Hello John,

I have no experience with the Dressler antennas, but I own a Wellbrook
ALA 330S Active Loop Antenna. This is the best overall antenna I have
ever used. (At one time, when I lived in a ranch-style home, I was
able to run a 100-foot wire mounted at the very top of the attic; my
Wellbrook, also attic-mounted in my small townhouse, performs better,
overall, especially in the summer. It really attenuates atmospheric
and local electrical noise, which is present in abundance at my
location.)

It probably is not really necessary to mount the antenna on a rotator.
I mounted mine on a Radio Shack $100 model, but I have found that I
rarely use it. I mostly listen to SW 49 meters and down. (I do find it
useful to rotate the antenna when listening to the 60 and 75 meter
tropical bands.) You can always manually rotate the antenna if you put
it in your attic. Note: PASSPORT says the Wellbrook works best if
mounted outdoors, but this is not an option for me. They also say that
attic-mounting is a very tempting alternative. They are quite correct
in that assessment. My antenna works extremely well. S/N is far better
than any other antenna I have tried at my current location (I must use
an indoor antenna as our very active homeowners' association forbids
outdoor antennas except for small satellite dishes, and even they must
be approved on a case-by-case basis).

You do need to supply your own coaxial cable, but this is not a major
consideration.

I read on some postings here that some people can't believe the
Wellbrook is wide-ranging in frequency coverage as claimed (3 - 30
MHz). Take it from me - it is! Even on MW (on which I do very little
DXing), it is quite good.

My receiver is an AOR AR7030 Plus. I also sometimes use a Grundig
Satellit 800 with this antenna.

Obviously, I am very pleased with the antenna. I bought mine from THE
SHORTWAVE SHOP in the UK. In my opinion, they are a first-class
operation. You can telephone (or e-mail) them with any questions or
concerns about the Wellbrook antennas.

I hope this is of some help to you.

Best,

Joe

"big boy now" wrote in message ...
I am looking to buy a good active antenna..
i have looked at a few Antennas on the net.
but you can look all you like there is nothing better than advice of current
users.. the main two antennas i have been looking at are.
dressler Active antennas and also wellbrook Active antennas
the wellbrook is an active loop antenna for HF use.
the dressler is a short active vertical...
what is the better antenna users comments only please.
if i buy the wellbrook active loop would i need to mount this on a rotor.
or can anybody recommend a better Active antenna to buy.
i have about £250.00 to spend on the antennas and any cabling and connectors
i may need to buy.....
i am living very close to Heathrow airport in the uk .
i am using an AR5000 receiver ....
any advice would be more than welcome...
Thanks: john

good reply as usual. i am also looking at wellbrook's.
could you tell me why you picked the 330S over the
1530? and, thanks again for helping in my decision on the
7030+. great radio. seems every time i turn it on i learn
something new about it. i have an on going battle here
between the Drake R8B and the AR7030+. i'm still looking
for that extra filter between the 2.2 and 4.0mhz included
standard filters. any info on what brand to look at?
thanks joe...
drifter...

Hello Drifter,

Thanks for the nice comment. After contacting Wellbrook and THE
SHORTWAVE SHOP I decided to buy the '330S over the '1530 because the
'330S is superior on the shortwave bands to which I listen most. I do
not often DX on MW (frankly, due to the generally poor quality, in my
opinion, of the programming available). I'm told by those sources
mentioned that the '1530 has an extended range (down to the LW band)
but is somewhat (slightly) less effective on the SW bands. Of course,
if you do listen to MW extensively, and if you can mount an active
loop antenna outdoors (or higher than I am able), the better
positioning might make the '1530 superior overall to my attic-mounted
'330S.

It's somewhat a matter of "luck," though I think that I'd still rather
have the better SW performance of the '330S. One could always buy
another dedicated MW antenna. (I use a C.Crane Justice AM antenna,
sometimes in conjunction with a Select-A-Tenna with my Grundig
Satellit 800. I keep meaning to use it on the AOR but, except for one
quick trial, I haven't really experimented with it.)

I have a crystal 2.2 kHz filter which I had installed at the factory
when I ordered my '7030 Plus. My 4.0 filter actually measures 3.5 kHz.
The 6.0 filter measures 5.1 kHz on my receiver and this is the filter
I use most for program listening when using the Sync circuit. When
reception is "tough," I use ECSS tuning with the crystal filter (which
makes the signal sound just about the same as straight AM, though with
little interference!). That crystal filter is really terrific. From
the above, you can see that, at least with my particular receiver, I
have no need for a filter "in between" 2.2 and 4 kHz. (I also had the
7.0 kHz filter installed - it measures 6.5 kHz on my receiver - and I
also have the 10.0 -measures 9.5 kHz - for narrow band FM.) However,
your requirements may be different. Have you called Richard Hillier at
AOR UK? I understand that KIWA also installs filters. I have had no
experience personally with them, but I understand that they are a good
organization. You might wish to call them, though I would still
recommend calling AOR UK first. I have been extremely pleased with the
service/advice/help I have received from both Richard Hillier at AOR
UK and also the personnel at THE SHORTWAVE SHOP.

Hope that helps. The AR7030 Plus is one fantastic receiver, isn't it?
One of my friends, upon seeing it (and being extremely impressed with
the quality of construction/components both outside and inside - I
opened it up for him) and hearing it called it positively the
"Rolls-Royce" of radios. I agree with him.

In conjunction with the Wellbrook ALA 330S it offers the finest SW
listening I have ever experienced.

Best,

Joe

Drifter wrote in message ...
good reply as usual. i am also looking at wellbrook's.
could you tell me why you picked the 330S over the
1530? and, thanks again for helping in my decision on the
7030+. great radio. seems every time i turn it on i learn
something new about it. i have an on going battle here
between the Drake R8B and the AR7030+. i'm still looking
for that extra filter between the 2.2 and 4.0mhz included
standard filters. any info on what brand to look at?
thanks joe...
drifter...

thanks for the info Joe. best radio i ever laid my hands on.
i my ask about that 7.0/6.5 filter. have been in email with
Richard. he is trying to locate a XTAL filter in japan for me.
i may do the install myself. i'll have to take a look inside
first. shortwave shop installed the daut. board prior to
shipment. i will look closer at the 330S. i'm also more on
the SW bands. by the way, which size torque fits the screws
in the case? i read it's easy to strip them out...
thanks Joe...
Drifter...

Drifter wrote:

thanks for the info Joe. best radio i ever laid my hands on.
i my ask about that 7.0/6.5 filter. have been in email with
Richard. he is trying to locate a XTAL filter in japan for me.
i may do the install myself. i'll have to take a look inside
first. shortwave shop installed the daut. board prior to
shipment. i will look closer at the 330S. i'm also more on
the SW bands. by the way, which size torque fits the screws
in the case? i read it's easy to strip them out...
thanks Joe...
Drifter...


My 7030 uses an allen (hex) wrench for the case screws.

You can also use filters intended for the Racal 6790/gm or 6830 - though
they're large, and you'll need to hook them up with something like
RG-174. An advantage to using milspec filters is you're likely to be
able to get a better shape factor than you can on ones intended for the
consumer market.

If you'd like I could shoot a picture of how I installed the larger
filters in mine and put it up on my web space, but it'll take a couple
days for me to get around to it.

thanks for the info Mark. i have been in touch with Richard. i
will be receiving 3 filters in about 3-4 weeks. he found me
the XTAL2.4. and i ordered a few others. haven't had a chance to
peek in side yet. like my new R8B, the 7030+ is my retirement
gifts to myself. i'm sure i would not spend this kind of money
after i retire. looking forward to many years use...
Drifter...

by the way. AOR UK and Japan have the best service i have ever used...

Hello Drifter,

"by the way. AOR UK and Japan have the best service i have ever
used..."

Amen, brother. AOR UK is fantastic. I have the crystal 2.4 filter
(measures 2.2 kHz on my particular receiver) and it really does make
sideband (ECSS) tuning sound just like regular AM.

There are only two tools needed for opening up the AR7030; a 3.5mm hex
key and a No. 2 Posi-Drive screwdriver. If you take only the routine
care a fine receiver such as this one deserves in using these tools,
there is practically no possibility of damaging the receiver or
stripping the threads. (If you can't find a Posi-Drive screwdriver
locally - I couldn't - Richard Hillier can obtain one and ship it to
you.) Just carefully follow their instructions on opening the case
posted on their website.

By the way, an advantage of having the power supply outside the radio
("floor brick" power supply) is that you can work inside the radio
even when it is powered. As long as you take great care not to short
anything out, you can't get a "shock" from it.

You have an R8B also? I really envy you. Along with a Wellbrook
antenna you'll really have a "powerhouse" setup!

Best,

Joe

Drifter wrote in message ...
thanks for the info Mark. i have been in touch with Richard. i
will be receiving 3 filters in about 3-4 weeks. he found me
the XTAL2.4. and i ordered a few others. haven't had a chance to
peek in side yet. like my new R8B, the 7030+ is my retirement
gifts to myself. i'm sure i would not spend this kind of money
after i retire. looking forward to many years use...
Drifter...

by the way. AOR UK and Japan have the best service i have ever used...

Thanks Joe
good reply you have answered my questions i may well get the
1530 version but i am first waiting for a spec sheet for a DX-1 Pro.
i will look over the two antennas and them make my final decision on what
one to buy..
i am using the AR5000A+3 great all round receiver but i may after the
Christmas is out of the way invest in a dedicated HF receiver how do you
find the AR7030....just what is the difference in the 7030 and the 7030+ is
the + version worth the extra cash.....
with a little bit of luck i may get the welbrook at the end of this week.
as were i am located the conditions are terrible at this time i have just
turned my receiver on and well its turned off again can not hear much. to
much interference on most of the HF band....
lets hope a new antenna will improve my situation...

Thanks: John


"Joe Analssandrini" wrote in message
om...
Hello John,

I have no experience with the Dressler antennas, but I own a Wellbrook
ALA 330S Active Loop Antenna. This is the best overall antenna I have
ever used. (At one time, when I lived in a ranch-style home, I was
able to run a 100-foot wire mounted at the very top of the attic; my
Wellbrook, also attic-mounted in my small townhouse, performs better,
overall, especially in the summer. It really attenuates atmospheric
and local electrical noise, which is present in abundance at my
location.)

It probably is not really necessary to mount the antenna on a rotator.
I mounted mine on a Radio Shack $100 model, but I have found that I
rarely use it. I mostly listen to SW 49 meters and down. (I do find it
useful to rotate the antenna when listening to the 60 and 75 meter
tropical bands.) You can always manually rotate the antenna if you put
it in your attic. Note: PASSPORT says the Wellbrook works best if
mounted outdoors, but this is not an option for me. They also say that
attic-mounting is a very tempting alternative. They are quite correct
in that assessment. My antenna works extremely well. S/N is far better
than any other antenna I have tried at my current location (I must use
an indoor antenna as our very active homeowners' association forbids
outdoor antennas except for small satellite dishes, and even they must
be approved on a case-by-case basis).

You do need to supply your own coaxial cable, but this is not a major
consideration.

I read on some postings here that some people can't believe the
Wellbrook is wide-ranging in frequency coverage as claimed (3 - 30
MHz). Take it from me - it is! Even on MW (on which I do very little
DXing), it is quite good.

My receiver is an AOR AR7030 Plus. I also sometimes use a Grundig
Satellit 800 with this antenna.

Obviously, I am very pleased with the antenna. I bought mine from THE
SHORTWAVE SHOP in the UK. In my opinion, they are a first-class
operation. You can telephone (or e-mail) them with any questions or
concerns about the Wellbrook antennas.

I hope this is of some help to you.

Best,

Joe

"big boy now" wrote in message
...
I am looking to buy a good active antenna..
i have looked at a few Antennas on the net.
but you can look all you like there is nothing better than advice of
current
users.. the main two antennas i have been looking at are.
dressler Active antennas and also wellbrook Active antennas
the wellbrook is an active loop antenna for HF use.
the dressler is a short active vertical...
what is the better antenna users comments only please.
if i buy the wellbrook active loop would i need to mount this on a rotor.
or can anybody recommend a better Active antenna to buy.
i have about £250.00 to spend on the antennas and any cabling and
connectors
i may need to buy.....
i am living very close to Heathrow airport in the uk .
i am using an AR5000 receiver ....
any advice would be more than welcome...
Thanks: john

much interference on most of the HF band....
lets hope a new antenna will improve my situation...

not likely !!! hope you aren't expecting miracles with the wellbrook

Hello John,

Sorry for the somewhat delayed reply but I have had some family
problems and have not been using my computer.

The AOR AR7030 Plus is indeed a superb receiver, in my opinion, fully
as good as any "professional" receiver. The "Plus" version is
definitely worth the extra money. Here are the differences (copied
from AOR UK's website):

* Increased balance of the mixer for greatest IP2 & IP3
* High tolerance 0.1% components in DDS ladder for low noise
* Enhanced RF attenuator operation for minimal intermod
* Higher spec wire aerial input transformer for minimal mixing
products
* Ceramic metal cased 4 kHz (displayed) AM filter fitted as
standard (typical bandwidths: 2.2kHz, 4.0 kHz, 5.3kHz
9.5kHz)
* Bourns optical encoder for the smoothest DX tuning
* Features CPU fitted, 400 memories, multi timers & alpha tag

It would be wise to telephone AOR UK at 011 44 1629 581222 and speak
with Richard Hillier directly. He can assist you in choosing the
options needed (if any) which will meet your requirements. He can also
recommend some shops where you can purchase the receiver (I bought
mine from THE SHORTWAVE SHOP; their telephone number is 011 44 1629
581222. Ask for Rob Burrows, but, if he's not there, they have a
number of helpful technicians.) (The telephone numbers are what I use
from the US; in the UK the prefixes can be dropped.) (You can e-mail
both of these individuals; you can get their e-mail addresses from
their websites [use Google to find them if you do not know them], but,
frankly, I personally still prefer "talking" to a real person about so
expensive and important a purchase. Both of those gentlemen are REAL
gentlemen and are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.)

You're lucky living in the UK; purchasing the receiver will be
somewhat easier for you as you may even be able to visit a shop to see
the receiver first-hand and speak to informed salespeople.

Definitely consider buying the Notch Filter/Noise Blanker option. I
don't use the noise blanker too much, but I use the Notch Filter
extensively; you won't believe what that filter can do until you've
tried it. It's WELL worth the extra money (though I feel it should be
standard on the radio).

Make sure you check with them about the advisability of including DRM
in the receiver; my receiver does not have it, but, of course, any
AR7030 can be upgraded to DRM at the factory if DRM ever takes off (I
hope it does NOT!).

Also, if you buy the AR7030 Plus, make sure you contact Jan Arkesteijn
in The Netherlands about his fantastic RxWings Computer Control
Program which makes the AR7030, already a very advanced receiver, into
a fantastic one. The program incorporates facilities into the receiver
which are not present without it (such as scanning - at any rate and
with any configuration you like!). What's more, RxWings is totally
FREE!!! (Don't buy AOR's now-outdated and expensive computer program;
it's had its day!)

If you have any other questions with which I can be of assistance,
please don't hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Joe



"big boy now" wrote in message k...
Thanks Joe
good reply you have answered my questions i may well get the
1530 version but i am first waiting for a spec sheet for a DX-1 Pro.
i will look over the two antennas and them make my final decision on what
one to buy..
i am using the AR5000A+3 great all round receiver but i may after the
Christmas is out of the way invest in a dedicated HF receiver how do you
find the AR7030....just what is the difference in the 7030 and the 7030+ is
the + version worth the extra cash.....
with a little bit of luck i may get the welbrook at the end of this week.
as were i am located the conditions are terrible at this time i have just
turned my receiver on and well its turned off again can not hear much. to
much interference on most of the HF band....
lets hope a new antenna will improve my situation...

Thanks: John