preselctor?
 

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

preselctor?
 

On Wed, 22 Feb 2006 15:32:04 GMT, "Lisa Simpson"
wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .


MFJ-956

preselctor?
 

www.google.com MFJ Enterprises Preselectors

Some people call MFJ,Mighty Fine Junk.Some people are satisfied with MFJ
products.
cuhulin

preselctor?
 

www.mfjenterprises.com/reviews.php

MFJ is an Enterprise too.How can you beat that? Of course MFJ probally
doesn't publish any unfavorable reviews.
cuhulin

preselctor?
 

MFJ is an Enterprise too.How can you beat that? Of course MFJ probally
doesn't publish any unfavorable reviews.
cuhulin

I have an MFJ Noise Canceller that works pretty well and about as
advertised. It is not the be-all and end-all, nor do I have the
optimal antenna configuration going into it (it works best with two
similar antennas at about 1/4 to 1/2 wavelength, or antenna length,
apart - I have two dissimilar antennas), but it takes a chunk out of
the most offensive noise when I need it.

I'd be willing to try their more expensive model preselector for
$69.95; I may just do that one of these days, since a good deal of my
grief comes from two or three local 50kW transmitters on MW splattering
across 2-6 mHz. Mr. Parfitt has suggested (among other good ideas -
bless him) that the transmitters themselves may be to blame, and he may
well be right - nonetheless, if I can do something cheap to potentially
reduce their effects, it would be worth a try.

Bruce Jensen

preselctor?
 

On Wed, 22 Feb 2006 09:58:20 -0600, wrote:

www.google.com MFJ Enterprises Preselectors

Some people call MFJ,Mighty Fine Junk.Some people are satisfied with MFJ
products.
cuhulin

You do need to tighten all the screws and check all the connections
when you get their stuff. But I always take stuff apart anyway.

preselctor?
 

In article ,
"Lisa Simpson" wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/2964.html

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/3736.html

You might want to look on Ebay.

This does not have a power supply and it is not known if it is working
so I would stay away from this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MFJ-Preselector-...emZ5870550105Q
QcategoryZ15051QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIt em

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

preselctor?
 

Went to the MFJ website & ordered the 956 preselector. Hope their products
are better than their website & ordering process! : }

"Telamon" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Lisa Simpson" wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/2964.html

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/3736.html

You might want to look on Ebay.

This does not have a power supply and it is not known if it is working
so I would stay away from this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MFJ-Preselector-...emZ5870550105Q
QcategoryZ15051QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIt em

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

preselector?
 

Hi Lisa,

I've used a number of MFJ preslectors in conjunction with a number of
receivers. The most basic and inexpensive is the MFJ-956, recommended
earlier in this thread by David. It's a decent, non-fussy little unit
that really doesn't require too much re-tuning as you scan across a
given band. The same can largely be said of the MFJ-1045C which I
recently picked up from Grove. The 1045C, though, is an active
preselector, so you'd have some gain added to your signal. I don't
know that you'd necessarily want or need additional gain; I don't have
any experience with the receiver you're working with. The 1045C runs
off of an AC adapter or can be run off a 9 V battery. The option of
running the unit off a battery can be nice if you ever take your
receiver out into the field. Note: the 1045C is advertised on the
websites of some retailers as being made to accomodate 2 receivers and
2 antennae. I called MFJ a week and a half back (prior to ordering a
1045C) and was informed by a tech at MFJ that the 1045C is designed for
one antenna and one receiver: there are no radio 1/2 or antenna 1/2
switches as on the MFJ 1040C preselector (also distinguishing the two:
the 1040C does not allow for 9V battery operation, and the 1040C is
designed to permit use w/a transceiver). The 1045C looks a lot like
the MFJ 1020C active antenna (which is sometimes advertised as being
useful as an active preselector); the 1045C and 1020C are similar in
appearance/layout of controls. According to the MFJ tech, though, the
internals of the two are quite different and the 1045C is to be
preferred where the preselection function is concerned.
The other MFJ preselector to consider is the MFJ-1046, which is
advertised as a "high dynamic range passive preselector". This was my
first preselector and it remains the one I use most often. One thing I
particularly like aobut it is that I've not noticed any signal loss in
using it. And more often than not, I have no need for any
amplification of the signal. This preselector is pretty narrow in its
bandwidth, so it often requires a few small tuning adjustments as you
tune across a given SW BC band.

In any case, hope some of this helps.

Junius

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

preselctor?
 

In article ,
"Lisa Simpson" wrote:

Went to the MFJ website & ordered the 956 preselector. Hope their products
are better than their website & ordering process! : }

"Telamon" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Lisa Simpson" wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/2964.html

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/3736.html

You might want to look on Ebay.

This does not have a power supply and it is not known if it is working
so I would stay away from this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MFJ-Preselector-...emZ5870550105Q
QcategoryZ15051QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIt em

Well I hope it does what you want it to do. In another thread you spoke
of co-channel interference and a tuner can't help you with that but it
will help you if you have an image problem.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

preselctor?
 

I an take anything apart,,, getting it back together again and workin is
the big thang.
cuhulin

preselctor?
 

I guess an image problem would call for a Wellbrook Antenna?
cuhulin

preselector?
 

I have limited experience with antenna amplifiers, but they tend to add to
problems an inexpensive reciever might already have. If the receiver cannot
handle large signals in the vacinity of small signals well, then you may
simply overload your receiver or introduce signals produced by the
amplifier. A preselector helps by limiting what is coming at the reciever
from the antenna by narrowing the range of frequencies. That can reduce some
noise and interference.

Something guaranteed to reduce interference is to turn off everything in the
house that has a computer chip in it as well as motors. This means TV, VCR,
DVD, Stereo, Shortwave and scanner receivers, and especially computers and
monitors, with an emphasis on monitors. Also, operating on batteries instead
of AC current can be very helpful because AC lines can carry a lot of noise.
Ground your receiver to a metal rod pounded into the ground as close as
possible to the receiver. When I say turn off, what I mean is, pull the plug
out of the wall entirely so no connection exists to the AC line whatsoever.
Some items may have a small amount of current running so it may start more
quickly, TV's especially. Finally, a good antenna cut as close as possible
to the band of most interest, balanced and matched properly for impedance
and connected to the receiver by low loss coaxial cable directly to the
receover.

With the advent of Broadband over Powerlines, cell transmissions and other
transmissions that are deliberately pumped down a cable line or telephone
line, it is getting very difficult to have good shortwave reception. I
question how much people really need to read their email or text message or
send photos over cell phones. I think they are an important means of voice
communications, but they don't take the place of an office telephone. A
reduction in their use would not hurt anyone IMHO.

"junius" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Lisa,

I've used a number of MFJ preslectors in conjunction with a number of
receivers. The most basic and inexpensive is the MFJ-956, recommended
earlier in this thread by David. It's a decent, non-fussy little unit
that really doesn't require too much re-tuning as you scan across a
given band. The same can largely be said of the MFJ-1045C which I
recently picked up from Grove. The 1045C, though, is an active
preselector, so you'd have some gain added to your signal. I don't
know that you'd necessarily want or need additional gain; I don't have
any experience with the receiver you're working with. The 1045C runs
off of an AC adapter or can be run off a 9 V battery. The option of
running the unit off a battery can be nice if you ever take your
receiver out into the field. Note: the 1045C is advertised on the
websites of some retailers as being made to accomodate 2 receivers and
2 antennae. I called MFJ a week and a half back (prior to ordering a
1045C) and was informed by a tech at MFJ that the 1045C is designed for
one antenna and one receiver: there are no radio 1/2 or antenna 1/2
switches as on the MFJ 1040C preselector (also distinguishing the two:
the 1040C does not allow for 9V battery operation, and the 1040C is
designed to permit use w/a transceiver). The 1045C looks a lot like
the MFJ 1020C active antenna (which is sometimes advertised as being
useful as an active preselector); the 1045C and 1020C are similar in
appearance/layout of controls. According to the MFJ tech, though, the
internals of the two are quite different and the 1045C is to be
preferred where the preselection function is concerned.
The other MFJ preselector to consider is the MFJ-1046, which is
advertised as a "high dynamic range passive preselector". This was my
first preselector and it remains the one I use most often. One thing I
particularly like aobut it is that I've not noticed any signal loss in
using it. And more often than not, I have no need for any
amplification of the signal. This preselector is pretty narrow in its
bandwidth, so it often requires a few small tuning adjustments as you
tune across a given SW BC band.

In any case, hope some of this helps.

Junius

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

preselctor?
 

On Wed, 22 Feb 2006 16:42:20 -0600, wrote:

I guess an image problem would call for a Wellbrook Antenna?
cuhulin

Image problems are usually cured with a preselector. You need a
steerable antenna for co-channel or adjacent channel interference.

preselector?
 

Useing batteries is acceptable,if applicable.Turning everything off in
the house is not acceptable.
cuhulin

preselctor?
 

"Lisa Simpson" wrote in message
. ..
Went to the MFJ website & ordered the 956 preselector. Hope their products
are better than their website & ordering process! : }

Lisa,

Some of their stuff is okay. I've built and enjoyed many of their kits. I've
had good luck with their customer service as well; one of the kits I ordered
from them was missing a couple of parts. I e-mailed them and they sent the
parts out overnight.

Jackie

preselctor?
 

Maybe they are having a beer or two or three and they sometimes to put a
few parts in the kits? Hey,they are only Human.
cuhulin

preselctor?
 

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

What is the problem that you want to cure with the preselector.

preselector?
 

This helped a lot. I ordered the MFJ956!

"junius" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Lisa,

I've used a number of MFJ preslectors in conjunction with a number of
receivers. The most basic and inexpensive is the MFJ-956, recommended
earlier in this thread by David. It's a decent, non-fussy little unit
that really doesn't require too much re-tuning as you scan across a
given band. The same can largely be said of the MFJ-1045C which I
recently picked up from Grove. The 1045C, though, is an active
preselector, so you'd have some gain added to your signal. I don't
know that you'd necessarily want or need additional gain; I don't have
any experience with the receiver you're working with. The 1045C runs
off of an AC adapter or can be run off a 9 V battery. The option of
running the unit off a battery can be nice if you ever take your
receiver out into the field. Note: the 1045C is advertised on the
websites of some retailers as being made to accomodate 2 receivers and
2 antennae. I called MFJ a week and a half back (prior to ordering a
1045C) and was informed by a tech at MFJ that the 1045C is designed for
one antenna and one receiver: there are no radio 1/2 or antenna 1/2
switches as on the MFJ 1040C preselector (also distinguishing the two:
the 1040C does not allow for 9V battery operation, and the 1040C is
designed to permit use w/a transceiver). The 1045C looks a lot like
the MFJ 1020C active antenna (which is sometimes advertised as being
useful as an active preselector); the 1045C and 1020C are similar in
appearance/layout of controls. According to the MFJ tech, though, the
internals of the two are quite different and the 1045C is to be
preferred where the preselection function is concerned.
The other MFJ preselector to consider is the MFJ-1046, which is
advertised as a "high dynamic range passive preselector". This was my
first preselector and it remains the one I use most often. One thing I
particularly like aobut it is that I've not noticed any signal loss in
using it. And more often than not, I have no need for any
amplification of the signal. This preselector is pretty narrow in its
bandwidth, so it often requires a few small tuning adjustments as you
tune across a given SW BC band.

In any case, hope some of this helps.

Junius

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

preselector?
 

I agree this is the case with active preselector, so I went with a passive
one; we'll see! : }

"Verstaldin" wrote in message
nk.net...
I have limited experience with antenna amplifiers, but they tend to add to
problems an inexpensive reciever might already have. If the receiver
cannot
handle large signals in the vacinity of small signals well, then you may
simply overload your receiver or introduce signals produced by the
amplifier. A preselector helps by limiting what is coming at the reciever
from the antenna by narrowing the range of frequencies. That can reduce
some
noise and interference.

Something guaranteed to reduce interference is to turn off everything in
the
house that has a computer chip in it as well as motors. This means TV,
VCR,
DVD, Stereo, Shortwave and scanner receivers, and especially computers and
monitors, with an emphasis on monitors. Also, operating on batteries
instead
of AC current can be very helpful because AC lines can carry a lot of
noise.
Ground your receiver to a metal rod pounded into the ground as close as
possible to the receiver. When I say turn off, what I mean is, pull the
plug
out of the wall entirely so no connection exists to the AC line
whatsoever.
Some items may have a small amount of current running so it may start more
quickly, TV's especially. Finally, a good antenna cut as close as possible
to the band of most interest, balanced and matched properly for impedance
and connected to the receiver by low loss coaxial cable directly to the
receover.

With the advent of Broadband over Powerlines, cell transmissions and other
transmissions that are deliberately pumped down a cable line or telephone
line, it is getting very difficult to have good shortwave reception. I
question how much people really need to read their email or text message
or
send photos over cell phones. I think they are an important means of voice
communications, but they don't take the place of an office telephone. A
reduction in their use would not hurt anyone IMHO.

"junius" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Lisa,

I've used a number of MFJ preslectors in conjunction with a number of
receivers. The most basic and inexpensive is the MFJ-956, recommended
earlier in this thread by David. It's a decent, non-fussy little unit
that really doesn't require too much re-tuning as you scan across a
given band. The same can largely be said of the MFJ-1045C which I
recently picked up from Grove. The 1045C, though, is an active
preselector, so you'd have some gain added to your signal. I don't
know that you'd necessarily want or need additional gain; I don't have
any experience with the receiver you're working with. The 1045C runs
off of an AC adapter or can be run off a 9 V battery. The option of
running the unit off a battery can be nice if you ever take your
receiver out into the field. Note: the 1045C is advertised on the
websites of some retailers as being made to accomodate 2 receivers and
2 antennae. I called MFJ a week and a half back (prior to ordering a
1045C) and was informed by a tech at MFJ that the 1045C is designed for
one antenna and one receiver: there are no radio 1/2 or antenna 1/2
switches as on the MFJ 1040C preselector (also distinguishing the two:
the 1040C does not allow for 9V battery operation, and the 1040C is
designed to permit use w/a transceiver). The 1045C looks a lot like
the MFJ 1020C active antenna (which is sometimes advertised as being
useful as an active preselector); the 1045C and 1020C are similar in
appearance/layout of controls. According to the MFJ tech, though, the
internals of the two are quite different and the 1045C is to be
preferred where the preselection function is concerned.
The other MFJ preselector to consider is the MFJ-1046, which is
advertised as a "high dynamic range passive preselector". This was my
first preselector and it remains the one I use most often. One thing I
particularly like aobut it is that I've not noticed any signal loss in
using it. And more often than not, I have no need for any
amplification of the signal. This preselector is pretty narrow in its
bandwidth, so it often requires a few small tuning adjustments as you
tune across a given SW BC band.

In any case, hope some of this helps.

Junius

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

preselctor?
 

To be honest I really don't know what to call it, all I know is I can hear
several voice on some freq's! Sorta like the voices in my head! : }

"Telamon" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Lisa Simpson" wrote:

Went to the MFJ website & ordered the 956 preselector. Hope their
products
are better than their website & ordering process! : }

"Telamon" wrote in message

...
In article ,
"Lisa Simpson" wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/2964.html

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/preamps/3736.html

You might want to look on Ebay.

This does not have a power supply and it is not known if it is working
so I would stay away from this one.


http://cgi.ebay.com/MFJ-Preselector-...emZ5870550105Q
QcategoryZ15051QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewIt em

Well I hope it does what you want it to do. In another thread you spoke
of co-channel interference and a tuner can't help you with that but it
will help you if you have an image problem.

--
Telamon
Ventura, California

preselctor?
 

: }

"Buzzygirl" wrote in message
. ..

"Lisa Simpson" wrote in message
. ..
Went to the MFJ website & ordered the 956 preselector. Hope their
products
are better than their website & ordering process! : }

Lisa,

Some of their stuff is okay. I've built and enjoyed many of their kits.
I've
had good luck with their customer service as well; one of the kits I
ordered
from them was missing a couple of parts. I e-mailed them and they sent the
parts out overnight.

Jackie

preselctor?
 

I can hear more than one station on some freq's . . .

"John S." wrote in message
oups.com...

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

What is the problem that you want to cure with the preselector.

preselctor?
 

Lisa Simpson wrote:

I can hear more than one station on some freq's . . .

"John S." wrote in message
oups.com...

Lisa Simpson wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work

well

with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

Lisa,

As you probably know, it's not uncommon for more than one shortwave
station (country) to be using the same frequency at the same time.
However if one or more of the stations you're hearing is not actually
transmitting on that particular frequency, you have either an *image
rejection* problem or *intermodulation* (Google those two topics). The
first is caused by insufficient selectivity in the receivers' front-end,
while the latter results from not enough dynamic range. A passive
preselector should help to reduce both of these problems.

preselctor?
 

On Thu, 23 Feb 2006 04:36:29 GMT, HFguy wrote:

Lisa Simpson wrote:

I can hear more than one station on some freq's . . .

"John S." wrote in message
oups.com...

Lisa Simpson wrote:

Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work

well

with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

Lisa,

As you probably know, it's not uncommon for more than one shortwave
station (country) to be using the same frequency at the same time.
However if one or more of the stations you're hearing is not actually
transmitting on that particular frequency, you have either an *image
rejection* problem or *intermodulation* (Google those two topics). The
first is caused by insufficient selectivity in the receivers' front-end,
while the latter results from not enough dynamic range. A passive
preselector should help to reduce both of these problems.


Image is caused by multiple IFs being present. It is an inherent
design quirk in single conversion receivers. Unless a receiver is a
TRF style, it is not expected to have any front-end selectivity beyond
broad bandpass filters.

preselctor?
 

Sometimes,I hear two stations on the same frequency.What is needed is a
good null out antenna.
cuhulin

preselctor?
 

Sometimes,I hear two stations on the same frequency.What is needed is a
good null out antenna.
cuhulin

By this I assume you mean a steerable loop; this can be a good solution
if both are actually on that frequency. That MFJ Noise Canceller I
use, in addition to zapping noise, can also null out offending stations
using two phased antennas. It can kill a pretty strong station well
enough to reveal a much weaker one underneath. The only drawback to
this unit that I can see is that it can only zap one noise source or
station at a time. Multiple interference sources would require
multiple units in series; and I'm not sure what that would do to the
signal either. Others here have tried multiple unit noise canceller
arrays with success.

Bruce Jensen

preselector?
 

Hi Lisa,

I, too, have an MFJ-1046 passive preselector. I use it in conjunction
with an MFJ-959C Antenna Tuner/Preamp. As I live in an electrically
quiet area about 35 miles WNW of Boston, I mostly do not need either of
them, but they help pull out weak signals.

More generally, there really are not a lot of preselectors out there
anymore. Try visiting Yahoo Groups shortwave antennas
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shortw...guid=257362530

Bob Betts has a preselector construction project that has been much
discussed there.

All best,

Ed Bush


Lisa Simpson wrote:
This helped a lot. I ordered the MFJ956!

"junius" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Lisa,

I've used a number of MFJ preslectors in conjunction with a number of
receivers. The most basic and inexpensive is the MFJ-956, recommended
earlier in this thread by David. It's a decent, non-fussy little unit
that really doesn't require too much re-tuning as you scan across a
given band. The same can largely be said of the MFJ-1045C which I
recently picked up from Grove. The 1045C, though, is an active
preselector, so you'd have some gain added to your signal. I don't
know that you'd necessarily want or need additional gain; I don't have
any experience with the receiver you're working with. The 1045C runs
off of an AC adapter or can be run off a 9 V battery. The option of
running the unit off a battery can be nice if you ever take your
receiver out into the field. Note: the 1045C is advertised on the
websites of some retailers as being made to accomodate 2 receivers and
2 antennae. I called MFJ a week and a half back (prior to ordering a
1045C) and was informed by a tech at MFJ that the 1045C is designed for
one antenna and one receiver: there are no radio 1/2 or antenna 1/2
switches as on the MFJ 1040C preselector (also distinguishing the two:
the 1040C does not allow for 9V battery operation, and the 1040C is
designed to permit use w/a transceiver). The 1045C looks a lot like
the MFJ 1020C active antenna (which is sometimes advertised as being
useful as an active preselector); the 1045C and 1020C are similar in
appearance/layout of controls. According to the MFJ tech, though, the
internals of the two are quite different and the 1045C is to be
preferred where the preselection function is concerned.
The other MFJ preselector to consider is the MFJ-1046, which is
advertised as a "high dynamic range passive preselector". This was my
first preselector and it remains the one I use most often. One thing I
particularly like aobut it is that I've not noticed any signal loss in
using it. And more often than not, I have no need for any
amplification of the signal. This preselector is pretty narrow in its
bandwidth, so it often requires a few small tuning adjustments as you
tune across a given SW BC band.

In any case, hope some of this helps.

Junius

Lisa Simpson wrote:
Fishing for recommendations for antenna preselectors that would work
well
with a Radio Shack DX-394 & Eavesdropper C antenna . . .

preselector?
 

Best thing is an antenna farm and a box with enough jacks on it.Plug and
unplug like those old Western Electric telephone boards.
cuhulin