WIRELESS FEAT

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3419, 13 February 1936, Page 5

WIRELESS FEAT

WORLD RECORD WON MR J. L. SULLIVAN’S SUCCESS Congratulations from all quarters have been showered on Mr J. L. Sullivan, of Cambridge, for his achievement in gaining the world record for radio reception in the championship organised by the International DX Alliance for the largest number of verifications between October, 1934, and August, 1935, of wireless stations more than 2000 miles distant (excluding Australia). \

The trophy arrived in Cambridge on Tuesday, and has been greatly admired by all who have seen it. Modelled in gold and silver, it stands 3ft 6in high and is a fine example of craftsmanship. The base is a solid silver engraved octagon, from which rise four 24ct. gold pillars bearing a large silver globe on which the countries of the world are shown in relief. Surmounting the globe is a 24ct. gold classical figure, bearing in its upstretched hand a laurel wreath. The trophy will later be on view in Cambridge. Valuable Trophy

No value has been placed on the trophy but that can be guaged by the fact that it is insured for £SO. It was manufactured by Randolph Hunt, a goldsmith of Illinois, U.S.A., who presented it to the International DX-crs’ Association, the heaquarters of the world radio contest being in that city. Mr Sullivan has won the trophy outright. Logged 253 Stations.

To win the world championship Mr Sullivan logged 253 stations on the broadcast band, and points being awarded for locality, he secured 8841. The second competitor from Canada secured 7247 points.

One of the greatest feats of Mr Sullivan’s list was picking up the 100-watt station CHSJ at St. John (New Brunswick), a distance of 10,000 miles. Other difficult stations that were secured were several of the 100-watt Chinese stations.

The 232 outside verifications obtained were made up as follows: European 39, Canadian 22, Eastern 26, American and elsewhere 166. Apart from the contest Mr Sullivan has a total record of 572 verifications, Australia and New Zealand included and all have been obtained with an Airzone 6-valve radio on the broadcast band only. Two Other Records

Mr Sullivan already holds two other world reerds. One is for the most European stations on the broadcast band (61) and the other for the most European countries received on the broadcast band (39). This latest achievement has added a wonderful example of. ’the advancement of wireless. Six Years an Enthusiast

Before Mr Sullivan settled in the Waikato six years ago he had never seen a radio receiving set, nor had he heard very much about the invention. In 1930 he left Auckland and settled at Te Miro, in the backblocks of that district. Contact with the outside world was difficult and on his wife’s suggestion he decided to purchase a radio in order to hear the daily news items.

The set was a 5-valve receiver. Although it furnished the home with the news, Mr Sullivan was little interested in it,' and knew nothing of its construction.

After nine months at Te Miro, during which time his interest in wireless had increased considerably, Mr Sullivan and his wife left to live at Pukcroro.

Soon afterwards Mr Sullivan was the victim of a serious illness, and little hope remained for his life. It was at this time that he received the most satisfaction from wireless. Mrs Sullivan encouraged his interest in the set and many painful hours in bed were alleviated by his interest in the receiver at his side.

One evening Mr Sullivan remarked to his wife: “I am going to see how many verifications I can obtain before I die.” Just previous to this the invalid heard an ’ American broadcasting station for the first first time.

Mr- Sullivan then commenced “DX-ing,” which is the verifying of overseas stations. It helped Mr Sullivan through his long period of illness. He gained several records, and after leaving Pukeroro to live in Alpha Street, he continued DX-ing, picking up stations in all countries of the world; until to-day he has achieved the unique success of holding three of the leading world records, and is greatly improved in health.

Mr Sullivan asserts that he has never forfeited his sleep in order to listen-in. Any night tuning has only been done when he has awakened during the night. r l he greater part of his DX-ing is completed between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., or between 5 a.m. and (1.30 a.m. Seldom does the wirc-

less remain on after 9 p.m

Patience and perseverance have enabled Mr Sullivan to achieve success/ During his efforts for the championship he has just gained, he spent about 15/- every month in postage, writing to the many stations for verification cards.

Mr Sullivan’s illness was brought on as a result of a gas attack during the Great War, and he attributes his present improved condition to the radio which helped to maintain his interest in life.

Eighteen months were spent in France in the Armentiers sector. Later, Mr Sullivan joined an Australian tunnelling division and while engaged in excavation work early in 1 DIG he was gassed. Prior to this he was buried three times by enemy shell explosions, and on two of these occasions his life was saved through his comrades digging him out from imprisonment in the earth. In 11)17 Mr Sullivan returned to New Zealand. When his health improved slightly he enlisted again, but saw no further active service.