There are many types of short-wave antennas that are suitable for use by AM broadcast stations. Types of antennas that have been used in the past include: log-periodic, fan dipole, dipole arrays, cut Dipoles, conical Antennas, rhombics, sloping-V's,quads, corner antennas loops and whips. Log-period and dipole array antennas are the preferred method for AM broadcast because of signal strength, and the width of transmission frequency.
Low-power antennas suitable for AM broadcast radio stations include log periodic, fan dipoles, cut dipoles, spirals, conical monopoles and whips. Log periodic antennas are preferred by AM broadcast radio stations because they offer a wider range of frequency. Log periodic antennas can operate in a broad range between 2 to 30 MHz. Log periodic antennas are typically available in seven configurations: short range, medium range, and long-range, with directional, omnidirectional, or rotatable capabilities. Low-powered antennas typically use between 15 kilowatts and 80 kilowatts of power.
High-powered antennas typically used in AM broadcasting include dipole arrays and log-periodic. Dipole arrays are commonly constructed in two-, four-, or six-row rotational columns set in front of a reflection screen. The directional columns of the dipole array allow the signal to be transmitted to different targets. Low frequency dipole arrays can broadcast in the 6 MHz, 7 MHz, 9 MHz, or 11 MHz frequencies. High frequency dipole arrays can broadcast in the 11 MHz, 13 MHz, 15 MHz, 17 MHz, 19 MHz, or 21 MHz frequencies. High-powered log periodic antennas are suitable for broadcasting over a wider frequency range. Omni-directional log periodic antennas are designed to broadcast in a frequency band of either 2.3 MHz to 3.2 MHz. High-powered directional log periodic antennas broadcast in frequencies from 5.9 MHz to 26 MHz. Dipole arrays and log period antennas use between 100 kilowatts and 500 kilowatts of power when broadcasting.
Short-wave broadcast antennas are often constructed from materials that are resistant to corrosion, like steel. Catenaries, binding the antenna to the ground, are typically constructed of alumoweld, which is a steel rope coated with aluminum.
Short-wave antennas also require a power supply, or feeder system. This is typically constructed from a coaxial cable, connecting the transmitter to the antenna. A tapered line balun may be required to power an antenna of 50 kW to 500 kW.