MLA-30 Loop Antenna

The MLA-30 Loop antenna is a budget priced short wave listening antenna you should consider when the goal is to increase your radio's ability to pull in low power or distant signals.
Adapter Links:
SMA - UHF Adapter Kit
amzn.to/2KjLcdn
SO-239 UHF to 3.5mm Mono Connector
amzn.to/2VAipWS
MLA-30 Loop Antenna
amzn.to/2VzK7mV
Tecsun PL660 SW Receiver
amzn.to/2RBAbYI
Tecsun PL880 SW Receiver
amzn.to/2V8DwRb
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Store statement:
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[@davidsradioroom9678]

This is the best review of the MLA-30 I have seen. Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@pieandmashlover]

Clear, concise and to the point. Thanks for your review! 😎👌🏽

[@JerryEricsson]

I have had one of the plus units now for a couple of years, it still works fine. I was a bit shocked when I went to buy a 10 foot PVC pipe to mount it on, cost me over 30 bucks! I guess you get what you pay for and since I bought the pipe locally, I had to pay a premium price. If I had went to Minards for it, I could have got a better deal but the nearest store is over 100 miles away and the cost of the gas for the round trip would be more then the savings, so the local lumber yard got my money and I guess I cam out OK with it. I am using it with several Software defined radio sets, including one for my laptop and a few portables from my growing collection of all band sets. I have had it hooked to a transceiver but I make sure not to plug in the key or microphone when listening. The set tunes all the HF bands and has built in CW decoder so that makes listening to the 20 meter band more fun, on a Saturday I can pick up a fellow out of Mn who does a nation wide role call on the 20 meter band, I was amazed at all the signals I could get with this little antenna, I am in the Dakota's and was getting signals from as far east as South Carolina, from New Mexico, Indiana, Illinois, Texas and Arizona as well as one fellow who skipped in from Germany, that was a nice contact to listen to. I am in the process of studying to take the General Ham Exam so I can begin using the HF bands, right now I have the Tech ticket and play around on the 2 meter band but I live in such an isolated area that I need to find a hilltop to make any contact with my mobile and my handheld is only good for traveling. I am the only HAM in my small town or within a 20 miles or so of it.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

That's crazy on the pipe.1 inch schedule 40 PVC here is about $8 at Lowes. I went to SDSU and have been all over North and South Dakota. I totally understand having to go long distances. I can also understand how radio listening could be a great way to spend one's time - especially during the long nights of winter. Consider getting your General. Sounds like HF would be just up your alley. There are a couple of KZbin hams in rural America who seem to stay quite active on HF. 73

[@andreasg7834]

I have ordered this Antenna via eBay yesterday and now I have to wait a few weeks, because it comes from China. Until now I am just experimenting with some wire-antennas, but I think, this experiments will come to an end with the MLA-30 🙂

[@scottbelcher9026]

Thank you for the links to the adapters needed!!!

[@TrilobitesRTasty]

Thank you very much for your excellent review! ...and especially for all the links to the components needed to connect to my radio(s). :) I ordered two of the "2 of Eightwood UHF Female SO239 to 3.5mm Mono 1/8" TS Stereo Plug Adapter Antenna Extension Cable 3 feet"...so one of them can plug into the 3.5 mm input to the antenna clamp of a "Sangean ANT-60" antenna. Thanks again!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad it was helpful!

[@antalperge1007]

Hi, I have a Sangean ATS with that ANT-60 wire, and have you compared to the MLA or any other loop? Thnx 👍

[@seajaypalm7060]

Just the information I need, Thank You! Ordered adaptors and cables from your links.

[@ehogsed9447]

Thank you so much for the Amazon links for the connectors that was a great help. Thanks again great content!

[@SkeebWilcox]

Great video! I do have a question, though: what kind of adapter do I need to hook up an MLA-30+ to a Grundig 750? Looks like it would have to go from the MLA-30+ connectors to a BNC. Any help you could provide would be appreciated!

[@nordmende73]

Thank you!

[@kc8tby]

Superb review of this active antenna! Well done 😃

[@garyburke6156]

Great overview! This told me what i need to know. You got yourself a subscriber

[@kwdavids1]

Of course, the MLA-30+ now is far superior to the MLA-30 on frequencies above 11 MHz, and on MW. While the 30+ is advertised with a bottom range of 500 kHz, it actually works well on LW.

[@PremanshuMitra]

Great video. I would like to know that whether this antenna acts like a LNA or a separate LNA is required? How much gain one would get if connected to this antenna. Will LNA + MLA 30 give a significant gain in db? I am trying this setup on my Grundig satellit 750 and my RTL-SDR. Also I would like to add that I get many Chinese stations on 9000 and 11000khz + respectively and these are strong signals. Will MLA 30+ make some weak signals stronger ( for example BBC broadcasting from west , currenly I have a end-fed long wire facing east ). Thank you so much for this video

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I don't have an MLA 30+ but reports are that it is notably better at higher frequencies. These are several LNAs for the RTL SDR claiming about 20 dB of gain. They are inexpensive. I'd give one a try Good luck with you listening.

[@MrBmetz99]

I've got a 1953 Hallicrafters S-38C with a single screw terminal on the back for a long wire antenna. If this antenna has a coaxial cable, how would I connect it to my radio?

[@hugodl]

Great video! By the way that was from Bolivia not Brazil. Strong 73!

[@kenedwardsattorney1417]

I will apologize in advance. I enjoyed the video and I cannot find the links (other than to the plug cable) to the connectors from the antenna to the plug cable. I m. Real rookie at this, so thanks in advance.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Here are three products that will help with this and other antennas you may use. SMA to 3.5mm adapter:amzn.to/392ydfz Coax extension cable: amzn.to/3yu1wCq and an SMA coax adapter kit: amzn.to/3MYPG7a . There are similar kits if you need to connect to an SO 239 connector on a larger receiver: amzn.to/3M4kdQX

[@jcote1974]

I enjoyed this video. Did you happen to test the Bias T of your SDR (if it has that feature) vs the Bias T of the MLA? Also, maybe they released it more recently but I found an SMA to 3.5mm adapater on Amazon that works.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I didn't test the dongle's Bias-T. Probably should have. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@binder098]

Good job . . . clear and concise.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks!

[@bangersnmash4856]

Ive never used an active antenna before, so it needs a power supply from the usb socket/lead? Is that 5v?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

5v, yes.

[@danielmarkleblanc1800]

Great video. I had a question for you regarding what setting I should be using on my Grundig Sat 800 when using an exterior MLA 30+ Loop antenna. There is 2 setting on my radio. One setting is for 50 ohm and the other is for 500 ohm. At this point, the 50 ohm seems to be giving me a much better reception with very little noise while the 500 ohm setting gives me a much better signal yet more noise. What's the rule of thumb for SW enthusiast (Expert) like yourself when choosing a setting for a MLA 30 antenna? Our perhaps, is it just preference?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

50 and 500 ohm usually refers to the antenna feedline. The MLA 30 uses coax which is normally 50 ohm. The flat ladder line feedline is 500 ohm.

[@danielmarkleblanc1800]

Love your videos. Thank you from Shediac River, New Brunswick Canada

[@wilsonhallman2399]

Hello. Will this be a good antenna to put in my attic for shortwave reception. And will it cancel alot of noise. If not. What is a good one for my attic for noise reduction. Thank you.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

This is a hard question as noise reduction can mean different things. For example, if the noise you refer to is a nearby broadcast antenna that overpowers the local area with its signal, then yes, the MLA 30 can be turned to null out that source. Basically turn the loop so you can look through it toward the source. Listen to your radio and fine tune as necessary. Loops can be good in cities. Going into your attic to rotate or adjust might get old. If you or your neighbors have a bunch of noisy electronic gadgets, the null characteristics of the loop won't help much. For a semi permanent installation I'd try this one and/or a shortwave listening dipole. Both are fairly cheap. A good radio receiver with filters for noise reduction is also an option. Good luck and thanks for commenting!

[@tribulationprepper787]

I AM A BIT CONFUSED by the voltage differences listed on the two white Boxes. The smaller box reads 5 volts at the USB input and the loop attachment box reads 12 volts and there is no input! My QUESTION is: Do I have to somehow make two different connections to the antenna system or do I just slam 12 volts into the 5 volt USB port on the small white box? Thanks and take care

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I hadn't noticed the voltage statement on the larger box. It's just a statement that states the limit of the voltage and current the box will take. Use the USB voltage which is about 5 volts. Some SDR dongles will provide a Bias T voltage so you can omit the small box. If using a portable radio or non-Bias T dongle, use a USB charger or a USB battery charger block to power the Bias T. Don't put 12 volts into the Bias T.

[@tribulationprepper787]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thank you. I have a little Tecsun PL660. I will be running both the 660 and the MLA-30 off of the same 12Volt, 7Amp hour L-ion golf cart type battery and using two Drok step down converters, one set to six volts for the radio and the other set to five volts for the antenna. I think this should work out OK. (Operative word, THINK") I enjoyed your video by the way. Take care.

[@chillychurchil5972]

I know MLA-30 cant be used to transmit, any explanation? Custom officers will try to tax me anything on ham radio items(antenna, cables etc..)

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The MLA 30 is an active antenna which means it acts on the signals it receives. I haven't taken one apart but there is likely a low noise amplifier inside. Those are normally one way devices so an outbound (transmitted) signal would be blocked and likely damage the components.

[@kb8pih]

I have 2 MLA 30+ antennas. The Biasing Tee powers up fine on a USB plug in power adapter but when I try and power it through a portable power bank the power cuts off after a few minutes. This happens with both antenna Biasing Tees and with several different portable power banks different power cords. I would like to use the antenna for portable use but cannot power it. Is this normal or do I have two defective antennas.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Hmm. I wonder if the current draw is so low that the power bank turns off as it thinks it is disconnected.

[@kwdavids1]

You can buy SMA to 3.5mm phone adapters on Amazon now.

[@moosehead4497]

Can I use this to transmit? Do I need a bias-tee to transmit?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

No. This is a receive only antenna. Transmitting will damage components.

[@moosehead4497]

@Gadget Talk damage the bias tee? Bias tee is the same as an LNA right? Need an amplify capable for transmitting? What about using an sdr with built in bias tee? What part of the antenna makes it unsutiable for transmission? The bias tee for sure but what about its size? Would i need an amplifer proportional to size? I'm not planning to transmit anything just yet im curious still learning

[@krissyrose14]

What's the diameter of the loop antenna? I live in an apartment and I'm going to conceal it in a decorative wreath and connect it to my SDR v3 on my computer. Should I get a 24", 28", or 30" wreath to hide it and hang it on either a wall or window?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Mine's about 26 inches. Depending on how full your wreath is I'd start with 28" What a clever idea. Loop antennas have a null area that corresponds to the opening so being able to rotate the loop will improve reception when close powerful signals drown things out.

[@krissyrose14]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thank you so much for your response! I do have a 24" one currently on the window but will look into 28" ones to hide it in after giving it a test drive without one. :) Long wires aren't an option in my setting, so I'm glad that these exist for this kind of environment. I tried one of those ones that you attach to a whip antenna and while I noticed some peaks on the SW bands, the signal is pretty weak. For now I've been exploring WebSDR to hold me over, and it's truly wonderful to hear what's happening on the HF bands and listen to WWV. I feel like I'm back in my dad's ham shack! :)

[@Yarrowman]

I am really struggling to find the right adapters to attach a 3.5mm Jack on the XHDATA D-808 to the MLA sma lead here in the UK. What would you advise please.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Ken, I have some links in the description to a couple of sets of adapters on Amazon. I can't say if they are available in the UK but assume so. Also, since this was published some other ones have become available. Try amzn.to/3O0GwIJ Good luck

[@Yarrowman]

@@GadgetTalk4U Great. Many thanks. I found this adapter on US eBay And ordered. Just have to wait now as long delivery time. Am I right in thinking that it is safe to use the biaising tee on the MLA with the xhdata? Really appreciate your help. Ken

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@Yarrowman Yes. The bias T provides power to the antenna, not the radio.

[@ahmadaalhamdi]

Good👍

[@oldman5139]

About the HAM test... Why take a test for building a radio or antenna? When you buy them ready to go. I think the FCC needs to change with the times. We need a test for plug in and go. Thanks

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I first took a ham test nearly 40 years ago and it was much like you described. Lots of radio theory and, of course, Morse code. My licence lapsed after a few years. I tested again a couple of years ago and discovered a huge difference. Today there's no code and much of the test is operating practices and FCC rules. Some radio basics but not as much as I remembered. With online question banks someone with little radio background can get a Technician level licence with just a small time investment. My opinion only, hams have the privilege to use a national resource. The licence hurdle is pretty low. Assuming you're not a ham, I hope you'll reconsider and join thousands of hams who enjoy a very diverse hobby. There are moves afoot to increase privileges at the lowest licence level. I believe others share your views, at least to some extent. Cheers.

[@tommybewick]

A HAM radio license give the operator the privilege's to build and or modify their own radio receiver and/or transmitter and use it on the radio bands. The whole point of learning the electronics and how things work is because the FCC wants licensed people to know what they are doing if they are going to build or modify their own equipment. If what we build is not working correctly home brewed equipment can cause interference on the radio bands. Unlicensed people do not have the privilege of building or modifying their own equipment to communicate with other people. It really is a fascinating hobby and you never run out of things to learn or experiment with.

[@Pollys13a]

Hi I got one of these. I 'm trying to find out how I attach it to some PVC pipe. Like the dimensions of pipe I need and actually attaching? Could you advise please?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Pick pipe dimensions that will give you the vertical support you need. 3/4 or 1 inch should be fine. I screwed the box into the pipe using the screws that came with the kit. I drilled a small pilot hole first. I also used a dremel-type rotary tool to cut notches in the top of the pipe to place the top of the loop through. I used a PVC joiner section for the size pipe I had to top the pipe and help keep the top of the loop in place. I wanted to be able to pack the vertical support more easily so I cut the pipe in a couple of smaller sections and use joiners like I used on the top to put it all together when I want to use it. One piece of PVC from Lowes or Home Depot should work with a couple of joiners. The number will depend on how many sections you cut the pipe to make it manageable for your situation. I cut mine into 4 approximately 2.5 foot sections. Lay things out before you cut. Enjoy your SWL!

[@Pollys13a]

OK thanks for the helpful advice.

[@GoA7250]

Just an FYI: there are SMA to 3.5mm direct connectors on eBay.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Super. I think you can find almost anything on eBay.

[@Yarrowman]

I can't find this on eBay in UK. Any ideas?

[@GoA7250]

@@Yarrowman Try eBay USA and/or Australia.

[@roadsidediner-video2792]

What was the length of the pvc pipe that you used?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Standard Lowes PVC. 10 feet I think.

[@hugoruas]

11855. Country Cuba. America Central. 73.

[@LucianoSantos-xl8eq]

It looks like a nice antena.. That's a Spanish station..

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Nice. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@igocrazy9996]

Be careful on eBay knockoffs