Hi Pete - What version of the K9AY components are you using (e.g., original K9AY, Array Solutions, etc) ? Some versions incorporate broadcast band filters or switchable bandpass filters. Could that be your problem?
Once you get your loop antenna going you might consider experimenting with alternative loop configurations for improved performance. For example, the VE3DO loop has excellent reviews. K3LR is a big proponent of VE3DO loops. [ https://www.ok1rr.com/index.php/antennas/8-the-ve3do-receiving-loop | https://www.ok1rr.com/index.php/antennas/8-the-ve3do-receiving-loop ] [ http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VE3DO.pdf | http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VE3DO.pdf ] Because of their very low signal levels, to achieve desired performance all small loop antennas require serious attention to common mode current suppression and a very low noise figure preamp Some commercial components for small loop antennas include effective common mode suppression and preamp noise figure of 2 dB or less. But others --- not so much --- 73 Frank W3LPL ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pete N4ZR N4ZR" < [ mailto:[email protected] | [email protected] ] > To: "topband" < [ mailto:[email protected] | [email protected] ] > Sent: Monday, December 12, 2022 2:59:09 PM Subject: Topband: Sanity Check on K9AY Loop Sensitivity I just deployed my K9AY loop (yes, I know I'm late). Anyhow, while it shows substantial directivity on broadcast stations, I was surprise by how much the K9AY loop's sensitivity suffers compared to my inverted L. Listening to a broadcast station with the K9AY on 1500 KHz, the station is S6-7 in the right direction and S3 in the reverse. and S9 +10 on the inverted L. There's also something haywire in the K9AY's preamp, which *reduces* signal by a couple of S-Units. Could be I need to replace the transistor? -- 73, Pete N4ZR One of the RBN team _________________ Searchable Archives: [ http://www.contesting.com/_topband | http://www.contesting.com/_topband ] - Topband Reflector _________________ Searchable Archives: [ http://www.contesting.com/_topband | http://www.contesting.com/_topband ] - Topband Reflector _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
