602 Verified Overseas Stations

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 32, 15 February 1935, Page 42

602 Verified Overseas

Stations

J. R. BAIN WINS "RADIO RECORD" DX CHALLENGE CUP AND ESTABLISHES NEW RECORD FOR DX LISTENING. .

WHEN Mr. D. N, Adams, of Timaru, ‘ carried off the DX "Radio Record" Challenge Cup last June with a log of 546 verified overseas stations, it was generally thought that he had establish an unbeatable record. In the latest competition, however, this huge total has been well topped, by no less than 56 stations. The entrant of this remarkable 602-station log was Mr. J .R. Bain, of Marton Junction, who thus wins the Challenge Cup, and with it, the title of DX thampion of New Zealand. The winner’s name wil! be inseribed on a shield at the base of the trophy, and in addition he will receive an engraved silver: miniature. A list of the prize-winners in the other competitions, together with the winner’s log, appear in the February issue of the "New Zealand Radio Times," now on sale. ‘From 89 to 602 Stations. The amazing rapidity with which the winning totals have increased since the first competition was held, in December, 1930, is a splendid testimony to the enthusiasm of the competitors. The cup winners, and totals to date,’are as follow :-S. R..Bllis, 89; M. Stafford, 142; M. Stafford, 227; F. W. A. Barnett, 291; F. W. A. Barnett, 366; J. Ei. Downes, 417; J. P. Cowlishaw. 500; D. N. Adams, 546; J. R. Bain 602. Four Years’ Dxing. The present winner, who is secretary of the Marton Branch of the Club, is one of the best-known dxers in New Zelaand, and for several years has been a regular: entrant in: the six-monthly

DX Competitions conducted by the "Radio Times." While operating a. 4-valve Ultimate battery set he won the Fraser Battery Cup, the "Radio Times" Battery Cup twice, and the, Taranaki District Certificate for the December, 1932, competition. He is now using a six-valve Ultimate superhet. In the following, Mr. Bain relates his experiences in dxing since he first took up the hobby, over four years ago. _ "T started dxing when the New Zealand DX Club was first formed, my number then being 18T, as.I was stationed in Taranaki. The receiver I was then using was a 4-valve commercial battery set. "In 1982 I first gained honours. by winning: the Taranaki District Certificate, ind also the Fraser Battery Cup, with. a verified log ‘of 218 -stations. Since then I have twice won the "Radio Times" Battery Cup and now the "Radio Record" DX Challenge Cup. "As most dxers are aware, I am now uSing a 6-valve receiver of the same make but in the A.O. class. A comparison between the two sets may be of interest. .In my opinion, the battery set is slightly more suited for dxing, as it is much quieter in operation, and *phones can be used at all times, except when static is too severe. The receiver can be operated on the border of oscillation, and maximum results thus obtained. A battery set is certainly more expensive to run, especially when one has to use dry batteries, as these only used to last me approximately six months. "On ‘the other hand, the electric set igs far more convenient, as one does not have batteries to consider and therefore the running cost is much cheaper. I also found that signals at R2 on the battery set would be practically inaudible on the A.C. set, but that stations at R5 on the battery set would increase to about R9 on the A.C. "Tt is pleasing to note that recently there have been very few complaints ze blacklisted stations. I was never in favour of this as I have always found that if a comprehensive and detailed report is sent to a station, a reply is always forthcoming. When the amount of mail some of the stations receive is considered, is it any wonder that one or two letters are mislaid or go astray? On oceasions I have had to send a second or eyen third report to certain stations, but have always’ finished up with tle desired result. . "With the Australian stations I always enclosed return postage, but apart from them I have never: enclosed postage to any country, except on very rare occasions, With ‘so many distant stations seeking information on our country, I have found it a good idea to enclose a small booklet giving news ‘and views of*New Zealand. These are obtainable. at .Tourist.- Offices.,free of

charge and do not, ag a rule, cost anything extra for postage. Incidentally, a little publicity like this very often ensures a prompt reply, beside helping in a small way to advertise our tourist resorts. "T.would also like to. remark on the growth of. our club. The fact that the "membership is now approaching 1500 proves ‘what an interesting hobby dxing is. -Widespread‘ interest in the club has been stimulated: recently. by the formation of many new. branches throughout the country, and judging by the notes which appear regularly in the "Times," some very lively times are witnessed ‘at the meetings. Everybody seems eager to win one of the many trophies «that have been donated to various. branches. In conclusion, I might add that I owe my success to, first of all, a good receiver anda -good locality, and, secondly, a ‘patient and peaceful family ! I would offer my congratulations to the various other winners in this competition."