RADIO

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19035, 2 April 1930, Page 6

RADIO

BY

“AERIAL.”

S g S Hi EE i*j ID SI SI ® BE! SI HI IS H 3 HI IS BE BE S 3 NOTES AND NEWS.

The By-election. 3ZC’s luck was “in’' last night in that, being 3YA’s silent night, the former had the opportunity to acquaint listeners with prompt information regarding the progress of the counting of the votes in and the final result of the contest. From the large vote recorded, it is obvious that 3ZC’s audience last night was larger than usual, as everyone was keenly interested in the result. Listeners also had the privilege of hearing the Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer) in a short comment on the result of the contest. Reception Last Night. Reception of 3ZC was found .quite clear and steady when the station’s transmission was reproduced on both the 8.-T. six and the Rogers Batteryless. The ether was not at all in a kindly mood for the local reproduction of distant signals. Static was bad on weak transmissions and fading was truly “fierce” in many instances. IYA, Auckland, was not heard too well at 9 p.m., static, fading and some distortion being noticeable. Plenty of volume at times from 2YA, but distortion was very bad indeed until after 10 p.m., when matters improved considerably. 4YA also suffered from static, fading and some distortion at times. Altogether, it was not a very auspicious opening night for the first of new license year. Even had static been absent last night, there would have been little satisfaction in tuning in any of the Australian stations—up to 10.40, at least, when the writer closed down. As it was, static was simply terrific, so that the general weakness of transTasman signals made it hopeless trying to hear anything from the other side. A Simple Crystal Set. “Brothers Bill and Dave,’’ of 3ZC, described last night a simply-made crystal set, details of whose construction may be of interest. The set was made as a “stand by” set by “Brother Bill” for use in reproducing the local station when his 8.-T. is temporarily out of commission for recharging purposes. It gives, he reports, good loud-speaker reproduction of 3YA. To make the set: Wind on 22 turns of No. 24 d.c.c. copper wire on a 3-inch tube. Connect one end of this coil to the stationary plates of a .0005 mfd. variable condenser; connect the other end of the coil to the rotary plates of this condenser. Connect one end of a crystal detector to the stationary plates of the V.C., the other end of the crystal connecting with one ’phone terminal. The second ’phone terminal is then connected to the rotary plates of the V.C.; the aerial lead-in is connected to the stationary 1 plates and the earth lead to the rotary plates of the variable condenser. With a high, long (about 75ft) aerial, 3YA comes in best w'ith the rotary plates half-way interleaved. A high-resist-ance loud-speaker is necessary for loudest results.

THE FADING PROBLEM

Annoying Characteristics. Despite the marvellously rapid development of radio, there yet remain many secrets to be wrested from Nature. When we consider the extent of our knowledge of the fundamentals of radio it must be confessed that we are not even sure how wireless waves progress, or through what medium they are transmitted. Science, for want of a better name, has called this mysterious, yet all-pejvading, medium ether, and with that we must rest content. It is quite easy to surmise the nature of the ether, yet by no sense, either natural or artificial, can we detect it. And so, after all these years, we are still ignorant on this point, but, after all, it may be purely of academic interest. What concerns us—and most of us are daily users of radio—is the phenomenon aptly described as fading. This annoying characteristic of wireless waves must have cost the world a tremendous amount of money, as it imposes a drastic limit on the usefulness of a transmitting station,

i m m in a ® ee ® id m m @b ® ® in ® a © ® © % an effect with which we in New Zealand are painfully familiar. So little do we know about fading that cur only means of overcoming the limitations created by it is brute force — in the case of broadcasting, relay stations, or, as on the Continent, the use of wave-lengths which are not subject to fading. Heaviside LayerOne very plausible explanation of fading is that the waves which pass upwards are reflected down from the Heaviside layer. This layer, which is supposed to consist of conducting gases, is constantly moving, and thus the waves are reflected at constantly varying angles. Waves of different angles interfere with one another, and at times cancel out, thus causing fading. The existence of this layer was first pointed out by Oliver Heaviside, an eminent scientist, and his theory was ridiculed by his contemporaries. Since his death, however, experiments have proved the existence of such a layer, although whether it definitely causes fading is another matter. The theory of the propagation of wireless waves is another matter about which scientists do not altogether agree, especially as to the part the earth plays. One theory is that the waves follow the earth, which acts as a guiding medium; and another that the waves actually travel in the earth. Both these theories are quite logical. Overcoming Obstacles. At any rate it is evident that the earth plays an important part in radio; but then, the layman asks, how wireless can be sent and received in an aeroplane flying at a great height. There is no doubt that science has of late years been devoting most of its energy to utilising to the utmost the knowledge that we have rather than delving into the field of pure science. Commerce nowadays not unnaturally requires a concrete return from money spent in research. Nevertheless, scientists in various countries are tackling the apparently insuperable obstacles presented by nature, and one day we may know all about fading and static. When that day arrives the whole structure of wireless as we know it to-day may become hopelessly obsolete-.

WHAT IS STATIC?

No. 9. However, the ear has too many defects as an experimental tool for much dependence to be placed upon it and here, again, investigators have turned to the oscillograph with its cathoderay'- for help in the problem. It provided the solution required, at the same time showing that the problem was much wider and more interesting than was anticipated. It is interesting to note that, on one occasion not so many months ago, a warship was lent by the British Admiralty and sent out to “ chase atmospherics,” .the vessel being H.M.S. Yarmouth, the cruise extending to the Bay of Bengal. The British Radio Research Board was represented by Dr R. A. W. Watt and with him were associated Messrs C. E. Horton and J. C. W. Drabble, of the Signal School. Portsmouth. During this naval cruise, the investigators “ collected ” thousands of samples of static, storing them, of course, in graph form in their notebooks. It was on this occasion that the cath-ode-ray oscillograph was used in the counting process. Without going into the details of this work, it will suffice to state that it was found comparatively easy to count the strong atmospherics, but when the weak bursts were encountered more elaborate arrangements were necessary. (To be Continued.) TO-DAY'S PROGRAMMES. Following are details of to-day’s programmes to be broadcast: by New Zealand radio stations:— IYA, Auckland (333 metres). 3: Afternoon session. 5: Children’s session. 6: Dinner session. 7: News and market reports. 7.40: Talk, Madame Mabel Milne, ’‘Health and Diet.” 8: Band of H.M. Coldstream Guards, ‘‘Les Cloches de CornvilNe” (Planquette). 5.4: Vocal duet, Mr W. B. Brough and Miss Hilda Stansfield, “Absent.” 8.9: Banjo, mardoline and guitar, Mati Trio, “Hawaiian Hotel” and “Rosary.” 8.15: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Molly Atkinson, “Oh, Could I But Express in Song” and “With Thee in Peace.” 5.22: Baritone, Mr W. B. Brough, “Casey, the Fiddler” and “On the Road to Mandalay.” 8.28: Clarsax Duo, “Melody in F” (Rubinstein) and “Daffodils” (Doerr). 8.35: Humour, Mr Dan Flood, “Our Furnished Flat.” 8.40: Band of H.M. Coldstream Guards, “Wedding of the Rose.” 8.48: Mr A. B. Chappell, M.A., “Topical Talk.” 8.58: Evening forecast. 9: Pianoforte, Mr Cyril Towsey, “Prelude and Fugue in O Minor” (Bach). 9.8: Contralto, Miss Hilda Stansfield, “My Jewels” and “Violtets.” 9.15: Band of H.M. Coldstream Guards, “Faust” (Gounod). 9.19: Mati Duo, “Painting the Clouds with Sunshine” (Burke) and “Laughing Rag” (Kaili). 9.26: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Molly Atkinson, “A Memory.” 9.30: Male Quartet, The Rounders, “Singin’ in the Rain.” 9.33: Clarsax Duo, “Regrets” (Doerr) and “Laughing Gas” (Gurewiek). 9.41: Humour, Mr Dan Flood, “Tortoises” and “The Auction of Life.” 9.48: Mati Trio, “Pagan Love Song” (Brown) and “Hilo March” (Hopkins). 9.55: Vocal duet, Mr W. B. Brough and Miss Hilda Stansfield, “I Did Not Know.” 9.59: Band of H.M. Coldstream Guards, "Ilobomoko" (Reeves). 10.2: Close. 2YA, Wellington. Silent day. 3YA, CEriirtclrarch. (306 metres). 3: Afternoon session. 5: Children’s session. 6: Dinner session—Marek Weber and Orchestra, “Beggar Student” (Millocker); Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, “Carmen” Entr'acte, Act 4 (Bizet); piano, Wilhelm Backhaus, “Bohemian Dance” (Smetana). 6 15: Creatore's Band, “Semiramide” (Rossini); Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, “Soldiers Changing the Guard (Bizet); Marek Weber and Orchestra, “Rustle of Spring” (Sinding). 6.30: New .Symphony Orchestra, “Nell Gwynn Dances” Nos. 1 and 2 (Edward Gei’man); Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. “Carmen—March of the Smugglers (Bizet) ■ piano, Wilhelm Backhaus, “Caprice Espagnole” (Moszkowski). 6.45: Marek Weber and Orchestra, 'My Darling” Waltz (Waldteufel); National Military Band, “Flying Dutchman Overture” (Wagner): Philadelphia. Symphony Orchestra. “Carmen Entr acte, Act 1 (Bizet). 7: News session. 7.30: Addington stock market reports. 8: Studio Instrumental Octet, “March and Habanera” (“Carmfen" —Bizet) 8.9: Soprano, Miss Thelma Ayers, Valley of Laughter.” 8.13: Piano, Miss Bessie Pollard, “Shadow Dance an< * •'Mazurka.” 8.18: Light Opera Company, Gems from “The Bohemian Girl. 8.26: Tenor, Mr Harry Francis, Your Tiny Hand is Frozen “ 8.30: Studio Instrumental Octet, “Scarf Dance, Ijove Song,” “Dance” and “Circassienne. ».d»: Mezzo-contralto, Mrs R. P- Jamieson, “The Song of the Lotus Lily arid “Where the Abana Flows. 8.44: National Military B«jid, “The Flying Dutchman” (Wagner). 8.52: Baritone, Mr R S. H. Buchanan, “The Broken Spirit” and “Tavern Song.” 9: Weather report. 9.2: Instrumental quartet Miss Irene Morris (first violin), Mrs A H. Bills (second violin), Miss Marjorie Chapman (’cello) and Mr H. Glaysher (harp), “Minuet in G” (Beethoven); Studio Octet, “Serenade” (Ern). 9.10: Soprano. Miss Thelma Ayers, Good Morning Sunshine and You d Bettei Ask Me." 9.16: Piano. Miss Bessie Pollard “Tarantella” (Chopin). 9.20: The Revellers, “Evenin’ ” and “Comm Home.” 9.26: Tenor, Mr Harry Francis “The Snowy-Breasted Pearl” and “H omto, Little Maori, Home.” 9.32: Studio Instrumental Octet, “Barcarolle and “Gavotte.” 9.37; Mezzo-contralto, Mrs R. F. Jamieson, “Wild Ettfick.” 9.41: Violin, Fritz Kreisler, “Deep in My Heart, Dear,” and “Indian Love Call." 9.46: Baritone, Mr R. S. H. Buchanan, “Shepherd. See Thy Horse's Foaming Mane.” 9.50: Studio mstru-

mental Octet, “Second Sullivan Selection.” Close. 3ZC, Oliristclmrcli (250 metres). 3.0 p.m.: Afternoon concert session on short wave: “Merry Wives of Windsor”, American Symphony Orchestra; “Legende de la Sauge”, Mario Laurenti (baritone); “Hungarian Dance”, Helen Ware (violin); “Voice of the Mountain Land”, Arthur Middleton (bass); “March of the Mannikins”, Ray Perkins (piano); “Les Filles des Cadix”, Alice Verlet (soprano); “A Gay Gossoon”, Vess Ossman (banjo): “The Prince of Pilsen”, New York Military Band; “Chasse aux Papillons”, Wepert Moor (flute); “Miserere”, Creatore’s Band. 4.30: Close down. 4YA, Dunedin (461 metres). 3: Afternoon session. 5: Children’s hour. 6: Dinner music. 7: News session. 7.15: L. W. M’Caskill, “Review of Principal Articles in Journal of Agriculture.” 8: The Select Four, “Happy Day” (Rubens) and “Hawaiian Dream” (Marple). 8.12: Vocal items, Mr B. Brown, "I Wish I Had Someone to Love Me” and “He Was Very Kind to Me.” 8.17: Saxophone, Mr J. M’Caw, “Helen.” 8.21: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Isobel Crowe, “Melisande in the Woods.” 8.24: Fox trots, “In the Garden of To-morrow” and "Laughing Marionette.” 8.31: Recital, Mr Lester F. M oiler, “The Miule Puncher.” 5.37: Saxophone duet, Messrs J. M’Caw and T. Law, “Rube’n Sax.” 8.41: Tenor, Mr J. Simpson, “English Rose” and “Birds’ Song at Eventide.” 8.47: Waltz, “Maid of the Mountains”; fox trots, “Marcheta” and “Hawaiian Serenade.” 9; Weather report. 9.2: Vocal items, Mr B. Brown, “The Portobello Lassie.” 9.5: Saxophone, Mr T. Law, “Andantino” (Leipare). 9.31: Mezzo-soprano, Miss Isobel Crowe, “I’m Longing for the Spring” and “Stay With Me, Summer.” 9.3 6: Select Trio, “Highland Laddie.” 9.20: Recital, Mr Lester F. Moller, “The Trooper’s Defencte.” 9.25: Saxophone duet, Messrs J. M’Caw and T. Law, “La Paloma.” 9.26: Tenor, Mr J. Simpson, “A Wee Big Lamb.” 9.29: Fox trot, “Mean to Me”; valse. “Pagan Love Song”; dance programme until 11 p.m. rOR THURSDAY. 32C, Christchurch (250 metres). 10.0 a.m.: Women’s session. “Crescendo,” Hungarian Orchestra. 10.5; Tested recipes:—Toad in the Hole; Chocolate Cream Sandwich; Luncheon Cake. 10.25: “Andante Symphonic,” Vasa Prihoda (violin); “The Ringers,” Arthur Middleton (bass); “A Footlight Favourite,” Shirley Spaulding (banjo); “Mazurka in A minor and F minor,” Walter Chapman (piano); “Senta’s Ballade,” Marie Rappold (soprano); “National Fencibles,” March, United States Marine Band; “Valse Pathetique,” Hungarian Orchestra; (a) “Air,” (b) “Turkish March Ruins of Athens,” Vasa Prihoda (violin); “The Lane of Ballybree,” Arthur Middleton (bass); “Somewhere in Dixie,” Shirley Spaulding” (banjo); “Hearts and Flowers,” Walter Chapman (piano); “Erstehe, Hohe Roma,” Jacques TJrlus (tenor); “Brooke’s Triumphal March,” United States Marine Band. 11.30; Close down. 3 2.0 noon to 1.30 p.m.: News and reports and luncheon music session.