My 40m Magnetic Loop Antenna

1. Input Loop
2. Some Calculations

1. /Antennas/Magnetic-Loops/Magnetic-Loops/Magnetic-Loops.html

Input Loop

Some Calculations

I am using the Plastic Fantastic by Jim Tregellas VK5JST, as a source.

The article states the following:
The transmitting loop has an estimated effective circumference of 5200 which is very close to mine. Capacitance of the copper trombone is 624 pF per meter or 1.603mm per pF. To resonate at 7MHz the transmitting loop requires 117 pF in series The inherent capacitance of the transmitting loop is 14 pF The two sections of the trombone capacitor are separate capacitors and are in series.

So the calculations are:

• Assuming the capacitance of the Loop = 14 pF
• Assuming the required capacitance = 117 pF
• Required trombone capacitance = 117 - 14 = 103 pF
• Total Insertion Length of trombone = 1.603 mm/pF * 103 pF * 2 (Caps in series) = 330 mm

1. What is an acceptable increment in turning? If I can control the trombone to +- 1 mm is 10 kHz accurate enough to get a good tuning? This will depend on the Q-factor. If this is not accurate enough I could miss the tuned bandwidth all together. More analysis is required to resolve this.
2. 2. If 1 mm is sufficient can I return to that position with accuracy so I can calibrate the antenna?
3. Can I design a cost effective motorised control mechanism with 1 mm accuracy for my loop layout?