THE COUNTERPOISE
ALTERNATIVE TO EARTH. With summer dry weather ahead, some set owners may find it well worth their while to consider the counterpoise as an aid to better reception. There are localities where a good earth is far better than a counterpoise. There are also localities where a counterpoise is superior to the usual earth. There are, in addition, other localities where, at times, it is most useful to have a good counterpoise as an alternative to the best earth connection that can be made.
Even where a good earth connection gives as good results, as could be possibly be desired, a counterpoise forms the basis of a number of most interesting experiments in reception. When a counterpoise comes qndcr consideration, however, there arc many experimenters who hesitate to erect one because the counterpoise docs not provide a ready means of “earthing” the aerial when the receiving set is not in use. Undoubtedly this is the chief disadvantage of a counterpoise. It is an easy matter though, with an ordinary double-pole double-throw earthing switch, to provide alternative leads to the set from an earth connection, and from a counterpoise and, at the same time, to provide a means for earthing both aerial and counterpoise when the sot is not in use. When the earth lead is connected to the set, the counterpoise lead is rolled up and placed out of the way. When the counterpoise lead is connected to the set, the earth load is placed out of the way. When the switch is in the “off” position both aerial and counterpoise arc earthed. The only difficulty about erecting a counterpoise is that the wire must be run-as nearly as possible directly under the aerial, and at an awkward height, namely two or three feet above the ground. On many building allotments there is no room for it, especially if the aerial is led partly across the roof of the house. Perhaps the best course in most cases is to do everything possible to improve the earth before trying the other expedient.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MT19290104.2.83.3
Bibliographic details
Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6802, 4 January 1929, Page 10
Word Count
343THE COUNTERPOISE Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6802, 4 January 1929, Page 10
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