Since the loop didn't work I have decided to move on to plan B, which was the inverted V antenna for 20 meters. But I really didn't want to be stuck working only one band so I did some more research.
Plan B, the Inverted V has been move to Plan C. The new plan B is a 10.75' vertical antenna.
When I decided that I wanted to put up the Inverted V, I grabbed a PVC pipe that was 10' long. After I inserted it into my stand I looked at it and thought, vertical. So I started to do some research on short vertical antennas. I have already read about short dipole antennas and they do work, but nothing like a full half-wave dipole.
Two websites got me going on the ideal of short vertical antenna. The first was K7MEM's site which has some great info on short antennas and coil construction. The second site was N4SPP's site about more short antenna ideas. Between the two I figured that I will start with a straight 10.75' length of wire attached to the PVC and a DIY KISS counterpoise. Unfortunately I don't have an ocean in my back yard.
I checked my MFJ-929 Antenna Tuner to see if a wire of that length would tune. According to the doc's of a few of their Auto Tuners, a conductor >8' will work from 40 meters. The next length was 45' for 80 meter and up. So I shouldn't have any problems.
But just to reiterate, unless the antenna is cut for resonance to the correct length, I shouldn't expect results equal to the resonant antenna. I understand that. But, right now I am using a 36' wire strung between the house and a tree, again, with my DIY KISS counterpoise. I do get good results from time to time.
I should have my first test done on Monday. I'll keep you posted.
Plan B, the Inverted V has been move to Plan C. The new plan B is a 10.75' vertical antenna.
When I decided that I wanted to put up the Inverted V, I grabbed a PVC pipe that was 10' long. After I inserted it into my stand I looked at it and thought, vertical. So I started to do some research on short vertical antennas. I have already read about short dipole antennas and they do work, but nothing like a full half-wave dipole.
Two websites got me going on the ideal of short vertical antenna. The first was K7MEM's site which has some great info on short antennas and coil construction. The second site was N4SPP's site about more short antenna ideas. Between the two I figured that I will start with a straight 10.75' length of wire attached to the PVC and a DIY KISS counterpoise. Unfortunately I don't have an ocean in my back yard.
I checked my MFJ-929 Antenna Tuner to see if a wire of that length would tune. According to the doc's of a few of their Auto Tuners, a conductor >8' will work from 40 meters. The next length was 45' for 80 meter and up. So I shouldn't have any problems.
But just to reiterate, unless the antenna is cut for resonance to the correct length, I shouldn't expect results equal to the resonant antenna. I understand that. But, right now I am using a 36' wire strung between the house and a tree, again, with my DIY KISS counterpoise. I do get good results from time to time.
I should have my first test done on Monday. I'll keep you posted.