[Lowfer] Active Whips

[Dexter McIntyre W4DEX]

Last summer I was given, maybe loaned, a prototype active antenna 
designed by RFspace.  It's was just the bare board because at that time 
the designer had not decided on an enclosure or power injector.  I've 
got it mounted temporarily in a section of PVC pipe.  So far I'm 
impressed with it's performance but I really haven't had it located in a 
good place for an active antenna.  My home is surrounded by high oak 
trees with a few pines.   In the pictures of the link below the antenna 
was way to close to my tower and house for low noise reception.   I did 
receive DK7FC on 137 khz very well several time while it beside the 
house.  I test it with several home brew active antennas on top of my 
van while out in an open area.  Compared to my best PAØRDT active 
antenna I was able to receive the Alpha signals noticeable better with 
the RFspace design.  While I had antenna mounted on the van I connected 
it to the vehicle's AM/FM radio.  Boy did the old radio come alive on 
AM!  Of course I'm sure the homebrew antenna would have done the same.

The vehicle in the pictures with the antenna isn't mine.  That belongs 
to one of the RFspace owners I met at a VHF conference.  My van is a 
classic, a 79 Chevy.  
http://www.w4dex.com/gallery/shelby_hamfest_2012/DSCN0678    Makes me 
feel better to call it a classic :)

http://www.w4dex.com/antenna/rfspace/active_antenna.htm

Someone on another group asked me when the RFspace antenna would be 
available.  Since I have no connection with RFspace I suggested he 
contact them himself.  He reported back that RFspace told him they were 
starting production and the antenna would be available in the near 
future.  I've no idea of the price but none of their equipment is what I 
call cheap.  My wife and boys call me cheap though.  I prefer frugal.

Dex