ATWATER-KENT’S LATEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 198, 21 August 1929, Page 10

ATWATER-KENT’S LATEST

A WONDERFUL SET AMAZING RESULTS. Jules Verne 4 visualised many wonderful things long before they were actually invented, but even his fertile brain apparently failed to conjure up the wonders of radio, and radio in its infancy certainly never visualised the Atwater-Kent screened-grid all-electric radio set.

Thanks to Radio Specialties Ltd. the writer has just had the opportunity of trying out this really remarkable set, and I must confess it has astonished

Thtj model supplied was a six-valve set with rectifying valve and stepdown transformer, with an AtwaterKent dynamic loud speaker. The cabinet is a metal one, of handsome design, and the internal components are of the first-class quality. It is exceedingly simple 1 to operate, as there is only one tuning control, and one volume control. However, as the volume on the local station (Wellington) is too great using all the valves, a special cut-out is supplied, which, brings down the volume to comfortable proportions. The tuning dial is illuminated, and one can tune in the dark. No batteries are required, and it is only necessary to plug in to the electric power. A.C. hum is practically inaudible and cannot be heard if farther than a foot away from the speaker. Using an outside aerial a test was made at 4 o’clock on Sunday afternoon, and all the New Zealand and Australians, even the minor ones, were heard at tremendous volume —in fact 2FC, 2BL and 2GB were! so loud that the volume had to be reduced. 3LO Melbourne, 2UE Sydney, and 4QG Brisbane were at nice strength, but the surprise was when 7ZL Hobart was brought in at good speaker strength at 4.30 p.m. In the evening all the Australasian stations were roaring in. while two of the Japanese stations had to be turned down to comfortable volume. It was not too good a night for distance-getting but four American stations were heard dispensing dance music, while a couple of Japanese were at excellent strength. The set is remarkably selective, and is one of the few that I have, heard that will bring in 2GB, Sydney at full strength and without interference, while 3YA is working. When using an indoor aerial it was found that the stations heard with an outdoor aerial came in nearly as loud.

The loud speaker deserves special mention. It gives remarkably realistic reproduction, and even with Wellington at full volume, thought thl sound is enormous, there is not the least blasting or distortion. A set such as this, requiring no batteries and not necessarily an outdoor aerial, and giving such excellent results, is certain to attract many who have previously hesitated about taking up radio.

TO-MORROW’S ATTRACTION

A veritable galaxy of artists will provide the Entertainment which is to be relayed from Hastings to-morrow evening, August 22. The Hawke's Bay Radio Society has secured the finest talent available in the district, and a programme will be presented which, for quality and diversity will be unsurpassed. This concert will be relayed to Wellington. 3YA will pick up and rebroadcast 2YA and relay to 4YA. The concert is also to be relayed from Hastings to Napier and presented in the theatre there, by means of loud speakers. This will be the first time in New Zealand that such a dual presentation in two theatres has been attempted, and the venture is a tribute to the enterprise of the Radio Society. The proceeds from the two concerts will be used for the purpose of installing radio sets in the Napier Hospital, and to help the funds of the society.

SPECIAL DANCE NIGHT .AUSTRALIAN EVERY TUESDAY. Every Tuesday night has been set aside as a special dance night by the Australian Broadcasting Company for the remainder of the winter. A special dancel band of 12 players will broadcast right through from 8 p.m. till 11.30 p.m., and will play a solid group of dance numbers broken only by popular songs. This is the biggest broadcasting dance band yet to be used and will not doubt prove popular with thousands of listeners. There will be definite continuity about those dance nights throughout th§ winter. This will enable listeners who have powerful sets installed in their homes to set this aside as their regular dance night. Mr Cec. Morrison, one of Australia's youngest conductors, will have charge of this special band. He has had considerable experience in broadcasting and has personally selected each member. They are all men who can play two or three instruments, are thorough musicians, and Mr Morrison has the added advantage of having a music library of over 2,000 of the very latest dance music to choose from.