RADIO NOTES

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 27, 27 October 1926, Page 5

RADIO NOTES

(By

“Aerial.”)

Tn reply to “Dial” (Wanganui), the information desired cannot he obtained at present. Incidentally, “Dial” reports that several listeners at Wanganui cannot get 2YK, Wellington, on their loudspeakers, using five valve neutrodynes, while 3YA, Christchurch, and IYA, Auckland, are received with great volume. This is just another instance of the farcical nature of the Wellington station. Limitations of space at present forbid compliance with the request of "0.A.” (Feilding). "I am advised to put up a small cage aerial for broadcast reception,” writes “Lead-in” (Palmerston North). “What are the necessary specifications for same?” A cage aerial? is not desirable for broadcast reception. The best aerial for that purpose is a single wire inverted L aerial, about 145 feet in length, including the lead-ifi, and as high as possible. The wire may be 14 gauge hard-drawn copper or seven strands of 20 or 22 gauge wire of the same material. “Dubious” (New Plymouth) asks:— “How low should I let my A battery accumulator drop before having it recharged?” Tt is good practice not to let an A battery drop to less than onethird of its full capacity, checking it by a hydrometer, not by a voltmeter. Following are the New Zealand broadcast programmes for the remainder oi this week:— TO-NIGHT. IYA, Auckland, 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Concert. 7.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m: News and reports, etc. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Belay of description of boxing contest from Town Hall. The interval will be occupied bv concert numbers from the studio, including: Baritone solos (a) “Dream Tryst” (Cadman), (b) “Bois Epais” (Lullv), Mr. David Davids; pianoforte solos (a) "Aufschwung” (Schuman), lb) "Oiseau Prothetc,” Air. Leo Whit3YA, Christchujch.—3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon, concert. 6.30_ p.m. to 7 p.m.: Children's session. 7.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.: News and reports, etc. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Concert arranged by Miss M Garden, AT.C.L.; relay of orchestral selections from Everybody’s Theatre. 4YA, Dunedin.—Silent day. 2YK. Wellington.—3.4s p.m. to 5 p.m.: Belay of annual meeting of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals from the Conference Hall. Dominion Farmers’ Institute. The Hon. C. P. Skerrett. Chief Justice, will preside, nnd give a short address The relay will bo preceded with a short gramophone recital. • TO-MORROW. IYA, Auckland.—3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Concert. 7.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.: News and reports, etc. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.-. Chimes; relay of selections b.v orchestra from Prince Edward Theatre; soprano solo. “Spring’s First Violet” (Mendelssohn), Mrs. O. Fahey; concertina solo, selected, Mr. H. N. Sanders; humorous, selected, Mr. W. Roberts; violin solo. “Salut d’Amour” (Elgar), Miss B. Rankin; baritone solo, “Glorious Devon’ (Sandarson). Mr. A. Warbrick; concertina solo. “The Rink Waltz,” Mr. JI. M. Sanders; humorous, ‘"lntermezzo, Mr. W. Roberts; baritone, selected, Mr. A. Warbrick; grand organ “Monastery Garden” (Ketel’ey), Air. T. S. Webster; violin solo. “Phantom Melody, ' Miss B. Rankin; grand organ, "Finlandia’ (Sibelius), Mr. T. S. Webster; soprano solo, "Kathleen Mavourneen” (Crouch). Mrs. O. Fahey; grand organ, "Minuet in G” (Paderewski), Mr. T. S.. Webster; grand organ, “Selection—Rip Van Winkle,” Mr-. T. S. Webster. 3YA, Christchurch.—Silent day. 4YA, Dunedin.—7 p.m., studio request gramophone items; 7.30 p.m., news and reports, etc.; 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., studio concert by the Musselborough Presbyterian Church Choir, conductor Mr. G. H. Ellift'e; relays at intervals of orchestral items by Empire Theatre Orchestra, under direction of Mr. Charles Parnell; part songs, (a) "O, Will O'er the Downs” (de Pearsall), the Choir; (b) “Spring Song" (Pinsuti); vocal solo, “Pleading” (Elgar), Mr. H. A. Johnston ; selection, "Lo, Hero the Gentle Lark,” Empire Theatre Orchestra; ladies’ part-songs, (a) "Daffodils Are Here” (Ronald), the Choir; (b) “Sunbeams” (Ronald) /‘vocal solo, “The Little Blue Bay” (Mortimer), Miss C. M. Law; anthems, (a) “To the Great Lord’ (Rossini), the Choir; (h) “The Sun Shall Be No More” (Woodward); vocal solo, “The Devout Lover” (White), Mr. A. Mitchell; selection. “Suite” (German), Empire Theatre Orchestra; part songs, (a) "0, Peaceful Night” (German), the Choir; (b) “Lass of Richmond Hill (Hook); vocal solo. “Sing, Sweet Bird’ (Ganz), Miss E. Morrison; selection. "A Night in India” (Cobb), Empire Theatre Orchestra: ladies’ part-songs, (a) “Sweet Brier” (Somerville), the Choir; (b) "Barcarolle” (Tosti); vocal solo, "Muleteer of Malaga.” Mr. J. I. Allan; anthem, "Hearken Unto Me (Sullivan).Jhe Choir: selection, "Marche Militaire” (SehuberO. Fnmire Theatre Orchestra; vocal solo. “1 Seek for Theo in Everv Flower.” Miss J. Cassells; vocal solo. "Crown of the Year’ (Martin) Mr. G. H. Elliffe; anthem. 'A Gladstone Tb'ht” (S”'li'-nnl Choir: vocal solo. “Aliens Macdonald.” ' r rs. J. Mel«e>-. no>'t songs. (nA "Swe"? and Low (Bnrnbv), lb' “Good Night. Pretty Stars” (Johnson). *he Choir; vocal solo "Jve Marla” H’ahnh Miss P. Cln-c: sclect’on, “Zularkha” (Stoimhton), Empire Theatre Orchestra; hvnin. “There wore Ninety and Nine.” the Choir: yocal solo. ”n,...,TU Son.j” (gehnlwt) Mr. R Mitchell • vocal solo. "I Fnvv Every Circlet” (Finden). Miss B. Feitcherly: hymn, “Abide Me” (th P Choir). 2YK Wellington.-? 45 p.m.: Announcements; relav of Paramount Theatre Orunder the direction of Ah*, J], L Caulton. 8 p.m to 10 p.m.: A special relay. FRIDAY. IVA Auckland.-3 p.m. Io 4.30 p.m.: CoTv-p.-f-. (■ w n.m. to 7 n "i : Childrens session. 715 n.m. io 745 n.m : Neivs nnd reports. cfe. 8 n.m. to 10 p.m.: Grammar School nivhf of orchestral, choral, an' l vocal numbers. Details from station will be announced. IA'A <' i | ll .: c ;,.bor'-h.—3 n.ni (o 4.20 r> .m. • Concert. 7.15 nm. to 7.45 pm.: News •nd reports, elc. S p.m. lo 10 p.m.: °tndio concert nnd relav of orchestral spleetions from the Liberty Theatre. IT'A Dunedin.—3 n.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Concert. 7 n.m. - Children’s session. 7.30 n ni : Farmers’ session, avrangnd by Mr. P. R Tennant nf the nei-erfm'-nt of Aerienltnre. Arhlross. “Timely Hints fo Fonnrr’,” bv Fields division: address. "Talk to Farmers’ AVjvos.” by Professor Anno Stron". Ota"n Eniversitv. R n.m : Relav of r'jnsy Smith’s mission. f''om the Australian Court at the Exhibition grounds 9 n.m. to m n.m.: Relay from Sarov Cnba’’ct; Cvrns de Vigne nnd his Savor Noveltv Band. 2YK Wellington.— 3 n.m. to 1.30 n.m.: Studio concert nnd relav of Manuel Hyman’s Exhibition Band, from the uN'ow Adelphi Cabaret. 7 p.m: Childrens hour. 8 n.m.: Studio concert of latest Bristol rolls and records and dance relay. SATURDAY. IYA, Auckland.—3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. concert; 7.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m., nows and reports, etc.: 8 p.nb. quartet, (a) “Haunting Memory” (Bond), (b) "By the Sea” (Schubert), (c) "Annie Lauric (Parkes), (d) “Old Kentucky Home (Parkes), New Zealand Four; vocal solo. Selected, Mr. R. Dormer; tenor solo, Selected. Mr. E. Mnniell; tenor solo. Selected, Mr. A. Taylor; 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., relay of dance music from cabaret. 3YA. Christchurch.—6.3o p.m. to 7 p.m.. children’s session ; 1.15 p.nb to 7.45 p.m., news and reports, etc.: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., relay from Choral Hall of con-

cert, consisting of prize winners of the annual competitions of the Canterbury Bund of Hope Union. 4YA, Dunedin, and 2YK, Wellington. —Silent day. "Ohm” (Napier) and “Denit” (New Plymouth) request that the time schedules of the four principal New Zealand broadcast stations bo published tor handv reference. While there are occasional special sporting transmissions from some of the stations on Saturday aftprnoons, the regular time schedule of each s-tation is approximately as follows: IYA, Auckland, power output 500 watts; wave-length 420 metres. Transmissions: Sunday: 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday: Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.m.; bedtime stories, ‘6.30 to 7 p.m.; news and market reports, 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesday: Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.m.,- news and market reports, 7.15 to 7.45, p.m.; evening programme, 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday: As on Wednesday. Friday: As on Tuesday. Saturday: Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.m., news and market session; 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 11 p.m. 2YK, Wellington, power input 120 watts; wave-length, 295 metres. Transmits: Tuesdays, 2.30-5, 7.30-10.30; Thursdays, 7.30-10.30; Fridays, 2.30-5, 7-8 (children’s hour), and 8-10.30; Saturdays, 810.30 (radio dance night); Sundays, 6.5510, evening divine service, followed bibaud or orchestral offerings. 3YA, Christchurch, power output 500 watts; wavedeugth, 400 metres. Schedule: Mondays: .Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.m., news session, 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday: Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.iu., news session, 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays. Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.m.; children’s session, 6.30 to 7 p.m.; news session, 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 10 p.m. Fridays: Afternoon session, 3 to 4.30 p.m.; news session, 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 10 p.m. Saturdays: Children’s session, 6.30 to 7 p.m.; news session 7.15 to 7.45 p.m.; evening session, 8 to 10 p.m. Sundays: Relay of church service, commencing at 7 p.m., followed by items of entertainment until 9 p.m. 4YA,' Dunedin, power input 750 watts; wave-length. 380 metres. Present transmissions: Sunday, 6.30 p.m. onwards; Tuesday, 7.45; Thursday, 7; Friday, 7; Saturday, silent night. A tremendous increase ’in New Zealand radio licenses has resulted from the opening of the new Auckland anil Christchurch broadcast stations. The latest figures are as follow: Listeners licenses (including part time licenses), 6590; amateur transmitting station licenses, 105; amateur experimental station licenses, 2; dealers' licenses, class 1, 146; ditto, class 2, 106; ditto, class 3, 225; ditto, portable, 120; broadcasting station licenses, toll, 4; ditto, private, 6; grand total, 7304. Tho licenses to ilato have brought in something like, 1:11,000 to the broadcasting company. “Gong” (Hamilton) semis the following cutting taken from a northern exchange: “The Dompscy-Tunne.v tight, broadcast from the United States, was received at four o’clock in the morning oi a four-valve set in Auckland.’ He comments: “The above paragraph seems to indicate that radio stories are io take the place of fishermen’s tales. lhe bi-» fight took place nt Philadelphia a. 9 o’clock at night, which is equivalent to about 1.30 o’clock in the afternoon, New Zealand time. Either the tortunaie Auckland listener received the description of the fight before it took place-, or the radio waves occupied about l-> hours in coming from America, instead of their normal time of less than onetwentieth of a second! • Messrs. Farmer and Co. s Sydney station. 2FC, surprises some listeners by broadcasting the chiming and the striking of the hour during the progress ot a musical number, lecture, playlet, etc., the sound of the bells being superimposed upon the items. This is accomplished bv dual transmission. Also while the announcer is describing a new kinenia film which is being screened, he music from the orchestra in another theatre is superimposed upon the announcer’s words. Station 2FC, Sydney, now takes the tune signals from Sydney’s Post ~P a line having been run to Challis Ho’ lße > which is right opposite tho Post Office, bv arrangement with the university authorities Taking advantage of the •’FC system of dual transmission, the striking of the chimes ie -ery cleverly worked. At any moment during the rendering of an item from the studio or outside it is possible to place the chimes on the air at the same time forming an effective background. This avoids the necessity of crossing ever, and com. ing back to'the item being given, which means saving a wait of two minutes or more. The Auckland “Star” says: “There is a growing discontent at the quality of the local broadcast fare. Complaint ponies from the country ot frequent and poor relaying of items, and of the monotony of the tvpe cf programme sent out from the studio. Certainly the best talent in Auckland is not being heard per radio, mid listeners ivho pay for it are entitled to know why. A policy of parsimony will tenet upon tlio revenue of a station, and unless those in charge are wise enough to pay more than 10s. 6d. per performer, people will rapidly tire rf listen.ng to what is transmitted from ’YA. Artists who have appeared before tho microphone in Australia aro i-stonished at the fees paid locally. It seems strange, too, that our 'ocal station should be run from Christchurch, and that programmes for this centre should be arranged there. This procedure allows no freedom for the utilisation of our best talent, and gives io scope for local initiative that might do much to improve tho quality <,f broadcast entertainments. It is evident that unless a modification <f (he present policy is adopted the Broadcasting Company will become very unponular with the majority of listeners in the north.” A competition was recently organised by an American radio journal for a non-radiating short-wave receiver. Of all tho sets submitted for the judge’s approval, not one was found which I>iilcd to radiate. Long-distance reception has been unsatisfactory since last Wednesday. There has been a peculiar instling staticwhich has been associated with poor conductivity of the ether The writer brought in KGtJ. Sall Francisco, on Sunday evening, and heard a dance band (the Whitcomb Band) playing at the Wilt Gunzendorfer’s Hotel, Sun Francisco KGO was merely a shadow of its former self, and was audible scarcely more than 30ft. IToin the loudspeaker Several correspondents for months past have reported l hat KGO has been onlv faintly heard around Wellington Ou Monday night 3YA, Christchurch, transmitted a concert by the Christchurch Municipal Band, interspersed with vocal items. Reception in Wellington was deplorably bad. 3YA had frequent and severe spasms of distortion. The writer secured reports from other local listeners, and they were unanimous in their description of the distortion. At a range of only 175 miles one would scarcely expect atmospheric influences ■to ruin reception from an up-to-date station of 500 watts output..