AERIALISMS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1007, 25 June 1930, Page 6

AERIALISMS

Station 2ZF Palmerston North, which is operated by the Manawatu Radio Club, claims tc be the oldest broadcasting station in the Dominion. Considerable improvements in connection with the station are under ■way, and the total revenue for last year (£252) has been expended. The annual report states that the station was lately ordered by the Post and Telegraph Department to reduce its power by half on Sunday evenings. At present the station is on the air on Wednesdays and Sundays, but a proposal to apply for an extra evening each week is under consideration. Station 2ZF claims to be the only amateur broadcaster with an orchestra of its own. The radio section of the New’ Zeaj land Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is affiliated to the International Scientific Radio Union, | and the latter is organising a w'orldI wide co-operative experiment on the I measurement of signal strength, at certain specified times of special transmissions from four short-wave stations, probably Arlington, Shennectady, Eindhoven, and a Japanese station. Full particulars have not yet been received, but it is possible that New Zealand amateurs may be willing and able to co-operate in this experiment and thus make a contribution to a work of international scope. * * * A recent trades journal describes a new radio-gramophone which should appeal to the fastidious listener. It is suitable for use on 200-250 volt 40-60 cycle A.C. mains and is built into a solid mahogany pedestal cabinet measuring 24J inches by 22J inches by 48 inches high. The front carries the controls, which are mounted on oxidised silver panels, and the circular grille of the moving-coil speaker, the whole being enclosed by two hinged doors when not in use. The radio side of the instrument incorporates a five-valve arrangement with three screened-grid RF stages operated by a single drum control, calibrated in wave-lengths. A volume control is provided, together with a short-long wave band switch, and the “radio-gramophone” may be used with a small copper strip aerial concealed in the lid, or with a conventional aerial system if greater range is desired. Volume and “brilliancy” controls are fitted for use when records are being reproduced, and the electri-cally-driven turntable has an automatic stop and a pilot lamp.