RADIO REVIEW

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 50, 7 June 1940, Page 55

RADIO REVIEW

Contributed by

N.Z. DX R.A. Inc.

Address all Communications -P.O, Box 437, DUNEDIN.

With the Branches TARANAKI: For the first time there is news from this newly-revived branch. The president, Malcolm Tribe, is well known to members. Bern Hopkins, to whom credit is due for his efforts in New Plymouth, is the local secretary. Welcome and good luck, Taranaki. AUCKLAND: Reports successful social evening, a feature being a 142 hours motion picture show. The competition winners for the period were Messrs. L. Cufflin, A. Simpson, J. Stacey and M. Leece. Brevities During the winter months most listeners reach out for distant stations. Why not let us have your reception comments. Television programmes from W2XBS now include kaleidoscope interludes. The patterns are recorded on film, then projected. The inventor, W. C. Eddy, of the NBC, took 18 months to develop the device. Mention of television recalls that recently televiewers saw a remarkable broadcast when a United Air Line ’plane equipped with a television camera of a new type flew over New York City. This first real test of what a television eye could do when aloft was watched with keen interest by U.S. Army and Navy officers. A spectacular stunt was also carried out in this test. A second ‘plane equipped with a television receiver was sent up. The occupants of this craft were able to see themselves as seen by the "eye" in ’plane No. 1. The "border" Mexican stations which are heard at about 4 p.m. continue to put out strong signals. It is stated that

when the North American frequency reallocation ‘occurs, these stations will probably not be operating. Remarkable interest has been noticed lately in the subject of the value of long aerials. For reception of broadcast or medium wave signals there is little room for doubt as to the worth of long aerials, commonly known as Beverage aerials, Their effective use can be spoiled by incorrect installation, Details of these aerials will be supplied on application, It should be clearly understood that this type is unsuitable for shortwave reception. Eastern stations which invariably transmit native programmes are difficult to log and we are asked to indicate some heard in English. This is a question not easily answered because of the variation in programmes. These may help-ZBW, Hong Kong (845kc/s), has a dance programme best heard at 2 a.m, HS7PJ, Thai, announces in broken English when closing down on 825kc/s. XOJB, Shanghai, on 900kc/s, announces in English and its signing off number at 1.40 am. is usually "Good-night Sweetheart." JOAK2, Tokyo, on 870, played several popular recordings on a recent programme at 1 a.m. Those are the best heard Easterns at present. The Indian stations usually present a news service during the programme. VUC is often heard with a dance programme from 2 a.m, A Chinese station announcing HOJB or D, was heard recently on 1000kc/s, This is a shortwave call. Under date April 8, 1940, a letter from CFRX, Toronto, Canada, has been received by Mrs. M. C. Day, Timaru, who forwards the information, which reads: "We are anxious to know how

CFRX is heard in ‘down under,’ . and would like further comments on the reception of CFRX in your area. Would it be too much to ask if you would forward our request for reports to your headquarters so that others will know we are waiting to hear from them? We welcome comments, send replies promptly and without asking return postage." Mrs. Day adds that CFRX operates from 11.15 p.m. to 5 p.m, New Zealand Standard Time, except Monday, when the schedule is 3 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a power of 1000 watts. Our correspondent reports CFRX in the 25 metre band closing regularly at 6 p.m. This indicates an alteration to advised schedule.