Portable 10-40M HF MagLoop opt. *6M VHF UHF
The Alpha Loop is a tuned circuit that radiates more ERP by handling 100W PEP input on 10-40M, which then further quiets the receive by using an inner shielded faraday pick-up loop.
Specifications
- Continuous coverage from 7 MHz to 29.7 MHz at 100W PEP SSB, 50W CW, or 10W digital.
- 6 Meter, 2 Meter & 440 MHz when the optional add-on element is purchased & installed.
- IP Rating: IP-53 – Protected against dust limited ingress, no harmful deposits. Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from the vertical.
- IP Rating: IP-53 – Protected against dust limited ingress, no harmful deposits. Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60 degrees from the vertical.
- Environmental operating parameters: -15 to 90 (in direct sunlight) degrees Fahrenheit and winds up to 35 Mph
- Weight 2.8 lbs (45 Ounces or 1.27Kg)
NOTE: The system operates independently for either 10-40M or 6/2/70cm by changing the elements.
Included
2 – 16 inch masts that couple together and coax mount
1 – Tuning box with Female 1/4 20 mount
1 – Outer LMR400 loop
1 – Inner shielded faraday loop
1 – Field Bag for the Alpha MagLoop
Analysis
Real world SWR results shown at the center of each band without additional adjustments being made with spacing between the inner & outer loops, at a height of one loop diameter.
Materials Used
The following materials are used in the construction of the Alpha Loop antenna:
- Gold,
- Nylon,
- Solder,
- Ceramic,
- Aluminum,
- Stainless steel,
- Marine shrink tubing,
- Times Microwave LMR400, and
- 3D Carbon Fiber infused polymers.
Deployment
More Information
How is the Alpha Loop tuned?
There is a huge tuning knob that makes adjusting the loop for the lowest SWR very easy.
Attached to between the knob and capacitor is a 6:1 reduction drive, which increases ease of tuning even more.
To tune the antenna once it is deployed, just turn the knob while listening for the loudest noise floor in SSB mode, and then transmit at 5W in FM or CW mode while you tune and watch for the minimum SWR on your rigs built in meter.
How did we make a 100-watt MagLoop?
How did we accomplish 100W power levels on 10-40M? We perfected each component which enables the antenna system to handle 100 Watts PEP SSB on 10-40 Meters.
How did we enable VHF UHF on the Alpha Loop?
How did we enable support for VHF UHF? Our engineers designed resonance on 420-450MHz and 144-148MHz plus 50-54MHz with an add-on element.
SIGNAL PATTERNS
Green = 40 meters, Blue = 20 meters, Red = 10 meters
Vertical Elevation Pattern
Azimuth Elevation Pattern
Options
A) Optional SWR Indicator
This SWR Indicator is a simple device for Magnetic Loop MagLoop antennas that makes tuning even easier.
WARNING!
Do not exceed 10 Watts Continuous Carrier (FM, Digital, AM, etc.) while tuning or the indicator lamp will fail.
Can be used on higher power loops only if the SWR Indicator is removed after tuning.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Install by attaching the Copper Clip to either of the PL259s at the loop’s tuning box.
- Set your rig to the desired frequency in SSB mode
- Tune loop till the loudest noise floor is heard from your rig’s speaker.
- Set rig to FM or CW mode at 5 watts.
- Transmit and tune for brightest illumination on the SWR Indicator’s LED.
ASSEMBLED
B) Optional SWR Sounder
Place the SWR Sounder near any magnetic loop antenna and listen for the loudest beep as you tune for the lowest SWR.
C) *Optional VHF/UHF/6 Meter add-on element
Optional add-on element to enable 100W Magnetic Loop Antennas to support additional VHF & UHF plus 6 Meters, 2 Meters, and 440 MHz.
- Gain on 6M = 1.6dBd, VHF = 4.5dBd, and UHF = 7.2dBd
VHF/UHF/6 Meter element Installation/Tuning
6M, 2M, 440MHz Analysis
6 Meters (Click for full-size image)
2 Meters (Click for full-size image)
440MHz (Click for full-size image)
We are dedicated to improving all of our antennas. Specifications and descriptions on the Alpha Loop antenna are subject to change without notice.