I tried building the HF "magnetic" loop SWL antenna from plans by KR1ST. It's made of ten feet of 1/4 inch copper tubing for the main loop and 2 feet of copper wire for the coupling loop. I used a tuning cap from an old boombox like the directions say. It turned out to work pretty well, and tunes to resonance from 5,150 khz to 21,700 khz. I haven't yet built a stand for it so for now it just hangs on a door. This would have been a great apartment antenna back when I was renting. I wish I'd built it then.


I followed the directions pretty closely except for the addition of a salvaged SO 239 connector.
-DS

I picked up an old lamp at the Goodwill store just for the base and it works just fine. This antenna seems like a good match for the Satellit 800. It's more directional than the built in whip and rejects noise much better. There's just the inconvenience of having to retune the antenna when changing frequency.
-DS

I can see the ten feet of copper tube but do not see the copper wire or the tuning cap? can you show where they are at and how they are connected? Where in Michigan are you at? I am origianlly from Graying just off of 75 as you go up toward the bridge. Thanks.

I live near Lansing. The tuning cap is at the top, and the smaller loop is for coupling to the receiver. Here is the url: http://www.kr1st.com/magloop.htm
http://www.kr1st.com/swlloop.htm
That should answer most questions. I built a second loop yesterday only it is square, uses 12 gauge wire instead of copper tube, and is attached to the back of a bookcase where it is nearly invisible. It's not quite as effective as the one pictured, but it is hidden.
-DS