Listen In!

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 210, 5 September 1934, Page 10

Listen In!

•« NOTES AND PROGRAMMES

(B} “Detector.

The Wavelength Problem. |; In the interest of listeners it is es- I sential that something should be done , in the near future to solve the wave- < length problem. Hopeless confusion ; now exists in this regard in New Zealand, Australia ami California. Powerful Californians are causing serious interference with programmes from New Zealand stations, while equally powerful stations in Japan are interfering with Australian transmissions. Also little country stations in Australia are clashing with even smaller stations in New Zealand. Some agreement should be come to between the Governments of the countries concerned. Tax on Valves. Having just swallowed the royalty pill, the radio public of Australia and New Zealand will shortly have to take another dose handed out by the patent rights combine. It is now proposed to impose a tax of 6d to Is on each valve sold, ami so add further to the high cost of receivers. It seems that radio dealers will have to organise, and seek Government protection against these rapacious demands. Royalties have already been paid on machines in the country of origin and it is iniquitious that they should be double-banked. Noisy Conditions. Reception has been very noisy for the past week or so, probably due to the bad weather conditions. Static could be heard through 2YA at times, and this made reception of the Australians unbearable. Buried the Hatchet. Apparently the Canterbury Rugby Union and the Broadcasting Board have made friends. The CanterburyAlanawatu match was put on the air! Morse Interference. Complaint has been received from a number of listeners at Castlecliff regarding interference by Morse. This interference is not, as would thought, caused by overseas vessels in the vicinity, but by a local amateur transmitter. It is stated he is on the air for a couple of hours every night pumping out Morse, and causing no end of trouble to about 20 licensed listeners in his vicinity. This is entirely'a matter for the P. and T. Department. Rubbing It In! An announcer from an Australian station recently put over a sly dig which should not be lost on politicians who advocate broadcasts of debates from Parliament: “For the last hour you’ve been listening to—at least we’ve been relaying—speeches bv the Mayor and others. ” “Hurry On, Please’’’ Just before a lecturette was given from 2YA the other evening, the announcer was heard to say to the lecturer, “Come on, get on with it straight away!’’ Just before the eight o’clock chimes, the lecturer was also informed that “that would be enough!” Surely, some better system than this could be devised? ‘ ‘ Sheeref ’ ’ Wanted. A dahir (degree) has been issued in Morocco: “Our Majesty the Sheeref has decreed that radio reception must not be troubled by the workings of electrical appliances of any description.” A pity we have no “Sheeref” in Wanganui! Country Licences. Australian listeners living more than 250 miles away from one of the national stations have been granted a considerable reduction in their licence fees. Instead of the usual fop of a guinea, they have to pay only 15s. This arrangement is quite fair, as reception in country districts is often very poor. Some move on these lines- would also bo welcomed in this country. A Huge Joke. The authorities at New Zealand’s premier station, 2YA. would be well advised to have an understudy for their regular announcer. Mr. Clive Drummond. On Saturday evening last, the “announcer” made a regular “hash” of the news session. As a matter of fact, any schoolboy could have done better. Static. Static of the machine-gun order marred reception from overseas stations and from most New Zealand stations on many nights during the last three or four weeks, and August has not lived up to its reputation. Crackling static is the most annoying kind of atmospheric interference, as it remains const,ant, while there are intervals between the bursts of the high explosive type. Fifteen Americans. Last Wednesday was one of the best as far as distant reception was con cerned. Between 5 and 6.30 p.m. a total of 15 American stations were coming in at strength from fair tn excellent. The host were KOA. WLW, KSL, KFT and KGO. AH these stations were transmitting American election results. By the way, there were quite a few , “howling” valves about. One “howler” perched right on top of KSL for over twenty minutes. N.Z. Licences. There were 132,861 paid licences for receiving sets in the Dominion at the end of July, new licences for the month having totalled 3993. which is slightly * more than the increase in the corres ponding month last year. The grand total of licences connected with radio in the Dominion on July 31 was 134,956. 3 over 4000 more than the previous ‘ month. Beside 132,861 receiving 1 licences, there are 982 dealers’ permits, ‘ 797 for transmitters, three experimental. 287 free and 26 broadcasting. i Radio Repair Service. Make use of our Radio Repair Ser- , vice. Ra,dio is our specialty, therefore 1 bring your repairs to the firm who ■ specialise in this work. All and any • classes of sets- repaired. Valves may ) be the cause of poor reception, so bring - them in. and we will test them free. — D. A. Morrison and Co., Avenue.’

| Something New for DXers. In the early days of broadcasting the ’ great, majority of listeners owned re- I reivers, not for the entertainment available in the programmes, but solely for ; the satisfaction of searching for ami ! receiving distant stations, or for “DX” as it came to be called. That > this fever is returning is evidenced by ■ lhe fact that many American manufae- 1 turers are building in large quantities ' whal they term “special DX receivers.” These sets are claimed to have the utmost sensitivity and most of 1 them are of the “all-wave” design, capable of reception of wave-lengths ! from 15 to 550 metres. These special receivers are purppsely made very selective even to the extent of cutting out certain of the very high frequencies broadcast by the transmitter. The receivers employ from 10 to 19 valves. As the sets have only recently been announced in the United States it is unlikely that any will be available in New Zealand for some time. The majority of these sets have forsaken the simple one-dial tuning control and some have as many as eight knobs fnr the ambitious DX enthusiast to twiddle, not to mention as many as three tuning dials. American Amateurs. W9LD and W6CM, two American amateurs on the 20-metre band, have been heard at excellent strength of late. These stations are the best of the American amateurs, and some of 1 their talks are really interesting. It is stated that WOLD has a power in the aerial of 870 watts. A Novel Broadcast. Last week there was an unusual broadcast from 2FC. Wong Buk Cheung, the Chinese wrestler, who was in this country some while ago, gave a short talk on his professional career. He spoke most fluently in excellent English, though of decidedly American flavour. He then spoke in Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and French. Reverting to English he explained that he was least familiar with his native tongue, Chinese, and said that he felt, he would be in line for world championship honours if he could defeat Sonnenburg. He felt he had an excellent chance of success. Subsequent events have not justified his belief, but surely Wong Buk Cheung is the world’s champion linguistic wrestler. Gold Medal Awarded. Further proof of the worldwide supremacy of Philco radio comes to hand, in the August number of the “American Exporter.” The International Radio and Music Stores. Tffd.. of Tel-Aviv, Palestine, recently cabled that Philco had received, at the Levant Fair, the Gold Medal, the Highest Award in this industry. ... * Fear of Lightning Damage. A correspondent has been unable to secure permission from cither of two neighbours to suspend an end of an aerial from trees on their property, owing to their fear of lightning damage. The fact remains, however, that a properly erected aerial, equipped with an efficient lightning-arrester, is an insurance against such damage to property. Telephone wires are likewise not protected by lightning arresters. Tn point of fact, it is generally contended that an aerial, safeguarded by an efficient lightning-arrester, is an insurance agairst hazard, in that the aerial will drain near by electrical discharges safely to earth. Marvellous Advances Made. Marvellous advances have been made in recent years in the recording and reproduction of gramophone selections. At one time “canned” music could be detected by any radio listener, and the scratch of the needle was audible as soon as a disc commenced to revolve. Now it takes a very sensitive ear to distinguish between a singer at the microphone and the same singer on celluloid. The. distinguishing mark is the orchestral accompaniment. Radio Industry. There are several radio factories in Auckland where thousands of sets arc 1 turned out yearly, and these concerns arc employing hundreds of boys who are learning a, useful trade. One of the largest of these factories has facilities for producing all shapes and sizes oi sets in double-quick time. As these sets are made on a. mass-production basis in the same way as the imported article, with which they must compete, thev are subjected to rigorous tests before leaving the factory. Tn every ! wav fhev seem to compare quite favourably with the imported article. - Conference of Listeners’ Associations. It is hoped to hold a conference of representatives of all listeners’ clubs and associations throughout the Dominion about the end of this month. The. proposal comes from the committee of the Auckland United Listeners’ Club, which is communicating with other as 1 sociations of its kind throughout, the 1 land in the endeavour to secure their co-operation. The scheme is one worthy 1 of the support of all listeners, especially since only through a unity of purpose wrill much notice be taken of suggesr tions offered and requests made. The ” Government exercises a. great amount ‘ of direct power over a supposedly inde--pendent body, the Broadcasting Board, and it will require very strong influence to create for the latter body that freet. dom of action which it so badly needs if it is to function on the lines of the t 8.8. C. There was once a time when an ' appeal for a conference such as is proposed could be made through the YA’s I and, it is presumed, through other stations. but it is doubtful whether such . a privilege could be obtained to-day, though the effort to obtain it is worth _ the trial. The question of each district r being given the right to nominate a can- ’ didate for the Broadcasting Council 1 was well threshed out over three years ago. with the result that the Government asked for nominations from listeners’ associations, and both from and •- beyond these the council was chosen, e In so far as listeners have benefited the o council might as well have been disy carded, if w r e are to judge by the rey commendations which have brought g new achievements. The papers and the -annual report indicate that the council is a very poor fifth wheel.

Choosing a Set. In choosing a set, the three main factors to be W’atched in arriving at a decision are quality, selectivity, and sensitivity. Of these, undoubtedly quality is the most important, for the majority of listeners are most concerned with what they receive than the manner of the rendition. But with all that, there must be sufficient of the other two to ensure that the desired signals are well received without any interference from other stations, and with a maximum signal strength. Primary factors of quality together with the necessary degree of selectivity and sensitivity should never be forgotten. If the receiver has a pleasing tone, and will bring in the desired stations without interference, then there arc the grounds for satisfaction. No matter what technical features may be given to appeal, the radio has to be listened to, and this factor determines the enjoyment obtained from the broadcast programmes. And receiver design is subject to fashion. New circuits, components, methods of control, etc., may be boomed to an extent unwarranted by the technical advantages, thus establishing another fashion. Manufacturers immediately incorporate this feature. Usually this is quite successful; although sometimes there is such little success that the new production is no improvement—in fact, often worse—on the model that has gone before it. Yet the instrument sells because of the fashion. Present trends are for superheterodyne models, which can be obtained in many forms from the fourvalve set up to a type using two or th-ree times that number of valves. Considering a.ll circumstances, the smaller variety is capable of very good results. It has good selectivity together with moderate sensitivity, and a quality which is pleasing in spite of the fact that, the output generally 1s limited. Five, six, and seven-valve types are sufficiently sensitive to pick up any worth-while station, and will separate them -without any trouble. They also allow many of the refinements w’hich go to improve the quality of reproduction and the ease of operation. The largest types combine quality, selectivity, and sensitivity to a maximum degree and can be called the “Rolls Royce” in radio receivers. Some mention must be made of details in design placed before the layman that often bring about decision in the purchase of a certain type of receiver. The advantages and disadvantages are generally obvious; but volume control should be carefully investigated—it must have a smooth and wide range of control over the local stations. Visual tuning, sile t spot tuning, etc., all have their clear cut advantages. Finally, when contemplating the purchase of a manufactured article, before a decision is reached a. demonstration ■ should be arranged for in the home, j This will give the actual working con- 1 ditions, and so the results to be ex- E pectcd. Undoubtedly there arc sonic ■ very fine sets available, and by care- < fully considering the various points mentioned, the newcomer into radio will certainly find an immense amount of enjoyment from a tour of the ether. Superheterodynes give much more sc- , lectivity than the straight tuned radio frequency types of circuit that previ- c ously were so popular. It has this greater sensitivity by reason of the principle upon which it operates. But there is more chance of loss of qual- 1 ity than in the other type of circuit, , and therein lies the difference between ; a good receiver and a. poor one. Experience with this type of circuit, however. together with careful design and manufacturing methods, has removed the difficulties formerly associated with , the superheterodyne —the modern receiver built by a. manufacturer of repute meets all demands. TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES Following are the programmes of Australian and New Zealand stations scheduled for today. In the case of Australian stations . Australian time is Riven in each instance, , which is iVa hours behind that of New Zealand:— IYA, AUCKLAND. (650 Kilocycles). 7.0: Breakfast session- 8.30: Close down. 10.0: Devotional service. 10.15: Selected recordings. 12.0: Lunch music. 2.0: Selectee recordings. 2.30: Classical hnur. 3.15: Sports results. 3.30: Talk. 3.46: Light musical programme. 4.30: Sports results. 5.0: Children’s hour. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.40: W.E.A. Session, Professor G. G. Cooper. 8.0: Chimes. Chamber i Music Hour. Recorded Presentation of So- i natina” in G Minor, Op. 137. 8.16: Robert Simmers in a baritone recital. 8.27: The Kiavier Quintet. 8.52: Recording, Lotte I-eh- , mann, soprano. 9.0: Weather report and i station notices. 9.2: Talk. Mr. Alan Mui- | gan. “World Affairs.” 9.20: Dance music. I 11.0: Close down. IYX—Auckland. (880 Kilocycles.) 5.0: Light musical programme. 6.0: Close I down. 7.0: After dinner music. 8.0: Alternative concert programme. 10.0: Close down. 2YA, WELLINGTON. (570 Kilocycles). 7.0 to 8.30: Breakfast session. 10.0: Chimes. Selected recordings. 10.30: Devotional service. 11.30: Talk. 12.0: Lunch music. 2.0: Classical hour. 3.0: Sports results. Light musical programme. 4.0: Sports results. 5.0: Children’s hour. 6.0 Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.30: Talk, Our Gardening Expert. 8.0: Chimes. Selected Recordings. Vienna Philharmonic. Orchestra. 8.10: Beniamino Gigli, tenor. 8.18: Lionel Tertis, viola. 8.26: Ninon Vallin, soprano. 8.32: 8.8. C. Symphony Orchestra. 8.40: Talk, Dr. ■ Guy H. Scholefield. 9.0: Weather report and station notices. 9.11: Franco Foresta, tenor. 1 9.18: The Six Keyboard Kings. 9.23: Plunkett Greene, baritone, 9,26: Sketch, Leslie , Weston and Company. 9.32: Orchestra Du I Theatre Mogador de Paries. 9.40: Desiree Ellingen. soprano. 9.43: Paul Godwin’s Orchestra. 9.47: Irving Naismith. baritone. 9.50: Rudy Starita, xylophone. 9.53: Olive Grove- | and George Baker, vocal duet. 9.56: The Band of H.M. Coldstream Guard:-. 10.0: Music, Mirth and Melody. 10.30: Dance pro- ’ gramme. 11.0: Close down. 2YC, WELLINGTON. ‘ 1840 Kilocycles.) , 5.0; Light musical programme. 6.0: Close down. 7.0: After dinner music. 8.0: Al1 ternative concert programme. 10.0: Close down. 3YA. CHRISTCHURCH. (720 Kilocycles). 7.0: Breakfast session. 8.30: Close down. 5 10.0: Devotional service. 10.15: Selected re2 cordings. 11.0: Talk. 11.15: Selected recordi ings. 12.0: Lunch music. 2.0: Selected recordings. 3.0: Classical music. 4.0: Light musical programme. 4.30: Sports results. §.O: s Children’s hour. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.35: Addington Stock Market , reports. 8.0: Chimes. 3YA Orchestra. 8.8: Mr. David McGill, tenor. 8.14: 3YA Orches- ’ tra. 8.26: Recordings, James McCafferty, 1 baritone, 8.29: Mandoline Concert Society t Orchestra. 8.35: Recording, Gladys Moncrieff. soprano. 8.38: 3YA Orchestra. 8.43: Mr. David McGill, tenor. 8.50: 3YA Orchestra. 1 9.0: Weather forecast and station notices. 9.3: 5 Reserved. 9.20: Scenes from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” 9.40: Marek Weber anti his Orchestra. 9.44: Harry Hemsley, child impressionist. 10.0: Dance music. 11.0: Close q down. '■ 3YL, Christchurch. 6 (1200 Kilocycles). 5.0: Light musical programme. 6.0: Close down. 7.0: After-dinner music. 8.0: Alternat tive concert programme. 10.0: Close down. e 4YA, DUNEDIN. I (790 Kilocycles). 7.0: Breakfast session. 8.30: Close down. 10.0: Selected recordings. 10.15; Devotional

service. 10.45: Talk. 12.0: Lunch music. 12.15: 2.0: Selected recordings. 3.15: Talk. 3.30: Classical music. 3.45: Sports results. 4.30: Light musical programme. 4.45: Sports results. 5.0: Children's hour. 6.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 7.40: Talk. 8.0: Chimes. Relay from 3YA, Christchurch. 10.0: Favourites, old and new. 10.30: Dance music. 11.0: Close down. 4YO. DUNEDIN. (1140 Kilocycles). 5.0: Light musical programme. 6.0: Close down. 7.0: After dinner music. 8.0: Alternative concert programme. 10.0: Close down. 4QG, BRISBANE. (760 Kilocycles). 6 p.m.: Music; shipping news, ete. 6.15: Children’s session. 6.45: Music and weather reports. 7.0: Studio music. 7.23: News service. 7.45: General sporting information. 8.0: Studin programme. 10.30: Dance music. 11.0: Close down. 2BL, SYDNEY. (353 Metres). 6.15: Dance music. 7.5: Country session. 7.20: Recorded music. 8.0: Studio concert programme. 2FC, SYDNEY. (451 Metres). 5.45 p.m. Children's session. 6.45: Recorded music session. 7.20 1 Sporting and news. 8.0: Studio Concert Programme.

The Police and the Tress respectfully solicit your aid in the cruse of charity. The big day is on September 8, a Saturday quite close. Buy a shilling ticked, see the matches, join in the fun and await your luck iu an alluvial gold art union.—Advt.