bjkramp76

If it is an antenna, it is an omni-directional antenna. Directional antenna require a center receiver if round and should be dished to focus the signal. I have also seen them made out of Pringle cans, but are more commonly the Yagi type. It is most certainly bi-directional, exhibits lobes like a dipole. The diameter dictates that is it intended to receive HF and not anything above 30 MHZ. A quick Google search for Mag Loop Antenna could have saved you some embarrassment. Obviously what you know about Radio is relegated to WIFI related devices and not Shortwave.

It is a Magnetic Loop Antenna. That box at the bottom houses a tuning capacitor and the inner single loop is what "picks off" the signal. It is a tuned directional antenna with a built in pre-selector. I wonder if it is for Shortwave Listening or if he is an Amateur Radio Operator like myself. I see no Ham Gear around... yet.