[IRCA] Western Superloop--Initial Trials

[Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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

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