Thanks for all the videos. Thinking of getting this this setup .I'm new back to shortwave listening after 45 years.will i be able to pick up ham radios and will it improve my air band reception. I got myself a pl680 thank for any advice
Thank you for posting this video. I’m in the process of choosing a suitable antenna for my receivers. Like you I have the Sony ICF-2001D that has been totally overhauled, a Lowe HF-150 and a RSP2 SDR. So far (and each radio is ofcourse as good as the antenna connected to it, I had good results with an active Wellbrook loop. Thing is, how well is the Bonito that you use coping with all kinds of man made noises. The Wellbrook loop kinda ignores interferences to a certain maximum but if I compare this Wellbrook antenna with no matter what active omni directional one, all loop stick designs dramatically fail. Biggest problem however with the loop is the impossible size of it that makes it a drama to take it with you on expeditions and holidays. And at home the wife complains constantly about this thing standing in the way all the time. And she is right, it is a dog really. On the internet quite cheap active loopstick Chinese designs are available but I doubt if these are any good. Greetings from Hekelingen, Holland. Willem.
Hi there Willem, thank you very much for your message. I completely get what you are saying about the Wellbrook loop being a drama when it comes to moving around - going on holidays etc. My advice to you would be to buy a Bonito MegaLoopFX. Performance is very similar to the Wellbrook and yet the loop is a flexible steel cable so no issues when you travel. Furthermore, the MegaLoopFX can be powered by a 5V USB brick (or other USB device) so it's even more portable in that respect. I've travelled all over the world with mine (including Australia) for really super results.Good luck my friend. 73s, Clint
I've not used an MLA-30 but I've read reports that it's just ok. The MA305 indoors would be a disaster unless you have a very quiet (electrically) QTH. 73!
Clint thanks for the video. I decided to buy the MegActiv because in my new location here in the mountains reception is not the best because my long wire is to close to ground. Based on your reviews I think I'm making the right choice. I like the fact you can experiment with radiating element. Have you only used the supplied radiating elements? Thanks Brian
Hi there Brian, thanks for dropping by and congrats on your MegActive! Yes you can try different radiating elements. I've tried a simple wire, about 5 or 6 metres in total length. I think you could go bigger than that on quieter parts of the tropical band - well 90 and 60 metres for sure. Thanks again and 73! Clint
Thanks for all the videos. Thinking of getting this this setup .I'm new back to shortwave listening after 45 years.will i be able to pick up ham radios and will it improve my air band reception. I got myself a pl680 thank for any advice
Hi John, you're welcome. This is a wideband antenna and with SSB on the PL680 you will be able ot hear hams and Airband (AM). 73
Thanks that grate
Thank you for posting this video. I’m in the process of choosing a suitable antenna for my receivers. Like you I have the Sony ICF-2001D that has been totally overhauled, a Lowe HF-150 and a RSP2 SDR. So far (and each radio is ofcourse as good as the antenna connected to it, I had good results with an active Wellbrook loop. Thing is, how well is the Bonito that you use coping with all kinds of man made noises. The Wellbrook loop kinda ignores interferences to a certain maximum but if I compare this Wellbrook antenna with no matter what active omni directional one, all loop stick designs dramatically fail. Biggest problem however with the loop is the impossible size of it that makes it a drama to take it with you on expeditions and holidays. And at home the wife complains constantly about this thing standing in the way all the time. And she is right, it is a dog really. On the internet quite cheap active loopstick Chinese designs are available but I doubt if these are any good. Greetings from Hekelingen, Holland. Willem.
Hi there Willem, thank you very much for your message. I completely get what you are saying about the Wellbrook loop being a drama when it comes to moving around - going on holidays etc. My advice to you would be to buy a Bonito MegaLoopFX. Performance is very similar to the Wellbrook and yet the loop is a flexible steel cable so no issues when you travel. Furthermore, the MegaLoopFX can be powered by a 5V USB brick (or other USB device) so it's even more portable in that respect. I've travelled all over the world with mine (including Australia) for really super results.Good luck my friend. 73s, Clint
Very excellent! I have small space in an apartment so space is limited, will check it out
Great, I'm glad this was useful! 73
Nice video thanks, can this antenna be used indoor with success? How would you rate against MLA 30?
I've not used an MLA-30 but I've read reports that it's just ok. The MA305 indoors would be a disaster unless you have a very quiet (electrically) QTH. 73!
Clint thanks for the video. I decided to buy the MegActiv because in my new location here in the mountains reception is not the best because my long wire is to close to ground. Based on your reviews I think I'm making the right choice. I like the fact you can experiment with radiating element. Have you only used the supplied radiating elements? Thanks Brian
Hi there Brian, thanks for dropping by and congrats on your MegActive! Yes you can try different radiating elements. I've tried a simple wire, about 5 or 6 metres in total length. I think you could go bigger than that on quieter parts of the tropical band - well 90 and 60 metres for sure. Thanks again and 73! Clint