How to build a stand for a magnetic loop AL-705 Alpha Antenna HAM Radio By KH7O and KH6ML
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ย. 2024
- #hamradio, #amateurradio, #radio, #radioamateur, #amateurfunk, #MagneticLoopAntenna, #DIYAntennaProject, #HamRadioAntenna, #AntennaConstruction, #AmateurRadioGear,
Rick KH7O used 3/4 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe and adapters to build a the stand. You could use a bigger size PVC if you have it.
Four tee adapters
Two 45-degree adapters
One 4 way adapter
About 36 inches of pipe
One board 5/8 or thicker by 5" x9"
Two Mounting bolts and nuts
Two 10/24x2-1/2" bolts or screw with matching washers and lock washer and wing nuts.
Take the turning box to the hardware store to get the best-fitting screws.
You can find these at your local hardware store or maybe at home.
Once you've built it, please comment.
ICOM Magnetic Loop Antenna TIP AND TRICKS HINTS
Assemble the Loop
1) Attach the Outer Loop Element to the black match box by screwing the PL-259 connectors on the Outer Loop into the SO-239 connectors on the match.
2) Attach the Inner Loop using the included Nylon clip to the approximate center of the Outer Loop Element.
Connect your equipment
Attach the feedline's PL259 to the SO239 on the T-Connector in the center or the (small) coupling loop, then connect the other end of the feedline to your equipment.
Make adjustments to your Mic Gain settings
For all voice modes, adjust your equipment's Mic Gain so your meter does not peak when speaking, which will typically be a setting between 9 and 11. This will ensure you do not have a distorted voice transmission by keeping the antenna and equipment from being overdriven.
SITE SELECTION AND OPERATION
1) Do not place the tuning box on a metal surface. Also, keep the loop at least 18 inches from metal objects.
2) Place the loop greater than 1 loop diameter high (about 3 feet or higher).
3) The loop can be placed higher, so it can see above and past obstacles.
4) All antennas are affected by the physical environment that surrounds them. For maximum performance, best practice for antenna placement should be considered when placing the loop in its' operating position. For example, do not expect the same performance from the loop when indoors as you are experiencing on another antenna that is outside. Similarly, an antenna placed at 12 feet, while your loop might be setting at a height of 3 feet, will often perform better as it can see above and past obstacles.
5) In home installations where the roof is composed of asphalt shingles, you will typically see a little more than 1 S-Unit of loss, but usually no more than 1.75 S-Units of loss.
6) In home installations where the exterior walls have a chicken type wire under stucco or aluminum siding makes it nearly impossible for any antenna to function properly. If you are forced to operate in this situation, then place the antenna in front of the largest window, after removing any metal screen.
7) Near field radiation patterns of a magnetic loop are mainly in the plain of the loop, not through the center. Facing the center of the loop at a noise source can, however, help to null out interference caused by noisy electronics.
8) Far field radiation patterns of a magnetic loop are mainly in the plain of the loop, however, the surrounding environment can affect radiation patterns, which may naturally begin to overlap. This effect can minimize the far field directionality of a loop.
TUNING TIPS
The AL-705 antenna has a built-in tuning knob on the Alpha Match. It is with this black knob that you tune the antenna to the lowest SWR of 2.5:1 or less 10-40 meters. NOTE - It is easier to match and learn to tune the loop on 40 meters. The following technique has proven to be the easiest method for tuning the AL-705 in nearly all scenarios:
TUNING
1) After attaching your coax to your radio, set your radio for minimum power output.
2) Set your rig to SSB Mode, turn the volume up, and listen for the loudest noise floor as you turn the black knob on the match to the right.
3) You can then fine tune the Alpha Match with the black knob till the SWR meter on your rig's internal meter or your antenna analyzer is as low as possible.
TUNING TIPS
(Offset frequency while tuning for hand capacitance)
a. To off-set the effect of hand capacitance while tuning, a technique called reverse tuning can be used. To reverse tune a magnetic loop, tune for minimum SWR while touching the Black Knob on the Alpha Match, say 1.9:1; and then when you remove your hand you might see 4.3:1 for example. Then all you must do is tune for 4.3:1 while your hand is on the knob to achieve an SWR of 1.9:1 when you remove your hand.
(Tuning with equipment, without touching the antenna)
a. An antenna analyzer or SWR meter (whether internal to the rig or inline) can be used to find the lowest SWR after step 1 & 2 under TUNING is performed. This can be done without you having to touch the antenna. While watching the SWR on your equipment, change the frequency on your rig or analyzer till minimum SWR is shown on the meter.
To make the build quicker, colour code each of the pieces ! Great video ! 73 Mike VE3MKX
Great tip to color code for faster install!
with "plastic paint"
Thanks for the video. I just got my 705 and the first thing I thought about was how to mount it for use.
Glad I could help
primer is not needed as it will not be holding water.
No sure if you mean painting it?
@@KH6ML oh, I used to be KH6FP - then i let it lapse.
I am referring to the PVC piping. primer is not needed if there will be no water or air used.
@@patrickdonegan9559 Got it Thanks!!! I did not know that! Still white for now.