Re: [IRCA] Antenna Shootout in Puyallup

[Derek Vincent <eargazimm@xxxxxxxxx>]

Great to see these smaller footprint antenna. Can't wait to see the FSL and the tent pole results from the coast. 

Any pics, video or audio from Sunday? 

Thanks 

DerekVmedia@xxxxxxx


On Jun 4, 2013, at 12:02 PM, Guy Atkins <dx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> What better way for DXers to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon than to compare
> antennas and swap DX stories? My crosstown pal and Ultralight radio "guru"
> Gary DeBock (N7EKX), along with visiting Arizona DXer Dave Aichelman (N7NZH),
> joined me at my home to put a variety of antennas through some casual tests.
> 
> Radios and antennas present included:
> 
> 
>   - Eton E1XM
>   - Tecsun PL-380
>   - Tecsun PL-660
> 
> 
>   - Sony AN-1 active omnidirectional whip antenna
>   - Radio Plus+ Quantum Loop V.3
>   - Kiwa High Performance MW Loop
>   - Tent-Pole Loop (part of a clever, compact loop array that Dave uses
>   for transportable DXing)
>   - 12-inch diameter FSL antenna, 10mm X 200mm rods (a DeBock exclusive!)
>   - broadband setup/FLG100LN
>   - Another 12-inch diameter FSL antenna built by Gary, tuned in the
>   standard fashion with an air variable capacitor
>   - 7-inch diameter FSL antenna (also a DeBock creation)
> 
> A photo of the afternoon's experiments can be seen here:
> https://www.box.com/s/fw6lh2fpmngnatn6lfgo  In the photo, Dave is on the
> left and Gary is on the right. We were all surrounded by the stars of the
> show-- radios and antennas!
> 
> Top performers in our weak daytime signals sensitivity tests were the
> 12-inch monster FSLs brought by Gary, and Dave's compact Flag antenna that
> he has dubbed the Tent-Pole Loop. This terminated loop includes a variable
> resistor termination and uses a Wellbrook FLG100LN module as the amplifier;
> two of them with a Wellbrook phasing unit make for a compact loop array.
> Alternatively, ALA100 modules can be used. Each loop is self-supporting
> (and free-standing) with an "X" of fiberglass tent poles and tensioned with
> the loop element itself. Full details and photos of the Tent-Pole Loop
> array can be found in the Perseus SDR Yahoo Group, in the Files section
> under "Example Antenna Models".
> 
> Dave's Kiwa MW Loop was also impressive, especially when using its tilt
> control to help null local noise into oblivion. It's simply a beautiful
> piece of equipment, too; Kiwa doesn't make 'em like this any more  :^(
> 
> We tried the 7 and 12-inch FSL models in both broadband (direct hookup)
> modes, using Wellbrook FLG100LN modules connected to the Litz wire coils
> (as described previously in IRCA reflector and Ultralight Radio Yahoo Group
> postings). The 12-inch biggie FSL consistently outperformed the smaller
> model by four S-units (using just the E1XM's bargraph S-meter...I said this
> was *casual* afternoon testing :^)  This was eyebrow-raising performance,
> as the 7-inch FSL antenna is already a high performing antenna.  I plan to
> compare both FSL antenna models more accurately this weekend at the
> Washington coast using the Perseus SDR's highly accurate signal meter.
> We'll see if the gain difference actually results in easier to hear DU DX!
> Stay tuned next week for a report on the results.
> 
> I don't recall that we actually fired up the Quantum Loop or not; I think
> we overlooked it in the excitement of trying the larger antennas. I doubt,
> however, that it would have been in the same league as the "big iron" FSLs.
> Likewise, the Sony AN-1 was a sub-par antenna on the weak daytime MW
> signals. It was mainly used as an omnidirectional antenna for comparison.
> 
> A big thank-you goes out to Gary for the use of his FSL antenna
> creations... they are truly works of art. Without his involvement and
> generosity I know that the ULR hobby niche wouldn't be growing as rapidly
> as it is. Also, not only is Gary adept at trying various design approaches
> for compact loops, he constantly documents his successes (and rare
> failures) with DXing results and "A-B" audio recordings. Not every radio or
> antenna experimenter backs up their claims like Gary does.
> 
> I also learned a thing or two about clever construction techniques from
> Dave Aichelman. Thanks, Dave, for bringing your antenna setup along on your
> family trip to the Northwest and stopping by with your Tent-Pole Loop
> array. It's easily the most interesting use of a Wellbrook
> ALA100LN/FLG100LN setup that I've ever seen.
> 
> Guy Atkins
> Puyallup, WA
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