Active Antenna

Short-wave listeners often are not able to, or allowed to, install a long-wire antenna or other large dimension antenna in or around the home. In such cases, the present active antenna, intended for the frequency range 3–30 MHz, may be found useful. The author used a 1-metre long rod or brass tube with a diameter of 2–6 mm. The circuit consists of two parts, one to be located close to the antenna, while the other should be placed in the associated power supply of the receiver.

Picture of the project:

The two sections may be connected by a coaxial cable of up to 20 m long without causing any discernible attenuation. The antenna signal is pre-amplified by a two-stage combination, T1-T3. The main amplification is provided by the input transformer, formed by L3, L4, and L5, in the receiver section. This is followed by a switch that enables the frequency range to be selected (3–10 MHz in position LOW, and 9–30 MHz in position HIGH). The signal strength may be adjusted to suit the receiver with potentiometer P1.

The active antenna is readily constructed with the aid of the two printed circuit boards shown. Since we are concerned with only relatively low radio frequencies, the choice of components is not too crucial. Various types of FET may be used: BF245, BF246, BF256, or the SMD variants of these, but do mind their connections! The same applies for the transistors: BFW16, BFY90, BFR91, BFR96; any of these will do.

Circuit diagram:

A few hints for readers who conduct their own experiments. A lower value of capacitor C1 results in a somewhat looser coupling to the antenna, but also in lower signal strength. It may be worthwhile to replace the capacitor with a variable type. Inductor L6 ensures that the output voltage at higher frequencies (30 MHz) is not much higher than at lower frequencies (3 MHz). This is because the Q factor of coils L4 and L5 increases at higher frequencies, which leads to higher amplitudes. This is compensated by L6.

Parts and PCB layout:

This inductor may be omitted and replaced by a wire bridge, but then the output voltages at higher frequencies increases. Aim at obtaining as tight a coupling as feasible between L4 and L5. Because of this, it is better to wind the two coils as one, that is, 30 turns with a tap than to wind two separate coils (see photograph).

COMPONENTS LIST
Resistors
R1 = 470k
R2 = 220k
R3 = 1k
R4 = 100R
R5 = 150R
R6 = 39R
R7 = 1M
P1= 470R logarithmic
Capacitors
C1 = 1nF
C2,C3,C8,C9 = 100nF
C4,C10 = 47µF 25V radial
C5,C7 = 47pF
C6 = 500pF tuning capacitor
Inductors
L1,L2,L6 = 10 turns 0.7mm ECW, 4mm
diameter (wind on 3.5mm drill bit)
L3 = 1 turn 0.7mm ECW, around L4
L4 = 8 turns 0.7mm ECW, 12mm
diameter (wind on 10 mm drill bit)
L5 = 22 turns 0.7mm ECW, 12mm
diameter (wind on 10mm drill bit)
L7,L8 = 1mH miniature choke
Semiconductors
T1 = BF247B
T2 = BF245A
T3 = 2N5109