Liston In!

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19998, 15 November 1927, Page 10

Liston In!

*8 NOTES AND PROGRAMMES H

(Bj “Detector.”)

Owing to a breakdown at the station of 2YA| on Friday evening the programme was not commenced until 9.30.

Reception during the week-end from stations other than 2YA, gave every indication of the coming of summer. Not till 9.45 on Saturday night did reception come up to that received 6 p.m. a few weeks back.

The proposed broadcasting station for the Auckland Anglican Diocese continues to arouse comment, and its advent on the air is being confidently looked forward to. A sum of £BOOO was mentioned as necessary for the installation of a plant efficient, and equal to IYA in power, but it is stated that such a plant is procurable for half that sum or less. It is hard to see how a license could be refused for such a station, though restrictions placed round such a license will be watched by all devotees of broadcasting. In Australia the class stations receive no revenue from listeners ’ fees, but secure considerable from advertising, and are allowed a certain freedom for propaganda work, political and otherwise. Will such conditions be countenanced here?

The Australian stations were coming in clear and at good strength at midnight on Saturday. Very little static. 2BL and 2FC were the outstanding stations.

The Sydney short-wave station, 2ME, is now stated to be using a power of 18 kilowatts, not 5000 watts as previously given.

The transmitting station on board the whaler C. A. Larsen has been heard locally during the past few nights. The wavelength is a couple of points above 4QG, Brisbane.

The Christchurch “Star’' is conducting a vote of listeners upon the popularity of various types of items broadcast from 3YA. The voting concluded last week, and though final results are not yet obtainable, a progress return shows band music to lead in popularity.

Simple and direct in action, still more simple in control; the whole selective range is obedient to one main dial, battery current is controlled by a master switch, and a minor fitment increases or soften the tone volume. This is a highly efficient “shielded’ l set. so perfect in its operation, that, if working from a properly situated interior aerial, all local and Australian stations can be tuned in with ease—this is the Bremer-Tully Counterphase as supplied by D. A. Morrison and Co.*

High Power and Fading. That the problem of fading cannot be solved by the use of higher power was proved when the tests of the 100 kilowatt transmitter of WGY were being made- In areas where fading had been experienced on the old transmitters, no improvement was shown, yet at 500 miles distant in a good locality signal strength was equal to a 5-kw. station 15 miles away.

At the time of writing there is not announced a date for the broadcasting of trio which will perform from IYA, but the personnel, Misses Ina Bosworth and Lalla Hemus, and Mr Eric Waters is suggestive of musical treats to come. There should be keen rivalry between the permanent instrumentalists from the three stations.

Short-wave transmitters are now installed on all the Union trans-Parifie mail boats, these vessels being able thus to keep in continuous touch with Australia right up to the Pacific slope. It is understood that the Union Company has its own special plant in Sydney, whereby it maintains touch with its vessels.

Reproducing the full musical scale on a cone speaker with ample volume and exceptionally fine tone quality. On a Single Tuning Control Set, Emmett’s, | of Victoria Avenue, are demonstrating 'the finest Radio Set on the market to]day. It is a‘ ‘ Gilfillan.” Six valves are used including a power valve. The three radio stages are enclosed in sep(arate metal shielding which gives the 'highest degree of selectivity, clear reI production, and purest tone quality. The cabinet is hand carved brown mahogany with a handsome satin finish of a very attractive design. The careful workmanship and the special features give a purchaser a radio outfit that will repay him with many years of keen enjoyment.*

3YA’s volume seems to have gone off lately, and fading peculiar to the station quite as apparent as ever.

On Saturday, from 8.30 to 10.30 a.m. an attempt was made by 2YA to pick up and relay the Prince of Wales’ Armistice Day speech. Conditions, however, wore not satisfactory and the relay did not eventuate.

The transmission from IYA continue to be ragged and the programmes far below' the standard of the other stations. Occasionally there is an outstanding item, but on the whole they have deteriorated considerably during the last few weeks. The introduction of gramophone items into the evening programme is distinctly a retrograde step, and the Saturday night programmes which used to be such a feature of this station have given way to organ and gramophone recitals, followed by dance music.

Because of its formidable list of high quality features the Crosley Six has been hailed as the finest set yet produced. With one of these remarkable instruments in the home the best programmes are always at your disposal—distance, volume and clearness are assured. Arrange for a demonstration from D. A. Morrison and Co. now.*

Short Waves. We are indebted to Mr J. R. Howard of Marton for the following notes on short wave reception:—Telephony is now quite, common on short waves either night or day. Some of our amateurs seem to be quite busy. Within the last few days 1 have several times heard 2AQ, Taihape, 3AU, Rangiora, 7CW, Hobart and several others. The General Electric Company’s station 2XAF, of Schenectedy, New York, came in well on Wednesday last and again on Friday afternoon they were heard at excellent speaker volume. On this occasion they continued until 6.10 p.m. and gave a fine programme from WGY. The items were mostly on the organ and the quality was splendid. On tuning in at 4.30 p.m. I heard two selections which I did not know. The announcer then said they were, by special request, giving the overture from the et Bohemian Girl.” These were followed by the Indian love lyrics, “ Temple Bells,” “Less than the Dust,” and “Till I Awake.” There were also several soprano solos with organ accompaniment. 2AQ, Taihape comes in very powerfully indeed on about 36 metres. I rather expected that he would not be well received as he is only about 45 miles away but either night or day he is easily picked up, so that the so-call-ed skip of the short waves does not lake effect here. On Friday evening while working 2XA.F a loud heterodyne whistle was heard. This proved to be a nearby amateur whose wave evidently swings a bit, as at one time for a few minutes he quite blotted out the American, while he explained to a friend his troubles with a burnt-out meter, etc. Of course he had my sympathy, but I really did wish him somewhere else at the time.

BATTERY-OPERATED SETS

CAN BE CONVERTED INTO ELECTRIC OUTFITS The majority of vacuum tube broadcast receivers in use to-day can be converted into an electric set by the utilization of alternating current tubes and the necessary associated apparatus now on the market. The factors required for a successful device of this type are: High voltage ”B’’ generated within the unit; supertone tube using the high voltage “B,” also within the unit; all necessary “A’’supply (heater supply), “B” and “C” voltages for all tubes in the set without any wiring changes. It may be seen that with the infinite variety of set arrangements, some special modifications of harness and adapters may be required, or it may be physically impossible to get the new tubes into the cabinet, yet most of these difficulties can be surmounted. However, for most sets there arc standard outfits on the market now which make simple the work of converting battery-operated circuits into electrical sets.

AMERICA’S LATEST

America’s latest circuit is the Strobodyne. We do not intend to publish it since to detail the ideas of a Frenchman who is responsible for it would be beyond the ability of the most eloquent technical journalist. Moreover, a great many of the parts are proprietary and more or less secret as regards principle and design. Those of our readers who have witnessed in a cinema the wheels of a motor car rotating backwards when the vehicle has actually been photographed going forwards will have seen what amounts to an electrical analogy of the Strobodyne which, in a fashion, diverts, twists, and reconverts waves in a very cute fashion and picks out the carrier desired.

It is a move in a direction which radio design is bound to take sooner or later. There is a point up to which selectivity can be obtained, but a time is approaching when the number of transmissions will have increased to such an extent that very elaborate means will have to be employed to secure separation.

HINTS ON THE AERIAL

To obtain the maximum advantage from an aerial, the lead-in should never be longer than the ordinary aerial. It is also bad practice to bring the lead-in back underneath the aerial to the point where it enters th e house. A good plan is to arrange the aerial so that the leadin comes away from it at right angles to it. The lead-in should, if possible, not be brought within four feet of the side of the house, or any projection from the house, until it is run through the wall or window frame. The receiving set should be as close as possible to the point where the lead-in enters the room. This saves loss of signa] strength. It is a good plan to use about 14 feet of rubber-insulated wire for the lead-in. It can. be spliced on to the “tail” of the aerial and then firmly soldered. The nearer end of the aerial should have its “tail” twisted around it five or six times, and then the twists should be securely soldered, otherwise the aerial will unwind and sag badly. Always bring the lead-in away at the very extremity of the aerial. The aerial should not come closer than five or six feet from the mast, the insulators being so placed as to keep it that distance away. It is better to use galvanised iron wire for the halyard )f the aerial instead of rope. The latter gets tight in wet weather, and it is subject to rot unless specially prepared for the purpose. The lead-in wire should not be finer in size than the aerial. It is composed of finer-gauged wire, this can be compensated for by a greater number of strands. The earth wire iorms part of the aerial system and mny be likened to a drain. Therefore the heavier the gauge of wire the better, so that it offers a minimum of resistance to the electrical current. It is not generally known by the novice that the finer the wire is stranded, and that the

greater number of strands compensates for the fineness of its gauge. No singlewire aerial should be finer than 14 gauge. The stranded wire makes a very excellent aerial, and seven strands of 20 gauge is a deservedly popular type. An aerial should be well insulated to prevent leakages. Many listeners are satisfied with two insulators at each end of the aerial, but I prefer at least three at each end. Generally speaking, the quality of insulators on the New Zealand market are excellent. The “shell” and the “egg” types of insulators possess the advantage of tremendous strength for their size, and there is no danger of their carrying away. At one time there was a cheap type of insulator on sale which had a metal hook at each end, and some purchasers found that the hooks pulled out under the heavy strain on the aerial occasioned by gales. A better-made insulator of similar design is now on sale, and it has stood severe tests. It is not a bad plan to lower the aerial occasionally to clean off rust strains and dust or soot which have lodged on the insulators. This will avoid electrical leakage across the insulators. Heavy rain will wash dust or soot off insulators, but rust stains require personal attention. When an aerial is being erected it is advisable to clean the insulators before they are hoisted up, as they may have become muddy or dirty through lying on the ground.

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES

CHRISTCHURCH SILENT. IYA, AUCKLAND. (333 Metres). 3 p.m.; Afternoon session—Selected studio items. 4.0: A literary selection by Mr Culford Bell. 4.30: Close down. 6.0: The children's hour. 7.0: Close down. 7.15: News and reports. 7.45: Close down. 8.0: Chimes. Relay of orchestral overture from Majestic Theatre Orchestra, under the direction of Mr J. Whiteford-Waugh. 8.11: We will now pass over to the draw-ing-room of Mr Duncan Black, who is just receiving his guests, including Miss Elsie Bentley. Miss Beryl Smith, Mrs Bentley and ■Mr James Simpson. j 8.13: The guests have settled themselves comfortably in the drawing-room, Mr Black (as host) opens the proceedings by asking them to sing an opening chorus. 8.18: He then asks Miss Smith to sing, as a particular favour, the contralto solo, “My Ships.” 8.23: Mr Simpson, a pushing young tenor, then sings “A Farewell.” 8.28: A few jokes, cracked by mine host. 8.31: Miss Bentley then favours the company with a soprano solo, “There’s a Land.” 8.36: We now pass back to the Studio to relay a musical interlude from the Majestic Theatre. 8.46: Returning to the drawing-room we find the company calling on the host, and Mr Black digs into the antique music-stool and produces "Dreaming of Home.” 8.51: And then combines with Mr Simpson in a delightful little duet. 8.56: Not to be outdone, Miss Bentley and Miss Smith get together, and sing “Island of the Purple Sea.” 9.1: A few more nuts are cracked, and then the company harmonise in “Come to the Fair.” 9.8: Switching back to the Studio we broadcast our weather forecast, and then return to the drawing-room. 9.9: Just in time to hear Miss Smith singing “Three Fishers.” 9.14: Miss Smith then tunefully combines with Miss Bentley in “I Love You Truly.” 9.18: Mr Simpson contrives to push himself forward, and sings "I seek for Thee in Every Flower.” 9.23: A soprano solo by Miss Bentley, “My Hero.” 9.28: Finding the party lagging, mine host tells a tall story, and then manages 'to find another song “Thou’rt Passing Hence.” 9.34: Supper is announced—so, returning to the Studio once again, we pass over to the Majestic Theatre, where the orchestra is playing a musical entr’acte, and then again switching to the drawing-room party, we hear ' 9.45: Miss Bentley and Mr Black in a duet, "Funiculi Funicula.” 9.51: Happy, after their enjoyable supper, the company now sings “For You.” 9.55: And then, to wind up a very pleasant evening, they all join in the “Laughing Chorus.” 10.0: “Good night” at the front door. 10.1: We switch back to the Studio for “Our Thought.” 10.2: God Save the King. 2 YA. WELLINGTON. (420 Metres). 2.30 p.m.: Resume Test cricket match. New Zealand v. The Rest, on relay from Basin Reserve, Mr A. Varney, secretary, Wellington Cricket Association, announcing. Cricket relay to be interspersed with selected gramophone items. 5.0: Close down. 6.0: Children’s hour—Uncle Jasper and radio express steamer leaves 2YA promptly at 6.1 p.m. A trip across the sea. Items on board. Chorus, cousins from St. Mark's School, “The Brown Thrush”; Uncle Jasper sends birthday greetings; song, school cousins, “Robin Redbreast” ; song, school cousins, “The Birds Go North Again”; story time. Uncle Jasper; chorus, St. Mark’s School, “Mr Rooster and Mrs Hen”; recitation, Cousin Eunice, “Janie Brown”; chorus, school cousins, “The Birdie’s Ball.” 7.0: News session and market reports. 7.40: Lecturette —Mr E. A. Bradshaw, “A History of Motor-cars.’ 8.0: Chimes of the General Post Office clock, Wellington. 8.1: Overture, “Strauss March.” 8.5: Quartette —Orpheus Quartette, “Long Live Elizabeth.” 8.9: Clarionet —Mr A. A. Crump, “Eighth Air Varie.” 8.15: Soprano—Mrs Alice Harris, “Rose in the Bud.” 8.2 U ; Trio—Symons-El I wood-Short Trio, “Vivace Double Concerto.” 8.30: Duet —Messrs Coe and Barnes, “The Moon Hath Raised Her Lamp Above.” 8.35: Violincello —Mr Geo. Ellwood, “Ele8.40: Contralto--Miss Lily Mackie. “Fair Spring is Returning” from “Samson and Delilah.” 8.46: Baritone —Mr Len Barnes, (a) •Sylvia,” (b) “Belated Violet.” 8.54: Weather report 8.56: Leceurette—Mr H. C. South, “Books: Grave and Gay.” 9.15: Quartette —Orpheus “Song of the Volga Boatmen.” 9.21: Trio—Symons-Ellwood-Sbort Trio, “Largo and Allegro Double Concerto.” 9.33: Tenor —Mr Arthur Coe, “Farewell to Summer.” 9.38: 'Cello—Mr Geo. Ellwood. “Scherzo.” 9.44: Solo and quartette—Orpheus Quartette and Miss Lily Mackie, “Old Folks at Home.” 9.50: Clarionet—Mr A. A. Crump, “Second Clarionet Concerto.” 9.57: Quartette— Orpheus Quartette, “Ciribiribin.” 4YA. DUNEDIN. (463 Metres). 3 p.m.: Town Hall chimes. 3.1: His Master’s Voice recital. 3.16: Address on “Interior Decoration,” by Miss M. Puechegud. 3.30: Studio music. 4.0: Book talk, by Mr H. Greenwood, of the Dunedin Anthenaeum. 4.15: His Master’s Voice recital. 4.30: Close down . 7.0: Town Hall chimes. 7.1: Children's hour—Big Brother Bill. 8.0: Town Hall Chimes. Studio concert by the Ritz Concert Orchestra and assisting artists. 8.1: Overture—Ritz Concert Orchestra, “Le Chevalier Breton.” 8.9: Vocal solo—Miss Tui Salt, selected. 8.13: Saxophone quartette, “Hail, Smiling Morn.” 8.17: Flute solo—Mr J. Stewart, "Romance.” 8.22: Waltz—Ritz Concert Orchestra, “Waves of the Danube.” 8.28: Baritone solo—Mr R. Richards, “Don Juan’s Serenade.” 8.32; Saxophone sextet, “Ohl Miss Han8.36: Pianoforte solo—Mr A. H. Pettitt, “Cappricante.” * 8.41: Novelty—Ritz Concert Orchestra, “The Magpie and the Parrot.” 8.45: Address —Pastor W. D. More, “On Being in Love.” 9.0: Saxophone duet—Messrs J. McCaw and G. Turner, “Here Me, Norma.” 9.4: Vocal solo—Miss Tui Salt, selected. 9.8: Xylophone solo—Mr E. Andrews, “Ladies of Cadiz.” 9.12: Selection—The Ritz Concert Orchestra. “Two Dances” from “La Lource.” 9.17: Saxophone solo—Mr J. McCaw, “Sax9.21: Flute and 'cello djiet—Messrs J. Stewart and T. Law, “Serenade* 9.26: Baritone solo—Mr R. Richards, “Linden Lea."

9.32: Selection—Ritz Concert Orchestra, “Hungarian Dance.” 9.40: Saxophone sextette, “Andante.” 9.46: Cornet solo—Mr C. Morgan, “The Pilgrim.” 9.52: March —Ritz Concert Orchestra, “Sol10.0: Close down. 3LO, MELBOURNE. (371 Metres). 7.15: Under the auspices of the Town Planning Association, Mr F. E. Dixon, F.I.C.A. — "Sky Scrapers.” 7.30: Under the auspices of the University Extension Board, Mr O. de R. Foenander, L.L.M., Lecturer in Political Economy and History to the University of Melbourne—- " The Washington Disarmament Conference.” 7.45: Mr E. M. Pascot—“Bowls.” 8.0: Mr J. Sutton Crow will speak on the Million Shilling Fund. Under the auspices of the Health Association of Australasia, the Health Message for to-day is:—“A clean mouth is a good investment.” 8.5: Progress of Dunlop Grand Prix, relayed from Wangaratta. 8.15: Marie Lawton, soprano—“ For You Alone,” “Charmaine.” 8.22: Under the auspices of the Health Association of Australasia, Mr Aaron Beattie will speak on—“ The importance of a flexible spinal column to health.” 8.30: Malvern Tramways Band—selected. 8.40: Senia Chostiakoff, tenor: “By the Fireside,” “Evening Bells.” 8.47 : Malvern Tramways Band—Selection “L’Arlesinenne.” 9.0: The Institute of Engineers’ Annual Dinner: Speeches will be transmitted from Scott's hotel. 9.30: Malvern Tramways Band—Waltz, “Queen o’ Dreams.” 9.35: Madeline Knight, contralto—“ Molly Bawn,” “The Dear Little Shamrock,” 9.42: One-act Play: Winner of third prize in One-Act Play Competition—“ Ermine, Diamonds and Champagne,” by Jack Curlett. 9.57 : Malvern Tramways Band—Minuet. “Ist Symphony.” 10.4: Argus news service. Meteorological information. Announcements. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s Safety Message for to-day is for Motorists: “Don’t forget to slow down and hoot at street or road intersections. It may save a human life—possibly your own.” 10.12: Senia ChostiakofT. Tenor, “Snowflake,” “When the Stars Were Brightly Shining,” from “Tosca.” 10.19: Joe Aronson and his Synco-Symphon-ists: “Moonlit Waters,” “Everything’s Peaches,” “Mamma’s Gone Young, Papa's Gone Old.” 10.29: Madeline Knight, Contralto, “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose,” “The Auld Hoose.”

10.36: Malvern Tramways Band—March, “Argandab,” Morceau, “Chanson Indoue. 10.45: Sporting Notes by “Olympus.” British official wireless news from Rugby. Island steamer movements. 10.52: Joe Aronson and his Synco-Sym-phonists, “Flapperette,” piano solo, “At Sundown.” . , 11.0: Our Great Thought, “The reason why Beethoven's, Bach’s and Mozart’s music is great is not because they are necessarily better musicans than their fellows, but because their minds, which find expression in music, were great, noble and brave.” Smith. ,’.. e Victoria more musical. Subscribe to the Million Shilling Fund. 11.1: Joe Aronson and his Synco-Symphon-ists—“Collette,” “The Whole World is Laughing at Me,” “Falling in Love With You, “Whistle Your Blues Away.” “Deed I Do.” Hello, Swanee, Hello,” “She Knows Her Onions,” “Honolulu Song Bird.” “Take Your P'inger Out of Your Mouth,” “That Waltz of Yesterday,” “Classican,” “I Love the College 11.40: God Save the King. 4QG, BRISBANE. (385 Metres). 6.0 p.m: Daily Standard news; announcements. 6.15 p.m.—Astronomy—“Some Giants of the Sky,” Mr A. K. Chapman. 6.30: The children’s session—stories by “Uncle Jim.” 7.0: Special news service* market reoprts, stock reports. 7.30: Weather news; announcements. 7.43: Standard time signals. 7.45: Lecturette: A talk on Photography by Mr F. L. South (manager Kodak Ltd.) Cadenza Plectral Club—--8.0 p.m.—From the Studio : Orchestral —• “Blue Danube Waltz,” Mrs Matthews’ Cadenza Plectral Club; A Thought for Tonight—“As a Man Thinketh” (Will H. Lister). Violin solo—selected. Miss Clare Matthews. Contralto solo—“ Soul of Mine.” Miss Winnie Haslam ; mandoline quartette, “Indian Love Call,” Miss Ida Heckenberg and party; male quartette, “Oft in the Stilly Night” the Lyric Male Quartette; romance. “A Venetian Night,” the Cadenza Plectral Club; soprano solo, “Dear Little You,” Mrs L. Hunter (accompanied by Cadenza Club) : tenor banjo solo, “Stepping Out,” Mr J. Matthews; soprano solo—“Lak Jamin,” Miss Eileen McLennan ; march—“ Here They Come,” the Cadenza Plcstral Club. 9.0: Metropolitan weather forecast. 9.1: Studio programme—Overture, “Gloriana,” the Studio Instrumental Quartette (conductor: Mr Fred C. Smith) ; contralto solo—“A Dream of Child Days," Miss Winnie Haslam ; Hawaiian Instrumentalists in selected numbers, the Myona Quartette: ten minutes with Henry Lawson, “The Cambaxoora Star,”

Mr Claude Walker; waltz, “Queen of the Roses," the Studio Instrumental Quartettes bass solo—“ Mountains o’ Mourne,” Mr Stanley Tamblyn : pianoforte solos—(a) ‘ Nocturne; (b) “Water Wagtail.” Miss Rae Phillips; soprano solo, “Pretty Mocking Bird.” Miss Eileen McLennan : Hawaiian Instrumentalists, the Myona Quartette; male quartette, “Old Man Moses,” the Lyric Male Quartette; march, “Normal,” the Studio Instrumental Quartette; male quartette, “Kentucky Babe,*’ the Lyric Male Quartette; Hawaiian Instrumentalists, the Myona Quartette; overturn, “Lastfiel,” the Studio Instrumental Quartette. 10.0: The Daily Mail news; weather news. Close down. 2FC. SYDNEY. (442 metre*). 5.45 p.m.: Children’* session. 6.10: Dinner music. 7.15: Weather report*; latest spent Infarnjetion; Evening New* service; programme announcement*. 8.0; Studio concert. 10.30: Dance music from the Ambassador*. 11.30: Close down. JBL, SYDNEY. (853 Metres). 6.30: Dinner music. 7.0: Chimes. Sporting and athleffc news! weather information ; market and stock re7.45: Programme announcements. 8.0: G.P.O. chime*. Broadcasters’ topical chorus. Evening programme. 10.45: Dance music from Wentworth Cafe. 11.30: Announcements; close down. 2GB, Sydney (316 metres). —8.30 till 11.36 3AR, Melbourne z 484 metres).—9.3o Hll 1.9*. SCL, Adelaide (305). —10 p.m. till 1.30 a.m. Note.—ln regard to the detailed programme* of the Australian st* tions Australian time i* i given in each instance, which is 2’/j hours behind that of New Zealand.