W6LVP Amplified Receive-Only Magnetic Loop Antenna
Quick Start Guide
In order to get you receiving with the new antenna quickly, this Quick Start Guide will focus on using the
antenna for receiving only. Detail instructions for setup and operation for receive and transmit can be found in
the Setup and Operation Guide.
First, pick an antenna location and type of mounting. If the antenna is going to be used in a fixed location, it
should be mounted as far from your house and other noise generating sources as possible. In addition, a light-
weight rotator is highly recommended to orient the antenna for minimum noise pickup.
Blackmore Speaker Tripod
(Not fully extended)
Channel Master TV Rotator
Assembly of the antenna is extremely straightforward. Insert the upper ¾” PVC tube with coaxial cable
loop attached
into the top of the 1” PVC lower tube section. Connect the two BNC connectors on the
ends of the coaxial cable loop to the BNC connectors on each side of the loop amplifier. Insert the
lower 1” PVC tube into the top of a rotator, portable tripod, or other similar mounting arrangement. The
coaxial cable loop can be adjusted to a round shape which has only cosmetic benefit. Slight
deformation of the coaxial cable loop will not affect loop performance.
For portable operation, I use and recommend a Blackmore Model BJST-60KG DJ speaker
support tripod that will raise the base of the antenna to a bit over 6 feet. The speaker tripod is
sturdy, collapsible for portability, and accepts the antenna 1” PVC lower tube section. The
tripod can be purchased from a variety of sources including Amazon for $25. The internal
diameter of the tripod tube may be too small to accept the lower antenna PVC tube. In that
case, use a hacksaw to make two 3
” long cuts in the lower antenna PVC tube running parallel
the tube. Two cuts will make four total cuts in the PVC allowing the diameter to shrink slightly
and fit inside the tripod upper tube.
