As a radio frequency enthusiast, you'll often see terms like "loop antennas," "active vs. passive," and frequency ranges. Many people are confused about the properties of a loop antenna, when to use it indoors or outdoors, and which antenna is suitable for which radio frequencies. At Deltron, we sell the Deshibo GA-450, GA-800, and WV-601, among others – each with its own strengths. In this blog post, we'll clearly and technically explain the differences, what you need to know about use and features, and ultimately: which antenna is best suited to your situation.
What exactly is a loop antenna?
Basic principle
A loop antenna is essentially a closed loop (ring or loop) of conductive material, connected to a receiver via a suitable connector. In receiving applications, the focus is often on the magnetic component of the electromagnetic wave—rather than the electrical component, as with many linear antennas.
This makes loop antennas relatively insensitive to electrical noise (e.g. from local equipment), and often better than traditional antennas in noisy environments.
Active vs passive
Active loop antennas have a built-in low-noise preamplifier and often automatic or guided tuning. This allows weaker signals to be more audible without the antenna itself having to be extremely large.
Passive loop antennas don't have an amplifier; they're usually simpler and more robust, but they don't offer signal amplification. So you're dependent on the gain in the receiver itself.
By using an active amplifier, active loop antennas can achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio, especially at weak frequencies.
Direction and zero direction
A key advantage of loop antennas is that you can rotate them to align a signal source while filtering out interference sources. In the direction of the loop axis (i.e., perpendicular to the ring), you often get a "null" (usually a drop in signal)—which helps to attenuate unwanted interference.
Overview of the three Deshibo models
Below is a table with the most important technical specifications and operating characteristics:
| Model | Diameter | Frequency range | Type | Line-up | Gain |
| GA-450 | 20 cm | 2.3–30 MHz + support MW 522–1,710 kHz | Active | Indoor (with outdoor use in dry weather) | 20dB |
| GA-800 | 26 cm | 10 kHz – 159 MHz | Active | Indoors and outdoors (in dry conditions) | 20dB |
| WV-601 | 70 cm | 0 – 999 MHz (receive) / 144–148 & 430–440 MHz (10 W transmit) | Passive | Recommended outside | Passive |
Deshibo GA‑450 - compact indoor loop antenna
- 20cm barrel, stainless steel ring, 360° rotatable
- Frequency range 2.3 – 30 MHz (short wave) plus medium/long wave (522 – 1,710 kHz)
- Active amplification up to 20 dB
- Powered by USB-C (via an 18350 lithium battery)
- Output via BNC (to receiver)
Use in practice
- The GA-450 is designed for indoor use (in your shed, attic, etc.). The manufacturer warns to avoid contact with moisture/rain.
- Because the ring is compact, you can place it quite close to equipment — just be aware of sources of interference such as computers, adapters, and LED lighting.
- Because you can rotate the ring, you can minimize interference by pointing the neutral direction at the source of interference, while the antenna points at the desired signal.
Suitable for which tires?
- Ideal for the shortwave bands: 3 MHz to 30 MHz (SW)
- Also supports medium/long wave (AM range)
- Less suitable for VHF/UHF reception or transmission, as efficiency decreases outside that range
Deshibo GA‑800 - versatile active multiband loop
- Barrel diameter 26 cm
- Coverage from 10 kHz to 159 MHz — that includes LW, MW, SW, FM, even parts of VHF (including amateur bands 6 m, 4 m and 2 m)
- Automatic tuning (“Tune‑Free”) — you don't have to tune the ring per frequency
- Built-in amplifier & interference suppression
- Built-in 18650 battery (USB-C rechargeable), protected against deep discharge
- Weight ~ 650 g, input impedance 50 Ω, gain up to 20 dB
- Comes with 5m cable for remote setup
Use in practice
- Because the antenna "tunes itself" (automatic tuning), you can place it a little further away (for example in the attic, in a garden shed) to avoid noise from the immediate vicinity.
- It is not waterproof, so only use outdoors in dry conditions.
- Thanks to the wide frequency range you can be very flexible: from long wave to VHF bands.
- Because it is relatively compact and lightweight, it is ideal for portable use (holidays, outdoor installations).
- The directivity allows you to minimize interference by rotating the loop and fading out edges where noise is coming from.
Suitable for which tires?
- From LF/LW (10 kHz) to VHF (159 MHz): so long wave, medium wave, short wave, FM, aviation band and amateur VHF bands
- Less suitable for transmitting (no mention of exact transmission power outside amateur bands), so in practice mainly used as a receiving antenna
Deshibo WV‑601 - Wide passive outdoor loop + 2m/70cm transmission
- Running diameter 70 cm (700 mm)
- Reception range: 0 – 999 MHz (virtually the entire frequency spectrum)
- Supports transmission up to 10 W on the amateur bands 144–148 MHz and 430–440 MHz (2 m and 70 cm)
- Passive design, no active amplification
- Rugged construction with aluminum ring, IPX4 water resistance
- Comes with mast, 10m cable (BNC) and other adapters
Use in practice
- This antenna is designed for outdoor installation (roof, balcony, mast) due to its larger size and water resistance.
- Being passive, it is simpler, more robust and less susceptible to indoor interference problems.
- When used in combination with a good receiver or amplifier it can function well — when using it for reception, the gain in the receiver is important.
- The ability to transmit (10 W) at 2 m / 70 cm makes it suitable for radio amateurs who also want to integrate a small transmitting side (note: according to local regulations and licensing).
Suitable tires
- In reception: practically the entire spectrum — from LF to UHF
- In transmission: specifically the 2 m (144–148 MHz) and 70 cm (430–440 MHz) amateur bands, up to 10 W
Tip: Even if someone buys the GA‑450 for indoor use, it may be useful to have a GA‑800 or WV‑601 in the future for outdoor installations or if you want to listen to VHF bands.
Practical tips for optimal use
-
Placement and distance to sources of interference
The further the antenna is from electrical noise sources (computers, adapters, lighting), the better. With the GA-800, you can use a longer coaxial cable to keep the power supply/receiver out of the immediate vicinity. -
Using the zero direction
Rotate the loop until the unwanted signal (interference source) “disappears” — this is effective in reducing noise. -
Grounding & booming
Especially for outdoor installations, good grounding or lightning protection is important (depending on local regulations) to prevent damage from static charges. -
Coax quality
Use high-quality coax (50 Ω) with little attenuation, especially for longer distances. -
Interference suppression & filtering
If necessary, you can use additional HF filters or mains filters to prevent interference from household appliances. -
Weather resistance
The GA‑450 and GA‑800 are not typically waterproof—use a sheltered location when using outdoors. The WV‑601 is rated to IPX4, but extreme weather conditions may require additional protection or covers. -
Transmitting (WV‑601)
When using the WV‑601 to transmit on 2 m / 70 cm, ensure the coax and connectors are rated for 50 Ω, that you operate at the correct power (max. 10 W), and that you operate within regulations and licensing.
With the Deshibo GA‑450, GA‑800 and WV‑601 you have three antennas, each with its own characteristics:
- Deshibo GA‑450 : compact, indoor, shortwave/medium wave oriented
- Deshibo GA‑800: Versatile, multiband to VHF, portable, active amplification
- Deshibo WV‑601: Rugged, extended frequency, outdoor use + 2m/70cm transmitter option
Which one is best for you depends on your situation, your listening goals, and whether you also want to transmit.
