Magnetic Loop Antenna Upgrade

Took advantage of latest sale(s) at Chameleon Antenna to upgrade my CHA F-Loop 3 Basic to the Plus configuration. This replaces the coaxial cable based loop(s) and the 6.5" feed loop with a 36" overall diameter 1" cross-section aluminum tube outer loop and 7" feed loop. This updated loop antenna covers 40m to 10m.

This Chameleon Antenna web page shares a table with efficiencies for their three magnetic loop configurations. Using the Plus configuration appears to offer significant improvements in antenna performance over the other versions.

Here's a photo of the starting coaxial cable configuration (Basic).

Close up of the Plus configuration left loop connection to the tuning box.

I used a small piece of water jug package as an insulator between the feed loop and the outer loop.

Finally, here's the completed antenna in the Plus configuration. It's impressive (from a ham's perspective)...

Will be testing in the near future to see if there is any significant difference in performance.

A few observations:

1. The Basic version with the coaxial loop(s) is relatively easy to setup and take down, supporting the opportunity to take the antenna to the field. (Have seen videos of POTA operators using their CHA mag loops out in the big blue sky hamshack. Looks like fun!)
2. The Plus version with the larger aluminum main loop is probably a-bit too much to travel with without taking it apart or giving up the entire back of the vehicle for it. I'd call this a fixed-location antenna. Easy enough to set it up indoors or carry it outdoors for temporary use. But in and out of the car and out into a park? Not too likely here.
3. Have not really used this antenna previously on 40 meters or below, but noticed that the VSWR on that band with the new loops in Plus configuration has terrible VSWR when tuning it on the IC-705. Suspect that the tuning capacitor second-bank switched in for lower frequencies may have an issue. (Have seen in the past that if a narrow spacing tuning capacitor arcs over that it burns the surface plating a-bit, and once burned, will arc over repeatedly at that same point. Need to take this all apart and inspect the turning capacitor plates to see if they're pitted or burned.) In the meantime, will be testing on the upper frequencies (30m to 10m) as time permits.