Audio Intro:
I’ve just acquired an MFJ 1020C Active Antenna. It’s not the sort of thing I’d normally take an interest in but, as this one came my way, I thought I’d take a look at it. It’s called an Indoor SWL Active Antenna. The indoor idea is for short wave listeners using the telescopic aerial. When an external antenna is used, it’s not an indoor active antenna!
I’ve never used a pre-amp/preselector with my MiniWhip before so I thought I’d give it a try. Connecting the MiniWhip active antenna, I hooked the unit up to my AR88D receiver. The results were excellent. Radio Caroline on 648KHz is normally S5. With the unit switched on and tuned, the S meter read just over S8. Signals were also up by 3 S points on the 31 metre band (9400 to 9990KHz).
The unit covers 300KHz to 40MHz, which is useful. The circuit uses a J310 N Channel JFET. The gain can be adjusted from -10 dB to +10 dB.
The MFJ 1020C:
As you can see, the MFJ 1020C was pretty dusty when I got it but it cleaned up nicely.
Inside the MFJ 1020C:
Although the unit works with the telescopic aerial, I’ve removed it and placed it inside the box as I don’t need it. I must say that I’m impressed with this pre-amp, preselector, active antenna or whatever it’s called. With the telescopic aerial fitted, I suppose it’s a self-contained active antenna. With an external antenna, it’s a pre-amp/preselector.
The MFJ 1020C used with my AR88:
I’m using my MiniWhip antenna with the AR88, which works extremely well. However, the MFJ 1020 C improved signals considerably. Radio Caroline on 648KHz is normally S5. With the unit switched on and tuned, the S meter read just over S8. Signals were also up by 3 S points on the 31 metre band (9400 to 9990KHz).
Owner’s MFJ 1020C manual.