OT: Antenna Question

[HSHERRIFF]

I'm sure there is a wealth of info here on the reflector. I am
planning on putting up a loop antenna around the eves of my house. I
am running the K2 without external amplifier. Two questions:

1. Do I need to run the antenna wire using insulators, or can I just
use insulated staples and staple it to the eves?

2. My house has tall gables at the sides. Is it better to run the
antenna up the V of the gable, or keep it parallel with the ground?

Thanks
Harlan KI4IDA K2:5115


_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Don Wilhelm-3]

Harlan,

I did not see any responses on the reflector, although you may have gotten
off-reflector comments.

For best results you should have the wire spaced a bit from the supporting
stucture - while it will likely work stapled to the eaves, it will likely
change tuning on you as the weather changes (rain, snow, etc.).  I would opt
for placing the loop on short standoffs above the roof surface or sticking
outward so the loop is a bit larger than the roof - rather than on the sides
or under the eaves, but if you have visibility concerns, under the eaves is
probably a good way to make it obscure.

It is not necessary to keep the wire parallel with the ground - and if you
gain more loop circumference by running it up the 'V' of the gable, the
lowest frequency it can handle will be reduced.  You did not state how big
you house foorprint is, but if you can get at least a full wavelength of
wire up for 80 meters, it will allow you to operate on 80.

One note:  If you cannot get enough length for 80 meters and want to operate
on that band, put an 80 meter trap (or open the loop somehow on 80 meters)
at a point electrically opposite the feedpoint and you should have a usable
antenna for 80 - not ideal, but certainly usable.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I'm sure there is a wealth of info here on the reflector. I am
> planning on putting up a loop antenna around the eves of my house. I
> am running the K2 without external amplifier. Two questions:
>
> 1. Do I need to run the antenna wire using insulators, or can I just
> use insulated staples and staple it to the eves?
>
> 2. My house has tall gables at the sides. Is it better to run the
> antenna up the V of the gable, or keep it parallel with the ground?
>
> Thanks
> Harlan KI4IDA K2:5115
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[ab4cz]

Harlan,
Loops tend to couple well to other things within the loop.  One problem you may experience running a loop around the eves of your house will  be that you're antenna will pick up any noise sources within the house very well, and will couple very well to electronics in the house ... i.e. your telephones,  stereo, etc.  So if that's your best option for erecting an antenna, go for it .. but be aware you will probably pick up noise from any noisy appliances and may have problems with RFI.

A full wave loop on 80 mtrs is about 275 feet.  That would be a big house.

jim
AB4CZ
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com