The "Howler"

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 31, 17 February 1928, Page 14

The "Howler"

NEED FOR SUPPRESSION — EDUCATION REQUIRED Dr. Herbert Ziele, an enthusiastic radio listener, of Napier, writes .somewhat despondently of troubles in secunug reception because of ‘‘howlers." We publish his letter in full in the hope that an educatonal campaign may be embarked upon where necessary, We add our comments upon the position at the end of the doctor’s letter, _ Sir,-Six years ago I became an enthusiastic listener, and although I am just as Keen as ever I contemplate ‘Scrapping several hundred pounds’ © worth of radio equipment. In the old days when Gisborne, Auckland, etc., were on the air it was | possible to have one or two nights a Week free from interruptions from howling valves, but now it is absolutely impossible to hear even one item clearly in the evening. 1 understand that for some time there have been radio inspectors in the four centres. If that is correct surely the time has arrived when other towns can be under supervision. It is a very short-sighted policy on the part of the Government, because for every set registered they get five shillings. I can assure you that this howling valve nuisance has prevented many people in Napier from purchasing sets. I am frequently asked by prospective buyers if I would recommend their going in for radio, and ny reply is, ‘‘That depends upon where the set is to be installed. If you propose residing in one of the four centres, yes, but if in Napier, no. Will you call upon me at my house, and I Will demonstrate my set and yon can decide the question after you have heard what radio is like." Not one listener-in, who has been my guest, has to my knowledge joined the ranks of the vast army of "listen-ers-in.’?’ Had the reception been clear on any One night during these years when prospective buyers were present I am positive (had I been a salesman) I could have sold a set every evening. My outfit is a Golden Leutz silver ghost, which I believe is equal to any set on the market. I will say this, that sometimes in the afternoon, 28A comes in crystal clear, but in the evening it is utterly impossible, and unjess radio inspectors are sent to Napier to clear the air from these howling valves I shall be compelled very much against my will to quit. Some two years ago the Napier Radio Socicty received a communication from Wellington asking this society to nominate two of our number to act as radio inspectors, This we did at once, and forwarded their names to Wellington, and up to the present nothing furthcr has been heard as to when their duties are to commetlice, Three enthusiastic listeners-in have erected scts with frame aerials, and have calibrated the whole of Napier, and on several occasions have with great accuracy crossed the actual house of a listener-in who has a set which cat. be heard howling on every evening; but they are powerless to act. ¥ appeal to you through the agency of your valuable paper to express your opinion on this all important matter. Listeners who sufier from howling valves and intcrference on the part of others have our fullest sympathy. Will ing as the Government Department and officials may be to co-yperate in this matter, it is, we think, fairly obvious that the expense of such a procedure oyer the whole country would be prohibitive. It secims to us that this is -a matter which falls directly within the sccepe of radio societics and listeners’ leagues. It is to our mind unthinkable that any listener who has been located aid identified as a howler would be averse to receiving instruction from those competent to give it as to how he might rectify the tronble and avoid being a nuisance to others as well as to himself. Our correspondent’s letter does not say whether the particular listencr specifically referred to has refused to rectify matters, or whether an attempt has beey made to induce him to do so. If methods of moral suasion fail, and it is mecessary to give duly accredited representatives of radio societies’ executive power in connection with this matter, we think a concerted effort in that direction to the Government would meet with success. We on our part would certainly advocate the giving of necessary power to duly accredited representatives of listeners, so that they might prevent objectionable howling on the part of. inefficient sets. The Broadcasting Company in itself suffers from the same nuisance that many listeners do, and on the occasion of several attempts to rebroadcast short-wave receptions from overseas has had to acknowledge failure, primarily because of the howling valve nuisance. If listeners themselves will. take this matter in hand vigorously they can be assured that both the Radio Broadcasting Company and ourselyes will give every support possible to effect improyement; but, having regard to the scope of the country and the cost involved, we are afraid it is a task beyond the Government or any Department. Our columns are open for the views of others on this important subject.