Combined Fading Investigation Fixed For Sept. 26 and 27

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 9, 16 September 1927, Page 5

Combined Fading Investigation Fixed For Sept. 26 and 27

The combined fading investigation, fs which we ask the co-operation of our geaders, has been atranged to take place on September 26 and 27. The first ay is Anckland’s silent day, so that on that evening North Island listeners

will be able to concentrate upou 2YA without difficulty. ‘The report to be used is set out at the foot of this article, and readers who are taking part in the investigation are invited to kindly clip that coupon and fill in the

‘necessary data, which is arranged to facilitate the rapidly sorting of the reports into the provinces and districts principally concerned. ‘This schedule covers only the actual fading, and readers are invited to make supplementary reports of as full a nature as they can. Here is an example of how the actual fading record should be made. ‘This example shows that at 8.4 there was a slight fade of slight duration, which was followed three minutes later by an intense fade lasting about half a minute. and at 8.11 another intense lanse

occurred for about a minute. At &15 a slight fade lasted for over half a miunte. Use a soft pencil, so that the marks will show distinctly. The definition of slight fading and intense fading may be given as follows :-lIor the purpose of this test, the fading will be considered slight if a

considerable weakening is noticed, but it is still possible to hear music or speech, by listening snore definitely, by the same reproducer, whether ’phone or spcaker, without any alteration in tuning. As soon as the items cannot be distinguished, then the fading is to he classed as intense, and noted accordingly. The reports will be of most value if the listener tunes his set to the station, and then does not interfere with it throughont the period of the test, except so far as may be necessary in accordance with the paragraph above. Listeners are requested to write plainv in their reports. We are specially interested in getting records from isolated sets, and where the nearest valve set is a mile or more away, the fact should be noted and the approximate distance given. If barometer readings can be given as well, they would be acceptable, and a brief indication of the nature of the weather-whether elertrical or calm and settled, ete. , An address on fading from the technical aspect will be given from 2Y¥A_ shortly after 8 o’clock. | As timing is an essential feature of the investigation, listeners are reauested to.set their watches carefully by the station time, which will be given at o'clock, and, as far as is possible in relation to the items being broadcast, at quarter-hour intervals thereafter. Accurate reading of various meters on the station will be logged throughout the evening, and these will be available for analysis later. Considerable interest is being displayed in this dual test, and we have already received advices from a number of isolated listeners that they will be giving their assistance. We would like to thank in adyance all those who will he taking part, and wish to assure them that their co-oneration will be keenly appreciated, We hope that the result will be the establishment of some facts of interest to both listeners and the operating officials, If it is not spossible for a listener to give records for ihe full two hours on both evenings itt

‘volved in the test, we would be glad to have an accurate secord for even one hour. Reports are desired not only from distant listeners, but also from those at the nearest point to the station from which fading is noticeable. Even crystal users can render valuable

help on this occasion, Should any de, sire extra charts, we will be glad to supply same on request. Prompt dispatch, after the investigation, of the reports will be appreciated. They shouid be addressed to "Fading," P.O, Box 1032, Wellington."

FADING REPORT; SEPTEMBER 26 Province Name Addreag Crystal, 0r how many Falves ? Will isolated sets please state approximate distance from nearest valve sel Ir a mile Or more.

FADING REPORT;, SEPTEMBER 27 Trovince Name 6 Addrcss Crystal, O1 how man valvcs? Will isolated scts plcase state apprvximate distance from nearest valvc se6_ milc 0r more. 0 27,