The Interference Problem

Radio Record, Volume V, Issue 51, 1 July 1932, Page 14

The Interference Problem

DX Club Active ee

RANCHES of the club are taking steps to help overcome interference, which is becoming very acute at the present time. The position obtaining at the present is that, although it appears very little is being done on the problem, the P.W.D. is actually very active, and is in close touch with the radio inspectors and. the supply authorities in each district. However, little can be done until the report of the Radio Commission is tabled. The sources of electric interferen:e are numerous and originate not only in the supply lines and the apparatus directly associated with them, but with flashing signs and other domestic apparatus. In some of the cities this interference is indeed acute, and the only way to effect a real cure is o instal thousands of pounds worth of apparatus throughout the country. Just who is to bear this expense is another question. It is interesting to note that in many countries regulations against the interference of electrical apparatus with radio reception are already in vogue. Germany, Austria and America have regulations on the subject, while Denmark, Belgium, Italy, and Latvia, have regulations in the course of preparation, and it is expected that, when the report of the Coverage Commission is tabled something defiinte will be done on the subject in this country. At the present time the Public Works Department is urging upon supply authorities the need for giving the trouble attention, because it has a direct bearing upon the revenue of the supply authorities. Figures compil:d in the United States show that over & period the consumption figures of the supply authorities went up nearly 40 per cent., attributed mainly to the number of radio sets installed. The Publi¢ Works Department, however, urges that Government regulations to deal with the problem are not wanted in New Zealand unless other means fail. It is suggested that the Post and Telegraph Department the P.W.D., and supply authorities’ association shonld co-operate witah the vendors of electrical equipment in eliminating faults. It proposes that avery supply authority *n its own interests should take proper

steps to ascertain and eliminate sources of trouble, Much is being done in this direction, and here the DX Club can be of real service. What is wanted is accurate reports upon each district in New Zealand. Members should, if possible, acquaint themselves with the different types of interference and help to locate them. If the trouble in your district is oroginating from a street lamp, track it down, and then communicate with your secretary, who will get in touch with the right authority. At the present time the Christchurch branch, under -the’ direction of Mr. Wric Watson, is doing excelleut work and compiling a comprehensive report. Listeners would greatly assist the club and themselves if they would send a detailed report as to the date and times of interference, approximate strength, and suggestions as to the source of the trouble to Mr. BE. W. Watson, Secretary of the Christchurch Branch of the N.Z. DX Club, 37 Chancellor Street, Shirley, Christchurch. The Canterbury branch is not alone in this systematic tracking of the trouble. Other branches are active. It is urged that dxers get in touch with their-local secretary, who will probably be able to do something. When secretaries have their reports made ont. headquarters will be- able to collate them and see that they are taken to the right quarters. However, it is not a question of national policy-that should be left to the P.W.D. What is wanted’is help in the individual districts, and members should be of more use in locating actual sources of trouble than in making recommendations for a national soluticn of the problem. Incidentally, it is interesting to note that the Christchurch Tramway Board, having heard that apparatus for dealing with electrical interference of radio reception has been perfected in England, is now making inquiries with a view to ascertaining whether is can be used in any way in Christchurch, The branch of the club at Hastings and the dealers in Napier are getting to work on the problem in a businesslike Inunner, and attempting to track the sources of interference there.