Six Meter Magnetic Loop Experimenter Kit Assembly Information

Prior to assembly would be the time to do any additional clean up

of the rough edges on the aluminum parts. The use of a
deburring tool, a file, or sandpaper would be effective in cleaning
up any of the machining artifacts, such as flashing. If not
cleared, it may cause a potential hazard when handled, as
it tends to be sharp.

Using two M5x16 screws and two M5 nuts, assemble the bottom
base to the main loop. The tolerance is tight by design, so make
sure that you align the parts and gently rock it into place. Notice
how the mounting plate has counter sunken mounting
holes, these counter sunk holes should be facing away
from the loop. Once in place, place a nut into the opening, this
can be tricky. Hold with your index finger and thumb, while using
your other hand to insert and tighten down the M5 screw. Repeat
for the second screw. Snug both screws to ensure that they won't
loosen. The loop should fit flatly agains the base.

Again, using two M5x16 screws and two M5 nuts, you need to
install the capacitor disks. Again, pay notice to the counter
sunk sides of the mounting holes. You want them facing in
towards each other. Like the step above, firmly press one of
the plates onto the loop, ensuring that one of the outer eared
nubs will be face directly up from the loop, as it will need to align
with the second plate which you will mount next. For the second
plate, you will have to bend the loop out enough to be able to
tighten the centre screw. Don't worry about bending the
aluminum loop, you can easily bend it back as required.

Notice in photo at left, the tabs/ears

are matched left to right plate. One
side will have threads in these tabs,
the other will not.
Six Meter Magnetic Loop Experimenter Kit Assembly Information
Next we need to match the loop to the feedline. In this kit you
are give one of two options on doing that. 1) Gamma Match, 2)
Feeder Loop. Below, I describe how to install either one, and a
brief benefit or problem with either choice.

GAMMA MATCH: The gamma match has the benefit in my

opinion of being mechanically robust, however, will create an
unbalanced system, causing the potential of common mode
currents to occur, thus a little more noise. HOWEVER, it will
create an approximate 5 dB lobe in the direction of the gamma
rod.

To install the gamma, feed the studded SO239 through the

mounting hole at the bottom of the loop. Next place the plastic
spacer (black or white) to that is snaps over the stud into the
hole in the loop, thus keeping the SO239 centred. On top of this
spacer place the gamma rod on to the stud, making sure that the
curve of the rod is in the same plane as the loop. It doesn't
matter which direction it is pointing. Next take the half 3/8-24
jam locknut and thread it on capturing the loop, spacer and
gamma rod. Snug it enough so that the gamma rod moves with
some effort.

In the above continuity tests, without the shorting bar shorting the gamma and
loop, the centre pin on the SO239 should show an open to the main loop, and a
short to the gamma rod.
Six Meter Magnetic Loop Experimenter Kit Assembly Information

Assuming that the above continuity test are as correct, take the
shorting bar and two M3x10 screws, align the holes of the
shorting bar with both the slot in the gamma with one hole, and
the slot in the loop with the other hole and hand tighten. The
shorting bar will fit between and in the middle of the gamma rod
and main loop. Set the shorting bar such that it is approximately
16mm from the end of the slot in the gamma rod, as this is a
good place to start the tuning process.

FEEDER LOOP: The feeder loop is probably the best choice of

the two offered here in terms of overall performance. However,
they often are not as physically robust as the gamma, but do
offer a balanced system, and likely quieter receive antenna.

First let's bend the feeder/matching loop into shape. What you
received is a 10” long aluminum piece as cut by our machine,
ready for two twists and a roll. With two pairs of pliers, you will
need to twist both ends by 90 degrees, one side at a time.
Ensure that there is about 1” between the two pliers for each
twist, so that when you twist, the twist occurs over a larger
distance and not stress the aluminum which will cause it to tear.
See photo for example. Once both ends have their 90 degree
“twist”, it is now time to bend this into the round loop shape. The
diameter of this loop should be about 3.2 inches, which is 1/5 the
ID of the 16” loop. This can be done by eye and hands, but for
purposes of a nice bend, use a round form of about 2” to 3”,
Hmmm maybe a rolling pin from the kitchen ;-)
Once you have the feeder in a nice circle, one where the two
holes on each end overlap, you are ready to mount it to the
bottom of the main loop.
Six Meter Magnetic Loop Experimenter Kit Assembly Information

As with the gamma, take the SO239 connector and place it into
the mounting hole at the bottom of the loop. However, this time
you need to place one end of the feeder loop with the larger hole
over the stud, THEN place the spacer next, such that the spacer
fits inside of the hole, but over the stud keeping everything
centered. Next, slip the other side of the feeder loop, with the
smaller hole over the spacer and tighten it all down with the
supplied 3/8-24 nylock jam nut. Adjust the loop so that it looks
to be as centred as possible within the main loop. Again, don't be
afraid to twist and bend the feeder loop to get it in place.

Lastly, feed the three 10-32 nylon thumb screws through the
capacitor plate which doesn't have any threads, through to the
opposing plate, at which point you will be able to thread these
the nylon screws into the other capacitor plate. These screws will
be used to tune the loop to your centre frequency. The distance
between these two plates only needs move fractions of an inch to
span the band.

This now completes the basic assembly of your 6 meter loop.

Remember the idea here is to learn and experiment. Once you
get it working, feel free to try the other feed mechanism. Gamma
or Feeder Loop, which one do you like better, and why?

Next please reference the section manual on how to fine tune a

magnetic loop for best performance, tips and tricks.

To order your own 6m VHF Magnetic Loop please visit:

WWW.VHFLOOP.COM

https://www.vhfloop.com/product/6m-f-magnetic-loop/

For additional support, advice, tips or suggestions please contact

me at Bob@MagLoop.com