Magic Magnetic Loop - Alex HamPack Magnetic Loop Review

[@adzbasslines268]

Hi Peter, very nice upgrade! I do have ye old AlexLoop that I use with my portable ops. I'm glad Alex is now using vernier rediction drives for the tuning capacitor. Long awaited! It would make tuning much easier with a Hi Q antenna. I'm sure you'll appreciate the same concept in your next radio's Receiver tuner ;) The LED is a really nice touch! Something that's usually used in external antenna dippers! A great addition. The BNC connector change from the old PL259 is a modification I made on my old AlexLoop. I tend to use BNC more often than not with QRP rigs. People will probably prefer their own tripods, but I honestly would've paid the extra to have a good quality, small one included in the HamPack; as sourcing a good one small enough for hiking hills with SOTA reduces my choices to SLR camera tripods. But the mounting tube diameter can be a problem unless 'buffer tubes' are installed to stop the antenna mast from flopping to one side (Not a big deal, but just something extra you shouldn't need to keep preparing when buying a new kit). I was hoping for an 80m resonator in this upgrade? Sure, I could build one and make the mods and although it may not be of the highest efficiency (we're trading efficiency for portability here and doing what we can to compromise for the best of both worlds) the 80m resonator would still provide good enough performance. By default, I use 80m & 40m frequently together. I was hoping he would've added one to the kit, or at least as a separate optional upgrade item (and if one exists please let me know). As for the internal transceiver and accessory bags -- swapping them around due to their shape, to me, would be the obvious thing if you needed to. Most transceivers are rectangular, but the bag's internal design is what matters. I can put the accessories in the radius-top rectangular shaped bag -- except he had to label the bags!!! I might be asking a lot, but I've owned my Alex Loop for the past several years and these were my my main findings. I would love the ability to use an 80m resonator for SOTA at higher mountainous altitudes without needing trees for a wire or having to carry a loaded vertical. An amazing antenna. Old model or new. The new model will be far better and AlexLoop is my GO-TO for portable. It doesn't disappoint!

[@alexdokic5567]

A nice demo Peter, I'm still waiting for some warmer weather to play radio outside! I think I was spoilt when I was in Barbados a few years back, it looks like you have found my favourite portable spot with a very low noise floor!

[@1crazynordlander]

I haven't figured out why the high price for loop antennas. Sure the capacitor adds cost and R&D , but they should be half that price. Just my humble opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[@stevejones8665]

I almost totally agree with you, but for a piece of coax a variable capacitor some connector and plastic they should be a lot less extortionate.😊👍👍

[@adrianoragazzo1321]

Magloops can cost alot IF they are made with expensive components ( eg : vacuum capacitors , hand crafted Butterfly's cap and so on ) . What i can't understand is : why this one cost so much money ? I haven't see a good vswr ration but up to 1:5 to 1. I don't mind if it's 1:5 to 1 but more than that, on a new "miracle" product ? I made a magloop with the cheap RG213 and a normal air variable cap and had a PHONE qso between the location where i was ( somewhere on the italian mountains ) and a Qrp'er from London. 5W and phone . I DO use a magloop on Qth . But a real one .

[@adrianoragazzo1321]

@@stevejones8665 they cost alot also because silly folks keep buyng them. It's like the ic 705 ...please watch the video again and tell me : is the display "really visible" under a light ? Now, i'magine on summer, with the sun light. You have to take care because you can scratch very easily the display and so much more problems with such delicate radio can happen. But see, peoples buy it ...while a portable radio should be rugged and sturdy ...but that's me .

[@stevejones8665]

@@adrianoragazzo1321 Totally agree with you. Why waste hard earned money on extortionate prices for equipment and Antennas when you can build them for a lot less.👍👍

[@michelboisonnault2454]

A very nice demo, well done video, Peter, it is very much appreciated. I can't wait to see it in action. It answered many of my questions. Best of season's greeting to you and yours from Canada. 72/73 Mike VE2TH The QRP'er for 58 years.

[@watersstanton]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tomcruiser2407]

Yes OK I have an old Alex Loop myself it's not bad from 10-15m from 17-20 it's already hard to connect in SSB. From 30-40 in CW and 40 in SSB almost impossible. FT8 still works! I think it is now much too expensive, considering that only a medium wave capacitor with a transformation ratio of 20 euros is installed. And my Alex Loop already had a bag. I know it's a bit inappropriate when talking about price, but it really is appropriate here. But the video is great.

[@alzeNL]

i love the etheral music at the beginning, reminds me Pink Floyds "Echoes" album

[@HAMRADIO_QRP_and_more]

I own the „old“ Alex Loop from years back, it‘s a great antenna, extremely portable, small and lightweight, gives good value for the money. E. g. had a real SSB QSO with an EA-station with it on 5 W using an FT-817 from inside the house a few months ago. 👍 73 de Mike DL1BJW

[@watersstanton]

Thanks for sharing. That was a great QSO Mike. 73 Peter

[@raybans4980]

I had the previous model of the Alexloop and they really are marvelous performers.

[@watersstanton]

Yes agreed. 73 Oeter

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Nice idea the loop with that radio, pack and a battery and a length of coax and off you go. Getting a contact on 5 or 10 watts if much better. You feel you have achieved something. Anyone can get a contact with 100 or 2000 watts! I can see the appeal of QRP! Mind you I have done it for years on CB, somewhere in the region of 3 to 4 watts. Difficult to do when everyone around you is at least on 100 watts!

[@tristanmills4948]

The directionally may come into play for local interference. I too have found not a huge difference for further afield with loops on HF

[@watersstanton]

Yes good point. 73 Peter

[@rjy8960]

I use a loop on RX - in my case I have a Wellbrook ALA1530 which is an active design. I can null QRM from my neighbour and typically get better s/n from the loop than resonant wire antennae on lower bands (sub 10MHz).

[@rikrik8410]

Another excellent video demonstrating the product which is just great, wish other retailers would do the same. Just one question how much?

[@watersstanton]

Hi there. I put a link below the video. 73 Peter

[@carolannefisher1516]

Thank you for another brilliant vid! Looks like a great piece of kit. How do you think it might compare to the Icom mag loop for a back yard CW dabbler? So glad you are getting good weather. It’s been snowing here in the beautiful Colorado Rockies non-stop for a week and a half!

[@watersstanton]

Mechanically it is much better 73 Peter

[@jeremyshepard8241]

It seems to me that an all-plastic worm-gear drive attached to the tuning knob will allow tuning "at a distance"

[@yaroslavmuradian5959]

Thank you

[@riottaba]

Mag loops are great

[@derricktaffman3887]

Hi Peter. Is there much difference between the old Alex loop and the new one? Does it work better and would it be worth an upgrade? I have been happy with the one that I have already. Like the videos. Thanks GW0LJW Derrick. 👍

[@watersstanton]

Hi Derick. It is the same loop performance, but the tuning unit is much, much improved. The included slow motion drive makes the whole operation much faster and the included LED light makes tuning really accurate. Hope that helps. 73 Peter.

[@derrickgoodwin7078]

Hi Peter. Thanks for the info. I think I will stick with the one I have got for the time being as it is doing well with my ICOM ic705 radio.. enjoy your channel..Derrick GW0LJW.

[@robertallbright]

Very interesting Thankyou Peter 73 Robert G3RCE

[@Bojan_Slavkovic]

Nice QSO with Herman the German...

[@nicgreek9993]

Nice video. How does it work indoor? Thank you

[@owen8137]

I'm currently a foundation licence holder, I do intend to upgrade, but have had very little luck making ssb contacts at qrp levels. Do you manage to make ssb contacts with this setup in the video, I know we're on the up now with regards to solar activity etc, but wonder with my 10 Watts if I'm ever going to have much luck with ssb. I don't know morse, should probably learn, but have only managed contacts on ft8 really. 73s Owen

[@MrDbone75]

Good Tuesday evening to you sir

[@danny_mixmandan_james]

I wonder if there’s a 100w version for 80m ... I have little space for antennas and height restrictions and would love to try one out for your channel if you have one for me to demo.

[@deenunya7735]

Just off Topic Slightly, Could you do a Vid or Series of Vids, how to Start learning n doing Morse, How did uou begin to Start etc Thanks Peter

[@watersstanton]

Will keep that one in mind. 73 Peter

[@mikemiles3068]

Very interesting antenna ❗️

[@watersstanton]

Very!

[@richard-fy2mu]

Do the have a remote tuner kit? I can give up and go 20 watts ssb but with ft857d not happy. HOA on my back I need something manageable as am disabled so put up take down ,large mast not working any more.. If you know a loop with higher power nto costing thousaands I wold like to know.

[@watersstanton]

Sorry, but the don’t have a remote option. 73 Peter

[@josegarcia6015]

I have a question, when the LED is exactly tuned to the transmitting frequency, it receives some power and lights up and this allows precise tuning without having to look at the radio, but if I am so close to the antenna when tuning, does it reach transmit antenna with some power? Thanks.

[@watersstanton]

Not quite understand the question but think you asking if antenna is detuned when you close - answer is no.

[@josegarcia6015]

Sorry for not explaining myself well. What I mean is if tuning the antenna when the light comes on can be harmful to health being so close to the antenna. Thank you

[@ataboyboyboy8895]

with the British weather can it be used inside near a window for example?

[@watersstanton]

Yes it can. 63 Peter

[@sshaw37]

What key is that?

[@Lastaii]

Nice antenna, any idea when will you have some in stock?

[@watersstanton]

In stock now

[@thomasmcquiggan2418]

@@watersstanton No Hampacks though - I just checked by phone.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@thomasmcquiggan2418 He only asked about the antenna! However, Peter should do a deal with all three together that no one else can beat. That's an idea for you Peter. Plus a starter pack with everything you need to get started, antenna, coax, radio, battery, even a tripod if needed. Special price!

[@thomasmcquiggan2418]

@@BoB4jjjjs Well actually, he was responding to a review of the AlexLoop HamPack and I merely pointed out there was non in stock, but hey-ho.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

@@thomasmcquiggan2418 Ok, have a nice weekend.

[@bryantroxclair5334]

Hi Peter. What tripods and/or tripod accessories were you using with the loop? I would like to know so that I have an idea of which ones work well with it. Thanks!

[@watersstanton]

It was odd bits and pieces I had. I believe that a number of the low cost tripods allow the tripod head to be removed. You can then slide it uo the antenna tube. 73 Peter

[@rudidraufganger7448]

Hi looking for advice on a decent power supply for the yaesu ft 100 watt capable rig as i intend for this to be my main radio, obviously there after building my wee qrp kits, but a very stable power supply that can run yaesu ft mobile rig ,cobra etc certainly all simultaneously on receive.

[@watersstanton]

You need to talk with our Sales team. 73 Peter.

[@paulkazjack]

You didnt show it actually working!

[@Jubileeos]

How do you tune the alexloop before answering CW CQ?

[@watersstanton]

Adjust for receiver noise peak.

[@Jubileeos]

@@watersstanton Do you find this method reliable? How often after adjusting for noise peak while listening to a CQ call you respond and the SWR is too high and needs retuning?

[@LevyCarneiro]

Beginner’s question: does this antenna require a battery? Thanks.

[@watersstanton]

No it does not. 73 Peter

[@LevyCarneiro]

@@watersstanton thanks a lot for the help!

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I cannot justify the cost of this antenna.

[@rjy8960]

@Steven H My argument entirely. Add the word "magic" and it suddenly has a higher selling point. It's exactly the same as in the audio world - people sell an Ethernet switch with a standard Ethernet switch SoC as an "Audiophile switch" make loads of bogus claims and suddenly you are talking £500+ I'm not saying that is the case here at all - a lot of development has gone into the product, but for the cost of materials, there is a lot of margin.

[@rjy8960]

@Steven H Lol :) Exactly. Ham radio is absolutely a pursuit of wonder and excitement. My last project was an uplink for the QO-100 2.4GHz to the satellite and 10GHz down. No experience of microwaves but I did it and learned a lot along the way - the whoop of joy when I heard myself come back... Next is EME.... Magloops are good - I use a Wellbrook for RX below 10MHz and it's a game changer to fight QRM. I've also built a few for portable use and that down feeling when you see arcing - OK, you have a nice efficient loop but you absolutely need a vacuum cap or you are wasting your time or compromise the antenna. And that is where the real cost comes in. My current one is based on a Comet vacuum variable and I've got a Russian one with some 5" heliax for my next home based loop but other projects keep putting that one back. A lot of design work will go into it and it's not going to be a cheap project. To build a good TX loop you absolutely need a vacuum cap if you are going to get reasonable efficiency even at QRP because you are just going to compromise the design and efficiency by adding unnecessary impedance into a system that by nature has to be as low-Z as you can make it. Or do you compromise it just so it can handle the power that you want to stick on a rating label?

[@rogergarywoodland7171]

so why not make your own then.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@rogergarywoodland7171 That's besides the point of my comment. Yes, one can make this in their kitchen so what's so special about this one that it costs what it does? $600 USD.. You're having a lend.

[@melvindimes6376]

I have a friend who is a ham and has a metal roof on his house. Can he use his metal roof as an antenna? Thank you. KE8PMM

[@watersstanton]

Very unlikely to work.

[@landytravels9427]

Might make a nice ground plane for a vertical 😀

[@AAABTonto]

Fine business !

[@watersstanton]

Thanks.

[@AAABTonto]

@@watersstanton you're most welcome, love the channel, all good things to you and yours from Indianapolis ;-]

[@skyterrapin]

£500...... I don’t think so.

[@rogergarywoodland7171]

its good value for money.

[@andye2005]

Interesting demo, but the need to keep tuning the loop manually is not going to win it any friends. Set up at a table as you have and it's ok sort of, but when in the van the need to keep taking the rig out to the antenna to tune it... not sure my patience would hold out for more than two retunes :-) It desperately needs a small remote control for the tuning, then it would be pretty much perfect for QRP use. Andy

[@watersstanton]

Maybe somebody will design what you want.

[@andye2005]

@@watersstanton I could design something myself without any problem, it's a fairly trivial job. motor-grabox-shaft encoder tiddly little micro to drive it. It would even be possible with old fashioned RC servo type technology. But that's not the point is it? This is something that the company should be providing in the first place, which would make the product so much more usable. You have to wonder what sort of through process was going on, when it is necessary to keep returning to the loop to tune it after every frequency change. The only place where it worked was when it was directly across from the rig on table. Even in the Van it was necessary to take the rig outside to retune every time. Not exactly convenient is it?

[@rogergarywoodland7171]

@@watersstanton and then he would just mown and grown about the cost you can't please some people.

[@RickGreenPhoto]

But is cost $600 US Dollars!!

[@g0nad716]

Thanks Peter, interesting video, nice ideas for setup in use too. G0NAD,