Sony AN-1 Active Shortwave Radio Antenna 

Quite breathtakingly spellbinding.

nice demo, thanks for sharing- just my 2 cents & I realize this was a quick first test but I don't think comparing it against the built-in telescopic indoors is a fair fight. These days, any radio using the built-in telescopic indoors will pick up an enormous amount of stray RF, enough to completely block many signals, where as the AN-1 being outside & using properly shielded cabling does not suffer from that interference. Also antennas are very directional so to really compare, you'd need to take the Sangean radio outside to where the AN-1 is located & repeat the test.

This is a beautiful radio.

I bought an AN-1 when first introduced. Excellent quality and performance. 35 years later still working like new!

People that say shortwave is dead a) don’t have a radio that picks up SSB (amateur radio signals) and/or b) are using their portable SW radios antenna indoors.

Wait 12 months I have a very new type of loop antenna that I am currently working on, for LW, MW and SW bands. That will have a number of advantages over your standard active antenna. So there is hope out there for radio DXing, with newer antenna designs, that will be available soon.

That is an interesting antenna thank you for showing it.

Could one incorporate this along with a long wire, i have one of these never used, was in a motorhome I bought, all in box just no wip antenna, or Ac plug, i had a nice Sony ICF 7601 12 Band.

Hi Tom, I’ve read mixed reviews on the use of active antennas when used within buildings mostly negative reviews. However, with that in mind, I’me interested in how they perform in areas well away from rf interference. A year on from making this video, I’me wondering wether your still enthusiastic about this antenna regarding it’s overall MW/SW performance especially when your out on your radio ventures. I’me considering the AN-1 for mobile use, finding quiet locations away from interference. I’me thinking despite the negative reviews, operating in quiet rf locations could offer some good potential listening results. Your video presentation shows to be worthwhile.

greetings from Berlin. If you stumble across this comment, just curious to see if you think the AN 1 is a decent enough antenna for shortwave listening. There is a seller in Germany offering a newish one in box and I am quite tempted, though not cheap. Generally | use portables outside with a reel antenna attached and generally that set up works quite well. Would the AN 1 add much to that? thanks, Andrew

I have that same antenna, but the tantalum capacitor burned out and I don't know its value. I have searched the internet and have not found the schematic diagram. Could you please help me. Atte. Yerko

I've been listening to SW radio since the early 60's. It was great fun then but many of the great stations are gone now. I still listen today but I can't find near as many stations as you have with the AN-1. I'm going to find one and try it. Great idea!!

Great find! don't see yourself anymore of these things! I listened to Radio Nacional da Amazônia 6.180Khz, Brazilian radio broadcasting from Brasilia, capital of Brazil, to the entire Amazon region. Congratulations, 73.

I've always though those antennas have a certain cool factor. Nice to see if has decent RX performance.

Hello sir, my late father had previously worked as a Special Grade Technician (Naviaids/Leased & Service Channel) at a Radio Department in 1970s. Does he knew to perform this activity of job. Thanks in advance.

More on an-1 antenna: I tuned in Hanoi domestic on 15010 khz daily. 7.5 kw ERP, so only S-2. This in both downtown DC and Reston.

Hi Tom, I will be posting a sale for one of these Sony AN-1 - like your find in great shape.. in fact this one is new in box. Reply if you have some one else needing and I can send info.

It seems to work well. It is definitely a antenna for an apartment dweller or maybe portable use. Thanks for the demonstration also. 73s Brian

I may be able to help you with the Sangean. I don't own that one, but the issues you seem to have are familiar to me and are similar to other radios.

Have an AN-1 from around 1984, worked fine with a Sony SW55, which sadly has failed following battery leakage and a broken AM Sensor switch. Only the clock works from 0:00. Used to listen to HCJB Equador and made a few pen friends around the world. HAM was ok., thinking now about getting a SDR and using that on my Mac. but unsure if the AN-1 is good enough for 1khz to 2Ghz.?

Great find!

I made a 16 inch pizza box AM loop antenna that blows the AN-200 away. Next project, a loop made from a four foot box a solar panel came in. Waiting on the tuning capacitor to arrive.

That is a wonderful, awesome antenna. I had it for ten years or so, outside my house in all weather condition. But someday it has gone...... sniff.

very nice. much respect. they have one on ebay 186+21 shipping wow. 73,kb3aum

Tom, hey, I just got an AN-1. Are you using a power supply for your antenna controller? If yes, what is the brand/model number? Thank you for your time! KI7JRA

Beleza de rádios exelent thank

I picked up one from a garage sale for free years ago. I just pulled it out to take another look at and see what it does. Thanks for the video.

I really enjoy your shows. I have a Uniden BCT8 scanner. The antenna lead into the radio looks like the old car radio antennas. I can't find a name for it. I want to put up an outside antenna. Can you tell me what it is called? It's not a BCT, or RCA or the rest. I have a antenna with a SMA lead into it. Kids here don't know what I am talking about. I have 150 feet of RG 58 coax. Any help would be a great help.

Does anyone know a similar product that is available on the market now?

I wish SONY would produce updated version of excellent amplified shortwave antenna, SONY an-1. If you come by a used model, don't connect to the mains, but rather usefresh AA batteries to avoid RFI from your electrical grid. But do put an-1 up out in the open away from all obstructions 100 feet if possible.

@radiodog did you still have this antenna?

Works very fine !! Tks mate !