I Made a Multi-Band Delta Loop Antenna with 4:1 Balun

In this video, I make a 40m delta loop out of Kevlar cored copper braid antenna wire, with strain relief and I attach the 4:1 balun that Mike and I made last year. Enjoy. Callum.
Here's the article I found: practicalantennas.com/designs...
The 4:1 Balun with Mike • How to Build a 4:1 Bal...

[@DonzLockz]

Great to learn new words like "hoisty uppy" haha Good to see you still experiming Cal. Nice. :)

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

Glad you had a good, well-earned holiday and it's good to see you back Callum.

[@jamesemery1]

i have missed your videos, looking forward to seeing the antenna up and running

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Looking forward to seeing this setup and then testing it on air Cal! 🙂

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You and me both!

[@user-bz2sk3if2t]

looking forward in seeing that new delta loop up and how good it will work and its also so good to see you on youtube again..best wishes 73 from america

[@paulsengupta971]

"For neatness?" "A frayed knot."

[@ve3pcp]

I built an 80M delta loop in the 80s. Fed it originally with 300 ohm balanced line through a tuner..fed at the apex, hung vertically. It worked well. Put it up at my current QTH last year, fed with a 4/1 balun. Yes, it can be tuned and works from 80 thru 10 but the performance is not stellar on all bands. Alot depends on the radiation pattern as you move up in frequency. Mine is hung vertically, apex up, fed at the apex. Give horizontal polarization. Radiates well on 80 for regional contacts.

[@kennethausten]

I converted my long wire into a delta loop to try and reduce s9 plus qrm .. That certainly worked pleased to say.. I have 50m of wire in the air to a 9 to 1 balum. 4 to 1 I made was a failure. So the home made 9 to 1 unun works perfect. Should be a Balum Hardly needed the ATU .. Only 160m required atu... Found when i lived in Kent, the huge quad wire loop worked well just a few ft off the ground at the bottom of loop. So far results best i have had. Will stay with this. Also erected a vertical to compare. Mainly for the higher frequencies. . It works, that's the main thing. Being a retired electrician has provided me with all the tools and wire. One day we may work again.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

The vertical might be nice for TX and the loop for RX maybe.. Good ideas there.

[@BrokenSignal]

Man that wire counter sure beats using a tape measure. Can't wait for the test!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Coming soon!

[@paulsengupta971]

I was just concerned you were going to set fire to your fingers while using it!

[@robertmeyer4744]

That a fun build to watch. Nice 4:1 Balun. Works for off set center fed dipoles as well. I had trouble tunning mine. Then I figured out I wound a 4:1 UNUN . My bad. switched that out and works and tuned fine for OSFD . The UNUN is mostly for End fed antenna. I made a mono band 20 meter veritable with 49:1 UNUN and ground radials . works super. My pole was not long enough so I fold back the top end like how the 40 meter is done on DX commander antenna. tuned great. under 1.7:1 the hole 20 meter band. This is cut 1/2 wave 20 meter band. 2 stack of FT 240-61 cores. 100 PF cap. #10 AEG mag wire on UNUN. takes KW just fine. using DX 10 wire. loop QRO loop on end. 73's

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@dondonaldson1684]

Oh my, I smell a new product line coming from DXC...called the "DeltaDXC" 😁. I like the 13/15/13 leg ratios, it just feels right for some reason. On 40m, bet this tunes towards 7.1MHz. Great build video, Callum. I can hardly wait for part 2 and of course the real world test of the DeltaDXC. 73 de VE3NAP.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good stuff!

[@jerrym1183]

I like how you are putting this big antenna together "indoors" I had a good laugh on that hihi!! Is the exact same antenna I run successfully on 40 meters day in and day out btw, works well and is super quiet on receive .. Home made balun on type 43 torroid, ... works fantastic, configured as upside down triangle and fed at bottom

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Haha yeah! Easier to film this way!

[@flipster7285]

Watching this while on holiday and getting ready to trim the 80m delta loop I erected tomorrow.....going to be a fun holiday!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nice!

[@manofkentcatapultsgunsando5069]

Good stuff , the boss man of Radio 👍🍻

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Haha..!

[@tpcdude]

Delta loops rule! Best results ladder line direct to tuner, balanced tuner, 1:1 balun to coax.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes. Band changes are a nightmare though.

[@gtretroworld]

That Practical antennas article is superb so thanks for that..looking forward to seeing your finished results. Thanks

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You and me both!

[@JeffSkymaster]

Lighting looks good Cal, Thanks for the instruction

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. I had to very slightly change white-balance in post.. Other than that, OK!

[@z3r0c00l2]

Amazing Cal 😊 73s

[@DK5ONV]

Frigging lovely Job, Lord Cal. I love Delta Loop Antennas. My portable Version is 84m (275ft.) I have a 4:1 and a 2:1 Balun in my ToGo Bag. My Experiences with this Antenna fully satisfied my HAM Needs in low Height Setup somewhere at 22ft. lowest. My highest Point ever was at 48ft. from the Ground. That's quite a Job to get done for an one Man Army having this Thing up for just a few Hours playtime. I love the low RX Noise Level and even on 160m Band this Antenna was a Flamethrower. My British HAMily on 1933khz got knocked off their Shack Stools as I gentle knocked their Doors (RX) with just a 100W portable. Tony G4ZCG always has a Smile on his Face every time I stopp by to say hello....he knows his Friend Günter has a big Screw lose 😂👍

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Screw-Loose Günter sounds a great guy!

[@signalscout6020]

Oh man. Is this the debut of the drone shots? Fantastic addition.

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Nice build Callum, looking forward to seeing how it turns out! Cheers!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You and me both John!

[@jasonodette8607]

Fantastic Cal 👍 Thank you!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Much appreciated

[@Chris_KI4WCO]

Thanks for the video. Have missed them. I've been waiting on this cause i want to put one up behind the house in some trees. Have some wildlife back there, so have to get it high enough.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Go for it!

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Cal, The loop should work. Keeping fingers crossed it goes up into the trees as expected. You and the family stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@fairlymajorstationno1298]

GREAT STUFF CANT WAIT TO SEE THE DELTA LOOP DE MI0TLG WILLIAM

[@garywatkins6800]

Hi Cal, looking forward to seeing this go up and the results. Mine works very well, much quieter than my end-fed. Good for G and Europe. Mine is fixed at the corners with just cable ties. So I can cut the ties and move the position of the balun for testing etc. That kevlar wire is really nice. 73

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks for the info!

[@alanslade2319]

Yes can't wait to see how it works out, I know that it's going to happen with the trees and that, just wondering how it's going to all work out with someone else measurements. Ps I know that you have already done it in your head, but looking forward to seeing it up in the trees and working.thanks for all your work makes my days a lot easier.ALAN .💯👍

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I have made a few previously. No worries.

[@nealbeach4947]

The only delta loop I've built is one for 6 meters. Horizontally polarized at 30 ft and works great.

[@Stewart491]

Thats what i am using ❤❤❤❤❤

[@andylinton2798]

Like that DX50.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes ANdy.. Designed I think originally by Plessey (I think).

[@Frank_K4FMH]

LE Cebik’s articles one the HF loops identified most of this a few decades ago. Google his work on loops. You might be amazed…

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Er, not really - built a few of these. And folks like something different.

[@andyM7XTT]

Looking forward to the next one cal.still say your old 80m doublet you had years ago takes alot of beating

[@ve3pcp]

I used nylon pulleys in the corners of mine. It make it very easy to put up and not so concerned about the supports being 100% in the right spot.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Easy.. but look at the interior of the woods!

[@ve3pcp]

@@DXCommanderHQ Not much different than mine. I live in the middle of a white cedar Forrest.

[@DD5LP]

Bet you wish you'd marked the 13 / 15 m points when you were measuring the wire out on the rig at the beginning. That wire with Kevlar in, we used to call Magic wire in Australia. Not sure why, just know it's great stuff. Loop antennas whether delta, square or ideally as close as you can get to round are fantastic antennas. I've been using them for 13 years now and they're great. I haven't found a better wire antenna yet. 73 Ed DD5LP

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Well, maybe but it only added 5 minutes and in any case, I still had to unravel it all to add the connectors.

[@PanelsUpSolar]

I was just thinking about how I can utilize my drone to help me string some wire through my trees. Hope I don't need to wait to long to see how you keep the string out of the rotors.

[@Alan2E0KVRKing]

I've made smaller deltaloops for 6M &4M, I would like a 40M version but I don't have the space at home!

[@eoinm0nvk110]

O good you are back. Then found the other vid with music ending...if you know you know. Left your discord too many fools. Anyway...back to loops...i used DX 10 for my big loop (90ish meters) works just fine. Big strain on it and no problem...you will need more length, add it now. Eoin IOW.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yeah, need about 2m in total I think.

[@vinnyboomba9948]

I would be a buyer

[@radiofanuk]

Fancy leading me one for a steam rally activation in July. I can come pick it up.

[@genoa1979]

I want it🎉

[@edwinpd0sot503]

Rev it up to the spec of the balun :) thank you for sharing !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Will do!

[@edwinpd0sot503]

@@DXCommanderHQ "Hoisty uppie" ... made me laugh

[@brianfields4479]

Loops are always good rx ants if nowt else, but fed at certain spots produce great dx.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

True!

[@stargazer7644]

The antennas and data on that page appear to be for vertically hanging loops, not horizontal ones.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

OK

[@JayN4GO]

Curious your results.

[@Scotscan]

Will the drone be used to fly it into position? Should make good viewing

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Not sure how the hell I'm doing it yet!

[@piquat1]

Did you make the wire counter yourself? (didn't expect so many questions about it did you, lol)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Well, the basic counter I bought - but I managed to put it all together..

[@johnlew5972]

That tight twist in the wire and bend in the in the wire going through the black insulator. Doesn't mess with the antenna wire swr or TX/RX ???

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Nope.

[@johnlew5972]

@@DXCommanderHQ So why did it matter where I bent the wire on each vertical. When i built the dx commander. You wanted it to be very specific where it was bent and how much the tail was.

[@paulsengupta971]

@@johnlew5972 That's due to horizonal loading and therefore tuning isn't it?

[@mattyfraser9487]

Sounding like my old moped from 80s at the start lol 😅

[@DXCommanderHQ]

HAHAHA!

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Cal, can you share a source for Kevlar wire? I know the cost is non-trivial.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Search DX COMMANDER DX50 KEVLAR WIRE

[@countrichardvonfalconstein5095]

I have to get a big value I run a Johnson 500.

[@BRJ2]

Why not just mark the wire as it's coming off the spool?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

You do it for me.. It would be a lot easier.

[@BRJ2]

@@DXCommanderHQ Sure, send me some spools of that DX50! I'll cut a few bits off for you. 😉

[@Hamradio101]

Excellent Cal good to see you back mate Ray/mm7rwc

[@eazystreet5507]

What direction ?

[@DXCommanderHQ]

See previous video where we discussed patterns. Thanks!

[@Rubedo777]

Hi Cal, great to see you and doing a project as well. 😊 💎 🪛 I’m not trying to be clever, coz I’m not 🤪 However, from your previous vids… are you not going to be inducing the linear loading principle to the loop on the fold overs parts at the egg supports… 🧐 Can you use doubled doingy doingy loops at the eggs and the balun to support the delta? That should give you tension supports… maybe ? Best wishes to everyone.73. 💙

[@DXCommanderHQ]

The "loading" on the corners are almost invisible. No worries.