I use the Terk on both my Sangean PR-D5 and Tecsun PL-606, but I wondered if there was a better inductive antenna. A friend "lent" me his Crane Twin Coil Antenna and I ran comparative tests. I monitored various AM stations between 11 pm and midnite, and used the PL-606 because it has a numerical readout for signal strength and readability (QSA/QRK) values. Because skywave is so variable, I monitored over a week period and noted the max numbers. The numbers reflected the radio itself, then with the Terk, and finally with the Crane unit.
Overall the Terk produced a 30-35% increase over the PL-606 itself and a whopping 80-88% on the Crane unit. When compared Terk versus Crane, the Crane TCA had a 45-50% advantage over the Terk unit. This was expected because the Crane employs a preamp.
The numbers are somewhat deceptive. While conducting the tests I also (by headset) monitored the QSA/QRK aspects. In some instances the Terk produced only minimal increases, but in every instance the Crane was considerably better.
The Crane TCA is a two element unit. A antenna segment and a seperate tuner. If your radio has an external antenna connection you plug the Crane directly into it. Neither my PR-D5 or PL-606 has such, so you plug the Crane into a supplied 3" ferrite bar unit and place the the ferrite bar just like you would the inductive Terk. Tuning is two stage: first tune to the basic frequency and then fine tune. The Crane is only somewhat directional so just aim it in the general direction of your target station. Understand that it will amplify EVERYTHING on the frequency, including any unwanted stations.
For a long range station I use KSTP 1500 kHz Minneapolis MN which is just shy of 1300 miles from me here in Tucson. Normally I hear it every nite at levels varying from weak to fair /good. Best tests on it produced a 36% increase on the Terk and an whopping 95% increase on the Crane. (when not QRMed by the spill over from local station on 1490 kHz.)
The Crane TCA is a clear winner, but you must balance this versus cost. Depending on your portable radio, it can cost as much to almost twice the cost of your radio. ( $75 to $100 dollars depending on the source) If you're seriously into AM DXing and are using a portable radio, its clear advantage (no pun intended) over the Terk can justify the purchase. I'm going to pick one up.
By the way, DON'T power the Crane with its AC adapter, for it produces a noticable increase in static. Use it via its 9 volt battery. Just as with your radio, keep the antenna element far away from household RFI sources, for it amplifies RFI much more than the Terk.
Overall the Terk produced a 30-35% increase over the PL-606 itself and a whopping 80-88% on the Crane unit. When compared Terk versus Crane, the Crane TCA had a 45-50% advantage over the Terk unit. This was expected because the Crane employs a preamp.
The numbers are somewhat deceptive. While conducting the tests I also (by headset) monitored the QSA/QRK aspects. In some instances the Terk produced only minimal increases, but in every instance the Crane was considerably better.
The Crane TCA is a two element unit. A antenna segment and a seperate tuner. If your radio has an external antenna connection you plug the Crane directly into it. Neither my PR-D5 or PL-606 has such, so you plug the Crane into a supplied 3" ferrite bar unit and place the the ferrite bar just like you would the inductive Terk. Tuning is two stage: first tune to the basic frequency and then fine tune. The Crane is only somewhat directional so just aim it in the general direction of your target station. Understand that it will amplify EVERYTHING on the frequency, including any unwanted stations.
For a long range station I use KSTP 1500 kHz Minneapolis MN which is just shy of 1300 miles from me here in Tucson. Normally I hear it every nite at levels varying from weak to fair /good. Best tests on it produced a 36% increase on the Terk and an whopping 95% increase on the Crane. (when not QRMed by the spill over from local station on 1490 kHz.)
The Crane TCA is a clear winner, but you must balance this versus cost. Depending on your portable radio, it can cost as much to almost twice the cost of your radio. ( $75 to $100 dollars depending on the source) If you're seriously into AM DXing and are using a portable radio, its clear advantage (no pun intended) over the Terk can justify the purchase. I'm going to pick one up.
By the way, DON'T power the Crane with its AC adapter, for it produces a noticable increase in static. Use it via its 9 volt battery. Just as with your radio, keep the antenna element far away from household RFI sources, for it amplifies RFI much more than the Terk.