The WORLD on SHORT WAVE

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 17, 2 November 1934, Page 60

The WORLD on SHORT WAVE

Conducted by the

N.Z. Shortwave

Club

Club Notes From the Secretary’s Pen. (By A. B. McDonagh, Sec., N.Z. S.W.C., 4 Queen St.. Wellington). S time for reception at headquarters was limited, only a brief summary can be given of the air race events, Reports were given out by various stations of the different nations on the air, and a comparison showed that the New Zealand national network of medium-wave stations did not lag behind. The best information came from VK 3LR. Between times a great deal of interesting matter was put over, mostly

from the Australian national network. A recorded talk by Sir MacPherson RobertSon was given, and prominent aviators, officers, and mechanics of the Air Force, combined to give most informative talks. VK2ME did not appear much, but probably most of their werk was done during : the times I could not keep -:watch. W2XAPF was usually weak during the nights, but conditions were usually adverse except below 25 metres, The arrival of the flyers was listened to both direct and from 2YA on a loudspeaker crystal set; on.this occasion 2YA deserves credit. The telephony station VRY took part. The winning flyers spoke direct to London, and while this was being done, pictures were being flashed across which were to be screened in London a few hours later. At 1.45 a.m. on. Friday, October 25, W2XAF was working VK3MBE preparatory to broadcasting a talk by the crew of the Dutch air-liner; and, while wait: ing, were rebroadeasting the Melbourne programme. I understand that .VRY was standing by at the time, and it is possibie the latter station may have done . the work. Altogether, proceedings around 31 metres were very interesting indeed. VK8ME was heard during. the week from about 11 p.m. relaying 3DB. Melbourne, and asking for reports. A letter from the chief engineer states that the equipment used by VK8XX on September 20 was that normally employ: ed by VK8LR. The tests were on various radiating systems, The schedule of VK3LR is Monday to Saturday, 6.15 to 10.30 p.m.. Australian Eastern Standard Time. Germany, on 19 metres, heard on Supday nights with their Australian. programme, is received well here. They close with a hymn and the German National ‘Anthem. RNE, Moscow. usually comes on about 9.20 p.m. on Sundays on 25 metres. They close at 3 minutes to 12 midnight, The call is then given, "Attente-ione, Attentione, parley Francaise," as a preliminary to a broadeast’ for France. Not a great deal has been heard of the Japanese stations relaying JOAK during the week, except for JVQ on 40.16 m. Listen to this station for English news just beforé 10 p.m. There ig another Japanese station on the 49-metre band, but this must not be confused with the Java station on his: native music session. Sandwiched in between VK38ME and VK8LR at night is a foreigner. This is probably one of the Dutch Kast Indies stations (they seem to have as many stations, as the Japanese), ._ : . Dotted all over the band, from 31 down to about 15 metres especially are telephony Stations, some on the "chopper"-others on plain speech. Mostly the carrier alone is on for hours, Beginners ‘to radio are notified that these stations are for private purposes, and very few will verify.

Some booklets sent by the World Radio Research League have arrived, dnd will be sent to trained listeners in New Zealand, who will co-operate-in the work. Members are advised that full stocks of members’ letterheads are now to hand. the price being 1/2 for 50 sheets, posted: There are a number of new arrivals on short-wave, but it takes time for confirmation. of their existence to arrive, so all listeners are well advised to keep a pad and pencil, or a slate, alongside the receiver, and note times, wavelengths, etc. Just recently two Mexican cards arrived. addressed to me. I asked a local member to bring along his notebook, and found that his entries exactly coincided with the data on the cards which, otherwise, would have remained unclaimed. Recently I have had the assistance of Mr. H. I. Johns, of Wanganui, in compiling a card index of all telephony, experimental, and ’ short-wave broadcasting stations. All inquiries must be accompanied by a stamp. Dial numbers (except in megacycles ag on the new aeroplane dials) are not of much assistance in identifying: Always «state New Zealand time. nearest: stations, and date, ete. I am pleased to state that membership is again on the increase, and regret that limited time hinders prompt replies to all

well-wishers, Donations are coming — to hand for the club station. These will be

acknowledged in the "New Zealand Short-Waver." : Fourowase are particulars of a new short-wave station in. Lima, Peru. which I heard at R8, QSA5,. on Saturday. Sunday, and Monday afternoons, October 20, 21, and 22. OAX4B, Lima, Peru, S.A., on approximately BI. metres. ‘Address: OAXSB. Nadie Busa, Post Office Box 853, Lima. Peru, South. America. Apparently they are not on every day because on their closing down on Monday (Sunday there) they stated that they were closing until Wednesday at 9 p.m, Wastern standard time. They close at : 11.80 p.m. their time, 4.30 p.m. New Zealand summer time. Closing announcements are in Hnglish and fnanish. I have usked ‘them for full particulars of their . station for "Radio Record." On Saturday afternoon, October 20, L heard the Duke of Gloucester making a record for’ the’ H.M.V. people in _ land yia_ the Sydney- ‘London radio tele- | phone-DX201W (Wellington),