RADIO

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18946, 17 December 1929, Page 6

RADIO

BY

“AERIAL."

NOTES AND NEWS. Reception. La&t Night. There was only one station (3YA> on the air so far as music-lovers were concerned. All the others, both in New Zealand and Australia, were either smothered by static or (2YA) badlydistorted. Towards ten o’clock static became so pronounced that it was audible when 2YA was tuned in. Tested the Australians after eleven o’clock again. 4QG Brisbane was far ahead of any of the others in regard to volume, but both static and fading were verv severe. 2BT. and !*LO were almost inaudible and 2FC only a trilie better, with static having th.« floor o*' the house to itself in no uncertain fashion. Looks—-sounds, rather-—at if another change in the weather is coming along soon. K x x At 3ZC To-morrow. To-morrow morning from X/X' Mr A. J. M’Eldowney, of the. Y.M.C.A., will give his weekly chut about "Our Boys.” Last Wednesday Mr M’Eldowney' (better known perhaps as "Mr Mac”) discussed the problem of what the lioyshould read, and offered many helpful suggestions. Appearing on the same programme will be Mrs Edmund M’Lelland (contralto), who will be heard in two lullabies. WIRELESS FOR BEGINNERS. No. 79. Another note for transmitters* As in the case of adding inducanca to an aerial, the insertion of a capacity in series with the aerial reduces the radiation of the aerial, but in actual practice it has been found that the natural wave-length of the aerial can be about halved by r this means without seriously interfering with the efficiency of the aerial as a radiator of wireless waves. As we are more interested in reception we will leave the transmitting side of wireless alone for a time and concentrate on the more widely operated side of radio—reception. Consider, for a moment, a receiving aerial that is not oscillating What happens when a near-by transmitting aerial sends out wireless waves? These, as you know, spread out in waves in all directions. Every time a magnetic wave arrives in the receiving aerial it starts to drive the electrons in the receiving aerial (let us dub it “RA” to cave time) upwards. The next wave to arrive in RA will send the electrons careering downwards. The periodic steady electric waves of the transmitter cut RA and make its electrons surge upwards and downwards—or. in other words, set up oscillating currents. The frequency of these currents corresponds to the rate of the arriving waves from the transmitter. Now, just grasp the point that the arriving waves in our free RA “force its electrons to move up and down.” Mark that word "force.” “Compel” means the same thing.

Now, if RA is part of an oscillating system it is clear that, if the arriving waves come at exactly the right period, then the electrons will surge up and down much more freely. Just as in the case of the pendulum previously cited—by the application of the lightest of taps at the correct time the pendulum will vibrate easily and for an indefinite period. So with the electrons in RA—if the arriving waves “tap” the electrons in RA at exactly the right time they will oscillate strongly. (To be continued.)

TELEVISION TO-DAY. An Expert View. In view of the interest that is being taken all over the world to-day in the television broadcasts that were commenced (as an experiment) from the 8.8. C. stations in October, it is interesting to read some of Captain P. P. E. Eckersley’s opinions on the subject, as published in a Home journal on September 28 last. It is not possible to reproduce the whole of Captain Eckersley’s article on the subject, but the following extracts from it, as published in “Popular Wireless/' serve to show that, as “Aerial” has several times observed, television has not yet become a commercial proposition. “I have never attempted,” says Captain Eckersley, “to disguise my firm belief that wireless broadcasting has nothing to do with image-sending—still or moving—so long ... as the technical development and/or the service aspect of image-sending remain as at present. ... I cannot agree that, in the present stage of development, the science of television allows an immediate service aspect. “The whole point is that television is in an undeveloped state of technical perfection. . . . All admit that the science is not developed; they almost agree that there are fundamental problems to be solved before, for instance, a home television set is as good as a home cinema. . . . It is a scientific toy which is, so far as men of science can see, incapable of a service application. . . . Might I suggest to television people that their best policy is to come out openly and stop all this nonsense about television, allowing one to see beautiful actresses in romantic plays, or football matches in Australia, but to say rather that television affords an interesting hobby to those who dabble, or a quiet entertainment to those who are amused by' little scientific marvels. . . . “Television transmissions demand 100 kilocycles of side-band. . . . International agreement limits the sidebands of a broadcasting station to 10 kilocycles. . . . Something ought to be done to stop this idea that the 8.8. C. are holding up a great British invention.” Captain Eckersley should know what he is talking about. He was chief engineer to the 8.8. C. for several years and resigned that position only a short time ago. It is admitted on all sides that he is an outstanding authority on wireless broadcasting.

STUDIO NOTES. From New Zealand Stations. lYA’s programme this evening will be devoted to Christmas music. The IYA Broadcasting Choir will sing four well-known carols. The second half of the programme will consist of a presentation of Handel’s masterpiece, “Messiah.” The soloists are members of the choir. Miss Millicent O’Grady, who is quickly' coming to the front rank of Auckland vocalists, will sing the soprano solos. 2YA’s concert this evening will be contributed to by Mr Stewart Nelson (tenor), Mrs Winifred Birch-Johnson (comedienne) and Mr Spencer Furrell (popular songs). Humorous elocutionary items will be given by Mr Will Yates. The instrumental portion of the programme will be given by the Salon Orchestra. The Kaikorai Band will be providing the programme at 4YA. The assisting vocal artists for the evening will be Miss Sligo (soprano), Miss G. Burt (contralto). Miss Ngata Buswell (elocutionist) and Mr Les Stubbs (baritone) . From 2BL To-night. Tune in on 353 metres from 10 p.m. for the concert by the Royal Apollo Club of Sydney. This is the Christmas festival of the oldest male voice choir in Australia. Assisting artists will be the premier New South Wales boys' choir from Canterbury High School, Miss Gwladys Evans (soprano), Harry Thomas (elocutionist) and K. A. Birkmyer, in vocal items. From 2FC To-night. Tune in on 451 metres at about 9 p.m. to hear Wallace Nelson, raconteur. Concert session from 10 p.m. The featured artists are Harry Croot, baritone, in a programme of old-time favourites, and Bob Strother, “The White Coon” and one of the CliffordEssex Royal Pierrot Banjo Troupe, also in some old favourites, including “I’m Waiting For Yer, Josie,” and “I Used to Sigh for the Silvery Moon.” The concert will conclude with a dance session. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES. Following are details of to-day’s programmes to be broadcast by New Zealand stations and by 4QG, Brisbane:— IYA, Auckland (333 M 3.0: Afternoon session. 5.0: Children’s session. 6.0: Dinner session. 7.0: News and market reports. 7.15: Talk, Mr George Campbell, “Motoring.” 7.40: Talk, Mr J. Barr, *' The Art Gallery.” 8.1: Band of H.M. Grenadier Guards, “ Christmas Time in Merrie England.” 8.9: IYA Broadcasting Choir, “The First Nowell,” “ Sleep, Holy Babe.” 8.17: Tenor, Enrico Caruso, “Noel.” 5.21: 'Cello, W. H. Squire, “Ave Maria.” 8.25: Choir, “Hymn for Christmas Day,” “ Cradle Song of the Blessed Virgin.” 8.32: Organ, Dr A. W. Wilson, “ Offertory on Two Carols.” 8.40: Weather report. 8.43: Christmas music from “ The Messiah.” 10.15 (approx.): Close down. 2YA, Wellington (416 M 12 noon: Relay description of fourth day of Wellington versus England cricket match at Basin Reserve. 5.0: Children’s session. 6.0: Dinner session. 7.0: News session. 7.25: Lecturette, Mr W. J. Fergie, "Excursions by Rail.” 7.40: Lecturette, “ For the Man on the Land.” 8.1: 2YA Salon Orchestra, “Stradella.” 8.9: Tenor, Mr Stewart Nelson, “Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal,” “ The Poplars of Flanders.” 8.16: Comedienne, Mrs Winifred Birch-Johnston, “ Rhoda Ran a Pagoda.” 8.20: Instrumental trio, Messrs W. Hay dock, S. Chapman and M. Dixon, “ Second Valse in B Flat ” (Godard); 2YA, Salon Orchestra, "Cossack’s Wedding Fete.” 8.30: Songs, Mr Spencer Furrell, " Sleepy Valley,” "When You Said Good-night.” 8.37: Humour, Mr Will Yates, “ Buying a Bit of Fish.” . 8.44: Tenor, Mr Stewart Nelson, “ Jhelum Boat Song." 8.48: 2YA Salon Orchestra, “ Hyde Park ” Suite.” 8.58: Weather report. 9.0: Whistling solo, Mrs Winifred Birch-Johnston, "Wonderful Land of Love.” 9.4: 2YA Salon Orchestra, request number. 9.12: Humour, Mr Will Yates, “ A Tram Car Romance.” 9.19: Song. Mr Spencer Furrell, “Avalon Town.” 9.23: 2YA Salon Orchestra. “Virginia.” 9.30: Dance programme until 11 p.m. 3YA, Christchurch. Silent day. 3ZC, Christchurch (250 M 2.30 to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon concert “La Paloma,” American Symphony Orchestra; “Prologue,” Thomas Chalmers (baritone); "Pilgrims' Chorus," Male Chorus; “Aria from Pur Dicesti” and “Pastorale,” Carl Flesch (violin): "War March of the Priests,” Frederick Kinsley (organ); "Lullaby,” “From the Land of the Sky Blue Water,” and "Dixie,” Frieda Hempel (soprano); "Close Your Eyes,” studio piano; “Where the River Shannon Flows,” Bohumir*Kryl (cornet); "Velma, Cappricio,” Rudy Weidoeft (saxophone); "Hter Bright Smile Haunts Me Still,” John Young (tenor); "I Look Into Your Garden,” Ernest Davis (tenor); "Roaring Volcano,” studio piano. 4.30: Close down. 6.0: Children’s hour. 7.0: Wireless talk and Morse. News. 8.0: Evening concert—- " Pirouette,” Peerless "Danny Deever,” Arthur Middleton (bass); “Rustle of Spring” and “Murmuring Zephyrs,” May Meyer (piano). 8.15: Mr Alex Munro will play violin solos: "Slavonic Dance No. 2 in E Minor” (Dvorak- , Kreisler), and "Hungarian Dance No. 1” (Brahms-llubay): "She is Far From the Land” and “Melanie,” Thomas Chalmlers (baritone): “Ballet Music From Henry VIII..” American Symphony OrIchestra; “A Spring Fancy,” Helen Davis , (mezzo-soprano); “A Bunch of Roses,” Green Brothers Novelty Band; "Haban- ' era.” Margaret Keyes (contralto'); “Poor (Butterfly,” Frederick Kinsley (organ); I “Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes," j Albert Spalding (violin); “Friend of I Mine,” Ernest Davis (tenor): "In a Bird Store.” American Symphony Or- • ehestra; “The Dance of the Elves.” Ferjdinand Himmelreich (piano); "When the Great Red Dawn is Shining,” Helen , Clark (contralto): "Cavalry Charge.” New York Military Band. 9.30: Dance music played by Munro Dance Orchestra. 10.15: Close down.

4YA, Dunedin (461 M 3.0: Afternoon session. 5.0: Children’s session. 6.0: Dinner session. 7.0: News session. 8.0: Chimes; studio concert bv Kaikorai Band. 8.1: March, Band, "Half and Half,” " Valse on Melodies from ‘II Trovatore.’” 8.11: Baritone, Mr L. Stubbs, “ Muleteer of Malaga,” " The

Little Irish Girl.” 8.17: Recital* Miss Ngata Buswell, " Young Fellow Me Lad.” 8.22: Band, "Two New Hungarian Dances.” 8.31: Soprano, Miss D. Sligo, “II Bacio.” 8.35: Dialogue, Clapham and Dwyer, "Golf.” 8.41: Band, “The Mastersingers.” 5.53: Contralto, Miss Gwenda Burt, “ Until,” “ We’d Better Bide a Wee.” 9.3: Weather report. 9.5: Piano and orchestra, Raie da Costa, "When Day is Done.” 9.13: Baritone, Mr Les. Stubbs, “ Song of the Rover." 9.17: Band, “Musical Switch.” 9.27: Recital, Miss Ngata Buswell, “ Song of the Market Place.” 9.33: Saxophone, Arnold Brilhart, "Fascination.” 9.36: Soprano, Miss D. Sligo, “ Sing, Sing, Blackbird,” “Charming Chloe.” 9.43: Band, “Golden Grain.” 9.49: Kentucky Jubilee Singers,” “My Old Kentucky Home.” 9.52: Contralto, Miss Gwenda Burt, " Soul of Mine,” "#A Little Coon’s Prayer.” 9.56: Band. "A Venetian Carnival.” 10.2: Close down. 4QG, Brisbane (385 M 10 p.m. to midnight: An "Old Time” night of songs and music popular many years ago. Among the items scheduled are:—lo.4: “Just Before the Battle, Mother” (tenor). 10.24: Quartets, “Doodah Day,” " Polly-wolly-Doodle.” “Little Brown Jug.” And at 10.40: Hear Dem Bells,” “ Tenting on the Old Camp Ground.” 10.55: “Silver Threads” and “Two Little Girls in Blue.” 11.10: "I Was Dreaming” (duet). 11.24: "Oh, Dear, What Can the Matter Be?” and “ The Vacant Chair.” FOR WEDNESDAY. 3ZC, Christchurch (250*1. —1200 X.). 10.0 a.m.: " Venetia ” (Tobani), American Symphony Orchestra. 10.5: Household hints and tested recipes—Novel Salmon Loaf, Steamed Raisin Puff, Vanilla Squares. 10.25: "Prize Song,” Albert Spalding (violin); “Beautiful Kahana,” Anna Case (soprano); "Polka de W.R.,” Sergei Rachmaninoff (piano); “ Nina,” Leo Tauaig (’cello) ; “ Credo ” (Otello), Mario Laurenti (baritone). 10.45: Mr A. J. M’Eldowney will give his weekly chat about " Our Boys”; " Ruy Bias,” Edison Concert Band. 11.0: Mrs Edmund M’Lelland (contralto) will sing "Little Red Swan” (Orlando Morgan), and “ Seep Little Fluffy Bird ” (Lisa Lehmann), accompanied by Miss Millicent Jennings. “ Sweet Caress,” American Symphony Orchestra! “Romance from Second Concerto” (Wieniawski), Albert Spalding (violin); "A tanto Amour,” Mario Laurenti (baritone); “ Prelune in C sharp minor,” Sergei Rachmaninoff (piano) ; " lima fatale del mio destine, ” Leo Tausig (’cello); ‘ I am Searching for Thee,” Anna Case (soprano) ; “ The Red Tulip,” Edison Concert Band. 11.30: Close down. 12 noon to 1.30: News and luncheon music session.