LF: Re: Amplifier required for LF DX/weak signals?

["mal hamilton" <g3kevmal@talktalk.net>]

daniele   

I use large loops and inv L antennas and do not need any preamps, however the RX needs to be sensitive and suitable for purpose.

With small loops and poor RX sensitivity a preamp is probably necessary.

de mal/g3kev

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Daniele Tincani

To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org

Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 2:26 PM

Subject: LF: Amplifier required for LF DX/weak signals?

Hi LF,

 

Quite a general question: is a pre-amplifier needed in your opinion for listening to LF weak signals (e.g. NDB DX, etc.)?

I read different opinions in very famous articles on the Web: one opinion is that a bigger non-amplified loop is better than a smaller amplified loop and an amplifier should be used only if really necessary (and only with the strictly required gain). On the contrary, another famous article says that an antenna pre-amplifier is important for NDB DX, despite it mentions quite a big loop as the antenna. I?m just a beginner in LF and NDB listening with quite a simple system. I tried an homebrew amplifier together with my small loop and it seemed to me that it did not add anything but loudness to both the signal and the noise. Basically, no improvements in signal readability. What?s your opinion, in particular when cheap portables (e.g. DE1103) are involved?

 

Best regards

Daniele