Hi Andy,
I have used my Delta loop antenna during Trans-Atlantic S2S QSO party in November 2019. You can see how it looks like in the picture of the thread Trans-Atlantic S2S QSO Party Autumn 2019 (Nov. 2nd). - #83 by S52CU.
It is easy to deploy, but not so easy to transport, it is mostly suitable for drive-on or near drive-on summits. My antenna was app. 21 m long wire, now I have made a shorter one (18 m) which has better directivity on bands 20m and up. 4nec2 simulations show some directivity on 20 m, and good directivity on higher bands. In practice, there was a clear peak on LU activator signal on 17 m band. My antenna was only 2m agl, at say 4 m agl would be much better directivity.
Experience on TA S2S event was good, although my setup was not optimal. I made contacts on 40/20/17 m band with this antenna. I will use such antenna again in next TA event.
I made some changes in the setup:
- shorter loop (18 m)
- manual tuner (Zmatch) at antenna feed point to minimise losses in cable.
- will try to put it higher (3 -4 m agl)
- solved problem of changing direction in windy conditions (have to check this in real life)
I like this antenna for it’s high efficiency compared to vertical or A shape delta loop antenna.
How it performs compared to a vertical? I don’t know. 4nec2 simulations show that Delta Loop should perform better. My plan is to do a comparison test on my next SOTA activation, where I will install both antennas and try to figure out which one is better.
73,
Mirko