J. R. Bain Tops the List

Radio Record, 7 August 1936, Page 48

J. R. Bain Tops the List

Record Entry of 798 Stations — Wins Coveted 9X Challenge Cup

Record" DX Challenge Cup -has now concluded and the lucky winner of this handsome silver trophy is Mr, J. R. Bain (217W ), of Marton, who entered a log of 798 verified overseas stations. Mr. Bain previously won the Challenge Cup Competition (when he received a miniature) in December, 1934, with 602 verified stations, twelfth and last of the competitions for the "Radio

so that his present total] is an increase of 196 stations. ° In addition, he was successful in winning the "Radio Times" Battery Cup. for the fourth time, with an entry of 531 verifications, and the Marton Branch Certificate, Close Competition by D. N. Adams, The runner-up, Mr. D. N. Adams (91M.C.), also a previous cup-winner, gave Mr, Bain a very close run for the coveted trophy, and his total of 785 stations was only 18 behind that of the winner. Mr,. Adams, therefore, receives the remaining miniature of the Challenge Cup.

Entvies for the Frank Carr Cup. Great interest was shown in the competition for the Frank Carr Cup, which was won by Mr J. H. Scully (1260t.), of Moeraki, Otago, with an entry of 567 stations-the highest yet ‘entered for

tois cup rrevious totals are: J. P. Cowlishaw, 391; J. B, Downes, 419; G. Vining, 858. Another excellent entry was that of Mr. G. F, Dalefield (113W.), who entered a: log of 502 verifications, Mr, G. Vining (89W.) entered a log of 358 stations. Neither Mr. Scully nor Mr. Dalefield has entered in previous competitions, so two such large logs were somewhat of a surprise and deserve special praise

er a J. P. Cowlishaw to the Fore. Mr. J. P. Cowlishaw (12W.) was also to the fore and succeeded in winning the City Certificate and the Manawatu Branch Certificate with an entry of 697-stations. Mr. Cowlishaw is also a previous cup-winner, having wou the Challenge Cup in December, 19838, with 500 verifications.

Previous Winners. The Cup has now been competed for 12 times, and the previous winners and their totals are:-S, R. Bllis, 89; M. Stafford, 142; M Stafford, 227; F. W. A. Barnett. 291; F. W. A. Barnett, 866; J. EB. Downes, 419: J.P. Cowlishaw, 500; DN. Adams, 546; J. R. Bain, 602; A, Maule, 410; G, Vining, 4386. -'The Winner’s DX Experiences. In comparison to some of the other winners, the present cup-winner ig a comparative newcomer to the DX game, as he did not start dxing until early in 1981.: Contrary to the nractice of moet nrevinne

winners, who have used sets of the tuned radio frequency type. Mr Bain operates an Ultimate six-valve a.c, superhet receiver A brief account of his DX experiences is as follows :- "Barly in 1931, when I was the proud cwner of

a 4-valve Ultimate battery set, I used to get many a thrill on turning .over the dial and then hearing the call-sign of some far distant station. About this time the N.%. DX Club. was formed, and I was one -of the first members to join up and was allotted the number 18T., as I was then in the Taranaki district. "On being informed that stations were very pleased to receive reports on their transmission, I thought (Contd. on page 50.) é

it would be a good idea if I were .to start to report to every station I could hear. My first report was sent to KFOX, Long Beach, California, but the first verification I received was from 8GL, Geelong.

"Luckily, my work fitted in with dxing, as I had to go on duty at irregular hours, so I was able to turn the set on at times which are most inconvenient to the average listener. It was due to this that I was able to build up my log, as I have often heard stations that I have been unable to hear since. "With the above receiver I was able to log 531 overseas stations, and won the ‘Radio Times’ Battery Cup four times, and also the Taranaki, Wellington and Marton District Certificates, and the Fraser Battery Oup for sets using five valves or less, "Late in 1933 I changed to my present location, and since then I have used a 6-valve Ultimate a.c. superhet., and built my log up to 798. I am using a very ordinary aerial and earth sys-

Twat > tem. I have found that the common flat-top type of aerial of about 100 feet in length and 40 feet high, gives good all-round results. The earth is a six‘foot pipe driven in the ground. "To be a successful dxer one must be keen, and by this I mean that one must be prepared to turn on the set at any time and not be disappointed if a new station is not heard. I have sat at the set for six nights in succession and found nothing new, but on the seventh night have been rewarded for my patience. The receiver must be selective, sensitive and reliable, and where possible phones should be used to give a little peace to other members of the household. "In conclusion, I would like to ex tend my congratulations to the other winners in these competitions."