Active loops have become a popular tool for DXers looking for an antenna with low noise characteristics and able to hide them from prying eyes and HOAs, Their directional characteristics make them a favorite for LW and MW DXers. Sadly the hobby suffered a blow with the recent closure of Wellbrook (the owner retired). This left people wondering what alternatives exist. This is just a sample of what is out there. These links come from the Loops wiki at the popular RadioReference website.
Commercial Units
- Chameleon CHA RXL Loop
- Cross Country HF Active Loop Antenna v4
- DX Engineering / Pixel Loop
- MFJ-1886 Loop MFJ makes many other loops, some for the Amateur service
- MLA-30 Plus This inexpensive antenna is being improved upon by experimenters
- PK's Loop Antennas See the Antennas pulldown
- W6LVP Antennas The owner has been known to add FM and TV traps in the amplifier to aid in rejecting out of band signals. Superb customer service
- YouLoop This is a passive loop suitable for SDRs. Desktop radios would need an extra amplifier to make this useful. Beware of Chinese imitations that don't perform as well
Reviews
These come from eHam, SWLing.com and other sources. For the most part these are written rather user friendly without a lot of technical jargon.
EHam
SDRPlay Reviews (via YouTube)
- SDRPlay Comparing the MLA30+ with the Wellbrook
- SDRPlay Comparison of 4 Popular Magnetic Loop Antennas
- SDRPlay Comparing GA-450 to MLA-30 Plus Indoors
SWLing.com
- The Chameleon CHA RX1 Amplified Loop Antenna
- A preliminary review of the PK Loop C-LOOP-HDSW6-18
- A follow up on the PK Loop C-LOOP-HDSW6-18 Antenna
- Frans checks out the MRA-QRP 20W QRP Passive Loop Antenna