20 Meter Vertical Loop

Here’s a DX antenna that is quite remarkable if constructed properly. If it isn’t put together right, it will just play okay but not top shelf. The 20 meter vertical loop antenna will get you around the world if the conditions allow it. My first contact to Australia was on my 20 meter loop, so it has to be working great. This is over 10,000 miles.

My first 20 meter delta loop was mounted kind of low to the ground, but it did okay. I fed this previous antenna on the bottom, with the apex hanging above it. I took this version down and tried my luck again.

A similar later version of the 20 meter loop was experimental; it didn’t go that well either. I was about to give up on this antenna. I finally got it right and I’m sure glad I did.

There are a few things that will make this antenna perform and perform like a champion. I worked hard and I finally came up with a version that is fantastic for the DX or stateside as well. Remember, the same rule applies for any frequency. The formula for the full wave loop is: 1005/Frequency= Feet for the loop. Build a loop for the frequency desired.

GETTING THE 20 METER VERTICAL LOOP TO WORK PROPERLY

1. Number one is the height issue. Some of us have a tendency to hang an antenna around 15 feet or so and expect it to work miracles. This normally will not happen. If you want the 20 meter loop to play well, get it in the air at least 25 feet to 30 feet. I noticed a tremendous difference.

2. This time I fed the antenna at the apex (the top) instead of feeding it at the bottom. This is the best way to feed any loop, at least this has worked best for me. Others may use different methods that work best for them.

3. This time I soldered the connection instead of just using electrical tape by itself. I soldered a few beads along the point of connection. Then I used electrical tape on top of the solder joint.

4. After getting the apex of the antenna as high as possible, it is best to aim the bottom portion of the antenna toward the part of the world where the DX is. I have found that the 20 meter loop is somewhat directional if mounted close to 30 feet.

5. It is best to use good coax that is working properly. I have used coaxial cable that was shorting out on the ends, and I have since learned a good lesson from this. The connections have to be solid or the antenna system will not function right.

6. It is best to hang the 20 meter loop in a vertical fashion. It doesn’t have to be straight up and down. The antenna can have a slope or a slant to it. Just don’t hang it up horizontally. Vertical works better. That’s been my experience.

7. I cut this loop 70 feet and 6 inches. This doesn’t have to be precise and I do use an internal tuner. If the loop is not 100% percent resonant I am not too much concerned about it. This length of wire will do the job. I did not use a balun.

8. I use plastic insulators at wire antenna ends when necessary. On this antenna it is not so critical, but I try to use nonconductive material when attaching the corners of the loop. Obviously, this is to terminate the electric signal and to get a better Q factor. I find the insulators to be a good practice.

9. Be patient. Wait for the HF propagation to be optimum. If one tries out the best antenna that can be made, if conditions are bad they are bad and nothing will work in this environment. Try it out another day when you can hear good DX on the bands.

10. Again, get some height on this antenna. It will pay off for sure.

20 Meter Loop Measurements: 70 Feet 6 Inches