Building a Magnetic Loop Antenna Series for Beginners [Video]

Correct. 1/2" copper was easy to shape. My comment was in the context of a 1" tube, I somehow don't think it would go well with a hand bender. I looked for videos that show a successful bend with hand bender and found none. Still looking...

 

I made a simple receive-only loop with 3 turns (10' circumference, 30' of wire) and a varactor diode for remote tuning. DC is provided through the same coax as the RF returns on. A simple RF snap-on ferrite is used for the RF coupling (1:2) and two 1M resistors for DC coupling. A coupler at the receiver inserts 0-9 Volts from a battery via a 5M resistor for tuning.

Works great!

 

My copper 20m magnetic "loop" with remote tuning RC motor below variable capacitor. Very quite antenna! Last time I used it in the living room, I was 20 over into West Virginia from South Louisiana!

 

I noticed that loop antennas come with limitations of low power. Is there one that can do at least 100W?

 

Transmitting loop antennas are mostly limited by the voltage rating of the tuning capacitor because the cap is located at the highest impedance point of the loop (loops are typically fed at low impedance points). A vacuum variable cap will allow quite a bit of wattage. If you tune the antenna remotely with a synchronous motor, be sure to use a sufficient length of insulated shaft to connect to the cap :-0

 

Crimp connectors are a fail! The best results are achieved removing as many pressure joints as possible.
I'd try with a more powerful iron to do them effectively.