LF: A question about loops for 136 and 500kHz TX

[Roger Lapthorn <rogerlapthorn@gmail.com>]

Having considered the antenna options for my small garden, I'm going to erect a TX loop antenna rather than a Marconi vertical for 136kHz: the earthing issues are removed and it is easier to build a capacitor selection box (to tune and match the loop) than wind a huge loading coil and match it. I've seen some of the webpages dealing with these and understand basically what is needed (large loop area, thick wire, capacitor match-box, dealing with high RF currents, etc). I understand the loop will have directionality and nulls.

My question is this. Is there any reason why the bottom of the loop cannot be laid along the ground rather than elevated a few metres? Most designs show the bottom elevated a bit, but if laid on the soil I could use thick coax or multiple wires for part of the loop so reducing the loop resistance. 

Views appreciated, although it may be a case of "suck it and see".

73s
Roger G3XBM

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