Triband Receiving Loop for 160/80/40m by AC0C

“Noise is the constant companion of the stealth antenna warrior. And as the 160m season heats up this winter, the noise level of the house with the attic 160m dipole was a serious limitation to doing any real work on that band. I had not considered a dedicated receiving antenna but a friend Mike AB0X has had excellent results with loops and that was always in the back of my mind… With the Stew Perry 160m contest coming up, I convinced myself that a receiving loop was the next step in antenna work needed.

Where to put the loop was the next big issue to resolve. Initially I had considered putting it in the attic – but that space is already past it’s limit of antenna complications with the current antennas. So the logical step – and one that would offer the best chance at noise reduction, would be to put this on the patio. That of course would invite neighbor comments or a possible visit by the HOA for “consultation.” Caution goes to the wind! [And so far, so quiet=good!!!!]

The loop is the unshielded type constructed from RG-11. The benefit of the shielded type loop construction seems to be in loop balance and that is said to improve null depth. However, in my case -with plans to have a stationary orientation, moderate loop nulls are beneficial. The orientation of the loop is ENE-WSW which aligns nicely with the coast population centers. And this also allows the null to be focused at the house which I expect is the primary source of QRN…. READ FULL ARTICLE