Auckland Radio Exhibition

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 17, 8 November 1929, Page 4

Auckland Radio Exhibition

Advice to Public. "ITO those who are interested, but have not yet purchased a machine, I would advise you to have a good. look at all the different models exhibited. L will be extremely surprised if you cannot find something suited to your taste and pocket. All the best makes of receivers are now so good that there is no reason to postpone buying on the score that something better might be coming out soon. I would like to congratulate the radio dealers on their enterprise in holding the exhibition. I’ trust that it will do a great deal to popularise the use of wireless in the homes of New Zealand." The Hon J. B. Donald then declared the exhibition open, . Further Speeches. Me. WARWICK J.. SMBHETON, chairman of the Radio Dealers’ Association, was the next to speak. He remarked that on this. occasion, the minds of many went back to an evening in 1924, when in the science room of the Auckland University the first radio exhibition was opened. When he recalled to mind the apparatus exhibited there, he could not help being impressed by the enormous progress radio had made since those early days. He remarked that the exhibition was supported by the Auckland Radio Society, the Listeners’ League, and by the Society of Amateur Radio Transmitters. : [HE Mayor of Auckland, Mr. George ‘Baildon, then spoke. In reference to the emarkable growth and the improvements in radio apparatus, he said that only a few years ago, if he had prophesied that he would one day address thousands of persons by speaking into a metal box‘he would have been accused of seeing visions. It was only a matter of a short time when people would be able to see the person. who speaks through the microphone. Mr. Baildon congratulated the dealers and especially the amateurs for the splendid exhibition. R. W. J. HOLDSWORTH, chairman of the ‘Auckland Electric Power Board, said he was closely associated with broadcasting because it

Continued from Front Page was allied with the activities of the body he presided over. "Already Japanese ladies are using radio to proclaim their charms to the world," he said. "Perhaps such a system may eventually come into vogue in New Zealand. If it did so occur, I consider all married men should be debarred from listeningin. (Applause.): There is also the old Story often told by a man who says he is only going somewhere to see a ‘man about a dog.’ That’s impossible now," said Mr. Holdsworth, "because he can just as well sit at home and get the said animal’s particulars over the radio." (Laughter. ) Mr. Ball’s Address, LATER in the evening, Mr. John Ball, chief announcer of the Radio Broadcasting Company, delivered a broadcast address. "QUR by no means remote forefathers would ~have regarded this magnificent display with which we are here surrounded as something more-than wonderful," said Mr. Ball, in the course of his address. "To them it would have savoured of the supernatural. You who are listening to my voice at this moment do not require to be told that man’s inventive genius has given the world nothing more marvellous than radio telephony, or wireless, as it is more commonly called." The Miracle of Radio. "Tz is not generally realised," continued Mr. Ball, "that the atmosphere is crowded with a welter of inaudible music, song, and speech, rushing through space with incredible rapidity, in every conceivable direction. Out of. this soundless babel of bands, orchestras, singers and speakers: one is able to select and make audible the one item required. "Literally speaking, the owner of a modern receiving set-any one of the numerous battery or all-electric type on exhibition at Auckland, can sit at home and tune in to stations all over the world. This marvellous boon, it must be noted, is not restricted to rank, class, or creed, for to-day a good and reliable radio receiving set is within reach of all. Every home in New Zealand is able to secure the entire benefits of the broadeast service for a license fee which works out at a fraction over one penny per day!" Service for Farmers. HE value of market reports and weather forecasts to the farmer and the pastoralist was then specially mentioned by Mr. Ball. He quoted many instances where the broadcast of a weather report had proved of inestimable value to farmers by enabling them to protect their flocks and crops from sudden storms and adverse conditions in general. At the present time, during the shearing season, a special afternoon weather forecast is being broadcast, and representative sheep farmers have stated that this provision will, in all probability, result in the saving of hundreds, if not thousands, of sheep. Sheep, cattle, dairy, and agricultural’ farmers in all parts of the Dominion

have. expressed grateful appreciation of all the invaluable advice that has been broadcast to them by the officers of the Department of Agriculture and by other experts. ‘ Town Listeners catered for Also. ‘BESIDES this national service for , the man on the land, there is also a similar one maintained for the interest and benefit of city _ listeners. Short talks on every coneéivable subject are broadcast by doctors, scientists, lawyers, specialists, and authorities in the various realms of sport; all of whom have generously responded to the company's appeal and availed themselves of the wonderful opportunity which radio offers to render service _to their fellow New Zealanders. Mr. Ball doubted if any other broadcast organisation in the world could excel that of New Zealand in the -constant manifestation of this splendid spirit of community service. Notwithstanding the present efliciency of the broadcasting service in New Zealand, the Broadcasting Company, concluded Mr. Ball, were aiming at a still higher state of perfection. He appealed to every listener to enrol at least one friend, and thus hasten the day when their ideals would be realised.

Review of Exhibition ¢ FTER the conclusion of the official speeches, the attention of the visitors turned to the various stalls, where radio apparatus, ranging from humble crystal receiving sets to complete trans- , mitters, was displayed in profusion. The enthusiast was soon distinguishable from the merely casual observer. The former desired to see and to inquire about everything new, and pursued an inquisitive pilgrimage through the full range of the exhibits, of which there were ample to delight the hearts of the many radio enthusiasts present. The large variety of exhibits called forth the praise and admiration of the many visitors, and stall attendants were kept busily engaged in everything connected with these new products. In all, there were 21 stands representing 17 firms, and although the apparatus displayed naturally possessed a certain similarity, the ingenuity of the stand-holders in engaging ,the atten tions of the public obviated any chance of monotony. The stands were-very tastefully decorated, and when combined with the artistic lighting effects, the whole presented a.very attractive appearance, Numerous excellent colour schemes were perceivable, and a wide originality of design made a variety that was much appreciated. In many cases the stands were designed to represent drawing rooms, and thus the public could envisage the new receivers in their future -environment, | What was perhaps the most interesting feature of the exhibition was the evidence displayed of what modern mass-production is capable of. It might be thought that such a compli- | cated piece of apparatus as the modern | multi-valve receiver would be the last |

form of merchandise to be produced at. the rate of hundreds per day. Yet American factories, and, to a less extent, English.ones, have proved that {t can be done, and the display of multi-valve receiving sets at the exhibition was a ‘revelation in methods of modern ‘production. All-Electric Receivers. PROMINENT ‘among these were represented many fine examples of the latest important departure in radio, the all-electric receiver.. These sets, which draw their power direct from the mains, were both ingenious and elaborate, but wereso simple in operation that a child could manipulate them with ease. One attractive feature was common to the many and varied models on show.. It has long heen apparent that the radio set of to-day must be an ornament-an artistic piece of fytniture in harmony with a taste?uilyarranged room. Manufacturers have responded well to this demand, easily traceable to feminine influence, and the receiving sets'on display were such as would grace any home. Battery Receivers, py addition, some very fine examples of battery-operated sets were én display, and those who have no electric power available were able to see the very: latest conceptions in battery models. The home constructor was also well provided for, as several firms specialised in this direction. The resultant display, of radio components and accessories was very satisfactory, with regard to both assortment and price. In two cases the public were catered for in this section by the exhibition of examples of home-constructed sets. AN impressive feature of the commercial sets exhibited was the imposing cabinets which housed them. The console models were principally of ‘two types, the combined radiogramophone and the separate radio set. The former, the prices of which ranged from £75 upwards, in most cases employed the 250 power valve in pushpull in the last stage. This arrangement results in an excellent tone, and judging from the volume of sound at times in the hall, delivers ample volume. The smaller models of both combination and separate radio were characterised by the new 245 valve in the last stage. "It will be remembered that this is the latest development in the radio world, and its reception has net with unreserved approval. a The A.C. sereen-grid valve, which. is now very popular, is being employed in 4s many as three stages-namely, detector and two radio; and the use

-~ ft more than one of these valves in bhe high frequency stages successfully overcomes the selectivity problem arising from their introduction. Its use as a detector is a comparatively new innovation. By employing it.as a power detector, an intermediate .stage .of. audio frequency is rendered unnecessary. Its use in this respect is almost invariably followed by the introduction of the 245 power valve in pushpull. The number of valves employed is thus reduced to five or six, and this means léss upkeep and renewal cost. . Cabinet Design. , [THE cabinets are of two types, highboy and low-boy, and are almost invariably finished in light oak. They are usually provided ‘with three burled oxk, knobs which ‘control the volume and balancing arrangements. In some cases the number of controls has been reduced to two, and in one case only one control is provided. The typical cabinet is fitted’ with two doors which close over the controls and speaker when the set is not in use, and the beauty and simplicity of these receivers ean be realised only by those who have visited any of the recent exhibitions. .The rapidly-gaining popularity of radio in New Zealand must be attributed to trouble-free all-electric receivers and handsome console cabinets. These consoles, though obtainable in most cases through an easy system of time-payment, are beyond the means of many would-be listeners. This latter class have been catered for, however, by several firms, who have marketed a complete. line of receivers, which, although not of the console type, are very acceptable in both performance and design. New Zealand Manufactured Receivers. TD several instances these are manufactured or assembled in this country, and it ig interesting to observe just how much production is carried on in this direction in New Zealand. One firm, who made a distinctive line of battery and electric sets, was exhibiting several of their products in the course of assembly. These receivers showed the design and composition of the power-pack, the construction of the tuning coils, and the position of components and wiring. Many amateurs taking advantage of the absence at this stage of construction of the view-obstructing shields, carefully exatined these exhibits to secure hints which would aid them in the construction of their own sets. Another exhibit of: locally-manufac-tured receivers of all types called for much praise. ‘These have been specially designed to suit local conditions, and the New Zealand woods used in the production of the cabinets presented a pleasing change from the orthodox importations. There was one exhibit of a screen-grid all-wave set, which was designed and manufactured by'a New Zealand radio engineer. This handsoiné little receiver, assembled neatly in a ducoed cabinet, struck an .. original note among the conventional ‘types of sets on display. . These and the other smaller sets previously referred to were the subject of considerable interest, and it is likely that their introduction to the exhibition will do much to stimulate, radio among those who desite a small but powerful receiver. oo

The Home Constructor. RIOR to the exhibition the opinion was current that the numbers of home constructors in New Zealand was fast diminishing, but this assumption has now proved to be incorrect. Great interest was manifested: by the public in the very complete range of radio components and accessories exhibited. Besides these displays there were two exhibits, on behalf of the two radio’ papers, of home-constructed receivers, and judging by the numbers that visited these stands and discussed the models on exhibition, there is still much activity in the hobby of homeconstruction, The set around which the most interest was centred. was the two-stage radio frequency Browning Drake. There were fortunately two exhibits of this receiver in these stands, one being the prize-winner in the competition organised by thé committee, and the other, an exhibit by an Auckland constructor. ‘The A.C, home-constructed apparatus called forth favourable comment, and many of the visitors expressed their intention of building a similar model. Another exhibit that was a centre of attraction was a homemade dynamic-cone loudspeaker. Modern Loudspeakers. ALTHOUGH the moving-coil speaker * has proved immensely popular, the magnetic cone type has not yet been wholly displaced. In the majority of the stands could be seen models of this type, and its performance and appearance have been so improved that it is now a most desirable piece of apparatus. The dynamic type of speaker, however, predominated, and some of the Cabinets which housed these modern speakers were almost mistakable for complete receivers. Their chief attractiveness lay in their simplicity of appearance, and this, in fact, is the dominating factor in all modern radio equipment. The Exhibition Broadcast. HH stage of the Town Hall was elaborately fitted up as a temporary studio, with drapings of blue and grey, armchairs, shaded lights, and the essential microphone, The studio was occupied in turn by the broadcasting choir, under the baton of Mr. Len Barnes, the Auckland Artillery Band, and by individual artists who took their turns before the magic microphone. An interested crowd in the galleries keenly followed each item, and -thoroughly enjoyed the excellent concerts which were provided each night. At intervals the broadcasting was undertaken direct from 1YA, and during these periods the sets on various stalls were tuned in so that visitors might walk round and compare _ respective qualities of reproduction. The children’s session was much appreciated by young. and old, and the kiddies especially were delighted to watch Uncle Tom as he broadcast birthday greetings. Everyone was intensely interested to see the personalities of the children’s hour, and the opinion was universally expressed that the Uncles and Aunties were as delightful in person as they are over the air. Amateur Transmitters. RECENT years have seen a growing tendency to -use the higher frequencies, both for telephony and tele- } (Concluded on page 29.)

Auckland Exhibition a ee (Concluded from page 5.)

graphy, and this is easily explained by the much increased distances over which it is possible to transmit when using short wave-lengths. The exhibition had much to offer in short-wave radio equipment, both for transmission and reception, In particular the excellent display by the New Zealand Association of Amateur Radio Transmitters was worthy of mention. On this stand quite a number of short-wave transmitters, including some portables, were exhibited. .These amateur-built sets were a revelation in neatness, compactness, and efficiency, and their constructors have every reason to be proud of their handiwork. ° ‘ A notable feature of this stall was the capable gratuitous service provided ‘by the amateurs in charge for patrons of the exhibition. There was an early rush by hundreds to send radio greetings to their friends throughout the Dominion, and on the opening night the > little transmitter was tapping out these messages far into the night be--fore the big task-of covering the traffic © was completed, In this manner the —

_ ---- ---- r surprising total of over 500 messages were sent during the exhibition. Interesting side-lines included an experimental television transmitter and an apparatus which functioned uncannily in response to a flash from an electric torch upon a photo-electric cell. Conelusion, N November 2 one of the:most interesting and comprehensive radic exhibitions ever held in New Zealand concluded, As we go to press it is impossible to estimate the total numbe) of people that visited this exhibition but as a conservative estimate 6000 is quite reasonable. 7 With the recent similar exhibitions. held at Wellington and Dunedin for the first time, the present radio year in New Zealand has proved an epochmaking one. and the phenomenal success of all three make it certain that these functions will in future be of annual occurrence, ‘