Antennas for Receiving Signals in Amateur Radio
Find designs and projects for receiving antennas, including loops, flags, and arrays, to improve signal reception for ham radio operations.
Good receiving antennas are crucial for operators, especially when chasing weak DX signals on the low bands. While a single antenna often handles both transmit and receive, dedicated receiving antennas can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio, making the difference between hearing a rare station and missing it entirely. This is particularly true on 160 and 80 meters, where atmospheric and man-made noise can easily mask faint signals.
Hams often experiment with various designs to optimize reception, from simple wire loops to complex phased arrays. This category offers insights into building and deploying specialized receiving antennas like the K9AY loop, Flag, or Delta designs. Operators can find construction details for active ferrite rod antennas, wideband loops for SWL, and even specific designs for WWVB reception, helping them pull out those elusive QSOs from the noise.
Sort:
Subcategories
- EWE (7)
-
K9AY receiving antennas for PA6Z made by PA9M -
This document by W4HM explains the construction and usage of a 160 meter balanced coaxial receiving loop antenna, which can be easily adapted for the 40 and 80 meters bands. The content provides detailed instructions on building the antenna, its advantages, and how to optimize its performance for amateur radio operations. It is a valuable resource for radio amateurs looking to improve their receiving capabilities and enhance their overall radio communication experience. -
VE7CA experiments on 160 meters band antennas, looking for better performances on reception. -
N6RK receive only loop antenna -
KD0SO receiving loop for 160 meters -
Coaxial receiving loop antennas for 160m and 80m bands, ideal for reducing noise. -
Low noise, receive only coax loop antennas for 160 - 10 meters HF bands -
Active antenna with a frequency response that is flat from 5kHz to over 30MHz -
This article addresses the subject of obtaining the best signal transfer from an antenna to the typical 50-ohm receiver input over a wide frequency range, with emphasis on medium-wave (500 - 2000 kHz), encompassing the standard AM broadcast band and the 160-m amateur band. -
A receiving loop antenna project suitable for 150-430 KHz reception by Gregg van der Sluys -
Comparison chart for low-band receiving antennas -
A ranking of receiving antennas based on noise being evenly distributed in all directions. These rankings are most accurate in the frequency range of AM broadcast, 160 or 80 meter bands -
N2DS home made loop page collection. -
Delta 160-meter receiving antenna used at FO0AAA -
A very compact receive antenna made with ferrite bars by PA0FBK -
Details the construction and measurement of an experimental HF receiving loop antenna, inspired by VK2TPM's 80m loop. Includes resonance data and -
HF receiving loop antenna, an easy-to-make receiving loop antenna for HF -
The antenna was built to be used for shortwave listening with a Tecsun PL-660 radio receiver. Later it was used with Yaesu VX-6 handheld transceiver and with Yaesu FT-817ND for shortwave listening. -
A DIY discone antenna project made to improve receiveing performance of an RTLSDR receiver. -
How can you vastly improve your Medium Wave reception? its quite simple really, all you need is 120 foot of wire, a few lengths of timber and an old tuning capacitor with which you can build the answer to every DX'ers prayers, a tuned loop antenna. -
This PDF document provided by AT technologies explains how to build the K9AY loop receiving antenna. -
An excellently presented article on the design and construction of a medium wave DX Antenna -
K9AY 160M / 80M Receiving Loop Antenna System by K7SFN -
This receive only loop covers a frequency range of about 5 MHz to 22 MHz and is built from readily available parts. -
Detection and recording of Schumann resonances and other electromagnetic phenomena at frequencies below 50 Hz By Hans Michlmayr -
Martin Francis NDB K9AY mast project, with pictures and homebrewing details -
VA3STL experience on reorganizing his shack and setting up a new random lenght wire antenna for his Yaesu FRG-7 receiver -
Wideband receiving phased arrays with small electric or magnetic active wideband elements are discussed in details. Practical results and examples are given. -
Experiments on remote receiving loops antenna by Lyle Koehler, K0LR -
A DIY project detailing a 160m/80m band splitter and switch for K9AY receive antennas, designed to enhance SO2R operations and provide RF isolation -
Schematics, mechanical drawings and picture of a Receiving loop antenna by N5ESE - N5FC -
Magic Anti-Jamming antenna for shortwave reception -
A slooper design as a HF antnena by John Beattie, California. USA -
Anyone attempting to work DX on Top-Band 160 Meters, soon learns of the need for a good receiving antenna. This is a 160 meter 8 element receiving array. -
A compact directional receiving antenna -
The Answer To Suburban DXing On the Low Bands - by Merv Schweigert, K9FD -
An LF/VLF Portable Loop Antenna N4YWK -
AM loop antenna for 75/80 meters band -
A detailed construction guide for the W1TAG LF Receiving Loop, a 6-foot square, 14-turn antenna built with PVC and #12 THHN wire, designed for LF -
A shielded broadband (~200 MHz) active loop antenna offers more quiet and relatively less interference reception. -
A quick and easy to build loop antenna for shortwave listeining can tune from 5 to 18 Mhz -
Learn how to build a portable receiving antenna for the 160 meter band. This guide provides detailed instructions on constructing a loop antenna using a coaxial cable RG-316 with SMA connectors. The antenna weighs 1.7 kg and has dimensions of 2m in height and 1.892m in width. The wooden frame consists of four 0.945m long pieces and two 1m long pieces. Perfect for hams looking to enhance their 160m band reception during travel or portable operations. -
These antennas are larger versions of the small loop antennas that were part of the cardboard back panel of older AC/DC five tube AM radios. Loop antennas of this type were popular in the very early days of radio. They are still useful today for long distance reception of AM radio stations -
The receiving antenna setup for the top band, made with a 9 elements vertical antenna array, remote controller and remote relais. -
Dodgy plans to make Archimedean spiral antenna for RTLSDR software defined radio receiver. Made of two equal lengths of coaxial cable seems to be the easiest circularly polarized antenna to make that will cover a broad range of the rtlsdr dongles E4000 tuners -
The document details the construction and performance of a rotatable flag antenna designed for a small lot. The 7x14 feet flag, built with fiberglass poles and an aluminum hub, shows improved reception compared to the author's previous transmit antenna. Key components include a conventional transformer for impedance matching and a variable resistance termination system to optimize performance. Despite challenges like nearby objects affecting signal patterns, the antenna consistently provides better signal-to-noise ratios, making it a valuable addition for low-band listening in suburban areas. -
Chokes and isolation transformers are essential for receiving antennas to mitigate common mode current, which induces noise and interferes with signal quality. Common mode chokes, formed by winding feedline through ferrite cores, block unwanted current effectively. Proper selection of core material and winding turns ensures resonance near the operating frequency, reducing interference. Isolation transformers further minimize interference, crucial for multi-transmitter stations. -
This project focuses on testing and comparing various antennas for receiving ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) signals, utilizing software tools like RTL1090 and Virtual Radar with an RTL-SDR dongle. The goal is to evaluate the reception range ("ReceiverRange") and performance of different antenna types when tracking aircraft signals, particularly around the Amersfoort area. The project includes a comprehensive photo album documenting the antenna designs and setup processes, serving as a valuable resource for enthusiasts building ADS-B reception systems -
The basics of what is a discone antenna for wide band or bandwidth omnidirectional applications. -
Home made discone antenna used with RTLSDR dongle -
Low Band Receiving Antenna, it is a ground independent Receiving antenna which only needs two 10m support poles by DH1TW -
Ferrite rod antenna or aerial, a form of RF antenna that is widely used in RFID and transistor radio applications. -
This page describes a couple of parts box medicine bottle antennas that you can build. The ground side of the capacitor is soldered to the ground of the BNC connector. The positive side of the capacitor takes 5 turns around the toroid and is soldered back to itself. The center pin of the BNC connector takes 5 turns around the toroid and then continues on to the wire wound inductor. From there the antenna continues with an attached piece of wire. -
DIY project for a high-performance two-element receiving loop array for HF bands (160m-20m). Features diamond-shaped loops, preamplifiers, and phase-delay -
Notes on how to properly install a Mini Whip receiving antenna in an noisy urban environment. -
A really simple LF receiving loop antenna -
Discover the best low band receive antennas for hams with limited space. Learn about the K9AY loop antenna and Shared Apex Loop Array, two alternatives to the traditional Beverage antenna. Understand the concept of Relative Directivity Factor (RDF) and compare the performance of different receive antennas. See how the Shared Apex Loop, patented by Mark Bauman (KB7GF), offers an RDF between 8 and 10dB. Find out how to optimize antenna performance and enhance your receive capabilities on 160, 80, and 40 meters. Explore the world of low band receive antennas with insights from WB5NHL Ham Radio. -
An Active antenna designed for VLF and shortwave radio reception. A small antenna capable of excellent performances on low bands, made on a copper plate and introductio to active antennas. -
Constructs a phase-controlled receiving array for QRP low band fox hunting, focusing on noise reduction and enhanced weak signal reception. -
A review of all possible receiving antennas for top band 160 meters -
A receiving loop antenna for low frequency DX Work -
This loop antenna is intended to be connected as an antenna for receivers that do not have a built-in antenna such as an HF set or an old tube radio. This square barrel is wound on a wooden frame. It consists of two windings that are galvanically isolated from each other, a main and a coupling winding. The diameter is about 40 cm. -
This page is a project for a small loop antenna for reception of short wave broadcasting. It is in Portuguese and contains pictures and schematics to build your own antenna -
Receive-only loop antennas have some nice response characteristics that make them ideal when used for reception of skywave signals. -
How to build a super AM antenna, These plans have been used by many people, with good results. -
This project explores the construction and performance of an Alford Loop antenna as an alternative to a round loop. The Alford Loop, symmetrically fed at opposite corners, behaves like a small loop despite its larger size. Built using PVC pipes and secured with tire wraps, the antenna integrates an LZ1AQ active amplifier for optimal performance. With deep nulls in its horizontal radiation pattern and improved resonance characteristics, this design has significantly outperformed previous active antennas in reception quality. -
This article presents an innovative homebrew antenna design utilizing surplus ladder line as a receiving antenna for HF and MF bands. The Ladder Line Antenna (LLA) transforms standard 450-ohm ladder line into a directional, bidirectional, or omnidirectional antenna system through different termination methods. The design, which requires minimal space and height, achieves 6-10dB front-to-back ratio on 40-160m bands using a 33-foot length. This DIY wire antenna project offers an efficient, low-profile solution for amateur radio operators, featuring broadband operation without ground radials and easy installation below fence height. -
An experimental antenna for HF reception. It consists of a single loop element mounted on the ground. It is stealthy, small, and quiet. EZ-NEC plots and on-air test results are included. -
The small receiving loop (SRL) is a versatile and efficient antenna that can be simply built from common materials. It is designed for reception on the MF and HF bands and may be put in a variety of shapes and sizes. Despite its unusual installation, the porch loop in this case operated admirably, producing several DX spots on the 40m band. The SRL can be a great option for people looking to boost their reception on the MF and LF bands. -
In this article the author shows the receiving loop antenna for 160 meters band installed at his QTH. Diagram and movie available. Article in in Turkish but can be translated in english -
The article discusses the evolution of antenna designs, specifically focusing on the upgrade from the W7IUV rotatable Flag to the Waller Flag. Author Pierluigi Mansutti IV3PRK shares insights on modeling these antennas using EZNEC software, detailing their performance in noisy environments. The W7IUV Flag proved effective for receiving signals, while the Waller Flag, developed by NX4D and N4IS, offers improved front-to-back ratios but requires careful consideration of signal levels and noise management. The article emphasizes practical modeling results and interactions between different antenna setups. -
Learn how to build a simple tuned loop antenna for the AM broadcast band to improve the performance of your radio receiver. Discover how to construct a loop antenna with readily available materials, such as balsa and basswood, without the need for specialized woodworking tools. Follow step-by-step instructions to create a portable loop antenna that offers good gain and directivity, ideal for pulling in weak stations. Enhance your Ultralight DX'ing experience and explore the world of FSL antennas through this practical DIY project.