I finally received my parcel from DX Engineering. The Signalink interface is A welcome replacement for my broken digital interface

As for the 160/80 receive antenna pre-amplifier, I had high hopes, and connected to my pennant antenna. The result? Same as before ==> deaf as a post and no signals received. I switch back to my quarter wave vertical (transmit antenna) and stations are received. Oh well, I will leave the preamp in my receive chain from my transmit antenna, because at least it gives me a variable preamp gain control....
Realistically, the only way that I can improve my station is to relocate to an electrically-quiet environment in Laos, with plenty of land to put up beverages, 4-squares etc etc. That is not an unrealistic option, but I do need to have a fast internet connection for my online teaching, and such a fast connection is usually not something available 'in the sticks'. However, Elon Musk's Starlink project is expected to offer such internet speeds (actually much faster than I need!), to rural locations in Asia by the end of 2021. So if Starlink becomes an option out here, then moving house also becomes an option for me
