Rap 'n Tap
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From: William Clarke
Date: 7/13/99
Time: 7:06:59 AM
Remote Name: 204.241.88.2
I have found this antenna to work well across the AM BCB in spite of being close wound, which is said to lower "Q" and lead to increased stray capacitance.
The form is a 14" embroidery hoop (like in the Joe Carr book) with 14 turns of 26 ga. enamel wire close wound on it. I wound a 2 turn coupling loop over the main loop to attach to the receiver. The main loop has a variable cap (the 365 pF kind from the XSS) across it for tuning. I have a small imported vernier dial attached - a valuable tuning aid. The outer(split)hoop is attached to small wood plaque base (where the cap is mounted) with a 6" long dowell rod. (The hoop, base, and dowell can be purchaced at a craft store like Michael's). The inner loop can be easily removed and replaced - like plug in coils for your antenna. (Get several hoops - they're cheap. A 10 turn space wound loop will work up to the 30 meter band.)
This antenna won't deliver the same power that a larger loop or long wire will, but it takes up a lot less space. It has good directional properties and is great for getting rid of noise. I can null out the attic fan with this thing.