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Reviews For: BTV, MLA-T (Magnetic Loop Antenna - Top Bands)

Category: Antennas: HF: Verticals; Wire; Loop

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Review Summary For : BTV, MLA-T (Magnetic Loop Antenna - Top Bands)
	Reviews: 1	MSRP: 975
	Description: The MLA-T is a multi-turn magnetic portable antenna for 160m, 80m and 40m and has remote tuning. The antenna box contains a motor which is driven by a small control unit next to the radio. The antenna may be placed anywhere, depending on the length of coax only. MLA-T can handle up to 100W. However, within a distance of 5m to humans, no more than 10 W should be used. Remote tuning makes use of the existing coaxial cable, so no extra cable is required. Controller has 3 LEDs for simple and easy tuning. In addition, motor speed increases over time to ensure accurate tuning.
	Product is in production
More Info: http://www.btv.cz/mla-t
# last 180 days	Avg. Rating last 180 days	Total reviews	Avg. overall rating
0	0	1	4

N6KIN	Rating:	2019-02-01
Good antenna for operation on "Top Bands" with HOA restrictions			Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased the MLA-T in May 2017, in my first attempt to get on the air after moving into an HOA restricted townhouse. What attracted me was the ability to get on the air on the top bands (160m, 80m and 40m) at a reasonable power output level (100W). I tried various locations, such as a patio deck, and mounted it using horizontal (since the deck is about 10m above the ground) and vertical orientations. I finally settled on a vertical orientation with the antenna mounted about 3 meters above the floor of my garage (see photo), with as much surrounding metallic and magnetic material removed as possible (e.g, Unistrut supports of the garage door opener and the steel edging of drywall corners were removed). Success making contacts has been reasonable, considering that my home is shadowed by mountains to the north (~45 degree slope) and to the east (~30 degree slope). Results: 160 Meters - Fair. during a recent 160m contest, made approximately 20 contacts with only casual participation for a couple of hours. From NV, made contacts with UT, ID, MT, IA, ND, AZ, and CA. Not bad for a 0.8m diameter antenna on 160m. 80 Meters - Good, but could only transmit with 65W of power output before the variable capacitor started arcing (probably due to the reduced air density at my 2200m elevation). This seems to be the most efficient band for the MLA-T. Contacts include BC Canada, HI, MN, OR, ID, LA, CA and NV. 40 Meters - Good. I've worked many west coast states, Hawaii, and New Zealand. However, my other loop antenna, a Ciro Mazzoni "Baby Loop," is much more effective on 40m. There is a challenge on placing an order for the MLA-T, since I do not believe this Czech-made antenna has any US distributor. So I caution any prospective purchaser to thoroughly consider freight and import customs agent fees, which can amount to 300 to 500 dollars.

Category:

Antennas: HF: Verticals; Wire; Loop

Product:

BTV, MLA-T (Magnetic Loop Antenna - Top Bands)

Summary:

Rating:	Time Owned:
Great! Good OK Needs Help Poor Awful!	0 - 3 Months 3 - 6 Months 6 - 12 Months More than 12 Months

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