RADIO

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18577, 27 September 1928, Page 16

RADIO

BY

“AERIAL.”

Notes and News. If it had not been that 3YA was on the air with an interesting concert programme, last night would have been, practically, a dead loss. The ether was in a most peculiar state. Every distant station on the air seemed to be struggling against conditions—as if they were trying their hardest to get through to us, but just couldn’t. It was a very unusual experience—probably a still further exemplification of what “spots” on the sun can do to up set radio broadcast as well as the weather. « k Tried both IYA and 4YA at odd times during the evening, but, in addition to lack of volume, both suffered considerably from static interference. Gave the Australians a turn, both early and late, but it was useless. Static was heavy, fading was frequent and severe, and not one showed anything like good volume. There’s another hefty storm due within 24 hours—one to follow on the heels of that which commenced operations last night—or so one is inclined to predict, judging by the extra bad reception conditions ruling last evening. From South Africa.' * In reply to a request for information about long and short-wave radio broadcasting in South Africa, “Aerial” has received the following information from ‘the manager of the African Broadcasting Co., Ltd., of 204 West Street, Durban:—“We may mention that the references, in a previous letter, to reception of our SA. stations was more oi less general. We have had quite a number of reports from Australia and from the Coral Sea. We were, therefore, of the opinion that reception of our stations was possible in your region under favourable conditions. “In South Africa there are three mai» broadcasters which operate according to the following schedule: —Durban Marconi Q, calls ‘Durban Calling,’ 406.5 metres, power 1 2 kilowatts. Transmits Monday to Friday 10.30 a-m.-noon; 2.303.45; 5-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 15-10.30 a.m.; 5.15-9 p.m- Sunday, 5.30-8 pm. ‘Durban’ and ‘J.B.’ are simultaneously broadcast on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 7 to 8 p.m.” (To find the. equivalent time in New Zealand, add 9 hours 45 minutes to those herein given.—"Aerial”). “The present 500 watt station J.B. is being replaced by a 10 kilowatt plant, and it is estimated that it will be

ready for trial at the end of September.” _ The letter concludes with the intimation that the secretary of the S-A Radio Relay League, P. 6. Box 7007, Johannesburg, will forward, in due course, a list of S.A. short-wave transmitters. He adds that reports, if any, of reception of N.Z.B.C. stations will be forwarded, as they may interest listeners in New Zealand. Radio Society. At the last meeting of the Radio Society of Christchurch, the resignation of the treasurer, Mr R. T. Gibb, was accepted with regret, and Mr C. R. Russell was appointed in his place. The society holds its usual weekly' meeting in the club room's, St Asaph Street, at 8 this evening, when the feature of the proceedings will be a talk by Mr H. P. V. Brown on “Valves—their operation as detectors, amplifiers and oscillators.” The M'Michael Super. Been having an interesting time with a M Michael Supersonic short wave receiver—a very efficient six valver that, has been aptly named by its London builders as the “Round The World” receiver. According to English reports this receiver created a bit of a stir in the Homeland through its ability to give loudspeaker reception of the shprt wave broadcasts of 2ME, Sydney, and 3LO Melbourne. Its chief features are its simplicity of operation and the absence ‘ (when properly operated) of hand capacity effects. Another feature—unusual, in short wavers—is that advantage has been taken of the supersonic principle . which enables efficient radio-frequency amplification to be employed. With interchangeable coils and radio-frequency - amplifiers, the set can be used both as a short and a long wave (loop operated) receiver, its range being from 14 to 150 metres with the short wave “Unimic” and “Dimic” coils (for aerial operation) and from 150 to 2000 metres (on loop). The local agents are Messrs Ideal Radio, 221, Montreal Street, City. A Novel Experience. The manufacturer is always held responsible for every possible difficulty that a customer may have with his product. For that reason Powel Crosley, Jr., of the Crosley Radio Corporation thought that he had heard of every kind. of radio interference. And then a Tungsten lamp in his own home showed him that there was at least one new kind of interference. While he and his wife were listening to a distant station on his new AC operated “Bandbox,” there arose a terrible roar in his set which could not be stopped. Transformers, light circuits, and light sockets in the house were examined. The power company was consulted about “leaky” transformers. And the roar continued. Then in the silence, Mrs Crosley heard a faint hissing noise. It continued until it had become as annoying as a mosquito. After they had listened to every article of furniture in the room that might be vibrating, Mrs Crosley discovered that the noise was coming from the floor lamp. Turning the radio set on again, Mr Crosley ascertained that the interference was still present. He turned off the floor lamp and the interference immediately stopped. When he had tightened the bulb in the socket of the lamp, and had turned it on once more, it would not light. When he examined the larrtp to find- out what had happened to it, he found that the 50 watt concentrated filament of the lamp had opened. When the lamp was burning, the heat of the light had kept the two ends so close together that an infinitesimal arc had formed which, although it had kept the lamp burning had caused the radio interference. 22 22 25 Food For Thought. It seems trite, perhaps, to endeavour to list the advantage of radio, its influence on our life and customs, the manner in which it has become a part of everyday things in which we are all interested, the great extent to which it has become a vital influence for good in the social, cultural and educational life of the nation. It is easier to vision what radio now means by imagining ‘or trying to imagine the void that would be left if radio were suddenly abolished. Just a moment’s contemplation shows us that, having seized this new instrument with such avidity, its absence now would actually be looked upon as a national calamity. . We could not again live, without radio. In view of the amazing things that have come from radio in the last few years, he would be bold indeed who would undertake to predict its future. Great as radio’s achievements have been, however, its future is even greater. Which means that all of us in the radio game have many more years of thrilling adventure and satisfaction in accomplishment ahead of us. x x x Studio Note*. New singers, known as the Minster Quartet, will be heard from IYA this evening. Another new performer will be Miss' Sophie Vivian, who will present musical monologues. On the instrumental side of the programme will be the Auckland Trio, and Mr L. M'Lachlan, who will render xylophone numbers, one of which will be “The Repaz Band.” X X X At 2YA this evening The Mellow Fellows will present some items not previously heard over the air. Miss Violet Wilson will present humorous elocutionary items. The instrumental music for the evening will be provided by the Central Mission Band. To-night at 3YA there will be a studio concert of the classical type in which will be found many items which are always great favourites. The entertainment will open with a rebroadcast, if atmospheric conditions permit, of 2YA. Well known solos, duets and a quartet, “Sweet and Low,” will be sung by Madame Gower Burns’ Grand Opera party. Two duets will be played by Messrs Ohlson and Benson, cornetists. These items will be Donizetti’s “Lucretia Borgia” and Verdi’s “Home to our Mountains.” Elocutionary items to be given by Mr R. R. Wills will be Newbolt’s “The Guides at Kabul” and “The Ballad of the Bolivar.” Silent day at 4Y'A. *6 22 5* During this evening’s programme at 3YA the station will switch over to the Caledonian Hall, when the citizens’ ball to be tendered to the trans-Tas-man flyers is to take place. The speeches delivered when the presentations are made will be broadcast. 25 25 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 for publication.

To Correspondents: Several letters received yesterday have had to be held over for to-morrow's “Star” owing to pressure of other work last night.—“ Aerial.” 2*2 M X ■- To 1.8. L.: The station you heard was 3ZC Christchurch relaying the Evensong service from the Christchurch Cathedral.—“ Aerial.” To L.F.: Hope to make the alteration soon. Been exceptionally busy lately.—“ Aerial.” Australian Amateurs. H. 8.8. kindly supplies the following:—“Regarding the correspondence continually cropping up as to Australian amateurs working on 200 metres during the week-ends, the following can be heard here occasionally, and are always very pleased to receive reports from New Zealand:—3BY, 3B(J, 3LG. 3FA, 3CR, 3CH, 3EF, 3PL, 3RI, 3JG. 3KR. Hoping the list may interest some of the more ravenous ‘loggists’ with a. Hammerlund-Roberts’ or your most interested reader.—H.B.B.” TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES. Following 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.: Studio items; talk on “ Gas Cooking ”; literary selection ; sports results. 6.0: Children’s session— Peter Pan, assisted by Bayfield Choir, in part-songs, solos and recitations. 7.15: News and market reports. 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Orchestra, “Tannhauser” Selection. 8.9: Minster Quartet, “Turn Ye to Me.” 8.13: Monologue, Miss Sophie Vivian, “ Rosie’s Relations.” 8.17: Instrumental, Auckland Trio. 8.25: Soprano, Miss Gladys Hosking, “June’s Golden Song.” 8.29: Whistling solo. “Tout Passe.” 8.33: Baritone, Mr R. Stephenson, “ The Tune of the Open Country.” 8.37: 'Cello solo, Miss Molly Wright. 8.42: Contralto, Miss M. Davison, “ Star Eyes/’ 8.46 : Xylophone. Mr M’Lachlan, “ The Storm King.” 8.50: Talk on “Great Authors,” by Mr Culford Bell. 9.0: Orchestra, “The Gipsy Baron.” 9.8: Weather forecast. 9.9: Tenor, Mr A. L. M’Pherson, “Kishmul’s Galley.” 9.13: Monologues, Miss Sophie Vivian, “ Touchin’ Fings,” “ Tomorrow Will Do.” 9.21: Soprano, Miss G. Hosking, “ The Joy of the Rose,” “Fairy Shopping.” 9.29: Whistling solo, “ The Mocking Bird.” 9.33: Mr R. Stephenson, “ Friendships.” 9.37: Auckland Trio, “ Valse des Alouettes ” (Drigo). 9.44: Contralto, Miss Maida. Davison, “ Cupid Passes By.” 9.48: Xylophone, Mr M ? Lachlan, “Repaz Band,” “Invercargill March.” 9.56: Minster Quartet, “ Wisdom and Folly.” Close down. 2YA, Wellington (42QM.). 3 to 5 p.m.: Chimes; gramophone items; sports results. 6.0: Children’s session—Aunt Gwen and Junior Red Cross. 7.0: News session. 8.0: Chimes; Studio concert by the Central Mission Band, assisted by 2YA artists. 8.1: Band, “ Australia,” “ O’er Hill and Dale.” 8.16: The Bass Fellow, “Long Ago in Alcala.” 8.20: Humour, Miss Violet Wilson, “ Mrs Green on Skating.” 8.26: Cornet duet, Bandsmen N. M’Pherson and W. Baker, “Ida. and Dot”; waltz, band, “River of Pearls.” 8.38: The Four Fellows, “ Plantation Lullaby.” 8.42: Stories, the Versatile Fellow, “ Originalities.” 8.49: Band, “ Galvini.” 8.54: The Baritone Fellow, “ Don’t Forget the Old Folk.” 8.58: Weather forecast. 9.0: Novelty, “London and Daventry Calling,” Savoy Orpheans Band (H.M.V. record). 9.8: Band, “Paddy’s Patrol.” 9.21: Humour, Miss Violet Wilson, excerpts from “The Innocents Abroad.” 9.26: The Tenor Fellow, “Morning.” 9.30: Mellow Fellows, “The Village Pump;” 9.34: Band, “ Recollections of Verdi.” 9.44: Character sketch, Two Talkative Fellows, “ Cohen.” 9.50: Song,. the Other Fellow, “ Harvest.” 9.54: The High and Low Fellow, “ Somewhere a Voice is Calling.” 9.58: Band, “ Heroes of Liberty.” Close. 3YA, Christchurch (306 M.). 3 to 4/30 p.m.: Studio items. 6.0: Children’s hour—Chuckle. 7.15: News session. 8.0: Chimes. 8.1: Rebroadcast of 2YA, Wellington. 8.16: Baritone, Mr Clive Hindle, “ Beauty’s Eyes.” 8.20: Violin solo. Miss Irene Morris. 8.24: Soprano, Madame Gower-Burns, “ Thy Beaming Eyes,” “ The Star.” 8.30: Instrumental, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio. 8.38: Grand opera duo, “Tell Her I Love Her So.” 8.42: Flute solo, John Amadio (Zonophone record). 846: Contralto, Mrs Ann Harper, “The Sweet of the Year.” 8.50: Cornet duet, Messrs R. Ohlson and A. Benson, “ Lucretia Borgia.” 8.55: Tenor, Mr Harold Prescott, “ Lord Randall.” 8.59: Recitation, Mr R. R. Wills, “The Guides at Kabul.” 9.4: Weather report. 9.6: Overture, Concertaebouw Orchestra, “ Sinfonia ” (Bach) (Columbia record). 9.16: Grand Opera Duo, “Eileen Alannah.” 9.20: Violin solo, Miss Irene Morris. 9.24: Contralto, Mrs Ann Harper, “ Golden Dancing Days,” “You Will Never Grow Old.” 9.30: Instrumental, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio. 9.40: Tenor, Mr Harold Prescott, “ Awake,” “ 6naway, Awake.” 9.45: Cornet duet, Messrs R. Ohlson and A. Benson, “Home to Our Mountains.” 9 50: Baritone, Mr Clive Hindle, “ The Fortune Hunter,” “ Love’s Rhapsody.” 9J34: Flute solo, John Amadio, “Air” from “Norma” (Bellini) (Zonophone record). 9.58: Recitation, Mr R. R. Wills, “ The Ballad of the Bolivar.” 10.2: Grand Opera Quartet, “ Sweet and Low.” Close. 4YA, Dunedin. Silent day. 3LO, Melbourne (371 M.). 8.35 to 9.40 p.m.: News, markets, etc. 9.45 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.: “An Old-time Dance Night.” 12.45 to 3.10 a.m.: “ Back to Jazz Again.” 4QG, Brisbane (385 M.). 9.30 pjn.: Music by the Savoy Orchestra. 10.0: A flute recital. Flute quartet, “ Minuet,” Messrs A. H. Taylor, S. White, W. Hufschmid and J. Parker. Elocutionary item. “ Orphant Annie,” Miss Blandie Richardson. March, “Gipsy,” Mrs H. W r hite (piano), Mr S. White (flute and saxophone), Miss White (violin and xylophone), Mr C. White (violin). Flute solos, “ Glori,” “ Reverie,” Mr A. H. Taylor. Song,“Baby Bird,” Mrs A. H. Taylor. Flute quartet, “ Rondo.” Elocutionary item, “ The Fluter,” Miss Blandie Richardson. Flute solo, “ The Woodland,” Mr W. Hufschmid. Soprano solo, “Daddy,” Miss Muriel Karger. Flute quartet, “Adagio and Moderato ” (Gabriesky). Flute solo, “ Bohemian Girl,” Mr Stanley White. Song, “ Wake, Sweet Bird,” Mrs A. H. Taylor. Instrumental selec-

tion, “ Tancredi,” Miss White, Mr C. White, Messrs S. White, A. H. Taylor and W. Hufschmid, Mrs H. White. 110 pun.: Special gardening talks, “ Getting the Seed Boxes Ready.” by Teeoma. 11.10 pun.: A selection of electrically reproduced records. 11. JO p.m.: “The Daily Mail” news: weather news. Close down.