Loop Antenna?

[peacefrog922]

I have a question. I have a SDR Uno and I love it. I am currently using a long wire antenna on top of a wooden fence and it works pretty well but I would like to try a different antenna to see if I can get a wider range of bands. I have heard that a loop antenna works good for HF listening and can be made with simple components. Any suggestions or feedback would be most appreciated.

 

[ka3jjz]

What do you mean by a 'wider range of bands'?

Loops are very useful on MW and below where you can actually null out one station over another. On HF their lower noise characteristics make them a good choice in urban settings. Check out our wiki below...

Loops - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Mike

 

[w2dsx]

An example that's getting lots of attention on the web is a "Youloop" antenna. They're being touted for use with Airspy SDR's, but I have no problem using mine with my SDRPlay RSPs. They're designed for use with high dynamic range receivers, like the Airspys and SDRPlays, but may not do that well with old school HF receivers. Mine was a lifesaver this past holiday season as I got creamed by holiday light displays. For some reason the new LED blanket style lights are just brutal for QRM/noise. You can find them online or make your own, the hardest part is getting together the connectors and a 9:1 balun. Remember, this is receive-only so don't get sucked in by the RX/TX loops ($$) you see in the ham mags and websites.

 

[ka3jjz]

We have a few links on the YouLoop - including on how to build your own - in the above article. Mike

 

[krokus]

... For some reason the new LED blanket style lights are just brutal for QRM/noise.

Forward biased diodes have been used as a broadband noise source, for noise bridges, for many years. A household LED light source has multiple junctions that are forward biased, and those blankets are multiple LEDs. That makes for a major noise source.