The nocturnal service area of MF AM broadcast stations using vertical arrays

The nocturnal service area, or distortionless area, of MF AM broadcast stations depends on the radiation properties of the transmitting antenna and the physical constants of the ground surrounding the transmitting site. These ground constants limit the maximum antenna height and establish how large the nocturnal service area will be. In some instances the nocturnal service area can be increased by the use of vertical antenna array. In this case it is very important to know the increase of the theoretical nocturnal service area of the station and if the use of more sophisticated radiating systems is justified. Calculations were made to determine the theoretical nocturnal service area of a station using vertical arrays, and curves with maximum distortionless distance are given as a function of frequency and ground physical constants. Measurements on reduced-scale models in HF and VHF bands are described, and improvements in antenna antifading properties and in nocturnal service area are shown