Category Archives: Ham Radio blog entries

MFJ 1788 Loop Antenna Fixed (#65)

After several videos and disappointments, the MFJ-1788 Hi-Q Loop Antenna didn’t work on 40 m. Now it does! I took it apart to discover that the big capacitor was not fully meshing because of a mis-set limit switch. See how … Continue reading

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Another Try Fixing the MFJ-1788 – Fail! (#64)

My MFJ-1788 Loop Antenna is having issues on 40 meters. This video looks at a failed remounting attempt, plus at a viewers successful approach. I’ll keep plugging on this antenna! You can see a list of Ask Dave videos by … Continue reading

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Review of MFJ-1788 Mag Loop Antenna (#63)

This video reviews the MFJ-1788 magnetic loop antenna, which purports to cover 40 meters through 15 meters. It doesn’t cover all of 40 meters, and 40 meter performance is poor, but 20 meter performance is indistinguishable from a good vertical. … Continue reading

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How To Attach Crimped Coax Connectors (#62)

To test the new HF loop antenna, I need a long piece of coax. In this video I mount the connectors. You can see a list of Ask Dave videos by clicking here. You can ask a question by clicking … Continue reading

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The Alpha-Delta Transi-Trap Lightning Surge Protector (#61)

In setting up an apples-to-apples comparison between my vertical and the MFJ-1788 loop, I’m running the coax through the same type lightning surge protector as used on my vertical. This video explores the Transi-Trap and describes how it works. You … Continue reading

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Cleaning a Heathkit Coax Switch with Deoxit (#60)

My old, long-dormant Heathkit coax switch will be part of the setup I use to test two loop antennas: The Chameleon P-loop and the MFJ-1788. This video shows everything coming apart, how to use the Deoxit, and how it all … Continue reading

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Unboxing the MFJ-1788 Loop Antenna (#59)

I’m always on the lookout for antennas that might help those with deed restrictions or living in apartments. The MFJ-1788 is a small 3-foot-diameter HF loop tha covers 40-15 meters and will handle 100 watts. This unboxing video shows what … Continue reading

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BITX-40 TX Audio Response Tests (#58)

Using the function (signal) generator put together in episode #57, we test the transmit audio response of the BITX-40 to discover that rolloff occurs around 2 kHz. Watch to see how it all works! You can see a list of … Continue reading

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Unpacking and Testing the XR2206 Function Generator (#57)

Let’s unpack and then test a remarkably inexpensive kit for a sine/triangle/square-wave 1Hz to 1MHz kit. Dirt cheap and works. This video covers only unboxing and then testing. For construction, see Randy K7AGE’s video at https://youtu.be/EFRVeoh20Bc. You can see a … Continue reading

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DeoxIT demo on an LED flashlight (AD #56)

CAIG Products, which makes DeoxIT, asked me if I’d like to try some. Soon it was at my door (to be clear, “mailed” is used in the generic sense–it did NOT come via USPS). The demo makes an old LED … Continue reading

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