After building several tuners it was time to build a magnetic loop that I could set up outside in my garden.
I built a magnetic loop for the 80m band to the 30m band.
The magnetic loop has a circumference of 6 meters and a diameter of 1.9 meters. The material I used is 2.2cm copper tubes used in sanitary installations.
Visit the 66pacific.com website to calculate your magnetic loop.
To get the loop into resonance on the frequency we want to use it, we need to add a capacitor. For this antenna, I chose an air variable capacitor. The capacitor was made by HA8DU and bought via a Dutch reseller.
The capacitor is controlled by a Nema 17 stepper motor., which on his turn is connected to the automatic magnetic loop tuner.
On the capacitor, I’m using a 60 teeth GT2 pulley, and on the stepper motor a 16 teeth GT2 pulley. The belt is a GT2 280mm rubber band, reinforced with fibreglass. Do not use a belt with steel wires.
To connect the capacitor to the loop I used soft copper bands and fastened them with hose clamps.
If I would have to make this loop antenna again, I would switch the positions of the tube clamps and the hose clamps. Also, would I turn the capacitor 90°. But now, for the moment, this is fine 😉
All closed up. Next step is to tape the box with Duct Tape and make sure all other holes are sealed with silicone. Then I’ll paint the loop black and search for a better way to attach the coupling loop.
AliExpress parts list:
Nema 17 stepper motor bracket:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_s1BahU
Nema 17 stepper motor 45 Nm, 1.5A:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_sAF6wW
GT2 Pulley 16 teeth:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ruinia
GT2 Pulley 60 teeth:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_rJbZm6
GT2 Rubber Belt:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_sWv3EK