The Latest in Radio

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 16, 2 November 1928, Page 4

The Latest in Radio

The New Season Foreshadowed at the London Radio, Exhibition ©

f Et beginning of the winter for those in the northern latitudes denotes the introduction of the radio season, and to mark this auspicious occasion a radio exhibition, embodying all the latest developments in radio, was opened in Olympia, London, on September 22, A year has expired since the last exhibition of its kind-it has been a year of progress, and this year’s display is adequate recognition of the evolution of radio. As a whole, the exhibition provides a pleasing spectacle. A characteristic blue and gold colour scheme, combined with the individual efforts of the stalls, combines to provide a unique sight. General Tendency. HE general tendency is towards quality-price and distance-getting being secondary considerations, though by no means relegated to the back-ground-there being sets for every pocket and inclination. Workmanship and design have been combined to provide series of artistic models. Amongst the complete sets, the tendency seems to be towards simple "all electric" combinations with a minimum of controls. In many models, provision has been made for a gramophone pickup, while some embody a complete gramophone.

One of these, intended for theatres and dance halls, for it is priced at 200 cuineas, is exceptionally fine. A fivevalve receiver electrically operated, which needs neither aerial nor earth is combined with two electricallydriven gramophone turntables. Reproduction is made flawless because of the embodiment of a moving coil loudspeaker. Volume can be regulated from that of a full orchestra:down to that of an ordinary gramophone. From this super set the scale is descended, provision being made for the pocket of every man. Provision has been masie for those to whom electric light is not available. Batteries and chargers have been made cheaper and better. Devices by which accumulators can be charged from the _

lighting sets of cars, are in evidence and are proving of great interest. Short-Wave Developments. [HE man to whom long-distance is a charm finds interest in the new short-wave receivers, designed to bring in stations situated in all parts of the globe. 38LO, Melbourne, seems to be the goal of the DX man for a set bringing in this station well is considered to represent the acme of perfection. Both in short and medium and long wave receivers the shield-grid and pentode (5 electrode) valve are being used. The new season’s models are, of course, completely shielded. Dynamie Speakers. PROMINENT among the speakers is the moving coil, but good cones and horns modelled on the exponential lines are also in evidence. The dynamic speaker lends itself to artistic design. and many wonderful pieces of furniture housing these speakers are on view at Olympia. Unassembled parts are available for a modest £5 while a very atractive assembled model, with a fretted mahogany baffle is available for 10 guineas. The moving coil is coming very much to the fore, and should establish a record for this its initial year of popularity.

Eliminators. FOR the last few months the Bnglish market has been flooded with types of battery eliminators and these are in corresponding numbers at the exhibition. B battery eliminators, A battery eliminators and grid-bias eliminators, the whole combined and trickle vhargers form a very imposing display on the stands of many of the firms. These respond to the general cry to-day for quality combined with simplicity. The use of B eliminators does away with the bugbear of dry batteries, accumulators or wet cells with the attendant troubles and gives the owner every opportunity to get the best from his set. With the advent of plate current at almost negligible cost, it may be hoped

that quality will improve. The new exhibited models give no excuse for blasting or distortio.:. It is gratifying to notice that the veil of secrecy has been lifted and manufacturers are, disclosing to amateurs information previously closely guarded. A fuller knowledge coupled with a better receiver should make the 1928-29 radio season a record one. WitTH great interest and expectance one can go to the Olympic exhibition. Two evenings, or one long visit at least are necessary in order to cover the whole ground adequately and to get a really..good idea of what is doing in the world of r ‘io.