DX Competition

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 6, 22 August 1930, Page 27

DX Competition

Conditions Listed

(UR DX competition, fully announced in the issue before last, is meeting with general approval. Of the large number who have written us on this score, only a few have criticised adversely. We have been pleased to hear from these readers, and thank them for their suggestions, but in view of the several factors we have to consider, we do not, at this stage, intend to announce any changes. Nevertheless we welcome suggestions. Among others, the suggestion has been mide that a handicap be given for districts and types of sets. This cannot be; for very small sets, on account of the interference caused on stations enjoyed by owners of larger sets, cannot be encouraged to d.x. In this respect it is interesting to note that some of the best logs are held by four-valve sets. Then location-it has been stated that city listeners have no chance of DX-ing. In some respects they are at a disadvantage, but one of the best logs we have seen is the proud possession of a Wellington listener. Another suggestion is that Australjan "B" class stations should be admitted if logged in daylight. Decision on this point, is being held in abeyance for the present. 1, The listener who can, within six

months, collect the greatest log of stations and comply with the conditions set forthwith, will have his name inscribed on the "Radio Record" cup. This will remain the property of the "Radio Record," but the winner will be presented with an inscribed miniature. The original cup will, if possible, be on view at the Radio Exhibitions. 2. The stations counting for the competition must have frequencies not exceeding 1500 kilocycles nor less than 545 kilocycles per second (200-550 metres). 8. All stations must be verified. The enthusiast should listen-to the items and note sufficient of them so that the station officials can recognise the proadeast. A letter or card to this effect must be in the possession of the listener before he can claim credit for a station.- The winner must be prepared to send his verifications to the "Record" for checking. They will be returned. Overseas stations appreciate notes from listeners stating how their transmissions came through-were they fading, strong, weak, variable,

mushy, distorted, pure, etce.? It is really not good enough to say "I heard your station: please give me a card for the competition." You never know; under these circumstances they might refuse. Help them and they will help you. 4, The lists will be reviewed every six months, but stations received during one period of six months can count for the ensuing one, providing their frequencies remain constant during that. period. If, however, the station changes its frequency after the commencing date of the six-monthly periods (in this case July 31), the old verification will count for the current period, but the station must be relogged in order to count it in the next period. This arrangement should place old and newcomers on a more even basis. All logs for the first period must be in our: possession by January 1, 1931. (The period here is slightly less to establish regularity.) 5. The following stations are not included in the competition :-All New Zealand and the following Australian stations: 2F'C, 2BL, 4QG, 38LO, 3AR, 2GB, 2UH, 5CL, 6WF, TZL. This is toprevent possible interference with the programmes that are enjoyed by non-DX-ers. G6. The right is reserved to add further conditions or alter existing ones as unforseen circumstances demand. 7. The decision of the judge will be final.

— It is hoped that DX-ers will play the game and continue to help one another in the identification of stations. After all, the aid given will probably be mutual, and listeners will have the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped the other fellow along. When due consideration is given it will be seen that the competition is fairly even. Listeners using large fac-tory-built receivers certainly have the advantage as far as amplification is eoncerned, but the owner of the set with the fewer valves can use both *phones and regeneration-an effective DX combination that is preferred by many amateurs. ; China on Short-Wave. I PICKED up on August 3 what I take to be a new s.w. station, on about 49.8 metres. I thought. at first it was 4

oe Jap., but it turned out to be Chinese. I asked one of the local Chinese to listen, and he translated: some of the announces ments, which related to the:artists and the music. Announcements, were -made in English twice while I was listening, but it was hard to understand. The last announcement was to the effect that "our broadcasting is now finished," and that the station was closing down until 10.45 a.m. to-morrow (i.e., Monday, 4th). Reception. was excellent, being quite strong enough to enjoy 35ft. from the speaker. Modulation was perfect. Prior to the programme of Chinese music, 2 number of English items were broadcast. -‘*Ray Dio" (Shannon).