Low noise amplifier (LNA)

jgreentnjgreentn
in Configuration and Operation

Any sense in adding an LNA to my setup? If so, does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks


Jerry

Comments

  • G8JNJG8JNJ

    It depends, but generally I'd say no, you will most likely only boost both the wanted and unwanted signals, so the overall Signal to Noise ratio will remain the same.

    However, you will eat away at the KiWi's available dynamic range, and most likely introduce additional unwanted IMD products. Both of which are undesirable.

    What are you hoping to achieve, and what antenna are you currently using ?

    Regards,

    Martin

  • jgreentnjgreentn

    Thanks Martin. I'm using a T2FD (folded dipole), but it's not high off the ground, maybe 2 m at most. I've heard getting the T2FD up higher improves reception.

  • smgsmg

    @jgreentn - There is a rabbit hole you are probably looking down right now. Uplifting that dipole would likely help, however, what is your noise floor like? i.e, what's the S Meter showing when not "tuned in" to any signals?

    example:

    image.png

    So for me, on 20mtrs, the noise floor is just above S3 and I live in a built up urban area. Where my Xiegu G90 connected to an EFHW gets an S5-6 noise floor.

    The difference being my KiwiSDR is using a magnetic loop

    I've tried different LNAs on passive antenna, and as Martin said, you just raise the noise floor and lose even more weak signals.

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