Long & medium wave loop antenna

How increase the poor gain of an inside rod antenna by using a loop antenna. It is composed by a 93cm hula hoop, 11 turns of 0,4mm wire and a 700 pF variable capacitor with insulated knob. The coil and the capacitor are connected in parallel. The loop antenna will work in the range 280-700 kHz but if you want go down with the frequency you can add a selectable (by a switch) 680 pF capacitor in parallel to the variable capacitor. In this case the frequency comes down another 80 kHz.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• iw3fzq
• long
• wave
• medium
• lw
• mw
• bcl
• swl
• dx
• loop
• antenna
• degen
• de1103

[Starbuckin]

Nice antenna and demonstration! I'm wondering if this same setup could be used to transmit a small part 15 (very low output) hobby beacon somewhere between 160 to 500 KHz? Any thoughts?

[iw3fzq]

@Starbuckin

No, this type of antenna doesn't work to transmit. You should search more informations on ineternet to operate a suitable antenna for long wave frequencies. For 500 kHz you can try a 10-15mt loaded vertical with a top hat.

Enrico

[928GTSR]

I've done something somewhat similar to what you've done. I wound 45m of wire around a 0.5mx0.5m crate and tuned that with a 300pf capacitor. It tunes from about 162 to 450khz or so.

[iw3fzq]

Yes, it is incredible how this antenna works... now I want try another system, more turns with the possibility to switch them in function to the various frequencies. May you make a video how the signal increases by using the loop? 73 de Enrico, IW3FZQ

[ender06026]

Very nice loop construction. Excellent example of tuned loop performance on long wave!

[DD7LP]

Hi, very nicde demonstation of a loop

great video.

best gretings from Chris

dd7lp

[Shortwave68]

This antenna works very well !!

I often works with loop antennas but this one is very very good congratulation and thank you for your nice clips!!!

[928GTSR]

(continued)...

I've done tests where I'll tune into Radio Monte Carlo on 216khz on my Sony ICF 2010 and without the loop I will barely be able to hear it. I would then place the radio on top of the loop,tune it and then RMC would come in perfectly copyable!

Loops do wonders and yours certainly performs fantastically. Keep up the great work! - Mike/KC2TAU

[iw3ips]

Great Antenna!

Very impressive!

73!

IW3IPS