I like my Alex Loop. It's an older one, with the cloth briefcase, rather than a backpack (so you pack your radio separately), and no tuning needle, though it's still pretty easy to get to the appropriate band. There is some proximity de-tuning when your hand is close to the knob, and I imagine that actually resting the capacitor box directly on the POTA picnic table might have proximity issues (but maybe consistent, unlike your hand, so it could be OK). I've had good luck hanging it under a tree limb with a bit of cordage. One caution: don't deploy next to a metal framed window or one with a metal screen. It actually works better deeper into the room, even if you have foil backed insulation. My theory is that it couples currents into the window frame (and maybe screen) that reduce Q, or increase losses, or ruin the pattern somehow. 73, IKE1G
Thank you very much Bill. Try to tune the AlexLoop using your hand behind the tuning knob using your finger tips.I wish you a lot of fun and many QRP DXs.PY1AHD ALEX
I used my AlexLoop today. NY to IA with just 500mW on 17m SSB. I’ve used it for FT8 from a hotel room too. It’s pricy and can be a challenge to tune at times, but it’s portable and I keep finding uses for it.
I got a AL-705 Magnetic loop antenna for my IC-705. Mostly use it for listening these days. Every now and then I'll try some FT8 from inside the house running less than 2 watts. When tuned correctly, a Mag Loop will make contacts.
Nice job Josh - ideal for HOA restricted Hams and can be used along with a web SDR to allow for scanning a whole band, then just tune to a desired frequency. I bet that loop, near salt water, would do well up on 15-10m. 73
The Alex HamPack has the AlexTune built in. Alex must have sent you the outboard AlexTune to make the point that the outboard unit can be used with other loops that use PL-259 connectors, such as those by Alpha and Chameleon. I have use the AlexTune on the original Alex Walkham loop and like that combination very much. I like the HamPack unit even more. Tuning is very easy on both, but easier on the latter.
Hello Steve. Thank you very much for your post to explain that the AlexTune is available as a accessory that will fit on any portable magnetic loop antenna antenna that follow the original AlexLoop 20 years old design.I wish you a lot of fun and many QRP Dxs PY1AHD ALEX
Looks like a great portable loop. I'd love to try out a mag loop, but dang are they pricey. PS; I need you to live stream a 10m QSO party so I can get you in the log! 73
Got one, strictly run qrp, great receive, slightly weak on transmit, but occasionally surprises. Quick to deploy, would’ve rather saved some $ vs getting the backpack. The tuning led intensity lets you know when it’s spot on.
I’m not a ham but I do plan on getting my license at some point . I want to be able to take both test at the same time or within the same week. That said I’m a GMRS licensed, what I’m working on is I have the BTECH GMRS 20V2 radio. I’m wanting to set it up kinda like the G1 Operater , but I want it lighter that way it can be used on the move the once I get a camp make a good base radio. I know what I need as far as the antenna for camp . My problem is what pouches and antenna to use while on the move and while it’s in the backpack. My question is also I want a light weight battery lighter then what I have now. I thought about a 12 volt power bank ? I know I don’t need a lot of power to run the 20watt radio. Would a power bank that goes up 10 amps be sufficient? Good Video. What I’m going for as light weight as possible man pack . That’s why I don’t build my own ammo can system .
My solution to my Alex Loop support is a cheap small bar clamp from Ocean State Job Lot. Clamp to the picnic table and slide the tube over the wooden handle of the clamp, keeps it within arms reach also. And they didn't include the clip on tune light as the new models have the tune led built into the top left corner of the capacitor box.
I’m almost certain the last few years of AlexLoop have the AlexTune built-in. I see the LED on the main box. I think the additional clip on is for older models that don’t have the LED (and maybe generic loops too?).
haved owned an alexloop hampack for a while, but was looking for other vidoes of people using it for QRP phone contacts - the point you make at 14:25 - what I do with mine is use a bungee around a park bench tables and attac it to the orange loops on the tuner dial section, it makes for a very secure mount - and no need to shorten the bottom sectin which I sometimes use on a bike stand to hold the antenna in with. Great video and love your corgis ! 73 2E0FWE
Another great video review and one with smart user points (dial, velcro, etc). I.will seriously look at the product as I did not even know it existed! De WO8USA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I have an Alex Loop, since it is very old, it was considerably cheaper. But I would never, ever pay the amount it costs today. Now she really is a total lunatic, at least for the price. Building it yourself is worth it again.
I feel like a 12V to USB-C adapter shrinkwrapped onto a cable would be about the same as your barrel plug. I haven't been able to figure out the obsession with just a barrel plug over a cable with inline powermanagement coming out to USB-C. I do this for my XPS and it works fine.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I suspect Scott Gallagher is referring to the MFJ tripod supporting the antenna not the one supporting the IC705.Great presentation BTW,,HNY,, 73 de ZL1PO.
The cap needs to be at the top to reduce a lot of common mode current. Is it easier to reach yes but it makes the antenna really unbalanced at the bottom. These are antennas to use if you literally have nothing else.
For anyone who’s actually done any hike/walk/camp radio, YOU DO NOT WANT AN ANTENNA BACKPACK! You have a load of other stuff to carry, even for a half day - first aid, food, cooking, chair, sleep system…the list goes on. You want the best effectivity/weight compromise and you want something with a bag just big enough for the antenna that will fit in your actual backpack with the rest of your gear. This and other antenna/radio backpack systems are useless except for keeping in a car and a few hundred meters to a park bench.
For multi-day? Sure. You don’t want a ham radio backpack like this. But this pack and easily accommodate a day hike including first aid, snacks, water, etc.
I appreciate your reviewing this kit. But $600 is a ridiculous amount of money to pay for a couple of plastic pipes and a cheesy looking backpack..! And it doesnt even come with a means of standing it up.? No thank you! Again, I appeciate your review. 73
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Admittedly, my license expired decades ago (getting back into it). In the 80s, they hammered "no re-transmission" in any form without authorization. It's related to the wiretap laws.
I agree.....Alex was fantastic, a very good man. I would send him an email and always would answer my questions about his gear. I have this Alexloop and love it. I use it from indoors on bad weather days living in an HOA. He was always improving his products and coming up with new ideas. He loved ham radio, QRP, loops.... We have lost a great man in the ham radio community. RIP Alex PY1AHD SK.
