Apparatus and method for local broadcasting in the twenty-six megahertz short wave band

摘要

A short wave omnidirectional antenna for the 26 Megahertz band provides line-of-sight broadcasting at comparatively low power to serve local communities while suppressing sky wave propagation. Sky wave suppression is achieved by a critically configured reflector above the radiator or by a co-located second active or parasitic radiator spaced to achieve sufficient beam tilt to create a null at critical angles, generally from the horizon to thirty degrees above. This arrangement allows local broadcasts to be originated at numerous sites despite the narrow extent of the band (330 kHz) and the narrow (10 kHz) channel width. Among other possible applications, the antenna supports transmission using the Digital Radio Mondiale® (DRM®) system for COFDM. COFDM technology can suppress ghosting and most noise, while low emission angle of the antenna and low intended transmitter power largely prevent interference between broadcasts at moderate distances.