On Short-wave

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 11, 28 September 1928, Page 30

On Short-wave

Me. F. W. SELLENS writes :- A probable solution of the mystery station reported from time to time as ealling what soundec like "Au Japanese," has been received from Mr. J. L. Lethbridge, Cromwell. This gentleman, in sending a report of reception from SSW to the B.B.C., asked them if they ‘ould give him any clue as to the station broadcasting in French just above 55W. Their reply was, that it was probably "Radio Saint Assise-F.W.", which works on 24.5 metres.

HE Hilversum short-wave station (PCJJ), which at present has a power of 5K.W., has applied for permission to use four times this power. The "Wireless World" (England) writes: "One of the best trans-Atlantic relays yet achieved by the B.B.C. was that which took place on Friday morning last, when WGY, Schenectady, broadcast a running commentary on the Tunney-Heeney fight. "The signals were picked up by Keston and relayed to stations of the B.B.C. Not only were the words of the commentators heard with exceptional clarity, but listeners were able to distinguish the sounds of ringside enthusiasm." Extension for 5SW. FroR the benelit of an ever-increasing number of short-wave enthusiasts in India who regularly listen to the London programmes as radiated from 5SW, the short-wave station at Chelmsford, the B.B.C. has decided to begin transmitting half an hour earlier on Friday evenings. Instead of starting up at 7 p.m., 5SW will therefore begin -at 6 p.m., and close down for the half hour between 6.30 and 7 p.m. when the news bulletin is broadcast. (6 p.m. B.S.T. on Friday evening is 4.30 a.m. on Saturday morning New Zealand time.) The earlier start has been specially asked for by Indian listeners, and demonstrates the keen interest that is being taken throughout the whole Empire in British broadcasting. "And while we are on the subject of 5SW (writes ‘Popular Wireless’) what about news for the outer Kmpire? How long will the present ridiculous practice persist of excluding from its transmissions what the. Dominion and Colonies are particularly interested in?" My log for the past week is as follows :- Saturday, September 15. Reception from 5SW at RS was spoilt by rapid fading. KDKA was tuned in at 1.30 p.m. when strength was R3. Rapid fading spoilt intelligibilty. After 2 p.m.. volume improved, and some native melodies, etc., were given by the "South Sea Islanders." When they signed off at 2.32 p.m., strength was Rd. 2XAD was Rd at 1.30 p.m., increasing to R7 3.314 p.m., when they closed down. The latter part of the programme consisted of dance music from the Hotel St. Regis Rood Orchestra ; of New York City. PCJJ put over a good gramophone goncert from 3.30 p.m. till after 6.30 p.m. Strength ranged from R4 to RY, decreasing after about 5 p.m.

2AJ, Wellington, was heard testing on the 80-metre band. Sunday, September 16. Conditions must have been bad for DX. 2NAF at its best was not more than about R4. This was the only distant station heard till RFM was on the air during the evening. Static on this A was very bad. Monday, September 17. 3LO was tuned in at 6.15 a.m., when all that could be heard was "Hullo" at times, and some morse V’s. The session commenced with the time from Melbourne Observatory at 6.80 a.m., followed by the announcement that the programme was for one hour only. Volume R9 with bad fading. After 7 a.m., fading was not so bad, reception being much better. Tuesday, September 18. SSW was very good. Just before 6 1.m. some songs by a choir were enjoved. This was followed by a talk by the headmaster of Christ’s College on "Wdueation and Unemployment.’ This was 95 per cent. readable at R8. At 6.15 a.m. a flute recital was heard. REM was BRD5 during the evening. Statie very bad. . At 11 p.m. the carrier of 5SW was not audible. WednesZay, September 19. From 5.15 a.m. till 7 a.m. PCJJ came in at even volume of about R&8. Several items by Mr. --~. Dutch pianist, were heard. Big Ben was heard from 5SW at 5.30 a.m., followed by a lady talking ae iy cent Red Cross work. Seventyve ¥ cent. readable at R&. Volume remand at this till about 7 a.m. KDK. was tuned in at 2,30 p.m. ageball results, weather forecast, and fthe next day’s programmes were read. ~R4, ' A political talk by Governor Al. Smith was heurd from the City Audis torium, -, Nebraska, through 2XAF,

His audience appeared to agree with all he said by the way he was cheered. His concluding sentence was: "There can be only one decision on November 6, that is an overwhelming Democratic majority." (Toud cheers.) The talk finished at midnight, Hastern daylight saving time (3.30 p.m. here). A Jap., probably JHBB, on about 31 metres, was heard at R8 during the evening. He shouted JOAK several! times. The programme of this station is often relayed by JHBB on yarious short-waves. 2HC New South Wales, and 3(JR)? Victoria, were also heard testing. Thursday, September 20. 5SW at 6 am. was R77, but rapid fading spoilt reception. The Wireless Band gave some items from 6.15 a.m. A. voice was heard on about 44 metres, but static was too bad _ to understand anything, even if it was English spoken. At 8 p.m. a call was heard "Victorian Experimental Station 3(GP)? testing.’ The letters sounded different each time they were given. R65, static bad. TCW Hobart came in well on about 33 metres. Strength R5, and very stea’-. RFM was R5d with a strong ripple. The Jap. was heard on about 60 metres this time. I don’t know if it is always the same station, but he transmits on several wavelengths. Friday, September 21. PCJJ from 5 a.m. till 7.30 a.m. was very good. Streneth fairly even all through at Ri-8. decreasing = slightly towards 7.30 a.m. 5SW commenced with Big Ben, followed by a talk on novels by a lady. 5.45 a.m.-6 am.: Concerted items were heard. 6 a.m.: "London = and Daventry calling’ was called. Something was said about a golf conference at Manchester, I think. The talk that followed 75 per cent. readable, was all about golf. Strength R8. REM was about R5 and very rough. The Jap. was on about 35.5 metres this

time, at R5. Some of his talk sounded like a Maori haka. 5SW from 11 p.m. was R4-dquite strong for this transmission. Signals were spoilt, probably on account of swinging aerial at this end, as a gale of wind was blowing. These late evening transmissions from 5SW are gradually improving in strength. It is of course midday at the other side, and daylight at least half the way round.