Re: Coupling loop question...
I started with a 1T coupling loop (haven't tried 2T or 3T yet) and
wound up using 9T around my 24" square frame.? I don't have a way to
measure inductance but with the old capacitor I have I can tune from
520 to almost 1700, so I figure that's OK for my first effort.?
Between tuning and rotating I can get most stations to come in
clearly.? This is with everything wire nutted together so I figure
that when everything is soldered it might be even better.
Earl
On 8/29/24 18:35, Gedas wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
By all means
build your loop then fix it's location & orientation on a
known station and establish it's performance with a 1T coupling
loop. Then quickly add a 2nd turn and reevaluate, then add a 3rd
turn and see which was best.? For my loop I did some hand
calculations for the predicted inductance per turn then
estimated the number of turns to get me over my target of 3 mH.
This allowed my variable capacitor box to achieve resonance from
about 25 kHz to about 350 kHz using all the turns in the loop.?
If I needed to cover higher frequencies I simply moved my gator
clip to a lower number of turns and retuned the cap box. This
way I could cover up through the high end of the BC band.? Here
was the measured inductance of that loop as a function of number
of turns.
Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
Light travels faster than sound.....
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 8/29/2024 4:05 PM, Earl Parker II
wrote:
I shall experiment.? Thanks for the photo.? It looks like it's
at least 4 ft square.? How did you arrive at the size and number
of turns of wire?? I know there are formulas/calculators; did
you use one of those or did other considerations guide you?
Earl
On 8/29/24 15:43, Gedas wrote:
1-T
may or may not turn out to be the best solution for your
setup. There are usually too many variables to say in general.
But in my case 1T did turn out to provide the greatest
coupling with a nice frequency response. But my interests are
generally VLF.
Below is a URL of the tuned loop I made. I was able to quickly
evaluate signal strengths and antenna characteristics using
1T, 2T, and 3T.? 2T got crappy and 3T was almost useless.
Again YMMV so I suggest you just try different turns. It only
takes a few minutes to add a turn and does not have to look
pretty for experimental purposes.? GL
Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
Light travels faster than sound.....
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 8/29/2024 12:00 AM, Earl
Parker II wrote:
One
turn it will be then.? As for measuring Q, I'm a long ways
from that :).? I'm very slowly learning to speak
electronics.
Thanks!
Earl
On 8/28/24 23:23, Andrew
Russell wrote:
G¡¯day Earl,
I have found that one turn works well.
You can use the spacing to the tuned
coil to adjust the coupling.
I think there is a way to estimate a
50Ohm match point but it will depend on the Q of the
RC circuit if you can measure that somehow.
Andrew VK5CV.
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box
loop, 20 AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor
(at least that's what I'm starting with).? I'd
certainly appreciate suggestions on the best design
for a coupling loop for such an antenna, thanks!
?
Earl
|
Re: Coupling loop question...
By all means
build your loop then fix it's location & orientation on a
known station and establish it's performance with a 1T coupling
loop. Then quickly add a 2nd turn and reevaluate, then add a 3rd
turn and see which was best.? For my loop I did some hand
calculations for the predicted inductance per turn then estimated
the number of turns to get me over my target of 3 mH. This allowed
my variable capacitor box to achieve resonance from about 25 kHz
to about 350 kHz using all the turns in the loop.? If I needed to
cover higher frequencies I simply moved my gator clip to a lower
number of turns and retuned the cap box. This way I could cover up
through the high end of the BC band.? Here was the measured
inductance of that loop as a function of number of turns.
Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
Light travels faster than sound.....
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 8/29/2024 4:05 PM, Earl Parker II
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I
shall experiment.? Thanks for the photo.? It looks like it's at
least 4 ft square.? How did you arrive at the size and number of
turns of wire?? I know there are formulas/calculators; did you use
one of those or did other considerations guide you?
Earl
On 8/29/24 15:43, Gedas wrote:
1-T
may or may not turn out to be the best solution for your setup.
There are usually too many variables to say in general. But in
my case 1T did turn out to provide the greatest coupling with a
nice frequency response. But my interests are generally VLF.
Below is a URL of the tuned loop I made. I was able to quickly
evaluate signal strengths and antenna characteristics using 1T,
2T, and 3T.? 2T got crappy and 3T was almost useless. Again YMMV
so I suggest you just try different turns. It only takes a few
minutes to add a turn and does not have to look pretty for
experimental purposes.? GL
Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
Light travels faster than sound.....
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 8/29/2024 12:00 AM, Earl Parker
II wrote:
One
turn it will be then.? As for measuring Q, I'm a long ways
from that :).? I'm very slowly learning to speak electronics.
Thanks!
Earl
On 8/28/24 23:23, Andrew Russell
wrote:
G¡¯day Earl,
I have found that one turn works well.
You can use the spacing to the tuned coil
to adjust the coupling.
I think there is a way to estimate a
50Ohm match point but it will depend on the Q of the
RC circuit if you can measure that somehow.
Andrew VK5CV.
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box
loop, 20 AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor (at
least that's what I'm starting with).? I'd certainly
appreciate suggestions on the best design for a coupling
loop for such an antenna, thanks!
?
Earl
|
Re: Coupling loop question...
I shall experiment.? Thanks for the photo.? It looks like it's at
least 4 ft square.? How did you arrive at the size and number of
turns of wire?? I know there are formulas/calculators; did you use
one of those or did other considerations guide you?
Earl
On 8/29/24 15:43, Gedas wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
1-T may or may
not turn out to be the best solution for your setup. There are
usually too many variables to say in general. But in my case 1T
did turn out to provide the greatest coupling with a nice
frequency response. But my interests are generally VLF.
Below is a URL of the tuned loop I made. I was able to quickly
evaluate signal strengths and antenna characteristics using 1T,
2T, and 3T.? 2T got crappy and 3T was almost useless. Again YMMV
so I suggest you just try different turns. It only takes a few
minutes to add a turn and does not have to look pretty for
experimental purposes.? GL
Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
Light travels faster than sound.....
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 8/29/2024 12:00 AM, Earl Parker II
wrote:
One turn it will be then.? As for measuring Q, I'm a long ways
from that :).? I'm very slowly learning to speak electronics.
Thanks!
Earl
On 8/28/24 23:23, Andrew Russell
wrote:
G¡¯day Earl,
I have found that one turn works well.
You can use the spacing to the tuned coil
to adjust the coupling.
I think there is a way to estimate a 50Ohm
match point but it will depend on the Q of the RC
circuit if you can measure that somehow.
Andrew VK5CV.
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box loop,
20 AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor (at least
that's what I'm starting with).? I'd certainly appreciate
suggestions on the best design for a coupling loop for
such an antenna, thanks!
?
Earl
|
Re: Coupling loop question...
1-T may or may
not turn out to be the best solution for your setup. There are
usually too many variables to say in general. But in my case 1T
did turn out to provide the greatest coupling with a nice
frequency response. But my interests are generally VLF.
Below is a URL of the tuned loop I made. I was able to quickly
evaluate signal strengths and antenna characteristics using 1T,
2T, and 3T.? 2T got crappy and 3T was almost useless. Again YMMV
so I suggest you just try different turns. It only takes a few
minutes to add a turn and does not have to look pretty for
experimental purposes.? GL
Gedas, W8BYA EN70JT
Light travels faster than sound.....
This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
On 8/29/2024 12:00 AM, Earl Parker II
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
One turn it will be then.? As for measuring Q, I'm a long ways
from that :).? I'm very slowly learning to speak electronics.
Thanks!
Earl
On 8/28/24 23:23, Andrew Russell
wrote:
G¡¯day Earl,
I have found that one turn works well.
You can use the spacing to the tuned coil to
adjust the coupling.
I think there is a way to estimate a 50Ohm
match point but it will depend on the Q of the RC circuit
if you can measure that somehow.
Andrew VK5CV.
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box loop,
20 AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor (at least
that's what I'm starting with).? I'd certainly appreciate
suggestions on the best design for a coupling loop for such
an antenna, thanks!
?
Earl
|
Re: Coupling loop question...
One turn it will be then.? As for measuring Q, I'm a long ways from
that :).? I'm very slowly learning to speak electronics.
Thanks!
Earl
On 8/28/24 23:23, Andrew Russell wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
G¡¯day Earl,
I have found that one turn works well.
You can use the spacing to the tuned coil to
adjust the coupling.
I think there is a way to estimate a 50Ohm
match point but it will depend on the Q of the RC circuit if
you can measure that somehow.
Andrew VK5CV.
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box loop, 20
AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor (at least that's
what I'm starting with).? I'd certainly appreciate suggestions
on the best design for a coupling loop for such an antenna,
thanks!
?
Earl
|
Re: Coupling loop question...
G¡¯day Earl,
I have found that one turn works well.
You can use the spacing to the tuned coil to adjust the coupling.
I think there is a way to estimate a 50Ohm match point but it will depend on the Q of the RC circuit if you can measure that somehow.
Andrew VK5CV.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box loop, 20 AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor (at least that's what I'm starting with).? I'd certainly appreciate suggestions on the best design for a coupling loop for such an antenna, thanks!
?
Earl
|
Coupling loop question...
I'm building a medium wave antenna, 24" x 24" box loop, 20 AWG wire, 365 pf air gap variable capacitor (at least that's what I'm starting with).? I'd certainly appreciate suggestions on the best design for a coupling loop for such an antenna, thanks!
?
Earl
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Thanks, Everett! Simon On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:30?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote:
Simon, I did not weigh it, but there was very little weight to it. The aluminum tubing is very light IN WEIGHT.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:19:53 AM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Hi Everett,
Do you by any chance remember what is the weight of your assembled
loop plus Fiberglass pole?
Regards,
Simon
On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:17?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io
<everettsharp@...> wrote:
Hi Rolf,
I used a PVC conduit fitting and filled in the gaps with potting compound. I cut out an 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate and mounted the PVC fitting to it then added the U bolts.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:09:09 AM Central Daylight Time, groups@... writes:
Hi Everett,
Nice work.
from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps?
73, Rolf
__________________________________________________________________
PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN
T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE
go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Everett N4CY via groups.io
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 9:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Guys,
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on. Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor. The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
Fred
N4CLA
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years. Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod! Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
You can always "slit" or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice). Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor. Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water! Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and vertical. If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
Sorry 'bot running on like this. I'm faithful follower here!
Holmzie n2exg
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Thanks for the info ? 73, Rolf __________________________________________________________________ PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, ?SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Everett N4CY via groups.io
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 4:17 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8? I used a PVC conduit fitting and filled in the gaps with potting compound. I cut out an 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate and mounted the PVC fitting to it then added the U bolts.
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:09:09 AM Central Daylight Time, groups@... writes:
Hi Everett, ? Nice work. ? from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps? ? 73, Rolf __________________________________________________________________ PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, ?SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer ? ? Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
>
> Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
>
> Fred
> N4CLA
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
>>
>> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
>>
>> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
>>
>> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
>>
>> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
>>
>> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
>>
>> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
>>
>> Holmzie n2exg
>
>
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Simon, I did not weigh it, but there was very little weight to it. The aluminum tubing is very light IN WEIGHT.
?
Everett N4CY
?
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:19:53 AM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Hi Everett, Do you by any chance remember what is the weight of your assembled loop plus Fiberglass pole? Regards, Simon On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:17?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote: > > Hi Rolf, > > I used a PVC conduit fitting and filled in the gaps with potting compound. I cut out an 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate and mounted the PVC fitting to it then added the U bolts. > > Everett N4CY > > In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:09:09 AM Central Daylight Time, groups@... writes: > > > Hi Everett, > > > > Nice work. > > > > from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps? > > > > 73, Rolf > > __________________________________________________________________ > > PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS,? SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN > > T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE > > go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer > > > > From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Everett N4CY via groups.io > Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 9:37 PM > To: [email protected]> Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8 > > > > Guys, > > > > Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls. > > > >? > > > > Everett N4CY > > > In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes: > > > > Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! > Simon > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io > <n40cla@...> wrote: > > > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > > > Fred > > N4CLA > > > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote: > >> > >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. > >> > >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). > >> > >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). > >> > >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... > >> > >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. > >> > >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! > >> > >> Holmzie n2exg > > > > > > > > > > >
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Hi Everett, Do you by any chance remember what is the weight of your assembled loop plus Fiberglass pole? Regards, Simon On Mon, Aug 26, 2024 at 7:17?AM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote:
Hi Rolf,
I used a PVC conduit fitting and filled in the gaps with potting compound. I cut out an 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate and mounted the PVC fitting to it then added the U bolts.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:09:09 AM Central Daylight Time, groups@... writes:
Hi Everett,
Nice work.
from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps?
73, Rolf
__________________________________________________________________
PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN
T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE
go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Everett N4CY via groups.io
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 9:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Guys,
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on. Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor. The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
Fred
N4CLA
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years. Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod! Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
You can always "slit" or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice). Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor. Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water! Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and vertical. If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
Sorry 'bot running on like this. I'm faithful follower here!
Holmzie n2exg
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Hi Rolf,
?
I used a PVC conduit fitting and filled in the gaps with potting compound. I cut out an 1/8" 6061-T6 aluminum plate and mounted the PVC fitting to it then added the U bolts.
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/26/2024 9:09:09 AM Central Daylight Time, groups@... writes:
?
Hi Everett,
?
Nice work.
?
from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps?
?
73, Rolf
__________________________________________________________________
PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, ?SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN
T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE
go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer
?
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
>
> Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
>
> Fred
> N4CLA
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
>>
>> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
>>
>> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
>>
>> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
>>
>> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
>>
>> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
>>
>> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
>>
>> Holmzie n2exg
>
>
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Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Hi Everett, ? Nice work. ? from where did you get the housing for the amplifier with the clamps? ? 73, Rolf __________________________________________________________________ PLATH SIR-2115, G69/31DDC, PERSEUS, ?SIGNALHOUND , AFEDRI, GRX-LAN T2FD, G5RV, WELLBROOK 1530/ALA-100, DISCONE, NTi GA3005, STAMPFL X ONE go2MONITOR, go2DECODE, Signal Analyzer ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Everett N4CY via groups.io
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 9:37 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [loopantennas] Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8? Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred!
Simon
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io
<n40cla@...> wrote:
>
> Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod.
>
> Fred
> N4CLA
>
> On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote:
>>
>> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod.
>>
>> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water).
>>
>> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!).
>>
>> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts...
>>
>> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad.
>>
>> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here!
>>
>> Holmzie n2exg
>
>
|
Re: Kits and Parts sad news.
Best news all year, my new right knee not withstanding.
Kits and Parts has been my go to for odd RF parts.
The RF amps they no longer offer were a wonderful bargain for the price.
?
|
Re: Kits and Parts sad news.
You are right, Diz¡¯ passing is very sad. This is however old news: Kits And Parts was sold to Mike Maiorana ?KU4QO. So hopefully there is no reason to think that this will change any time soon.
?
?Karl Heinz - K5KHK
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Kits and Parts has been my go to source for ferrites and other RF odds and ends. A friend just told me Dieter "Diz" Gentzow, W8DIZ, lost his battle with his illness yesterday, March 3rd, 2024. I have no idea how long Kits and Parts will continue, so it might be a good idea to think about parts they have that you will need and get that order in pronto.
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Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
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On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:50?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Fred,
?
It is an RCA and it works well, when I can keep the squires from eating my wires.
?
Everett
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:46:12 PM Central Daylight Time, n40cla@... writes:
?
Good afternoon Everett,
?
Fred Moore here, N4CLA
?
Can you tell me what model rotator you are using?? I might be interested in obtaining one.
?
Fred
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:37?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via <n40cla= [email protected]> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
?
?
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Fred,
?
It is an RCA and it works well, when I can keep the squires from eating my wires.
?
Everett
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:46:12 PM Central Daylight Time, n40cla@... writes:
?
Good afternoon Everett,
?
Fred Moore here, N4CLA
?
Can you tell me what model rotator you are using?? I might be interested in obtaining one.
?
Fred
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:37?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via <n40cla= [email protected]> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
?
?
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Yes it is an RCA Rotor..
?
Everett
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:41:47 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thank you, Everett, looks great! That's also RCA rotator, right? Looks like you have about 4' between the rotator and the loop? In my case I have ~10ft mast and it's somewhat center heavy (big IP67 PVC box). Regards, Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:37?PM Everett N4CY via groups.io <everettsharp@...> wrote: > > Guys, > > Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls. > >? > > Everett N4CY > > In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes: > > > Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! > Simon > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via groups.io > <n40cla@...> wrote: > > > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > > > Fred > > N4CLA > > > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via groups.io <p.holmzie@...> wrote: > >> > >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. > >> > >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). > >> > >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). > >> > >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... > >> > >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. > >> > >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! > >> > >> Holmzie n2exg > > > > > > > > > >
|
Re: Rotators for loop antenna (continued)...8
Good afternoon Everett,
Fred Moore here, N4CLA
Can you tell me what model rotator you are using?? I might be interested in obtaining one.
Fred
On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:37?PM Everett N4CY via <everettsharp= [email protected]> wrote:
Guys,
?
Here is my 4' loop that I rolled out of 1.5" 6061-T6 Aluminum tubing. I am using fiberglass military tent poles for the support mast. The amplifier is one of my Improved LZ1AQ loop amps. It is mounted on a rotor. I am able to get 28 to 29dB nulls.
?
?
?
Everett N4CY
In a message dated 8/23/2024 2:28:57 PM Central Daylight Time, 1rfsam@... writes:
?
Thanks for the suggestion, Fred! Simon On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 12:12?PM Fred Moore via <n40cla= [email protected]> wrote: > > Why don't you place your rotor under the tripod, put a real thrust bearing on the top of the tripod that the real mast will sit on.? Then place a smaller pipe on the rotor that slides up into the mast and bolt the two pipes together. This way all the weight above the rotor actually is sitting on the top of the tripod and not on the rotor.? The only thing the rotor is doing now is rotating a 2 ft or 3 ft piece of pipe and the bolt through the rotor pipe and the mast pipe is turning the weight above the tripod. > > Fred > N4CLA > > On Fri, Aug 23, 2024 at 3:01?PM Holmzie N2EXG via <p.holmzie= [email protected]> wrote: >> >> An advantage is not having to run guy wires and more penitrations, plus the support will all come from the existing tripod. >> >> I did this to to 2 alliance rotors and an RCA over the years.? Some of my other (easier) solutions were to mount the rotator UNDER ...at the bottom of the tripod!? Make an insulating bearing out of PVC at the top of the tripod. Make a plate or bracket to firmly mount the rotator base, (above any possible standing water). >> >> You can always "slit"? or stack one or more PVC diameters or sections, to makeup a thicker homegrowen bearing, glue 'em up, glue 'em together) to make 'em thicker, (even using hose clamps or a vice).? Inserting the PVC spacer and clamp it down at the top of the tripod just enough to allow free rotation (with a little grease!). >> >> I also used hose clamps to hold the slit tripod's PVC bearings to the right diameter while loosely inserting the mast through the tripod and the rotor.? Once in place, I slowly tightened everything up so the greased PVC bearing was held firmly In place by the groved indentations of the bolts... >> >> The one cavet is to not ever mount a rotator where it may sit in water!? Don't set a rotator outside unless it is elevated and? vertical.? If your flat roof floods and water comes up to the rotator, that's bad. >> >> Sorry 'bot running on like this.? I'm faithful follower here! >> >> Holmzie n2exg > >
|
Everett N4CY