My Low Cost Magnetic Loop Antenna For 10-12 Meters

I decided to build a magnetic loop antenna that would cover the ham radio frequencies from around 20 to 30 Mhz so I could use it on portable with my Magnum 1012 hand held radio. This is what I come up with.

Since those bands are heating up now with the progress of the new sun spot cycle, this should be fun to use with the low power output of the radio and should make a better antenna than the duck antenna since it is a very high-q tuneable antenna. This antenna would also work well for the 11 meter CB band, great for anyone with very limited space for antennas or for portable operations.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• magnetic
• loop
• antenna
• ham
• radio
• amateur
• portable
• communications
• build
• diy
• Magnum 1012
• 10
• meter
• wd0akx

[WECB640]

Keep up the good work Larry! We need more HAM's building. 73, de N1JFE - Greg

[RadioHamGuy]

@WECB640 Thanks, plenty of projects with no end in site here, lol..

[kcscarecrow]

I would like to show your video for training at our next club meeting Larry. I want to build one soon. 73s, Terry WA0DTH

[RadioHamGuy]

@kcscarecrow sounds great, they are a lot of fun to work with and play around with..easy project.

[kcscarecrow]

Good Presentation Larry.

Terry WA0DTH

[RadioHamGuy]

@kcscarecrow thanks!

[KenwoodTS480HX]

Nice job Larry! Enjoyed watching your video.....

73 de Brent

[RadioHamGuy]

@wb0zur Thanks there Denton..fun to do, lol..

[wb0zur]

Great video, I liked the Bloopers section at the end!

[DW1PJM]

Thank you so much..very clear video..and funny at the end 73

[w7dbz]

Good information. Thanks



[RadioHamGuy]

@rjy8960 Thank you!

[rjy8960]

Hi Larry,

Thanks for the video - well presented and informational.

73 Richard M0SNR

[RadioHamGuy]

@KB4QAA Thanks!

[KB4QAA]

Wonderful video. Production quality is so great that it is a pleasure to watch. The dedicated mic really improves things. You do a great job of explaining the principles. Thanks, bill

[RadioHamGuy]

@MrSuperheterodyne Thanks! Yes, very easy to make and works quite well for the size. Very close in performance to a dipole if done correctly.

[MrSuperheterodyne]

Great video! Very very inspirational. I am definitely going to have a go at making this.

Seems like a good 'poor mans' directional ant, since most of it can be made out of scrap.

Even the airspaced capacitor like you say can be found in most junkboxes, and at worst is just a £5 investment. Thanks for this, very enjoyable!! 73

[RadioHamGuy]

@IZ3SVI yes, good point!

[IZ3SVI]

Remember about the high voltage who stand on the variable capacitor. Safety is a must :) '73 de iz3svi

[combatwombat71]

@RadioHamGuy Some low band loops, 80m etc. with a high Q are not wide enough bandwidth to even accommocate an SSB signal! I built a loop with a vacuum capacitor that will do from 30m to 10m, it's about 1.4m dia. 73 VK2GOM

[A5593GM4DHJ]

another DJ .......

[RadioHamGuy]

@johnkc8jzo Thanks for the comments, yes, the loops are actually very easy to build and fun to play around with and it is interesting to see how the loop really does tune and work. Would probably be a good project for a ham club or something as a learning project...

[johnkc8jzo]

I was going to make a more detailed video about the loops I made. However, you beat me to it . . . and did a much better job! I love the meter addition, and I know what part I'm going to look for next ;~) For those thinking about making a loop, just go for it. Very simple project, and the most difficult part to find is the variable capacitor (easily available from a parts radio or eBay). 73, KC8JZO

[RadioHamGuy]

@patchcords yes, I know some people do add a servo motor to tune remotely. Great idea for mounting remotely from the shack.

[RadioHamGuy]

@centu2000pr Thanks, fun to do..