Amplifier Question

[joczr2]

Hi. I am very new to radio. Can anyone tell me if this amplifier is useful?

20MHz-2.4GHz Low Noise Broadband RF Receiver Amplifier Signal Amplifier Module Sale-Banggood.com

My goal is to be able to receiver better as I just mainly listen to different frequencies. If this is not a good solution could someone recommend a device that will reach out and help bring in weaker signals?

I do appreciate any help.

 

[teufler]

WRP-2500 Pre-Amplifier for Wideband Scanners

several on RR state they do not use because they do pick up the signal level but they amplifer the noise lever too. I am using a Uniden BC -004, it is hooked up the same as the one in the link. On my 780 or my 396xt, it picks up the signal 2 bars on a 5 bar scale. The one in the link is better than the one IO am using as it does amplifier incoming signals but it also blocks out of band signals.

 

[ka3jjz]

joczr2 - your first job is to improve the antenna and coax as much as possible before putting an amplifier in. You will get the best bang for your buck this way, and you may find (depending on your environment) that you may not need an amp at all...Mike

 

[popnokick]

All preamplifiers amplify everything they pick up... including the noise and interference. The preamp you linked looks like it would also be susceptible to picking up even more RFI / noise because it is unshielded. KA3JJZ is correct.... Job 1 is using the best antenna you can. After you've taken those steps, then you can experiment with preamplifiers (or possibly find it unnecessary). If your antenna is near strong broadcast stations (FM/TV/sometimes AM) the preamp is going to make interference from them worse.

 

[joczr2]

Thanks so much

 

[PACNWDude]

Use an amplifier as a last resort.

joczr2 - your first job is to improve the antenna and coax as much as possible before putting an amplifier in. You will get the best bang for your buck this way, and you may find (depending on your environment) that you may not need an amp at all...Mike

+1 on this. Often times lower loss cable and connectors that do not require adapters will get you better signal than adding an amplifier.

Many times I saw where people had added amplifiers, only to find that they amplified their noise also. Then I saw hundreds of feet of lossy RG-58 coax and BNC barrels connecting multiple cables together.

Replacing the cable with something that is lower loss, removing adapters and keeping the cable run as short as possible, removing some bends in the cable, make huge differences in operation.