Making the most of your receiver Eddystone Stratton VK7AG 0002
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HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS FROM YOUR RADIO RECEIVER There are many different types of listener using Eddystone receivers and also there are several types of receiver possessing different characteristics. Of necessity, therefore, the advice given in these notes is of a general character. Some users are very interested technically as well as zsthetically—others are solely interested in the actual performance obtained, and, providing the latter is good, are not concerned how it is brought about. Those in the first category are usually in the position to know how to get the best out of the receiver, and we would ask those in the second category to appreciate the fact that, by paying attention to a few details when installing the receiver, their listening pleasure can be greatly enhanced. Some of the following suggestions, which amplify those given in the Instruction Book, can be carried out by the user with little difficulty—others may need the assistance of a friend or of the distributor from whom the receiver was purchased. USE OF AN EARTH. Twenty years ago it was the rule to go to some trouble to provide a really good earth for any wireless set. To-day, probably the vast majority of users do not bother about a direct earth connection. With a mains operated receiver, an earth of sorts generally exists. One side of the mains is ustally earthed and the metal work in any receiver tends to take up earth potential, although this is not always the case, particularly on the higher frequencies. As with other receivers, your Eddystone set will function well without an earth connection, but, if you want maximum performance on all frequency ranges, a good earth is definitely advisable. It will confer two benefits—one to balance the aerial and increase the effectiveness of the latter, the other to reduce background noise, particularly in cases where electrical interference is experienced. A metal plate buried in the soil, with a lead of moderately heavy wire, as short as possible, is the best arrangement. Failing this, it is often possible to fit a clip to a main water pipe, but the latter should have only a short run before going into the ground. If, for any reason, the earth lead has to be long, the effectiveness of the earth will vary, but it is well to leave it connected at all times, since it is always desirable, for reasons of safety, to earth electrical apparatus. On board ship, it should not be difficult to make a direct connection to a metal bulkhead, which, being in electrical contact with the sea, will make a first-class ‘‘earth’’. AERIALS. Books have been written on aerials, and all we do here is to make sugges- tions regarding various types of aerials which, from practical experience, we know will give excellent results when used with an Eddystone receiver. The better the aerial, the better the results you will obtain. Reception is possible using an indoor aerial, but this is not recommended. An indoor aerial is screened by electric wiring and various metal work, and is also liable to pick up interference radiated off the electric mains. The proportion of noise may therefore be high and, on a sensitive receiver, the background noise will be more than it should be. The wire used for the actual aerial is relatively unimportant. Mechanical strength is the main consideration, and 12 or 14 gauge wire—enamelled or plain—will usually be satisfactory. Stranded 7/22 wire is equally suitable. Insulators should combine adequate mechanical strength with high insulating Properties, and the latter should be maintained in all sorts of atmospheres. One cannot do better than choose the Cat. No. 966—it is suitable for use with any type of aerial and is often employed for transmitting aerials. One at each supporting point is usually sufficient. Page One