NEW FOG SIGNAL

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 47, 19 November 1926, Page 5

NEW FOG SIGNAL

$ RADIO BEACON INSTALLED TO OPERATE NEXT MONTH The Secretary of the Marine Department (Mr. G. C. Godfrey) announced yesterday that the radio-beacon (spark system) wave length 1000 metres, range 50 miles, has now been installed on the island on which the lighthouse is situated off Cape Maria Van Diemen. On and after December 1 next the beacon will operate as a radio fog-signal on all occasions when weather. of low visibility exists at Cape Maria van Diemen, and when it is apparent in the locality of Three Kings Islands. The characteristic fog-signal will be transmitted automatically at a speed of fifteen words per minute for a period of two minutes followed by a silent interval of three minutes. On all occasions when the radio beacon ceases to operate the following signal will be transmitted by hand at a speed of ten words per minute, repeated six times, viz.: VLU SK. For special transmissions on other occasions, vessels requiring the radiobeacon to operate for the purpose of obtaining a line of position are authorised to communicate by radio with Awanui or Auckland radio stations in terms, “Request operate Cape Maria radiobeacon commencing [Here state time in New Zealand mean time].” Upon receipt of this message the radio-station will immediately instruct Cape Maria, and the characteristics of the fog-beacon will then be automatically transmitted for a period of thirty minutes from commencement. A charge of 2s. against such vessel- will be made by the Post and Telegraph Department for this service.. -The radio-beacon, which does not exchange wireless signals with ships, is situated in lat. 34deg. 28min. 50sec. S., long. 172 deg. 38min. 45sec. E. Masters of vessels intercepting this fog-signal are requested to forward to the Secretary of Marine reports as to its effectiveness, and particularly as to the details of the bearings and distances at which observations were made.