[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: [IRCA] Western Superloop--Initial Trials



Hi Les,


A quick "see if it works" might involve recording an SDR file in the daytime with the termination resistance open, then record another file with your fixed termination of 900 ohms and compare the two for signal strength on stations in the nulled direction.

best wishes,

Nick


At 05:51 02-07-15, you wrote:
Finally found time to erect a Western facing Superloop. It's 24 X 7'. I'm using a fixed 900 ohm termination, and feeding it with quad-shield RG-6 coax. I installed three snap-on ferrite cores near on the feedline near the antenna, and then again at about 40 feet down the coax, three more just before it enters the shack. Total coax run is about 90 feet.

The antenna is quiet, very quiet--but signals levels are too low. I plan to add a DX Engineering Receive Preamplifier DXE-RPA-1 when my budget will allow. I'm going to send 12 VDC down the cable, and mount the pre-amp in a weatherprooof box near the antenna.

http://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-rpa-1

In terms of performance, I'm not sure what to expect. I tried a few stations that were due East of me, such as WSB 750 in Atlanta. It was weaker than on my other antennas, but not remarkably so. Listened for a few of the Western powerhouse like KOA 850 in Denver, but nothing heard. Not surprising, since KOA only appears a few times each winter.

I have a variable resistance unit as well that I can substitute for the fixed termination. It's range is 900 to 1400 ohms. But then I'll have to figure out how to adjust the null from across the back yard. I thought about feeding the receiver audio into an FM transmitter and listening outside on a portable. That might be my best option.

Can't seem to find much online about how to tune these things or gauge performance. How does one know if it's working correctly?

Advice or suggestions most welcome!


--
73,


Les Rayburn, N1LF
Maylene, AL
EM63

Member WTFDA, NRC, IRCA, & Medium Wave DX Circle
Former CPC Chairman for NRC/IRCA

============================== FM DX

Sony XDR-F1HD, Sangean HDT-1, Elad FDM-S2, AirSpy.
Denon TU-1500RD w/Ray Dees RDS Decoder,
FM6 Antenna with CM7777 Mast Pre-Amp, RG-11.

"Nothing but blues and Elvis and somebody else's
favorite song..."

AM DX
Elad FDM-S2, Wellbrook ALA1530+ Loop, Clifton Labs Active
Whip, Superloop. Quantum Phaser, Kiwa Loop, Palstar MW Pre-Selector

_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


_______________________________________________
IRCA mailing list
IRCA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca

Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers

For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org

To Post a message: irca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx