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Author Topic: The hidden mag loop antenna  (Read 2551 times)

Offline radiozed

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The hidden mag loop antenna
« on: January 12, 2017, 1601 UTC »
I've been off the air for awhile, but hope to get back up and running soon.  A couple of months back I was encouraged by an east coast report while running my ugly mag loop antenna at just 40 watts.  I decided to make something a little better, but was still stymied by HOA rules that forbid any sort of visible antennas.  While I know that mag loops can have decent performance on the ground, I also knew I could improve things if I could just get it up in the air just a bit.  But I needed it to be stealth enough that nosy nellies wouldn't ask too many questions.  Enter my version of the "stealth" mag loop:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1Sx8UoqolwlOVJwaVd3MWZVS00

Just under 4' diameter, constructed of 3/4" copper pipe.  Haven't tried it on the air yet but my antenna analyzer likes it just fine.  It's enclosed in a plywood box that will be painted the same color as my house.  I figure I'll mount it 4-5' up on the side of the house (if my wife will let me).  If not, I'll mount it out on a large trellis in the backyard.  In either case it should blend in and not draw too much attention.  If anyone asks what it is I'll just say, "It's a wood box.  You've never seen one?"   ;D

Offline ChrisSmolinski

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Re: The hidden mag loop antenna
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2017, 1624 UTC »
Tell any nosy HOA nazis that it's a birdhouse with an invisible door.
Chris Smolinski
Westminster, MD
eQSLs appreciated! csmolinski@blackcatsystems.com
netSDR / AFE822x / AirSpy HF+ / KiwiSDR / 900 ft Horz skyloop / 500 ft NE beverage / 250 ft V Beam / 58 ft T2FD / 120 ft T2FD / 400 ft south beverage / 43m, 20m, 10m  dipoles / Crossed Parallel Loop / Discone in a tree

Offline MDK2

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Re: The hidden mag loop antenna
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2017, 0245 UTC »
Could it work in your attic?
Denver, CO.
SDRPlay RSPdx & RSP2pro, Airspy Discovery HF+, Icom IC-7100, Grundig Satellit 750, Realistic DX-300, Tecsun PL-600.
MLA-30 active loop, G5RV dipole.
eQSLs appreciated wickerjennie at gmail

Offline PirateSWL

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Re: The hidden mag loop antenna
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2017, 0252 UTC »
I hope something works out for you Zed. I miss trying to listen for you !
Brian D. - PirateSWL
Pirate Radio Shortwave Enthusiast from NY
RX: ICOM 7300 / 40m dipole
Not embarrassed to admit I often use Shazam ; )
eQSL greatly appreciated to PirateSWL@aol.com

Offline radiozed

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Re: The hidden mag loop antenna
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2017, 1528 UTC »
Could it work in your attic?

Unfortunately no.  I have a large two story house and my setup is downstairs.  I'd not only have to chase a couple hundred feet of coax to get up there, but the scuttle hole in to the attic isn't anywhere big enough to get a mag loop through.  Outside and concealed is about the only option I have. 

Offline Pigmeat

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Re: The hidden mag loop antenna
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2017, 1743 UTC »
Put a flashing light on it and tell them it keeps the aliens away. They won't bother you any more.