When you get down in the comments, it’s really nice to see the manufactures of each loop replied it’s really great to see how they handle things interesting. Thank you! 20:53
I have the Alex-loop and the no longer available LNR W4OP mag loop with remote tuning. I use both and they work well, BUT any loop with remote tuning is the berries for me. I can sit in my living room warm and comfy and tune the antenna out on my cold wet or snow covered deck. It looks now like Precision RF is the only one offering that feature. Alex has been working on an iPhone remote tuning feature for a long while but is no where ready for production. Thanks for the neat educational video. I would have liked to see a longer test on the RBN reception reports, but they all do work.
Bob, thanks. What you did not mention was that the Alpha can handle more power. Unless back in 2016 it did not. I have the Alex, love it but sometimes need 5-10 more watts.
Hi guys. Just so it's clear, I gave k6uda a "well done" because his video are getting better, not because I agreed with his results. I did agree with the P-Loop case being too big, but not showing the actual testing process leaves lots of doors open for credibility issues. Unfortunately, the propaganda machine has started taking advantage of the comments section, so it's important to point a few things out. - Alexloop is lightweight but fragile. It has a higher cost which I assume us associated to the lower weight. I would buy one! 👍 - Chameleon P-Loop Is built like a tank! It's rugged, and built to beat the heck out of. Unfortunately, that build quality comes at the cost of its weight! Still proud owner willing to accept the weight, knowing it won't break in the field where it matters! 👍 - Alphaloop Alpha has improved their loop since my review. I've always enjoyed the smaller case design, and suggested lots of changes to their loop. What I have not enjoyed is the marketing used to make their gear seem better than what it is/was. Alpha likes to use my comments taking them out of context, but would never send the upgraded loop for comparison. Instead they put out of focus images (easy to update) on their website so the buyer never sees exactly what they will get before it arrives. So thumbs up for improving the Alphaloop, thumbs down for continuing the propaganda machine. - SWR of P-Loop and Alphaloop. Fortunately I'm not a newcomer to gear testing. I tested both loops in my videos with my own Aircell7 cable. My results were identical to Bobs using my own cable, so it's extremely unfair for Alpha to say the P-Loop swr is bad, hidden by the RFI choke. That would have been a noob mistake! So what should be said is this: don't believe any videos 100%, not even mine! Do your research (not from eHam), if you're watching videos which leave out the practical testing and only shows the "results", be sceptical! If you can't ask questions or leave feedback, be sceptical! If you can't see what you're buying on the sellers website, in focus, with full HD pictures, be sceptical! Remember guys, Bob is a cool guy, but he is not coming from a technical background. So we give him a pass on many things, especially because he learns and Improves. Still no one channel blog or website should be the only source of your information! Where I agree with Bob is defining your own requirements, and choosing a product which meets your requirements. How much it costs should not be the first thing you look at. When you search the net for a companies products or customer problems, use the companies name as well as the products one interested in, since companies tend to change the name of their products to hide quality and manufacturing issues with previous versions of their products. e.g. "problem with Chameleon antenna" "problems with Alpha antenna" "what's inside the Alexloop", ... This will give you a much better image of the company over a longer period of time, making it easier to decide on the best investment for your Ham gear. So let's thank Bob for his effort, and hope his technical expertise improves with each video. Julian OH8STN
Bravo!! Perfect. Thank You Julian. I've always said, I'm not an expert. I never claimed to be one. I'm just another ham enjoying my hobby and a filmmaker trying to bring you guys some entertaining and slightly enlightening videos about the hobby we love. 73, Bob K6UDA
I'll agree with Julian that Alpha Antenna are doing a lot of propaganda (marketing with a lot of lies). When they recently got caught about their prices, they made others believe they were "listening" customers feedback! It's so obvious, they've been caught with the hand in the cookie jar! The Alpha Loop comment about the P-LOOP SWR and the RFI choke is so low and noob from them that I wonder if they really know something about antenna and not just copying what they read and see online.
good info, like the way you break it down to preference type, size, weight, setup, ease of use and cost. My self i would have to go with the CHA-P loop. to each his own right!
I just noticed the Alphaloop doesn't come with coax cable! Alpha charges $29 for 25' of RG-58 and two PL-259 connectors. Alexloop and P-Loop include coax and connectors at no extra charge. So isn't that kind of cheating? Bang-for-the-buck would be fair, but leaving out the coax is bait and switch. The Alpha tripod is cool, but I found a very similar one on Amazon for $12. Alpha also leaves out the shipping cost, $27 delivered. So the total cost for the Alphaloop is: $323 Alphaloop, bag, tripod $29 Coax and connectors $27 Shipping to California Total $379 Chameleon P-Loop $365 shipping included Alexloop $399 at HRO and I can pick it up myself. If the Chameleon is best built, and the Alexloop is lightest, why would we buy the Alphaloop for $379?
+Frank Cortez well, good point on the coax.To be fair, the coax on the Alexloop is integrated into the loop. As for the tripod, I bought a few of the little guys from amazon and eBay. They sucked. I give credit where credit is due. The tripod is first rate. Alpha sells the antenna without the tripod or bag for $250.00 and sells a DYI kit for about $100.00. That's most configurable and can get you in the door for less money. Hopefully feedback from us (the consumers) will drive the innovation from all the manufacturers. Judging from CHAMELEON's comment, their well on the way to doing that.
YEP, they've been caught with the hand in the cookie jar and now they're trying to make believe they were listening to people feedback with their fake statements.
Thanks Bob, I’ve used all 3 of those. Alpha was very clunky, Chameleon worked ok, Alex was disappointing when I unboxed it, felt it was a piece of crap, UNTIL I fired it up. Alex loop hit Hawaii and Northern Wisconsin on 5 watts right out of the box from Central California. Alex loop at least for me, has done so much better performance wise. Great Antenna, Alex has also specified a tripod as well. Can’t say enough about the Alex Loop.
I’m looking to buy a portable loop antenna and found this video extremely helpful. You reviewed the same brand antennas I have been considering. Thanks and now subbed!
So Nice to hear someone who tells it as it is too many would say Buy all three or they are all excellent products you tell the good and not good of each product so nice to hear TRUTH
The 16.3 ounce Alpha Loop Jr that was first made available on May 1 of 2015 (reference the manual below), has been given to our R&D Team in the Alpha Antenna lab. The goal is to integrate many of the advancements that STN, VBM, K6UDA, and so many others are wanting in an affordable loop. Watch for announcements under 'Upcoming Products' at the bottom of the page on AlphaAntenna.com. Here is the original Alpha Loop Jr manual that is being re-written to the standards mentioned by Sight impaired hams, STN, and others: alphaantenna.com/manuals/English/Archive/Alpha_Portable_Loop_Jr_Antenna_User_Guide.pdf
all fair comments, but I think on the weight side, its fair to point out as light as the alex loop is, it doesnt include the weight of the tripod the other two loops are include with. Thanks again for the content, always interesting and enjoyable ! 73, 2E0FWE
The alexloop now has an Alextune tuning Light integrated in it. You can also buy a Clip on version of the light. It makes knowing that you are tuned much easier. 73
Great vid again Bob, I have the Chameleon on the basis its probably the better built. But it does have some issues - weight and the lack of a decent tripod, but it does go portable. Keep up the good work. 73 from over the pond! Mike
I enjoyed your magnetic loop video. I recently picked up a W6LVP Magnetic Loop a few weeks ago and put it up about 20 ft on a Channel Master rotator and use it as my receive antenna on my ham station while using a 132 ft Carolina Windom antenna for transmit. I really have found a tremendous difference in noise after going to a loop. The W6LVP will null effectively noise or interfering signals perpendicular to the loop. My personal experience is that it has a very tight null of just a few degrees. The null is incredible, but aiming at stations the peak isn't that sharp which is why some people just place the antenna where it nulls the worse noise source and just leaves it there. But with a rotor you will find that noise source direction varies by frequency and time of day. But usually there is a main direction that is the worse. I also have a Timewave ANC-4 Noise reducing device that works great in combination with either antenna when fighting noise that is not nulled out by the loop because I am using the loop at times to pick between stations in different locations on the ham bands and also BCB stations on the exact same frequency. I have a 12 ft noise dipole at 3 ft above the ground for the ANC-4 that I placed right under my electrical power line pole. The combination of a W6LVP Magnetic Loop and the ANC-4 has allowed me to enjoy listening to Shortwave like back in the 50s and 60s before all of the electrical environment issues we face today. 73s WD9GNG
Thanks for the review....looking for something that i can use when going to a camp site and on my town house back deck. Something i can put up and take down fairly quickly and easily. Found the alpha site looking for the others
Well done! I've begged Chameleon to reduce the size of the P-Loop box... Anyway agreed, people need to choose a system based on their individual requirements.
i can definitely go for a alex loop..... putting it on the xmas list. BOB THANKS, for the great T SHIRT! I LOVE THE SILHOUETTE OF YOU ON THE BACK HOLDING THE K6UDA SIGN!
now you got me wanting a loop not sure witch one i need to save up for but it would be great to take with my sons boy scout troop there just getting into radio 73s kd8ymd & kd8zyr
Bob - You do a great program - I truly enjoyed the program -- I'm in the market for a loop antenna .. you helped me make my decision ... Your Program - Thumbs UP ...
I don't know. I don't have a CHA-F to compare it to. I should have a few 2XLs available. After I send out the pre orders, I'll sell off the extras. I'll advertise em on the show when they are ready to go.
This video highlighted the need for a less expensive, lighter, water resilient MLA (Magnetic Loop Antenna). In 2015, this was the Alpha Loop Jr. We have just completed the product refresh for this MLA here: alphaantenna.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=68 Thank you all, Steve/Owner www.AlphaAntenna.com
Hi Bob. Love your vids! I have the AlexLoop and LOVE it. I've even attached the Chameleon "power compensator," which seems to work as advertised. I think loops are great for digital modes where you sorta 'sit on' a frequency....and I operate primarily on the digital modes. Regardless, it marries up with my IC-7300 very nicely for no fuss operations. HERE'S THE QUESTION... unless I have $$ to burn (which I don't), can you think of a compelling reason to ALSO own the Chameleon F-Loop??? Thanks and keep 'em coming! 73, T.M.
A negative for me on the SharkRF is it is ethernet only. I use a wifi USB dongle on my current hotspot as my rack with the switches, routers etc. is upstairs and the hotspot is downstairs.
+Bit Stream for about $20 on Amazon, you can buy a wireless adapter TP-Link N150 Wireless Travel Router, Nano Size, Router/AP/Client/Bridge/Repeater Modes, Up to 150Mbps, USB Powered (TL-WR702N) www.amazon.com/dp/B007PTCFFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_CfDhyb42DMCA6 SharkRF is coming out with a wireless version in 2017.
Since 2016 would like your take on changes. I am being forced into senior housing. Torn between Alpha and Cha p. My ft857d will have to learn to like qrp Sort of leaning Cha P I would like my 100 watts on 30ft mast but 25 watts on a good loop OK I am suspicious of ones claiming 100 watt as that needs a big cap and what i see says not buying it. None state using Vac Cap,
You may have covered this in the video, but are any of the parts on these interchangeable? For instance, can I use the solid loop on the Chameleon with the Alpha?
Hey Bob thank you for your presentation it was really thought out and put together well I like the choice of words used without offending any other companies but I agree with you take the tripod from Alpha and use it on the chameleon yeah that makes a lot of sense anyway thank you God bless and take care I'll keep subscribing to your Channel your best friend from Atlanta Georgia
As a new Ham... what are these good for? Which bands? Advantages and disadvantages vs. other types of antennas? I don't seem to know how to use Google... Seriously, interested in your thoughts on these. Thanks. 73
+PelDaddy all of these antennas are designed for HF 40 meters thru 10 meters. The main advantage is the size and portability. Also loops are very quiet. You'll hear weak signals better on a loop than you will on a wire. Disadvantages? Less gain on transmit than a wire.
K6UDA Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it might be useful to have one of these for your receiver, but another antenna design for your transmitter. I know some people have separate receiver and transmitter units. Do any transceivers support a separate send and receive antenna? Thanks for the interesting channel. 73
Great video Bob, very informative. I like the fact that you give pros and cons on all of them...so when are you starting your antenna company!!....lol 73
I have been limited in range by my wire antenna and wanted to try a Mag Loop on 40 and 80 Meters. My issue is that all of these in your review seem to be designed as portable antennas. Are there any manufactured loops designed to be mounted and used as a directional but not portable antenna? I am new Amateur so apologies if I'm may be missing something obvious.
Poor Chad Steiner (literally) ... The best advice for all the Chads out there is that you REALLY don't need all that gear. My most fun has been had operating QRP or on older second hand equipment without all the clever features... Ham radio is all about fingers and ears, and you've got those. Also, a mind ... check! You can pick up an old, used, single-mode radio for $50 and have a tonne of fun... and, when you sell it, it's probably still worth what you paid. You can grab a CW-Only radio for even less if you really want a challenge. And there are a bunch of modern all-mode "shack-in-a-box" radios for about $300 (used and perhaps a bit scratched up) which might be a little menu-heavy, but still they're incredibly capable. Like the Yaesu FT817 or FT857d which will see you spoiled for operating choices as either a first home radio or halfway up a mountain. You certainly don't need high power either, it's usually a waste. Operating with lower power means really learning to place, tune and operate your antennas efficiently, which is a key skill. The more power you throw at a problem, the less you learn... and Ham radio will happily soak up every last cent you earn on junk you don't really need. Join a ham club, get to use club gear and old 'loaners' till you find out what you actually enjoy most about the hobby. Then go along with a local ham you trust to a swap-meet, and get their advice on the various second hand gear on offer. They'll be happy to help set you up with something that suits your pocket - or find that sneaky little bargain that all the 'glam-hams' are overlooking ; ) Ham radio can be a brutal mistress, but as long as you keep your eyes in your head and your cards in your wallet - there's nothing stopping you having an amazing time on even the tightest budget... ... and, by the end of your time squeeking by on low power and manual kit, I bet you'll be far more competent than many of those who just jumped right in with their pocketbook, with the latest computerised box and a professionally installed garden array. Now, Chad has probably got himself all set up now. But, still, this answer is gonna be relevant to some new 'Chads' thinking about about entering the hobby but put off by the apparent complexity and cost ; ) Don't be, it's far simpler and cheaper than you think if you buy sensibly and start small. Anyway, to all the Chads out there - 73's de M6UDS
I have the p-loop with compensator. I have not tried the compensator because I don't have a means to test output objectively. A good video would be one where field strength measurements are compared for different power levels going up to the 60w SSB maximum for the p-loop with compensator. One could try to use the RBN but the difference between 25-60 watts would only be about 3.8 db SNR difference, and it would still be subject to the noise level fluctuations at the time the measurement is made.
AH6VF here, NVIS is REAL important in Hawaii Islands, Daily NET is 40 meter in morning and 80 meters in evenings. So having 80 meter capabilities is important. Second be fair: weight the Alpha unit WITHOUT the tripod, and lose 2 pounds. OR Add the same tripod to the weight of the others. THird////please START your videos with the subject matter! not questions and answers, save that for the end or a different video. Time for an update of this video.....lots have changed.
nice video bob. as for the ask bob anything. i have a great question for you.... why are you the only ham that i have found that seems to be a real person. i hate all this stuff like...' you are a ham you must be a nice person to others' and ' you must speak nicely to everyone'. the only thing i can say about that is i bet each one that feels and thinks that way more than likely acts or/and talks like you and me. why try to be someone else other than who you are. now i mean that in a face to face meeting way, not on the air, because you and i both know that how we talk is kind of illegal on the air but you know what i mean. i grew up with amateur radio and got my first ticket when i was 21 years old. also graduated that same year but that is another story. i have to say.... keepp it real and keep it coming bob. thank you for what you do. i wish i could but i cannot afford it and my stupid mic connector is broke on the pc. 73, Adam Rennison ad0am
Yeah, no sh!*, I know the deer are smarter than I am. BTW, partly on your recommendation, I dumped the 817 and replaced it with a new Elecraft KX3. Oh man I love it.
That tripod is not a tripod. They are commonly sold as music stands and photographic light stands, and in 50 years I'd never heard one called a tripod, which is much stronger and does not the linked legs. FWIW.
HEY HEY , I dont mind tellin yall , i look like the talk of the town in my new K6UDA T SHIRT, and i definitely look better than all the guys down at the club! Talkin bout HAM RADIO SWAG!
Do you know what I hate? I hate people that make video's with no concept of what the term AUDIO LEVEL means so that I have the joyful experience of going to full volume just to hear what they are saying only to have the yahoo segue into music so loud I get blasted out of my chair.
When you get down in the comments, it’s really nice to see the manufactures of each loop replied it’s really great to see how they handle things interesting. Thank you! 20:53
I have the Alex-loop and the no longer available LNR W4OP mag loop with remote tuning. I use both and they work well, BUT any loop with remote tuning is the berries for me. I can sit in my living room warm and comfy and tune the antenna out on my cold wet or snow covered deck. It looks now like Precision RF is the only one offering that feature. Alex has been working on an iPhone remote tuning feature for a long while but is no where ready for production. Thanks for the neat educational video. I would have liked to see a longer test on the RBN reception reports, but they all do work.
Bob, thanks. What you did not mention was that the Alpha can handle more power. Unless back in 2016 it did not. I have the Alex, love it but sometimes need 5-10 more watts.
Awesome video. I’d like to see an updated video on this now that we have the Icom 705. 73 de K6TjO
Bob, I was waiting on this video to pull a trigger on a loop. Thanks for the hard work you made my decision much easier..
Hi guys.
Just so it's clear, I gave k6uda a "well done" because his video are getting better, not because I agreed with his results. I did agree with the P-Loop case being too big, but not showing the actual testing process leaves lots of doors open for credibility issues. Unfortunately, the propaganda machine has started taking advantage of the comments section, so it's important to point a few things out.
- Alexloop is lightweight but fragile. It has a higher cost which I assume us associated to the lower weight. I would buy one! 👍
- Chameleon P-Loop Is built like a tank! It's rugged, and built to beat the heck out of. Unfortunately, that build quality comes at the cost of its weight! Still proud owner willing to accept the weight, knowing it won't break in the field where it matters! 👍
- Alphaloop Alpha has improved their loop since my review. I've always enjoyed the smaller case design, and suggested lots of changes to their loop. What I have not enjoyed is the marketing used to make their gear seem better than what it is/was. Alpha likes to use my comments taking them out of context, but would never send the upgraded loop for comparison. Instead they put out of focus images (easy to update) on their website so the buyer never sees exactly what they will get before it arrives. So thumbs up for improving the Alphaloop, thumbs down for continuing the propaganda machine.
- SWR of P-Loop and Alphaloop. Fortunately I'm not a newcomer to gear testing. I tested both loops in my videos with my own Aircell7 cable. My results were identical to Bobs using my own cable, so it's extremely unfair for Alpha to say the P-Loop swr is bad, hidden by the RFI choke. That would have been a noob mistake!
So what should be said is this: don't believe any videos 100%, not even mine! Do your research (not from eHam), if you're watching videos which leave out the practical testing and only shows the "results", be sceptical! If you can't ask questions or leave feedback, be sceptical! If you can't see what you're buying on the sellers website, in focus, with full HD pictures, be sceptical!
Remember guys, Bob is a cool guy, but he is not coming from a technical background. So we give him a pass on many things, especially because he learns and Improves. Still no one channel blog or website should be the only source of your information!
Where I agree with Bob is defining your own requirements, and choosing a product which meets your requirements. How much it costs should not be the first thing you look at. When you search the net for a companies products or customer problems, use the companies name as well as the products one interested in, since companies tend to change the name of their products to hide quality and manufacturing issues with previous versions of their products. e.g. "problem with Chameleon antenna" "problems with Alpha antenna" "what's inside the Alexloop", ... This will give you a much better image of the company over a longer period of time, making it easier to decide on the best investment for your Ham gear.
So let's thank Bob for his effort, and hope his technical expertise improves with each video.
Julian OH8STN
Bravo!! Perfect. Thank You Julian. I've always said, I'm not an expert. I never claimed to be one. I'm just another ham enjoying my hobby and a filmmaker trying to bring you guys some entertaining and slightly enlightening videos about the hobby we love.
73,
Bob K6UDA
I'll agree with Julian that Alpha Antenna are doing a lot of propaganda (marketing with a lot of lies). When they recently got caught about their prices, they made others believe they were "listening" customers feedback! It's so obvious, they've been caught with the hand in the cookie jar! The Alpha Loop comment about the P-LOOP SWR and the RFI choke is so low and noob from them that I wonder if they really know something about antenna and not just copying what they read and see online.
The Alpha stand is pretty much a light stand used in photography etc. and can be found on eBay or amazon
good info, like the way you break it down to preference type, size, weight, setup, ease of use and cost. My self i would have to go with the CHA-P loop. to each his own right!
+Chad Steiner let me know if Kim buys you one for Xmas.
Haha I think I have better odds of one falling out of Santa's slay
I just noticed the Alphaloop doesn't come with coax cable! Alpha charges $29 for 25' of RG-58 and two PL-259 connectors. Alexloop and P-Loop include coax and connectors at no extra charge. So isn't that kind of cheating? Bang-for-the-buck would be fair, but leaving out the coax is bait and switch. The Alpha tripod is cool, but I found a very similar one on Amazon for $12. Alpha also leaves out the shipping cost, $27 delivered.
So the total cost for the Alphaloop is:
$323 Alphaloop, bag, tripod
$29 Coax and connectors
$27 Shipping to California
Total $379
Chameleon P-Loop $365 shipping included
Alexloop $399 at HRO and I can pick it up myself.
If the Chameleon is best built, and the Alexloop is lightest, why would we buy the Alphaloop for $379?
+Frank Cortez well, good point on the coax.To be fair, the coax on the Alexloop is integrated into the loop. As for the tripod, I bought a few of the little guys from amazon and eBay. They sucked. I give credit where credit is due. The tripod is first rate. Alpha sells the antenna without the tripod or bag for $250.00 and sells a DYI kit for about $100.00. That's most configurable and can get you in the door for less money.
Hopefully feedback from us (the consumers) will drive the innovation from all the manufacturers. Judging from CHAMELEON's comment, their well on the way to doing that.
K6UDA My only point was about the product you reviewed. Leaving out the $29 coax, and $27 shipping but calling it best bang for the buck. Just sayin'.
YEP, they've been caught with the hand in the cookie jar and now they're trying to make believe they were listening to people feedback with their fake statements.
Thanks Bob, I’ve used all 3 of those. Alpha was very clunky, Chameleon worked ok, Alex was disappointing when I unboxed it, felt it was a piece of crap, UNTIL I fired it up. Alex loop hit Hawaii and Northern Wisconsin on 5 watts right out of the box from Central California. Alex loop at least for me, has done so much better performance wise. Great Antenna, Alex has also specified a tripod as well. Can’t say enough about the Alex Loop.
I’m looking to buy a portable loop antenna and found this video extremely helpful. You reviewed the same brand antennas I have been considering. Thanks and now subbed!
So Nice to hear someone who tells it as it is too many would say Buy all three or they are all excellent products you tell the good and not good of each product so nice to hear TRUTH
The 16.3 ounce Alpha Loop Jr that was first made available on May 1 of 2015 (reference the manual below), has been given to our R&D Team in the Alpha Antenna lab. The goal is to integrate many of the advancements that STN, VBM, K6UDA, and so many others are wanting in an affordable loop. Watch for announcements under 'Upcoming Products' at the bottom of the page on AlphaAntenna.com. Here is the original Alpha Loop Jr manual that is being re-written to the standards mentioned by Sight impaired hams, STN, and others: alphaantenna.com/manuals/English/Archive/Alpha_Portable_Loop_Jr_Antenna_User_Guide.pdf
a perfect match means little... ERP, WSPR, etc are better comparison... appreciate the physical comparisons... Alexloop also has handy tuning LED
all fair comments, but I think on the weight side, its fair to point out as light as the alex loop is, it doesnt include the weight of the tripod the other two loops are include with. Thanks again for the content, always interesting and enjoyable ! 73, 2E0FWE
The alexloop now has an Alextune tuning Light integrated in it. You can also buy a Clip on version of the light. It makes knowing that you are tuned much easier. 73
Yep, Just review it last week along with an interview with Alex.Check out last weeks show.
@@K6UDA Thanks for your videos. 73
Great vid again Bob, I have the Chameleon on the basis its probably the better built. But it does have some issues - weight and the lack of a decent tripod, but it does go portable. Keep up the good work. 73 from over the pond! Mike
I enjoyed your magnetic loop video. I recently picked up a W6LVP Magnetic Loop a few weeks ago and put it up about 20 ft on a Channel Master rotator and use it as my receive antenna on my ham station while using a 132 ft Carolina Windom antenna for transmit. I really have found a tremendous difference in noise after going to a loop. The W6LVP will null effectively noise or interfering signals perpendicular to the loop. My personal experience is that it has a very tight null of just a few degrees. The null is incredible, but aiming at stations the peak isn't that sharp which is why some people just place the antenna where it nulls the worse noise source and just leaves it there. But with a rotor you will find that noise source direction varies by frequency and time of day. But usually there is a main direction that is the worse. I also have a Timewave ANC-4 Noise reducing device that works great in combination with either antenna when fighting noise that is not nulled out by the loop because I am using the loop at times to pick between stations in different locations on the ham bands and also BCB stations on the exact same frequency. I have a 12 ft noise dipole at 3 ft above the ground for the ANC-4 that I placed right under my electrical power line pole. The combination of a W6LVP Magnetic Loop and the ANC-4 has allowed me to enjoy listening to Shortwave like back in the 50s and 60s before all of the electrical environment issues we face today.
73s
WD9GNG
It is interesting to me to try to observe a thing being *demonstrated by shaking it* like it is a wrapped gift trying to figure out what is inside.
Thanks for the review....looking for something that i can use when going to a camp site and on my town house back deck. Something i can put up and take down fairly quickly and easily. Found the alpha site looking for the others
Have you looked at the new Alex loop Ham pack with tuning LED?
Another hamtastic product review. Thanks Bob. 73
Great review.. helped me to decide which one to buy. Thanks!
Thank Bob for a terrific overview of these loops. For a new ham like me this was particularly helpful.
73s
David - KM4WVZ
Well done!
I've begged Chameleon to reduce the size of the P-Loop box...
Anyway agreed, people need to choose a system based on their individual requirements.
See Julian, I told you theres a method to my madness.
K6UDA Ok Ok, dont start getting over confident :D
+OH8STN SurvivalTech Nord I can only be as cocky as the last video I put out. Thanks for the input, it helps.
That openspot thing looks pretty neat
i can definitely go for a alex loop..... putting it on the xmas list. BOB THANKS, for the great T SHIRT! I LOVE THE SILHOUETTE OF YOU ON THE BACK HOLDING THE K6UDA SIGN!
now you got me wanting a loop not sure witch one i need to save up for but it would be great to take with my sons boy scout troop there just getting into radio
73s
kd8ymd & kd8zyr
Bob - You do a great program - I truly enjoyed the program -- I'm in the market for a loop antenna .. you helped me make my decision ... Your Program - Thumbs UP ...
Bob,
Was there a reason to select the CHA-P over the CHA-F? Are any 2XL T-Shirts still available?
WB3BJU
I don't know. I don't have a CHA-F to compare it to. I should have a few 2XLs available. After I send out the pre orders, I'll sell off the extras. I'll advertise em on the show when they are ready to go.
This video highlighted the need for a less expensive, lighter, water resilient MLA (Magnetic Loop Antenna). In 2015, this was the Alpha Loop Jr. We have just completed the product refresh for this MLA here: alphaantenna.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17&products_id=68
Thank you all,
Steve/Owner
www.AlphaAntenna.com
Very informative comparison. Thanks a lot for making this video!
73 de DC4AC
Been thinking about getting one of those Shark RF OpenSpots. I'll be interested in hearing your review!
Thanks for this very interesting video. 73 from PY5WHO (fellow citizen of PY1AHD ALEX).
Hi Bob. Love your vids! I have the AlexLoop and LOVE it. I've even attached the Chameleon "power compensator," which seems to work as advertised. I think loops are great for digital modes where you sorta 'sit on' a frequency....and I operate primarily on the digital modes. Regardless, it marries up with my IC-7300 very nicely for no fuss operations. HERE'S THE QUESTION... unless I have $$ to burn (which I don't), can you think of a compelling reason to ALSO own the Chameleon F-Loop??? Thanks and keep 'em coming! 73, T.M.
A negative for me on the SharkRF is it is ethernet only. I use a wifi USB dongle on my current hotspot as my rack with the switches, routers etc. is upstairs and the hotspot is downstairs.
+Bit Stream for about $20 on Amazon, you can buy a wireless adapter TP-Link N150 Wireless Travel Router, Nano Size, Router/AP/Client/Bridge/Repeater Modes, Up to 150Mbps, USB Powered (TL-WR702N) www.amazon.com/dp/B007PTCFFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_CfDhyb42DMCA6
SharkRF is coming out with a wireless version in 2017.
Bob have you had a chance to evaluate the new little China made loop MLA-30 ?
Since 2016 would like your take on changes. I am being forced into senior housing. Torn between Alpha and Cha p. My ft857d will have to learn to like qrp Sort of leaning Cha P I would like my 100 watts on 30ft mast but 25 watts on a good loop OK I am suspicious of ones claiming 100 watt as that needs a big cap and what i see says not buying it. None state using Vac Cap,
Hey Bob how about testing the LNR W4OP loop!
You may have covered this in the video, but are any of the parts on these interchangeable? For instance, can I use the solid loop on the Chameleon with the Alpha?
Dustin H they’re not designed to be interchangeable so I imagine it wouldn’t work very well.
@@K6UDA Thanks for your reply. I'm new to mag loops.
Hey Bob thank you for your presentation it was really thought out and put together well I like the choice of words used without offending any other companies but I agree with you take the tripod from Alpha and use it on the chameleon yeah that makes a lot of sense anyway thank you God bless and take care I'll keep subscribing to your Channel your best friend from Atlanta Georgia
I enjoyed your loop antenna product review. I'm in San Francisco and space is very limited here. :-) 73 Bill
It's a nice place to visit but I couldn't live in a city.
As a new Ham... what are these good for? Which bands? Advantages and disadvantages vs. other types of antennas? I don't seem to know how to use Google... Seriously, interested in your thoughts on these. Thanks. 73
+PelDaddy all of these antennas are designed for HF 40 meters thru 10 meters. The main advantage is the size and portability. Also loops are very quiet. You'll hear weak signals better on a loop than you will on a wire. Disadvantages? Less gain on transmit than a wire.
K6UDA Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it might be useful to have one of these for your receiver, but another antenna design for your transmitter. I know some people have separate receiver and transmitter units. Do any transceivers support a separate send and receive antenna? Thanks for the interesting channel. 73
Yep. My K3s does. I'm looking for a receive only loop for just that purpose.
K6UDA Cool. An Electaft is in my future at some point. They are beautiful rigs, and made in the US...
Great video Bob, very informative. I like the fact that you give pros and cons on all of them...so when are you starting your antenna company!!....lol 73
Right after I start my brain surgery company. I'm so not smart enough to make something like that.
Great video as always. I was happy to see the mention of the openspot. Aside from obvious software polish, any thoughts on openspot vs MMDVM?
I haven't tried MMDVM. What is it? Prior to the Openspot, I was using a DV Mega on a Pi housed in a D-Hap.
Open multi mode modem but yes it does use a micro controller and something like a pi. Written by Jonathan Naylor g4klx.
m.facebook.com/MMDVM/
K6UDA did some more reading. Looks like MMDVM is really only a repeater controller and doesn't function like a hotspot. So never mind :)
I have been limited in range by my wire antenna and wanted to try a Mag Loop on 40 and 80 Meters. My issue is that all of these in your review seem to be designed as portable antennas. Are there any manufactured loops designed to be mounted and used as a directional but not portable antenna? I am new Amateur so apologies if I'm may be missing something obvious.
I've been told that magnetic loop antennas are nowhere near efficient enough on 40 and 80 metres.
Nice review! Thanks K6UDA, very balanced and lots of good information - 73
Good solid review, thank you.
I have limited space at my home location so am thinking of a vertical antenna for 40 / 80 M
Any ideas please?
+David Lean I had a Cushcraft R7 up here in the backyard for a while.
Poor Chad Steiner (literally) ...
The best advice for all the Chads out there is that you REALLY don't need all that gear. My most fun has been had operating QRP or on older second hand equipment without all the clever features... Ham radio is all about fingers and ears, and you've got those. Also, a mind ... check!
You can pick up an old, used, single-mode radio for $50 and have a tonne of fun... and, when you sell it, it's probably still worth what you paid. You can grab a CW-Only radio for even less if you really want a challenge.
And there are a bunch of modern all-mode "shack-in-a-box" radios for about $300 (used and perhaps a bit scratched up) which might be a little menu-heavy, but still they're incredibly capable. Like the Yaesu FT817 or FT857d which will see you spoiled for operating choices as either a first home radio or halfway up a mountain.
You certainly don't need high power either, it's usually a waste. Operating with lower power means really learning to place, tune and operate your antennas efficiently, which is a key skill. The more power you throw at a problem, the less you learn... and Ham radio will happily soak up every last cent you earn on junk you don't really need.
Join a ham club, get to use club gear and old 'loaners' till you find out what you actually enjoy most about the hobby. Then go along with a local ham you trust to a swap-meet, and get their advice on the various second hand gear on offer. They'll be happy to help set you up with something that suits your pocket - or find that sneaky little bargain that all the 'glam-hams' are overlooking ; )
Ham radio can be a brutal mistress, but as long as you keep your eyes in your head and your cards in your wallet - there's nothing stopping you having an amazing time on even the tightest budget...
... and, by the end of your time squeeking by on low power and manual kit, I bet you'll be far more competent than many of those who just jumped right in with their pocketbook, with the latest computerised box and a professionally installed garden array.
Now, Chad has probably got himself all set up now. But, still, this answer is gonna be relevant to some new 'Chads' thinking about about entering the hobby but put off by the apparent complexity and cost ; )
Don't be, it's far simpler and cheaper than you think if you buy sensibly and start small.
Anyway, to all the Chads out there - 73's de M6UDS
ROFLMAO! Great show yet again. 73 from Oztralia!
What I would like is see one that can handle my ft857d at around 65 watts, Can any of these be made to go higher power
A few of the manufacturers are building attachments that will handle up to around 40 watts.
I have the p-loop with compensator. I have not tried the compensator because I don't have a means to test output objectively. A good video would be one where field strength measurements are compared for different power levels going up to the 60w SSB maximum for the p-loop with compensator. One could try to use the RBN but the difference between 25-60 watts would only be about 3.8 db SNR difference, and it would still be subject to the noise level fluctuations at the time the measurement is made.
Gud stuff Sgt Bob
Thanks Bob for sharing your review. 73. YV5EMG
AH6VF here, NVIS is REAL important in Hawaii Islands, Daily NET is 40 meter in morning and 80 meters in evenings. So having 80 meter capabilities is important. Second be fair: weight the Alpha unit WITHOUT the tripod, and lose 2 pounds. OR Add the same tripod to the weight of the others. THird////please START your videos with the subject matter! not questions and answers, save that for the end or a different video. Time for an update of this video.....lots have changed.
nice video bob. as for the ask bob anything. i have a great question for you.... why are you the only ham that i have found that seems to be a real person. i hate all this stuff like...' you are a ham you must be a nice person to others' and ' you must speak nicely to everyone'. the only thing i can say about that is i bet each one that feels and thinks that way more than likely acts or/and talks like you and me. why try to be someone else other than who you are. now i mean that in a face to face meeting way, not on the air, because you and i both know that how we talk is kind of illegal on the air but you know what i mean. i grew up with amateur radio and got my first ticket when i was 21 years old. also graduated that same year but that is another story. i have to say.... keepp it real and keep it coming bob. thank you for what you do. i wish i could but i cannot afford it and my stupid mic connector is broke on the pc. 73, Adam Rennison ad0am
+Adam Rennison sort of like Killery's "public face vs private face"? Yeah, I gotcha.
We need a coupon. The Alpha is $450 now vs 323 @ the time of this video.......
Yeah, no sh!*, I know the deer are smarter than I am. BTW, partly on your recommendation, I dumped the 817 and replaced it with a new Elecraft KX3. Oh man I love it.
Well, the deer are smarter than me too so don't feel alone. Nice job on the KX3. I love mine.
That tripod is not a tripod. They are commonly sold as music stands and photographic light stands, and in 50 years I'd never heard one called a tripod, which is much stronger and does not the linked legs.
FWIW.
The aluminum ring $200 is ridiculous.
I want a shirt like yours.
sub'd.
cool vid. Just what I need to select the right one.
HEY HEY , I dont mind tellin yall , i look like the talk of the town in my new K6UDA T SHIRT, and i definitely look better than all the guys down at the club! Talkin bout HAM RADIO SWAG!
I haven't read all the comments, but the W4OP loop is exceptional. It's now made by LNR Precision.
Hey Bob don't forget me I like to win something from you hahaha
WE NEED SUBSCRIBERS PEOPLE........ I WANNA WIN THAT ELECRAFT!
👏👏👍
If you can’t communicate without internet your NOT a ham! Lol just use your cellphones
Do you know what I hate? I hate people that make video's with no concept of what the term AUDIO LEVEL means so that I have the joyful experience of going to full volume just to hear what they are saying only to have the yahoo segue into music so loud I get blasted out of my chair.
You keep on saying that "thing" is so great and awesome but you never once say what it DOES?