a portable circle! Japan! I bet that made your day!! Thanks, Adam.

  • @MountainRaven1960
    @MountainRaven19602 жыл бұрын

    What a great idea for the Mag Loop. Talk about thinking outside the box, or loop in this case!

  • @lasantiagoa
    @lasantiagoa3 жыл бұрын

    Build video FTW! Amazing design. Loved the concept and the portability of it.

  • @richardwasserman
    @richardwasserman3 жыл бұрын

    Nice build. I've always been fascinated by loop antennas.

  • @garylanders1470
    @garylanders1470 Жыл бұрын

    You are a clever HAM Adam who graciously shares your technical expertise. Thank you kindly

  • @KhelikMikhail
    @KhelikMikhail3 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Amazing way to fold the antenna!

  • @DL1GKC
    @DL1GKC3 жыл бұрын

    Always great to watch your videos and see your new antenna builds in action. Amazing workmanship. A video on how you have built this loop would be great. 👍🏻

  • @scottwood1143
    @scottwood11433 жыл бұрын

    Great innovation on your mechanical design for the loop, I haven’t seen one built like that before. Clearly it works 😀

  • @vne2328
    @vne23283 жыл бұрын

    Sweet contacts with that cool antenna. First time I've seen a mag loop that folds up like that. Liked the cap switching and tuning too.

  • @arkorobotics
    @arkorobotics3 жыл бұрын

    Really dig the way it folds up! Nice!

  • @anatoltchzen3076
    @anatoltchzen30763 жыл бұрын

    Hello, Adam! I enjoy Mag Loop too. I`m glad for you and your experiments! 73, Toly UN9PI

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Toly, I appreciate your feedback 😀👍

  • @malenve6vid
    @malenve6vid3 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff Adam, well done.

  • @TheArtofEngineering
    @TheArtofEngineering Жыл бұрын

    Congratulations on the J call DX! Great video, thanks fer sharing ur ant 73 de VK2AOE

  • @thomasmaughan4798
    @thomasmaughan47983 жыл бұрын

    That's an impressive antenna! Gamma matched, scissors folding.

  • @reodds
    @reodds12 күн бұрын

    Adam, I realize that this is an old video, but it is very much still relevant. Is there a chance that you can re-visit the build, and give us some "how to" pointers? Thanks for all you do!

  • @backcountryamateurradio
    @backcountryamateurradio3 жыл бұрын

    Such a cool antenna, and it looks like it can handle some abuse. Your ability with CW inspires me to get going with that again. Happy trails!

  • @davidsradioroom9678
    @davidsradioroom96783 жыл бұрын

    Great activation. Great antenna. Great video. thanks for putting up the Morse code translation.

  • @brentjohnson6654
    @brentjohnson66542 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I love how that loop packs up. I need to learn how to make these loops. All the best!

  • @photoguy73
    @photoguy732 жыл бұрын

    Very cool construction!

  • @jazziex1
    @jazziex12 жыл бұрын

    Excellent Video Adam

  • @MicheIIePucca
    @MicheIIePucca Жыл бұрын

    despite it not being required in Canada to obtain your license, there is something cool about morse code.. I love it.

  • @32_bits
    @32_bits3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Adam, videos that cover your strategy for building and matching loops would be excellent.

  • @MidlifeRenaissanceMan

    @MidlifeRenaissanceMan

    3 жыл бұрын

    I’ve built a few loops, from simple ones made from reclaimed RG6 and a toroid core ripped from a switch mode power supply, through to one made from 1” x 1/16” aluminium strap with a motorised tuning capacitor that handled 50-60W but caught fire when I gave it the full dollar :-) They are excellent and, elevated enough seemed to out perform my back yard verticals I have made from aluminium tube The narrow bandwidth keeps the noise levels down, and certainly removes broadcast band interference on the Pixie my son built :-)

  • @MidlifeRenaissanceMan

    @MidlifeRenaissanceMan

    3 жыл бұрын

    That big loop was 3m wide as well. Killer on 40m

  • @weberfire1979
    @weberfire19793 жыл бұрын

    Love the channel, and all the crazy experiments. Hopefully i'll catch you on a peak someday.

  • @mikebohemia1947
    @mikebohemia19472 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Adam. Great video. Your enthusiasm is infectious :-) Great QSO with Japan with only 5W and a mag loop. 73 de OK8MSW

  • @kacymcginnis
    @kacymcginnis3 жыл бұрын

    I’ve been messing with mag loops the last few weeks with the intent to make a portable one. The accordion design + gamma match you used made my jaw drop at the simplicity and compactness after looking into using large bore coax for POTA/SOTA ops. Just curious was it your original idea or a remix? Would love a finer points build video and thanks for the video. 73

  • @TestSpaceMonkey
    @TestSpaceMonkey3 жыл бұрын

    For the wingnut - get some brightly-colored nylon "mason line" at a hardware store and CA glue+tie a length to one of the wings. You can hold the line or loop the end around a finger while you screw it on/off to save it if you fumble your grip. It also gives you a fighting chance to find it if you drop it in the brush/gravel. Can also screw+CA tack a few spares onto some of the other bolt stubs if there's room. Good to have a fix right at hand when you need it. Learned this trick the hard way with some adjustable garden antennas...

  • @goathiker
    @goathiker2 жыл бұрын

    Pretty amazing loop QSO!! TU!

  • @joosiang
    @joosiang2 жыл бұрын

    Bravo Adam! Another super interesting antenna build you got here! Please do share the strategy for building and matching this compact magloop.

  • @N8XMD
    @N8XMD5 ай бұрын

    Great video!! Thanks so much! Here's another vote for build video, or two!!

  • @DK5ONV
    @DK5ONV3 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful Job, Adam no doubt about it. This Mag Loop is definitly a burner. But If I tell you this true Story happened 2 weeks ago when I was portable out in the Fields. I was ear witness of a friend up in North Carolina talked to a QRP Station (0,5W) from England on 20m SSB. My friend up in NC State got the Big Ears with his beam antenna and the British Guy had a dipole antenna which I believe of a G5RV. Around this time it rarely happens that I hear UK Stations with even 400W of power. This Contact was phenomenal and my friend in NC was happy like a mike foxtrott. All I am saying is..."there's so much positive stuff and beautiful things out in this World no matter where you live or where you temporary are. People just need to keep their eyes and ears open to explore / experience them." Amen de DK5ONV

  • @terryestes3880
    @terryestes38803 жыл бұрын

    Great job Adam !! Another Informative video !! Already built the micro-trapped EFHW. Was considering this type of loop but using a continuous piece of aluminum stock that I could roll up in a tighter coil to transport without all the mechanical connections of the sissor folding. Food for thought. Look forward to your video on the capacitor box. 73 Terry W4ZQ

  • @harpmatt100
    @harpmatt100 Жыл бұрын

    I've been using magnetic loops vfir more than 20 years. They are great. Especially 20m up to 10m I will not be without my copper frames 😂. Don't need a tuner. The vary cap is the tuner itself. Good job Adam.

  • @randalltom9750
    @randalltom97503 жыл бұрын

    Sorry I came in late for this Adam... I always enjoy your videos. Good stuff!

  • @EdLeonard47
    @EdLeonard473 жыл бұрын

    Amazing!!! Keep experimenting and inspiring the rest of us! 73! Ed, N9EDL

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ed. Sometimes you can do some impressive stuff even with a compromise antenna. It's always an adventure.

  • @hispacor
    @hispacor3 жыл бұрын

    Maravillado con tan magnífico ingenio 👏👏👏👏

  • @steveallison7950
    @steveallison79503 жыл бұрын

    Dang it!!! You're killing me. Now I have to build another antenna!! Fabulous work as always. Maybe a follow-up tabletop video with details on the capacitor box would be nice. Keep up the stellar work.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, definitely coming... Thanks Steve!

  • @samuelsmith6573

    @samuelsmith6573

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mooore please! Lotttts more!

  • @khalidtarawneh2289

    @khalidtarawneh2289

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK can't wait

  • @garymcanulty5757

    @garymcanulty5757

    2 жыл бұрын

    Did Adam ever do a build video for this loop ?

  • @vincei4252
    @vincei42523 жыл бұрын

    Very cool bagging Japan! As a newly minted ham I was stoked to bag Japan and Australia on FT8 last week on 40m. That loop antenna looks like a super interesting build, I'll add it to my long list of projects :) 73, Vince KC1PAN.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    They are fun, unique antennas. One like this is no replacement for a full size antenna, but as you can see, they do work. And they are a lot of fun to build too.

  • @jasonconrad9212
    @jasonconrad92123 жыл бұрын

    I’ve had great success with building the bnc/transformer EFHW videos you made, I would love a video on this loop!

  • @pc4ad
    @pc4ad3 жыл бұрын

    Very interesting stuff Adam... way to go :)

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Anton, it's a quirky antenna that actually works. A fun build, for sure.

  • @fotografm
    @fotografm Жыл бұрын

    Excellent design ! Using fixed capacitors plus low value variable probably makes it easier to fine tune as on my loop the peak is very sharp and narrow and hard to find. I will give your idea a go.

  • @KhelikMikhail
    @KhelikMikhail3 жыл бұрын

    Waiting for the video about your new 6m yagi!

  • @joeblow8593
    @joeblow85933 жыл бұрын

    Congrats on getting Japan on 40 with the loop!

  • @schorschi8708
    @schorschi87082 жыл бұрын

    Strong video, tnx DK5NQ

  • @gm0wdd473
    @gm0wdd4733 жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed this video, congrats on Japan! 73 de GM0WDD

  • @Lastaii
    @Lastaii3 жыл бұрын

    That's an amazing result, I'd love to see more vids about its design and build. I know a lot of the information on the 'net insists that you need solid copper to deal with the high current at the feed point, but there's no denying a contact to Japan. Great stuff :)

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    I'm certain good propagation conditions were in my favor and it was largely a matter of luck, but the antenna does radiate. It will never be as efficient as a dipole or EFHW, but sometimes the compromise of a very small antenna is worth it.

  • @thomasmaughan4798

    @thomasmaughan4798

    3 жыл бұрын

    The high current exists everywhere in the loop; the actual feed is much lower in current. Of greater concern is the capacitor that sees the high current and thus also high voltage, but not so much at 5 watts. Also, "skin effect" is such that the current only flows on the surface of the conductor; that's why I and other use hollow copper tubing. it wouldn't use the inside anyway.

  • @ahbushnell1

    @ahbushnell1

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@thomasmaughan4798It's hard to fold up copper tubing.

  • @thomasmaughan4798

    @thomasmaughan4798

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ahbushnell1 "It's hard to fold up copper tubing." That it is which makes portability an issue particularly at lower frequencies (larger loops). RG-8 and similar coax works pretty well to provide large diameter outer conductor and some flexibility. Naturally the inner conductor is completely unused in that configuration. I might try some tinned copper braid to achieve the same result at less weight and increased flexibility.

  • @EDM703
    @EDM703 Жыл бұрын

    Please help us learn about the components of your band switching box with the small air gap variable capacitor for tuning. Looking forward to seeing you share this information with us. 73's

  • @IW4DBX
    @IW4DBX3 жыл бұрын

    very nice design, close to my project, a would try to make the variable capacitor with the aluminum itself, sliding it close to each terminal

  • @khalidtarawneh2289
    @khalidtarawneh22892 жыл бұрын

    man Oh man, I first of all loved that loop ANT, very creative indeed. Second Did I jump of my seat when u worked Japan HI HI Great DX there my friend 73 from Amman JY

  • @gordonmiller4439
    @gordonmiller44393 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video, Adam! I would also be interested in a build video, especially the capacitors/switch box. Thank you, 73 de KO4AYC

  • @aristotleallen5577
    @aristotleallen55773 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed your EFHW videos, would be great if you could do a similar thing for a portable magnetic loop antenna.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    I plan to, at least for the key elements of the matching capacitor and feed. Just need to find the free time to do it! 😜

  • @TheNoCodeTech
    @TheNoCodeTech3 жыл бұрын

    #MNHR #TeamReplay for the win! That's super cool!

  • @didierpenchenat6494
    @didierpenchenat6494 Жыл бұрын

    Nice job, cool antenna 73's didier F4CPY

  • @ahbushnell1
    @ahbushnell12 жыл бұрын

    I ran a FEM simulation. Since the antenna is

  • @TheFretman2
    @TheFretman27 ай бұрын

    Nice Vid!

  • @MegaCadr
    @MegaCadr2 жыл бұрын

    Great job! I’m wondering about the joints between the bars and the resistance caused by not being a continuous piece. I had thought that was the reason people made them out of copper tubes and whatnot, but have not read up on them in ages.

  • @andrzejpl9897
    @andrzejpl98972 жыл бұрын

    Brileant design ! I will copy it .

  • @AndrewBarthle
    @AndrewBarthle2 жыл бұрын

    I never really liked the idea of magnetic loops because they are so narrow banded. However, this video made me realize that for something like SOTA, that basically doesn't matter because you spot yourself on a frequency and stay there. So it looks like I have a new antenna to research...

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes! For SOTA and POTA activating, most operating involves just selecting a frequency and calling CQ. I don't often use a mag loop on summits, but they are very convenient when space is limited for setting up a more efficient and broad-banded wire antenna.

  • @panosradio
    @panosradio3 жыл бұрын

    Congrats from SV2YJ

  • @boomerbits2297
    @boomerbits22973 жыл бұрын

    Very cool. My mcHF rig will be here next week. I should build the loop to use this summer in the Appalachians. Build info? Mostly interested in the matching device

  • @paulmueller3230
    @paulmueller32303 жыл бұрын

    Cool video, Adam! 72 de CT7/K9PM

  • @bill-2018
    @bill-2018 Жыл бұрын

    Loops are amazingly good considering their small size. I've used one indoors and got into a lot of Europe with it, 5 Watts or less. I used a coupling loop which is not perfectly circular to get a better match. I want to try the gamma match sometime. I got an FT817ND to go portable and a loop built for it using ½" coax so it can be coiled up to fit in my motorcycle panniers or rucksack. H/B radio too big. G4GHB

  • @ziyayergok6090
    @ziyayergok60902 жыл бұрын

    ıf ı were you Adam i should get trade mark of the desıgn of the loop..perfectly easy to carry and activate...

  • @TomSayles
    @TomSayles2 жыл бұрын

    Love your little loop antenna. I just got my general and am getting into building some loop antennas. Can you point me at more information on your little three band tuner box?

  • @michelboisonnault2454
    @michelboisonnault24543 жыл бұрын

    Hello Adam Mike VE2TH here, I'm doing QRP for 58 years now, Fantastic, I love it, Congrats on getting Japan on 40 meters, It sure make your day or your week Hi! It would be fun, if one of these day, you try it on the beach, very near to the " salt water amplifier" I'm sure it should be much better, what do you think about that ? I also like your loop, it is very compact, simple to build and it works!! Keep on the good work, and a BIG THANK YOU for sharing with us. 72/73 Mike, The QRP'er didit...

  • @davidportch8837
    @davidportch88372 жыл бұрын

    awesome...

  • @nochems
    @nochems2 жыл бұрын

    Great presentation. Where can I find the details for the timing box?

  • @jackmcdonell6577
    @jackmcdonell65772 жыл бұрын

    Nice would like to see more of these de N0HIU

  • @n1kkri
    @n1kkri2 жыл бұрын

    Do you notice any improvement changing the direction of the loop? Has anyone compared this to a budpole, or any home brewing of 2 hamsticks configured at a dipole at about 6-10feet off the ground? I can see this antenna as designed easier to transport. Just curious how it compares performance wise to other portable antennas.

  • @darrelljacobjr2120
    @darrelljacobjr21203 жыл бұрын

    Well, the noise floor at the upper west corner of the San Fernando Valley is pretty high.

  • @PatAutrey
    @PatAutrey3 жыл бұрын

    I’m hoping to create a 2 m Multi element vertical dipole To use as a base station antenna at home I would like for all of the elements to be in phase so that they all radiate at the same time I just don’t know how to create the wiring harness to attach it all to get it to work correctly Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated

  • @rjinnh3933
    @rjinnh39333 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Great 40M JA contact. Very interesting construction. I'm amazed you can resonate on 40m wirh such a small circumference. Great idea of using a small variable cap to fine tune the large fixed caps. I've been suprised that other builders don't also do that and then complain about critical tuning. Seems like a 'No Brainer' to me. Should be standard practice. I'm curious. What is your Transmitting Band Width on 20M/40M. I assume wirh such a small loop that SSB TX would be very distorted. Regards/73 OM ..

  • @PatAutrey
    @PatAutrey2 жыл бұрын

    got to be the best loop design so far! Are you about ready to show us how you build it would love to get some additional information how to build a magic box and the size of capacitors

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, I just need the free time to make a build video. Been working hard on antenna kits, winders, and new 3d printed paddles. Hopefully soon?

  • @PatAutrey

    @PatAutrey

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK Isn’t it great to be busy!

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@PatAutrey I need to retire! This dang work thing is cutting into my fun time.

  • @PatAutrey

    @PatAutrey

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK I was wondering if you have ever used an auto tuner to tune a magnetic loop directly ,- I have the MFJ 939 auto tuner and was wondering if it would work on a magnetic loop that I made mounted to a hula hoop, would not be using any other tuning circuitry other than this automatic container what are your thoughts o

  • @armandowbetancourtr6431
    @armandowbetancourtr64313 жыл бұрын

    yv5fck Armando It's very nice and knowing that works are important. I can't see what do you used to folding the antenna. Many tks for share your experience.

  • @richardevans5921
    @richardevans59213 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant and well done on the 40 m QRP contact to Japan, been messing with loops for a long while so like the idea of switching in fixed value caps, do you have a circuit you used ???, also where did you get that lovely little paddle from???, just set up a 705 to start doing portable activations and trying to get the kit down in size so many thanks for your time and sharing, 73 de G0VCW.

  • @JohnTarbox
    @JohnTarbox3 жыл бұрын

    I would love to see a build video for this! I would be curious to know how the use of an aluminum bar compares to using a piece of coax for the loop? I imagine both would weigh about the same as well as pack down easily. My concern with the aluminum is that it will oxidize with time and the DC resistance between segments may increase. Did you put anything on the segment joints to prevent oxidation or fo you clean them perioditly?

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    The aluminum is much lighter. Measure the weight of about 10 feet of coax, and a frame to hold it up. I used stainless hardware to connect the aluminum bars and a little wiggling back and forth as I straighten the segments seems to make the contacts clean enough to prevent issues. Even after not using the antenna for an extended amount of time. I suspect you could also use some dielectric grease but I didn't want the sticky dirt collection involved with that. Minimizing resistance is key in magnetic loops, and I have no illusions that this loop is very efficient. But it's light, packs small, and it certainly seems to work well enough. There seems to be a good amount of interest in a build video, so it sounds like I need to order up some more material and make another. 😁

  • @armandowbetancourtr6431

    @armandowbetancourtr6431

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK YV5FCK ARMANDO We will wait for the building video I will see in Lowes or ome Depot to find the Aluminum bar, please put in the video the mesures and the part for folding the elements Tks Adam

  • @surgingcircuits6955
    @surgingcircuits6955 Жыл бұрын

    Really liked the vid, thx. Loved the decode in bottom left to help us newbies. Cool antenna! 73. W4NQR

  • @ouijim
    @ouijim3 жыл бұрын

    Got old bicycle aluminum rims, wheels spinning how I can re-purpose into an antenna ; )

  • @allenshirley1077

    @allenshirley1077

    3 жыл бұрын

    Here you go! content://com.amazon.cloud9.FileProvider/images/screenshot/1620769332965-980462730.jpg

  • @h.sapienstechnologicus8865

    @h.sapienstechnologicus8865

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wheels in head spin round and round

  • @litzdog911
    @litzdog9113 жыл бұрын

    Would love to see a build video! Thanks! 73, KJ7YBY

  • @2Ny157mike
    @2Ny157mike2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome Japan good job N2dbi ny

  • @boomerbits2297
    @boomerbits22973 жыл бұрын

    No 1/16 stock at my local HD but 1/4 worked ok. Cut it into 2 foot lengths since I am not likely to be doing much backpacking I used six feet and it came out to just a shade over a meter in diameter. I still have another four foot piece. I bet if I stuck that in there it would be more efficient on 40 m. Just thinking out loud. I have a couple of 2-20 pf air variables ordered. Now I need to figure out the fixed caps

  • @boomerbits2297

    @boomerbits2297

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ran the calculator and it confirms my thoughts about the size. Going to add another 4 feet. something like 95% efficient on 10 meters. Pretty good on 20. Not real happy on 30 and 40 but it looks like it will work at a low efficiency

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, John! Would love to see pictures when you're done.

  • @iPsychlops
    @iPsychlops2 жыл бұрын

    Do you have a parts list avaliable? Im a backpacker and I would love to build one of these!

  • @Tsemczyszyn
    @Tsemczyszyn3 жыл бұрын

    I would love to see more about how you go about building this type of antenna. I'm new to ham radio. Can you explain what you mean by efficiency?

  • @NeWt0z

    @NeWt0z

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's how much power is coming out of the antenna compared to how much your radio is putting into it. Different antennas have different efficiencies depending on what kind of metal it's made of, the way the metal is shaped, how much metal you're using, and a whole bunch of different factors. This antenna is a lot smaller than most antennas but what you gain from it being so small you lose in how well it transmits that power. This answer is not the most technical but I hope it at least answers your question well enough to understand.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, thanks Greg, that's a good simple description... The links in the description will give some approximations of efficiency for different size and dimensions of loops. Additional losses are incurred in points of electrical resistance like the joints in my accordion folds. With antennas everything is a trade-off. Size, bandwidth, and efficiency are 3 primary competing factors. Small transmitting loops (aka mag loops) are very small for the frequency of operation, and are actually relatively efficient radiators, but as a trade-off, they have very narrow bandwidth (high Q). And despite that relative efficiency, there comes a point of pushing too small of a loop too far, and losses grow.

  • @Brewerbill
    @Brewerbill3 жыл бұрын

    Very Cool! For us instruction followers, (vs experimenters and innovators), what goes into "the box", and how is the Gamma match made? A video detailing the construction of "the matching box" and the gamma match components would be awesome. The remainder of the project seems very straightforward from a mechanical standpoint.

  • @thomasmaughan4798

    @thomasmaughan4798

    3 жыл бұрын

    The idea is relatively simple. The capacitor tunes the loop BUT at that tuning, impedance increases as you work your way up either way from the feed point. So you want a 50 ohm point and it varies by frequency. That's why the alligator clip. Tune the loop for minimum SWR (maximum received audio noise) then move the clip for 1:1 SWR. Once you have found the sweet spot, put a mark on the antenna with a Sharpie or similar so you can find it again.

  • @Brewerbill

    @Brewerbill

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@thomasmaughan4798 Thanks. Yeah, I get the alligator clip concept. Where I run into a wall is the "box". As I mentioned, I'm a good instruction follower, but my electronics technical skills are deficient, hence my plea for detailed construction directions. I like the ,"The idea is relatively simple." So am I ;-)

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    I found this thread on another method of marching that looks enticing - Thomas mentioned this in another comment thread as well. forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/want-to-homebrew-a-loop-tuner-box.522931/ Might have to try that out as well.

  • @thomasmaughan4798

    @thomasmaughan4798

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Brewerbill Ah, careful reading, I see. Yes, the exact nature of the tuning capacitor is crucial. It is common to use a "butterfly capacitor" because the relatively high RF current does not then cross a "wiper" or rotating contact. What happens is each side of the loop has its own stator plates and *between* them pivots the rotor plates and acts as the capacitance between the stators. Consequently a high RF current never crosses a wiping contact. There's a hidden benefit to butterfly capacitor; the rotor can be grounded! That means it can be used as part of the feed circuit. The shield of the coax goes to the rotor of the butterfly, and the center conductor goes *through* a smaller variable capacitor to one of the stators. Electrically it resembles a gamma match; but instead of an auto-transformer action, this works on the difference in capacitance which thus divides the capacitive reactance between the main butterfly and the matching capacitor and the whole thing can be at the low end of the loop. This is how the MFJ portable loop tuners work. You can see the schematic online for the MFJ 936B for instance. Conventional magnetic loops with a little induction coil can be difficult to achieve a perfect match. You can tune the loop easily enough but you cannot ensure a 50 ohm impedance. To achieve the 50 ohm impedance you have to tinker with the spacing and size of the induction or exciter loop and if it is high in the air, a bit difficult to reach! Capacitive matching eliminates that complexity, but at the cost of another variable capacitor.

  • @thomasmaughan4798

    @thomasmaughan4798

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK The purpose of the matching capacitor is not immediately obvious since it *seems* to be in parallel with one of the main tuning capacitor sections, but in fact is is in series with the radio transmitter. When everything is in tune, the radio presents a 50 ohm resistive source without reactance; the matching capacitor is effectively in series with one of the sections of the main butterfly tuning capacitor. This creates a "voltage divider" exactly the function of a gamma match; but the gamma match relies upon inductive reactance and the capacitor match relies upon capacitive reactance. AT resonance it doesn't really matter! Initial tuning is NOT entirely obvious. You start with LESS matching capacitor and then find the strongest receive signal by tuning the main butterfly capacitor. When you have it, transmit a very low power continuous wave (I use "FM" mode on my transmitter) and adjust match for lowest SWR. Doing that changes the main tuning slightly, so you have to retune the main. With a bit of practice the procedure takes only a few seconds and the matching capacitor usually does not require adjusting within the band; only the main tuning capacitor. Being able to have the entire electronics of a loop antenna in a single box is hugely convenient. It means you can have as large a loop as you like and it can be highly irregular in shape if that's what it takes to make it fit. It makes it almost convenient to have several loops each optimized for a band, which is to say, the largest that you can make and still tune it. 20 feet of 3/8 or 1/2 inch copper tubing makes a great 40 meter antenna. Occasionally you'll encounter an amateur radio operator that thinks it isn't a magnetic loop antenna unless it is magnetically (inductively) coupled; but that is not the reason for the name. Magnetic loop antennas are named because they couple to the magnetic field of an incoming radio wave (or excite the magnetic field of an outgoing radio wave). Gamma matching and capacitor matching do create a DC electrical connection to the loop from the radio which in rare circumstances might be a safety consideration.

  • @craigpalmer9196
    @craigpalmer91963 жыл бұрын

    I would love to see inside the cap box

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Here you go... photos.app.goo.gl/vyJRVBGFBP7FMgbR8

  • @randalltom9750
    @randalltom97503 жыл бұрын

    Again, Adam, aka Inspector Gadget, awesome video... what key are you using?

  • @juliocaesarramos5250
    @juliocaesarramos5250 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Adam, could You show me the schematic conection variable capacitor with specific 3 band capacitor. Thank You so much

  • @glevideo
    @glevideo3 жыл бұрын

    Would love to see inside the capacitor box.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Indeed... photos.app.goo.gl/vvxfF9YWXS3D2kKK8 Fixed capacitors on a 3 position switch in parallel with a small air variable cap. The switch swaps in the fixed capacitance required to get the antenna resonant within each band and the variable cap tunes across each band.

  • @glevideo

    @glevideo

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK TNX - I worked on a similar project some months ago and had trouble getting suitable results with switching the capacitors so I've abandoned it. Perhaps I'll go back to it and try reworking it. I purchased a high voltage capacitor kit from Amazon for about $9 and have been using them with good luck on other antenna projects. They're very tiny and should work on this loop project.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@glevideo cool. Feel free to email me direct for any questions/discussion on how I make it work. Also, if I remember correctly, some of the ceramic caps I used drifted too much with 5w of RF going through them, so I switched to silver mica. Class 1 caps should work too though (C0G or NP0). I believe I was using class 2 not knowing what impact that might have, and the result was drifting tuning in a very high Q circuit.

  • @armandowbetancourtr6431

    @armandowbetancourtr6431

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@glevideo Sounds interesting, I must leave in my home in Caracas Venezuela all my junk boxes of many years as a ham, and here in USA the pandemic situation doesn't permit me to assist the hamfest usually happens here. Could you share the specs of the cap on Amazon? Many tks from YV5FCK Armando in MI.

  • @eliezercohen2205
    @eliezercohen22052 ай бұрын

    Awesome antenna. I thought a loop antenna needs an inner loop? How did you get around today? Also are loop antennas less sensitive to proximity to ground?

  • @FredStam
    @FredStam3 жыл бұрын

    Whats the circumference of your loop? Like your videos

  • @qwertyytre9460
    @qwertyytre9460 Жыл бұрын

    What key did you use in CW mode. Something microscopic. Thanks to.😉

  • @BroomfieldRR
    @BroomfieldRR3 жыл бұрын

    I need to build this soon. N0MTN

  • @donnakano282
    @donnakano2822 жыл бұрын

    Do you know if anyone makes a kit for this type of antenna? Considering buying a small QRP radio and looking for a decently performing, lightweight, compact antenna. Too many of the antennas give good impedance matches, but terrible radiation. Thanks!

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    2 жыл бұрын

    No, I've never seen one. It's not a particularly efficient antenna, but as you could see, it does work. I generally prefer an EFHW with very small wire which packs down much smaller, but obviously requires a larger footprint when set up. Your best bet if you don't want to build your own is probably one of the mag loop models that uses coax as the loop. I still plan to make a build video for one of these antennas, just haven't had time. Work and life are taking up a lot of that lately

  • @Johnyrocket70
    @Johnyrocket702 жыл бұрын

    That should be able to handle alot more power than coax loops. How many watts you think it will handle?

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    2 жыл бұрын

    The primarily limiting factor for loops is the capacitor which experiences very high voltages. Because mine is built with 500v fixed value caps and a small air variable cap, 5 W is pretty much the limit. To push it up to 100 W, I would need a much larger, more expensive vacuum variable capacitor or a very large air variable with big spacing between the plates.

  • @submarineradioman5535
    @submarineradioman55353 жыл бұрын

    Well done! de Howie WA3MCK

  • @jeffdyer2393
    @jeffdyer23933 жыл бұрын

    Great video please tell us about the key you are using. Thanks your efforts are much appreciated.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    Jeff, it's a homebrew key made out of a sheet of acrylic with a slot cut in it. The paddles are pieces of shim stock material, and a small screw provides the ground contact.

  • @K6ARK

    @K6ARK

    3 жыл бұрын

    photos.app.goo.gl/D7EqdfsHLjLyBmGTA

  • @jeffdyer2393

    @jeffdyer2393

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK very nice... thanks

  • @armandowbetancourtr6431

    @armandowbetancourtr6431

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@K6ARK yv5fck Armando very difficult to see the electrical connections and the contact points, I think there are in the acrylic parts that form the box

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