THE D.X. CLUB Views and News.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 44, 16 May 1930, Page 8

THE D.X. CLUB Views and News.

Identification Wanted

[THE Americans were certainly coming in well on Sunday night, 27/4/30. I received three new ones, but succeeded in identifying only one of them (WBBM, Chicago, received at. very good strength and clarity. This station signed off 1.15 a.m., central standard time). The unidentified ones were received on the following dial numbers (1-100 dial) : Heard from 5.15 to 5.30 p.m., 24-23}-22, about 2 degrees below Auckland, i.e, between 220 and 230 metres (1360 k.c. and 1300 k.c.); 8313-31-29, about 2 degrees above 2BL. Would this be KWKH? I heard no more of it after 6.30 p.m. KFI on 640 kes. (469m.) was well received on: their midnight frolic. I would be very pleased if someone could give me the names of the two wnidentified stations.

They were both Americans.--

L. R.

Ar

nold

(Belfast).

LTHOUGH only a subscriber to the "Radio Record" for the last three weeks-the length of time I have possessed a set (my first)-may I say I have already derived many little useful hints from your paper. I am interested in the DX Club page, and would like to know conditions, etce., of membership. Meanwhile I submit the following to u-a difficulty or rather a mystery to Re: Last night, 26/4/30, just before 1.80 p.m. N.Z. time, I tuned in hoping to hear 50L, which I have not yet had, but which your paper informed me was now "gettable" after 11:30. Proceeding first to-2FO frequency I had excellent reception, and presently heard the announcer give his time as 10 pm. I then went to the other side of the dial, and slowly brought in severdl Australian stations, 2UH, 2GB, 2BL, 3LO, 4QG (very loud), and then tried for 5CL, but only heard very subdued voices. Then, slowly turning towards 2FO again, I was almost deafened by the reception of the latter part of a well-known orchestral piece -its name though escapes me-there ‘was a pause, in which I listened for the announcer, but the pause was of perhaps three minutes, and then again the loud music. Now it was playing lighter stuff, and with a vocal refrain, "Hi, Ho, Bverybody, Hi, Ho." I held this for-a brief while (time 11.50 about) and then the set went into violent oscillation. Indeed I think it cannot have been my set, as I had to shut off what. little reaction I already had, and then the volume went down to minimum, and even then the howl persisted. I then proceeded to 2FC and opened up full without a blemish; I then turned off to less than half, and very gradually went back to the former position, in time to get the finish of the same tune, but almost immediately the howl began again, and I had to move off. Again I did the same thing-2FC, then back, and this time dead silence; and I got nothing more in the same spot, although I tried for nearly half an hour. What I want to know is: Did 2YA come on then for a brief while, for the volume was about Wellington strength,

and the dial position almost identical with where I get Wellington on my machine? If not 2YA, what was the station? I used the set on 2YA and 3YA earlier in the evening, 6.45 till just before 8, but then not again till about 11.25. The machine is an HPnglish commercial screened-grid four, and seems pretty selective. The Australian stations were remarkable on Anzac Day. I even had 2BL very loud and clear at 6.15 N.Z.. as he closed down after a song (re-

eord) by Gladys Moncrieff.-

P. D. L.

Hudden

(Gisborne).

ON Monday, April 21, I picked up a station on approximately 517 metres (580 k.c.). This station was on the air between 12.80 and 1 p.m. and also between 5 and 6 p.m, It was apparently testing, no call sign being given. Volume good, station fluctuated between 575 and 590 ke. (520 metres and 508 metres). Could any listener identify

this station ?-

G. P.

Cotter

(Martinbor-

ough)

(ouLD any reader identify an American station on about 1080 k.c. (278 metres)? Closed down at 6.15 p.m., 23/ 4/30, after stated he was testing. Gave his call’ sign-M and address-31. The State sounded like Iowa, then asked for reports. Static was the cause of missing eall sign and address, as station was 2

good R7-

S. G.

Det

(Gisborne).

D® any listener hear a station on Thursday, May 1, at 10.15 to 11 p.m. on about 12 metres (25,000 ke.) ? The announcer gave a speech in Dnglish, called "Hullo" three times, gave a call (missed by fading), and asked for reports. He then said, "I will now continue my speech in German," after which there were musical numbers. Owing to rather bad hand capacity at such a high frequency (although the set is built in a complete metal box), I could not hold the signal long enough at a time to get the call. If anybody heard a new station on 500 metres (600 k.e.) on Thursday, May 1, it would probably be 2ZR, a new Wanganui station, which was testing on Thursday with reeords, and no announcements. Power is

250 watts.-

PCJ4

(Wanganui).

(ouLD any reader identify the following two American stations: The first comes in on about 1010 kes. (297 metres), between KYW Chicago, and 3YA Christchurch. He comes in regularly, but I can never get his call clearly. The second comes in on about 690 kes. (434 metres), between 2YA and 6WFEF Perth.

This one comes in at fair strength, but fades too much. It is not a Californian station, as the first call letter is W. Could any listener inform me °§ (per medium of DX column) of the address of the following Melbourne stations, which are, I presume, amateurs :-VK8AM, approximately 1280 kes. (284 metres), VK3R1, approximately 1220 kes,

(246 metres), VK8DY, approximately 1250 kes. (240 metres), VK3CF, approximately 1300 kes. (231 metres); also VK2AD Sydney, 1320 kes. (227 metres). I have heard all these stations on several occasions, always on Sunday nichts after

11 p.m:

R.

Dixon

(Brunnerton).

ON Friday, May 2, between 7.15 p.m. * and 7.45 p.m. I heard the following items: "Indian Love Call" (from "Rose Marie"), and "You Should See My Neighbour’s Daughter." At about 10.15 p.m.

I heard, "On Her Doorstep Last Night." Dial reading 58. A double call given \ sounded like 4ZL and 4ZM, or 4ZO and 4ZM. 420 dials 46, 2KY IFN 60.

and 4ZP 52.--

Incubu

(Waitaka)_

I WONDER if any reader will be able _ to identify this station which I reon Tuesday, May 6, from about 3 o'clock till 3.50 p.m. It was heard very weak at first on approximately 715-720 kilocycles ((419 metres), but before long was badly heterodyning, with and distorting 2YA. It closed down at approximately 3.50 p.m. In between the numbers from 2YA it was easy to distinguish the type of item from this stranger-they were the well-known and quaint .instruments and -weird songs characteristic of Japanese music. This station was also heard after 2YA closed down at 11 o’clock on Saturday, April 27, the same type ‘of items being heard. Is this a new Japanest testing, or the Chinese station COMK, or some other station? Anyone identifying the station call or calling, ‘""Melbaradio"’" would help m as well as the others who want to know about it. I received this station on 1350 k.c.’s (222 metres) on Sunday, May 27. at 8.12 p.m.. Strength was good speaker. These are the words I received: "TI’ll let you know to-morrow morning. Yes, Tl call you up then." "Hello! hello! Melbardio; let us know if you are not getting this too well." Some symbol letters which included OM and BAM were used. The station then closed down abruptly. This afternoon I was able to place a eall to the station on 590 kilocycles (508 metres), which many have been asking for. I? was 2ZR, but I could not get the location. I’m fairly certain’ of the call-sign. Would anyone knowing the location of 2ZR kindly send the address to me, or through these columns, as I have a report for them. [See letter from A. Edgecombe, Waverley, in "D.X. Topies.’-Ed.] I have a verification from 1ZH, Hamilton (April 29), in which they stated that their present hours are 12-1 p.m. daily: , These are to be enlarged on shortly. This station has been heard several times during this hour. 1ZH is the new call of the old 1FP, which operated on 5385 metres (560 k.c.). : Static has been too bad during the last week to do any D.X. work, the local 1YA even being troubled a little with this unfortunate phenomenon. It seems to be at unusually high level for this time of the

year.-

Arthur E.

Allen

(Avondale).

DX ‘Topics

KGU Honolulu. ON Friday last (Anzae night) I picked up station KGU Honolulu. Several jazz items were broadcast, and this station was received quite loud on the speaker. Last night (27th) I picked this station up again, at 5.380 p.m. approximately, when the announcer was giving out the numbers and makes of different cars which had been stolen. He closed down for two hours, and said ‘he would be on the air at 9.30 pm. He gave his frequency as 940 kicocycles (819 metres). Honolulu time is exactly 22 hours behind New Zealand standard time. I expect many other listeners have heard this station, as I received this on a

four-valye set.-

J. E.

Hewlett

(Nelson).

2ZP Wairoa. As no one seems to have got the Wairoa station correctly, I will pass on a information I received in a verifi-

To DX Club Members

OWING to the heavy demands made on our space, and to the increasing amount of correspondence received from DX enthusiasts, we have found it necessary to request the following courtesies: .- (1) Address letters to: The Editor, DX Club, Box 1032, Wellington. Nom de plumes may be used, but all letters to be signed. Write in ink, and on one side of the paper only. (2) Be brief, but do not omit interesting or essential details. (At present almost every letter has to be re-written and condenséd.) (3) When stating the wavelength of a station, if possible give. the. corresponding frequency... This may be caleulated from the formula: 200,000 M where M ‘= wavelength in metres, and K the frequency in kilocyeles, (4) When inquiring about the identity of stations, give the following particulars: Date and time of reception, approx. wavelength and frequency (see Rule 3), and items heard (not more than three). If unable to state wavelength, give dial readings and proximity to well-known stations.

€ation from this station. © The call’ is P, Wairoa, Address: 128: Queen Street. This station has a power of only 74 watts, but is received by me with fair loudspeaker volume and ‘in daylight. They are on daily from 12 noon till 1.30 p.m. he official opening was celebrated one Sunday afternoon about a month ago by 2 garden party on the grounds ‘of the owner, Mr, BH. A. Perry, and was received excellently here. "af . Could any listener identify the American on about the same wavelength as Wairoa, 865 metres (820 kilocycles)? I ‘often hear this station, but always miss the call. One item which came through very well on 25th was "Land of Hope and Glory," but he never gave a call after, just announced the next item; Is this

KOA Denver?-

M.B.

S.

(Palmerston

North).

. Disputed Call-Sign, J HAVE noticed in your DX columns that several listeners have got the xwrong call for the Wairoa station. This "station’s call is 2ZP, not 2ZG, and is owned and operated by Mr. Perry, Queen Street, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay. It is on the air every day except Sunday from 12 to 1.830 v.m.. and every Wednesday even-

ing.

W. P.

Hart

(Wairoa).

In Defence of the "B" Class Stations. UT of the eleven New Zealand -"B" stations to whom I have written, ouly one has not replied, and this I must admit was a Dunedin station. I have written to four southern stations, and have received three acknowledgments. I totally disagree with "Sonora" and Messrs, N. D. Campbell and A. Stanley. These people seem to think that they have a monopoly over "B" class stations, instead of the stations being extra to choose from, and filling up the gaps when the "A" class stations are off the air. I received 2ZP, ‘Wairoa, on the 23rd at weak speaker strength, on a loop aerial. "Switch" places 4QG below. 2BL on the reception list, but at the early stages of the evening 4QG roars in here. I see that 2ZD’s power is only 24 watts, but it is received quite well here. I have seen no mention of the station on 386 metres (778 kiloeveles) latelv. The call sounds

like KGM.-

Priess

(Southbridge).

I NOTICH with great interest the remarks passed by "Sonora" (Lyall Bay) .re verification cards from Dunedin. I have sent reports to different Dunedin stations, and have had no fault to find, as I hold cards from 4Z0, 4ZM, 4ZL, and 4ZP. The only station that did not reply was 4ZB. I think "Sonora" is perhaps expecting too much of these _ stations, as they have a very large amount of correspondence to answer. As an instance of the time some stations take, it took VPD, Suva, just on, six months to reply. My log for 18 months now totals 186 identified stations, on a fivevalve neutrodyne and short-wave adapter. I have received 66 confirmations so far. I notice "M.W." reports hearing KPO on approximately 22 metres. I think fne will find the station is KGO (WCXN) fat Oakland, California, operating on 3.385 metres (12.850 ke.), using 5 kw.-

A. D.

Rogers

(Newtown).

"B" Class Stations. I READ in your columns lately of a station received between 2BL and 8LO, Melbourne’s, wavelengths, and am pleased to state that I received this station a few times, and wrote to them for verification, of which they replied by letter with the following :- Wairoa Radio Service. 22ZP. Wavelength, 365.8 metres (820 kes.). Power, Ti watts. Circuit, Meisner. Modulation, grid. With compliments from BD. A. Perry, certified radio technician (Govt. exam.), 128 -Queen Street, Wairoa, Hi.B. I also read of some listeners who have not received answers to their letters from "B" class stations, and I can state that it is easily three months ago I wrote to one. I have had no answer yet. I wrote to another one about six months ago, also with no result.

I am wondering if I can be a member of your DX Club,’ which I take a very great interest in. My set is a four-valve factory-built one, Another station which was puzzling me and others, too, I see, was one on about 500 metres (1600 kc.), which went on and off with no announcements. I heard him close down one night, and he gave his eall sign as 2ZR, Wa-

nganui

A.

Edgecombe

(Waverley) .

I HAVE noticed lately reports of logging 2ZC, Wairoa. It is not that eall,.it is 2ZP, Wairoa. I heard this station on Wednesday afternoon at R5 to Ri, time 4.5, and I listened till 4.45 p.m. I heard the eall 2ZP, and have sent in a report on daylight reception. Power is 74 watts. I have read with great interest about verifications from the Dunedin B-class stations. Now let me have a chip at them. I have received verifications from 4ZO and 4ZM only. I wrote to 4ZL twice with stamped and addressed envelope, and received no reply for nearly twenty months. answered my letter twelve months ago by return mail. I notice Mr. Arthur Allen (Avondale) has logged in XEN, Mexico City. It is this station right enough. I heard this station at 30 p.m. at R6 to R7. The station call was given in English and the announcements were in Spanish. He can be heard on 2YA’s silent night, providing static is not heavy. Stations identified the last fortnight are: KWJJ, KGU, WHK, WEAR, KSL, KLX, WGBCO, also daylight reception of the following stations: 1YA, 1ZQ, 2YA, 2YB, 2ZP, 22H, 2FC, 2BL, 4QG, 3Z0, 4YA, 8YA, 8L0O, 2UE. Time of these is between 2 and 41% nm

S.

Eilis

(Okato).

News from the Philippines. HAYING received QSL card from KZRM Manila, Philippine Islands, I am enclosing full particulars of the station for any DX member who may find them useful. Long wave: Power, 1lkw. ; wavelength, 485 metres (620 k.e.); antenna height, 300ft.; antenna, inverted L type. Transmits daily except Monday: 6 to 7 am., 12.15 to 1.15 p.m. 3 to 5 p.m, 6 to 11 p.m. All standard 120 deg. B. meridian time. Short wave: Power, 1 kw.; wavelengths, 25.86, 31.4, and 48.8 metres (approximate) ; antenna height, 80 ft., horizontal double half-wave. Quartz crystal controlled. Monday, 6 to 7 a.m., 12.15 to 1.15 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m. I received them on the broadcast band. At approximately 12.20 p.m. I received a station transmitting on about 500 metres (600 kilocycles). QSA was R4. Statics a nuisance, Items heard: (1) Piano solo; (2) orchestral piece, with "Toreador Song" in latter part; (8) orchestral piece, "Toreador Song" again. No announcer or announcements heard. Several minutes elapsed prior to the commencement of each item. One would almost think the station had vanished. Could any DX member enlighten me? This was received on May 5. Has 3BAR

Melbourne changed its wave ?

Sonora

(Wellington).

California on the Broadcast Band. I WISH to report reception of KFOX, Longbeach, California, on 240 metres (1250 ke.), on Sunday, April 27, at 10.10 p.m., New Zealand time. Closed down at 10.33 p.m. with "Good morning, everybody." Also on Tuesday, April 29, at 9.25 p.m., a station on about 510 metres (590 ke.), testing with about a dozen orchestral pieces. Wvery now and again someone would say, "Hello, how is that now? Any better?’ He gave his eall-sign as 2ZR on test. but did not

mention location.-

T.

S.

(Palmerston

North).

Stations Identified ebemseeee,

THINK the station mentioned by Mr. Allan in his query of last week will be our new local station 2ZR, which will soon be transmitting daily from

about 10.30 a.m. to 2.380 p.m. and till 5.30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The station is owned and operated by Radio Specialities Ltd., The Avenue, Wanganui, and will use a power of about 150 watts. The items mentioned by Mr. Allan were heard by the writer on several occasions

while 2ZR was testing.-

Lead-in

9-

nganui).

THE station heard by Mr. A. H. Allen (Avondale) and by myself, I logged this stranger again on Saturday, May 3, at 9.45 am., on 610 kc. and 590 kc. (492 metres approximately), It is 2ZR, Wanganui. They were playing gramophone records, and a lady announcer was giving the call after every fourth record, "This is station 2ZR, Wanganui, testing." No other announcements were given, They were still on the air at 12.15 p.m., when I closed down. On Friday, May 2. I logged another new station, 1ZH, Hamilton, at 12.45 p.m, on gramophone records. They signed off at 1.22 p.m. on 640 k.c. (468 metres).

S.

Ellis

(Okato)

ie your last issue "Sonora" (Wellington) asks if the station on 356 metres (840 k.c.) was 2ZC, Wairoa. I tuned in to this station at 10.10 p.m, ond they were playing "The Toymaker’s Dream." To-day I received his verification, with the following particulars :- 2ZP, Wairoa (note, not 2ZC), 365.8 metres (820 k.c.), 74 watts, and operated by EB. A. Perry, 128 Queen Street, Wairoa, H.B. Schedule :- Daily. 12 noon-1.30 p.m., except Sunday. Wednesday, 12 noon-1.80 p.m.; 3-5 p.m., and 6.30-10.30 p.m. Can anyone tell me the name of the station on about 250 metres (1200 k.c.) on last Saturday night (26th)?° The call sounded like 1Z0 or 1ZP, Auckland. As regards the "B" stations, "Sonora,". Lyall Bay, should withdraw his remarks. regarding 4ZL, 4ZM and 2ZM. I have these three verified, but I have not written to 2ZK. Perhaps they would reply to "Sonora" if he was more polite (fancy enclosing a penny stamp!), or else he may have sent them wrong items. I received yerifieation card from 2HD, Newcastle, giving the following particulars: Airsales Broadeasting Co., Civic Centre, Hunter Street. Newcastle, Australia. Wavelength 212 metres (1410 k.e.). I compliment Mr. Bilis on his reception, for a station verified is as good

as two identified, I have 12 New Zealand stations verified (not including YA/’s), five Aussies, and three Americans. Not very many. Do the Australian A

class stations verify reports?-

Priess

(Southbridge).

RE station picked up by Mrs Ellis on approximately 1840 k.c. (224 metres), I would like to state that I have heard this station for the past five or six months, sometimes on key and sometimes on "phone. I am told that it is located on a boat owned by some Australian freezing company. To-night he called: "Hello, hello, Melbourne, Radio, VAM (or VJM). We are 45 miles N.E. of Island." He made this call at 8.5 p.m. on May 8. In regard to "B" class stations not acknowledging reports of reception, I have written to quite a number of American stations and have had replies back in very short time, This is not so with New Zealand ones, Dunedin, at least, 4ZM in particular, being longwinded. I have written to this station on two or three occasions, but have an-

parently been ignored.-

R.

Dixon

Brun-

nerton