On Sun, 09 Jul 2017 09:08:11 -0400, Pat wrote:

I'm looking at an ad in QST regarding the MFJ Low-Noise Receiving
Loop. Since I have a lot of noise here, I am very interested in this
topic. However, I have having trouble understanding the theory. My
understanding regarding electromagnetic waves is you can't have one
without the other. RF propogates through space my having the moving
electric field create a moving magnetic field which then creates a new
electric field, etc, etc. How can one exist without the other?

No.

Here's a quote from the ad, "The MFJ-1886 drastically reduces noise
and interference by receiving the magnetic field and rejecting the
electric field".

How can a varying electric field from a noise source
not also create a corresponding magnetic field?

The transmitter generates both. You can reduce the sensitivity of a
receiving loop to the electric E field by shielding, leaving only the
magnetic H component. Examples of shielded loop antennas:
https://www.google.com/search?q=shielded+loop+antenna&tbm=isch
and unshielded loop antennas:
https://www.google.com/search?q=unshielded+loop+antenna&tbm=isch

Is this a near-field / far-field thing?

No.

I've been collecting articles on magnetic loops, tuners, theory, and
such in an apparently futile attempt to find the time to design
something. Maybe you'll find these articles useful. Most have
references and links at the end to other magnetic loop articles:
https://sidstation.loudet.org/antenna-theory-en.xhtml
https://www.nonstopsystems.com/radio/pdf-ant/article-antenna-mag-loop-2.pdf
http://www.w0btu.com/magnetic_loops.html
http://owenduffy.net/blog/?cat=31
http://www.aa5tb.com/aa5tb_loop_v1.22a.xls
https://frrl.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/limited-space-antennas-the-small-transmitting-loop-antenna/

There's some discussion of E and H fields he
http://owenduffy.net/antenna/PA0RDT-MiniWhip/
which you might find applicable.


--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558