RADIO AND ITS RECEIVERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 451, 5 September 1928, Page 6

RADIO AND ITS RECEIVERS

Conducted for THE SUN by

R. F. HAYCOCK.

Unsightly Aerials STICKS ON CHIMNEY-STACKS Light Steel Masts Arrive THE problem of wliat sort of aerial to erect is one that causes the prospective radio purchaser no little concern, and frequently the possibility of having to employ labour to erect big - poles has frightened away many who would take up a very fascinating - hobby.

When one takes a stroll round the city and suburbs it is surprising the number of unsightly, and in many cases ungainly aerials that one comes across. Sometimes you will see two very crooked sticks tied together in a very slovenly manner and lashed in a still more slovenly way to a chimney pot. Very often a pretentious pretty home will be spoiled in this way. It may be that a youthful radio fan is responsible, and that father is too indifferent about the appearance of his home to care, but apart from detracting from the appearance of an otherwise nice place it is an eyesore to the district.

In another part, one will see tall ungainly heavy poles surrounded by a network of supporting stays. Certainly this is not so ugly as the chimney stack atrocity, but with a heavy pole the large number of stays necessary to keep it in position take up a lot of room, and there is always this possibility that if tlie wind brings down a heavy pole it may cause considerable damage, and even personal injury. There is another thing against the heavy pole. Sometimes the aerial breaks and it is necessary to take the pole down and there is the same

amount of labour to be expended as there was in getting it erected. Water pipes, jointed, make fairly neat aerials, but on the other hand there is always a danger of them bending when being erected, and once they are out of the straight they are very difficult to true up again.

To my mind, what are known as Laker steel masts are the best proposition for the radio fan who wants a decent-looking pole, and one that will not take up much room. A 30ft pole with stays only occupies a radius of 41t Gin, and as the net weight is only 401 b one man can raise or lower the mast in a few minutes. It is made in four sections and the assembly takes only a few minutes. The mast is of handsome appearance and as there are, no projections to offer any resistance to the wind it will remain straight and last for years. The Laker steel mast is also made in a 25ft length, and the price of the 30ft and 25ft mast is exceedingly moderate.Such a mast as that described will add to. the appearance of a home, and its arrival on the Auckland market should materially assist those who have been waiting for a light, attractivelooking mast before commencing to erect an aerial.