DXER RECEIVES MANY STATIONS WELL AT OHOPE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 52, 17 October 1949, Page 5

DXER RECEIVES MANY STATIONS WELL AT OHOPE

DXing. is a common hobby in New Zealand but it is surprising how many people do not know what it is. Started in the early twenties when radio was first becoming established it has grown until today it is one hobby that has a worldwide following. The symbol DX is a code term meaning distance and today describes the hobby of radio listening. The idea is to tune round the dial at all hours listening to stations and then write to them describing the programme heard, the strength and the state of the reception. It is surprising how many follow this hobby. Most stations reply with what is called a “very” or verification report and it is these reports that are highly prized by the D.X.er. The other day a DXer from Ohope, Mr C. Williams, came into the Beacon with a bundle of verification reports from stations from just about every country in the world. Possibly he was doing it to disprove the contention .of some Ohope residents that radio reception in the area is not good but his imposing collection of verification reports prove that at least he is “raking” in the stations. Foreign Language

Some of the cards are in the language of the country in which the station is situated. For instance one is called “Radio-Brazzavii.” Brazil at the first glance but it is actually from French Equatorial Africa. Another from “Radiocentro, Habanj,” obviously the Radio Centre of Havana. ,

The English comedian Ronald Frankau .popularised Radio Luxembourg in a popular sketch. This station, which used to broadcast commercial programmes from powerful transmitters in Europe beamed to England has ben received at Ohope on shortwove. The pile of cards provides interesting reading and some of the stations have some bright sayings. “Radio Clube de Mocambique” contends that it is “the station for happy listening.” The Sydney radio 2GB is “The Nation’s Station.” WCKY Cincinnati is “On the air everywhere” while Radio SEAC in Colombo, Ceylon, reveals that it is the forces broadcasting service.

There are cards from most countries in South America, including the highest, radio station in the world at Quito, Ecuador. This is a missionary station and has religious broadcasts in 13 languages. It is almost, as it claims, “the voice of the Andes,” from where it transmits. There is Radio Nacional from Brazil, while Uruguay sends a brightly printed card with the caption, “under the Souther Cross vibrates in the \oice of ‘EI Espectador’ the fervent wish for and the ratification of the Liberty of Man.” El Espectador is evidently the station.

China Too The Chinese International Broadcasting Station in Chungking has been heard at Ohope while Canadian and American stations now seem no novelty. New Zealand is also represented. The shortwave station “Radio New Zealand,” not usually heard in this country, has been received' well. Other stations are there, also the little known Samoan station 2AP.

If the pile of' cards brought in by Mr Williams are any indication it must prove that reception is not so bad at Ohope.