Unusual oscillations in receiver: Some portable receivers not enclosed in metal cases may break into oscillation when connected to any RF preamplifier. Try reducing the AA7 gain control and make sure good grounds are on the interconnecting coax cables.
Receiver overloading, heterodynes, images: A preamplifier will intensify any problems with selectivity and image rejection due to poor receiver design.
ACTIVE ANTENNA COMPARISONS
The author of this AA7 instruction manual has conducted extensive side- by-side comparisons of the AA7 with the Heathkit HD-1424 and MFJ Enterprises, Inc. Model 1020A active antennas, both of which have band- switched tunable preamplifiers as well as an understandably higher selling price. If all three units are compared, each using only its on-board whip extended to equal heights, the two tunable units do produce a stronger signal. We would hope so! However, attaching about two more feet of wire to the AA7's whip resulted in it delivering the strongest signal. Similarly, increasing the antenna lengths of the other units resulted in increased signal strength. It becomes a question of how much you wish to pay for the shortest possible indoor antenna! The AA7's competition performs well, but we are sure you will appreciate the AA7's versatility and budget pricing.
THE AA7'S ENCLOSURE: THE FINISHING TOUCH
The Ramsey Electronics custom case, panel and knob kit is optional for the AA7 as it is for all of our standard major PC-board kits. In it’s case, the finished AA7 will be attractive and virtually indestructible, so that the world of radio can be at your fingertips wherever you go. Use of our factory enclosure also enhances the resale value of your AA7.
A FINAL SUGGESTION
A small antenna is most effective whenever it can be outdoors and clear of any surrounding metal building structure. You may wish to use a mix of personal ingenuity and hardware store/junk-box parts to make a simple remote whip that can be quickly mounted on windows, windowsills, balcony rails, or handy points on cars, RVs, etc. We hope you will enjoy your AA7 in a wide variety of listening and monitoring situations.
Kit building is FUN! Ramsey has a wide variety of nifty kits. Ask for our free catalog, where there are plenty more kits ideally suited for you!
