UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial vs. Standard Whip: A Close Call Experiment

As a radio enthusiast, I’m always curious about how different aerials perform in practical scenarios. Recently, I put my newly constructed UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA) to the test against the standard Uniden whip antenna, using Close Call detection on a Uniden BC95XLT receiver. The results were both exciting and illuminating!

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The Setup

For this experiment, I used:

• Transmitting Radio: A Digitech DC-1068 set to transmit continuously on UHF CB Channel 80 (477.4125 MHz) at 0.5W.
• Receiving Radio: A Uniden BC95XLT, locked in Close Call-only mode.
• Aerials:
  • Standard Whip Antenna (Uniden stock).
  • UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA), mounted on top, in a horizontal orientation for optimal line-of-sight reception.

The procedure was simple: I conducted five runs with each aerial, walking towards the transmitting radio until the Close Call feature captured the signal. Distances were measured for each run, and the results compared.

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The Results

The difference in performance between the two aerials was striking:

1. Standard Whip Antenna

   • Consistently captured the signal at approximately 8 metres.
   • While reliable, the whip’s performance was limited by its compact size and omnidirectional design.

2. UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA)

   • Delivered Close Call hits at distances up to 22.6 metres, with an average detection range nearly three times greater than the whip.
   • This superior performance demonstrates the loop’s higher gain, making it more effective at pulling in weaker or distant signals.

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What This Means

The UHFHWLA’s performance highlights the benefits of a purpose-built aerial, especially for dedicated tasks like Close Call scanning. Its ability to capture signals at much greater distances than the whip underscores the importance of gain in aerial design.

While the standard whip is a convenient, portable solution, the UHFHWLA proves that even a simple, DIY aerial can dramatically enhance reception capabilities.

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What’s Next?

This test has opened the door to further exploration. My next steps will include:

• Testing in a Large Park: With more open space, I’ll evaluate the UHFHWLA’s performance at extended distances and see just how far it can go.
• Exploring Directionality: The horizontal loop may have directional properties worth investigating, particularly when compared to other aerial types.
• Comparing More Aerials: I plan to pit the UHFHWLA against a broader range of aerials, including some high-gain commercial models, to see where it truly stands.

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Conclusion

This experiment demonstrated that a well-designed UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial could significantly outperform a standard whip, especially in scenarios where pulling in distant signals matters. Whether you’re a scanner enthusiast or just experimenting with radio equipment, building and testing your own aerials can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.

Stay tuned for updates as I take the UHFHWLA into more challenging environments!

Standard Whip

UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA)