Radio Antenna Insulators

Guidelines for Installation

[Newspaper]

Publication: San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco, CA, United States
vol. 123, no. 111, p. 17, col. 1-3


RADIO


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The antenna wires should be kept as far away from the aerial supports as possible. The antenna insulators should be of a good grade, and should be designed to that they do not absorb water, and have low capacity between their terminals. Glazed porcelain insulators are the best, with genuine electros second. Avoid purchasing porous or unglazed porcelain or cheap imitation composition insulators. Keep the antenna insulators clean and preferably replace them every year, they don't work so well when dirt gets an inch thick on them. The long, thin shaped insulators are better than short, thick ones, as the capacity is much lower. See that the lead-in enters the house through a good porcelain tube, and that it does not touch the house other than at insulated points.

The antenna wire should be of large area and should be selected with care. Flat copper ribbon, copper stranded cable, and large size copper wires are all good. Don't use iron wire that has a mere film of copper plating on it. Copper plated iron wire is used much, but in view of the fact that copper wire is so cheap, it would be advisable to use No. 12 or 14 copper wire throughout the entire antenna system. Insulation on the antenna wires is beneficial, inasmuch as it prevents corrosion to the wires and does not detract from the general efficiency of the aerial.

Be sure to solder all joints in the antenna. A well-designed antenna and ground system contributes materially to successful reception.


Keywords:Radio Antenna Insulator
Researcher notes: 
Supplemental information:Article: 10767
Researcher:Glenn Drummond
Date completed:February 11, 2010 by: Glenn Drummond;