Performance
Does it work? For a low wire on a small lot, I could not be more surprised at what this antenna can hear and work. Since it's been up (January 2007) I've logged more than 2500 QSO's. A combination of contest and casual on SSB, CW, RTTY, and PSK31. All less than 50 watts and most at 5 watts. I keep the power down to keep the neighbors happy as they are less than 10 feet away. (QRP is a blast by the way and always amazes me)
We tune this balanced antenna with an MFJ-974HB balanced line tuner on all bands from 40 to 6 meters with no problems. Always less than 1.5:1 SWR. Since I've made the improvements in December 2007, I can work 75 meters, and some low power work at 80 meters. (more on how we plan to improve that later) Plus an added bonus is operation on 160 meters, good enough to snag 9 states in over 20 QSO's during the CQWW 160 CW contest.
Now this antenna is not going to radiate a good signal on 80 and 160, especially at this height, but you'll have fun using those bands. I will be adding some 55 foot ground radials (counterpoise if you will) to help the situation on 80.
I've not had any reports of RFI outside of my home. We do keep excellent relations with neighbors and I'm sure it helps in the long run. I have had some minor RFI issues in my home and they've all been solved with ferrite filters on power or control lines.
Does it work DX? Here at the dead bottom of the cycle is a sample of DX we've snagged, including several all time new ones, and some good band countries: OL, D5, ZL, VP8, 3X, 9M2, N8S, TI, KG6, LY, BF, FW, 4N, C5, XU, A35, E5, HL, and my favorite on 40 meters ZS. All the usual South American, Europe and Caribbean locations are workable depending on propagation. 80 meters is looking up as KH6 was worked breaking a pileup. We managed a 1st place win QRP CW for my section in the 2007 ARRL DX Contest.
The design goal of remaining stealthy was met. The view above from the front of our home shows the loop, and a mast with a GP-15 tri-band (6-2-70cm) vertical and a side mounted 2-meter ground plane. We're on all bands from 80-meters through 70-cm.
The best part is the cost. (Remember I'm on a budget). Total project cost is less than $200. I'm on the air having fun and increasing my DXCC count in an antenna restricted area.
