What kind of antenna polarization should you use when working with low and medium frequencies?

When working with low and medium frequencies, using vertical polarization is advantageous due to the propagation characteristics associated with these frequency ranges. Vertical polarization allows for better ground wave propagation, which is essential for these frequencies as they often utilize skywave and groundwave methods for transmission. The ground reflection primarily influences how signals travel at lower frequencies, and vertical polarization helps in reducing losses caused by ground reflections.

Additionally, vertical antennas tend to have a lower radiation angle, which enhances their performance over longer distances, especially in terms of achieving reliable communication in varying terrains. This is particularly useful in applications such as AM broadcasting and other low-frequency communications, where ground connectivity and line-of-sight may be significant concerns.

Horizontal polarization is less effective in low and medium frequencies due to the higher potential for ground loss. Circular and elliptical polarizations are more typically used in specialized applications such as satellite communications or where multi-path interference is a significant issue. Thus, vertical polarization stands out as the optimal choice for ensuring effective signal transmission at these frequencies.