On Aug 4, 4:39 am, "~ RHF" wrote:

BA - Most 'portable' AM/FM Shortwave Radios
can't take to big {long} of an Antenna or Active
{Amplified} Antennas.

Versus the MFJ-1020B Active Antenna -consider-http://universal-radio.com/catalog/sw_ant/1131.html
LF Engineering H800 Skymatch Active Antenna
-why- An "Outside/Outdoor" Active Antenna is
generally preferred to an 'Indoor' Active Antenna
because in most locations most of the time it
will provide clearer strong signals with less noise.
-result- Better Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio from
the Antenna Output to the Radio's Antenna Input.

Dear RHF, SC Dxing and Bushcraftgregg,

Guys thank you so much for the extensive information you have
provided. I have spent a good part of this afternoon reading over your
posts several times to try and get my head around everything you have
all mentioned. RHF, I took particular notice of your comments,
particularly as you gave a wonderful overview and list of links
pertaining to both the pros and cons of external wire antennas as well
as the active antenna variety. Now, after checking on several of the
links provided, AS well as grabbing myself a couple of books from the
local library (the superb Shortwave Listening Guide Book, authored by
Harry Helms is a must have for beginners I believe) this morning, I
have several queries. Firstly, I am concerned that if I settle on the
active antenna, AM I at risk of picking up much more noise and
interference? Secondly, if I instead choose the external wire type of
antenna, isn't there a much greater chance of problems and issues due
to extensive overhead high voltage powerlines in my area? The more I
read, the more confused I become....arghhhh heh.

Thanks so much guys and sorry for being a painful newbie at all this,
Brian Anasta