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Help Active Antenna Adivice what one to buy
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 |
Hi John,
If you are handy with a soldering iron and hacksaw you might look into this: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0109031.pdf It cost about $75US for the parts and will outperform just about anything on the market. I built one and it was easy to assemble and works very well compared to a 100ft long wire. I am feeding a Harris RF-590A. Mike big boy now wrote: 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 |
Mike wrote:
Hi John, If you are handy with a soldering iron and hacksaw you might look into this: http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/pdf/0109031.pdf It cost about $75US for the parts and will outperform just about anything on the market. I built one and it was easy to assemble and works very well compared to a 100ft long wire. I am feeding a Harris RF-590A. Mike An alternative to the Amrad antenna is you can connect a high quality rf preamplifier to a whip. That's what I do for the antenna on my 7030+ "portable". The one I chose is an avantek 30db preamp that I picked up at the flea at MIT for $5 or $10. (I expect a new one with similar specs would sell for a few hundred) The whip is connected to the input of the amplifier with a 9:1 impedance matching transformer. I often dial in some attenuation when I'm listening below about 5mhz. Other makes for milspec RF preamps include Aiken/Norlin/ACL/Applied Communications (same company, different names) and Watkins Johnson. I'm sure there are others too - I'm just not familiar with them. I'm not knocking the Amrad - if I had the time to build one, I probably would. As for the Dressler, and the Wellbrook, I think between the two, I'd go for the Wellbrook. IIRC, the Wellbrook has more dynamic range. Loops are less likely to pick up RFI. I've also noticed numerous favorable comments about it, and relatively few comments (positive or negative) about the Dressler. big boy now wrote: 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 |
"Mark S. Holden" wrote in message ... An alternative to the Amrad antenna is you can connect a high quality rf preamplifier to a whip. That's what I do for the antenna on my 7030+ "portable". That's right up there with those that call the old Hammarlunds and Hallicrafters boatanchors portables because they had a handle. ;-) The one I chose is an avantek 30db preamp that I picked up at the flea at MIT for $5 or $10. (I expect a new one with similar specs would sell for a few hundred) The whip is connected to the input of the amplifier with a 9:1 impedance matching transformer. I often dial in some attenuation when I'm listening below about 5mhz. Other makes for milspec RF preamps include Aiken/Norlin/ACL/Applied Communications (same company, different names) and Watkins Johnson. I'm sure there are others too - I'm just not familiar with them. Okay, that brings up the question of the MFJ-1020 used as a preamp. Admittedly, you can't beat and Avantek for $5-10, but is the MFJ-1020 worth the price, or can you find schematics for decent preamps lying around?? I'm not knocking the Amrad - if I had the time to build one, I probably would. As for the Dressler, and the Wellbrook, I think between the two, I'd go for the Wellbrook. IIRC, the Wellbrook has more dynamic range. Loops are less likely to pick up RFI. I've also noticed numerous favorable comments about it, and relatively few comments (positive or negative) about the Dressler. Actually, I've read a bit about the Wellbrook from replies on lists and on the occasional webpage on it, but what puzzles me is the spread that the Wellbrook claims that the loop is good for. After all, it's not a tunable loop and it looks like an aluminum hoop (about 1m diameter) with a preamp and matching transformer attached. The best I saw on a homebrewed magnetic loop after an hour or so of perusing the web was about 5-17 MHz for usability. I figure that it looks simple enough of a design that someone could build one at home (or at least emulate one) easily enough, but some of the claims don't seem to mesh with that people who have built these type of loops have discovered. --Mike L. |
I have been getting superb performance from my RF Systems DX 1 Pro active
antenna for some years now. It is made in Holland and is used by many embassies and government services. My reception on LW, MW and Tropical Bands is outstanding and the antenna is very quiet compared with my longwire antenna's which I have now dismantled. Get a copy of Passport 2005 where you will find very good reviews of all the available active antenna's. They favour the Wellbrook antenna's. See http://www.passband.com/ if you want to order one Don't believe what they say about the DX 1 being noisy, as it's not. Visiting DXer's to my urban town shack always remark on how quiet it is. -- John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s. RX Drake R8B, SW8 & ERGO software Sony 7600D GE SRIII BW XCR 30, Braun T1000, Sangean 818 & 803A. Hallicrafters SX-100, Eddystone 940 GE circa 50's radiogram Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro, Datong AD-270 Kiwa MW Loop "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 |
Hello John
i looked at the DX-1 PRO RF System as they are advertised hear in the uk in short wave magazine sold by Haydon communications at a cost of £359.95.... i tried looking this antenna up on the net for the spec but could not find any information on the antenna... would have a website address for the company who makes the DX-1. i would need to research the antenna before i buy due to the high cost. as i am living right next to Heathrow air port.... and as you can imagine there are lots of strong signals from the air port. some days i can not even use some of the HF bands do to interference ...so i would need to know what would be best for me to use i don't mind spending good money on an antenna but only if it improves my reception would not want to spend all that money and not see a big difference.......could you post the spec of the antenna hear what is the size of the antenna when fully assembled.... i don't have any problems putting an antenna up out doors. thanks: John "John Plimmer" wrote in message ... I have been getting superb performance from my RF Systems DX 1 Pro active antenna for some years now. It is made in Holland and is used by many embassies and government services. My reception on LW, MW and Tropical Bands is outstanding and the antenna is very quiet compared with my longwire antenna's which I have now dismantled. Get a copy of Passport 2005 where you will find very good reviews of all the available active antenna's. They favour the Wellbrook antenna's. See http://www.passband.com/ if you want to order one Don't believe what they say about the DX 1 being noisy, as it's not. Visiting DXer's to my urban town shack always remark on how quiet it is. -- John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa South 33 d 47 m 32 s, East 20 d 07 m 32 s. RX Drake R8B, SW8 & ERGO software Sony 7600D GE SRIII BW XCR 30, Braun T1000, Sangean 818 & 803A. Hallicrafters SX-100, Eddystone 940 GE circa 50's radiogram Antenna's RF Systems DX 1 Pro, Datong AD-270 Kiwa MW Loop "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 |
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... |
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 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 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 |
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 P.S. The geomagnetic storm of the past week has raised havoc with the shortwave bands. Reception has been just dreadful and has nothing whatsoever to do with your current receiver or antenna; I've mostly been listening to my records and tapes but conditions do appear to be improving. I even heard a 2 kw Brazilian domestic station on the 60-meter band (4885 kHz) last night. "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 |
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... |
Joe Analssandrini wrote:
The AOR AR7030 Plus is indeed a superb receiver, in my opinion, fully as good as any "professional" receiver. Have you ever used a 'professional' receiver? ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= East/West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
have i ever used a professional receiver yes i have.
my present receiver set up is as follows. 1) AOR AR5000A+3 new model 2) AOR SDU5600 FFT Display unit. 3) MFJ Tunable DSP.. have you ever use one your self. i have owned many receivers including the ICOM IC-R9000....tentek and many more . John. "starman" wrote in message ... Joe Analssandrini wrote: The AOR AR7030 Plus is indeed a superb receiver, in my opinion, fully as good as any "professional" receiver. Have you ever used a 'professional' receiver? ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= East/West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
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Hi Steve. if you think about it, it's really simple. i'm 55, and
soon retiring. i wouldn't spend this kind of money then. i got what i feel will be current for a few years to come. i have worked in "the high tech industry" before we called it that. i read and reread a lot of post here and other places. kind of picking brains. you can see what works for a lot of people. i have had a bunch of portables, and a few boat anchors over a lot of years. always traveled in my work; kind of hard to set up a good radio room and spend time there. i looked at the AOR7030+ for about 2 years. it's not just wiz-bang. its a great solid radio. like i told Joe, every time i turn it on i learn some thing new about it. reading the post on the yahoo group settled it for me. and Joe; this guy knows this radio. he sold me. and, he is so helpful. not just on this radio, but alot of others. the drake; what can you say. it's vary good. a modern classic. sweet. i couldn't chose, had to have both. DxAce settled that one. he knows what's good. and a whole bunch of other guys here and other places helped me deside. all i need now is the wellbrook, and i'm set. great hobby, good people and info. i have had no trouble with food or work. but, it did help me quite smoking. and, not to forget Stan's radio covers. first rate cover and a good guy to deal with... good DX.. Drifter |
Joe Analssandrini wrote:
Dear John, Your receiver setup is positively first-class, regardless of the unhelpful remark of "Starman." To reply to him, I do not own a "professional" receiver but, of course, have friends who do (including one who owns a Ten-tec RX-340 with the Sherwood SE-3 MK III accessory, among other receivers). It must be realized that we live in a "real-world" where ultra sensitivity and ultra selectivity in the receiver are not the only criteria by which one should buy. "Listenability" and relative ease of use are important too. It's no good trying to listen to a program through a receiver which has poor sound quality. It's also no good, at least in my opinion, to have to work several components just to listen to a signal when there are radios (such as the AOR AR5000A+3 and the AR7030 Plus, not even to mention the Drake R8B) which will also receive the signals with far less effort and (sometimes) far better sound. Again, your setup sounds really great. An AR7030 Plus would be a fine addition to your radio shack. As everyone who should know does know, the antenna is the single most important component of any radio receiving setup. It has been stated often that a person with a fair radio and a great antenna can often out-DX a person with a great receiver and a mediocre (or poorly set up) antenna. Frankly, to "Starman" and others who post unhelpful or "caustic" remarks on this group, I wish you would at least reconsider what you write before you write it. John ("Big Boy Now") has asked a legitimate question and I have tried to answer him (and others to whom I've responded) with helpful suggestions to the best of my ability. Naturally, I'm not always correct. Others may (and do) disagree with my opinions. But they are at least given with good intent. Disparaging or caustic remarks are of no real help to anyone, again in my opinion. All the best, Joe I simply asked if you had ever used a professional grade receiver. It's not uncommon for people on this group to make comparisons with receivers they have never used. That's why I was wondering how much experience you actually had with professional receivers. ----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==---- http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups ---= East/West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =--- |
Drifter wrote in message ...
Hi Steve. if you think about it, it's really simple. i'm 55, and soon retiring. i wouldn't spend this kind of money then. i got what i feel will be current for a few years to come. i have worked in "the high tech industry" before we called it that. i read and reread a lot of post here and other places. kind of picking brains. you can see what works for a lot of people. i have had a bunch of portables, and a few boat anchors over a lot of years. always traveled in my work; kind of hard to set up a good radio room and spend time there. i looked at the AOR7030+ for about 2 years. it's not just wiz-bang. its a great solid radio. like i told Joe, every time i turn it on i learn some thing new about it. reading the post on the yahoo group settled it for me. and Joe; this guy knows this radio. he sold me. and, he is so helpful. not just on this radio, but alot of others. the drake; what can you say. it's vary good. a modern classic. sweet. i couldn't chose, had to have both. DxAce settled that one. he knows what's good. and a whole bunch of other guys here and other places helped me deside. all i need now is the wellbrook, and i'm set. great hobby, good people and info. i have had no trouble with food or work. but, it did help me quite smoking. and, not to forget Stan's radio covers. first rate cover and a good guy to deal with... good DX.. Drifter Well, I think your decision to buy both was a wise one. If you've worked for 30 or 40 years and are about to retire, you've more than earned a couple of good receivers and a Wellbrook antenna. I personally went around and around for the longest time trying to decide between a Drake R8B and an AOR 7030+. In the end I opted for the Drake, in part because I'd actually used one before and knew I'd like it. I am still interested in learning about the 7030+, though, and think it's a real shame that AOR USA doesn't sell them anymore. In fact, I wonder how sales are outside the US. I'd like to think that they're selling lots of them and that one of these days we might see a 7030++. There are only two things that would tempt me to buy yet another receiver: (1) something very unfortunate happening to the R8B or (2) Kneisner and Doering coming out with a successor to their KWZ30. If and when (2) happens, I hope the dollar is a lot stronger than it is now. Steve |
Dear Starman,
I have listened to my friend's Ten-tec RX-340. I have never "played with" a Watkins-Johnson. There are precious few so-called "professional" receivers which are truly suitable for short wave listeners. As you know, many of these receivers are optimized for a particular function which may not necessarily be compatible with the requirements of the SWL. Certainly the ability to adjust almost every parameter, while desirable for many, may prove overwhelming to the general SWL and, in general, is not always necessary. (Check out the Grundig Satellit 800, a very easy receiver to use, which, when used with a suitable antenna, performs almost as well as anything on the market.) For the discerning short wave listener, I feel (my opinion) that, overall, there is no radio superior to the AR7030 Plus. Two advantages over, for example, the Drake R8B (a superb receiver, let me note), are 1) the capability of being almost totally computer-controlled (and for free!), and 2) the ability for the user to make internal adjustments while the receiver is powered.(This will prove extremely important when/if necessary to adjust the sync circuit to the climate/temperature of the ultimate user; I have done this. It's quite easy.) As far as I know, no other receiver offers these advantages. Coupled to the ability to customize the receiver to the requirements of the particular owner, and noting its exceptional performance and sound quality, the receiver becomes almost irresistable if one can afford it. Let us also note that this thread was really about active antennas. As I have stated many times here and on other groups, in my opinion, for portable radios (not including the Sat800) the Sony AN-LP1 is a very good performer. A better performer for portables and tabletops is the AOR WL500 Window Loop Antenna, though it is less convenient for travel than the AN-LP1 (which is what I take with me, as well as a Sangean ANT-60). The very best active antenna, in my experience, is the Wellbrook ALA 330S. (Yes I own all the active antennas mentioned above; I have also tried and discarded a fair number of other active antennas with which I was dissatisfied.) Thank you for your clarification of your post and my apologies if I misunderstood and offended you. I try to always make mention in my posts if I have no experience with a particular product. I have read a number of your posts previously and find them interesting and very well informed. Best, Joe starman wrote in message ... I simply asked if you had ever used a professional grade receiver. It's not uncommon for people on this group to make comparisons with receivers they have never used. That's why I was wondering how much experience you actually had with professional receivers. |
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