| If you are setting up a radio station, the choice of a | | | | the antenna. The polarization can be vertical, horizontal |
| good antenna that is compatible with the transmission | | | | or circular. If the radio signals have to be broadcast in |
| equipments, is unobtrusive, has low wind resistance | | | | a short distance (say to cover a city) we generally |
| and is weatherproof and sends these electromagnetic | | | | used vertical polarized antenna. If the signals have to |
| signals with minimal loss is vital for quality radio | | | | be radiated beyond this range we generally use |
| broadcast. The primary function of antenna is to acts | | | | Horizontal polarization. Thus if you plan to start a FM |
| as a transducer that converts and radiates radio | | | | radio station that covers a city or a part of it, you |
| current as electromagnetic signal into the space that is | | | | should begin by using vertically polarized omni |
| capable of being listened to using a typical radio | | | | directional antenna. However as this should be in |
| receiver set. | | | | congruence with your transmitter, we suggest you to |
| Here is a brief checklist of things that you need to | | | | do as advised by your equipment vendor. Additionally |
| know for setting up your own radio station | | | | you will also need to check the fading results (both |
| 1. Types of antenna - Broadly two types of antenna | | | | long term and short terms) of the antenna as this has |
| are used for radio broadcasting - omni-directional or uni | | | | a major bearing on the quality of radio signals received |
| directional. An omni-directional antenna radiates in all | | | | at the listener's end. |
| directions while a uni directional antenna radiates | | | | 3. Impedance - Impedance is the measure of the |
| electromagnetic signals only in a particular direction. | | | | opposition to the natural radiation of radio signals. The |
| While large radio stations use a combination of both | | | | unit of measure for impedance is ohms. Voltage |
| these antenna technology, you can ideally use an omni | | | | Standing Wave Ratio is another related factor to be |
| directional antenna in the beginning. | | | | looked when buying an antenna. A 50 ohms or lesser |
| 2. Polarization - Polarization is the property of the | | | | impedance with a 1.1.5 VSWR would be practically |
| orientation of the electromagnetic waves radiated by | | | | suitable for starting a FM station. |