Magnetic Loop vs. Vertical Antenna (A/B comparison) 

This video shows your compact loop performs quite well on 14 MHz. You properly oriented the loop to minimize its coupling to the vertical. I have similar experience comparing a magloop and vertical on 20m. On 7 MHz and below, a magnetic loop of that size would have poorer radiation efficiency than the vertical but it can offer a better received signal to noise ratio. 73

I'm not surprised at the results. For the size of your Magnetic Loop, it's pretty efficient. If you make the same test on forty meters, you may notice a small difference? The only real downside of the Magnetic Loop is the bandwidth. Thanks for posting the video. It was interesting to watch. Barry, KU3X/QRP

Hey Paul, could you help me find the best software or formulas to model mg loops. I also want to learn how to make a reflector for these and with 2m VHF and higher. QRZ is good, THANKS 73 Craig KD0UQE

Number 9 Number 9 Number 9 This Beatles fan had to.

2 days ago I used 2 meters of 10 mm copper pipe bent into a loop and connected it to the mfj 935c loop timer and made contact with a ham in Belarus on 20 m 5 watts, 2,223 Kms. The loop tuner was sitting on a patio table. Using the 4 meter loop I made contact with a ham in Canada from Ireland 20 watts on 20 meters.

The mag loop works well at ground level, but the vertical antenna would have done much better if placed higher.

That is a very interesting demonstration thankyou. I would be interested to see you transmit on one antenna and check the both antennas with an RF field strength meter. There is a possibility that both antennas were actually radiating simultaneously. Keep up the great work and thanks for a very interesting video ⚡🙏⚡

I have the same radio and a magnetic loop. BH5HDE QRP Magnetic loop as seen on ebay etc. I think I was on wspr at 5 watts when the radio had a failure. The external dc connector opened up not allowing external power in the radio. Also now the radio wont charge because of this. The radio was working fine for a few hours before this with the same antenna. So I'm wondering if the antenna may have been to close to the radio. Maybe rf got into the power cord of the radio and took out a diode or something. Wondering if you might have any ideas on why this may have happend. I do have a replacement radio on the way. I would like to make sure this does not happen again.

Interesting.... I have been comparing a half wave dipole with a 1 meter diameter magnetic loop for receiving as well. In my case, the magnetic loop will sometimes (not always) exhibit a lower noise floor in relation to the desired signal, with the half wave dipole often resulting in a higher noise floor. From the standpoint of intelligibility, the difference in signal strength is not as beneficial as compared to the difference in the noise floor. If the noise floor is say, 3dB lower with the magnetic loop antenna, then it doesn't matter so much that the dipole signal strength may be as much as 1 S unit higher... At least for receiving, it appears to be the signal to noise ratio that counts.

That was a very good demonstration of the mag-loops amazing properties. I really, really need one of those for digital emcomm where you often sit static on one frequency. I'm hoping to be able to order one of yours very soon, Paul! How did it go with your electronic loop-controller? I'm sketching a little on a raspberry based DIY controller myself - with feedback from a field strength meter where I'm doing a quick 360 on the main capacitor to find out in what area on the cap we should do the fine-tuning in next cycle. I'm also thinking of interfacing the controller to the radios CAT for frequency awareness so that tuning can start automatically as soon at the frequency changes on the radio. Also storing of the 'coarse tuning' areas to quickly position the main capacitor - and maybe using a smaller vari-cap or a capacitor network plus relays for fine-tuning. I'm thinking of using small stepper motors with micro-steps + reduction gear for very high resolution, precision and repeatability, not regular servos with position feedback. We'll see what it ends with... 🤓😀

Your metal fence will directly effect your test. If you use a field strength meter you will see the fence is absorbing some of your RF and interfering with your test. You need to be in an open field or above the fence to test your antennas.

Suggestions. 1. more radial on your 1/4 wave. The length does not matter but ideally, off the ground, and they really only need to be 10/wavelength (2m for 20m, 4m for 40m and 8m for 80m) but you need at least three times as many. 2. You magnetic loop is directional, so you might want to try turning it for maximum signal. 3. Keep your magnetic loop away from other metal items. 4. Us lower loss coax. regards G7VFY

Congratulations dear Paul, your magnetic loop antenna works great and setup is very easy👍👍👍73!

A very timely video, thanks very much. I was just thinking about this yesterday. Love your work. I think the vertical might work better with maybe 10 or so radials. Did you make the mag loop antenna yourself?

very good demonstration best 73 Paul , greetings from Belgium.

Another great video, Paul. Thanks. I didn't realise you were manufacturing and selling the loop yourself now on your website. I will be looking at getting one of these I think for my portable QRP operations. Good work my friend - take care and 73. Mick.

Great Video. I wonder what the results would be without the tree cover and closeby metal fence.

Very nice! Congratulations for the setup! 72s de YO3DRN

I always thought that verticals where better for permanent/semi-permanent installations. You need at least triple the radials to beat the ground loss. Where as the loop is a pleasingly effective portable, or HOA/apartment antenna. But your video does prove that as portables, but antenna work well! Thanks for the vid.

Interesting video but I think the vertical antenna would be better if the radiator didn't touch the leaves. 73 de df8ru

Do you realize that the loop is edge fire so you have to point the loop in the direction of the other station for best and accurate results

Just do CQ with cw and show reversebeacon reception.... on each antenna. You have metallic gates too close to the antennas.

In my experience my magnetic loop is much better at transmitting to the receiving station if directed properly

you did not optimize pointing of mag loop, and the fence surround complicates comparison.

The mag loop is a good ant. Very sharp tuning quite selective

It is not possible to do a correct antenna test if the vertical is installed and covered by the tree. The right thing to do is to do it in an open area

Thanks from Japan.

Thanks so much for this excellent comparison between your mag loop and vertical with radials. I'm guessing the vertical antenna would yield much wider bandwidth on standard HF bands. I'm anxious to try out my new Chameleon mag loop.

He can't hear you...Try some real power.

OM0 ET is my favourite Ham channel ! Always find here the interesting info and experiments .Wish you well Peter in our fantastic hobby !

Hi Paul, thanks for the video - I love comparisons like this. Magloop doing a great job. The vertical antenna in the video is not really a 1/4 wave vertical, only electrically. It would be interesting to see you compare the magloop with a physical 1/4 wave vertical in a future video. Also, did you point the magloop roughly in the direction in the direction of the stations you worked? Keep up the good work!

and what about the dp antenna?

And farther from metal gate ?

Great video Peter! I think that vertical antenna with only one radial doing so low useful energy ratio.73 fm UR5X !

NOTE! Narrow bandwidth of the magnetic loop is not a detriment. Instead it is an attribute. It is an additional filter. The highest performance magnetic loop antennas have extremely narrow bandwidth, which is a trade off.

O super jesteś już czekałem Jony Bravo 1980 pozdrawia

Paul dziekuje za bardzo interesujace video,porownanie tych dwoch anten m.loop i vertical for 14 MHz.Ja teraz koncze duza m.loop for 80m band.15m CU fi 22.oktagonal.Do niedawna ja mialem 10m CU a teraz 15.Jest duza ale jeszcze nie za duza hi..Za pare dni ja uruchomie.Zobaczymy jak pracuje.Pozdrawiam Cie serdecznie -Rysiek z Krakowa SP9DTI ahoj

Hm its too close to your house and trees, so vertical antenna on 20m should have at least 10-20m space around.

So why purchase a loop, if no difference?

Wow a tripod mountable telescopic HF whip. I want one of those.

Is there a explanation why there is no difference between the two?

Great comparison thanks for your work

Does the loop antenna require tuning ? How is it connected ? I see 2 concentric loops in the video. Where is it available ?

Great video Paul! It seemed like a very fair A/B comparison. I'm in a neighborhood that might be perfect for a mag. loop. Can you suggest a good source for these parts to build a loop? Cheers!

Fantastic video and comparation between anttenas. Very good explication and didactic video. Congratulations!!!!!

Loops always the best choice.

Hey Paul, i look your Videos often but i want ask so many times, what do think about a sked between you and me ? We can do some QRP and Antenna Test, and i would be very happy if i can speak with you. 20m or 40m and utc, then we hear us on the Bands much greets Fabian DD1FK

Excellent demonstration of an all coax, tuned 1 Meter Loop!

Loving that VFO B Frq Paul. All bands matter. Thanks for the video.

Hi Paul, First, congratulations on the new intro. This video is yet another demonstration of the quality of your antennas. Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us. 73´s

diferen of high under ground..?

Nice presentation but real concern about results with large metal gate and wire fence at same level, and directly in line with radiation pattern of Magnetic Loop. Although I concur with overall results, my experience is all large metal materials need to be half diameter below, and, 4 diameters away to prevent coupling and possible deQing of antenna. I also prefer it to be broadside to Antenna.

great video Paul how is your move going ? I have just finished Mchf will book in my licence soon so can start using it regards terry

Good comparison Paul. The magnetic loop does a great job. Nice work. 73!

plot twist, the switch doesn't work! haha jk, cheers for the video!

Was the magloop pointing towards the station you were listening too?

Is your radio wide banded? if so how did you do it?

Paul, you are incredible. I am saving for your Mag loop!!!

7:30 What we have here is failure to communicate.

Thanks 73

👍nice video Paul, what vertical are u using exactly, sorry if I missed it. I often use the MFJ1979 telescopic portable , what about yr noise floor on the loop? Nice to see you in the country side, cheers n 73

Is there a difference no DX?

How sure are you that your magnetic loop was a directionally pointed at your answering station?

27.555MHz? Hmmmm...triple five HI HI HI HI

Great video Paul, I love such comparisons, but I am amazed that the vertical antenna did not work better. After all, the radiator has 1/4 lambda and the counterpoises also 3x 1/4 lambda.