Build a 160/80 Meter Magnetic Loop Antenna - Part 1

Amy(AI6ZU) and I build a magnetic loop antenna for 160 and 80 meter amateur radio.

[@RimstarOrg]

Good to see more videos from you. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@oldmaine4314]

A new Jeri Ellsworth video. Life is good.

[@K4MJV]

I am anxiously awaiting part 2. My favorite part of this hobby is antenna building. I have wanted to build a mag loop antenna for a while and you have inspired me to get off my couch and do it. I also went back to some of your older videos and really enjoyed them. My father worked with the team that designed and built the Digital PDP-8. I remember the old memory cores like the one you showed in one of your videos. Subscribed and can't wait for more!

[@ST1300Jim]

I’ve been waiting years for part 2. I guess if it hasn’t happened by now it’s not going to?

[@Kallenator1988]

That's quite the spiffy intro Jeri! Thanks for sharing your projects with us in such an enjoyable and educational form!

[@CamoCrabby]

Wow! Glad you're doing videos again. You're a ham now, and you're doing a series on mag loops. This is the trifecta of awesome! Love the detail and video production work too. I look forward to the upcoming vids, and may tackle this in a scaled down QRP-ish in the future. Thank you, this is pretty rad!!!

[@radiofun232]

Hi Jeri, good to hear that you uploaded a new video. Thanks. And also a video useful for radio listeners and radio amateurs like me. The magnetic loop has good properties, small/tunable bandwidth etc.

[@dylansternbeck9230]

I'm really excited to see this series and more videos from Jeri! Thanks for the upload.

[@donaldj.mangold1342]

Hi Jeri, I have enjoyed your in depth videos in the past and am happy to see you are posing once more. Your knowledge and subject expertise is very broad and informative. Please keep up the good work and know that it is appreciate by many. Regards, Don

[@zinckensteel]

So very happy to see you posting videos again; you were quite an inspiration back when I was in undergrad :-) I have an unfinished loop of similar diameter, though I opted for a single turn comprised of copper foil wrapped around 4" flexible poly drain hose, with (in theory) all the seams soldered. I really ought to get back to it, as it worked very well for reception, and now I have a 1000pF vacuum variable good for a few kV...

[@zinckensteel]

For those curious: the larger diameter of the conductor should lead to improved bandwidth.

[@davecc0000]

zinckensteel So 3/4 inch tubing will give better bw than 1/2 inch?

[@zinckensteel]

Yes, but that small of a change might not be noticeable in practice.

[@styropyro]

this was so cool!

[@faustdownunder]

Excellent work Jeri. I built my first magnetic loop in 1982. After I did and brought it to the local radio club meeting, an avalanche of loop home-brewing began. It is good to see some well-made contemporary loops.

[@mrmagootoo]

Welcome back ! Love your teaching method and enthusiasm.

[@knightwhosayni1]

So glad to see you back :)

[@DataStorm1]

Finally she's back !!!!!! Missed your video's Jeri.

[@edmondsjc]

This looks like a cool project. Looking forward to seeing more of it!

[@carldavis8228]

Glad to see you back and what an awesome project. Will be following and building with great interest. Thx!

[@dandruff7807]

Waiting for next "Magnetic Loop Antenna -Part 2".......WAITING! WAITING! WAITING! WAITING!

[@richardmorgan8027]

ME TOO AND HALF THE HAM GLOBE

[@m1cxf]

I've been sat on the edge of my seat for a year waiting for part two. Hopefully I will not be too old to enjoy it.

[@lelanddegon6789]

Hummm been awhile,,she's working on better stuff now lol

[@lelanddegon6789]

@@m1cxf dont stop breathing lol

[@dgarcia109]

Me too! Did the studio cancel the series?

[@OH8STN]

Outstanding video. I'm starting to think I live at the North Pole or something, I've never seen your channel before. Excellent build and looking forward to the next one. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@WalterMelones]

I'm just a tech class, but I've been searching for something this thorough (and yet concise) for a while! Thank you!

[@markg1051]

Great video Jeri, looking forward to the next one. Really love your clear explanations. Internet world needs more people like you! Just subscribed.

[@ik04]

Howdy Jeri, K4IVE, Kevin here... Your loop looks very similar to mine, except I used 3/4 inch copper water pipe and couplings to form a giant 6.5 foot octagon. I have 50 or so photos and videos of the build, so I know exactly how much work it is to chronicle a complicated build like this. It's amazing how well the modeling of the antenna system resembled the finished product. My capacitor is a massive homebrew contraption using 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch copper pipe in a compound trombone configuration. My tuning mechanism is all hydraulic, using all plastic components and water... What a crazy project, huh? 73! de K4IVE

[@jeriellsworth]

That's awesome!

[@GadgetUK164]

Awesome! Looking forward to the next part!

[@electronash]

GadgetUK164 - Retro Gaming Repairs & Mods Clearly we have the same great taste in channels. It's getting tough to not see you on here. lol

[@GadgetUK164]

+ElectronAsh LOL! Yep! Another great channel that we both watch lol

[@brandonmunoz6931]

Looking forward to the rest of the series. How's it coming along ? KG5KYM.

[@ellenmariehardin]

A

[@MrMilarepa108]

You're one of my all-time heroes and finding you back on KZbin made my day!

[@flashg0rd0n]

Hi Jeri, good to see you making more amazing videos about what you get up to. Just recently joined a radio club myself and hopefully should be licensed soon, I'll be following your build on the magloop for tips. Looking forwards to the next video!

[@AfdhalAtiffTan]

Welcome back!

[@K7AGE]

Jeri, it was great to meet you at Pacificon. Looking forward to the following videos.

[@jeriellsworth]

Someday we'll have more than 30 seconds to chat.

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

I built a Magnetic Loop back in 2004. It was awesome. It worked great on 40m. I have the parts to make another one with a Vac. Variable and a motor drive. It's my winter project. I have a 50 foot vertical but honestly, I want the best power and match. I also like how selective the loop is. I work Qrp and love weak signal. Thanks for the video ! I am also watching and brushing up on my electronic basics. It has been fun watching your channel. cheers.

[@johnbigbooty]

Very nice work Jeri. I am a huge fan of the magnetic loop, I have built 4, and I am just getting started. The simulation work you did is really informative for people just getting into this special type of antenna.

[@beeorganic]

Okay, I've been holding my breath for part 2 for over 3 years now. Fortunately, I have a cardiopulmonary bypass machine hooked up to my femoral artery that allows me to do this but I am still getting tired of waiting.

[@kristhompson8112]

Bummer .... Oh dear just got interested in this kind of antenna and as I also have a background in racing cars I were hoping she would lead the way..

[@kellypaws]

@@kristhompson8112 Try M0MSN's channel. Mike is building a lot of Mag Loops.

[@NamasenITN]

What about joining forces and research the next steps ourselves? She will be happy to have inspired others.

[@thefreese1]

Me too .... but nothing found

[@ToiToiTrimmer]

Bummer, won’t bother watching or giving it a like or follow

[@N0SSC]

YOU’RE BACK!

[@robertnicoll9712]

Extremely well shot and narrated. Incredible amount of info without droning on, i like, will keep an eye out for P2

[@mcsdrd8]

Can't wait to see the rest of this video series. Great job, your videos are excellent.

[@KowboyUSA]

It's Jeri!

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

HI Jeri. Very nice work! How is the "noise" at your location? I'm located at a very high point as well.

[@jeriellsworth]

Noise on 160m is fairly bad on the dipole, but the high Q of the mag loop helps a lot.

[@MrCarlsonsLab]

It's pretty high here as well, even with underground power lines. Lots of noisy consumer electronics. It's good to see you making video's again... 73

[@VintageLabSilvioPinheiro]

Hi, A slight improvement in the signal can be noted by pointing the "holes" of the loop to the generating source. The plane of the nulls of this antenna are parallel to the construction of the larger circle. You can use this feature to improve more good signal and attenuate noise source. Part of the noise can reach the tank tuned circuit by the coax cables through the common mode currents. A simple BALUN 1:1 installed before the smaller coupling loop can also greatly reduce noise. The balun must be BAlanced UNbalanced ... with turns ratio in 1: 1. Only producing the lag between the unbalanced antenna and the balanced coaxial line. 73 DE PU2SRZ

[@jafinch78]

I think there needs to be more enforcement of shielding and drives to move back to the idea of fiber optic implementations and less wireless that isn't so well managed. Seems can create more jobs also that aren't so dangerous for enforcement operations. I suppose the JFK pervs next generation has taken hold and deviated systems to cause more jamming (not just Hollywood's), static, noise and interference. I'm sure there is more than one root cause.

[@californiakayaker]

The noise is lower for me using various loops than any other antenna. I usually have built full wave loops, some vertical, some horizontal. I have a decently sized piece of property. Could easily fit a 160 full wave loop. Dipoles have always been very noisy for me.

[@DieVoix]

Nice to see something new from you! I really like your approach to explaining your projects.

[@zetacon4]

Totally cool build so far in this video. Must watch all of this series. Thanks.

[@charlie22911]

This and Applied Science are my two favorite channels! In a perfect world you’d have done a collaboration by now :).

[@jeriellsworth]

We're both in Silicon Valley now. :)

[@dingleburry7919]

i love ben!!!

[@mancio92M]

fantastic tutorial

[@gm6hgw]

Very good editing and clear information, look forward to part two.

[@forestgreenman]

Really really interested in building the antenna!!!! I hope part 2 construction and a part 3 use video are coming soon. Thanks for all the great info!!!!

[@SianaGearz]

Newsflash: we love you!

[@ccc5226]

You can contact with Poland now. :)

[@davidbelbot5967]

Siana Gearz I

[@robreyescosme6902]

Jeri.. where are the other parts to this video.? I want to make one too.. :)

[@wrightmf]

Thanks for taking the time to show how to build this type of HF antenna. Being a condo dweller has made HF a non-starter for me, I see magnetic loop antennas for sale but more than what I want to spend. I didn't think of building my own (how I missed this concept as amateur radio is all about DIY/build/experiment). I see other youtube vids on building magnetic loops, your construction practices show how to make it look really nice along with pointers how to make it endure weather.

[@mosiotv]

Can't wait to see your next vid! They always motivate me and makes me admire you 😘

[@yoy58913]

Watching her is like watching The Return of the Jedi the long waited leader who finally returned

[@Vocoder07]

:D

[@boxingday11]

Ha Jeri , thanks for this build but when are we gonna get part II ! Best regards Carl.

[@Jones12ax7]

Awesome build! Some time ago I found a 1 inch rigid copper coax cable on a junkyard nearby and used it to experiment as magnetic loop. I never finished the project, but it had promising initial results.

[@TheSliderW]

Thank you for all the smiles you've put on my face ! : 3

[@travburg1]

Are you working on part 2 Travis K5HTB

[@RadioPrepper]

Awesome! Looking forward to the next video. I once made an octagonal 21ft perimeter mag loop, but making a spiral is a great idea. Thanks. What's the efficiency on either bands?

[@orlandostevenson7214]

This is so neat - can’t wait to see the rest of the videos on this project!

[@user-by8nh5fj9l]

Jeri, I've only just found out about your videos, you are absolutely amazing.the perfect example of what a radio ham should aspire to, I'm so happy to see so many young women in the hobby, thanks Scott 2E0 IOJ

[@johnconner8974]

Jeri is back :)

[@kd5inm]

Jeri, love your videos. One thing though I want to point out ( @ 3:26 in the video) is that Hams don't "broadcast", we "transmit". Broadcast is generally accepted as a one way transmission where there is no expected reply like in AM or FM radio stations that broadcast their signals. Hams are almost always looking for a reply or communication with another Ham thus we transmit to each other.

[@jeriellsworth]

10-4 Good buddy... Sorry I couldn't resist poking a little.

[@kd5inm]

LOL, I do the same thing= cb vernacular, your response made me bust out with a chuckle

[@forestgreenman]

Looking forward to the entire series. I have been wanting to build a loop antenna since I first read/heard of them.

[@paula5482]

You motivated me to build this. I would love to get on 160m. Looking forward to part 2 video. Thx! Paul

[@w2aew]

Cool - nice build! I've got just enough room for a 80m dipole, but not nearly high enough for DX. I'll be really interested to see what kind of Q (bandwidth) you get, especially on 160m. I'm liking it so far! 73 de Alan W2AEW

[@jeriellsworth]

The Q was interesting because it changed radically with the coupling method I used. Using a gamma match was fairly high Q on both bands. I plan on exploring if I can get the 1/5th diameter loop and ferrite coupling method to behave better.

[@w2aew]

Hmm - that is interesting. I wouldn't have expected the coupling method to have that much of an effect. I hope you explore this in future videos - great job (and proud to have you among the ham community) 73 de W2AEW - Technical Coordinator for the NNJ Section of ARRL.

[@johnpeterson7264]

Great build. I can't wait for part 2 !! Please talk as much as possible about the math behind your design. I am currently working on loop made with 4" copper ribbon - hopefully maximizing surface effect but we shall see.

[@jeriellsworth]

Absolutely. I had a lot of compromises around loop diameter and matching that surprised me.

[@thearizonasignalwatcher5789]

I've actually had pretty good luck with the 1/5-sized coupling loop, getting bandwidths similar to those predicted by, e.g., AA5TB's spreadsheet which can be found on-line. But, that calculator and my loops are all single-turn, and I'm not sure what the double-loop design does to the bandwidth. Good luck and 73, K7HKR.

[@dezeekat]

she back

[@KenPurcell]

Nice project, glad to see you back Jeri!

[@edmclaughlin4923]

Jeri, good to see you back. Looking forward to more in this series.

[@bigphil6980]

Hi Jeri when will we see the next episode of your loop antenna make

[@llcraven]

Great video. When will the Part 2 video be available?

[@iowaelliott]

I was wondering myself

[@Electronzap]

Hey! Great to see you making videos again Jeri. I never cared much for radio but with was my Dad's obsession so ultimately it is how I got started in electronics.

[@johnk8091]

Wow, very professional build, well done Amy and Jeri ! Subscribed, and looking forward to seeing more of your videos. 73, ZS5J

[@r3g1t]

Hello Jeri, which tool are you using for the radiation pattern simulations?

[@jeriellsworth]

EZNEC which is easier than most, but not super easy.

[@christophersylvain4085]

@@jeriellsworth even better is "4nec2" which can interface with ITSHFBC to produce signal strength prediction maps

[@wadepatton2433]

Dearest Jeri Ellsworth: Love your stuff, and want to build this antenna-but I'd like YOUR advice/dissent on sourcing a variable capacitor (I'd rather not fail often and buy the wrong parts over and over (fail often) as my time and funds are somewhat limited and I have to fish too). You speak of them, but not _about them_ it in this video. Hope you are well and we get to see a PART 2 sometime soon. I'd like to build, test and tweak before Winter of 2018. You make really great videos. Thanks so much, 73.

[@ckarias69]

It's GOOD to see you making videos again!!! I'm ALWAYS at my Happiest when I'm MAKING Gizmos!!!

[@arongooch]

This is super cool stuff!! Can't wait to see the next video's.

[@kellyblackmon2805]

I can't find part 2

[@MaricopaJeff]

Did part two get lost in the ether?

[@tek4]

I've been off air for about 3 years, and you are giving me motivation to get back to it, kb1pvm here, and I say thank you. I can't wait till we cross each other on the waves

[@jeriellsworth]

Let's do it!

[@HobokenHam]

This was a very good video. Look forward to the rest of the series.

[@K0CMD]

Looking for 'build a 160/80 meter magnetic loop antenna - part 2'

[@BSDGuyShawn]

Same here :)

[@JohnSmith-bb2np]

6 months and still nothing. You are a tease.

[@adlapl]

You are really great in, well :) ... explanatory lecturing. Thank you! Great vid.!

[@tbirddusty]

Right ON Jeri! Nice to meet you at SEA-PAC. Can not wait for part #2

[@carabela125]

If I apply 1.3 gigawatts of power will that open a wormhole into another universe? Just kidding, welcome back !

[@ethanpoole3443]

carabela125 Is this figure based upon the assumption that 90 extra megawatts is the difference between mere time travel (1.21GW a la Doc Brown) and an intergalactic wormhole?

[@antronx7]

OMG, she's a HAM now!

[@chuckritola]

... and according to the FCC site she has an "amateur extra" license - that's the Premium Unleaded Gasoline of amateur licenses.

[@captaincumswap]

So glad you're back!

[@PelDaddy]

Thanks for sharing, Jeri. It is great to see you embracing Amateur Radio. I was excited when I saw that you and I had an FT8 (or perhaps JT65) contact. Although I am not s huge digital guy (I get bored with it quickly), but it was fun when I looked up your callsign and saw a familiar name from your other videos. Looking forward to part duex.

[@gollumondrugs]

Wow! I've missed you and I would still marry you xxx

[@harveyellis6758]

Nice project. Looking forward to next in series as inspiration to build mag loop for my own limited space back yard.

[@chrisshipman6253]

Great to see new content from you. Like the subject matter too.

[@OneBiOzZ]

Fantastic video i have been wanting to make a magloop antenna for quite some time! thank you!

[@sampoteste]

I seem to be late to the party but gladly I found it. Thanks for posting this. I am in the same boat and was considering a single loop antenna. Your approach seems simpler and interesting. I will be catching up:-) Thanks again

[@Perryman1138]

Welcome back Jeri! Good to see you again!!!

[@sethlavinder]

Jeri, great to see you back on KZbin ! Love seeing the ham projects! 73 de Seth - W8FG

[@graplingurty]

Great project, I'll be waiting for the next installment.

[@jonnoMoto]

Yay! Glad to see you are back.

[@virgilmachine2504]

Good job Jeri! Looking forward to the rest!

[@Artichoke4Head]

I was unsubscribed from the channel because I assumed it was a abandoned. Now I'm glad to see your channel is alive again. Very excited to see your new videos. Bye the way your video regarding the bulb for feedback resistor in the oscillator is one of my favorite electronic/science videos. That video made me to rethink how I approached the design and funny thing I'm not even an engineer or technician . I'm an artist.... Thanks again

[@whome8192]

Glad to see you back!

[@1crazynordlander]

Wow, watched some videos about you and a part of a keynote you did and at a young age I was tearing stuff apart trying to figure out how it works, Went to a trade school for Diesel mechanics and now at age sixty one I supply IT to a couple of small school districts. I finally got my ham license earlier this year, upgraded to General and working on my extra all because of an interest in CB radios. I do not claim to be an electronics expert but I can figure most problems out in my daily quests. I finally have a HF radio and am totally excited out it. I Subbed!

[@rjy8960]

Hi Jeri, Nice work! Nice mechanical engineering! Really looking forward to seeing further video's on this project. I've built a small QRP loop initially with a air cap and then converted it to use a vacuum cap but next project is going to use 2" OD coax and a proper Russian glass vacuum cap similar to the one on your bench. Just need some time over the summer to make it work. 73 de M0SNR

[@yoramshalom8897]

An interesting and useful article !!! Waiting for the next chapters !

[@tobyn7649]

Great project, cant wait to see the finished product.

[@leighturner896]

Thanks for the thoroughly enjoyable video here Jeri; excellent stuff and look forward to the remainder in the series! 73 Leigh VK5KLT

[@stealthop]

long time no see . great antenna build can't wait to see your upcoming videos !

[@ThingEngineer]

So glad to see you back Jeri!!!

[@LasseHuhtala]

I've seen loops like that before, but I never guessed they were antennas. Learned something new again. :-)