On Our Test Bench Latest "Breville" All-Wave Receiver

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 36, 15 March 1935, Page 49

On Our Test Bench Latest "Breville" All-Wave Receiver

OX" ofthe latest Australian built "Breville? al. wave receivers, which were introduced on the New Zealand market towards the end of last year by the Breviile Radio Distributors, Wellington, was recently submiited to the "Radio Record" for test. The "Model 47" uses eight valves, in the following combination :-6D6 1r.f.; 6C6 mixer; 76 osciliator ; 6D6 first and second I.F.; 75 second detector, A.V.C. and first audio; 42 power pentode and SO rectifier. The use of one R.F. and two LI. stages ensures an ample reserve of both sensitivity and selectivity, even for present-day conditions. The chassis throughout is very carefully engineered and assembled, and reflects the greatest credit on its designers. The all-wave coil assembly is a particularly fine example of modern design. Though the minimum of metal has been used,for the assembly, which makes for high efficiency, it is exceptionally rigid, and all connections are easily accessible. The wave-change switch is ruggedly built and is positive in action, ensuring excellent contacts and trouble-free operation. With the exception of the condenser gang, the chassis and all metal work such as valve shields and coil cans are gold sprayed, which not only ensures adequate protection against corrosion, but also gives an excellent finish to the receiver.

There are four controls, tone, volume, tuning and wave-change switch, A dual ratio aero dial is provided, with a normal action for the broadcast band and a vernier to ensure smooth and easy tuning, on the short waves. The coil -assembly- gives: complete coverage of the shortwave and broadcast bands. in three steps-15 to 33 metres, 31 to 90 metres and 200 to 550 metres. On test, the set came well up to the high expectations formed of it during the preliminary examination of the circuit and chassis. The test was taken on an aerial 30ft. high and approximately 100ft. long, in a locality only 50 yards from the main tram route. Nevertheless ,the local noise level was surprisingly low, and all the main New Zealand gtations coulé@ be logged at good volume during the day. On the short waves, Paris could be tuned in from 4.15 p.m. at overloading volume and excellent clarity. During the evening, 36 shortwave stations were heard, including the experimental shortwave station at Suva, while on the broadcast band so many stations could be tuned in that no effort was made to log them, The ‘A.V.O. system incorporated in the set was particularly efficient and minimised fading, particularly on the short waves, to a remarkable degree, The extremely low noise level was a most noticeable factcr with this set--. it was much lower than that of another commercial six-valve all-wave receiver operated under the same conditions, while tone was appreciably better than that given by the usual receiver employing a single output pentode. Taken all round, the "Breville Model 47" is one of the finest all-wave receivers we have yet tested, and can be thoroughly recommended to readers.