Indoor Active Antenna ?

[ksabo]

Have any of you guys ever used one of these types of antennas ?
If you did, what did you think of them.
I'm talking about for shortwave radio receivers like the Grundig Satellit 800 Millennium
Here's a link to what I'm talking about.
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1413.html


Kenny

 

[specman]

In my experience these are what I would call a "compromise antenna". They simply don't compare to having a good outdoor antenna. Sure, you can match the impedance, employ a preselector and amplifier, but when it comes down to it size matters.. and those itty bitty antenna elements just don't cut it.

Although I haven't used the model in question, I tried a similar unit but found that it was easily outperformed by a random wire INSIDE the house. I also noticed a lot of noise with the unit as well.

Your experience may vary, but if you have any ability to get an antenna outside at all I would highly recommend it over spending money on this thing.

73

 

[ksabo]

Thanks Specman

I appreciate your input. I'm really new to this SW stuff so I have alot to learn. I'll take your word on it and pass up this little gizmo.

Kenny

 

[brandon]

I'm using an active antenna (SkyMatch H800).

Pros:
Very small and can be mounted to a roof vent pipe or put in the attic or a window.
Very good for those who live under HOA regimes.
Works VERY WELL for listening to AM broadcast, SWL, 80 meter ham, and anything below 10 MHz
Low noise on mine but it's away from electrical devices.

Cons
Signals a little weaker than when using 45' long wire below 10 MHz (except on AM BCB the active antenna really shines)
Does not perform very well above 10 MHz - signal much weaker than wire.

As specman said they are a "compromise antenna"... but it's better than nothing and much better than the whip antenna on many portable SWL units.

 

[ksabo]

Skymaych H800

Hi Brandon, I researched the Skymatch H800 on Grove's website. It looks pretty good and should serve my needs well. I am going to order one tomorrow. Thanks for your input.

Kenny