MLA 30 Active Shortwave Loop Antenna And Build

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  • Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024

Комментарии • 130

  • @Kw1161
    @Kw1161 3 года назад +17

    Helpful hint, you can get a pvc tee which fits on the end of the pipe. You don't even have to glue it.....
    Another thing , I use a USB battery pack to power it when going on a picnic or camping, it lasts for hours.
    Great video thanks for the information 73.

  • @Pollock1961
    @Pollock1961 Год назад +5

    Sma wire broke, going into the radio bought a heavier duty one, as soon as i plugged it in it worked. Im impressed. I AM AMAZED HOW GOOD THIS WORKS, WOW

  • @gary-kr7dm
    @gary-kr7dm 2 года назад +10

    I bought the MLA30+ and installed it on a 3 metre plastic tube then fitted it outside on my eaves.
    Powered by a usb power bank feeding my Tecsun S2000, I have to say ,this antenna is brilliant.
    It’s very low noise and really pulls the stations in at night.
    I’ve since raised the MLA30+ up on a fibreglass mast about 6metres high so it’s well above my bungalow roof,
    And rewired the cable with RG8X from amplifier to receiver. The difference is quite amazing.
    People say that height doesn’t make a difference to this aerial, but I’ve now proved otherwise.

    • @mikes1798
      @mikes1798 11 месяцев назад +3

      Is the RG8X going from the balancing T (with the 2 sma ports and single usb port) to your radio or between the box at the base of the loop to the balancing T or both (all RG8X)?

    • @gary-kr7dm
      @gary-kr7dm 11 месяцев назад +1

      @@mikes1798 I rewired from the amplifier on the loop antenna to the balancing T near the radio. I’m feeding the balance with a rechargeable power bank 👍

  • @ballisticcoefficientdepend9811
    @ballisticcoefficientdepend9811 3 года назад +6

    While I don't know much about these types of radios, this information could really come in handy one day; maybe even save my life. Thanks for the video and information, stay safe out there and God bless!

  • @andreasg7834
    @andreasg7834 Год назад +4

    As an SWL I have also experimented with long-wire-antennas in the last few years. But this antenna is the best solution for me. I am very very satisfied with it and I wish I had discovered it earlier. 👍

  • @outbackeddie
    @outbackeddie Год назад +3

    Great video. I just got my loop antenna yesterday, and there were no instructions included. Your video was perfect - just what I needed. Thanks for posting this.

  • @wildkarl
    @wildkarl 3 года назад +8

    Hi, just to clarify, the little box is not the pre amplifier of the antenna. It is the power supply to the big box on the bottom of the loop. Some SDR's like SDR Play have this built in and don't need the little box. Thanks for taking the time to produce the video.

    • @SDWNJ
      @SDWNJ 3 года назад +1

      Yeah, it's analogous to a POE (Power Over Ethernet) injector, except this would be power over coax. It enables you to power it from the other end of the coax instead of having to run power through a separate cable to the box directly connected to the loop..

    • @madmax2069
      @madmax2069 3 года назад +2

      Yeah, it's bias tee

  • @mikes1798
    @mikes1798 11 месяцев назад +2

    Ordered the MLA-30 on Amazon and ended up getting the MLA-30+. Bags were labeled with the older number but the T itself is labeled with the newer number. Factory probably just started switching over. Nice “plus”, lol. Thanks for the share, with winter coming in the northeast I wanted to get this in place now.

  • @ironton655
    @ironton655 9 месяцев назад +2

    The bias T is what injects the 5 volts DC into the coax to run the preamp that is in the little box attached to the bottom of the loop. The put the preamp at the antenna to boost the signal coming into the receiver.

  • @krissyrose14
    @krissyrose14 3 года назад +25

    This might sound nuts, if the SW antenna that I get doesn't work, I would get this guy and then go full out arts and crafts on it and conceal it in a wreath or wood embroidery hoop with a small sign saying "Ohm Sweet Ohm" and hang it on a window or in the apartment.

    • @mattblack133
      @mattblack133 11 месяцев назад +1

      AWESOME IDEA!!!! I just picked up one of these bad boys. 30+

  • @rezatschwalbe
    @rezatschwalbe 3 дня назад +2

    01:45 "BIASING-T" doesn't mean a Pre-Amp.
    If the SDR-Program or the receiver support this, it means the Power supply for the antenna!
    So you don't need to use the USB-Port.
    And this means fewer power disruptions

    • @stickstickley8944
      @stickstickley8944 20 часов назад +1

      If i were to use this antenna with a dsp2 sdr receiver that sends power on the 50 ohm sma connector, would i need to bypass the bias t box?

    • @rezatschwalbe
      @rezatschwalbe 4 часа назад +2

      ​@@stickstickley8944 There are entries in the SDR software programme that relate to Bias-T (you may have to look elsewhere depending on the software) - if this is activated there, the Bias-T box is bypassed accordingly - this runs automatically - so you don't have to disconnect anything first.

  • @marvinhanson6942
    @marvinhanson6942 Год назад +2

    I know this video about two years old and you've probably moved things around by now but anyway loop antennas don't need to have hight to receive or even transmitt well, but in this case in the video it should at least clear the fence or the fence will make it some what directional, I us this antenna with a 1/2" copper refrigeratorant tube it's amazing how well it works.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  Год назад +1

      Yeah antenna now is up about 10 feet, however I did not think of changing out the wire for copper tube, that is a great idea, going to have to try that one out thanks!

  • @velsnow1
    @velsnow1 3 года назад +2

    I ordered an MLA-30. Great video. You explained the assembly very well

    • @rebelsupply
      @rebelsupply 3 года назад

      will it fit to a boefang uv5r or do you need any adapters ? mine is a male adapter on the radio. DANIEL

  • @kirknelson156
    @kirknelson156 2 года назад +1

    thanks, I bought the antenna previously but it didn't come with any instructions and while it looked straight forward I wanted to be sure there wasn't something I was missing.

  • @JerryEricsson
    @JerryEricsson 2 года назад +3

    I love to build kits, and have all sorts of crap that I never use for anything but the build was fun. Arduinos are my unit of choice and I have a half dozen WIFI radios in the house. Of course they are not real radios but wifi receivers that are programmed to play wifi radio stations from around the world. They are only useful where there is a good wifi connection that is open or you have the sign in data for. As far as Shortwave I love listening, and have several SDA setups that I plug into my laptop and play with but my house seems to be a great Faraday cage, very little signals can penetrate the walls or the steel roof that is in place after several nasty hail storms like most of the town shingles are a thing of the past, to much work after storms where the steel can be ripped off and replaced in a couple of days. Even the local AM/FM radio signals barley penetrate, and only some parts of the house can receive signals from the large Antenna some 1.5 miles from my home. Annoying to say the least. Several years ago I got my Technician ticket to operate on the Ham band, and it was wonderful while my wife was still with me and we traveled across the Southwest during the winter month .but we came home and during the covid deal, my wife developed Cancer, Since the hospital was closed to outpatient surgery, they could not do the tests to find the Cancer till it was far to late, she passed away 3 month after being diagnosed. She had the cancer in her stomach at first and virtually starved to death. I held her hand till the last. I was debilitated for a year and a half till my MD actually helped me out of the deep depression of the loss. Great man that DR. Anyhow now I am ancient and stuck in this damn house made of steel My ham ticket remains idle since I am the only one in my town with a ham license, the nearest 2 meter repeater is 26 miles away and I can hit it from my car but none of my little hand held transceivers can tap the repeater even though it is high atop a butte. This antenna should be the ticket for my getting back into shortwave listening. When I was a boy in the 50's and 60's I loved reading the back pages of Popular Electronics with their ham reports and drooled at the shortwave radios available back then. I even found an old SW set in the City Dump, the place were my buddy and I used for our shopping center as we were dirt poor back then, so I could listen to the SW bands that used to be filled with propaganda from Cuba, the Soviet Block and The Voice of America. I hear VOA is back up and running once more broadcasting to the Ukraine again. I hope it penetrates the Russian blockages, we learned years ago that the Shortwave bands are so plentiful that one nation could hardly block them all.

  • @tonymagnier9846
    @tonymagnier9846 3 года назад +5

    Excellent video. I'm awaiting delivery of one of these MLA30+ same as the one here, which is reportedly a lot better than the original MLA 30

  • @KarlWitsman
    @KarlWitsman 2 года назад +1

    Wow! I heard the lady's voice from WWVH just before the man's voice. Good catch!

  • @deepakkarambelkar8328
    @deepakkarambelkar8328 2 года назад +9

    Thank you! Amazing review. Just ordered a MLA-30. I will be plugging it into a XHData D808, which has an external antenna input. Can you please tell me what are the connectors/ adapter I need for it? Do I need a SMA male to a 3.5 mm mono male?

    • @corpo33
      @corpo33 Год назад

      I wud like to know the answer tooo.

    • @johnrobinson1140
      @johnrobinson1140 6 месяцев назад

      if your external jack is a mono phone jack (3.5 mm) then yes, 3.5mm to sma male

  • @MrJaz8088
    @MrJaz8088 3 года назад +2

    I built my MLA-30+ the same way but with a cap on top for looks

  • @Evilslayer73
    @Evilslayer73 2 года назад +1

    IM about to buy the same set up for my bed room i dont have a yard to play with :)

  • @gigimazinga3956
    @gigimazinga3956 2 года назад +1

    Thank you so much for this tutorial !

  • @hamandshortwaveradioirelan4773
    @hamandshortwaveradioirelan4773 3 года назад +1

    Nice demonstration, thanks for sharing

  • @discountcodes
    @discountcodes 3 года назад +2

    nice video :) So, glad Thrive has more chicken in stock!!!

  • @ferebeefamily
    @ferebeefamily 3 года назад +1

    Thank you for the video.

  • @ccccclark2605
    @ccccclark2605 3 года назад +1

    🙏❤️🇺🇸🇨🇱 from Central Texas

  • @jisa98
    @jisa98 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for the tutorial!!!

  • @medo123345
    @medo123345 3 года назад +1

    👍 Very interesting video. Tks

  • @scottbelcher9026
    @scottbelcher9026 3 года назад +1

    Very helpful!!! Thank you!!!

  • @raddionschannel1771
    @raddionschannel1771 3 месяца назад

    I just put mine together last night and hung it on some tacks here in my computer room. I am in Connecticut with an ATS 20+ and picking up zero channels unless I disconnect and put the radio's whip antenna back on. I understand that the MLA 30 is supposed to work better outside, but I have a terrible feeling something in wrong with my new antenna. :-(

  • @mux1978
    @mux1978 11 месяцев назад +1

    Great vid. I'm a Newb and just got an Eton Elite Excutive. Works great. Getting lots of stuff, I especially like listening to sidebands/ham. What cable would I need to connect this to a standard 3.5 mini jack antenna input? Subbed!

  • @gingerunit
    @gingerunit 3 года назад +1

    Thank you very much for a very informative item. I wondered about the twisted loop. Mine is doubled at the moment! De G7OGX 73

  • @joshuacouldren138
    @joshuacouldren138 3 года назад +1

    Very awesome 📡 antenna it makes a huge difference too I had one sent to me from frank viglietta he has a shop in ringwood NJ 07456 hes a friend of my family and ham operator wdx2p 73s man awesome great video and anteena it gets in amazing reception inside my apartment im on 2nd floor in willcox a z

  • @citicolina
    @citicolina 2 года назад +2

    Camouflage on the pole is a key detail. Sleek!

  • @charlesartificer2158
    @charlesartificer2158 3 года назад +1

    Ohhhhh SDR! Would love to see a video on that.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад

      Coming soon!

    • @charlesartificer2158
      @charlesartificer2158 3 года назад +1

      @@Iridium242 cool can't wait. I was looking into sdr as a cheap way to set up a scanner, everything here is digital and trunked. So to purchase a scanner for that is over a grand. But with free soft ware an old lap top and less than 50 buck in hardware you can do the same thing. Would be cool if you could cover that in a video.

  • @YoMoma777
    @YoMoma777 2 года назад +2

    How much power does the antenna need to become “active”? Did I hear 5 amps? My power bank puts out 2.4 amps and it lights up green. Is this the correct amount of power?

  • @davidjones1393
    @davidjones1393 3 года назад +1

    THKS

  • @Rebel9668
    @Rebel9668 Год назад +1

    I live in a rural area with a large back yard. Would a long wire antenna be better for my situation? I'll be using it on a vintage 1949-50 9 tube Hallicrafters S40-A with screw terminals for the antenna that I've restored.

  • @n1kkri
    @n1kkri 2 года назад +2

    A owner of this antenna told me changing the direction of the antenna makes no difference. I am wondering if the preamp in the box contains just a high impedance input matching circuit to the input of the preamp making it broadband.

  • @Larry-jf4jm
    @Larry-jf4jm 2 года назад +3

    How will it perform if I replace the wire antenna element with a 1 inch aluminum tubing.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  2 года назад +2

      No idea but it is something I have been thinking about doing, might work better

  • @pennyc7064
    @pennyc7064 2 года назад +1

    I'm new to SW radio. I have a Tecsun PL-380 radio. The reception is good when i go to my local park but not indoors as there is too much interference.
    Would this set up you made with MLA 30 work indoors? I'm in an apartment and can not use this on the balcony in winter months as it is way too cold here, sometimes minus 15 celcius and I can not leave any windows open to feed the wire through. Any tips/suggestions.

  • @corpo33
    @corpo33 Год назад +1

    I'm about to make my antenna iv seeen on other videos people using plastic tubing around the antenna wire have you seen this before and would it effect the signal?.thanks and your video was excellent. GED IN IRELAND 🇮🇪

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  Год назад +1

      Plastic tubing around the wire should not hurt at all As long as there is no metallic content in the plastic itself, it will be fine

  • @dougsmith9571
    @dougsmith9571 2 года назад +1

    My MLA didn't come with a USB plug just a black wire , wtd?

  • @greenpenguin8699
    @greenpenguin8699 Год назад

    Good afternoon, I have been researching SWL and am looking to enter the hobby. Your channel has been a great help with receiving information. I am good with computers and audio equipment but not so much radio or general electronics so bear with me. I have ordered an ATS-25X1 with the enhanced Russian 4.0 firmware. I live in an apartment and I am curious (1) How to adapt this antenna to the BLN (I am unfamiliar with the various connectors and their types) on my ATS-25X1 and (2) How effective an MLA-30 would be if sat indoors, in the corner of my 3rd floor apartment. I plan to use it outside but I am in an apartment building with windows that are very inconvenient for antennas. Thank you sir!

  • @wilsonhallman2399
    @wilsonhallman2399 3 года назад +2

    Would this work as a good shortwave antenna to put in my attic. If not. What is a good attic antenna for shortwave. I need one that will cancel out alot of noise.

  • @komkom3425
    @komkom3425 Год назад +2

    is the antenna dangerous in terms of voltage and power? can it catch fire or cause damage?

  • @bangersnmash4856
    @bangersnmash4856 8 месяцев назад +1

    How long is the cable from the loop box? 😊

  • @JOHN_COSMO
    @JOHN_COSMO 2 года назад +1

    I have an Antron A99 will this work with it? Should I make your LOOP ANTENNA?Thank you.

  • @jesuschristmorningstarchap3944
    @jesuschristmorningstarchap3944 3 года назад +1

    😀 I'm watching the great video here only amplified antenna for shortwave radios where can I purchase an amplified antenna like this please message me back I'm Jack here in Texas 😄

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад

      The link is in the description below. Its on my amazon store

  • @begin_broadcast_5207
    @begin_broadcast_5207 3 года назад +7

    Is it water proof? I’m getting a radio soon and I’m interested in having a more effective antenna. I’m getting a Tecsun pl-880 btw

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +3

      Yes the outside antenna part is totally sealed up and water proof, the inside amplified part (the part you plug into the USB cable) I would not put outside

    • @tribulationprepper787
      @tribulationprepper787 3 года назад +1

      @@Iridium242 Can you tell me why my Anker 15600 mAh USB battery charger/battery pack is shutting down when attempting to power my MLA-30 Active Loop Antenna??? Is there a simple cure to this dilemma? Thanks

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +1

      @@tribulationprepper787 Its probably not drawing enough current to keep the battery bank active. I would just get an AC adapter and plug in the antenna using the USB cable, its a pretty common thing to happen with low draw devices and these battery banks.

    • @tribulationprepper787
      @tribulationprepper787 3 года назад

      @@Iridium242 I guess I should have mentioned the need for portability as opposed to AC use. My bank is rated at 4.0 amps. Would a 2.1 amp bank solve the problem?

  • @allancopland1768
    @allancopland1768 2 года назад +2

    I bought one of these from a UK supplier. Performance is very poor compared to my 'Wellgood Loop' purchased from a Russian EBayer(RA0SMS) but designed by British amateur George Smart M1GEO.

  • @begbieyabass
    @begbieyabass 3 года назад +1

    if i put the stainless loop in thin black cable cover would that effect signals.. because of climate and coastal living stainless steel rusts.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад

      Nope should not effect it. I lived near the ocean so I know what you mean

  • @KPussGT
    @KPussGT Год назад

    Well done. I don't have a jack on my radio to attach the "sma" - how can I connect to the telescopic antenna on my Retekess 629?

  • @jeffthompson8663
    @jeffthompson8663 2 года назад +1

    What's the difference between this + and the ,,,-other than about $10 difference.

  • @ebonyivory149
    @ebonyivory149 3 года назад +2

    Hi. What about the material of tube?
    Is it plastic or...? Thanks!

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +2

      thats just an old PVC tube that I had lying around, it does not come with this kit.

    • @ebonyivory149
      @ebonyivory149 3 года назад +1

      @@Iridium242 Thank you!

  • @ceecee3152
    @ceecee3152 2 года назад +1

    Hi again
    I have a Tecsun PL-680 SW receiver. Can you tell me what adaptor(s) I would need to connect the MLA-30 to the antenna input of this unit ?
    Thanks once again , for your great assistance !
    Chuck.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  2 года назад +1

      a 4 mm plug adapter from an SMA adapter should work perfectly

    • @ceecee3152
      @ceecee3152 2 года назад

      @@Iridium242
      Thanks !
      Chuck.

    • @anthonylam8068
      @anthonylam8068 Год назад

      I have the same receiver Tecsun PL-680. How well did this loop antenna work for you. I'm thinking of getting one too.

  • @bmh67wa
    @bmh67wa 3 года назад +1

    Have you tried it indoors? I'm on the top floor of an apartment building with no balcony and solid windows that don't open. I've been looking for something that will increase reception.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +4

      Yes it works great indoors as well I would put it near a window but its a great antenna for indoor use.

  • @Impulse_Photography
    @Impulse_Photography 2 года назад +1

    So, since I know nothing about these types of antennas, can I build this and use it in my home - Not Outside, or does it have to be up high outdoors?

    • @sovietunion8304
      @sovietunion8304 4 месяца назад

      Hey sorry we’re late
      But it can work inside however your signal may be less
      Higher up in the house the better
      Probably avoid basement because of the foundation and ground
      Be aware that depending on your location you might introduce some interference from things like your WiFi router your power outlets and light bulbs
      Outside is better but it dosent necessarily need to be high as long as it’s a few feet of the ground it should work
      Higher is better but not crucial
      Highly doubt your be reading this scence it’s been 2 years
      But maybe your find it helpful

  • @tonythebutcher1959
    @tonythebutcher1959 3 года назад +2

    What’s the difference between shortwave and ham.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад

      Hams use shortwave bands, as well as VHF and UHF as well, so its sort of the same

    • @tonythebutcher1959
      @tonythebutcher1959 3 года назад +1

      @@Iridium242 TY

  • @ceecee3152
    @ceecee3152 2 года назад +1

    Can the MLA-30 be used as an indoor antenna ? It is impossible for me to pass the lead-in cable thru from the outside in my building
    Thanks !
    Chuck

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  2 года назад

      It will work just keep it away from anything that might generate any noise

    • @ceecee3152
      @ceecee3152 2 года назад

      @@Iridium242 Thanks so much !!
      Chuck

  • @richardnorris3884
    @richardnorris3884 3 года назад +1

    What type of battery are you using?

  • @javiersalazar5020
    @javiersalazar5020 2 года назад

    Will this antenna work to listen the 160 m and 80m Ham radio bands?

  • @ceecee3152
    @ceecee3152 2 года назад +1

    What must I buy to power the MLA-30 ??
    Thanks,
    Chuck.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  2 года назад

      You could use a simple cell phone charger or even a plug in adapter and plug it into the wal

    • @ceecee3152
      @ceecee3152 2 года назад

      @@Iridium242
      Thx again !!
      Chuck

  • @lucasmills1246
    @lucasmills1246 Год назад +1

    Will one of these make a big difference vs a wire on my PL 660?

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  Год назад

      The wire will be a bit noisier but this is great for indoor install and works very well if you can't so a wire

    • @lucasmills1246
      @lucasmills1246 Год назад

      @@Iridium242 I may end up grabbing one then, I think I'll mount it outside on some pvc

  • @ebonyivory149
    @ebonyivory149 3 года назад +1

    What type of cable arrived to receveir? Sma female or...??Thank you.

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +1

      BNC, in the pics it showed SMA female but it ended up being BNC

    • @ebonyivory149
      @ebonyivory149 3 года назад

      @@Iridium242 Thank you!!

  • @jungleman4921
    @jungleman4921 2 года назад

    Can not buy a MLA 30 antenna amp here in New Zealand.

  • @Psychonaut1974
    @Psychonaut1974 2 года назад +1

    You recieved China there on 9.855 👍

  • @sailingyemaya9781
    @sailingyemaya9781 2 года назад +1

    Would this be good for a Kaito KA500L?

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  2 года назад +1

      Yeah as long as you have the adapter to plug in the antenna it would work with any SW radio

  • @richardnorris3884
    @richardnorris3884 3 года назад +1

    I really like this loop antenna. However my radio does not have that Jack. Does anyone think I could make an adapter and put a clip on it and then attach to my whip antenna?

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад

      Yeah i dont see why not, I use an alligator clip for mine

  • @RadioRich100
    @RadioRich100 3 года назад

    ever compare the MLA-30 to a long wire end fed antenna?

    • @toml.8210
      @toml.8210 Год назад

      A long wire antenna will collect more energy and wavelengths, depending on the length, without amplification, and the loop antenna has the the ability to null out interfering signals, when you turn it.
      End-fed refers to transmitting antennas; the MLA-30 is only for receiving.

  • @prashantvernekar41
    @prashantvernekar41 2 месяца назад

    Horrible experience with setup.. it's impossible to build it neatly.. i didn't get the perfect round shape at all..😒

  • @privateerwoodworksnmore
    @privateerwoodworksnmore 3 года назад +1

    Will this work with a baofeng

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +2

      Nope, the Baofeng works on ham bands UHF and VHF, and this antenna is not made for that, its also made for receive only so transmitting on it would damage it.

    • @privateerwoodworksnmore
      @privateerwoodworksnmore 3 года назад +1

      @@Iridium242 cool thank you, who do you recommend to learn how to properly use the baofeng on this platform

  • @doyrayburn2668
    @doyrayburn2668 2 года назад

    is this or sw only?

  • @ericluther1872
    @ericluther1872 3 года назад +1

    Can you transmit on hf

  • @richardnorris3884
    @richardnorris3884 3 года назад +1

    What SW bands does this pull in?

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад +2

      All of them, wont work as well on the AM Bands but it covers all shortwave bands

    • @richardnorris3884
      @richardnorris3884 3 года назад +1

      @@Iridium242 can you plug the usb power into a car USB port ?

  • @Snado
    @Snado 3 года назад +1

    I am 36

  • @francismcclaughry3794
    @francismcclaughry3794 Год назад

    ? on an off set on a tower would this interfere with it.

  • @jaakkooksa5374
    @jaakkooksa5374 3 года назад

    Does this work in MW?

    • @Iridium242
      @Iridium242  3 года назад

      It will help some but not work as well on MW as SW