The eFactor dual band, 70 cm/2M loops have kind of caught on here in Florida.
They really do a nice job. The eFactor is at least the equal of the M2 and Par
loops. 25 mile mobile to mobile contacts, with 50 watts, on 2M are an every day
occurrence. 70 cm range is less, due to the smaller aperture.
I do not own an antenna range, so the following observations are somewhat
un-scientific. On 2M, the antenna seems to be pretty well Omni-directional. On
70 cm, it is Bi-directional, with very strong lobes off the side of the
antenna. I have not modeled the antenna on any software package, but I assume
the 2M loop is canceling the signal, from the 70 cm loop. Any of you remember
the "Keyhole Pattern" antennas that you used to see in the Land Mobile Service?
I suspect, that on 70 cm, the eFactor dual band loop is exhibiting a dual
keyhole pattern.
I am not bad mouthing the eFactor dual bander. I think it is an antenna that
definitely has it's place in weak signal work. But, from what several of us
have noticed, it is not really omni, on 70 cm. Anyone else noticed this?
Buddy WB4OMG
EL 98
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