This sale is for an active (amplified) receive MW (AM broadcast) and HF (shortwave) antenna for your handheld wideband radio receiver covering the frequencies from 400 Khz - 30 MHz.  The handheld radio shown in the pictures above is used for demonstration only and is NOT included with the antenna.   

If you have a handheld wideband radio receiver, you will typically notice that the unit will work well on the upper bands (30 MHz and upward) in the FM, VHF, and UHF frequencies.  However, while most handhelds can receive the medium wave and shortwave frequencies, reception is less than optimum and can be outright very poor when using the supplied manufacturer antenna.  If you are like us, you have replaced the original Rubber Duck or telescopic whip antenna with other variations trying to improve HF performance in the MW and SW bands.  We have even traveled with more than one antenna to swap in for such purposes.  However, despite this, you will find reception to be sub-optimal or even very poor. 

This active telescopic whip antenna was designed to offer an alternative for MW & HF reception to enable you to grab those signals from your favorite AM broadcast, shortwave broadcast or your amateur radio net.  Reception on the amateur bands with this antenna is much better and you can typically copy many more signals that would otherwise be unavailable using the antenna supplied by the radio's manufacturer.  During our testing, we discovered a large difference between the stock antenna and what this active whip antenna could deliver.  Receive signals were stronger, and signals missed with standard antennas, were heard and copyable.   

The antenna uses a BNC connector that is common on handheld scanning radios.  If your handheld does not have a BNC connector, you may be required to purchase a SMA to BNC adapter to use this antenna and such an adapter is available elsewhere here on Ebay.  The active whip uses a 23A alkaline battery which will provide approximately 65 hours of operation and which is supplied with the antenna.  Extra batteries are available elsewhere here on Ebay. 

To operate the antenna, you press the button on the top to power it on and select the proper tuning range (there are  3) to match the frequency band that you are receiving.  After using the antenna a short while, you will find this process is very easy.  An LED illuminates to indicate the power status and then you merely turn the knob to peak the signal. 

Please note that this is a "RECEIVE ONLY" antenna and cannot be used with a handheld unit that transmits a signal.  You will be required to retain your original receive antenna for use on the higher bands above 30 MHz such as FM / VHF / UHF. 

Here is a list of features for this active antenna:

Because this is an active antenna, it is subject to much RF noise found in the household such as lighting, computers, TV's etc.  While it can be used in many households, we have found it works much better outside for that daily stroll, walking the dog, trip to the park, or hike in the mountains.  During testing, we noticed a nice signal improvement and the meter on the handheld displayed a stronger signal than any other factory we attempted to use.  Your results may vary depending upon the brand and model of handheld and what antenna you had previously utilized. 

Some examples of handheld radios that may use this antenna:

Here is a video demonstrating the active whip in operation: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK2tfd1wMOs   Copy and paste this link into your internet browser

Please use the Ebay shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost.  This cost includes proper packing materials for safe delivery and insurance cost against damage or loss.

Those buyers living outside the USA are also welcome to purchase from us.  We have shipped to 112 countries during the past 24 years on Ebay and we are happy to ship virtually anywhere in the world.  You may use the shipping calculator to determine your shipping cost via either priority or express mail.

Please keep in mind that this cost may not include any import, customs, or VAT fees.  If you are uncertain of these costs, we ask you to check with your local post office prior to making a purchase from us.  Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to look at our Ebay items!