ADVANCE KAIKOURA!

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 89, 12 November 1936, Page 2

ADVANCE KAIKOURA!

REPEATER STATION AT POST OFFICE The repeater or “booster” station in Kaikoura is now an established fact, and the new and imposing building at the corner of and Torquay Streets accommodates the plant for amplifying or boosting up telephonic communication between Christchurch and Wellington, enabling three conversations to be carried on simultaneously, much on the same principle as shortwave wireless, each set, as it were, acting on different wave-lengths. In the centre compartment of the building is a 12 h.p. Diesel engine for generating current to charge the huge set of batteries which supply the current to operate the repeater apparatus. A few feet from the engine and generator, stands a power panel switchboard with two (A. and B.) controls and battery and generator control panel. There are two generators, one of 24 volts, 100 amp. type, and the other of 120 volts 15 amp. type; also a fuse panel and battery filter bay. The two-way amplifier of three channels, as previously stated, enables three conversations to be carried on at one time, over one pair of wires, with Wellington. The line filter serves the purpose of eliminating noise and cutting out the humming sound that is heard at times. Then there, is an oscillator box for testing purposes. Tests arc made at four-hour intervals. The main object of the “booster” is to amplify messages on the Christ-church-Wellington circuit, by giving greater strength of signal and a steadier circuit, and acts as a centre pivot between Christchurch and Seddon. As the service extends the present plant will be duplicated at the three centres. Mr W. J. Service is the installing engineer, Mr R. P. Black the senior mechanician. Messrs G. A. Soanes and L. T. Barnett mechanicians, and Mr George Rich the power mechanic. In a few days’ time the new plant will be in full swing and a further step made in the advancement of Kaikoura.