A SPELL OF BAD CONDITIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 97, 21 October 1926, Page 14

A SPELL OF BAD CONDITIONS

For some time past, with occasional intervals, Ifew Zealand "listeners have been treated to an exhibition of what atmospheric electrical disturbances can do in the way of broadcasting. The "static" interference has been phenomenal, and has often made it impossible to enjoy anything at all. This gross disturbance seems to be connected with the prevalence of sunspots in unusual number; at all events the two maladies have coincided. Whether the samo effect is world-wide there is at the moment no evidence, but it is wellknown that solar storms create great electrical disturbances on the earth, even to the extent of holding up telegraphic communication. At the same time there have been occasions when severe electrical storms have hindered the, operation of the ordinary telegraphs, yet have had no noticeable effect on radio reception in regard to the production of static, though communication has been hampered in specific directions. The relationship between the electrical phenomena of the sun and the earth, and between the weather and "wireless conditions" remains very vaguely understood.

"Grid Bias" was informed a few days ago of an interesting test conducted in Christchurch during the installation of a receiver. The purchaser had been told, he said,' by dealer after dealer, that it was practically impossible to hear Dunedin while the Christchurch station was in operation. The set being installed was a superheterodyne. Dunedin was obtained without difficulty,'and with no sign of interference by 3YA. Then the expert in charge, with a little misgiving, attempted Brisbane,. andj found to his gratification.» that it also was .to be heard clearly, with no sound of Christehurch. The fact that a slight "mnsh" was caused by the Christchurch , station's wave showed that the margin was very narrow indeed.

Dunedin's schedule has been changed at the request of radio dealers and listeners, and is now as follows:— Sunday, 6.30 to B'p.m.; Tuesday, 7 to 7.30, children's service; 7.30 to 8, news, etc.; Bto 10, concert. Thursday, 7to 7.30, mechanical music; 7.30 to 8, news, etc.; Bto 10, concert. Friday, 3 to 4.30, music; 7 to 7.30, children's service; 7.30 to 8, news, etc.; 8 to 10, concert.