Skip to content

Enhancing Low-Frequency Antenna Performance

Interest in very low frequency (VLF) radio has been rekindled due to the application of digital methods. With software-defined radio, the need for massive coils has been eliminated, yet there is still a requirement for...

Enhancing Low-Frequency Antenna Performance
Enhancing Low-Frequency Antenna Performance

Enhancing Low-Frequency Antenna Performance

In a recent development, the topic of Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio has seen a resurgence of interest, driven by digital techniques and the use of software-defined radio. A new video contribution to the discussion offers fresh insights on what factors significantly influence the performance of VLF loops.

The video features a 9-foot square antenna loop suspended in the air, a setup that might not be universally accepted by neighbours. However, the use of software-defined radio has eliminated the need for the huge coils traditionally associated with VLF radio, making the technology easier to handle and more accessible.

The video discusses the factors that have the most impact on received signals. One such factor is the material used in the VLF loop antennas. Ferrite materials, known for their high magnetic permeability and low electrical conductivity, are particularly beneficial. They enhance the antenna's ability to concentrate magnetic fields and reduce signal losses, thereby improving signal sensitivity and selectivity.

The experiment varied several parameters, including different types of ferrite, various numbers of loops in the antenna, and wire diameter. The changes in performance are visually demonstrated through graphs included in the video.

This is not the first time we've discussed such antennas. In an earlier post, we delved into their potential and the benefits they bring. The ease of experimenting with antennas and radios has increased significantly due to software-defined radio and robust computer simulation, making it easier than ever to explore and understand the intricacies of VLF radio.

The comment section of the video is a testament to the ongoing interest in the topic. Viewers have suggested other parameters that could be worth experimenting with, further fuelling the discussion and the pursuit of knowledge in this fascinating field.

Read also: