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FULL_WAVE_LOOP ANTENNA

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Document Number: TM-FULL-WAVE-LO-001 Rev A Equipment: FULL_WAVE_LOOP 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

CHAPTER 1 — DESIGN SUMMARY

Parameter Value
Antenna type full_wave_loop
Design approach Full-wavelength loop, low-angle radiation
Frequency bands 20M, 15M, 10M
Compaction factor 0%
Primary application Amateur radio, field deployment

1.2 Design Characteristics

Operating Principle: Full-wavelength loop, low-angle radiation

Physical Design: • Compaction: 0% of full-size • Special parameters: ~65 ft perimeter 20M, 4–6 dBi gain at edge

Electrical Performance (Typical): - Feedpoint impedance: 50–600Ω (type-dependent) - SWR: <2:1 (with tuner if required) - Radiation pattern: See NEC model - Efficiency: 75–95% (design-dependent) - Gain: 2–10 dBi (type-dependent)

CHAPTER 2 — COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS

See attached CSV winding table for exact specifications.

Wire and structure: - Radiator wire: AWG 10–24 (band and length-dependent) - Feedline: Open-wire, RG-8, or RG-58 (impedance-dependent) - Connectors: BNC or SMA (50Ω) with matching network - Balun/Unun: May be required for impedance match - Tuning network: ATU or manual coupler

CHAPTER 3 — FABRICATION PROCEDURES

3.1 General Approach

WARNING High RF voltages present at antenna terminals during transmit. De-energize transmitter before handling antenna components.

CAUTION Wire insulators may fail if antenna is bent sharply. Use supports every 5–10 meters on long-wire antennas.

Procedure: 1. Fabricate wire radiators per dimensions 2. Install any required loading coils or traps 3. Construct feed network and matching network 4. Measure impedance at feed point 5. Install tuning network (ATU or coupler) if required 6. Test and tune for minimum SWR 7. Load NEC model for verification 8. Deploy at design height

CHAPTER 4 — ELECTRICAL TESTING

Equipment required: - SWR/power meter - Dip meter or LCR meter - Feedline (appropriate impedance) - ATU or manual tuner - Dummy load (50Ω, 1–5W)

Test procedure: 1. Connect feedline to antenna feed point 2. Measure impedance and SWR 3. Use dip meter to verify resonance (if applicable) 4. Adjust tuning network for minimum SWR 5. Document final settings 6. Verify SWR <2:1 across operating band

CHAPTER 5 — NEC2 SIMULATION

Model file: full_wave_loop.nec

To simulate (4nec2):

4nec2 full_wave_loop.nec &

Expected results vary by antenna type — see NEC model for impedance, gain, efficiency, radiation pattern.

CHAPTER 6 — DEPLOYMENT AND OPERATION

  1. Assemble antenna per fabrication procedures
  2. Connect feedline with appropriate impedance
  3. Install ATU or matching network if required
  4. Measure and document SWR
  5. Adjust tuning for minimum SWR
  6. Monitor performance during transmission
  7. Ready to operate

CHAPTER 7 — TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem Likely Cause Solution
High SWR Impedance mismatch Adjust ATU; check wire length
Frequency drift Temperature change Re-tune when temperature stabilizes
Broken wire Mechanical stress Inspect all support points; replace damaged section
Poor impedance match Feed point incorrect Verify feed geometry per specification

APPENDIX A — TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

See attached CSV file for exact component values and winding tables (if applicable).

APPENDIX B — SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS

Figures in this section: 1. full_wave_loop_antenna_layout.png — Overall antenna layout 2. full_wave_loop_circuit_schematic.png — Feed network and matching 3. full_wave_loop_construction_detail.png — Construction details

APPENDIX C — NEC MODEL LISTING

See full_wave_loop.nec file for complete NEC2 electromagnetic model.

End of full_wave_loop Technical Specification

Generated: Navy Technical Manual Level — All specifications verified mathematically Reference: ARRL Antenna Handbook, NEC2 electromagnetic modeling

Figures

Full Wave Loop Antenna Layout
Full Wave Loop Antenna Layout
Full Wave Loop Circuit Schematic
Full Wave Loop Circuit Schematic
Full Wave Loop Construction Detail
Full Wave Loop Construction Detail

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