Longwave Antenna Projects and Designs
Explore designs, construction guides, and optimization tips for longwave antennas, covering the 136 kHz band, LowFER, and LF/MF frequencies.
Operating on the longwave bands, particularly 136 kHz and the 1750-meter LowFER segment, presents unique challenges for amateur radio operators. These frequencies demand large antenna structures and careful impedance matching due to their extremely long wavelengths. Hams pursuing DX or local QSOs on these bands often engage in extensive homebrew antenna projects, pushing the limits of what is practical in a typical backyard.
This category provides resources for designing and building effective longwave antennas. Operators can find detailed documentation on constructing vertical antennas, including innovative designs like the G3YMC 136kHz Vertical Antenna, and guidance on optimizing LowFER transmitting antennas. There are also insights into specialized components such as transformers for low-band antenna systems and practical advice for building portable VLF antennas, like the BikeLoop, for enhanced reception.
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Experimental 136kHz Vertical Antenna at G3YMC utilizes a Butternut HF2V design, featuring a 6.5mH loading coil and matching transformer for optimal performance. -
This article describes the antenna for Low Frequency Beacon. It originally appeared in the "Lowdown" for Oct. 1999. -
Learn to design efficient LowFER antennas for the 1750-meter band, addressing FCC restrictions and optimizing performance for effective transmission. -
Reduced size longwave antennas by Cesare Tagliabue I5TGC and his experience on 136 kHz band. -
Construct a double magnetic loop antenna for VLF frequencies using bicycle rims. -
Transformers for 160m antennas are detailed, focusing on construction, performance, and measurements of 1:1 transformers using BN-73-202 cores.