[IRCA] Bizarre FSL Antenna Shootout

[d1028gary@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Hello All, 
 
The 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 model with a tiny, hard-wiredÂFSL antenna continues to amaze in its DXing capabilities. When the model was first designed back in DecemberÂI figured that it might receive a few strong TP's when propagation was good-- instead it hasÂprovided prettyÂclose competition for a 15" Monster FSL inductively coupled to a CC Skywave model. 
 
The latest astonishing A/B test occurred during theÂmutual reception of 603-HLSA (Namyang, S. Korea) at 1337 UTC on March 11th. TheÂ15" Monster FSL and CC Skywave combination were set up on a standard 4' high PVC base in the back yard, and inductively coupled at the optimal distance before recording HLSA's signal. The 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 model was set upÂby itself on an isolated 4' high PVC base covered by a sheet of plywood (a photo of it making this reception is posted at https://app.box.com/s/9o9yta553hqb3s0yizhmii3m6gbjvqpz Â) 
 
TheÂsame exact minute of 603-HLSA was recorded on both setups. This is the MP3 for the 15" Monster FSL inductively coupled to the CC Skywave model (a $1000+ combination) https://app.box.com/s/xq7bs7nvptf0d5ts1vxzli0izqza2ncf  
 
This is the MP3 for the same oneÂminute segment of 603-HLSA on the stand-alone 3" FSL Tecsun PL-380 model ($95) 
https://app.box.com/s/4r27auio85caqadccsyb8pwcatw5rku0 Â 
 
To be sure the 3" FSL PL-380 model does throw in somewhat of a heterodyne that is absent on the CC Skywave, but has superior audio reproduction as a tradeoff. ThisÂrelative reception ability has been tested on other TP stations like 594-JOAK and 693-JOAB, and is not in any way a one-time fluke. Those who have tried out this model in either domestic or transoceanic DXing have had similar astonished comments. My only regret is that we don't have a stable supply of the Russian surplus 100mm ferrite bars upon which this model is based, which wouldÂallow moreÂDXers to experience its capabilities. If and when another eBay supply source opens up, this model could provide a lot of DXing excitement for those who canÂbuild or obtainÂone. 
 
73 and Good DX, 
Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA) 
 
 
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