RADIO

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18769, 27 May 1929, Page 16

RADIO

By

“AERIAL."

Reception Notes. Saturday—The ether was not in a. condition favourable to long distance reception during the evening. 3YA’s was the best transmission heard if only by reason of its freedom from extraneous noises. The local station’s Scotch programme was a creditable effort (to Sassenach ears), although the Otago Scots may have wished more of the artists had the gift o’ the tongue. 4YA was ,umed on several times during the evening and they seemed to be putting 3YA on the air quite successfully. Static was a nuisance and 4YA faded occasionally.^ Excellent volume from both IYA and 2YA. Both suffered from static interference, Auckland being the worse sufferer. There was a bull-throated Oswald heard accompanying most of 2YA’s items during the time that station was tuned in. Very good volume from all the Australians, especially during the early part of the evening, 2BL and 2FC of Sydney being particularly good. Static wasn’t too bad to prevent listening to the trans-Tasman stations—for a time, at any rate. Sunday.—The storm last night came from the wrong quarter at first for good wireless conditions to prevail. And, from the peculiar state of affairs that ruled it looks as if still more dirty weather was on the way. Reception of New Zealand stations -both on a 8.-T. Six and on the Cossor Melody Maker—was the patchiest noted for many moms. Even 3YA suffered from fading spells and this was solely due to the unsettled state of the ether as the fading was observed on a 8.-T. Six that was being tested out at Hinau Street, Riccarton, and, later, at Severn Street, St Albans, on the Melody Maker. IYA, 2YA and 4YA battled against both fading and static—which was on the severe side—but all were affected adversely. 2BL, Sydney, was heard faintly—about A 4 from a cone speaker—at 5 p.m., and at better strength at 7, but static and fading interfered at frequent intervals. Noted several Americans’ carriers but there was no sign of either speech or music—due, probably, to the set under test not being on its best behaviour. , After ten o’clock noted a consider- , able improvement in reception. A glance outside showed that the wea- , ther had changed from a northerly blow to one from the south —thus clear- j ing up the ether. 2BL came in well . on the Melody Maker after ten—a good | Ao—with very little fading and merely ; a light rain of static. A rapid trip , round the dials brought in several < “ B ” class Australians at fairly good strength—not much static—and 3LO, 4QG, 2FC, 3AR and 7ZL at a nice A 5 without much trouble. Static seemed to be losing intensity towards 11 p.m. j The indications are in favour of good u wireless conditions prevailing this j evening. ( Short Wave Broadcasts. j “ Insulator ” reports.—“ Although the i new set was finished only on Saturday I afternoon, an interesting time has been 1 spent listening to various transmis- c sions. It may be mentioned here 1 that the receiver is of the conventional < design, a detector followed by two e audio stages using the Schnell circuit, t It is wholly shielded in an aluminium 1 box, which completely eliminates any J trace of hand capacity even on the f lowest of wavelengths. Stations heard ( as follow: 1 “Saturday: First station tuned in c was 3ZC on 50 metres at 3 p.m. 1 Volume great and modulation perfect. \ One of the clearest stations heard for a some time. They were 200 per cent \ better than when heard a few months f back. Tuning down, came across PCJ a on their Australian and New Zealand r programme. Good on speaker at 4 r p.m. RFM was very loud with talk J at 11.30 p.m. Verv clear and steady, v “Sunday: ZL’s 3A and 388 were a heard cha ting at 10 a.m Both very g loud. W2XAF at this time could be s heard clearly, although not very loud, t At 2.10 p.m. W2XAD came through £

j at fair speaker strength with dance i music by the 4 Lucky Strike Orchestra.’ WBXK was very loud at 3 p.m. with talk. At 3.30 p.m. W2XAF crossed over to Fort Worth, Texas, to broadcast news of the endurance flyers, Robbins and Kelly, and to let us hear the ’plane. Unfortunately, a heavy storm was raging there and the flyers had flown east, to escape the storm, otherwise the noise of the ’plane was to have been broadcast. At that time the 'plane had been in the air 150 hours and was still going. On returning to WBXK, was greeted with a loud string of foreign words, which we were told after, was Scandinavian. It sure sounded savage. DHC of Nauen, Germany, was heard on 26.2 metres at 4 pm. Volume extraordinary. At 4.30 p.m. they were broadcasting music and calling Pittsburgh. Very loud. Pittsburgh made some appreciative remarks about the German’s transmission and continued sending messages to the Byrd Expedition. At 5 p.m. they rebroadcast the Morse signals from the Eleanor Bolling, now lying in the Dunedin Harbour. After receiving signals from the base camp on the ice barrier, they closed down shortly before 6 p.m. RFM was heard at good strength with talk at 10 p.m. “ There appears to be a little confusion among listeners as to the correct call of the Suva short wave station. I have listened carefully and it is evidently VPD. I have an acknowledgement of my report from them, but no call letters are given, the station being referred to as Suva Radio. This would account for one correspondent mistaking it for ‘ Super Radio.’ I have received another card from DHC, of Nauen, in verification of my reception of February 15 last. Their wavelength is given on the card as 26.2 metres, ana the power at 5 k.w., but it is evidently very much more powerful than this. A letter received from AFK some time back has been translated and reads as follows: The Reichspostzentralamt wishes to acknowledge receipt of 3>-our letter of January 25, 1929, wherein 3 r ou report reception of the short wave station AFK (now DOA), which is situated at Doberitz, near Berlin. You have in both cases made accurate reports. The transmitter works as an experimental station on various wavelengths and at irregular intervals. After Easter, we will take over a German Post Office short wave transmitter for the purpose of maintaining a continuous service. The wavelength on which we will transmit has not 3'et been decided on. We are, etc.’ “ Some time back I received a letter of verification from the French short wave station at Ste. Assise, but I forgot to give any particulars in these notes. A translation of this letter will be given when time permits. I should like to say a few words in appreciation of the transmitter’s notes in Thursda3's * Star.’ They are fine and I am pleased to hear some local ‘ hams ’ back on Tone’ again.” Mr T. P. Sewell reports:—“l have recently taken up short wave reception. At first I was much disappointed, tuning is so mighty critical, and hand capacity plays havoc with tuning; also, when approaching or drawing away from set reception is upset. However, it is most fascinating. On May 15, I had a good two hours with W6XN; Oakland, California; fairly clear reception. On Sunday, May 19, I had 2XAF, Schenectady, for about one and a half hours, quite good; signed off at 1.18 a.m., Eastern summer time; were sending messages to members of the Byrd party at the South Pole. Wednesday, May 22, KGO, California: A musical composition on ‘The Common House Fly ’; very nice. ‘ La Paloma ’ quite a treat; also, a very clear whistling solo. The kiddies were taken for an imaginary journey on wings down the coast of California, and an imitation of the various birds heard was really fine—meadow lark, thrush, flycatcher, chickadee, mocking bird and the * O dear me! ’ bird of the mountains were some of the birds mimicked. On Saturday, May 25, DHC, Nauen, Germany, were very loud. They were calling * Hello, Pittsburg! ’ After about twenty minutes they evidently got Pittsburg, but announced that their signals were very weak, and did not think the3 r would improve. A gramophone record was put on, ‘ Pilgrims’ <

' Chorus/ They signed off at 2.35 p.m., 1 New Zealand time, saying 4 Good-bye, everybody! Good-bye, Pittsburg! ’ I immediately picked up 2XAF, Schenectady; readable. At 5 p.m. I picked up PCJ, Holland, in music and songs; signed off at 5.35 p.m., after asking listeners from Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania for reports, also hoping that their programme had been enjoyed. Several mornings between 7 and 7.30 I have had SSW. I also had them on Sunday, May 19, when they closed down at 10.30 a.m., New Zealand time (midnight in London). PCJ announced that they would be transmitting again this dav week. Sunday: KDKA’S short-waver, WBXK, was heard reading letters to members of the Byrd party. At 4.20 DHC were heard calling 4 Hello, Pittsburg! ’ and they put over a good musical concert. It was as loud as 3YA and very clear—no fading. In fact, it was to me a revelation. The announcer gave out the items in German. I thoroughly enjoyed it. More later.” From the Studios. The Woolston Band, under Mr R. J. Estall, will present one of their attractive programmes at 3YA. Included among the items will be two marches, “Red Gauntlet” and “Thin Red Line,” the overture “La Clemenza di Tito” (Mozart), a selection from Handel’s j “Acis and Galatea,” and a waltz, * “Mexican Serenade.” There will be • band accompaniment to a cornet solo played by Bandsman Ohlson, and to a trombone solo, “Switchback.” Further instrumental numbers on the evening’s programme will be given by the Studio Trio. The 3YA vocalists who will contribute to the programme will be Miss Linda Mills (soprano), Mrs Maud Wood (mezzo-soprano), Mr J. Francis Jones (baritone), while elocutionary numbers will be given by W. H. Moses. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES. Following are details of to-day’s programmes received from New Zealand and Australian broadcasting stations: IYA, Auckland (333 M.). Silent day. 2YA, Wellington (420 M.). 3 to 5 p.m.: Chimes; afternoon session. 5.0: Children’s session. 6.0: Dinner session (records) : Berlin State Opera Orchestra, 44 The Magic Flute ”; grand organ, Spencer Shaw, “ Simple Aveu.” 6.15: Violin solos, Jascha Heifetz, “False Bluette,” “ Estrellita ”; J. H. Squire’s Celeste Octet, “Serenade,” “Angel’s Serenade.” 6.30: New Light Symphony Orchestra, “ Peer Gynt Suite No. 2,” “ Ingrid’s Lament,” “Arabian Dance,” “ The Return of Peer Gynt.” 6.45: New Light Symphony Orchestra, “ Peer Gynt Suite No. 2,” “Sol- , veig’s Song”; Marek Weber’s Orchestra, “Vienna by Night.” 7.0: News session market reports and sports results. 7.40: i Lecturette, Mr A. J. Nicholls, 44 Garden- , ing.” 8.0: Relay from Masterton of the opening ceremony of the Wairarapa ! Industrial Exhibition. 10.0: Close down. 3YA, Christchurch (306 M.). 3 to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon session. 6.0: ’ Children’s session. 7.0: News session. 1 7.30: Talk, Mr E. J. Bell, Book Review. 8.0: Chimes. Studio programme by the Woolston Band, and assisting artists 8.1: Band, “ Red Gauntlet,” 44 La Clementza Di Tito.” 8.15: Scottish song, Mrs Maud Wood, “ The Auld Scotch Songs.” 8.19: Recitation, Mr W. H. Moses, 44 The Chase of the Ages.” 8.23: Christchurch Broadcasting Trio: “Gavotte” (Bridge); “Chanson Triste ” (Tschaikow r ski) ; “Scherzo” (Reissiger) 8.33: Soprano solo, Miss Linda Mills, 44 Moonlight Elves.” 8.38: Cornet, Bandsman R. Ohlson, 44 Hailstorm.” 8.44: Baritone, Mr J. Francis Jones. 44 The Yeoman’s Wedding Song.” 8.48: Band, 44 Acis and Galatea.” 9.0: Weather report. 9.5: Mezzo-soprano, Mrs Maud Wood, “ Fleurette,” 44 Keep on Hopin’.” 9.13: Recital, Mr W. H. Moses, “'The Highwayman.” 9.18: Instrumental, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio. 9.28: Soprano, Miss Linda Mills, “ Life’s Garden,” 44 Ye Banks and Braes.” 9.36: Trombone, 44 Switchback.” 9.41: Baritone, Mr J. Francis Jones, 4 Peg Away.” 9.45: Vocal duet, Hardy Williamson and Robert Rowe, 44 The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring” (record): baritone, Robt. Rowe, 44 Rising early in the Morning ” (record). 9.51: Band, 44 Mexican Serenade ”; band, 44 Thin Red Line.” 10.0: Close down. 4YA, Dunedin (463 M.). 3 to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon session. 6.0: Chimes. 6.1: Children’s hour. 7.0: News session. 7.30: Lecturette by Dr Fisher, 44 The International Problem of Coal.” 8.0: Chimes. New Light Symphony Orchestra, 44 Scene de Ballet Marionettes,” “Persiflage” (records). 8.7: Tenor, Mr L. E. Dailey, 44 La Donna e Mobile.” 8.11: Trio, Broadcasting Trio, “ Raymond ” (overture). 8.18: Soprano, Miss Roma Buss, 44 Hark, Hark the Lark.” 8.25: Cello, Mr P. J. Palmer, 44 Chanson Orientale.” 8.30: Contralto, Miss Mae Matheson, 44 Visi D’Arti.” 8.34: Recital, Miss Anita Winkel. 8.44: Bass, Mr Fred Kershaw, 44 Ombre Mai Fu.” 8.51: Pianoforte, Mrs E. Drake, 44 Danse Negre.” 8.57: Zonophone Light Opera Company, 44 Vocal Gems from 44 Princess Ida” (record). 9.1: Weather fore cast. 9.3: Broadcasting Trio, “Anitra’s Dance.” 9.5: One-act play, Miss Winkel, Major Lampen and Angus Lorry, “The Maker of Dreams.” 9.38: Tenor Mr H. A. Johnston, 44 On Wings of Song.” 9.42: Sextette, vocal, 44 Lucia de Lammermoor.” 9.48: Violin, Miss Eva Judd, 44 Liebeslied.” 9.52: Baritone, Mr Fred Tuohy, 44 I Will not Grieve.” 9.56: Contralto, Miss Mae Matheson, 44 A Legend.” 9.59: Zonophone Light Opera Company, 44 Vocal Gems from 4 Ruddigore ’.” (record). 10.3: Close down. Australian Stations. 2BL, Sydney (353 metres) —9.30 p.m. to midnight: Concert session. 9.50: Lena and James Kendall, sketch. (Radio Eisteddfod winners.) 2FC, Sydney (442 metres)—9.3o p.m. to 1 a.m.: Concert session, commencing with a studio presentation of “Paul Jones.” 3LO, Melbourne (371 ‘ metres)—9.3o p.m. to 1 a.m.: Concert session. Items by Dawn Assheton and Laszlo Schwartz, Thos. B. George, “ The Jedal Trio,” the station orchestra, the Royal Victorian Liedertafel (10.52). Dance music from 12.11. 3AR, Melbourne (484 metres)—-10 p.m. to midnight: Dance music, with items from the studio during dance intervals. 4QG, Brisbane (385 metres) —9.30 to 11.30 p.m.: Concert programme by the studio orchestra, the Anglo Male Quartet, Billy Bailey (soubrette), Mrs M. C. Williams (violinist), W. Crisp (tenor), Dick Pike (basso), “The Sandman” (in accordeon solos), Jill Manners (soprano), and Lilian Comley (contralto). v FOR TUESDAY. 3ZC, Christchurch (250 metres). 10 to 11.30 a.m.: Women’s session, conducted by Miss Millicent Jennings.

10.0: “Meditation/* Cherniavsky Trio. 10.5: Tested recipes—Poor Man’s Goose, Apple Amber Pudding, Oto Wafers. 10.20: Piano solo, “Marquis et Marquise,” Ignaz Friedman; song, “The Sweetest Story,” Sophie Braslau: “The Midget and the Hippopotamus,” Grenadier Guards Band. 10.30: Fashion talk, “Advanced Styles” (supplied by Ballantyne’s). 10.40: Song, “The Ring that Binds My Finger” (Schumann), Elsa Alsen. 10.45: Book Talk, “Famous Women Novelists,” by Mrs HarveyCook. \1.0: Overture, “The Little Minister” (A. C. Mackenzie), New Queen’s Hall Light Orchestra: song, “Sapphic Ode,” Elsa Alsen; “Trio in D Minor” (Schubert), Cherniavsky Trio; “Tabatiere a Musique,” Ignaz Friedman: “March Pompeuse,” Grenadier Guards Band. 12 noon to 1.30 p.m.: News session and miscellaneous programme. 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.; Afternoon concert programme, including “1S12” Overture (Tschaikowsky), New Queen’s Hall Orchestra, under Sir Henry Wood; “La Provencale,” ’cello, W. H. Squire; “Te Deum” from “La Tosca,” Mariano Stabile, with La Scala chorus; Schubert’s “Symphony in B Minor” (unfinished). 3.15 p.m.: Reading, “On Writing About Music,” from “Plays, Acting and Music,” by Arthur Symons. 3.45 to 4.30 p.m.: Light orchestral and song numbers. 6.30: Children’s session, conducted by Lady Gay, with Uncle Tom, Mr Wiseman and the Sunbeams. 7.30: “The Tame Expert” and his assistant will broadcast more useful information and answer enquiries anent wireless matters. 8.0: Tabloid news session. 8.10: Evening concert programme, followed at 9.30 by the latest dance numbers. RADIO.