INTRODUCTION TO THE AA7
We believe that you will discover and agree with us that your new AA7 is the best VALUE in a true receiver antenna. In its simplest form, an “active antenna” is a small antenna going through an RF preamplifier to a receiver. Generally, the actual antenna may be of several different styles:
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It is easy to assume that the “ideal” active antenna would peak your desired signal or frequency band. Several excellent active antennas are available for this purpose in the $75 - $150 price range, but we would point out that using this kit plus an additional $1 in mini coax to approximate your antenna will work as well, or even better. In our humble opinion, if you really want to spend that much money, you’re better off spending an extra five dollars and buying a good quality receiver. (Study the Ramsey
If what you want is a great quality active antenna for a whole lot less than others sell it for, the answer is obvious. The Ramsey AA7 active antenna.
An active antenna is a compromise between what is ideal... and what is real. Real antennas are wire or tubing properly measured in meters, not transistors or variable capacitors. If you find yourself in a difficult antenna situation for casual listening or monitoring, we think that you’ll get more satisfaction from understanding and using your AA7 than from wishing that you spent your money on a tunable model would result in a real antenna!
CIRCUIT AND DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The AA7 features two independent, switchable RF preamplifiers. The HF (high frequency) section is located on the upper middle section of the schematic on page 6, while the VHF (Very High Frequency) / UHF (Ultra High Frequency) section is located on the lower middle section.
Simple switching circuits play a major role in the practical use of the AA7. S2:B connects the RF input and output connectors in the “power off” position. This gives the receiver
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