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It will come as a shock to none of you that after learning of Alex's passing, I bought the latest version of the AlexLoop (that name was coined by Hiroki) complete with remote.??
Alex went through a lot of design iterations with the remote over many years, but the final result is elegant and simple.? It's a one-screw install, and Alex provides tools and spares.? Here are a couple of pics.? ?ooking forward to trying it out when it cools off.
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Wow, the remote control box looks way cool! Clearly a ton of development. Any idea whether it is compatible with the previous version AlexLoop?
You *must* view Alex's short videos on the loop generally and on the remote specifically--links below.
Best, --David KM6RI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TJuRFbssvDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZAJYNCg2k
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I don't believe it is compatible with older AlexLoops, but I will take a closer look.? I have my 1st Gen AlexLoop here, but my 2nd Gen is in Chester.? I think the tuning box is nearly the same.??
HOWEVER, if your loop capacitor has a very, very low drag, it might be possible to jury-rig something, especially with access to Hiroki's grandkids' Erector set.? Having seen some of Alex's previous configurations, I am amazed how elegantly simple this one is.? Alex really nailed it.? The new Hampack model also has a built-in tuning indicator--I'm guessing it's an rf current led indicator.??
If memory serves, the capacitor turns more freely on the current model, it may have a different ver?ier ratio.? The remote motor is powered by a 9v battery, so it can't develop much torque
I'll take a look tomorrow.??
I was pleased to see that a fragme?t of the video we shot maybe 12 years ago at Baylands is still present in one of Alex's videos on his youtube channel.??
On another note, I worked the Austrailian Maritime Museum destroyer on 20m cw tonight, VK2VMP.? Interesting QRZ page.? Cliff, have you guys ever worked them from your ship?
David, why did you go with the Alpha instead of the AlexLoop?
One final final.? Eons ago I gave a talk on mag loops at a club that met at the Covington Jr. High cafeteria, and at the end set up my 1st gen AlexLoop.? We were able to copy a UA0 on 20m.? As luck would have it, a club member had a brand-new 2nd gen AlexLoop, which we also set up.? No difference in signal strength.? 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:39 AM, David via groups.io <dkvarn@...> wrote: Wow, the remote control box looks way cool! Clearly a ton of development. Any idea whether it is compatible with the previous version AlexLoop?
You *must* view Alex's short videos on the loop generally and on the remote specifically--links below.
Best, --David KM6RI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TJuRFbssvDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZAJYNCg2k
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V1 AlexLoop and ManPack version very different, not compatible for RC. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
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On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:05 AM, Eric via groups.io <gliderboy1955@...> wrote: I don't believe it is compatible with older AlexLoops, but I will take a closer look.? I have my 1st Gen AlexLoop here, but my 2nd Gen is in Chester.? I think the tuning box is nearly the same.??
HOWEVER, if your loop capacitor has a very, very low drag, it might be possible to jury-rig something, especially with access to Hiroki's grandkids' Erector set.? Having seen some of Alex's previous configurations, I am amazed how elegantly simple this one is.? Alex really nailed it.? The new Hampack model also has a built-in tuning indicator--I'm guessing it's an rf current led indicator.??
If memory serves, the capacitor turns more freely on the current model, it may have a different ver?ier ratio.? The remote motor is powered by a 9v battery, so it can't develop much torque
I'll take a look tomorrow.??
I was pleased to see that a fragme?t of the video we shot maybe 12 years ago at Baylands is still present in one of Alex's videos on his youtube channel.??
On another note, I worked the Austrailian Maritime Museum destroyer on 20m cw tonight, VK2VMP.? Interesting QRZ page.? Cliff, have you guys ever worked them from your ship?
David, why did you go with the Alpha instead of the AlexLoop?
One final final.? Eons ago I gave a talk on mag loops at a club that met at the Covington Jr. High cafeteria, and at the end set up my 1st gen AlexLoop.? We were able to copy a UA0 on 20m.? As luck would have it, a club member had a brand-new 2nd gen AlexLoop, which we also set up.? No difference in signal strength.? 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
? On Mon, Jul 15, 2024 at 1:39 AM, David via groups.io <dkvarn@...> wrote: Wow, the remote control box looks way cool! Clearly a ton of development. Any idea whether it is compatible with the previous version AlexLoop?
You *must* view Alex's short videos on the loop generally and on the remote specifically--links below.
Best, --David KM6RI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=TJuRFbssvDs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ZAJYNCg2k
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Eric, your mag loop talk and demo is firmly wedged in my pantheon of Top 5 Ham Presentations Of All Time!
Your talk had everyone convinced, and then turning on the radio to instantly pull in semi exotic DX was just stunning!? From inside the auditorium, if I remember.
I remember several folks brought home made loops for show n tell.? Some good ideas there, too.
Cliff k6cls
On July 15, 2024 4:05:42 AM PDT, "Eric via groups.io" <gliderboy1955@...> wrote:
...
> One final final.? Eons ago I gave a talk on mag loops at a club that met at the Covington Jr. High cafeteria, and at the end set up my 1st gen AlexLoop.? We were able to copy a UA0 on 20m.? As luck would have it, a club member had a brand-new 2nd gen AlexLoop, which we also set up.? No difference in signal strength.
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No one was more shocked than I was, Cliff!? That was my own Jr High, and boy had it shrunk from 1967!? Yes, inside that concrete auditorium--unbelieveable. 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 10:11 AM, Cliff Sojourner K6CLS via groups.io <cls@...> wrote: Eric, your mag loop talk and demo is firmly wedged in my pantheon of Top 5 Ham Presentations Of All Time!
Your talk had everyone convinced, and then turning on the radio to instantly pull in semi exotic DX was just stunning!? From inside the auditorium, if I remember.
I remember several folks brought home made loops for show n tell.? Some good ideas there, too.
Cliff k6cls
On July 15, 2024 4:05:42 AM PDT, "Eric via groups.io" <gliderboy1955@...> wrote:
...
> One final final.? Eons ago I gave a talk on mag loops at a club that met at the Covington Jr. High cafeteria, and at the end set up my 1st gen AlexLoop.? We were able to copy a UA0 on 20m.? As luck would have it, a club member had a brand-new 2nd gen AlexLoop, which we also set up.? No difference in signal strength.
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I originally purchased the Alpha Loop because it seemed mechanically and electrically impressive: sealed, environmentally-rated tuning box, cool 3D printing, metal support rods, a nice stainless steel 1/4-20 mounting fixture, shielded coupling loop and a huge tuning knob. Further, they publish the SWR performance and it is rated at 100W PEP, though not sure I would trust the latter given the issues with the tuning cap. Finally, it received a 4.9/5 rating on eHam. I still think it is well built, and I trust they will work out the issue with the tuning cap (with help from me, lol). OTOH, it is not quite as portable as the AlexLoop, and the carrying bag is not as well thought out. I hope to have it a Baylands this Friday.?
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The previous gen Alex Loop gets major praise IMO for at least three things: it is simple, quick to set up and take down, and it just WORKS! On 28 June, I tried out the AlexLoop I now own (thanks Joy!) at Baylands. Under marginal band condx (20M) I worked 3 POTA stations without difficulty. One was in TN, a distance of 2300? mi, and the op gave me a great report. Not bad for 3W out of a uSDX+! I trust that the current gen AlexLoop works at least as well, though I have not tried one. There was a favorable review of it in a recent QST (attached).?
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Best, --David KM6RI
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Thanks, David, this was very halpful.?? 73, Eric NF6S
ex WD6DBM
?
On Wed, Jul 17, 2024 at 4:23 PM, David via groups.io <dkvarn@...> wrote: I originally purchased the Alpha Loop because it seemed mechanically and electrically impressive: sealed, environmentally-rated tuning box, cool 3D printing, metal support rods, a nice stainless steel 1/4-20 mounting fixture, shielded coupling loop and a huge tuning knob. Further, they publish the SWR performance and it is rated at 100W PEP, though not sure I would trust the latter given the issues with the tuning cap. Finally, it received a 4.9/5 rating on eHam. I still think it is well built, and I trust they will work out the issue with the tuning cap (with help from me, lol). OTOH, it is not quite as portable as the AlexLoop, and the carrying bag is not as well thought out. I hope to have it a Baylands this Friday.?
?
The previous gen Alex Loop gets major praise IMO for at least three things: it is simple, quick to set up and take down, and it just WORKS! On 28 June, I tried out the AlexLoop I now own (thanks Joy!) at Baylands. Under marginal band condx (20M) I worked 3 POTA stations without difficulty. One was in TN, a distance of 2300? mi, and the op gave me a great report. Not bad for 3W out of a uSDX+! I trust that the current gen AlexLoop works at least as well, though I have not tried one. There was a favorable review of it in a recent QST (attached).?
?
Best, --David KM6RI
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David
Cliff Sojourner K6CLS