Reader's Suggestion

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 45, 23 May 1930, Page 28

Reader's Suggestion

OUR articles on wireless aerials were most interesting and instructive. Permit me to.give my experience in making and erecting mine. The masts are made of oregon pine 3in. by 2in. Three lengths, each 25ft.. long, are required, and can be used either rough or smooth. Before erection they require at least two good coats of paint. Two pieces, each 2ft, 6in. long, are cut ‘from one of the 25ft. lengths. These are fastened between the two long lengths, with half-inch bolts and nails. One piece is placed at the end and.the second piece about the middle of the long lengths. The end of the remaining long length has two bolt holes, drilled to correspond with = similar holes through the top of the bottom section of the mast. The topmast, with pulley for aerial, back stay, and side stays attached, is now loosely bolted through one of the aforesaid holes in the lower mast, which is now ready for erecting. Owing to its comparatively short length, viz., 25ft., the lower portion is easily erected. A board placed at one side of the hole, for the foot of the mast to rest against, will prevent it sticking into the earth, as the mast is raised. When this operation is completed, the hole can be filled with concrete. The topmast will have its lower end sticking up at an angle. By means of a strong thin line, or wire, previously attached, it is an easy matter to elevate the top half until a strain can be placed on it by means of the back stay. Just before it. reaches the extreme vertical position, a ladder can be placed

against the lower section, and the line removed. A further haul on the back stay brings the lower bolt-hole in line, and with the insertion, and tightening up, of the bolts the job is done. All that remains now is to anchor the back and side stays, and haul up the aerial. The above idea is cheap, easy to carry out, and will stand any amount of wind. I have found three side stays ample, but more can be added if desired.