RADIO NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 101, 28 March 1929, Page 3

RADIO NOTES

(By “Transformer.”) ! One of the great American rubber importers keeps in touch with his plantations in Nigeria, Africa, by means of shortwave wireless. - Plate buckling in a wet battery is not so common a treble as sulphat'ing, and is usually caused by the cell being charged or ' discharged' at too high a rate. The. j heat set up in the ceil causes the plates to buckle, this- action sometimes causing Delicts of paste to drop off the plates and tall to the bottom of the cell, where, after a while, they will be of sufficient Quantity to .short circuit the plates, with disastrous results. i The most satisfactory method of volume control is to use a high resistance potentiometer instead of grid-leak, the grid connection being made to the slider of the potentiometer. A discoloured ebonie panel can often be made to look like new by the application of a little lubricating oil rubbed in with tho finger tips and polished with a soft duster. Short wave coils built into a vacuum .tube and mounted on a standard UX socket are, among the latest radio novelties appearing on the American market. • Mr li. Kauper, who owns and operates station SBG Adelaide, an amateur outfit, is shortly to attempt picture transmission on 32 metres. ’ . Coil winding can often be simplified by the use of a hand drill used in a vice. ■ It is unwise to share an aerial, as the stronger’ set is almost certain to rob the weaker ot the waves. A compromise is to break the aerial and insert a string of insulators and run a lead from ouch half. in congested areas it is wise to erect .aerials at right angles. This will minimise interference by radiation, for _ the saine reason, aerials should run at right angles to the power-lines, even if it means, a shorter aerial. The effect will be noticel, especially if it is a sensitive receiver which is employed. •JL'o reduce static, two aerials might well be employed, a short, low one, and a long, high one, with a change-over switch, which may consist of a tapping switch and two studs mounted on a piece of ebonite, a wire going from the tupping switch to the aerial terminal of the set, while each aerial lead-in is connected to one of the studs. , . „ When static is bad, it is futile to try and listen to distant stations; the local is bad enough, especially if the set is any distance away. • , ... , It has been said, in the case of multiple wire aerials, that six feet, is the minimum distance of separation. The reason for this is that the second wire, if too close, will act as a condenser such as that which might be used in combination with ■ a higher resistance to form a grid-leak. Tnere are then two conductors separated from one another with an insulator. The capacity of such a condenser can be altered by varying the distance between two conductors or plates of the condenser. Usually, this is done by moving plates passing in and out of fixed ones; closer the plates are together, the higher the capacity. The capacity of an aerial, therefdre, is dependent upon the distance between them, and, of course, the capacity of any aerial is one of the factors which determines the wavelength to which the aerial can be used effectively. There *is one radio to every three farms in the State of lowa, U.S.A., according to a recent report of the lowa Department of. Agriculture. The number of sets has increusud on lowa farms from 10,566 to a total of 76,032 in one year. THRESHOLD HOWL. Of all tho various cures for that disaster of disasters in short-wave work, threshold howl, perhaps tho most generally successful is the fitting of a potentiometer to control tho grid bias on tho detector valve. It usually happens that, if the grid leak is taken to filament positive, tho howl is bad; if taken to filament negative, on the contrary, the howl is done away with, reaction is smooth, but signals drop about 10 .per cent, in strength. By using tho potentiometer an intermediate position can bo obtained and a compromise effected so that you can get as near tho. positive ■ end as is consistent with smooth reaction arid sensitivity, as well as allowing tho operation to bo quite freo from tho howling trouble. Alteration of grid-leaks, of audio-trans-formers, output chokes (audio-frequency in the ’phone leads, or filter choke of the ordinary audio-frequency type), by-pass condenser hero and there, and alteration of spacing all assist at times, but one of the best methods—not infallible, but with, perhaps, a majority of successes to its credit —is the old potentiometer method, and if you are troubled by threshold howl you should certainly try it. WIRELESS TERMS. Continuous Waves (C.W.). —In modern wireless communication, particularly for telephony, the actual signal is superimposed upon a constant stream of ether waves, which are themselves inaudible. In telegraphy, this constant stream is broken by the “make and break” of tho morse key. Demagnetisation.—Telephone and loudspeaker magnets, having a_ definite polarity, may become demagnetised and consequently weakened. Demagnetisation may bo caused by connecting the leads the wrong way round, by dropping the ’phones or loudspeaker, or by the heating of the core. Detector. —A device, usua ii y a valve, or Crystal for converting into audible sounds the radio impulses received from tho aerial circuit. Dielectric. —The substance, or element, occupying tho space between the plates of a condenser. An air dielectric is used i in variable condensers, and a mica dielectric in fixed condensers. Directional Reception.—For all practical purposes the usual outdoor aerial may be regarded as non-directional —that is, capable of collecting energy from any direction. Generally speaking, the lower the aerial, tho more directional it is. Theoretically, however, the free end of the aerial should point away from tho transmitting station. TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. Radio programmes for' to-night are as follow: IYA AUCKLAND (333 metres). —6 p.m.: Children’s session (“Peter Pan.”) 7.15: News session. 7.30: Market reports. 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Orchestra, “Washing Poet.” “II Bacio.” 8.10: Vocal, Madame Mary Towsey’s Quartet, “The Lass with the Delicate Air.” 8.14: Pianoforte, Miss Doris' Binns, “Study in D Flat Major.” 8.19: Soprano, Mrs J. J. Sullivan, “I Dreamt that I Dwelt.” 8.23: Orchestra, “Minuet in G.” 8.28 : Vocal, Madame Mary Towsey’s Quartet, “Ever of Thee.” 8.32: Elocution, Mr J. F. Montague, “Rewi’s Stand at Orakau.” 8.39: Baritone, Mr John Bree, “Simon the Cellarer.” 8.43: Soprano, Madame Mary Towsey, “Nymphs and Shepherds.” 8.47: ’Cello , and Orchestra, Miss Mollie Wright, (a) “Slumber Song”; (b) “Spanish Dance.” 8.56: Vocal duet, “Peaceful Slumbering.” 9.0: Weather report. 9.2; Contralto, Miss Edna Peace, “My Mother Bid* Me Bind My Hair.” 9.6: Tenor, Mr John McDougall, “My Pretty Jane.” 9.10: Pianoforte, Miss Doris Binns; “An English Waltz.” 9.15: Vocal, Madame Mary Towsey’s Quartet, “Golden Slumbers Kiss Your Eyes.” 9.19: Baritone, Mr John Bree, “Drink to Me Only.” 9.23: Humour, Mr J. F. Montague, “You Do Look Queer!” 9.29: Soprano, Madame Mary Towsoy, “Where the Bee Sucks.” 9.33: Orchestra, “Glory of Russia.” 9.43: Vocal, Madame Mary Towsey’s Quartet, “Home, Sweet Plome.” 9.47 to 11.0: Dance programme. 2YA WELLINGTON (420 metres).—6 p.m.: Children’s session (Uncle Len). 7.0: News session. 7.40: Lecturette, Miss M. S. Christmas, Organiser, Wellington Federation Women’s Institutes, “Women’s Institute Work in New Zealand.” 8.0: Chimes. Studio concert by the Wellington City Citadel Salvation Army Band and assisting artists. 8.1: Band, “On to the War.” “Adoration.” 8.12: Quartet, The Mellow Fellows, “I’m Winging Home.” 8.16: Popular song, The Fatherly Fellow, “Sonny Boy.” 8.20: Band, “Home, Sweet Hotne.” 8.28: Character study, the Yorkshire Fellow, “A’m Excited.” 8.34: Gramophone record. 8.38: Light vocal, Miss Maude Farrant, “Our Farm” (“Our Miss Gibbs”). 8.43: Gramophone record. 8.50: Quartet, The Mellow Fellows, “Little Mother” .(theme song of the film production “Four Sons”). 8.54: Band, ; Welsh Melodies. 9.2: Weather report. 9.4: Songs, The Aussie Fellow, “Australian Bush Songs,” (a) j I‘Gomrades of Mine,”- (b) “Bush Night

Song,” (c) “Stockrider’s Song.” 9.14: Band, (a) yßeautiful Star,” (b) “He Wipes the Tear.” 9.22: Baritone, The Baritone Follow, “A Shady Tree.” 9.26: Gramophone record. 9.29: Comic, Miss Maude Farrant, (a) “Women Cost Less than a Man,” (b) “Colds.” 9.36: Duet, Two Fellows, “Meet Me To-night at Twilight. 9.40: Band, “The Atonement.” 9.47: Song, The Military Fellow, “Sergeant of the Line.” 9.51: Popular song, The Fellows One and All, “That’s My Weakness Now.” 9.55: Chorus with orchestra, Light Opera .Company, “Gems from ‘Bohemian Girl’.” 9.59: Bund, “Boston.” 10.2: Close down. 3YA CHRISTCHURCH (306 metres) 6 p.m.: Children’s session (“Uncle John”). 7.15: News session. 7.30: Talk, Miss B. Tossman on “Russian Furs.” 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Rebroadcast of 2YA Wellington. 8.6: Mixed quartets, The Melodious Four, (a) “For Music”; (b) “Request.” 8.10: ’Cello, Mr Harold Beck, “Death and the Maiden.” 8.14: Soprano, Miss Frances Hamercon, (a) “The Birds”; (b) “Slumber Song.” 8.19: Pianoforte, Miss Bessie Pollard, (a) “Berceuse”; (b) “Pilgrims’ Chorus.” 8.26: Tenor, Mr Rus6ell Sumner, “Where’er You Walk.” 8.30: Gramophone record. 8.34: Instrumental Broadcasting Trio, “Allegro, Animato, Scherzo.” 8.43: Mixed quartet, Melodious F’our, “Softly Falls the Shades.” 8.46: Gramophone record. 8.50: Contralto, Miss Bello Renaut, (a) “Laburnum”; (bj “Bioat Song.” 8.56: Gramophone records. 9.0: Weather report. 9.1: Gramophone record. 9.5: Tenor and bass, The Yeoman Duo, “The Crucifix.” 9.9: ’Cello, Mr Harold Beck, “Orientale.” 9.13: Bass, Mr T. D. Williams, “My Abode.” 9.17: Pianoforte, Miss Bessie Pollard, (a) “The Holy Bioy”; (b) “Nocturne.” 9.22: Soprano and contralto, Duleette Duo, “Calm After Storm.” 9.26: Gramophone record. 9.29: Instumental, Broadcasting Trio,’ (a) “Canzonetta” from “Concerto Romantiqye”; (b) “Gavotte”; (c) “Waltz” from “Sleeping Beauty.” 9.40: Soprano, Miss Frances HamertOn, “My Harp is on the WillowTree.” Tenor, Mr Russell Sumner, "Dedication.” 9.47: Gramophone record. 9.55: Contralto, Miss Belle Renaut, “Lullaby.” Bass, Mr T. D. Williams, “Wanderer’s Song.” 10.0: Gramophone record. 10.4: Mixed quartet, Dulcet quartette, “God So Loved tho World” (“Tho Crucifixion”). 10.7: Close down. 4YA DUNEDIN (463 metres).—Silent. 2FC SYDNEY (442 metres).—B p.m. till 11.45 p.m. r ' » 2BL SYDNEY (353 metros).—B p.m.rtill midnight. 2GB SYDNEY (316 metres).—7 p.m. till 10 p.m. 3LU MELBOURNE (371 metres).—B.l: Rod McGregor will speak on “Cricket.” 8.15: Radio Revellers. 8.24.: Victor Harding, bass-baritone. 8.27: Radio Revellers. 8.36: Gwen Hart, soprano. 8.39: Radio Revellers. 8.48: Alan Adcock, entertainer. 8.51: Radio Revellers. 9.0: Signor Torre, tenor, 9.3: Radio Revellers. 9.12: Victor Harding. 9.15: Radio Revellers. 9.24: Gwen Hart. 9.27: Radio Revellers. 9.36: Alan Adcock. 9.39: Radio Revellers. * 9.48: Signor Torre. 9.51: Radio Revellers. 10.0: News session. 10.15: Radio Revellers. 10.24: Victor Harding. 10.27: Radio , Revellers. 10.36: Gwen Hart. 10.39: Radio , Revellers. 10.48: Alan Adcock. 10.51: ’ Radio Revellers. 11.30: National Anthem. 3AR MELBOURNE (484 metres).—B.o: i Dr Loftus Hills, "Lifo’s Facts and Fancies.” 8.15: Under the . auspices of tho ’ Nurserymen and Seedsmen’s Association of Victoria, W. R. Warnor will speak on , “Permanent Garden Features.” 9.30: Station Orchestra. 8.40: Bessie Banks, soprano. 8.47: Station Orchestra. 8.52: , James Hay, baritone. 9.2: The Imperial Russian Trio (Arved Norrit, violin; Ivan i Bcrzinsky, ’collo; and Vassili lister, piano). , 9.16: Bessie Banks. 9.22: Concert by tho Auburn Methodist Church Choir. 10.22: News session. National Anthem. 4QG BRISBANE (385 metres).—B p.m.

■ till 10 p.m. . i TO-MORROW’S PROGRAMMES. i IYA AUCKLAND (333 metres).—lo.4s 1 a.in.: Service from St. Mary’s Cathedral (preacher, Canon Pcrcival E. J ames). 6.45: Sorvico at Bcresford Street Congregational Church (preacher, Rev. Lionel Fletcher). 8.30: Special Easter gramophone programme. 2YA WELLINGTON (420 metres).—ll a.m,: Service of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (preacher, Rev. R. J. Howio, B. A.). 3.0 p.m.: Chimes. 3.1: St. Gerard’s Redemptionist Church,' Hawker Street, “Stations of tho Cross,” to be preached by Rev. F'ather T. O’Connor, C.SS.R. “Stabat Mater,” “Out of Depths,” “Adoremus to Christo,” , “Eia Mater” (from Stabat Mater”). 7.0: Relay from St. Thomas’s Anglican Church, Newtown, of Stainer’s ' “The Crucifixion” by the St. Thomas’s Church Choir, under tho conductorship of Mr W. A. Gatheridge.' Soloists: Tenor, Mr Chas. A. Williams; baritone, Mr Will Goudie. 8.15 (approx.): Orchestra, (a) “Credo” (“St. Cecilo Mass”), (b) “Ave Maria,” (c) “March Pontificale.” 8.25: Special studio presentation of Maunder’s sacred cantata “Olivet to Calvary” by the Island Bay Wesley Church Choir, under the conductorship of Mr R. Dellow. Soloists': Soprano, Miss Grotta Stark; tenor, Mr Seon Brown; baritone, Mr Wilburn Davies. 9.25: Gramophone records. 9.49: Orchestra, (a) “Madonna,” (b) “Angelus” (“Scenes Pittorcsques”), (c) “Gloria” (“St. Therese”). 10.0: Close down. 3YA CHRISTCHURCH (306 metres).— 11.0 a.m.: Relay of combined church services from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (under tho auspices of tho Ministers’ Association) : Rov. N. L. D. Webster; special preacher, Rev. S. J. Werren. 3.0 p.m.: Rebroadcast of 2YA Wellington. 7.30: Relay from Christchurch Cathedral of St. Matthew’s “Passion.” Close down. 4YA DUNEDIN (463 metres). —8 p.m.: Chimes. 8.1: Gramophone record. 8.9: Baritone, Mr F. M. Tuohy, “0 God Have Mercy” (St. Paul”). 8.14: Broadcasting Trio, “Romance.” 8.20: Gramophone record. 8.23: Soprano, Miss Mae Matheson, “Ave Maria.” 8.27: Violin, Miss Eva .Tudd, (a) “Nobody Knows do Trouble I’ve Seen” (negro spiritual), (b) “Slavonic Lament.” 8.33: Gramophone record. 8.45: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Mollie Andrews, “There is a Green Hill.” 8.49: ’Cello, Mr P. J. Palmer, “Am Moqr.” 8.54: Gramophone record. 9.2: Baritone, Mr F. M. Tuohy, “Pro Peccatis” (Stabat Mater”). 9.7: Weather report. 9.9: Instrumental, Broadcasting Trio, “Borceuse.” 9.15: Soprano, Miss Mae Matheson, “A Legend.” 9.19: ’Cello, Mr P. J. Palmer, “Ave Maria.” 9.23: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Mollie Andrews, “Beyond the Dawn.” 9.27: Gramophone records. 9.34: Close down. 2FC SYDNEY (442 motres).—l7 p.m. till 10.30 p.m. 2BL SYDNEY (363 metres).—7 p.m. till 10.45 p.m. 2GB SYDNEY (316 metres).—7 p.m. till 10 p.m. 3LO MELBOURNE (371 metres).—7 p.m. till 10.45 p.m. 3AR MELBOURNE (484 metres).—7 p.m. till 10 p.m. 4QG BRISBANE (385 metres).—7 p.m. till 10 p.m. i Note.—New Zealand time is an hour and a-hal£ ahead of eastern Australian time.