Loop antennas may be constructed in many forms including horizontal full wave loops in square, rectangle or triangle (delta) shapes. They can also be in the vertical plane and are most often in the same shapes with the delta being very popular as it has both vertical and horizontal polarization. The impedance at the loop resonant frequency is approximately 100 ohms but will very slightly on harmonics. Loops are “quiet” antennas compared to verticals and dipoles and are omni-directional. The also exhibit gain on harmonic bands. Once you try a loop antenna you will know why they are so popular with old timers but still a secret to newcomers. Shown below are some typical designs:
Full Wave Horizontal Loop Antenna (a.k.a Skyloop)
This antenna is horizontally polarized and should be mounted as high as possible but works well at low heights of 10-30 feet. They are quieter than a dipole or a vertical, have a broader bandwidth and will usually out perform a dipole antenna.To determine the approximate circumference in feet of a full wave loop antenna use the formula:
1005/Freq in Mhz = length in feet.
The feed point impedance of a full wave loop antenna is theoretically in the vicinity of 120 ohms and requires a 2:1 impedance transformer (for single band loops or a 4:1 balun to match on multiple bands) with 50 ohm line. You will also need a feed line choke or better yet, just get the Hybrid 4:1+1:1 in a single box.
Vertical Delta Loops
Vertical delta loops can be oriented several way but the most popular is to have the “pointy” end at the top (usually a single support) and the lower horizontal ends just out of reach of humans and animals. Best feed point is 1/4 wavelength (246/f(mhz)) from the top point down one side. Vertical delta loops use the same 2:1 baluns as the horizontal loops or 4:1 for multi-band operation.
Model SB-1 is a static bleeder meant for 50 or 75 ohm coax line. It is rated from 1-150 Mhz at 1.5KW with a maximum SWR of 5:1 on the line. The bleeder is used on a coax “T” in line with the coax transmission line as shown in the picture below.
SB-1 Coax Static Bleeder installed on coax “T” connector
To use procure a coax “T” and a male to male connector. Connect the SB-1 to the male to male connector and thence to the coax “T”. Static voltages are bled off from the center conductor to the outside conductor (braid of the coax). At the entrance to your radio station ensure that the outside conductor of the coax transmission line is grounded so as to provide a sink for the static electricity on the antenna center conductor.
The SB-1 static bleeder is usually installed near the radio shack entrance on the antenna side of any 1:1 baluns/line isolators (between isolator and radio) if used.
the connector is a male PL-259 and will fit into a SO-239 (female) or "T" with female counterpart to the PL-259. Small, convenient, effective and easy to install! "T" connector shown in picture NOT included.
