Listen In!

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19863, 10 June 1927, Page 10

Listen In!

NOTES AND PROGRAMMES

(By

“Detector.”)

PCJJ. Holland, is continuing its transmissions on 30.2 metres from 6.30 till 9.30 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday. WLW. Cincinatti. is giving a special transmission on 52.2 metres commencing at 9.30 p.m. on June 13. This week’s issue of the “New Zealand Radio” is crammed full of interesting and instructive articles for listeners. Pointers from 2FC: The aerial is the second highest in the world. 2FC’s mail for one week brought comments from England, Japan, North Canada, California and the Great Barrier. It has received the greatest mail for one transmission; 3000 letters were received following the Renown broadcast. Captain Hurley received 1200 letters after his description of the Shackleton expedition. The expert in charge of the 2YA installation ranks Daventry first, Wellington second, and Loudon third among the world’s stations, speaking from the technical viewpoint. Missionaries and traders in the interior of China had good cause to thank radio broadcasting during the recent troubles over there. The Shanghai broadcasting station kept them advised of the general conditions and issued warnings and recalls which they would not otherwise have received, when telephone and telegraph lines were severed by the warring factions. This Shanghai station has the same power that IYA, Auckland, has, and nsed daily to broadcast programmes in two languages, on Sundays employing four. The latest rumour, from Auckland, is that 2YA’s five kilowatts power is due to the Government’s recognition that a powerful station would be a great asset in case of a national emergency. Rumour also says that the Government is lending financial assistance. When Parliament sits this month we may hear something definite. Here it is! The only set in the world which gives perfectly natural reproduction—The New Gilfillan. A real musical instrument. ’Tis a set to be proud of. Call at our “Sound Box.’’ See and hear the world’s latest. Emmett’s. Radio Specialists. Selwyn Buildings. Victoria Avenue. You are always welcome at the “Sound Box.’’* Reception on Tuesday evening could be termed as very fair. Not much static but fading and weakness of signal strength were in evidence.

Fading may be due to faults in cither receiver or transmitter. Usually, however, this is not the case. Fading, with accompanying distortion, if irregular, is more often than not due to interference from other receivers. Occasionally a faint whistle from the heterodyning valve may be heard, but generally it is inaudible. Regular fading is usually atmospheric in origin. If accompanied by distortion, it is due to reflections and refractions by ionised layers of the atmosphere. There is always some distortion of waves that have travelled long distances and have suffered on the way probably several partial reflections or refractions. The effect is similar to the shimmering effect of air rising from a heated surface. The second of the 165 ft. aerial towers for the new broadcasting station, 2YA, is now about three-quarters erected. To-morrow night’s programme at IYA will include three elocutionar* items by Mrs Vera Bartley: “Sergeant Smithers,’’ “How He Knew” and a musical monologue entitled “Coffee Cup’s Race.” The same evening, too, Mr F. Baker, the popular baritone, will be heard in three selected songs. The relay of dance music from 9.5 to 11 p.m. will come from the Click-Clack Cabaret. A vote taken by the Melbourne “Argus’’ among listeners to ascertain which form of broadcast entertainment is the most popular, resulted as follows: — Dance music, 181,500 votes; pleasant Sunday afternoon, comprising band music and church services, 153,600 votes; orchestral music, 151,000 votes; religious services, 150,000 votes. Ringside descriptions of wrestling came tenth on the poll, and racing second last. Consternation reigned among local listeners-in last Sunday evening when they were unable to pick up IYA. The station was not in operation, due to a breakdown. The plant had been running for about half a minute when the large generator supplying current to the valves ceased to function. The trouble was not serious. Power from batteries need not be excessively costly if proper judgment is exercised in the selection of batteries. In practically all cases of modern receivers only the largest size B battery should be used. In most cases ■ the heavy duty size B battery will last , fully twice as long as the next smaller j size. i In view of the eclipse of the moon <on Wednesday. June 15, a lecture by the Rev. B. Dudley, F.R.A.S., at 3YA this evening should be distinctly interesting. The artists who arc contributing to an excellent concert programme include some of the best talent in Christchurch.

i The relationship between wave-length I and frequency is such that the product lis always 300,000 kilometres per second, i.e., the velocity of light and other electro-magnetic waves. For example, if the wave- ength is 400 metres, thejn the frequency is 300,000 kilometres per second divided by 4 kilometres, which gives 750,000 per second. Conversely, if the frequency is 1,000,000 per second, the wavelength is 300,000 kilometres per second divided by 1,000,000 per second, which gives 3 kilometres or 300 metres. The reason why metres and kilometres arc used in these calculations rather than yards and miles is because of the simplicity of the decimal system as applied to scientific calculations. Wireless has come to stay! Why deprive yourself of a concert in your own home every evening? Why go out these cold nights when you can hear what the world is doing by your own fireside? Sec Whitehead and Stone, radio dealers, Dublin Street and at Arainoho, to whom you will be under no obligation for a demonstration.* There is every prospect that the Post and Wire Department’s regulations will get a good overhaul during the coming session of Parliament. The matter has been explained to several sympathetic members of Parliament. Three tuneful Maori songs are on the programme of IYA for this evening. The contributing artist is Mr J. Kennedy (baritone). This programme is rich in talent. Among those contributing arc the Asquiths, w’hose popular songs, duets and sketches are always welcomed; Mr J. Ralston, well known to music lovers, has three items which should suit his baritone voice. A cornet duct is to be given by Messrs R. Davies and Salthouse. The children’s session from 2BL, which starts at 7.15 (New Zealand time) provides excellent entertainment for both young and old. Uncle George, Daddy Longlegs, Little Willie, Bimbo, and Hector provide a good hour’s enjoyment. Messrs W. M. Hughes and W. A. Holman will take the affirmative in a debate on the merits of party government which wnll be held on June 13 at the Sydney School of Arts Debating Club. Messrs J. S. Stanton and V. T. Kieley will oppose. Proceedings will be broadcast by 2FC, Sydney. • A final reminder is given of the special broadcast of a programme for Australia and New Zealand by the Croslcy Radio Corporation’s station WLW, which is situated in Cincinnati, U.S.A. The transmission will take place on Sunday from 8 to 10 p.m.. New Zealand time. The station will be operating on a wavelength of 423 metres. No matter “How Many Times’’ you feel “All Alone” wondering “What’ll Io do?’’ Remember “Always” that Emmett’s, Radio Specialists, Selwyn Buildings, Victoria Avenue, are demonstrating the latest Gilfillan Receiver. You will enjoy listening-in on a Giifillan.* Wednesday’s reception was not of the best. Atmospheric cracklings were present nearly all the. evening. Perhaps the unsettled state of the wealthier is the cause. IYA’s relay of the [Ellerslie races came through quite well during the afternoon.

Short-Wave R-eceivers. | It is reported that there is a growing demand for short-wave receivers in [Wanganui. This is due, no doubt, to ■the experimental broadcasts of 2XAF and 2XAD, New York, and PCJJ, Holland. It is not a difficult matter to construct a suitable receiver and the following hints are given in the hope that some will try their hands at making a short-wave set: The receiver to be described is a popular one amongst amateur transmitters, and is commonly described as a “throttle control type.’’ The general principle is that of the three coil (primary, secondary and tickler) type with a throttle condenser to control regeneration. On stage of audio frequency amplifications is required. The coils are plain solenoids, spacewound, of No. 16 cotton covered wire, diameter 3 inches, adjacent turns spaced one tenth of an inch apart. The primary coil should have from four to seven turns depending upon the aerial. It is better to make several and find the best coil by trial. It should be mounted to plug in to a hinged bracket so that coupling may be varied. This coil is untuned and is connected simply between aerial and earth. The secondary and tickler coils arc mounted side by side on an ebonite strip with four plugs. The coupling between these is fixed. The secondary coil should have about eight turns and the tickler four or five. The secondary is connected in the usual way between the grid and the filament primary. A grid condenser of 40 micro-farads (.0004mfd.) shunted by a 7 megohm grid leak is preferred. If a condenser of higher capacity is used the grid leak will have a lower value, but the sizes suggested give better results. The secondary is tuned by means of a low loss condenser of maximum capacity .00014 micro-farad, preferably of the straight line frequency type and vernier controlled. Now for the connections of the tickler circuit. One end of the tickler coil goes to the plate, the other has two connections (a) through a high resistance (25,000 ohms) to the primary of the audio frequency transformer, (b) through the throttle ' condenser to earth. The high, resistance may be of the fixed type or a suitable Bradlcyohm. The throttle condenser should be a low loss variable of maximum capacity .0002 micro-farad. Connections of the audio-frequency amplifier do not differ from the usual arrangement. Beginners may complain that they cannot obtain instruments of the odd sizes quoted. Well, get the nearest they can and do a little manipulating. They should be very pleased to get anything at all. Time was when we built every scrap of apparatus for ourselves. The aerial may be the ordinary receiving aerial, or a few yards of wire or nothing at all. I have said nothing about design, which is after all, very important. The general rules are, short direct leads, coils mounted above set, movable plates of condensers on the earthed side, and gumption. The relay of the Majestic Theatre orchestra is one of the most enjoyable items provided by IYA, Auckland. In the writer’s opinion it is the best theatre orchestra in the Ilominion. enquiries have been received by this office of late as to where the popular Counterphase receivers and parts are obtainable. Wo now advise that these are procurable from the local agents, D. A. Morrison and Co., who also have branches at Hunterville and Waverley.*

Qur Chief Announcer. It has been stated that we are shortly to lose our popular radio announcer, Mr J. M. Prentice, who was brought from Sydney towards the end of last year, and who has since become almost a member of thousands of households in the Dominion. The news of his resignation and its acceptance has created more than a flutter in radio circles. By his conscientious work under difficulties, and by his courteous and genial disposition, Mr Prentice has endeared himself to his vast audiences in both Islands. The loss of Mr Prentice will be disastrous to New Zealand broadcasting, which is at present behind the world in radio development, as he is the only man in the Dominion capable of straightening things out and bringing the service up to the standard of other countries. As showing the feeling which exists in Wanganui, I publish an anonymous letter which was received during the week, and I leave it to readers to say whether it is deserving or not of consideration: “With a view to approaching events in radio matters, and to prevent a possible complete breakdown of the service, the following subject matter for a series of letters to the head office, the New Zealand Broadcasting Company, Ltd., Christchurch (not the Press), has been prepared:—(l) Any matters within your own local knowledge dealing witn radio matters; (2) rumours regarding the resignation of Mr J. M. Prentice from the service; (3) strenuous efforts are being made by Australia to secure his return to that country; (4) if you appreciate his work, say so; (5) programmes, (a) poor performers and performances, (b) repetitions, (c) Sunday broadcasting for the benefit of the farming community in particular —give your own views as to the nature of these programmes; (6) it .has come to your knowledge that the B.C. Co. has tied Mr Prentice’s hands in the matter of programme organisation; (a) they have been and are using him as a mere announcer only, ignoring suggestions for the improvement of the service (based on years of worldwide experiences), (b) the question of petty jealousies in the B.C. Co.; (7) finance —any matters within your knowledge: (a) only approximately £2 2s per night is allowed IYA, Auckland, in payment of performers, (b) salaries of officials debited to the entertainment fund; (8) matters relating to tho 40,000 mark which must be reached before the B.C. Co. will give service; (9) the lack of information regarding finance —license fee payers wish to know how their money is being spent. Pass these ideas on to listeners-in. Writers are free to express any opinions they desire. The main thing is to write, and to do so at once.” —“Urgent. ’ The fact that Mr Prentice, the chief announcer of IYA, was not ‘ 1 on the air” on Tuesday evening, caused several listeners-in to make inquiry whether his services have already ended. Although no confirmation could be ob-ained as to any such action by the Broadcasting Company, it was gathered that Mr Prentice had received definite orders from headquarters at Christchurch to cease his duties as announcer. The latest move was learnt of with regret by listeners-in, as many considered it some solace that his resignation would not become effective until July 31.

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMME IYA, Auckland. 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon concert. 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.: Children’s session—Uncle Jack. 7.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.: News and Information session. 7.30 p.m.: Talk by Geo. Campbell on “Motoring.” 8 p.m to 10 p.m.: Relay of Overture from Rialto Theatre Orchestra, under the direction of Mr C. E. Engel. Vocal selections, popular songs, ducts and sketches, The Asquiths; baritone solo, “Waiata Maori” (Hill), Mr J. Kennedy. Weather report and Interval. Relay from Rialto Theatre. Soprano solos, (a) “Come.” <b'i “Rn«e pM’i-iv Blooming,” Miss F. Sutherland; baritone solos, (a) “Stars Have mcs, “Smile through Your Tears,” Mr J. Ralston; cornet duet. “Two Friends,” Mr R. Davies and Mr Salthouse; baritone solos, (a) “Karo,” (b) “E Pari Ra,” Mr J. Kennedy; cornet solos, (a) “Besses o’ the Barn,” (b) “Parted.” Mr R. Davies; soprano solo, “Sea Pearls,” Mr F. Sutherland; baritone solo, “Rose of My Heart,” Mr J. Ralston. 3YA, Christchurch. 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon concert. 7.15 p.m. to 7.45 p.m.: News and reports, etc. R r. p.i T.o 19 o.nt.: Ciimerf. ay ot Strand Picture Theatre quartette under the direction of Mr Harry Ellwood. Elocutionary, “Little Bell,” Mr H. Instone; violin solo, “Les Errines” (Massenet), Miss Thelma Cusack; soprano solo, ‘‘Wind in the South” (Scott), Miss Elsie Ives; organ selections by Mr Raynor White from St. Paul’s Church; euphonium solo, “Australis” (Lithgow), Mr R. C.< Brundell; elocutionary, “The Motor Fan,” Mr H. Instone; ’cello solo, “EveningSong” (Schubert), Miss Phyllis Porter. 8.30 p.m., Rev. B. Dudley will talk about the eclipse of the moon which will occur on Wednesday evening, June 15. Interval. Organ selections from St. Paul’s Church by Mr Raynor White. Soprano solo, “Irish Folk Song” (Foot), Miss Elsie Ives; instrumental trio, “Trio No. 1” (Mendelssohn), Misses T. Cusack and P. Porter and Mr Finlay Robb; organ selections from St. Paul’s Church by Mr Raynor White; euphonium solo, “At Break of Day,” Mr R. C. Brundell; relay of orchestral selections from Strand Theatre. 4YA, Dunedin. 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon concert. Town Hall Chimes. His Master’s Voice recital; “Cookery Hints” by Miss M. Puechegud; studio items; relay of instrumental music from the Savoy Cabaret; social notes; His Master’s Voice recital. 7 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.: Children’s session—Aunt Diana. 7.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: News and reports, etc. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Town Hall chimes. Studio concert. Address by Mr. Borriraan, under the auspices of the W.E.A. Belay of dance music by Ern. Beacham and his orchestra from the Savoy Cabaret. 2YK, Wellington. 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.: Afternoon concert, and relay of Manuel Hyman’s Exhibition Band from the New Adelphi Cabaret. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Children’s session— Aunt Jo and Uncles Ernest and Bill. 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Studio concert and

relay of Manuel Hyman’s Exhibition Band from the New Adelphi Cabaret. 4QG, Brisbane. 6 p.m.: Daily Standard news; weather information; announcements. 6.30 p.m.: Bedtime stories by “The Sandman. ’ ’ 7 p.m.: Market reports; stock reports. 7.30 p.m..—Weather news; announcements. 7.43 p.m.: Standard time signal. 7.45 p.m. (from the Reception Hall) —W.E.Av tutorial music class. The following artists will illustrate Mr Sampson’s lecture to-night: Piano, Mr Arch Day; violin, Mr Eric Haync. 9.15 p.m.: Studio programme—Overture, “Le Cheval de Bronze” (Aubcr), the Studio Orchestra (Conductor, Mr A. R. Featherstone); tenor solo, “Come into the Garden Maud” (Balfe), Mr J. Land; a thought for to-night (Will H. Lister), “Work”; soprano solo, “Bird of Love Divine” (Haydn Wood), Miss Pat McOnigley; valsc, “Tn Shadow Land” (Rollinson), the Studio Or-' chestra; tenor solo, “You in a Gondola,” Mr J. Land; violin solo, “Serenade” (Leoncavallo), Mrs M. C. Williams (accompanied by the Studio Orchestra); soprano solo, “Lot me Sit in Your Garden” (Russell), Miss Pat McOnigley; selection, “Sunny” (Kern), : the Studio Orchestra. 10 p.m.: The Daily Mail news; : weather news; football news. Close down.