Magnetic Loop or Cobweb...?

[MrWeetabix]

So I finished the install of the 7 Band Cobweb last night by finishing the Coax run to the shack. Aprox 15m UG-213 was used.

Vs end-fed on comparable bands it seemed to perform better with less noise. The Imax vrtical had a distinct advantage on 10m (as expected) and also 12m (again, as expected), but 17, 15 & 20 were all very good on the 7BCW.

I know its subject to conditions etc, but I ran some WSPR last night, with band hopping enabled across 20/17/15/12/10/6/4m bands. I had zero hits on 4/6m which is likely due to conditions and/or time of day really, but surprised to hear nothing at all. I was quite surprised how good a proper 'resonant' length for each band could be after years of living with some sort of Balum and/or compromise antenna on the end for HF.

Cobweb_TX_260623.PNG

Cobweb_RX_260623.PNG

Break down by band

Cobweb_TXRX_260623.jpg

Hoping to get some tests done on 4/6m soon.

[MrWeetabix]

Come home to find 6m wide open, great I thought. worked a few stations and I thought it best to check SWR....A miles out! its the same on all bands. Had read some reviews that they weren't great in wet weather. Didn't think it would be so pronounced

[MrWeetabix]

Once the rain buggered off the SWR slowly returned to normal. Its quite frustrating truth be told.

20m seems less-affected by the rain so I at least am able to run that band when its raining.

May have to have a think long term if this is something I can be chewed with. Long wet winters could render the antenna useless for most of the time. I guess time will tell.

[MrWeetabix]

Well, I can confirm that the Cobweb don;t like rain. The SWR sweet spot drops below the usable frequency after a good soaking, which can be frustrating as its bandwidth is quite narrow on most bands.

I have took to leaving the Tuner inline most of the time, even when dry just to protect the radio should it have a sudden downpour, especially at night when I am running WSPR.

6m been open most days this week and I am enjoying working some EU stuff on that band for the first time in a few years. I am still tempted to go down the 'high-gain' vertical route for this band, but maybe thats a project for next summer now.

At least I am being heard, which is good. :-)

Last Night

7BCW_6M_300623.JPG

This Morning

7BCW_6M_010723_am.JPG

[ch25]

It have nothing to do with antenna. It is just too low over mounting place, that's why wet/dry SWR is changing.

[MrWeetabix]

I would say it has everything to do with antenna.... another one wouldn't do that Might see if I can get higher, but its problematic.

[Alan Pilot]

Got my cobweb from Paul in Poland.
It was tuned at 4mtr so i put it up at 4mtr to test it and it is still there 2 years later.
Rain has no affect on mine at all.
Is the box water tight.

[MrWeetabix]

Got my cobweb from Paul in Poland.
It was tuned at 4mtr so i put it up at 4mtr to test it and it is still there 2 years later.
Rain has no affect on mine at all.
Is the box water tight.

I'll pull it down before the end of the summer and make sure. To be honest, I didnt do any weather proofing other than self amalg on the PL259. I had assumed the unit would be sufficient sealed from the maker.

As CH25 says, could well be the wet slat roof under the antenna which is having an effect