[exray]

The last one I had so much trouble with was a Northern Electric Rainbow set, battery version. I have an AADE meter and can also wind my own loops to spec. In this case I peaked the antenna and trimmer with the loop mounted on the back of the radio. It tracked pretty ok at the ends but didn't do well in the middle of the band. Add to that, it also severely detuned the antenna with the back mounted into place since it mounts so close against the radio chassis. Tried over and over to get the loop right but was unsuccessful and put back the original ant coil.

The ferrite antenna is a good option. I had to refurb a little 40s AA5 Belknap that was my daughter-in-laws "family heirloom". Missing loop. I just left the ferrite rod antenna mounted to the top of the cabinet in that one. It worked fine.