🔍 Key Concepts

• Vertical loop antenna radiation pattern characteristics • Difference between omni-directional, bi-directional, and non-directional patterns • Meaning of radiation being maximum in the plane of the loop vs broadside to the loop

💭 Think About

• Visualize a vertical loop as a circle standing upright on the deck. In which directions (relative to that plane) would you expect the strongest signal? • Compare how a loop antenna behaves compared to a simple straight vertical antenna: which one is truly omni-directional in azimuth? • Look carefully at the difference between "omni-directional" and "bi-directional" in the answer choices—how many strong lobes would each pattern have?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify whether a loop antenna typically radiates (or receives) strongest along the plane of the loop or broadside to it • Decide if a loop antenna can really be called omni-directional around the horizon, or if it has preferred directions • Match the description of maximum and minimum directions to either an omni-directional (all-around) or bi-directional (two main directions) pattern