The AAA-1C: An affordable loop antenna amplifier kit
I recently stumbled upon the Active Antenna Amplifier (model AAA-1C) by LZ1AQ. At 87.00 EUR, it's a pretty affordable and flexible solution for those who would like to design or use a loop antenna.
According to the website, it packs a lot of features:
- 4 remotely switched modes (Loop A, Loop B, crossed parallel loops A&B and dipole)
- Each mode can be switched immediately
- Good sensitivity and a flat frequency response
- High dynamic range
- Protected input from strong signals
- High immunity to local noise with balanced amplifiers and balanced feed line
- Balun transformer coupling for common mode noise reduction
- Extensive documentation manuals with detailed description how to build your own small antennas
The amplifier is described as a kit because you must mount the board, wire up the antenna and set up remote switching yourself. It appears the SMT board comes pre-populated, though so I'm not sure if any actually soldering is required (perhaps someone can verify).
AAA-1C kit components
Click here to download the mounting instructions (PDF).
I'm tempted to purchase one this winter for use on mediumwave.
Click here for more info about the AAA-1C at LZ1AQ's website.
Have any SWLing Post readers built and used this amplifier? Please comment!