A loft-mounted quater-wave ground plane antenna for digital radio reception

The cost of Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) receivers has dropped dramatically and they are becoming very popular. Most rely on telescopic aerials and in most areas two or three DAB multiplexes (also called “ensembles”) can be received, but the transmitter coverage is still evolving and some areas do not get good coverage.

This article describes an easy-build omni-directional antenna suitable for room or loft mounting. Details are also given for mounting the antenna outside and it can be easily modified for use on other v.h.f./u.h.f. bands, for instance the 2m and 70m amateur bands.

The prototype aerial was conceived and successfully constructed in just over the hour. Buying all the parts new, the antenna should cost under ten UK pounds (18 to 20 US dollars) and many of the bits may already be to hand.

As described here, the cable from the antenna plugs into a 75O F-type socket in the author’s Pure Evoke-1 DAB radio, but other plugs can be fitted as necessary if needed.