MLA-30 Loop Antenna
MLA-30 Loop Antenna
If you really want to get the most from short ware radio listening, you’re going to need an external antenna. In this review we’ll take a look at the MLA-30 antenna that can open up the bands to your listening enjoyment.
MLA-30 Specs
The MLA-30 is a loop antenna with coverage from 100 kHz to 30 MHz. The loop nature of the antenna helps provide noise reduction within the various frequency bands by providing some directional reception that can screen out strong signals from nearby sources. The antenna is small and light weight so it can be easily turned to target its reception.
The antenna ships in a small package and includes the wire for the loop, a powered preamp to which the loop attaches, some coax and a bias T box that powers the setup. The bias T box is powered by a USB cable using typical USB voltages.
Depending on the radio you plan to link this to, you may be able to enable bias T power from it. An example would be a software defined radio running on your computer through a dongle. Check your dongle info and radio software instructions for details.
If you are using a portable short wave radio, you can power the bias T connection with a USB cable connected to a phone power bank.
What the kit doesn’t include is any mounting framework. Since this mounts easily on a PVC frame or even a broomstick, it’s a great way to keep both production and shipping costs down.
Depending on the connections on your radio, be ready to purchase some adapters to convert the SMA connectors on the cable to whatever you need. One connection I wanted to make was from the antenna to my Tecsun portable short wave receiver. That required a set of adapters to change from SMA to PLA 259 connectors and then another short adapter that converter the larger 259 to a TRS plug style connector.
Going into my RTL SDR dongle, no adapter was required.
All together I think I’m into this little antenna for about $70.
Here’s a quick look at the components.
You see the coil of silver wire is the loop, the larger box is the preamp. It is where the loop connects.
The small box is the bias T box that provides power to the antenna. You’ll notice that the coax is connected directly to the preamp box.
MLA-30 Assessment
I was pleased with the performance of the antenna, especially compared to what I was able to pick up with the long wire antenna that came with the Tecsun 600 receiver and with the extendable antennas that came with my RTL SDR dongle. Both of those antennas worked but not well.
The loop made a significant difference in what I was able to pick up. The ability to rotate the loop to place close by stations in the antenna’s null area was a big help in limiting unwanted noise.
The loop packs up to a compact size depending on how you set up your support structure. You can get this to pack into a small bag or pouch if you like to listen while away from home at a vacation home or campsite.
You need to remember that his is a receiving loop not designed for transmitting. That kind of power would likely ruin the preamp and make the MLA 30 inoperative.
If your into short ware listening or just thinking about getting started with it, the MLA 30 loop antenna would be a good place to start. It can add that extra sensitivity needed to receive those desired signals from around the globe.
