A cheap no xsmn line delta loop?

[ka3jjz]

Well, yes, maybe - if you already have a transmatch that can handle a balanced line...

$10 Delta Loop Antenna

Yes I know this article is ham-related but it's just as useful for receive apps, too. That is, if you have the room - and I'll admit I'm envious, being a cave dweller

Mike

 

[zz0468]

Well, yes, maybe - if you already have a transmatch that can handle a balanced line...

I honestly don't know why more hams don't use balanced line. It solves more problems than it creates, and a transmatch doesn't have to be hugely expensive.

 

[prcguy]

Yes balanced line can fix a lot of matching problems and allow dipoles to work on multiple bands with little loss. But there is still a problem of running it away from metal and off the ground and when it rains things can go haywire.

You can feed a delta loop with a broad band transformer, either a 2:1 or 4:1 depending on height above ground and resulting impedance. I would use a good current balun followed by an effective choke balun with low loss LMR400 or similar to the radio. With this setup most internal radio tuners will work just fine.

I honestly don't know why more hams don't use balanced line. It solves more problems than it creates, and a transmatch doesn't have to be hugely expensive.

 

[ka3jjz]

Keep in mind that the author was trying to make this antenna as unobtrusive as possible, so he didn't use any feedline at all. Just fed the 2 ends of the antenna to his tuner. That, and making the loop out of 22 gauge wire, makes it hard to see - something to consider if you're in a community with HOA nazis running about.;..Mike