Full-Wave Loop Antenna: Difference between revisions
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The '''full-wave loop''' is a closed wire loop whose circumference is one wavelength, mounted in a vertical plane and fed at the bottom. | The '''full-wave loop''' is a closed wire loop whose circumference is one wavelength, mounted in a vertical plane and fed at the bottom. | ||
== Try this antenna == | |||
Set Circumference for the frequency before transmitting. The 1 m default is not an HF loop. Use the wavelength formula below as a starting size and check SWR after every significant frequency change. | |||
[[Antenna System|Compare antenna types and tuning steps]] · [[Antenna Calculations|Calculate a starting length]] · [[Propagation Basics|Understand the coverage]] | |||
== Configuration == | == Configuration == | ||
Latest revision as of 21:21, 13 September 2026
The full-wave loop is a closed wire loop whose circumference is one wavelength, mounted in a vertical plane and fed at the bottom.
Try this antenna[edit | edit source]
Set Circumference for the frequency before transmitting. The 1 m default is not an HF loop. Use the wavelength formula below as a starting size and check SWR after every significant frequency change.
Compare antenna types and tuning steps · Calculate a starting length · Understand the coverage
Configuration[edit | edit source]
The loop stands in a vertical plane and is fed at the bottom; the length field is labelled Circumference. The default is 1.0 m, which is only sensible for very high frequencies; set 0 to get a full-wave circumference for the operating frequency, or enter it explicitly.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
- Typical gain around 1.5 dBi with a high takeoff angle around 55 degrees: primarily a short and medium range antenna.
- Broadside pattern (perpendicular to the loop plane), controlled by the azimuth setting, but lobes are broad.
- Distinctly narrowband: the SWR is excellent at resonance and degrades quickly off frequency. Retune (adjust circumference) when changing frequency by more than a fraction of a percent.
- Quiet and clean pattern; a classic choice for regional nets.
Sizing[edit | edit source]
A full-wave circumference in meters is approximately 300 divided by the frequency in MHz (see Antenna Calculations). Example: about 84 m at 3.6 MHz, about 42 m at 7.1 MHz.
When to use[edit | edit source]
For reliable short and medium range ionospheric coverage on a fixed frequency. Poor choice for frequency-agile operation because of the narrow match.