Morse Interference

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 23, 20 December 1929, Page 11

Morse Interference

Steps Should be Taken OW that broadcasting has reached its present level and has found its way into over 45,000 New Zealand homes, definite steps should be taken. to prevent Morse interference. This is not always easy to locate, and no doubt the Post and Telegraph Department are doing their utmost to cope with the menace. Only recently we have received complaints about strong Morse interference, One Wellington listener writes:-"‘Two drawbacks to radio reception which I am sure influence the license total are the howiing valve nuisance and amateur Morse transmitters. Nothing, I daresay, can influence the latter cause of disturbance, which is rapidly gefting worse. When one waits for some time to receive the faint call of a distant station and a blast of Morse prevents its reception, it is annoying to say the least. Surely the howling valve at least can be eliminated.. If every one who bought parts to construct a set had to sign for them then they could have the set tested if howling was noticed in the district. It is unbearable ‘to have an excellent programme such as is now presented by all the YA stations spoilt by these fresh complications, The preceding nuisances are the cause of most of the dislike towards radio evinced to-day by many of the public-B. G. Findlay (Wellington)." On making inquiries we have found that Morse is particularly troublesome, It has interfered with our own reception, and on odd occasions. we have checked up these transmissions, but most are, unfortunately, in a code that has not been deciphered. It has been suggested that it is ship transmission, but there is nothing to.back up this argument, For the same reason, there is nothing to contradict it. We would suggest that in view of the widespread disturbance caused by this station, that the Department take special steps to locate this offender and prevent the transmissions. during broadeast hours. Other Morse transmission has caused interference, but nothing can compare with the slow dashes and dots occasioned by this unwelcome interluder. The howling valve nuisance is taking alarming proportions. It is almost impossible to listen even to Christchurch on a Wednesday night. We were listening-in recently and one oscillator remained on 8YA with a continuous strong whistle for over an hour. This is more than sheer selfishness; it is an offence against the regulations, and the Department has power to make the culprit feel uneasy. Ry the means of loop antennae it is possible to track down a constant howler, and we suggest that the Department take steps in this direction. If a few offenders were to have their licenses earicelled and lose their receivers howling valves would be less annoying than they are at present. _- ee eo ee ed