So I did the standard calculation for a loop 1005/Freq=Length in feet and it came out to about 140 ‘ at 7.175khz.  So my XYL (KD5ZPD) helped me cut the wire. I began to string the wire, what a nightmare if there is loose rope or wire laying around it will find a way to turn into a spider web. Not to mention the Cedar and Oak trees that I had an epic battle with. I had to go midevil on the trees and get out the chain and pole saw, so 9 hours later I had both loops up in the air and somewhat symetrical.

Doing the calculations and modeling on EzNec I decided that my best combination would be 75 ohm RG-11 type coax at 30′ for the feed lines and 100 ° phasing with  LMR 400 type 50 Ohm Coax. According to the EzNec program this would give me approximately 18 db F/B and 5.23 gain. I used a budwig

Budwig center insulator

center insulator in the corners of the loops, it is best to feed the loops approximately 1/3 of the way up the vertical legs but that makes it difficult to support the feed point and the coax, these things are great for wire antenna projects.  I settled for the corners which only makes a few tenths of a DB difference. MAKE sure that when connecting the coax to the loops the hot side is on a vertical leg of the loop. I use loops for vertical polarization. So far the numbers reflect the results of the modeling. I get anywhere from 12 to 24 db F/B on my FT1000MP meter and I was in QSO with Geroge EI6S in Ireland on 40 during terrible conditions and got a 59+15 report. Wade W5ERX about 2 miles from me with a inverted V Dipole also running 1500 watts got a signal report of 58. His dipole is oriented N/E so this shows a gain of 4 SA Units based on 6 DB per S unit so approximately 24DB WOW, if I can hear you I can work you. Not very scientific but I am very happy with the results of this antenna system. If you have any questions feel free to contact me I look forward to hearing from you.

To calculate phasing I used the formula and explanation found on Va7st web site.

To figure out 84 degrees:

• Figure out 360 degrees (1 wavelength) in feet
  (3.550 mhz = 277.06 ft).
  I use an online wavelength calculator to get the 1-wave length
• Divide this by 360 degrees (to get the length of 1 degree)
  277/360 = 0.77 feet per degree
• Multiply this by 84 degrees
  84 x 0.77 = 64.63 feet for 84 degrees
• Multiply this by your coax’s velocity factor
  64.63 feet x 0.66 vf (RG58) = cut the coax at 42.66 feet (42’8″)
  

To figure out 71 degrees:

• Multiply 0.77 feet per degree x 71 degrees = 54.67 feet
• Multiply this by 0.66 vf = 36.08 feet (the length to cut the coax)

I made a simple switch (Phase Box) for the loops using a simple DPDT relay for details of the switch box you can follow this link Phase BOX. This allows me to easily switch directions of the loops to N/E 45° and S/W 225°.

It should be noted that at this point I am responsible for the damage and I still highly recommend this antenna. It works fantastic.

Is this what people mean by Fire in the Wire?

In the pictures you can see the I.C.E (Industrial Communications Engineers) EMP/Surge suppressors and the I.C.E switch box mounted. There is still a lot of work to do before this project is complete but it is heading in the right direction.

In one of the pictures you can see a trailer hitch electrical plug, I use this as my quick disconnect for my rotor. In the near future I will get some lightning/emp suppressors for the cabling from I.C.E. They make a good valued product at an affordable price, just be prepared to wait on your order. If you order one of their products give it at the minimum 4 weeks until delivery.

Hawaii
Germany
Mexico
Costa Rica
Brazil
Northern Ireland
Italy
Slovenia
England
Bulgaria

Just for grins I checked the SWR on the 20 meter element at 8 feet above ground. As you can see I am very happy with the results and it should drop to 1.2 at 90′.

Radio’s

Yaesu FT-1000MP, Yaesu FT-920 and a Yaesu FT-847

Audio Gear

Behringer UltraFlex Pro 3200 x2
Behringer Ultragain Pro MIC2200 Pre-Amp
Behringer Virtualizer Pro DSP2024P x2
Behringer Ultra Curve Pro DEQ2496
ART PRO VLA II Compressor
W2IHY iBox x2
Audio Technica Microphones x2

Amplifier

Alpha (ETO) Alpha 76a 3x 3cx400

Henry Radio 2k-3 3-500Z x2

Antenna Tuner

Palstar AT4K

Watt Meters

Drake W-4, Autek Research WM-1

Antenna Switches

Industrial Communications Engineers (I.C.E) model #516R

Lightning / EMP Protection

Industrial Communications Engineers (I.C.E) Model #303 x4

Rotor

Yaesu G-800SA

https://www.amidoncorp.com/items/94