Dear Steve,

I agree with you about an internet service, which would be helpful,
but it would still not tell you what will happen at your particular
location. Only, as you said, a "test-drive" would answer that.

In my case, I was desperate. In my townhouse community, I cannot erect
an outdoor antenna of any kind (other than a small satellite TV dish)
and, having tried many "homebrew" antennas, preselectors, amplifiers,
etc., I took a chance on the Wellbrook ALA 330S due to the very good
reports in PASSPORT. So far, each year, they seem to like the antenna
more and more. I have found, over the years, that, generally, their
reviews are trustworthy (like all reviewers [including even CONSUMER
REPORTS], they have their "biases" [reviewers are, after all, human!]
but this does not seem to negate the overall value of their reviews in
my experience). I took a chance and, as you know, I am very glad I
did!

Read the review of the Wellbrook antennas in the 2004 PASSPORT if you
can and see if their findings would correspond with your requirements.
(The new 2005 PASSPORT will be coming out in a couple of weeks and,
while I do not know what their review, if any, of the Wellbrook
antennas will be, I cannot imagine them liking the antennas "less!"
You could also, if you wished, telephone Wellbrook directly and speak
to the owner. (You can also e-mail him, but I find telephone
conversations more satisfactory.) (I did not purchase mine from
Wellbrook directly, but, rather, from THE SHORTWAVE SHOP, where you
can use a credit card [and they even discount the price somewhat].)

Only then, and in your particular situation, can you determine whether
it worth shelling out the money and trying the antenna.

I can only restate that I am extremely happy I took the chance. The
Wellbrook ALA 330s is an excellent performer and is most satisfactory
to me. No other antenna I have tried works anywhere nearly as well.

All the best,

Joe

(Steve) wrote in message . com...

Thanks for the info, Joe. The Wellbrook really does sound like an
excellent antenna. I'd be tempted to buy one, but it's a lot of dough
to put down without being able to "test drive" it.

It would be neat if one of the remote controlled receivers accessible
via the internet allowed you to switch between a variety of different
antennas. What a useful service that would be--and I suspect some
manufacturers could be convinced to loan an antenna to such an effort
(ASSUMING they're confident their unit will perform well).

Best,

Steve