>The issue with noise is growing fast and the only way to improve signal to >noise ratio is more directivity and when possible filter the man made noise >with a horizontal loop.
A big complication is that almost everyone's circumstances are different due to variables such as property size. A horizontal loop won't work for me (I tried it) because even though most noise is vertically polarized, the sources are so close they still provide a significant field strength on an antenna that is orthogonal to the signal. And, a horizontal loop is omnidirectional so the ability to null is lost. >For 160m you need the horizontal loop high as possible, more information on >my Webnair, the slides are also available here. If you can get it high enough to work, then you are probably on a large enough piece of property to not experience the difficulties I have on a 50 x 100 foot lot in a municipality. In tests, the Pixel magnetic loop provided at least 20 dB null off the sides. From my experience, that is much better "filtering" than what would be had with a horizontal loop. Of course it isn't all in the antenna itself--a great deal of the success comes from the special preamp designed for use with the antenna. I've tried a lot of small rx antennas that can fit on my property, where there isn't even enough room for a flag or pennant. I've tried ferrite "loop stick" antennas, small wire dipoles, ham-stick dipoles, homebrew coaxial small loops, random length wires, and the Pixel loop is by far the best single solution for someone with severely restricted space that I have tried. I didn't intend to post an advertisement but I was genuinely amazed and all my other rx antennas are coming down this summer. 73 Rob K5UJ _________________ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
