THE SEVEN SPASMS OF WIRELESS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18469, 22 May 1928, Page 16

THE SEVEN SPASMS OF WIRELESS.

(With apologies to Shakespeare.) Wireless is the rage. And all the men and women list’ners-in; They have their valve sets or their crystal sets.: And one man in his time tries many stunts, lie having seven spasms. At first, the kiddie, List’ning with bated breath and face aglow To bedtime stories of the children’s hour, And then the eager schoolboy, ’phones Who tinkers and experiments with coils And other wireless “gags.” And then the lover. Sighing like foghorn when there is announced A sentimental love song. Then the villain, Who oscillates, and causes eerie sounds (Like tom-cats fighting on the roof at night) By meddling with condensers. Then the husband, Who hurries home from business and sits down, With pipe in mouth and headphones on his ears. To listen to the news. And then the father, Who, when ,his son has “switched it on,” enjoys An evening’s repose. Last scene of. That ends this chronicle of wireless fans, Ts that of dear old grandpa, child enough To chuckle with delight at Uncle Nick. E’en as he nears his last bedtime himself.

ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES. “Aerial” will b* glad to answer any question pertaining to wireless, or give advice on the subject. Correspondents should give their names and addresses, not necessarily for publication. 3 3 3 To Mr L , Lyttelton': The Strobo coils have arrived —a full set, so I’m “set” in case of another accident! Have those micro-condensers reached you yet? If so, will be glad to have them. Then we’ll see what we’ll see, eh? Will ’phone you if I can find time.— “Aerial.” To C.M., Cashmere: Letter to hand Will pick up the Twin and test it out to-night. Writing.—“ Aerial.” Short-wave Work. “Insulator” writes, May 21: —“Last Saturday I received a card from 6AG, Perth and his wave-length is given as 33 metres—using a Hertz aerial, power 150 watts, crystal controlled and frequency doubler (whatever that is). His receiver is a Reinartz and one-step with three resistance-coupled amplifiers for loud speaker. No fixed hours for working, generally between 6.30 and 7.30 p.m. (West Australian time), and again from 11 p.m. onwards (W.A. time). By the way, PCJJs test on Saturday gradually grew in volume from 12.45 onwards until at 3.15 I had them at roaring loud speaker strength, ‘all over the house’ kind of strength. Volume grew weaker at 4.15 and gradually died off until they were about the same strength at 6 p.m. as at 12.45 p.m. This is the best I have ever had them. 10.25 p.m.: Just listening to JHBB relaying JOAK. They are very liberal with the call sign, generally giving it twice in Japanese and then twice by the English announcer. Then the other chap generall}' comes back with another two or three Good ’phone strength. About 36 metres tonight. Orchestral music at 10.40 p.m. Still going strong at 10.45, when I went to bed."