RADIO

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 16

RADIO

BY

"AERIAL."

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES. Folowing are details of to-day’s programmes received from New Zealand and Australian broadcasting stations: IYA, Auckland (333 m.). 3 to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon session; literary selection. 6: Children (Uncle George). 7.15: News and market reports. 8: Chimes. S.l: Relay from the Majestic. 8.5: Soprano. Mrs J. Parry, “Waltz Song.” 8.9: Baritone, Mr Trevor Lewis. “I Pitch My Lonely Caravan.” 8.13: Contralto, Madame Irene Ainsley, *‘ll Segreto.” 8.18: Bosworth-Hemus-Towsev Trio. 8.27: Baritone, Mr T. Lewis, “O. That We Two Were Maying.” 8.31: Relay from the Majestic. 8.39: Soprano, Miss Beryl Adams, "The Pipes of Pan.” 8.43; Violin, Miss Ina Bosworth, “Variations.” 8.48: Lecturette, Mr A. B. Campbell, M.A., j “Talks on Old New Zealand: No. 7: The Cradle of Civilisation.” 9: Weather report. 9.1 : Bosworth-Hemus-Towsev Trio. 9.11: A presentation of the principal numbers from “Orpheus," under the direction of Madame Irene Ainsley. Cast: Orpheus (contralto), Madame Irene Ainsley; Amor (soprano), Miss Beryl Evans; Euridice (soprano). Mrs J. Parry. Chorus, “If Here, Where All Is Dark”; contralto aria, "Weeping Sorely I Stray"; soprano aria, “The Gods If They Call Thee"; contralto aria, “Away With Morning”; chorus, "Who Is This Mournful One?”; contralto solo and chorus, “O, Be Merciful to Me”; chorus, "His Moving Elegies”; soprano air and chorus, “On These Meadows”; recitation, "How Pure a Light”; chorus, “From the Realm of Souls Departed”; duet, “Come, On My Trueness Relying”; contralto aria, “Che Faro”; trio, “Sweet Affection”; chorus and finaiie, "The God of Love.” 2YA, Wellington (420 m.). 3 to 5 p.m.: Chimes; 'gramophone items. 6: Children's hour. 7: News session. 7.40: Lecturette, “For.the Man on the Land.” 8: Chimes. 8.1: The Orchestra, “Poet and Peasant.” 8.11: The Orpheus Quartet, "Wake With a Smile, O Month of May.” 8.15: Mandolin, Mr Lad Haywood. “Wildflower” and “Bambalina.” 8.22: Contralto, Miss Lily Mackie, “Morning Song.” 8.26: The Orchestra, “The Answer,” "Romanza Andaluza” and “Toreador’s Song.” 8.37 : Tenor, Mr/ Arthur Coe, "A Sprig of Rosepiary.” 8.41: Humour, Mr Doug. Stark. “The Boss o’ the Hoose.” 8.47: The Orchestra, "Peer Gynt.” 8.57: Miss Lily Mackie and Mr Len Barnes. “It is the Merry Month of May.” 9.1: Weather report; 9.3: The Orpheus Quartet, “Golden Slumbers.” 9.7: Mandolin, Mr Lad Haywood, “When Day is Done” and “Russian Lullaby.” 9.13: Baritone, Mr Len Barnes, "At Night,” “My Menagerie” and “Quand la flamme de l’amour. ’ 9.22: The Orchestra, "At Evening” and "La Paloma.” 9.30: Humour. Mr Doug. Stark, “I Forget.” 9.35: Soprano, Mrs Alice Harris, "Awake.” 9.39: The Orpheus Quartet, “Tell Me, Pretty Maiden.” 9.43: The Orchestra, latest fox trot and waltz novelties. 9.52: Sketch, Messrs Doug. Stark and Len. Barnes, " F ragmen ts.” 9.56: The Orpheus Quartet, “Ciribiribin.” 10: The Orchestra, "Slavonic Rhapsody.” 3YA, Christchurch. 8 p.m.: Rebroadcast of 2YA. 3ZC, Christchurch (250 m.). 6.30 to 7.45 p.m.: Children’s session (Lady Gay, Uncle Tom and party of

Sunbeams). 7.45 to 8 p.m.: News session. 8 p.m. to 10.15: Selected concert programme of .May gramophone records. Principal items: “The Keltic Suite” and "Cleopatra,” Band of H.M. Grenadier Guards; “Aida,” Grand March. Columbia Symphony Orchestra; "Ave Maria” (Bach-Gounod), J. H. Squire, Celeste Octet; “With Verdure Clad,” Master John Bonner, boy soprano (recorded in Manchester Cathedral) ; more “Meanderings of Monte”—• “Is China Worth Going To?” and China Worth Leaving?”; “From a Russian Village,” descriptive intermezzo, Band of Royal Air Force; “H.M.S. Pinafore" -selection, the White House Orchestra. During the session Mr J. W. Baty will give a brief talk on the coming sessions of the Christchurch Competitions Society. A dance session will follow the concert programme. 4YA, Dunedin (463 m.). 3 to 4.30 p.m.: Chimes; gramophone items; social news; lecturette, "Domestic Uses of Electricity.” 6: Chimes, 6:1: Children (Big Brother Bill). 7.15: News session. 7.30: A health talk by Mr C. W. Postgate. 8: Chimes; concert by the Kaikorai Band and items by assisting artists. 8.1 : Band, "Somme.” 8.5: Tenor, Mr Charles Edwards, “Siciliana” and “Lolita.” 8.12: Band, “Unfinished Symphony.” 8.22: Humorous monologue, Miss Madge Yates, "Girls.” 8.27: Messrs Charles Edwards and R. B. Macdonald, “In This Solemn Hour.” 8.31: Cornet, "Australis.” 8.38: Contralto, Miss Winnie M’Peak, “Farewell to Summer.” 8.42: Band, "Donau Wellen.” 8.57: Bass. Mr E. G. Bond, “Philosophy” and “Devonshire Cream and Cider.” 9.4: Band, selected. 9.10: Baritone, Mr R. B. Macdonald, “Brian of Glenaar.” 9.15: Address, “A May Day Talk,” by Mrs M. F. Primmer. 9.30: Tenor, Mr Charles Edwards, "On With the Motley.” 9.33: Band, “Rose Marie.” 9.48: Recitations, Miss Madge Yates, "The Old Woman of the Roads” and "Minora Sidera.” 9.56: Bass, Mr E. G. Bond, "Song of the Wagoner.” 9.59: Contralto, Miss Winnie M’Peak, “The Sands of Dee” and "I Know Where Im Going.” 10.4: Band, "Hawke’s Bay.” 10.8: Baritone, Mr R. B. Macdonald, “Hybrias the Cretan.” 10.14: Close down. 2FC, Sydney (442 m.). 7.15 p.m.: The “Hello Man” talks to the children. 8.30: Dinner music. 9.15: Henry Silver, graphology talk. 9.30: A programme by the Sydney Madrigal Society. 10.35: From the studio —James Donellv, “Red Indian Melodies,” part one. 10.45: Continuation of the programme by the Sydney Madrigal Society. 11.40: From the studio —James Donelly, “Red Indian Melodies,” part two. 11.50: The Am"bassadors’ Dance Orchestra, until 1.15 am. 3LO, Melbourne (371 m.). 7.30 p.m.: Children; dinner music; news, etc. 9: Madame Soward, “Le Poete et Le Chien Parasite.” 9.15: R. T. A. Barnard, M.A., "Can a Star Explode?” 9.30: R. H. Alsop, "Suitable Types of Design.” 9.46 p.m. to midnight: “Old Time” dance programme, with items during the dance intervals by Rupert Hazell and Elsie Day, Syd. L. Exton, Oliver Peacock, Mrs Campbell and Madeline Knight. 12.20 a.m.: News, etc. 12.31 to 1.10: Modern dance music by the Vagabonds. 4QG, Brisbane (385 m.). 5 p.m.: Afternoon tea music until 6 p.m. 7.30: News; dinner music, etc. 9.30: Brisbane Opollo Club. 9.50: Studio items. 10.34: Classical and light opera. Close at 11.45 p.m. Notes and Nows. The Long Beach station, KFON, showed much better volume last night than for several evenings lately; but even last night’s demonstration was not up to KFON’s usual standard, fading being detrimental to continuity of loud speaker reception. Static was not at all heavy, as was to be expected with the arrival of bad outdoor weather. Station 2BL, Sydney, was heard clearlv and well at 7.40 last night. There was only the least sign of static and no fading during the five minutes devoted to 2BL. Several Oswalds chirruped at 2BL for a time. Why ; won’t listeners who cannot obtain good and clear reception of Australian stations confine their attention to nearer stations? Quite evidently there are some listeners who dp not read the “ Star,” else they would help, as requested, in the good work of keeping the ether quiet! x x x Just to see. tried the other Australians from five past eight. Reception was wonderfullv sweet and clear from 3LO, 4QG, 2FC and 3AR. On giving the “ B ” class stations a turn, found 2GB and 3UE going well, but with too strong a background of noise for pleasant hearing. However, early evening indications were for a wireless night right " out of the box.” Stepped down to KFON at 8.25. Still there. But it is worth stating, for the benefit of those trying for that, station for the first time, that, although the official wave is given as 241 metres, KFON will be found on almost exactly 260 metres. Before closing down at six o’clock last night, 2AQ, Taihape, announced that his aerial was blown down yesterday afternoon. He rigged up a temporary one, 10ft high at one end and 15ft at the other. Very little decrease m volume. X 55 X A large chorus of Oswalds played round IZB. Auckland, last night, evidently thinking it was the super-power-ed American station referred to in last night’s “ Star.” Judging from the way lZß’s transmission was surging up and down, it must have been blowing hard in Auckland, too. X X X Did anyone pick up that very fine transmission on 290 metres between 8.45 and 9.15 last night? 'There were some truly splendid gramophone numbers. The announcer stated they were “something extra special” in their way, and asked listeners to ring him up if they wanted copies reserved. At first, owing to the fact that tuning was so close to that for 3YA, the station did not come in too well, but soon after nine o'clock it was nicely separated from 3YA. At 9.16 there came a terrific blast from the local “ Roarer,” quite killing the distant transmitter just mentioned. Later in the evening the station was identified as IZB. Auckland. official wave length being 275 metres. The howling storm predicted a few days ago turned up a little later than anticipated, but many a broadcast listener must have snuggled down contentedly alongside his set last night and enjoyed a nigjit’s reception such as has not come his way for—almost—months and months, and have left to those unfortunates who have not yet

taken iy> wireless the pleasures of an honest-to-goodness growl at the wintry conditions ruling out-of-doors. For it was a splendid night for wireless. The ether was delightfully quiet when a turn was given the Australians after ten o’clock. And there was not very severe fading anywhere. 2FC was for over an hour at really good loud speaker strength throughout, and when the others were tried they seemed equally stable. It was a special night at 2FC, Sydney. The occasion was the official opening of 2FC’s new studio. The State Governor, HE. Sir Dudley de Chair, presided, and among the star items of the evening may be mentioned the playing of the Sydney War Memorial carillon by the noted and brilliant English carillonist, Mr Brian Barker, of a number of well-known English and Scottish airs. The carillon came through excellently. A very enjoyable item on a good programme. The function was re-broadcast by 3LO, Melbourne, reception from that station being almost as good as that from 2FC direct. Another very fine item was that by the Sydney Flute Club. Delightful. X X X 3\ A put on another cheerful concert last night. The Beckenham Male Quartet scored several “hits” in their topical chorus. Good entertainment. 3YA. 4ZM. Dunedin, on 50 watts, rocked in at amazing strength from 11 p.m. when it was first picked up. The station put on a programme of gramophone numbers and they came through as if transmitted by 3YA. What was that elusive station on 260 metres? It faded badly during the announcer’s turn at the "mike.” Mr P. Kirby, well-known Christchurch Rugby enthusiast, who has officiated at the microphone for 3YA during the football matches last Saturday, and the Saturday before that, will again act as substitute for Mr Allardyce in describing the match at Lancaster Park this week-end. A number of listeners have asked "Aerial” to record their appreciation of the change in 3YA’s concert sessions, in regard to the cutting down of the former twice-nightly theatre orchestra relays. Those now put on are all the more enjoyed from the very fact that they are infrequent. It should be noted, en passant, that there has never been any criticism of the orchestral relays in regard to the quality of the performances. It was merely that this type of music took up what many listeners considered an unduly large share of the two-hour session.

Supplied by the Studios. “Orpheus,” which has been described as a complete masterpiece and one of the most astonishing productions of the human mind, is the opera chosen by Madame Irene Ainsley for her weekly presentation at IYA this evening.

Songs in keeping with May Day will be sung at 2YA this evening by Mr Len Barnes’ Orpheus Quartet. The supporting programme will be of a varied nature, contributing artists being Mr Doug. Stark, Mr Lad Haywood and Mr George Ell wood.

The new Studio Orchestra at 2YA will make its first appearance before the microphone this evening, under the baton of Mr W. J. Bellingham, director of music for the Broadcasting Company. Mr George Ellwood will be the permanent conductor. The Kaikorai Band, assisted by 4YA vocalists, will provide the entertainment at Dunedin this evening. Though the usual silent night at 3YA, the station will be on the air this evening to re-broadcast 2YA, where the new orchestra is making its initial appearance. ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES. “ Aerial ” will be glad to answer any question pertaining to wireless, or give advice on the subject. Correspondents should give their names and addresses, not necessarily lor publication. To W.P.: Many thanks for details of circuit. I have amplified your instructions slightly, as you will notice.— “Aerial.” X X X To 11.TT.L., Lyttelton: Parcel and letter received O.K. Glad to hear you arrived safely. We might have had a longer tession with the set had we known there was a later train.—" Aerial.” Hand Capacity. "Insulator” writes: "Since last writing I have hit on a good method of reducing hand capacity effects in my s.w. receiver. It was fairly bad in this respect and I tried all manner of cures. The condensers are at the back of the set with long extension handles of iin. ■' r ass rod. ... I replaced the extet sion brass rods with iin. ebonite rods. This cut down the hand capacity effect by 90 per cent and, in a short-wave set, is a decided advantage. I thought this tip might be of use to you and to others if you pass it on, and is in return for valuable tips you have given me in the past. Another question: Can three stages of transformer-coupled audio-frequency amplification be employed? If so, I would not mind sticking another stage on my short-wave. Since writing, I have had PCJJ, SSW and 2XAF on the 27th; SSW, PCJJ, 2XAD, 2RT (Goulbourn), 2XG (N.Y.) and RFM, all on Saturday, 28th, and 2XAF this afternoon (April 29)—also another station on 33 metres with orchestral music and speeches at 6 p.m. All stations were at very good strength, except that PCJJ did not come through extra loudly on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.”

In reply: Three stages of transform-er-coupled amplification are being used in some receivers with, I believe, all three transformers of very low ratio so as to avoid distortion as far as possible. I have not heard that three stages give any greater increase than can be obtained with two stages, using a high ratio transformer in the first ?tage, a low ratio in the second, a good amplifying valve (such as the 201-A) in the first stage with 90 volt? on the plate and a power valve with 135 volts on the plate in the last stage. If to these two stages you add a loudspeaker of good design and of high ratio resistance —of the order of 4000 ohms or higher—together with a good tone-fil-ter, you will, in my opinion, obtain the maximum in audio-frequency amplification together with the minimum of distortion.—" Aerial.” A Loudspeaker Crystal Set.

In response to numerous requests for full constructional details of his

“Loudspeaker Crystal Set,” Mr Wm. Parsonage. 27, Martin Avenue, Beckenham, supplies details as under :-—T ne coil is built on two pieces of 3-ply, one being 10 inches long by 4 niches wide; the other Bx 4. These are fixed at right angles to each other lengthways by slitting each piece up the middle. The two pieces are then fitted together securely and may then be mounted—either upright or horizontally, at pleasure—on a baseboard, sin. x sin. for an upright position —11m. by sin. for horizontal position. Using 18 s.w.g. or 20 s.w.g. bare copper wire, wind on a coil of 120 turns on the right angled 3-ply (giving a- squareshaped coil) taking care that each turn of wire is put on without touching the neighbouring turns. A separation of about l-16th of an inch will be about correct. For connections: Connect one end of the coil to a crystal (the crystal cup. of connecting the aerial iead-in terminal to the same end of the coil. Connect the cat's whisker to one ’phone terminal. Connect the other ’phone terminal to earth terminal, from which a flexible lead should be connected for tuning purposes. As it is advisable to have this wire proI tected when tuning, do not remove the rubber covering except just suffi-

ciently to enable a short piece of busbar to be soldered to the end. This piece of busbar is then pu-hed in between the bare wires of the coil, by which means tuning may be effected. Cost of wire is Is, crystal and whisker Is 6d and terminals 6d—total 3s plus cost of 3-plv and baseboard.