BROAD-BAND VLF TRANSMITTING STAGGER-TUNED DIPOLE,

Abstract : A moderately efficient, easily constructed, broad-band VLF transmitting antenna is needed for ionospheric physics research. A low cost, multiconductor, stagger-tuned horizontal dipole was constructed on the Island of Hawaii. Measurements were made to confirm equations that were derived for the input impedance and efficiency. Theoretical and experimental input impedance and efficiency curves are presented for the VLF band. Field strength measurements were made at a distance of 42 km and 4000 km from the antenna, using ten different VLF frequencies. Theoretical and experimental radiated field strengths are compared and show fair agreement. (Author)