The Aerial.

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 11, 28 September 1928, Page 9

The Aerial.

BEFORE numbers of valves were generally used, every possible device to amplify signals was employed. The aerial and the earth received special attention. A lengthy high aerial was a factor of some importance; but in these days of multiple valves and electrical devices, this important factor has received little. consideration. The position of the aerial is of considerable importance, and even if operating a crystal set it is a good rule to see that it is placed at least six feet above surrounding buildings and trees. The ability of an aerial to collect energy depends directly on its height. ‘Thus, for a erystal receiver, which should have as much energy from the aerial as possible, no pains should be spared to make it as high as ‘possible and as far above and away from trees and buildings as the resources of the listener will permit. . If a valve set is used an excessively long aerial is often an embarrassment rather than a help. There are two main reasons for this. (1) A large aerial will collect a great deal of static and reception will be marred. This effect is not so pronounced on a erystal receiver. (2) It tends to broaden tuning and a weak station is difficult to pick up without interference, while a powerful one is working. This is of little importance where a crystal set is used when one station only is brought in.