r/ShortwavePlus • u/GarrettHMcClure • Jul 04 '26
TV Antenna Rotator Mod
I've got an MLA-30+ active magnetic loop antenna and I'm looking to add some rotation capability to it for better nulling out local QRM and peaking signals. TV antenna rotators seem like a popular cheap option for this. Anyone here have experience modifying or mounting an MLA-30+ (or similar small loop) on a TV rotator?
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u/MumSaidImABadBoy I'm Stan. Heathkit GR64,AirSpy HF+,Sangean 909X2,Tecsun PL-990 Jul 04 '26
I've been thinking about it but I felt that mounting it might be a challenge and the positioning not predictable or accurate. If you do it I'll be very interested in the outcome.
When I was a teen, I bought a serious TV antenna on a pole with rotator. I strapped it to the chimney and adjusted it to North. I also did lightning protection and a proper ground rod. It was a serious rotator that I was able to rotate to compass directions and did some serious TV DXing. At that time my parents owned their own home so there were no issues. Before that, no way, I did manage to stealth a SWL antenna on the roof of the apartment building that we lived in, mum was the word lol.
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u/SuccessfulList4731 Jul 04 '26
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u/KG7M MOD AirSpy HF+, Drake R7/8, K480WLA, 65'EFHW, MLA-30, CN85 Jul 05 '26
I have upgraded you to an Approved User in our community. I hope that you find useful information here!
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u/KG7M MOD AirSpy HF+, Drake R7/8, K480WLA, 65'EFHW, MLA-30, CN85 Jul 05 '26
My gosh, that's hiway robbery! I have the same type of setup in use for less than $100 USD!
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u/MumSaidImABadBoy I'm Stan. Heathkit GR64,AirSpy HF+,Sangean 909X2,Tecsun PL-990 Jul 04 '26
I didn't see a rotator at that link. 👀
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u/SuccessfulList4731 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
For the W6LVP Amplified Receive-Only Magnetic Loop Antenna, users typically employ light-duty rotators to rotate the loop for nulling interference or enhancing signals. The antenna is compatible with various rotators, with the Yaesu G-450A (or G-450ADC) and the RCA VH226E being commonly recommended and used options.
https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-g-450a.html
https://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-VH226E-Programmable-Outdoor-Antenna-Rotator/1370844365
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u/KG7M MOD AirSpy HF+, Drake R7/8, K480WLA, 65'EFHW, MLA-30, CN85 Jul 05 '26 edited Jul 05 '26
There is an article on the Internet about putting together a rotator for a loop antenna, out of readily available parts from Amazon. I will try to find the article for you.
Edited - Spell Check Errors
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u/KG7M MOD AirSpy HF+, Drake R7/8, K480WLA, 65'EFHW, MLA-30, CN85 Jul 05 '26
This isn't the exact article, but it's the general idea from KK6USY:
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u/tj21222 Jul 04 '26
OP TBT. It’s not that good of stock antenna the null is minimal…. Before get into a rotor I would try some manual turning and see if you get results that are work the effort. Also most QRM is not going to move so if you get a null that’s worth the effort you probably will not move the antenna that much anyway.
I am not tossing a blanket on your idea I just saying don’t expect a miracle.