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Review on 🌧️ Enhanced Version: Rainproof Ring Active Receive Antenna MLA-30+ Plus 0.5-30MHz - Low Noise Medium Short Wave Upgrade by Chris Parrott

Revainrating 3 out of 5

A compromise when you have no other antenna choice or space is limited

I really wanted to like this antenna but was probably spoiled by my other wire antennas. MLA-30 would be a good choice for any apartment/apartment dweller with an HOA. However, you should keep in mind that this antenna is a compromise compared to a simple long 50 foot antenna. It's imperative that it's outdoors and away from radio interference, and replacing the flimsy RG174 with at least one RG58 will help improve performance. With its relatively noisy broadband LNA and 12V boost bias, you can expect a lot of waterfall hash when using SDR. I have extensive comparative tests between this MLA-30, outdoors and a passive YouLoop in my attic. and in most cases YouLoop matches and outperforms the MLA-30 on MW with much lower noise. Although YouLoop picks up strong RF interference generated in my house in close proximity. If you absolutely cannot install a long wire antenna outdoors, the MLA-30 is worth considering, especially if you are using low gain HF portables. If you are using any type of SDR I would recommend YouLoop. If you absolutely cannot install a long wire antenna outdoors, the MLA-30 is worth considering, especially if you are using low gain HF portables. If you are using any type of SDR I would recommend YouLoop. If you absolutely cannot install a long wire antenna outdoors, the MLA-30 is worth considering, especially if you are using low-gain HF portables. If you are using any type of SDR I would recommend YouLoop.

Pros
  • Impressive
Cons
  • boring packaging