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Hello.
It appears that you are going to buy a Wellbrook ALA 330S Active Loop Antenna (there is no such model as ALA 300). Note that while this antenna will afford you superb reception (I recommend that you read Jay Allen's review at this URL: http://www.radiointel.com/review-wellbrook.htm), just buying it is not all you will have to do. There are other items you must purchase locally AND the antenna MUST be properly mounted and installed. (A fence-post or deck railing is a good location. An attic is an even better one. Even though the instructions mention the optimum outdoor mounting location, it is definitely not critical. I prefer attic-mounting as the antenna performs in a superlative fashion in that location and it (and its associated equipment) - no small invenstment! - is protected from the weather). If you are indeed serious, please read the following carefully. You will need to buy a suitable length of RG-58C/U (in the United States often labeled RG-58U - this is the same thing) coaxial cable (no other kind will do!) and two (2) BNC connectors. This can be purchased at your local Radio Shack. Should you wish to take advantage of the antenna's directional capabilities (recommended), you will need to purchase a Radio Shack antenna rotator (about $75.00) and the special cable for that rotator (about $15.00). You will also need a suitable length of PVC (preferably) pipe which attaches the antenna to the rotator (about $2.00 at your local hardware store). All of this MUST be hooked up in STRICT accordance with the instructions packed with the antenna. IF --- you follow the instructions EXACTLY, the installation process is quite easy and shouldn't take more than an hour or two. IF --- you feel that you are incapable of doing the installation yourself, I strongly recommend that you hire a competent electrician to install the antenna for you. MAKE SURE that he READS the instructions CAREFULLY before attempting the installation. (Installation charge will probably be between $200-$300.) You will want to contact THE SHORTWAVE SHOP in the UK if you wish to make the purchase with a credit card. You can buy directly from Andy Ikin at the factory, but he accepts checks only. (Also THE SHORTWAVE SHOP sometimes charges less.) I believe the current price in dollars, including shipping, is around $350.00. Note too that there may be a delay in shipment; Andy has been quite backed-up of late due to an overwhelming number of orders (the "word" has gotten around about this antenna!), though I think he is catching up to some extent. IF --- you are willing to go to the lengths necessary to acquire this antenna, you will be rewarded with probably the finest antenna ever designed for the shortwave listener. (The purchase "hurdles" are deliberate: Wellbrook is a "one-man" operation and Andy can make only so-many antennas!) You want to hear very weak signals? This is your antenna! I own one. In all my forty-plus years of shortwave listening, I personally have never experienced ANY antenna even nearly as good as the Wellbrook ALA 330S. Best of luck, Joe |
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