Marconi's Parabolic Transmitter, by Guglielmo Marconi, English, c. 1896

Marconi's Parabolic Transmitter, with Righi oscilliator in ebonite frame. With curved copper reflector, and wooden ends & supports. Previously used, associated and catalogued with Marconi's Parabolic Receiver (Inv. Num. 31092).

Marconi used this transmitter, essentially a Righi oscillator or spark-gap with a parabolic reflector for directing the radio waves it produced, in demonstrating his system to the Navy, Army and representatives of the Post Office on Salisbury Plain in 1896. The signal was sent over several miles to the receiver now displayed at the other end of this showcase.