EARTH ANTENNAE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12772, 25 May 1912, Page 3 (Supplement)

EARTH ANTENNAE.

WIRELESS WITHOUT MASTS. * MELBOURNE, May 17. Experiments conducted m Melbourne and at Hobart by Mr Balsillie, the Federal Government's wireless expert, directed attention to successful , European experiments of a similar nature. The well-known German experimenter, Dr. F. Kiebitz, declared, after his summer work last year, that towers and masts at wireless stations were not necessary, as wires laid m the earth or supported a few feet above the earth served their purpose. These wires have become known as earth antennae, and they appear to have all the qualities essential for high-power, work.

For some months the German Telefunken Co. has been making tests with these earth antennae, while Mr Marconi — at work with the Italian army m Tripoli — has had good results from wires without supports. The abolition of wireless masts has for some time been con-, sidered practicable. Apart from the large saving, the important strategic ad vantage will bo gained that the enemy will not find wireless apparatus an easy mark for their shells.

Another important consideration — as is pointed out m recent scientific journals — is the directive capacity of the earth antennae. The waves of ether are directed towards a goal, instead of being sent away m all directions for every instrument that can pick them up to read and make use of. As far back as November, 1910, Dr. Kiebitz signalled from Potsdam to Berlin, about 13 miles. More recent experiments have given surprising lesults, and for great distances. The Marconi Glace Bay station — 3400 miles away — was heard by means of a 1400-yard wire laid m its direction.

Dr Kiebity, m writing of his experiments, says it is a matter of minor importance whether the wires are laid beneath the earth's surface or are carried a little distance above it, or Whether earth connections 'are used or hot. The preference as to which arrangeriient is to be employed will depend on local conditions.

It has been decided by the PostmasterGeneral that, subject to further . experiments, the Federal stations to be erected after the present chain of six is completed shall be on the horizontal antennae principle.

A fourth operator is to be employed at the Melbourne station, m order to five a continuous service during the 4 hours.