TerraBooster - Active shielded 'Loop on ground'

The TerraBooster is a cutting-edge HF active shielded H-field loop-on-ground antenna system available in three configurations: Mini, Medi, and Maxi. Designed for exceptional low-noise signal reception, the TerraBooster is optimized for the entire HF band, with loop circumferences of 16 meters (Mini), 32 meters (Medi), and 56 meters (Maxi).

All models use RG174/U coaxial cable for the loop element. The braid of the coax acts as an RF shield and is grounded through an integrated filter. This innovative design dramatically reduces received noise levels, offering superior performance compared to traditional passive loops on the ground.

Key Features

• Dual MMIC in push-pull configuration for high dynamic range
• Extremely low noise figure and high sensitivity
• Impressive 45 dBm IOP3 (Third-Order Intercept Point)
• Operating frequency range: 500 kHz – 50 MHz
• RF-shielded braid design grounded with a filter for reduced noise
• Build in RF limiter and ESD protecion
• Build in common mode choke
• Mildly directional

What's Included

• TerraBooster Active Unit (Mini / Medi / Maxi depending on your selection)
• RG174/U receiving element length depending on type, 16 meters (Mini), 32 meters (Medi), and 56 meters (Maxi)
• 10 meters of coaxial cable with RG6 with F-Connectors on
• Bias-T with integrated line isolator (13.8V input, F-Type to SMA output)
• SMA-to-BNC Adapter Cable
• Open-ended PowerPole DC power cable
• Ground Peg

Optional:

• Stainless Steel Ground Peg with F-Connector Bulkhead (for longer coaxial feedlines) with RX RF Line Isolator

Design Philosophy

Unlike conventional loops, the TerraBooster incorporates a fully shielded design that isolates the receiving element from local electrical noise. The braid of the RF174/U coax not only shields the loop but also serves as part of a low-impedance path to ground, significantly enhancing signal-to-noise ratio.

This approach results in a much quieter noise floor, making weak signal reception possible even in noisy environments. Ideal for amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, and DXers who demand performance in QRM challenged locations.

Mounting & Placement

Place the TerraBooster on the ground or slightly elevated, away from buildings and electronic devices to minimize EMI. For best results:

• Use a proper earth ground for the grounded braid
• Avoid routing cables near power lines
• Optional: use a ground peg to simplify groundin

Directional Characteristics

Unlike most compact ground-level receive antennas, the TerraBooster exhibits slight directionality, which is beneficial for DXers looking to suppress unwanted signals or noise from a particular direction.

When deployed in an open area, the TerraBooster forms a broad cardioid pattern with maximum sensitivity perpendicular to the loop, and slightly reduced sensitivity in line with the coaxial cable ends. This results in a mild front-to-back and side rejection of noise or interfering signals—particularly helpful in suburban or semi-rural locations with known EMI sources.

This directivity is most noticeable when comparing signals from stations at similar distances but from opposing directions. Turning or reorienting the loop by 90° can reduce localized noise or enhance desired signals, depending on your station layout.

The illustration shows three typical deployment examples:

1. Single TerraBooster (left) :Positioned in a single orientation, the TerraBooster offers strongest reception perpendicular to the loop—ideal when targeting signals from a known direction or suppressing interference from another.
2. Rotated Setup (center): A second unit is oriented at 90 degrees to the first, covering a complementary direction. This allows users to selectively switch or combine antennas depending on signal direction.
3. Dual Opposing Setup (right): Two TerraBoosters are installed facing each other, forming an “X” pattern. This provides broad dual-directional coverage with minimal overlap and is particularly easy to install and feed—simply run two coax lines back to the receiver. This setup gives balanced gain in two opposing directions and is perfect for DXers or remote SDR installations.

While not a beam antenna, this strategic layout takes advantage of the TerraBooster’s directional characteristics, offering users a flexible way to enhance signal-to-noise performance depending on geography and station goals.

Technical Specifications

Model Comparison

Listen to a live installation near sea level (-2m ASL Lombardsijde, Belgium) via our SDRs

Grounding Advice

Connecting the braid via the filter to a quality earth ground is essential to achieving the lowest possible noise floor. This grounding should only be done at one side of the coax cable. A dedicated ground rod or peg with a short run of wire is sufficient.

Performance. Precision. Quiet Reception. TerraBooster next level Loop on Ground antenna!