An antenna for 30-50 Mc service having substantial freedom from noise caused by precipitation static and corona

An antenna for service in the 30-50 Mc band is presented which affords a high degree of immunity from the noise of precipitation static and corona. Throughout this paper the noise caused by the impingement of charged particles is termed precipitation static. Corona is treated separately. A predominant feature of this design is a dielectric sheath enclosing the radiating conductor. A study of the causes of precipitation noise show it to arise principally from a spark between a charged particle of precipitation and the antenna conductor. Noise from this source is estimated to be reduced about 30 db by the dielectric sheath. Experimental apparatus is described which enables quantitative measurements to be conducted in the laboratory. A standard approach is used to minimize corona effects.