My favourite magnetic loop antenna: Part 2 - on the air

[G4AKC]

Super video Peter, the loop works better for you than it did for me, I tried a couple of years ago and always found the vertical better over the water.

Also your weather is a touch better than ours, its raining and windy here with 5 degrees, not ideal for pedestrian mobile!

Speak soon and "Happy New Year"

[RadioHamGuy]

Nice work on the antenna. Looks like a nice location to operate from also!

[combatwombat71]

Superb work! When I go out /P like that in even marginally populated areas, I always seem to attract the unwanted attention of either the police or over-zealous park wardens and rangers. What is your secret to not being harassed whilst carrying and using radio gear and antennas?

[vk3ye]

@combatwombat71 Hard to say. Maybe: (1) There's few 'enforcer figures' on the beach apart from the occasional police patrol. Lifesavers, beach cleaners & dog inspectors just stick to their jobs. (2) People are used to seeing stuff eg metal detectors & jetskis on the beach. (3) No worry re electrical stuff starting fires. (4) Station is light & low impact (eg 100% hand-carried) (5) I dress like 'normal' beach users (eg I'm usually barefoot) (6) Maybe people are just used to seeing me?

[vk3ye]

@combatwombat71 BTW I should say that all this does not prevent questions. There's apparently a huge number who believe in aliens and that i can talk to them.

I should set up a business where, for the receipt of a fee I can get on the air and claim to convey customised messages to aliens. I could market myself through clairvoyants, giving them a kickback for every customer. Obviously the amateur bands are out but there's plenty of LIPD frequencies that should work.

[lukefwjross]

I wish I could get that meany contacts on my G5RV when I go out portable, it just shows how good that antenna is.

[DENMONKEY]

Thanks for the vids Peter. I'm looking to do some work from my kayak and would like to try a mag loop rather than a vertical. parts seem simple enough(will be doing the copper pipe) but the variable capacitors you seem to be using, Where are you locating these parts and what would be the suggested range ?

I'd like to make one to tune 40-10 ?

Is there a ratio from the external loop to the internal one ? I've found the loop calc but it's nice to hear it from someone who actually makes them.

[johnkc8jzo]

I would say that antenna is a winner!