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AC4FS
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« on: March 17, 2012, 10:49:34 AM » |
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I love my IC-R20, but am less than enthused with the performance of the included telescoping antenna. I sometimes use my MFJ-1899T antenna with it, and that actually works well, but I have to provide support at the BNC junction on the radio. I also have a Radio Shack 278-1374A clip-on reel antenna that I use, and that helps too.
This morning I was reading around, and a lot of people were recommending the Miracle Ducker IL amplified antenna for use with hand held short wave and wide band receivers, so I bought one. The price was a bit steep (about $140 US), but if it improves the reception of the R20 without having to add a more clumsy antenna, it would be worth it.
Anybody out there have experience with the Miracle Ducker IL?
73, Howard
AC4FS/WQAW822/WPC4HWP
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WD3D
Jr. Member
Karma: +2/-38
 Online
Posts: 64
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« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2013, 06:45:34 AM » |
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With this post being more then 120 days old, I think you got your answer..
HF reception takes place in wavelengths which are long.
Because of this, it requires a resonant antenna.
There is no short cuts to good reception, especially in the HF bands.
Having a non resonant antenna reduces your ability to receive things properly.
Amplification only compensates for line loss -which at those frequencies is minimal - especially when you were using a telescopic antenna that was attached directly to the receiver - no line loss there.
AND - when you amplify the noise, all you get is a louder noise!
Filtering could help block some of the noise, a DSP filter would be prefered.
Using a resonant antenna up 40 - 60' off the ground would also help.
What you have is not a communications grade receiver, but a toy.
It allows you to hear the closest / strongest signals and that is about it.
It allows you to listen to something, but not everything available.
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