Comments on: Radio for Superpowers and the Super Stupid http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/ Adventures In Amplitude Modulation Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:11:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Travers http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/comment-page-1/#comment-1010 Travers Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:05:55 +0000 http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/#comment-1010 Following up, I received the DE31 in the mail about 2 weeks ago. At the time I was still at my parents house and when I tested it improved general reception about 2-5 db [1 to 2 bars on my Degen 1103]. Like you prof I haven't tried the AM side, this test was just on shortwave. For $15 plus shipping it's a steal to improve shortwave reception! My only negative, like the DE 1103 radio itself, is the ergonomics. When I first unpacked the antenna it was basically a bunch of wires and poor instructions. Once you figure it out it works great but when you need to put it away you're left with a jumble of wires. I use a ziplock bag and wire ties to keep everything as neat as possible. Overall I recommend the antenna but be prepared for a possible rats nest! The real test will be in my new place. I'm out of my parents low noise country home and into an urban aparment rf mess!! Job wise the move is great, shorter commute and luxeries like high-speed internet. Downside is my radio hobby where my long antennas are gone but even then buzzzzz. I'm working on solutions finding noise-free spots in my apartment but that's not without challenges. I may own some $500+ radios but they only work so well in a buzzy environment. I now feel your pain prof :) Following up, I received the DE31 in the mail about 2 weeks ago. At the time I was still at my parents house and when I tested it improved general reception about 2-5 db [1 to 2 bars on my Degen 1103]. Like you prof I haven’t tried the AM side, this test was just on shortwave. For $15 plus shipping it’s a steal to improve shortwave reception! My only negative, like the DE 1103 radio itself, is the ergonomics. When I first unpacked the antenna it was basically a bunch of wires and poor instructions. Once you figure it out it works great but when you need to put it away you’re left with a jumble of wires. I use a ziplock bag and wire ties to keep everything as neat as possible. Overall I recommend the antenna but be prepared for a possible rats nest!

The real test will be in my new place. I’m out of my parents low noise country home and into an urban aparment rf mess!! Job wise the move is great, shorter commute and luxeries like high-speed internet. Downside is my radio hobby where my long antennas are gone but even then buzzzzz. I’m working on solutions finding noise-free spots in my apartment but that’s not without challenges. I may own some $500+ radios but they only work so well in a buzzy environment. I now feel your pain prof :)

]]> By: prof http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/comment-page-1/#comment-890 prof Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:25:09 +0000 http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/#comment-890 The truth is I haven't given the DE31 a fair tryout to say all that much about it yet. As much as I've used it, I have been able to noticeably improve distant signals from places like Australasia and India. But I have yet to get the AM radio parf of it to do anything for reception. The real trick will be when I end up in another metal building somewhere (like a motel) trying to DX. And if sticking the DE31 on a window makes a huge difference, I will be happy. The truth is I haven’t given the DE31 a fair tryout to say all that much about it yet. As much as I’ve used it, I have been able to noticeably improve distant signals from places like Australasia and India. But I have yet to get the AM radio parf of it to do anything for reception.

The real trick will be when I end up in another metal building somewhere (like a motel) trying to DX. And if sticking the DE31 on a window makes a huge difference, I will be happy.

]]> By: Travers http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/comment-page-1/#comment-880 Travers Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:59:51 +0000 http://theradiokitchen.net/radio-for-superpowers-and-the-super-stupid/#comment-880 How do you like the DE31 active antenna ? I've been thinking of ordering one just to try it. Seems like a steal for $15 plus shipping. How do you like the DE31 active antenna ? I’ve been thinking of ordering one just to try it. Seems like a steal for $15 plus shipping.

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