Radio IN THE HOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18512, 8 March 1930, Page 11 (Supplement)

Radio IN THE HOME

(Ey “MICROPHONE.”)

SHORT WAVE RECEPTION Short wave reception continues to be good. lam very pleased to learn that more enthusiasts are getting keen on the low waves. Station ZL3CJ has been busy this jast week, and has carried out several : ests with New Zealand amateurs, on both the key and telephony. Now lets pass over toW3XAL. This station has been operating for .he past three months on 49.89 metres. It is situated at Bound Brook, New Jersey, New York. Saturday, March Ist, was the last transmission from W3XAL for some little time, as it is intended to make alterations to the ransmitting apparatus and the antenna system. The writer has enjoyed seme very fine programmes from this station and I’m sure we will all be pleased when W3XAL comes on the air again with increased power. SSW.—It has often been said that it takes “John Eull” a long time to move, but when he does he makes a job of it. During the past three weeks SSW has treated us to some very fine programmes. Each morning between 6.30 a.m. and 7.30 a.m. (our time) we receive lectures from prominent men. The subjects the writer has heard, dealt with commerce, trade, health, peace, and the League of Nations. Perhaps it will not be out of place to quote two remarks from a speaker last Saturday morning: “The millions of money spent during the last ten years on machine-guns and warships would have been much more profitably spent on public health.” ‘While the different nations were talking peace and naval limitations, they were making improvements to aeroplanes and other weapons of destruction.” SSW often relayed other city radio stations. The Manchester station was particularly good. W9XF. —Situated in Chicago and one of our best stations for reception. Although the clarity is not perfect, it is quite easy to understand every word spoken. The volume is at all times sufficient to work several loud speakers. W9XF now signs off at 7 p.m. New Zealand time. PCJ. —This is one of our oldest stations. We all have enjoyed some very fine transmissions from Holland. The early morning reception at present is particularly good. The volume is equal to that of SSW. W2XAF.—Schednectady (New York) is the home of W2XAF. This station still entertains us well, but the volume is not as good as the stations mentioned above. W2XAD is similar to W2XAF. W6XN —This station comes in poorly just now. Oakland (California) is its home. R97.—The new call for RFM Siberia. Very consistent in volume and with very little fading. The class of music we hear is a treat to listen to. If it were not for static we could term reception from R 97 perfect.

ON YOUR WAVELENGTH.

Reception during the past week has been a little better than in the previous ! week. “Old Man Static,” although present. was not bad enough to spoil reception. Lets run over the different stations. "Tom” has just remarked that the Roarer is still with us. Yes, that’s so, and I’m afraid we will have to put up with it. The Telegraph Department can do nothing; they admit defeat. My technical adviser wants to

know why the Borough Council can’t do something. I do believe that the Council would come to the rescue if they were approached. Perhaps there is a Councillor who listens in—on the radio, I mean. Tom says the Electrical Engineer has a radio set. Perhaps he may do something. Now readers, I’m tired of this noise. I would like to suggest that as many as possible of you write to the Broadcasting Company and the Telegraph Department, Wellington, pointing out the hindrance caused by this dithermy machine. 1YA — Good modulation, fair volume. 3YA —Fair modulation, good volume. 4YA —Too erratic. 2YA — Good volume, fair modulation. 4ZL—Good volume, fair modulation. 3ZC—Fair volume, fair clarity. 2ZM —Good all round. 7ZL —Good modulation, good volume. 2FC—Volume 0.K., modulation O.K. 3YO —Weak, but good clarity. 2BL—Good volume, fair modulation. 2GB —Fair volume, fair clarity. 4QG—Not the old 4QG. 7 3’s to all.