How to Determine Full Wave Antenna Length

Every radio uses an antenna to receive signals. At the radio station, a transmitter tower has its own antenna that broadcasts the signals. An antenna is a metal bar or wire that produces a small electrical current when radio waves pass through it. The most efficient antennas match the wavelength of the radio signals it is intended to receive. The length of radio waves depends on the speed of light and the frequency of the radio signal. You can determine the length of a full wave antenna by a simple calculation.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Enter 1005 into the calculator. This number is a conversion factor, taking into account the speed of light and the megahertz frequency of radio waves.

   • 2

     Press the divide key. Enter the megahertz frequency of the radio signal for which the antenna receives. For example, if you want the antenna to receive a signal with a frequency of 550 megahertz, key in "550."

   • 3

     Press the equals key. The calculator displays the length of the full-wave antenna in feet. In this example, 1005 / 550 = 1.83 feet.