Category: Amateur Radio

Small Transmitting Loops (STL) are loops of less than about 0.1λ in diameter or about 0.3λ in circumference. Below these limits, the current around the loop is almost uniform and this permits a simplified analysis. (A stricter definition of 0.3λ in circumference could be argued.)

These antennas are ascribed all sorts of magic properties, low noise, able to create band openings when conditions are poor etc. Continue reading The magic of small transmitting loops

This article uses a report of an experimental small transmitting loop (STL) for 20m to demonstrate application of the calculator Calculate small transmitting loop gain from bandwidth measurement to predict efficiency and gain of the circular STL from the loop radius, conductor radius and measured half power bandwidth. Continue reading Efficiency / gain of a Small Transmitting Loop – a worked example

Small Transmitting Loops (STL) are loops of less than about 0.1λ in diameter or about 0.3λ in circumference. Below these limits, the current around the loop is almost uniform and this permits a simplified analysis.

STL are commonly known by Hams as “magnetic loops”, but that term is rarely used in recognised antenna text books.

The efficiency and free space gain of a circular STL can be easily estimated by calculation from simple measurements. Continue reading Efficiency and gain of Small Transmitting Loops (STL)