Our Mail Bag

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 45, 25 May 1928, Page 3

Our Mail Bag

ANSAVERS TO CORRESPONDENTS A Performer (Onehunga ).-You onitted to sign your letter, 2XA’S Transmission. AR. (Banks Peninsula): I must give great praise to 2YA’s orchestra. Tt is the best that I have heard broadcasted, "I always thought the Christr- . church Pieture Orchestra that Mr. Bellinguam was conductor of, and the one relayed by 1YA on Tuesday nights, , were the hest. But 2YA’s easily eclipses them both. 2YA has started that bad fit of fading and mush again. It began after Sidey time went out, and is getting worse now the winter is approaching. There was no fading during the summer or in the daylight sessions. Some nights 2YA is not worth listening to. She goes mushy for seyeral minutes at a time. Not one item is heard clearly. Last night (May 12) 2YA was the best I have heard for weeks-no fading or mush, and every- | thing beautifully mellow. The orches-_ fra was a delight to listen to. I think the announcer of 2YA speaks too closely into the mike. His yoice booms and barks very badly at times. Several set owners say the same. I think the pro- grammes are first-class, and any odd item or so I do not like, I go elsewhere when that is on. I notice one of your correspondents says that he had picked up 29 stations on a five-valve.-Was it a record? I know of two differ- | ent five-valvers. One has got 75 sta- | tions-over 47 Yanks in that lot-the other 50 odd: stations, and over 30. Yanks. These are machines built up out here, and on the 200 to 550-metre band. I know a three-valve that has over 50 stations, including over 20 Yanks. All of the stations on the three machines were at loudspeaker strength. Over 100 Stations. rE. N. Handley (Wanganui): I see that a few correspondents have been sending in lists of stations logged on five -valve sets, so here is my small list: New Zealand: 1YA, 1ZB, 1ZQ, 2YA, 2YK, 2ZPF, 2AQ, 38YA, 3ZC, 4A, 4AK, 4ZB. Total, 12. Australia -New South Wales: 2UX, 2BL. 2FC, 2GB, 2KY, 2UW, 2UF, 2BE. Total, §& Victoria: 8LO, 3AR, 38UZ, 3DB, 3BY. 3C1, 8WP, 8LD. Total §. South Australia: 5Cl, 5DN, 5MA, 5IKA,. Total, 4. Miscellaneous: TZL, TBN, 40G, 4RN. 4MB, QME. Total, 6. U.S.A.: KYI, KGO, KEFON, KNX KPO. KOA, KE WB, KNRY, WBBM, KFVD. Total, 10. India: TBY, 1C'-A. Total, 2 Manila: KZRM, KZRQ. Total, 2. Japan: JOCK, JOBK, JOAK. Total, 3. Also the C. A. Larsen, whaler. Total, 1. _Grand total, 56. While on a S-W adapter and Al valve three coil set I heard another 46 stations, so my list is just over the century mark. My five-valve set is a B-D, and I had it in use for two years. My first set was a crystal set, which I made over six years ago. Some Scalps to Get. "Shunnon"’: In reference to who is the champion five-valve listener, please allow me to suggest a few stations to "sealp lhunters’-ones that are to be picked up right now: 5DN Adelaide, 308 metres. SBY Melbourne, 250 (early Sunday morning and Monday). TBY Bombay, 359. TCA Caleutta, 371.

Five Japs., all in between the lower | edge of 4QG’s wave and two BL's wave. Three of these stations are between 4QG and 8LO, and one on about 862 metres, and JOAIK I should say is about 347 metres. Then there is KZRM, Manila, 400 metres, and not a hard one (Sunday morning, 1.15, they usually cross to the Stadium). Turning to the Yankees, KGU, Honolulu, 270 metres, KF WM, Oakland, 237, every night till 5.20 p.m., and one night per month, near mid-month, till 7.30 p.m.; KEX, Portland, 240 with their "Doe Boys," are interesting. KGBU, Alaska, was also picked up last week on 229 metres. KGBU is the only one I consider freak reception. Writer has only logged this 600 watt, Alaskan station, three times. A Suggestion. *"QO.R.N." (Masterton).-The R.B.C. is certainly to be congratulated on the very fine orchestra now attached to 2YA. THvery one of the items which I have heard performed by those players has been most enjoyable, and surely the broadcast listeners of this country haye no cause for complaint now. I am also very pleased that the items by the Symons-Ellwood-Short Trio are being continued, as I have always considered these items to be worth a lot more than the price of a radio license. There is one suggestion that I should like to make, and it is that the announcer should state, at the beginning of the evening session, the "request" items to be played by the orchestra, as there must be a number of others, like myself, who, on account of studies, etc., cannot afford to spend the whole of each evening listening, but have to select those items which they desire specially to hear. I, for one, cannot mix music with trigonometry, ete, but like to pick out the choice "delicacies" from the ratio "menu." Once again congratulating the R.B.C, on the service we are receiving, Question of Harmonics, ows." (Tokomaru Bay).-In your feeue Of ‘April 20 "G.C., Master-

ton" mentions getting 4YA on 230 metres. He asks other readers to let him know of any stations they have picked up on their harmonic waves. I am a rank amateur and new listener-in, so state dial settings only. I frequently get 4YA on both 66 to 67 and (harmonic) about 10. This was very clear at loudspeaker strength, during a lecture on French literature about 7.45 on May 5. I also just logged 2GB, Sydney on 13 to 14, although I found it should be 33 to 84, and have since got this station on 18 to 14 when unable to tune out 1YA or 3¥A (38 to 39 and 30 to 31) from their correct wave-length. Is_ this too close for a harmonic? One evening had 2FC Sydney clearly an--nounced, with few bars music, cut off, then whispering, repeated over and over again, this when 1ZB on 19 and 2AQ on varying lengths were testing, and on (if I remember rightly) the latter's setting. Last week had a similar experience on 4YA's setting. Were these stations practising modulations-whatever they may be? A Crystal Range. Crystal D.X., Wellington: May I add my quota to the general praise of: the new departures at Station 2YA? The programmes and rendering of the new orchestra are a musical treat, and, with the listeners’ share in selecting items, should contribute to the general enjoyment. May I suggest the consideration of selections from "Tanhauser," "Lohengrin," ete. and the Gilbert and Sullivan operas.

In my opinion, the "Maori Pageant" | and the farcical comedy "Jane" were milestones in the progress of 2YA, but the "Station Orchestra" is going to be the draw for the coming winter. The supporting items are also much improved, and the whole programme goes with a swing. I am one of the band of enthusiasts using crystal reception, and can hear 2YA quite plainly on loudspeaker straight from set; with a locally-made one-valve amplifier I have heard quite a number of other stations (on ’phones), including 1YA, 8YA, 8ZB (Taihape?), 2FC, 3L0, 4QG, 4GB, ete. Not always hearing the station call, I identify them by the items in current programme. On tio consecutive Wednesdays during April I have heard chimes from 2I°C, and on the 80th of that month a pealing of bells was heard, suggesting a "carillon." Of course all this was not heard without interference from morse signals, etc., but I consider this good reception from a erystal and one-valve combination. In conclusion, I may add an appreciation of your paper, which I read from back to front and then some. South African Station Heard. CG. J. Nordstrand (Onerahi) : I wish to thank you and also the various listeners-in for letters received and their answers to the letter I wrote re information of the station we were puzzled oyer. We can now pick it up very often if we feel inclined to sit up a few hours later, which, I may state, is pretty often. "Wireless mysteries" are too fascinating to leave-at least I find it so. Regarding the South African station: this we picked up at 2.30 on the Sunday morning. "Three of us distinctly heard "Albert Street, Newport, South Africa," but we did not

get the call sign. "Band music" was being broadcasted at the time. We have tried for it several times since, but evidently conditions have not been satisfactory. We received the "signal," but nothing else we could really distinguished, so shall keep on trying. Not having the metres marked on our set, we quite accidentally dropped on it, almost on the top of the "broadcast drum," up-to 100. I hope others will be successful in logging another stranger, "9XE Well Received. H. F. Ross, Invercargill: In your issue of May 4 there are letters from Mr. Green and Mr. Wenlock concerning OXI. The following extract from my log-book may be of interest :-Station 9XF, on about 282 metres with 50,000 watts, broadcasting a special test programme, picked up about 6 o’clock Sunday, April 15, and was still going at 10.45 when I closed down. Maximum signal intensity. from about 8 o'clock till 9.40, when it gradually became weaker, with more frequent fading, which was present all the time, but not so noticeable during period of maximum intensity. Its modulation was excellent, and the programme presented of an excellent variety. Many of the songs were accompanied by 2 grand organ. Two gentlemen, one with a very deep bass voice, rendered quite laughable, humorous sketches and duets accompanied by guitars. One was something about "When the Flying Fish are Flying." A tenor, Joe C--, was very well received. At about 8.45 the announcer stated that he would present gramophone records while Herrman and went outside to get a little fresh air. He continued: "Now, you folks, roll back your ‘carpets for some dance items-we will be putting over some real hot, stuff. Our first number will be "--," from

the musical comedy. "Good News," by ¢courtesy of the Wurlitzer Co. of New York." Another number was, "Are You Thinking of Me?’ A quartet of ukulele players were well received throughout the evening. Strong induction, with. static increasing, rendered it difficult to receive them. Their identity I could not catch; but it sounded something like the Gold Star Radio . Corporation, His location I could not understand, either, although he spelled it out once, and I know it had several ‘"m’s" in it near the end. The broadcast was received easily on the loudspeaker on my Symphonic Shielded Six. I also received the foreign station mentioned by Mr. Nordstrand, just below Sydney, and think it may be one: of the new Japanese stations testing. He was very loud. Could anyone tell me the identity of an American station operating between 2BL and 38L0? It may interest. the Palmerston North Radio Club to know that I have been receiving their station 2ZI well on the speaker, and also 2AQ, Taihape, who had a strong hum. The following is a list of stations I have hearé the last two months on loudspeaker :-1YA, 2YA,. 3YA, 4YA, 2ZF, 2AQ, 3ZC, 2BC, 2FC, 3LO, 3AR, 4QG, 7ZL, 20W, 2UD, 2KY, 2GB, 3DB, 3UZ, 50N, JOAK, JOBK, JOCK, 9XF, KGO, KFI, KON and several Americans I have not yet identified. 21°C can be heard very faintly sometimes at midday, and 2FO, 2BL, and 8LO can be received at about 4,30 on speaker. 2YA is coming in well in daylight now, also 4YA, which is not much stronger at night. 33 Stations Logged.

A. EB. Ireland (Taradale, Napier).Re Mr. Bllis’s par in this week’s "Record," I think I beat his record, and my set is only a four-valve neutrodyne, home-made. My list is (I have marked those that I have had on the loudspeaker thus *):-New Zealand: 1YA*, 2YA*, 8YA*, 4YA*, 3ZC, 4YA*, 2ZI*, 1ZQ, 2AQ*, 1ZB, 4ZM*. Australian: 2BL*, 8L0*, 29FC*, 2GB, (2UQ*, 8AR*, 5CL*, 2UB, 2KY, TZU, ; 4QG*, 8UZ, 5DN, 2UW, SKA, 38DB. American: KFON*, KGO, 9ZIF*, KPO, KFI, Japanese: JOAK*, JOBK, JOIK. Making a total of 34 stations. My aerial is nothing to speak of, being only 35ft. high. I am a bit doubtful about 2UQ, but could be sure the announcer said 2UQ, so this will make 33. DX Enthusiasts Thanked. i. Green, Mt. Biggs, Feilding? Through the columns of your valuable "Radio Record,’ I hereby wish to acknowledge and thank all those radio fans in New Zealand who assisted me in clearing up Station OXF, L[llinois. I also wish to thank especially Mz. William Terril, Mr. J. Brydon Speedy and Mr. W. J. Tonkin. It was very gratifying indeed to see how cager other DX fans were to exchange notes on reception, and I would be only too pleased to exchange notes with any other radio fan if they so desired. I have not got many stations as yet. These are the ones I’ve logged so far on four valves ’phone strength or five valves speaker strength: 2AX, 2ZI, 2AQ, 2YA, 1ZB, 1ZQ, 1YA, 3YA, 8ZC, 4YA, 423, 2BL, 2FC, 2KY, 2BE, 2WW, 2GB, 20, 4QG, 5DN, 5KA, 5CL, 3L0, 3Al, 8DB, 8UZ, 7TZL, 2ME ship, AIPI ship, KFVD, KIFON, KIWB, KGO, KMTR, KFSD, KSL, KOA, KFI, WOI, WIBO, KFXD, KPO, RADIO Ks, GYA, OXF, JOAK, JOBK, JOCK, KZRM. Total 49. Any information regarding these stations will be gladly supplied if any radio fan cares to drop me a line or call personally here at Mount Biggs, Feilding. New Zealand Stations Appreciated. Reg. B. Schofield (Hastings) : I see by your "Mail Bag" columns that receivers are showing their appreciation of their programmes, ete. I must say that I am getting splendid reception from the four principal stations, particularly 8YA and 1¥A._ I get 2YA very strongly but distorted. Cornet golos and other instrumental music is my choice, but am quite satisfied with the programmes as we get them. Napier Listeners Pleased. k. J. Crabbe (Napier): Heartiest: congratulations from Napier listeners for the perfect studio orchestra at °YA, The music is a treat and comes through as clear as a bell. Congratulations also to the Broadcasting Com-' pany for fine arrangement of items to. suit every taste. Any listener that complains of the music now should be. entitled to a medical examination. The Mail Bag page is a great help to listeners, and is always the first thing I turn to when I get my "Record." The idea of finding out who has heard most broadcast stations on a five-valve set is rather good, and I am sending my list of stations heard since the beginning of the year. Stations heard are :-New, Zealand: 1YA, 1ZQ, 1ZB, 2YA, 2AQ, 227K, 8YA, 38Z0, 4YA, 4AK, 4ZM, and Norwegian whaler. Australian stations: 2BhL, 2FC, 2GB, 2KY, 2UE, 2UW, 8LO, 3AR, 8UZ, 3DB, 3AS8, 5CI, 5DN, DKA, TXL, 4QG. American stations: KFON, 9XI, KFWB, KOA, KOMO, KPO, KFI, aid several others I cannot get the call from. Japanese stations: JOAK, JOCK. This makes a total of 37 stations for five months. I have written to the above stations for confirmation, and have received cards 1 |from most of them now. The Jap. stations have been very loud and clear after the Australian stations have cloge ed down. . The following is a comparison of the four New Zealand stations in daylight and dark reception. In the afternoon 2YA is clear and steady, 1YA is clear but fades badly, 3YA is fairly clear Lut fades, 4YA is very clear and steady but rather faint. At night 2YA is very (Continued on Page M4)

Our Mail Bag |

(Continued from Page 3.) clear and steady, with a very slight fade, 1X¥A is clear and fairly steady, 3YA is not so good and fades, 4YA is yery good, clear, and fades only slightly. I don’t know how others find them, but these are the results of one week’s checking of a carefully-kept log. An Inquiry? Browning Drake (Stratford): On Jast Thursday night I picked up a station just below 4QG; the time was about half-past 1, and I had it till just on 2 o'clock, and during that time there were no announcements in English; at least I heard none, but static was very bad, and I might have missed them. A lady sang a song, then a man sung. Both these were sung in a sort of monotone. Could you give me some idea who it was? The set that I was using a the time was a four-valve Browning Drake. [See letter from G.C.U. Possibly you heard a Jap.-Ed.j Japanese Stations Picked Up. G.C.H, (Masterton).-Learning of the fact that several readers of the "Record" have picked up some of the new high-powered Japanese stations, { decided. on Wednesday evening, the 16th, to "make a night of it’ and try my luck in the same direction, I met with some success. logging three stations, and perhaps four, but am not sure of the fourth (unless it was! JOCK). There was no mistaking three of the stations, as call letters were received in each instance. 12.5 a.m.: A station about 4 metres aboye 38LO. Sounded like a woman talking, but as 38LO interfering decided to tune in later when 8LO had Closed down. However, I could not pick up the stranger later, 12.23 a.m.: Tuned in JOBK-dead on 400 metres, setting about 14 points on the dial above 4QG. Man talking in Japeuose till at 12.30 a.m. call letters weve given twice and what sounded lis, "Kemati, Komati.’ Then a man singin in Japanese to accompaniment of stringed instrument (no tune about either). This lasted till 12.45 a.m., when an announcement was given, followed by violin and piano musie which eontinued until 1 a.m., when the station abruptly went off the air in the middle of the item. Came on again almost immediately, but heard nothing till 1.8 a.m., when call letters "JOBK" given slowly, and further speech in Japanese. This was followed by an item on a Japanese instrument which was a little more musical than the first. his item ended at 1.234 am., when call letters were given and further speech in Japanese. Tuned out at 1.26 a.m. 1.274 a.m.: Tuned in JOAK-dead on 3845 metres, the setting being exactly one point on the dial below 2Bi. Music and man Singing. At 1.28} a.m. speech in Japanese, then 4@ remark made twice, followed by the call letters "JOAK" (at 1.29 a.m.), slowly and particularly clearly, the station then immediately going off the air. 1.823 a.m.: Went back to JOBK, but this station also had closed down. 34 om.: Tuned in JOGK, the dial setting being exactly midway between 3sLO and 4QG, This station I lis-| tened to until 2.20 a.m. At first volume was not up to the other two stations, but i€¢ improved tater. First

speech in Japanese, then musie (very little tune about it!) with man singing now and then. At 148 aim. speech; at 1.45 a.m., a woman singmg (not in Jupanese); at 148 a.m. announcement, "JOGIK" several times and further speech. Then’ woman singing again; at 1.52] a.m, speech, the call letters being given ,several times (sometimes sounding more like "JODIE" than "JOGK") and Se gramophone .... middle .... Send it to our station Ii," this latter remark being made five or six times in quick succession. At 1.53 a.m., miusie ud man singing (Japanese); at L554 a.m, announcement, "JOGK" twice, and further speech, then musie: at 1.59 a.m., speech, the call letters being given several timer, then music and man singing; at 2.31 a.m., announcement, but was only able to get "Jo » +... gramophone... ."; at 2.6 am, music and woman singing "The Marseillaise." (I concluded at this stage that the items in European’ were gramophone records.) At 12.10 a.m., announcement partly in Iinglish and partly in Japanese, *.... very much appreciate .... Send in to our Station Hi" (this about five times in succession), followed by eall lettersheard yery clearly-which I took for *JODK." Then further music (not Japanese); at 2.17 u.m., announcement, but could not make it out except, "Send in to our Station Hi," which I caught twice. Then musie (not Japanese). Tuned out at 2.20 win, the station being still on the air. I worked these three stations on both the ’phones (not that this was necessury, though. as at times the volume was deafening) and on the speaker, the music being very clearly and easily audible on the latter. JOBK and JOAK were received with hardly any fading, reception being very clear and steady, but JOGIS was fading a good deal. Static made it difficult te decipher much of the announcements apart from the call letters.