Radio Antenna Insulators

Increasing Efficiency

of Antenna Insulator

No matter how efficient an insulator is in dry weather its efficiency will always materially decrease during rain or snow. This is particularly the case of the common ball type insulator. For a number of years a correspondent has been using a scheme to protect the insulator on his antenna which has proven extremely efficient. This simply consists of covering

the insulator with a tin can as shown in the illustration. This can should be of such size that there is at least three-quarters of an inch clearance on either side of the insulator, and it should be placed so that the opening is at the lower end. A hole is bored through one end of the tin can large enough to pass the insulator eye through and this hole should afterward be entirely closed with solder. The can should also be painted inside and out to prevent rust and corrosion. This type of covering will keep the insulator fairly dry in the most severe weather and those weak signals will still be picked up during heavy rain storms. — Radio News.