WIRELESS WORKS A BEACON

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 42, 4 May 1928, Page 15

WIRELESS WORKS A BEACON

One of the uses to which wireless will one day be put is the control of mechanism at a distance. Although there have been produced some interesting examples of what can be done in this way, such as the wire-lessly-controlled motor-car, airship, and motor-boat, mone was found useful or reliable enough, antil the introduction of the wirelessly controlled fug-signal. There are parts of the British coast where a fog-signal is necessary, but whete, owing to the rocks, strong tides, and rough seas, it is impracticable to provide any form of signalling apparatus or lighthouse needing regular attention. One such place is Roseneath Patch, a sandban* in mid-channel at the entrance of the River Clyde. This bank is marked lb; a beacon, but in foggy weather a sopnd warning is mecessary. After many experiments, the Marconi Company has succeeded in devising a wonderful apparatus which, worked by wireless signals. fires a gun every twenty seconds. The firing can also be stopped by wireless. One of these signals has been established on Roseneath Beacon as a permanent safeguard for navigators. The wireless signalling apparatus is installed at Gourock Pier, a mile and a half from the Beacon. When fog is observed the transmitter 1s operated, and immediately the guns begin to boom out at the Beacon. When the fog lifts, a different kind of wireless impulse is sent from the transmitter, instantly stopping the guns. This is indeed one of tlie victories of eace, and another triumph of the benecent work of Senator Marconi.