Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Doug Turnbull]

Dear OMs and YLs,
 When using the AlexLoop one always at a minimum starts out with the
antenna tuner bypassed and normally you leave it that way.   I have had
occasion to use the AlexLoop mounted atop a steel reinforced concrete wall
and found that the minimum SWR was not good enough so I used the KX3 tuner.
The location was very good and I still made some good QSOs.   Without doubt
I should have moved but the location was convenient as I had use of a part
bench looking out over the considerable height of Monticatini Alto in
Tuscany ( Italians please forgive my spelling).

 With the AlexLoop or any magloop close by you can tune it and the
narrow band properties are not a big deal.   It certainly is easier to shift
form 20M to 40M with an AlexLoop than with a portable vertical type antenna.

  73 Doug EI2CN

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
Richard Donner
Sent: 13 July 2016 04:15
To: sjl...@optonline.net; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

Hi Stan
I own an AlexLoop  and a few of us hams went into a park and did some
 signal comparisons on  20 meters.   We compared an
Alexloop,  a full size vertical with four radials, and a 1/2 wave  end fed
for 20 meters.
I used an a/b switch on receive and transmit.
The vertical beat out the other antennas by less than an  an s unit.   The
Alexloop was almost as good as the full size vertical.  The only drawbacks
I see with this antenna is that it needs to be in the clear.   It also has
a very narrow bandwidth maybe  30Khz.
On a SOTA activation  making phone contacts on 20 meters was quite doable
with 10 watts last year.   You will need an SWR meter with a needle to
catch the quick dips as you tune the loop.

 bye Richard
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to turnb...@net1.ie

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Dan Presley]

Hi Stan-and list. I've used the Alexloop for the past 2 years and overall am 
very pleased with it. I primarily use it for portable use particularly SOTA, 
and with my newly acquired KX2 it makes the best portable combination I've ever 
had for speed and ease of setup. I used mine on a SOTA activation a few weeks 
back and in 1& 1/2 hrs I worked 25 Q's in 14 states and New Zealand. 
Propagation was iffy so I had to be patient, and this was all on 20 CW at 5W. 
Tuning is very sharp so it takes some getting used to, and you need to elevate 
it  at least 5 Ft above ground for good results. I use a cheap camera tripod or 
sometimes a  portable music stand base (like a Manhasset, for those who know 
what that is!). You want to get it a few feet away from you and tuning at first 
may seem tricky but after a bit I can get really close just by tuning to band 
noise. Sometimes I use the little IP60 antenna analyzer that Buddipole sells 
which is handy but you can do well with the KX2 or 3 SWR ind
 icator. I figure I can have my station up and running in less than 5 minutes. 
I also have a variety of end fed wires, Buddipole, lightweight dipoles, etc for 
all situations but they all take time to set up, so the Alexloop wins out 
because it's light and quick, and works pretty darn well on the upper bands 
especially. One of my buddies just picked up the Alpha loop at a hamfest which 
looks very similar so we plan to have a shootout soon to see if there's any 
difference between the 2-I suspect they're very similar. He got a hamfest deal 
on his so if that's an option that's a good way to go.
Dan Presley  N7CQR
n7...@arrl.net


On Jul 12, 2016, at 1:23 PM, stan levandowski wrote:

> I would like to correspond with anyone who has experience using the Alexloop 
> antenna with 1-2 watts.
> 
> Normally, I use either an end fed antenna and a T1, a resonant linked dipole, 
> or a resonant Par HF Omni-Angle (for 20 and 17 meters).  They all work quite 
> well for their intended use but require some effort to erect.
> 
> 
> I have been reading about the Alexloop Walkham for at least the last two 
> years.  It would present some distinct advantages to me and the reviews seem 
> to be overwhelmingly positive.
> 
> 
> My concern is that while I have a KX2 for my home station, I only take my LNR 
> five band Mountain Topper out on my portable jaunts.  On a 9 volt transistor 
> battery, I get a bit over 1 watt; on 12 volts I get 2.5 watts.
> 
> 
> My specific interest is in finding out as much as I can about how this small 
> Alexloop performs at such low power levels since its efficiency is reported 
> to be about 7% on 40 meters, rising to about 25% on 20 meters.
> 
> 
> An email to Alex has gone unanswered for the last two days.
> 
> 
> Thanks and 73 from Stan WB2LQF 
> 
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to n7...@arrl.net

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Richard Donner]

Hi Stan
I own an AlexLoop  and a few of us hams went into a park and did some
 signal comparisons on  20 meters.   We compared an
Alexloop,  a full size vertical with four radials, and a 1/2 wave  end fed
for 20 meters.
I used an a/b switch on receive and transmit.
The vertical beat out the other antennas by less than an  an s unit.   The
Alexloop was almost as good as the full size vertical.  The only drawbacks
I see with this antenna is that it needs to be in the clear.   It also has
a very narrow bandwidth maybe  30Khz.
On a SOTA activation  making phone contacts on 20 meters was quite doable
with 10 watts last year.   You will need an SWR meter with a needle to
catch the quick dips as you tune the loop.

 bye Richard
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Enzo Adrian-Reyes]

People seem to have good opinions on the AlexLoop, but I had one feedback
into my KX3 and forced it shutdown, I've heard of other similar things as
well with magnetic loops. The thing to remember is that you need that ATU
off before it can work.

On 40M I couldnt even get a signal out, and other frequencies here in VK
are dead except 2m/73cm

73

On Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 11:01 AM, Chip Stratton 
wrote:

> On some SOTA activations I will start off running my KX3 at 1 watt with my
> AlexLoop to try to reduce the initial pile-up to a more manageable level.
> Sometimes it works, and sometime it doesn't seem to matter, there is still
> a pile-up!
>
> The most important thing when using the AlexLoop is to be able to see the
> SWR change continuously as you tune it. If your transmitter has a good SWR
> indication you should be fine.
>
> I suspect you would be pleased with its performance even at 1-2 watts.
>
> 72
> Chip
> AE5KA
>
> On Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 4:23 PM, stan levandowski 
> wrote:
>
> > I would like to correspond with anyone who has experience using the
> > Alexloop antenna with 1-2 watts.
> >
> > Normally, I use either an end fed antenna and a T1, a resonant linked
> > dipole, or a resonant Par HF Omni-Angle (for 20 and 17 meters).  They all
> > work quite well for their intended use but require some effort to erect.
> >
> >
> > I have been reading about the Alexloop Walkham for at least the last two
> > years.  It would present some distinct advantages to me and the reviews
> > seem to be overwhelmingly positive.
> >
> >
> > My concern is that while I have a KX2 for my home station, I only take my
> > LNR five band Mountain Topper out on my portable jaunts.  On a 9 volt
> > transistor battery, I get a bit over 1 watt; on 12 volts I get 2.5 watts.
> >
> >
> > My specific interest is in finding out as much as I can about how this
> > small Alexloop performs at such low power levels since its efficiency is
> > reported to be about 7% on 40 meters, rising to about 25% on 20 meters.
> >
> >
> > An email to Alex has gone unanswered for the last two days.
> >
> >
> > Thanks and 73 from Stan WB2LQF
> >
> >
> >
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to enzo.adrianre...@gmail.com
>
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Chip Stratton]

On some SOTA activations I will start off running my KX3 at 1 watt with my
AlexLoop to try to reduce the initial pile-up to a more manageable level.
Sometimes it works, and sometime it doesn't seem to matter, there is still
a pile-up!

The most important thing when using the AlexLoop is to be able to see the
SWR change continuously as you tune it. If your transmitter has a good SWR
indication you should be fine.

I suspect you would be pleased with its performance even at 1-2 watts.

72
Chip
AE5KA

On Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 4:23 PM, stan levandowski 
wrote:

> I would like to correspond with anyone who has experience using the
> Alexloop antenna with 1-2 watts.
>
> Normally, I use either an end fed antenna and a T1, a resonant linked
> dipole, or a resonant Par HF Omni-Angle (for 20 and 17 meters).  They all
> work quite well for their intended use but require some effort to erect.
>
>
> I have been reading about the Alexloop Walkham for at least the last two
> years.  It would present some distinct advantages to me and the reviews
> seem to be overwhelmingly positive.
>
>
> My concern is that while I have a KX2 for my home station, I only take my
> LNR five band Mountain Topper out on my portable jaunts.  On a 9 volt
> transistor battery, I get a bit over 1 watt; on 12 volts I get 2.5 watts.
>
>
> My specific interest is in finding out as much as I can about how this
> small Alexloop performs at such low power levels since its efficiency is
> reported to be about 7% on 40 meters, rising to about 25% on 20 meters.
>
>
> An email to Alex has gone unanswered for the last two days.
>
>
> Thanks and 73 from Stan WB2LQF
>
>
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[Doug Turnbull]

Hello Stan,
 If you go to the AlexLoop site and open clippings then go to Echo
Ireland, you will find a fairly lengthy review I wrote.I have not used
the AlexLoop very often with my KX1 and hence 2.5W but have used it
frequently with the KX3 at 5 Watts for portable operations.The antenna
works even when inside a non-metallic building.   It seems like snake oil
but it works.   I made the QSOs mentioned in the article with 5 Watts so it
would be harder at 2 Watts as you will be down 3 dB.   A dipole is going to
work better at any reasonable height but it will be for one band and takes
up a lot of space.   You can place the AlexLoop on a balcony, take it to the
park or better yet a summit and it will work.   I think it pricy but so too
are all commercial antennas.

 You could do a lot worse.   I am purchasing a KX2 to replace a KX3 used
in EI for portable operations in Europe.   I reckon the KX2 in its special
travel case will fit inside the AlexLoop bag.   Though I prefer using my
Begali Adventurer Paddle; the new KX2 paddle will be purchased as it is so
small and hopefully beats the original KX3 paddle.  Elecraft has come a long
way since the KX1 paddle.   You go trekking but I am an old goat at 72 and
do not want to carry anything more than absolutely required when using air
travel.

One big disadvantage of the KX2 is the size of the battery charger.   I
do not want to haul this monster around.   Maybe two battery packs will do
me but airlines do not like LiPo battery packs of any type outside the
radio.   I may just gamble of a second battery pack.   This however is off
topic.

 For me the AlexLoop works better than I would ever expect and even
outperformed a Buddipole using a full quarter length shock cord whip on 20M
with two raised radials.   This should not be the case but was for me when I
tried this comparison.Another advantage of the AlexLoop is that you can
change bands so easily.   At night time no one wants to run outdoors and
reconfigure a Buddipole - all I do is retune the AlexLoop which is sitting
inside the room  with me at arms length.   The AlexLoop is a useful antenna
for portable operations.   It is well packaged and easily assembled.  

 Good luck my friend.   These are just my experiences.   Again I suggest
you read the clipping of my review in Echo Ireland.

 73 Doug EI2CN 

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of stan
levandowski
Sent: 12 July 2016 20:24
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

I would like to correspond with anyone who has experience using the 
Alexloop antenna with 1-2 watts.

Normally, I use either an end fed antenna and a T1, a resonant linked 
dipole, or a resonant Par HF Omni-Angle (for 20 and 17 meters).  They 
all work quite well for their intended use but require some effort to 
erect.


I have been reading about the Alexloop Walkham for at least the last two 
years.  It would present some distinct advantages to me and the reviews 
seem to be overwhelmingly positive.


My concern is that while I have a KX2 for my home station, I only take 
my LNR five band Mountain Topper out on my portable jaunts.  On a 9 volt 
transistor battery, I get a bit over 1 watt; on 12 volts I get 2.5 
watts.


My specific interest is in finding out as much as I can about how this 
small Alexloop performs at such low power levels since its efficiency is 
reported to be about 7% on 40 meters, rising to about 25% on 20 meters.


An email to Alex has gone unanswered for the last two days.


Thanks and 73 from Stan WB2LQF 



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to turnb...@net1.ie

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] {OT} Alexloop Walkham Antenna

[stan levandowski]

I would like to correspond with anyone who has experience using the 
Alexloop antenna with 1-2 watts.


Normally, I use either an end fed antenna and a T1, a resonant linked 
dipole, or a resonant Par HF Omni-Angle (for 20 and 17 meters).  They 
all work quite well for their intended use but require some effort to 
erect.



I have been reading about the Alexloop Walkham for at least the last two 
years.  It would present some distinct advantages to me and the reviews 
seem to be overwhelmingly positive.



My concern is that while I have a KX2 for my home station, I only take 
my LNR five band Mountain Topper out on my portable jaunts.  On a 9 volt 
transistor battery, I get a bit over 1 watt; on 12 volts I get 2.5 
watts.



My specific interest is in finding out as much as I can about how this 
small Alexloop performs at such low power levels since its efficiency is 
reported to be about 7% on 40 meters, rising to about 25% on 20 meters.



An email to Alex has gone unanswered for the last two days.


Thanks and 73 from Stan WB2LQF 



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com