The wire behaves as a travelling-wave line weakly coupled to ground. A terminating resistor absorbs energy reaching the far end and produces mainly one-way reception.
Antennas · F1SYH
Beverage antenna
The Beverage is a very long, low receiving antenna designed for directivity and signal-to-noise ratio rather than absolute signal strength.
HF
Réception
Directive
Operating principle
Main characteristics
Typical gain
Gain absolu faible, bon rapport signal/bruit
Impedance
Environ 400 à 600 Ω
Polarization
Principalement verticale basse
Difficulty
Intermédiaire
Dimensions and design
Length is commonly between one and several wavelengths on the lower HF bands. Typical height is only about 1 to 3 metres.
Construction and tuning
Step 1
Select the preferred receiving direction.
Step 2
Install a long, reasonably straight wire.
Step 3
Use a transformer for the high antenna impedance.
Step 4
Install a non-inductive terminating resistor.
Step 5
Provide effective grounds at both ends.
Step 6
Isolate the feed line with a choke if required.
Advantages
- Excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
- Useful directivity on 160, 80 and 40 metres.
- Rear-signal reduction.
- Broadband receiving operation.
Limitations
- Very large required space.
- Low absolute gain.
- May require a preamplifier.
- Strong dependence on grounding.
History and origin
Harold H. Beverage developed the antenna during the 1920s to improve long-distance reception.
Safety
A low wire must be clearly marked and kept away from paths.