ON THE AIR

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12605, 16 November 1926, Page 9

ON THE AIR

WIRELESS NOTES: By , ' Stat i c ’ , His LOUD SPEAKER,* ISrC/V^P

THOSE CIRCULARS On June lOtli last a circular was issued to all radio licensees drawing attention to certain wireless regulations prohibiting the use of radiating receivers, and requesting owners of wireless receiving-sets to satisfy themselves that they were not, either intentionally, or unintentionally, causing interference to other radio licensees in their neighbourhood. On the whole, that circular had a beneficial effect, and a genuine attempt was made by many licensees to comply with its provisions. ' Unfortunately, considerable interference remained, a great deal of which was due to the fact that owners of low-power receiving-sets try to reach out after stations which are outside the normal compass of their installations. In so doing, reaction is employed to an abnormal degree, the well-known indications of oscillation and radiation are disregarded, and the receiver functions as a low-power transmitter, causing considerable interference to other licensees in the same area. Then later on September Ist a further circular was issued to all licensees. pointing out the fact that the trouble still existed. The second circular (above mentioned) requested owners of receiving licenses to notify tho district radio inspector of the type of circuit in use, or furnish such particulars as would enable that officer to decide the point at issue. Where a diagram had already been supplied to the inspector, 'or the circuit was of a conventional type, it was only necessary to notify the inspector to this effect; but where the circuit was not of some standard form, a circuit drawing was required to be forwarded to the department. The circular pointed out that it was not the intention of the department at that stage to take action against owners of offenfding circuits, but that they desired to give advice, which would enable owners of prohibited circuits to amend them and make them conformable to the requirements of the regulations under which licenses are issued. The department stated that the action outlined above was initiated with a view to minimising the interference with reception that is at present being experienced, and trusted that licensees would readily co-operate with' the department in its endeavour to eliminate as far as is practicable all avoidable interference with radio reception. a a a a The result of those two circulars has been encouraging np to a' certain point; and it is from that point the writer would enter into the disoussion. i a a a a AN IMPROVEMENT For about two weeks after the seoqnd circular was_ posted to licensees, a noticeable diminution in “bowling and squealing” was apparent, but it is necessary to again remind licensees that qt the present time “blanketing” is causing serious interference with reception. There is considerable “howling,” but the “blanketing” trouble is causing concern to ' those who are less experienced. Many owners of sets have written to “Static” regarding this “blotting out” business. a a a a Many have thought their sets were wrong; others blamed the broadcast-

stations; but most of the blame put upon stations is not due to the broadcast stations, but to oscillating sets. It should not be necessary to keep on pointing out to licensees (and nonlicensees, for there are still numbers of unlicensed sets in use) that the trouble can be remedied in a few hours if owners will take the trouble to communicate with the radio inspector. telephone exchange buildings, corner of Stout street. It .should be the wish of every set owner to assist his fellow-sdt owners, and also the department with a view to having complete harmony in the wireless world, and more particularly, an increased number of licensees, so that the broadcasting company of this Dominion have no excuse for not providing the best in music and songs, and the best possible transmission. v The authorities are to be complimented for having taken a hold of the position with a fixed determination to remedy the existing troubles. The department is definitely exerting its powers and influence, and is making a genuine attempt to see that licensees receive proper recognition, and good stations in return for their fees. There is no doubt in the world about this fact. • ■** * ’' • - It is all very well to make hasty statements,, and to accuse all and sundry for this, that, and tho rest of it. Such criticism gets us nowhere. What licensees should do is to see that every person with a set pays his fees; and, further, that his set is not allowed to oscillate another second longer. It will be hard for those' set owners who don’t pay the license fees; any moment now we may expect to hear of a batch of offenders being fined substantially for' non-observance of the regulations. Sympathy cannot be expected by those who continue pirating on the air. * * e « It is as bad, if not worse, to deliberately pirate on the air as it is to walk into a shop and lift goods off a counter without paying for same. The regulations are in being, and'.a maximum fine of £SOO is specified for breaches of same. That alone is sufficient to prove to any sane thinking person that the authorities view with grave concern the question of unlicensed set-owners. * * * • NEW STATION COMING * Now, a new station' in Wellington will be established. This will give satisfaction to my readers, I am sure. Every shilling is wanted to make this thing a success; everyone must back up the department, and the broadcasting company by paying up, and further encouraging others to instal receiving sets. Unity is strength, both financial and otherwise, and a broadcasting company cannot succeed without finance any more than a union, society, association of employers or employees can. • • • • We cannot expect the broadcasting company to go on losing money month, after month, and pay performers as well. We would not do it in bur- own business. Listeners-in cannot fexpect night after night to get from 2YK or any other station in this Dominion the best that would ho available unless the company is supported to the full by set-owners. It is no secret that the company lost heavily last year, and is still losing money. Fair play is bonny play. Let us all do the right and proper thing by the company, and by ourselves, by reasoning matters out in a sensible light.