HF Receiving Loop
Building and measuring a simple single-turn HF receiving loop for experimental purposes.
Description
Demonstrates the construction and measurement of a single-turn HF receiving loop antenna, built from common materials like electrical conduit and lamp cord. The resource details the physical dimensions, including a 4-meter circumference, and calculates the theoretical inductance at approximately 6.4 uH. It outlines a method for determining resonant frequencies across the 4-17 MHz range using a C Jig and a VR-500 receiver, coupling the loop with a ferrite ring. The article also discusses the impact of receiver coupling on the loop's Q factor, noting a degradation in sharpness due to the transformer's reflected impedance.
Analyzes the observed resonant frequency patterns, highlighting an unexpected rise in the loop's effective inductance at higher frequencies, particularly above 13 MHz. While some increase is attributed to distributed capacitance, the rate of rise suggests further investigation. The experimental setup provides practical insights into the challenges of maintaining high Q in simple receiving loops and offers a comparative reference for other homebrew antenna projects, such as those by VK2TPM.