Just in case the bands ever cooperate and decide to work with us again ….
Surfing around the WWW (bands were not up for talking) I found this site. And on the site was some easy to follow plans (and more importantly a parts list for a 15m-40m magnetic loop…
After doing a quick inventory of the “ Junk Box” I find that I have all the necessary parts )with the exception of the 250pF single gang variable capacitor with reduction drive) in stock. I even have a plastic case that could work depending on the physical size of the capacitor that I find so… Lets see… low cost for parts… easy to assemble… and it will give me coverage on 5 bands (15-17-20-30-40) in a portable environment…
Looks like a no brainer for me… The hunt for the remaining parts will start shortly and I hope to get it on the air before the snow falls (mid November)…
There will be more on this as the project continues… First of all I need the capacitor and the enclosure…
73bob
Tags: amateur radio, Amateur Radio Antennas, Homebrewed Antenna, Portable Magnetic Loop
July 11, 2012 at 1:30 am |
I built a hanging loop (covering part of 75m and part of 40m) based on ideas from G4FON’s loop: http://www.qsl.net/g4fon/MagLoop.htm
I made the spreader from three pieces of hollow fibreglass rod. I threaded the shaft of machine screws (with their heads cut off!) into one end of two of the rods. I just screw them together for one long spreader. I used ty-wraps on the loop wire, and the ‘tail’ of the ty-wrap stick into the hole of the rod, keeping the loop in a nice diamond shape. Perhaps it would be easier to show than describe!
The whole thing collapses down about two feet in length.
Good luck, Bob!
Kent
July 11, 2012 at 12:24 pm |
VE3FFK, VA3DGN and a couple others from OARC have been working on a magloop project. You should track them down and see how far along they are.
July 11, 2012 at 2:02 pm |
Good morning Bob,
I have been fascinated by loops for some time but have just never round to building one but that may change shortly as I have been going through a process of cleaning up and improving my “antenna farm”.
In any case, I have a number of variable capacitors on hand that at least one of which should be suitable. Do keep in mind that the voltage rating of the variable capaciator you choose must be suitable for whatever power level you intend to use the antenna with. In other words, one of the small Polyvaricon variable capacitors my not be suitable.
I will have a look at my collection AKA pile of stuff and see what I have that might be suitable both for you project and my own use.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
July 11, 2012 at 2:03 pm |
Good morning Bob,
I have been fascinated by loops for some time but have just never round to building one but that may change shortly as I have been going through a process of cleaning up and improving my “antenna farm”.
In any case, I have a number of variable capacitors on hand that at least one of which should be suitable. Do keep in mind that the voltage rating of the variable capacitor you choose must be suitable for whatever power level you intend to use the antenna with. In other words, one of the small Polyvaricon variable capacitors my not be suitable.
I will have a look at my collection AKA pile of stuff and see what I have that might be suitable both for you project and my own use.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
July 12, 2012 at 12:38 am |
Hey Bob,
I had a look through my pile of stuff and I do have several large variable capacitors that should work you and one or a couple are yours for the asking. No reduction drive however.
We can chat later.
cheers, Graham ve3gtc
July 12, 2012 at 1:16 am |
Hi Graham….
Thanks for the comments and for the offer of the parts…. Pity about the no reduction gears but…. I can just tweak more carefully….
73bob…
ps… we can meet whenever its convient for you…