Difficult Engineering Feat

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 48, 12 June 1931, Page 8

Difficult Engineering Feat

Accomplished by Radio ROADCASTING recently played a vital part in the successful completion of a great engineering task at Cape Town, South Africa. In connection with a new sewerage system, a steel pipe, 1800 feet in length, had to be floated out to sea and sunk into position. The men at positions all along the pipe had to work in perfect unison, and the engineers in charge of the winiing gear on the shore had to be in in stantaneous contact with the men at the sea end of the pipe, a third of a mile away. The local broadcasting station’ came to their assistance and a microphone was erected on the water’s edge, where the chief engineer took up his position. All orders from him were broadcast, and were picked up on portable wireless sets carried by each boast engaged in launching and sinking the pipe-line. Perfect contact was maintained, and the pipe-line was successfully launched, sunk, and cemented to the sea bed. The engineer-in-charge stated that he did not like to think of attempting the venture without wireless aid. Every listener in South Africa was able to hear the engineer’s commands, and a running commentary by the local announcer. Needjess to say. there was no swearing at workmen. J