GA800. Budget mini Active Loop Shortwave Antenna 10KHz-159MHz. Tested.

[@RoyGNH]

I’ve been using this antenna with my ftdx101d for receive only of course, while I’m working on my HF antenna. I’ve picked up people all over the world on ham radio bands. It sits in a window and I’ve picked up radio operators as far as Australia (very weak but copied call sign) from here in New England. It works great with my Malahit dsp2 as well. Great video!

[@danstoicescu5598]

I use this antenna for an year now; very happy with it, for the monney. I am not a professional SW listener, but I have to travel a lot,light. It's far more difficult to carry a discone..

[@Kw1161]

Fred thanks for showing the GA-800 it looks nice besides your receivers. The amplifier is probably a broadband like another commenter stated. I have a feeling the amplifier is like the old MFJ one since to be an automatic tuner would require a feedback loop. I would like you to compare it to the popular MLA 30 which does a fine job hooked up to a SDR (AirSpy HF+). I doubt it will equal my Wellbrook or Pixel Pro 1B magnetic loop antennas, but it’s less cost also. To lessen the interference, try enabling your attenuation button on the receiver, as it might keep your receiver from overloading and let you hear the signal well. Counterintuitive I know but it works in most cases. 73! Have a great day!

[@uli_6830]

I have built a MagneticLoop myself. I use it with a small preamplifier (China) and it works from 60m-10m (indoor). I connected it to my RSP1A + SDR Console V3. It only cost me about 30,00 Euro...and the fun was included!

[@glennvanderbusse4137]

would like to know more of your setup - look forward to the video.

[@SolarDrew]

Do you have the model of the preamplifier you use?

[@uli_6830]

@@SolarDrew TQP3M037-LNA (0,1Mhz - 6 Ghz) from Ali 73

[@kenbaird7067]

I have a GA800. Goes well. Just a note Fred, SW stations are spaced 5khz apart so tune onX.0, X=5 etc. Cheers.

[@alanslade2319]

Well FRED I think it does well for what you get, and you were picking up more station with that loop ,than the vertical antenna. And I like that put it up on your Roch pole. Take care of yourself and yours Alan 💯👍

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Cheers Alan

[@IanValkeith]

Hi Fred, thanks for the video - I have cracked one of these open and was surprised to find just a small broadband amp in the loop unit and basically a Bias-T power supply in the 'base' unit. Indeed it powered fine off the bias-T of my Rtl-sdr v4 with a slight decrease in signal strength as it really seems to like slightly higher voltage.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

That makes sense. Thought it would be just an amp.

[@DavidCase-ov5uo]

Auto tuning? Surely it is just a broadband amp. To auto tune, it would need a control signal from the radio?

[@digitalmediafan]

Way over priced for what it is imo

[@migsvensurfing6310]

True

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i think your right.

[@glennvanderbusse4137]

@@digitalmediafan I am wanting an ext antenna for my Digitech AR1780 what would you recommend instead ? Cheers

[@F4LDT-Alain]

Thanks for the informative video. I find it a bit pricey compared to a MLA30+ Of course its usage pattern is not the same, a MLA30+ is not quite suited to indoors use. I would have liked to see how it compares to a long wire antenna in your backyard too. The auto-tuning thing seems a bit of magic indeed. I too would really like to know how this is done. I can't envision how this is even possible for RX only.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yes i think the auto tune is just the loop itself and the rest is an LNA.

[@mattottie6410]

Good antenna and thst it's directional which is good, i think i will invest in the GA800

[@digitalmediafan]

Very good review ! What pole is that you use ? Also it seems more like 30cm not 26cm you said compared to the GA 450 which I have and found practically useless realty. What SW stations were you tuned into btw ? Maybe you can show on screen plus time of day you heard these

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. Its a fiberglass telescopic pole. They are called kite poles for camping sites.

[@digitalmediafan]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Sure thanks, it seems to have quite a wide diameter at the top unusually

[@GT_FM]

Loving the videos and may pick one of these up. It's a shame it wasn't compared to the actual loop before it on the same SDR receiver on the same day to watch for band noise as it would have been nice to see the auto calibration thingy doing its ..err thing. I really do like that (first) radio you're using, but the frequency sound dip is just a killer for me. I don't understand how VFO fine-tuning doesn't make a sound dip but the frequency step does. Surely they can fix that... Want one bed! Hoping to see a review of the new transceiver you got there!

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks. Yes the muting due to DSP tuning is something you currently have to live with. The X6200 is on loan but there will be a SW based video on it soon.

[@MrAtlantis95]

This was an interesting video. Thank you. I must admit I not familiar with the Retekess TR113 or that brand anyway

[@johnsheedy5772]

I'm new to shortwave radio..is a x6100 better at receiving shortwave than tecsuna the antenna work well thanks for the review

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The X6100 is very very good but also very expensive.

[@johnsheedy5772]

Thanks​@@CB-RADIO-UK

[@LordsEnigma]

Well that does look rather inviting for someone with experience or just starting out, with lots of hours of playing around in trying to get it in measure without getting into fussing around, 07-73 mate.

[@marcosmza1962]

Nice test. I love loop antennae❤

[@nordmende73]

Thank you very much !

[@dprude]

Thank you for this video. This is the first time I've seen an example of the x6200 on AM receive. What are you impressions of the x6200 for SWL? Can you use multiple dsp filter BWs for AM? Does DNR function on AM?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. You know i did not test the DNR on AM SW so not sure if you can use it. Cannot really see the point on broadcast band. You can use the bandwidth filters on AM though. As you would expect for the money the X6200 works very well on SW and SSB. A video will follow in a few weeks.

[@b.2221]

Great review Fred, and great demonstration my friend. PS I do wish that Greg the spambot would give you a break and get the hell off of your channel. Tom 73 s 👍.

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Well... He satisfies the YT algorithm. Good for the channel.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah he is getting a bit much now.

[@KQ4JGS]

Seems to work very well.

[@glennvanderbusse4137]

Hi Fred, and thanks for posting, 1st your radio sure looks interesting, may need to check it out and how does it compare to a Malahit dsp 2 and to you and watchers of this channel I am new to all this Short Wave and other bands tuning. Living in New Zealand we don't seem to have a lot of choice so for starters I have purchased a Digitech AR1780, due to the listing experience not being the greatest yet as I only use the Antenna on the radio I thought I should take advantage of the 3.5mm jack on the radio, but the more videos I watch the more I get confused. I am wanting to decide on which antenna would suit me best - GA800 - MLA30 Plus or just a wire around by back yard - I do like the idea of the GA800 being portable so I could take it with me to a remote location - is it worth having two separate antennas / Due to living way out I may need to rely on purchasing across our ditch so cost and postage is not cheap. Cheers Glenn v from the South in NZ

[@Atomshamradio]

Nice viewing that antenna very nicely done ✅

[@tzrrsdave]

Cb has been terrible for the last few months but the last couple of days I've been getting 101,43,13 , hopefully skip is coming back in

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

@tzrrsdave Gday Dave. You can get Weather Forcast & Radio Band Propergation Forcast, Sun activity, warnings for solar mass ejections, on the Internet. Just find one that covers your location.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Its slowly improving now but it has been a major LET DOWN this summer.

[@johnnorth9355]

OK I admit I am impressed. Do I need to add another gadget to the junk pile though ? I suspect not.

[@wfermier]

I have a couple of questions about the pole that you used to elevate the GA800. I saw a label on it that says Brookite 8M. What is that? Also, do you just stick it onto the ground or is there a mounting hole it slides into? I live in a community that doesn't allow outdoor antennas and I'm thinking that a removable pole with a loop on top just might work for me as I can remove it when not in use.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. The telescopic pole is called a kite pole and they are used at campsites. You buy a solid 1 meter stake which you hammer in the ground and the tele pole slips over the top. They are great to use with a T2LT coax antenna. You can see how it sets up in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp6kco1prMiGfbM

[@steveblanchard7293]

Would have preferred a test using a SDRPlay and comparison with other loops using UNO or Connect

[@migsvensurfing6310]

Nice review. However I had liked you to also tune to other bands than just around 20m. Can it do the claimed edge frequencies ? VHF ? I doubt it can be of any use above 30MHz,,,,,

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your KZbin videos are awesome my friend

[@RBRM3]

Only 2 things holding you back in 50% feom Still letting the Nos burn after reaching top end speed. On the curves only use brakes when it's a 90° or something like that when using something with high mobility. If you just let it corner on its own it will maintain maximum speed and avoid barriers. Auto cornering and watching for bots gaining on you they will speed up and just tap your Nos for a second and it will make them either crash against you and wipe them out giving you more Nos, or they will wreck on their own trying not to touch you. Only other thing would be briefly tapping your brakes for extra Nos and very short burn times keeping you within 5mph of top end and never running out.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Or go for broke and brake early then nail it on the apex. Fast in and fast out vintage Porsche 911 style.

[@martinwillis3551]

Hello Fred one quick question; have you tried the GA800 on air band yet. I've got 3 different radios and SDRplay RSP1B all capable of air band. I have a passive discone antenna in the loft and a flower pot antenna in the loft and they work fine on air band so its' not my radios or leads. I only bought the GA800 so I could use it in the garden. Shortwave works but no FM. Any suggestions would be appreciated and hopefully you can try yourself on air band please. Cheers for now Martin

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Hi. No good point ive not tried it on Am airband. I might do that the next time i use it.

[@vladimiralena9129]

If you are an electronics guy, modify your antenna according to the post I made here. Then the antenna will work as it should.

[@mariemccann5895]

How does the auto tuning work without any feedback mechanism to identify the desired frequency? Seems a bit snake oil to me...

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Exactly

[@mariemccann5895]

@@CB-RADIO-UK It's a pity they don't explain it a bit better or just stick to the truth as it seems to be quite a good product from your test results.

[@Atomshamradio]

I am interested in buying one I love shortwave

[@TheGmr140]

Interesting loop antenna 😊

[@ClickinChicken]

You set up Loop antenna in the garden? Where are the tomatoes? lol, laughing at language difference... Sounds like it sharpens it up!

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed you should get the Qodosen DX-286 AM lw Fm sw 4band portable receiver to view on your KZbin channel my friend the cost is $79.00

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Nice one Fred 👍 Cool to hear your conditions locally. Curious. How does the Automatic Antenna Tuner know what freq' you want.?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I ve no idea. There is no reset or tuning phase to be heard.

[@timhague882]

It’s broadband,no tuning, typical Chinese exaggeration

[@snakezdewiggle6084]

Ah, an oxymoron by any other name.! 😆 Guess I'll be building my own then. Cheers.

[@panplayer]

Cool antenna! Unfortunately the coupon has expired. Anyone got another good code?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yeah sorry they are only active for about a month.

[@Nathan1975Liggy]

I think you maybe mixed up with that radio Fred, from watching the video I see there are 3 different antenna types all explained on the screen with both text and icons. When you are selecting what you are saying in the video as being the radio's whip antenna it is actualy not the whip antenna but the radio's intermal ferrite loop antenna (loop antenna Icon). Then when selcting the next mode along the radio says EXTERNAL I am almost certain that this is refering to the whip Antenna. Then finaly the DX mode is for an Extention External antenna pluged into the antenna Jack I.E the loop you are testing. So In this video you have been testing between the radios internal Ferrite Loop and the DX external antenna The loop you are testing. Mode EXTERNAL on the radio is the whip antenna. Great antenna though.

[@SheffieldVince-2E0NZS]

Interesting.. Will Fred have to re-test and re-do the video?

[@Nathan1975Liggy]

@@SheffieldVince-2E0NZS Possibly mate. DE 2E0LIG

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

The icons are confusing for the internal bar and whip antenna but they auto select depending on what mode your in. The internal rod antenna only works on MW / LW. Unless you use the supplied T bar and switch that at the top . The whip is only active on FM / SW. I think you can also see me adjust the whip around the 10 min mark to try and improve the signal. You can hear the antenna is active when i touch it. Its a pity that the built in antenna tuner only works on the radios own antennas and not external inputs..

[@Nathan1975Liggy]

@@CB-RADIO-UK Ah very interesting fred I understand now thanks for the clarification

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your new GA-800 budget mini active loop shortwave antenna is awesome my friend

[@ElectroBananasYT]

Great Video Fred. Works well with the rear antenna connection! I took one of these radios apart (a Raddy RF919) to see how the antenna inputs and switches are wired. The top antenna connection is designed for the direct connection of a simple magnetic loop (not an active or amplified one). If you have an active loop like yours, should use the antenna connection on the rear. Also note that the Raddy version has a wiring issue with external loop connector - you can't use a mono 3.5mm plug as the internal wiring shorts the tip to ground, shorting out the loop. You can only use a stereo, 3 pin, connection plug (refer to my KZbin video on the RF919 teardown kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqm1iHucbpuGfc0 ). Would be interested to see how the loop works with the Quansheng😀

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for your info. Using this radio i ve learned to plug in an antenna and see what settings work with increased gain on the meter. Its not the easiest to use.

[@miker8379]

Fred were you disappointed? I was hoping for more.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No not really. Its low noise and works as well as a medium wire. Cannot ask for much more than something you can use on desk.

[@frooktik1]

ga-450 or ga-800? which better antenna?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I would go for the 800. Its bigger and easier to use.

[@defizr]

Sorry to be a pedant but 159Mhz is just above the marine band 🙂

[@Jeremy_Edwards_OTA]

The marine band ends at 162.025

[@defizr]

@@Jeremy_Edwards_OTA And starts at 156 Mhz. Fred said the coverage on this antenna started at 159 MHz "just below the marine band" when it actually starts halfway through the marine band.

[@bendeleted9155]

Do you know the distance of some of these stations from you sir?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

No i did not look. Maybe on a future video. thanks.

[@Scotscan]

Solar panels are absolutely terrible. I'd be very worried if I lived in a house with those installed with the amount of crud they omit.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Yep your right.

[@andarthome142]

I have the ga450, it sucks, i dont get anny station out of this.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I found mine tricky but it did receive.

[@yavamaystudio8045]

Now you can make director from that smaller 😀 AutoTune 😅.....How ?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not sure as you normally need a transmit signal.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed your portable sdr defined shortwave receiver with ssb is awesome my friend

[@n1vca]

OMG you call a wideband antenna "automatic antenna" - that is a great joke. Following that logic ... a receiver without a selective front-end for you is an automatic receiver? 🤣 There is nothing automatic, its simply a different technical design with different advantages and disadvantages and with that also comes different challenges to the amplifier involved. In general the local (near field) noise is absolutely dominant in the electric field, while the magnetic field carries all the stuff we are looking for, that is coming from the far field. Therefor magnetic loop antennas, if well designed, are indoors or close to the house outperforming everything enormously, while when outdoors, they are also very good but most likely not better than a horizontal polarized beam. These antennas are the ideal RX antennas for SDRs and just as you explained, have two opposing null-positions in their horizontal pattern, which means they are ideal for significantly reducing the strength of a local radio station or null out a specific noise source. This null-position is very narrow, so make sure you turn it slowly and find the right spot for the ideal reception. I can only recommend these types of wideband antennas ... probably the very best magnetic loop antenna kit you can get is made by LZ1AQ, which is just the electronic on the antenna and the driving converter in your shack, while you have to build the antenna yourself. This is easy and can be done with stuff from a "home depot" alike store for a few bucks. LZ1AQ has plenty of documentation with practical design ideas. In todays extreme electrically noisy world of cheap switching power supplies, big displays, power line communication and other poorly designed devices, receiving HF from the magnetic field as pure as possible is the ONLY way to still enjoy the beauty of worldwide shortwave signals. I receive HF signals from all over the world every single day (e.g. FT8/Whisper/HFDL/DRM/analog radio) and it would be completely impossible if I was receiving the electrical field on the exact same location of my magnetic field antennas in the attic of this multi family house.

[@LoftechUK]

The 800 seems it could be very directional

[@migsvensurfing6310]

It is. It is almost deaf into the side of the antenna but has maximum sensitivity around the outside of the ring. This type of antennas was very much used on ships before GPS for direction finding and calculating ones own position. A very good type of antenna.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I learn lot from you about bying cb radios and antennas for cb radios and power supplys for cb radios my friend

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed iam thinking about getting the XHDATA D-608WB AM FM sw wx Bt mp3 weather Alert emergency portable receiver my friend

[@fritzanderson9474]

Has anyone else had problems with the amplifier bricking (no LED, reception not amplified, no response to up to 60W charger) after a few hours? The "instructions" said don't overcharge AND there is circuitry to prevent overcharging. Also to use the amplifier only rarely. I bought it (and an exchange) from US Amazon. It may have been suspicious that they could deliver next day (even popular kit ships from China). I haven't seen any similar complaints on the Web. It suggests to me that I got a knockoff. Can anyone comment?

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Not had an issue with the two loops i got from Banggood. Sounds like the battery has died.

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed my hobbies are painting pictures 🖼 and listening to shortwave and ssb iam thinking about getting my Grms license my friend

[@martinryan5069]

I have the ga 450 quality is as cheap. As SHIT

[@kenbaird7067]

A further comment. I now use a 12V dc supply via my own bias-t. Much improved reception.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Thanks for sharing

[@Greg-et2dp]

Frid in the shed I wish you and your wife and kids 73s my friend

[@martinryan5069]

That's not the loop it's the radios crap selectively add no gain control

[@gordslater]

Auto-tune to the frequency you want eh? On rx? Really? Explain again how pig's bladders may be employed to prevent earthquakes

[@alabamared2568]

Fred Alabama here I'm going to buy the radio retekess tr 113 or the other brand not sure which one so you think the ga800 is a good match for Shortwave radio 📻 cheers!! Alabamared256#

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

I think the loop works well if you suffer noise with a long wire or cannot run one. The good thing with these radios is that you can try different types as they have multi inputs. The Raddy 919 version did have a discount buying code on the video.