Loop Antennas

Loop antennas

A loop antenna is primarily used for the AM broadcast and the bands of Long wave. Mainly there are two types of loop antennas, among them one is ferrite bar same as the am radio and other is in the form of air core. A loop antenna is multidirectional. A loop antenna will receive the signals on the opposite side and off side of the antenna signal will be very weak or there is possibility of no signals. When there will be no frequency the user will pick up another on the same frequency.

A loop antenna may have an amplifier. Loop antennas are available in many sizes. Gain from the loop antenna depends on the size of the loop. Mainly amplifies is used by the small antennas. A loop can be wound in two ways that are box or spiral. In case of winding up the loop antenna in a box, it is wound perpendicular in the same direction of the loop.

In the spiral form the antenna is wound up parallel to the loop’s diameter. This will make the each and every loop smaller. A loop needed to rotate to null out the signal. Size of the loop will determine the number of turns. Smaller loop will require more loops and vice versa. The use of the tuning capacitor is to tune to the desired frequency.

Ways to connect the loop to the radio

The most convenient way is not to connect the loop at all, for this the user will require the international antenna with the portable radio. The user will be able to pick up the signal field of the loop. Radio can be placed at a place where it can receive the best signals. The second way is to connect couple to the loop. This method will allow connecting to center and end of the loop. An amplifier will be required.


The third and the lash method are employing a pick up coil. In this method wire is turned once and positioned inside the loop. The wire is then connected to the radio. The user should find a good place where the signal is good.