The quadrant aerial: an omni-directional wide-band horizontal aerial for short waves

As a preliminary to the problem of designing a simple wide-band short-wave aerial for omni-directional requirements, the paper briefly discusses the comparative merits of vertical and horizontal polarization when low suspension is involved. The stages leading to the development of a novel form of aerial based on known principles are outlined, and the antecedent and subsequent experimental tests are described. The factors limiting band-width are examined, and this in turn leads to an examination of the factors determining the form and dimensions of an aerial under working conditions. The economical grouping of the aerial is considered, and some particulars are given of a check on the arrangement finally adopted. Ideal polar diagrams are illustrated, and attention is devoted to the modifying effect of physical conditions on the vertical diagrams. The paper concludes with an analysis of the quasi omni-directional properties of the horizontal dipole. The mathematical treatment of the diagrams is given in the appendices, and, for consistency, a short appendix outlines the derivation of the formula for transfer loss.