OOps! I sent replies direct to Fred instead of the newsgroup!
Here's a repeat of one!
------------------

Thanks Fred. I am determined to experiment with the Magnetic Loop
only because I haven't worked with one before. I am also keeping
in mind a windowsill antenna as a backup, and also in case I run into
problems getting the Loop going.

I've previously worked the gamut of antennas from the old 'Gotham
Vertical' which was a classic back in the fifties, through all kinds
of dipoles, towers beams and rotors, random wires, folded Marconis,
and such but never a loop.

The Magnetic Loop is a fairly new concept that intrigues me, and
unlike a mobile whip or other compromise antenna, it is 'complete'
in itself and a lot of guys are giving it pretty good reports. As well,
it will serve on a balcony without being overrly obtrusive.

Time will tell but I'm going to have some fun!

I'll have to look for the Octopus in the QST Archives, not
to build one but to have a look at it.

Tks agn es 73

Irv VE6BP.

"Fred McKenzie" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Irv Finkleman" wrote:

will be moving to a senior's
residence where I will have a balcony to work from.

Irv-

Go ahead and try the loop. At least you will be on the air, and you may
be surprised how well it works.

I once lived in an apartment where a previous resident had installed a
trucker's mirror antenna mount on the metal balcony rail. I used it
with mobile whips to get on HF. The metal rail worked as a ground
plane, and my TS-690S built-in tuner was able to match it.

You might also consider dipoles made from mobile whips. I have had good
luck, especially on higher bands. I currently have an "Octopus" antenna
made from four sets of mobile whips fed in parallel. It might not fit
on your balcony, but fits inside my attic. (The Octopus was published
in the December, 2007, issue of QST.)

73,
Fred
K4DII