WIRELESS NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 January 1931, Page 4

WIRELESS NOTES

AMERICAN LISTENERS TOTAL STEADILY INCREASING Ail American journal, reporting oil a recent survey of the number of radio receiving sets in U.S.A., shows that there is a gain of approximately four million sets in operation since July, 1029. In July, 1929, the total number of radio receiving sets in the States, according to Government statistics and figures, amounted to 9,500,000. Early in January of this year that figure was increased to 11,500,000, which in effect showed that there were two million sets sold in the six months elapsing from July, 1929, to January, 1930. ■ Now, the latest figures released after questionnaires, surveys, investigations, and the like were concluded, show that there are to-day 13,478,G00 radio receivers in use throughout the country. And the figures are supplied by tlie Department of Commerce at Washington. ' Out of 29,000,000 homes in the United States, more than 13,000,000 have receiving sets, representing a family audience of 50,000,000 people, or approximately 40 per cent, of the total population. No other industry—not even the motion picture or automobile business —has been able to show the tremendous development which has brought radio to its present status as one of the really great industries of the country. The journal then goes on to coinliiont on the economic condition of things:—“The year 1930 will probably be looked hack upon as one in which Mr Pessimist was up to his neck in glory, and he surely has been clicking in his element since last October, when in concert with almost all other businesses radio received a wallop on the chin that almost made it. ‘take tlio count.’ Like a good game prize-fighter, however, the radio industry has proved that it can ‘take it’ and is up again on its feet, although it had to spar for time and wind for a few months, and may have to continue doing so for several more. For years it was an accepted axiom among business men tliat if the iron and steel industry was busy business in general would proceed satisfactorily. The barometer of business conditions is now reflected by, and more sensitive to, the so-called infant industry, radio. Watch it carefully and you will note that if radio is moving everything else parallels. If radio slows down, everything else follows suit.”

Wireless Tips Quite a number of the cartridge type carborundum detectors fail to operate satisfactorily after having been in use some time. The cartridge contains a compressed steel spring which ensures high pressure contact between tlie steel plates and the crystal. By tapping the end of the detector with some force it is often possible to improve the sensitivity of tlie detector considerably. This suggestion must not be taken ,as infallible, as in some instances tapping will have no effect upon the operation of the detector. A stabilising voltage must be used in conjunction with tlie cartridge if results are to he expected. Among the common causes of distortion are too much reaction, incorrect H.T., L.T., or G.B. voltages, and unsuitable valves. An American radio enthusiast has discovered a new form of earth for his receiving set. This consists of fifteen pipes embedded in the ground in the form of a circle, 3ft in diameter, with a leaky Ford radiator in the centre to keep the ground damp. He admits that keeping the radiator filled is a lot of trouble,' but the results are worth while.

If you get an unpleasant “pong” every time you touch your detector Valve you can often overcome this by fixing a little plasticejie or chewing gum on the top of tlie valve and embedding a small piece of lead in this to change the natural vibration period of the valve.

Continuous soft croaking noises, accompanied by very heavy loss in signal strength are common symptoms of an L.F. transformer „ with a “burnt-out” winding.

Unity is Strength. A circular has been prepared by the New Zealand Radio Listeners’ League, recently inaugurated in Dunedin. It states: —

“The New Zealand Radio Listeners’ League has been formed to protect the interests of listeners who contribute •about £90,000 annually in license fees to the Government.

“It is not an organisation to boost trade, nor is it being run by the B class stations. It is a non-political' body organised by /fisteners, for listeners, to give them a voice in the administration of broadcasting affairs in this Dominion, and to ensure that those who pay 30s per annum get full value for their money. At the present time many problems are facing the radio enthusiasts of the Dominion, such as: “The demands of the Copyright Association on the B class stations.

“The decision of the gramophone record proprietors to refrain from loaning records for broadcasting. “The proposals of the Government re taking over the control of radio. “The Government has announced its intention not to renew the contract with the New Zealand Radio Broadcasting Co., Limited. “It is felt that in connection with the above matters and many others that will arise the listeners themselves should be consulted, and it is only through the medium of such an organisation as the league that this can be done.

“Branches of the league are formed in Southland, Gisoornc, Wairoa, Hastings, and Napier, and arrangements are being made in other parts of the Dominion.

“Immediately the league is strong enough a conference of delegates from all parts of Newj Zealand will be called to discuss plans and formulate a policy for presentation to the Government.

“There are about (1000 listeners in Otago, and about 1000 of these have already joined up.”

Marconi’s Message,

Eight years ago (says Senatorc Marconi) broadcasting was looked upon merely as a means of entertainment. To-day it has established itself as one of the most powerful educational forces of our time, a large employer of labour, a friend and helper in all good causes, a blessing to the blind, the bedridden and the sick, as well as a means of entertainment and instruction for the healthy, both in the vitality of ■youth and in the tranquillity of old age. Even so, we are only at the beginning of the development of broadcasting. Its range and influence will grow

Dandruff is embarrassing. Prevent it with Brice’s Dandruff Prescription.— Nccs, Chemists, Hardy street.

and the service it renders to mankind will increase. As broadcasting becomes more international it will smooth out national barriers, and render, I hope and believe, great service to the cause of the peace of the world.

Reduce without discomfort by taking Youth-O-Fgrin Capsules. 201 b reduction 6 weeks. 'Absolutely harmless. 6/6. — Nccs, Chemists, Hardy street.