I read with great interest your email describing your antennas, also read GreerTech
Articles.
I think you have made a nice job, also by the detailed description on how to build it.
Three questions:
1. You took the Velocity Factor into account while WN6F states in his update (March 2004): ".... I incorrectly assumed that since we are using coax as antenna elements, that they would be subject to a cable's velocity factor. Since the loop element is really the outer braid skin, it is not subject to velocity factor. Only the inner differential-mode of coax is subject to velocity factor, and NOT the common-mode outer surface conductor of the braid, which is what we are using as the antenna!
My standard formula for calculating the loop circumference for the frequency of interest at 1/10th wavelength without any VF, is:
(1005 / freq mHz) * 0.10 "
Did you find that it is better to take it(VF) into account after all? There is quite a difference in element length between VF=1 and VF=0.66.
2. After preparing the antenna "elements" according to the different Shortwave Bands, did you check if they are actually optimized for those bands?
3. If they are really optimized, does it mean that they resonate at that frequency?
Or did I something along the way?
Sorry if it is too long :( .
Niki
