Tecsun AN-100 Technical Review

Technical Review

Tecsun AN-100

Tunable Medium Wave Loop Antenna

By Gary Ryan VK2ZKT

Being a keen AM Broadcast Band listener the opportunity to purchase a loop antenna for
AM reception cannot be overlooked. I recently purchased this antenna from Sydney based
AV-COMM Pty Ltd.

The loop unlike other loop antennas on the market actually not only works well but also
looks like a piece of artwork as well. This is important if you want to use the loop in your
lounge room or kitchen table. The finish is first grade. The antenna is self supporting and
only has one control, a simple calibrated tuning knob to cover the broadcast band.

What’s in the Box?

You get the loop antenna, interconnecting cable for receivers with external antenna
connection and a single sheet set of instructions. The instructions are actually quite good
and describe the operation of the loop, suggested mounting arrangements and some basic
information on AM reception.

The loop antenna is designed for the AM Broadcast band ONLY.

Easy to read instructions included

Performance and Use

The performance was checked at both night and day. First I checked the frequency coverage
of the loop. To do this I used my RF Dip Meter and Frequency counter. Frequency coverage
was measured at 515 KHz to 1.85 Mhz. Tuning was smooth and quite stable once a
frequency was tuned.

I set the loop up to sit at a right angle to my radio and checked out the performance during
daylight hours on a number of local stations. The loop made a considerable difference and
improved the signal to noise ratio of the received signal.

Tuning across the band in between the stations and peaking the “loop tuning control”
peaked the reception across the band.

Photo to demostrate the size of the loop in comparison to the portable Sony

Next night time performance was checked. The performance at night was excellent with the
ability to both peak and null out stations allowing the best possible reception available.