RADIO NOTES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 117, 15 February 1928, Page 7

RADIO NOTES

(By

“Aerial.”)

Mr. B. L. Jones (Wellington) writes;- r “Listeners who, in the past-. have liequently heard JOAK (lokyo, broadcasting, on 371 metres, an “ ° ' happened to be listemug-in on slwiiwave on Sunday night, February ». *« delved a pleasant surprise. Station JHBB (Japan) was re-broadcasting on short-wave the programme I rom JvA.K. The announcer’s voice at J y, easily recognisable; and the bamoibU instruments, although producing 'V, 1 . 1 music, were heard to advantage; whilst the vocal numbers (sounding line a chant), accompanied by the ' b l amo . r l “ l ;T s t ’ were also heard quite distinctly. Uouotless, with the approach ol shoitei cays and colder nights, we shall have a much more varied bill of tare to choose Hom. both as regards ordinary broadcast inception, and shore-wave transmissions. It would be interesting to know n the Broadcasting Company of pew Zealand intends installing a transmitter. Had the company been able to transmit the Maori Pageant on short-wave simultaneously with the szu metres transmission, what a wonuenui publicity ’stunt’ for New Zealand it would have been.’’ Kcceplion from the Australian stations during the past week improved consiaei ably. As a matter of fact, even two of the Japanese stations have pi' ell loudspeaker strength alter midnight. A station which has recently come to tne fore is JAB, Melbourne, being obtainable with good volume from the loudspeaKei. after 11.30 p.m. SCL, Adelaide and 7ZL, Hobart, are sufficiently loud to enjoyable about midnight. Beginners should remember, however, that tneie are localities within a few hundiea yards ot each other which vary considerably for effectiveness of reception; also screening and the height of aerials are potent factors in governing strengrn of reception. .. Dull-emitter valves using a small accumulator to heat the filament are sometimes subject to variations of signal Strength which have the same eflect as “fading.” When this occurs it can often be remedied by connecting a fixed condenser across the battery. A , suitable value for the condenser is .002 microfarad. If a valve does not light it uiav. be caused by many other defects besides a burnt-out valve. The A battery switch or connections may be open dirty contacts may be on the rheostat, socket oi valve tips, or the valve mav not be seated properly in the socket. Sometimes a shrill whistle will be heard from the loudspeaker from a valve set, no matter what adjustments ’tre made with the tuning devices. this whistle may be due to a dirtv contact on the B battery clips; sometimes it is caused by too much B battery voltage j on the detector, or the filament rheostat may be turned too far on. When mounting a crystal in a cup ot the type in which the top or cap is screwed down to hold the crystal in place, it will sometimes he found, especially if a small fragment of crystal is being used, that the latter cannot be fixed tightly even when the cap is screwhome. To get over this difficulty take a piece of tinfoil and crumple it up in a small pad; place this in the cup first to raise the crystal a little, and then screw down the cap. Add more foil if necessary. If the hole in the cap is too large, roll some foil into a little stem and bend this round into a ring, and lay on the top of the crystal. A brass washer may even be used upon the top oi the crystal. . Two new power valves have recently been turned out iu America; they are designed especially for use in the output of a receiver. These new valves employ an improved type of filament which gives high emission at a filament current of 0.25 amperes at 5 volts. They are exactly similar to the older UX-112 and UX-171 type valves, with the exception that the filament consumption is only half that of the older types. The fllament of the corresponding 112 and 171 typo valves is 0.5 amperes at 5 volts. The other characteristics of these new valves remain the same as those of the 0.5 ampere filament valves. The UX-112-A (OZ-312-A) may be satisfactorily used as a detector, general-purpose valve, or as a power valve in the last stage of a receiver. When used as a detector, the plate voltage should be 45 volts. The UX4'7l-A (CX-371-A) must only be used in j the last stage of a receiver, and a chokecondenser combination or output trans- | former should be used in the plate cir- / cuit to keep the plate current out of the loudspeaker. The advantage of these new valves is in their greater efficiency. Under the same condition of plate voltage they produce the same plate current as the corresponding 0.5-ainpero valves, with only half as much filament current. These valves must not bo substituted tor the UX-112 (CX-112) or UX-171 (OX-171) types hi a receiver without, changing the valves or fixed filament control resistances of rheostats if they are used. Since they take the same filament current as a 201-A type valve, it follows the filament control resistances designed for the latter valve may be used iu conjunction with these new valves. , The New York “Popular Radio of December. says:—“Wc have reached a point In broadcasting development where, m certain, portions of this country, transmitter powers as high as *OOO kilowatts (one million watts) may be considered as a possibility worthy of serious consideration. While this may come as something of a shock to those who once regarded one-half kilowatt (500 watts) as the maximum necessary power for broadcasting stations, yet the marked success ot the oukilowatt (50,000 watts) station WGI has encouraged forward-looking engineers to plan further increases of power under suitable conditions in the future. It is obvious that the general trend of power in broadcast transmitters is rapidly upwards. The power is being increased tenfold. on the Average, about every three years. *ln 1921, one-half kilowatt was standard; in 1924, 5 kilowatts came to be regarded as a reasonable power; to-day the 50-kilowatt station has its rec °S n place, and perhaps by 1930 the 500 to 1000kilowatt station will be regarded as normal. - .. “People have occasionally gotten the impression that high-power stations were not capable nf high tone quality of modulation. This is far from being the case, however. Actually the tone quality of the highest power stations in the United States is second to none, and there is no technical reason why it should be in anywise inferior to lowerpowered broadcasting. “If stations of a power of from 500 to 1000 kilowatts come into moderately general use, their performance will depend upon certain factors. If fading is eliminated they will have a service range oi from 300 to 500 miles, which will give truly admirable coverage and economic justification for such stations 19 not eliminated, the range will still remain restricted to 100 or 150 miles, but they will give a greatly enhanced quality of service in the outer portions of the service zone, as compared to the 50kilowatt stations now used. “Another justification for the present trend toward higher transmitting powers is the inevitable presence of electrical disturbances in the neighbourhood of human habitations. We cannot shut down every electric fan, every refriererator, oil burner, motor, or other electrical device in the neighbourhood. This might be too high a price to pay for a radio programme. As hns been clearly pointed out by the National Electric Light Association recently, one of the desirable .ways of meeting the # problem of electrical disturbances of radio reception is by increasing the power of broadcasting statioifs.”

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES

Following are to-day’s broadcast programmes : — IYA, AUCKLAND (333 metres).—3 p.m.: Afternoon session, selected studio items. 4.0: Literary selection by .Mr. Culford Bell. 4.30: Close down. (1.0: Children's session, Uncle Tom. 7.15: Talk on "Concrete and Its Uses,” by Mr. F. 11. Powell. 7.30: News and reports. 7.45: Talk on “Physical. Culture,” by Mr. Norman Kerr. 8.0: Chimes. Belay of Auckland Municipal Band from Albert Bark. Bandmaster, Mr. Christopher Smith. The band programme will be interspersed with the following vocal items performed by the HazellSutherland Duo: Contralto solos, Miss Phyllis Hazel!, (a) "The Star” (Kogers): (b) “Beyond the Night” (Meade). Baritone solos, Mr. Frank Sutherland, (a) "From Oberon in Fairyland” (Slater); (b) "Less Than the Dust” (Woodford-Finden). Duets, Hazell-Suttierland Duo, (a) “Arise, O Sun” (Craske-Day) ; (b) “Parted” (Tosti). 10.0: A thought. 10.2: God Save the King. 2YA, WELLINGTON (420 metres).— Silent. ' 3YA, CHRISTCHURCH (.30(1 metres).— 3 p.m.: Afternoon session, selected studio items, 4.30: Close down. (1.0; Children's hour, Uncle Peter and Mother Hubbard. Bed-lime stories, birthday greetings, and songs. 7.15: News and reports. 8.0: Chimes. Relay of orchestral selections from Grand Picture Theatre Orchestra, under, the direction of Mrs. Black. A Mendelssohn oratorio concert programme by Mr. A. G. Thompson’s Dulcet Quartet. 8.15: Soprano solo, Miss Mary Shaw, A.R.C.M.. "O, For the Wings of a Dove,” from "Ilvnin of Praise” (Mendelssohn). 8.19: Tenor solo, Mr. T. G. Rogers, “Then Shall the Righteous Shine, ’’ from "Elijah” (Mendelssohn). 8.23: Recitals, Mr.'ll. R. Wilkinson, (a) “The Bishop and the Cnterpillar”; (b) “Trouble in the Amen Corner” ,(Harbough), 8.29; Con-

tralto solo, Miss Nellie Lowe, ’ oe Them,” from ‘•Elijah” (Mendelssohn). J 5.33: Instrumental trio, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio, “First Movement, J r J2 in C -Minor’’ (Mendelssohn). 0.-wj 15abS solo, Mr. A. G. Thompson, “O God, Hine Mercy,” from “St. Paul” . (Mendelssohn). 5.50: Tenor solo, -Mr. T. G. Kogers, On Wings ot Song” (Mendelssohn). 8.o3: hoprnno and contralto duet, Misses Mary Shaw and Nellie Lowe. "1 Waited for the Lord,’’ from “Hymn of Praise (Mendelssohn). S.SS: Weather forecast. 9.0: Belay of orchestral music from Grand llicaue. 9.15: Soprano recitative ami tel, or anu bass duet. Miss .Mary Shaw, A.R.C.M., Messrs. T. G. Kogers and A. G. Ibompson. “And Paul Prayed to the Congieg.ilion,” "Now We Are Ambassadors, Hom “St. Paul” (.Mendelssohn). 9.20: vocal quartet, the Dulcet Quartet, “How Are the .Messengers,” from "St. lain (Mendelssohn). 9.25: Violin solo, -Miss Irene Morris, “Andante,” from Concerto ill 15 Minor” (Mendelssohn). 9.3i>: Soprano recitative and aria, Miss Mary Shaw, A.R.C.M., “So ’They Were hilled With the Holy Ghost,” "I Will Sing of Thy Great Mercies.” from "St. Paul” (Mendelssohn). 9.39: Bass recitative and bass solo and quartet, Mr. A. G. Thompson and Dulcet Quartet, "Lord God of Abraham,’ ‘ Cast Tliv Burden Upon the Lord” (Mendelssohn). 9.43: Contralto solo. Miss Nellie Lowe, "But the Lord Is Mindful of His Own,” from “St. Paul” (Mendelssohn . 9.47: Instrumental trios, Christchurch Broadcasting Trio, (a) “Sercnata (losselll); (b) “Bolero’’ (Ravina). 9.;>G: Recital, Mr. 11. B. Wilkinson, Angel Jim (Hales). God Save the King. 4YA, DUNKDIN (403 metres) .—Silent. 2FC, SYDNEY (442 metres).—6.3o p.m.: Dinner music. 7.0: "Big Ben.” Late sporting news. Result of the tennis match, Prance versus Australia. 7.10: Dalgcty s market reports (wool, wheat and stock). 7.15: Fruit and vegetable markets. Weather and shipping news. 7.20: Evening News” late news service. 7.40: 1 rogramme announcements. 4.4 a: in mo Barber’s Chair.” 8.0: "Big Ben. I'rom the Haymarket Theatre, Sydney, items by the Haymarket Operatic Orchestra, conducted by Stanley Porter. 5.2.;: Irom the studio, Herbert Browne (tenor). 8.0-. A birthday talk. 8.35: Signor l-olli, collaboration with Carlton I ay, will present the second of the series of excerpts from grand opera. To-night they will give excerpts of Verdi's opera, “Aida, ’ in th lce sections of fifteen minutes each. llieso will be described by Signor I’Olli and musically illustrated by Carlton lay. 8.0 O: Compton Contis (comedian). S.;»8: Lionel Lawson (violinist). 9.5: -Weather forecast. 9.(1: From the Haymarket Theatre, Sydney, "The Big Four” Vocal Quartet. 9.20: From the studio, Signor l»olli will describe further excerpts from the opera, “Aida” by Verdi, with musical illustrations by ‘Carlton Fay. 9.35: Nea Hallett (soubretle), (a) “One Summer Mght (Coslow and Spier); (b) “Under the .Moon” (Snvder). 9.42: Lionel Lawson (violinist). 9.49: The third part of the excerpts from the opera, “Aida,” described bv Signor Foil! and musically illustrated by Carlton Fay. 10.4: 1 rom the Ilavimirkot Theatre, Sydney, the Haymarket Operatic Orchestra, conducted by Stanley Dorter. 10.14: Herbert Browne (tenor), from the studio. 10.20: Compton Coutts, humorous items. 10.30: Late weather forecast. 10.31: Len Maurice (popular baritone), interspersed with dance music. 10.57: Late news and announcements. 11.0: "Big Ben.” National Anthem. Close down. , 2BL, SYDNEY (353 metres).—B p.m.. G P.O. clock and chimes. 8.1: Heycs Banjo Band. 8.8: Miss Nell Crane (comedienne). 8.15: Mr. Robert Gibson, cornet solos. 8.22: Miss Grace Quine (descriptive artist). 8.29: Heycs Banjo Banti. 8.30: Miss Nell Crane. 8.43: Mr. Robert Gibson. 8.50: Miss Grace Quine. 8.57: Resume of following day's programme. Weather report and forecast by courtesy of Mr. C. J. Mares, Government Meteorologist. 9.0: G.P.O. clock and chimes. The Canterbury District Band (bandmaster, Mr. Stan Nicholls), broadcast from Baker’s Hall, Campsle. 11.20: Win and M indie (English entertainers). 9.30: The Canterbury District Band. 9.50: Win and Windle’. 10.0: G.P.O. clock and chimes. Broadcasters’ nil sports expert will talk on general sporting. 10.15: Romano s Restaurant Dance Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Merv Lyons, broadcast from Romano's. During intervals between dances "Sun” news will be broadcast. 11.50: G.P.O. clock and chimes. National Anthem, v 2GB SYDNEY (316 metres).—6.3o p.m.. Music.’ 7.0: The Joys of Wireless, by George Taylor. 7.20: Music 7.30: Humorous sketch by Heath Burdock. 7.4 a: Music. 8.0: Opening chorus. 8.2: Instrumental trio—Dan Scully, Murielle Lang, Ada Brook. 8.15: Address by Dr. 1 . K. Roest. 8.30: Songs by Maism Wren. 8.37: Violin solos by Dan Scully.. 8-49. Songs by Frederick TOl’rell. S.i'3: Cello solos by Murielle Lang. 9.0: Talk by Dr. du Maurler. 9.20 : Songs by Maisie Wren. 9.27: Instrumental trio—Dan Seullv, Murielle Lang, Ada Brook. 9.40., Serial story, “Forty Years on the I acilic, bv Frank Coffee. 9.50: Songs by I'redeiIck Turrell. 10.0: Close down. , 3LO, MELBOURNE (371 metres).—S.l6 p.m.: Newport Workshops Brass Band, fantasia, “.Melodious Memories” (irinck). 8.31: Jessie Irwin (soprano), "Rosebuds (Arditi): “Love’s Old Sweet Song (Molloy). 8.35: Newport Workshops Brass Band, overture “Nabucodonosor ’ (1 erdi). This opera was written by Verdi in 184 “Londonderry Air” (Johnston). 8.48. Mario on the melopiano, “The -101 l Dance , “Torna a Sorrento,” Neapolitan song (de Curtis). 8.55: Hector St. Clair (comedian), "Mr. Wliooziz”; “Tail of a Guinea Pig. 9.0: Victorian swimming championships, attack on Victorian records by I'roelich, tlie European champion, at the City Baths, Melbourne, described by Olympus. 9.10: Newport Workshops Brass Band, fantasia, "Souvenir de Russe” (Uiminer). 9.20: Station Orchestra, "Spanish DanceRomance”; march, "Mixture (Jacobi). 9 30: J. Howard King (bass-baritoue), “The Mighty Deep” (Jude); “Great Isis. —“The Magic Flute” (Mozart). 9.><: Bertha Jorgensen, Violin Sonata (Handel). 9.44: The Station Orchestra, "Hungarian Dances” (Brahms): “O Sole Mio. ’ News service. 9.54: “Argus” news sernce; meteorological information: British otncinl wireless news from Rugby; sporting notes bv "Olympus”; results of Country Week Tennis tournaments; Island shipping movements. 10.0: Victorian swimming championships nt the City Baths, Melbourne, described by "Olympus.’ 10.4: Newport Workshops Brass Band, march, "Collingwood” (Pettce). 10.10: Mario on the melopiano, "Operatic Melodics. 10.17: Jessie Irwin (soprano), "O Moon Upon the Water” (Cadman); “Gossiping’ (Dodge). 10.24: Bertha Jorgensen (violin), “A I’Ombre” Waltz (Brahms). 10.30: Hector St. Clair (comedian), monologue, “The Pickpocket.” 10.37: The Station Orchestra, “Moorish Serenade”; "From the Countryside." 10.45: J. Howard King (bass-baritone), “The Horn” (Flegier); “Five Eyes” (Gibbs). 10.52: The Vagabonds. “I Can’t Get Over a Girl Like You” (Broones): “Waiting for the Springtime”; "Laughing nt the Ivories.” piano solo. 11.0: Our great thought. 11.1: The Vagabonds—" Gorgeous” (Davis) : "Shepherd ot the Hills” (Nicholls): “Pleading (Jones); “Russian Lullaby”; “Me.and My Shadow”: “Moonlight”: “Dance of the Tinker Toys”; “Lantern of Love”; "Consolation”; “There’s Just One You”: “When I Am With Yon”; “I Ain’t Got Nobody"; "Don’t Forget” (Hanley). 11.40: God Save the King. 4QG, BRISBANE (385 metres).—B p.m.: Topical chorus. 8.5: A programme of dance music by Alt. Featherstone and his Studio Syncopators, including:—“My Carmonita” (Duromo); “I Like Yon Best of All" (Little); “All For Yon” (Freed); “What >md is Good Morning” (Santly); “Whoop La” (Ilendis): “My Buddy” (Donaldson) ; “Oh, Miss Hannah!” (Deppen); “Silver Rose” (Meyer); “In a Street of Chinese Lanterns" (Melcliffe): “Safe in Your Arms” (Hamilton); “Where’ll You Got Those Eves” (Donaldson); “Idolising" (West) : “Romany Love" (Zemecnik) ; “Sahara” (Nicholls); “Fleur d’Amour” (Padilla); “Bouquet” (Nicholls); rhythmic paraphrase, “June” (Lange), introducing “Andante Cantabile” (Tschaikowsky). Between dance items the following will be broadcast: Hawaiian Instrumentalists in selected numbers, the Aloha Novelty Trio: humour bv “The Mahoney Duo”; a short sketch, "The Cook,” by “Mum” and “The Kid”: popular numbers by Miss Thelma champion. 10.0: "The Dally Mail” news; wont her nows. Close down.

Note:—New Zealand time is two nnd a half hours ahead of eastern Australian time.