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DELTA LOOP 40M ANTENNA

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Document Number: TM-DELTA-LOOP-4-001 Rev A Equipment: DELTA LOOP 40M ANTENNA Classification: UNCLASSIFIED — Amateur Radio / Field Use Date: 2026-05-24 Supersedes: None (initial issue)


RECORD OF CHANGES

Change No. Rev Date Description By
1 A 2026-05-24 Initial formatted release M. Martin

Bands: 40M (7.0–7.3 MHz) Approach: Full-wavelength triangular resonant loop, broadside radiation pattern, low takeoff angle Compaction: 0%


CHAPTER 1 — DESCRIPTION

Full-wavelength triangular resonant loop, broadside radiation pattern, low takeoff angle

Special parameters: 130 ft perimeter triangle, equilateral sides ~43 ft, 50Ω feedpoint at base corner, low-angle DX pattern


CHAPTER 2 — TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Parameter Value
Frequency bands 40M (7.0–7.3 MHz)
Feedpoint impedance 50 Ω (nominal)
SWR target < 2.0:1
Efficiency 70–95%
Gain 0–12 dBi

CHAPTER 3 — COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS

See detailed specification in delta_loop_40m_specs.csv


CHAPTER 4 — FABRICATION

  1. Review design parameters and dimensions
  2. Procure materials per component list
  3. Fabricate elements per specifications
  4. Install feedpoint connector
  5. Assemble and secure structure
  6. Verify physical dimensions match design
  7. Test with antenna analyzer (nanoVNA)

CHAPTER 5 — TESTING

Use nanoVNA and tinySA per FIELD_TESTING_WITH_INSTRUMENTS.md:

  1. Resonance: Find zero-reactance dip on Smith chart
  2. SWR: Measure across band, target < 2.0:1
  3. Impedance: Record R and jX at center frequency
  4. Spectrum: Use tinySA to verify radiation pattern

CHAPTER 6 — TROUBLESHOOTING

High SWR: Check physical dimensions, verify feed connection Frequency offset: Adjust element length or loading Impedance mismatch: Use antenna tuner or feed network


APPENDIX A — PARTS LIST

See delta_loop_40m_specs.csv


APPENDIX B — DIAGRAMS

See figures/ folder for antenna layout, circuit schematic, construction detail


APPENDIX C — NEC MODEL

See delta_loop_40m.nec for electromagnetic simulation


Navy Technical Manual Level — Generated with NEC2 modeling

Figures

Delta Loop 40M Antenna Layout
Delta Loop 40M Antenna Layout
Delta Loop 40M Circuit Schematic
Delta Loop 40M Circuit Schematic
Delta Loop 40M Construction Detail
Delta Loop 40M Construction Detail

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