History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Clubs/Booval Radio Society/Notes

Booval and District Radio Society - Transcriptions and notes

1910s

1911

1911 12

Too early to be Bert V. Cole but possibly a family member

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY SOCIETY. Influenced by the desire of a number of young men who are keenly interested in wireless telegraphy to meet others like-minded, Mr. P. H. M'Elroy, of Swanston-street, convened a meeting, which was held in the Esperanto-hall, Elizabeth-street, last night. There were 50 enthusiasts present, who formed themselves into the Amateur Wireless Society of Victoria. Several of the young men stated that they had installed wireless stations on a small scale at their homes. Office-bearers were elected as follows:— President, Mr. M. A. Ryan; treasurer, Mr. P. H. M'Elroy; committee, Messrs. Davenport, Mitchell, Roberts, Cole, Bennie, and McLaughlin. The secretary is Mr. F. E. Moore, 39 Lisson-grove, Hawthorn.

1914

1914 03

Possibly Bert V. Cole but more research needed, fits with 11 years stated radio experience in 1925

WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. SYSTEMS COMPARED. Although only in its infant stages the Wireless Institute of Victoria is developing on such sound lines that, according to the remarks of the president (Mr. V. Cole) at a well-attended meeting last night, the number of licensed amateur operators in the State is now 177. Two years ago there were only seven. The meeting was held at the Aerial Rooms, Oxford Chambers, Bourke street, and members were greatly interested in a paper prepared by Mr. J. G. Balsillie, and read by Mr. F. C. Wolters, wireless instructor at Stott's Correspondence College, comparing the Balsillie, Marconi, and Telefunken systems of radiotelegraphy. The paper dealt with the subject in a technical way, tracing the progress in the different phases of radiotelegraphy from Marconi's application for the first patent, in 1886, and describing at length the three systems. The Commonwealth has adopted the Balsillie system, and it was explained that in this system a means for communicating by etheric vibrations is employed, comprising a combination in the transmitter of two circuits, one a charging circuit and the other a radiating circuit. The two circuits are so associated and by electrostatic shunt coupled together that the energy of the charging circuit is en masse transferred to the open circuit, no approximation of tuning existing between the two circuits nor any train of oscillations in the close circuit. Means are employed in this close or charging circuit to produce unidirectional impulse that has no vibration, but merely kicks, thereby forcing the air wire circuit into vibration on the principle of unidirectional impulse excitation. A mechanical analogy was given in which it was illustrated that a piano wire represented what is commonly known as an air wire, or antenna and ground connection. The object was to produce a vibration in the piano wire of the greatest amplitude and longest maintained by the use of the smallest power. Sir Oliver Lodge, it was pointed out, in completing the analogy, had said that the only way to make the wire vibrate was to hit it with a hammer and let it vibrate. This practically constituted the Balsille process. An entertaining lecture of a similar nature concerning the military radiotelegraphic equipment was given by Mr. Arthur E. Pell, wireless specialist to the signal engineers who in comparing the three systems, favoured the Balsillie process on the ground that it conserved and utilised its energy more thoroughly than the others. A vote of thanks were passed to Messrs. Wolters and Pell.

1920s

1924

1924 07

William Jehn

LOCAL EXPERIMENTS. A GOOD TEST AT 3 A.M.! Mr. A. Zinn, North Ipswich, is spending his annual leave at Grandchester, and the residents there are getting the benefit of his receiving set which he has with him. He has swung an aerial between two trees, and he states that he is getting very fine results. All the listeners are getting good results of late, and they state that they hardly know what static sounds like now. The winter is the wireless enthusiast's friend, as atmospherics are hardly heard then. New transmitting stations are popping up every day, and good concerts are being received from all. Some splendid results have been achieved by Mr. W. R. Hansell, of Blackstone. His residence is marked by a very fine aerial, which is about 80ft. high and 90ft. long. He is using a two wire L type aerial of 7/20 copper wire. Under this aerial he has fitted a very fine counterpoise 90ft. long by 10ft. wide. The counterpoise consists of 1400ft. of copper wire, and is fitted 12ft. from the ground. Mr. Hansell states that it makes a big improvement in the working of his set, especially in dry weather, but not so much in wet weather. Station 2HM, Mr. H. Marshall, of Armidale, N.S.W., is becoming very popular, and since installing his new transmitting set is being picked up by lots of amateurs. Mr. Hansell logged him whilst asking for Queensland amateurs to let him know how he was working. Mr. Hansell gets his speech and music very clearly, and has written him accordingly. One of his best items was "'Larboard Watch." On Sunday evening last Mr. Hansell picked up station 3BO, Victoria, and the reception was good. Other stations this amateur has been working with during the last week are — 2GR, Marks, Sydney; 2YA, 2YI, 4GE, 4EG, 4AK, 4CM, 4CW, 4FK, 4AZ. Nearly all of these stations were on test work on music, speech, and morse. 2BL and 2FC, Broadcasters and Farmers respectively still come in with as much volume as ever, and most amateurs are finding 2BL much easier to tune of late. Another local amateur, Mr. W. Jehn, of Brisbane-road, Booval, is doing remarkable work with his two valve set. Mr. Jehn's aerial is 100ft. over all, double wire L type. He uses Cossor valves P.I. type, polar condensers, .001 in primary, and .0005 in secondary. Last Monday night he logged 2BL, 2FC, 4CM, 4AE, 4AK, 4CK. All were good receptions. On Tuesday night he amused himself and friends with music and speech from 2BL, 2FC, 2GR, 4AE. The speaker at 2BL announced that if amateurs would listen about 3 o'clock on Wednesday morning he would give them all news of the Olympic Games. Mr. Jehn showed his keen interest in wireless, and with the use of "Big Ben" cheerfully crawled out from the quilts at 10 minutes to 3, and tuned in his set. At 12 minutes past 3 the speaker at 2BL gave out the promised news, and spoke in glowing terms of "Boy" Charlton's success over Arne Borg. The reception of such news is a truly unique experience for listeners, especially at such an hour of the morning. Mr. Jehn states that the voice seemed to be much clearer than that heard only a few hours before. "Condenser" would be pleased if other amateurs would notify him of their experiences, and in each case describe his set. Wireless experimenters in general will be pleased to hear the station 4CM, Dr. Val MacDowall, of Preston House, Brisbane, has opened up again, and Mr. Tom Elliott is again the operator. The working wave length is not yet determined, but if amateurs work on somewhere about 350 metres they should surely hear that well known saying, "Just a minute."

William Jehn

NOTES FOR AMATEURS. . . . WIRELESS IN BOONAH. Mr. Stan Price, of One Mile Estate, has just returned from Boonah, where he has been relieving for six weeks. He called on "Condenser," and stated that he had his set installed temporarily at Boonah, and some good results were achieved considering the aerial was only, as he said, "slapped up." Mr. Price gave the public of Boonah an opportunity to listen in at the first broadcast receiver, to be fitted up there, and nearly everybody took advantage of it. STATIONS LOGGED. Mr. A. George, off Stafford-street, Booval, writes:— Since giving you my last report on receiving stations, I have had the pleasure of being spoken to by Mr. Marshall, 2HM, Armidale, N.S.W., of my report of receiving his station. On Sunday night, 20th instant, this station was heard three feet from the 'phones. Music came through in good volume. Mr. Todd, of West Tamworth, 2CR, was also received the same night. On June 28, 2CM, Mr. C. D. Maclurcan, Strathfield, Sydney, and 2YI, Mr. Nolan, of Double Bay, were received. I also received reports of the Olympic Games, from 2BL, of Sydney, announcing "Boy" Charlton's success in the final of the 1500 metres race, which came through at 3.15 a.m. On Tuesday night, when statics were out for a night's fun, 2BL was received right through. Just before interval Mr. Saunders announced the report received from Mr. W. Jehn, of Booval, for which he thanked him. Mr. W. Jehn was unlucky not to receive this report. Wireless Institute, Brisbane, 4AE, was heard just before they closed down the same night. My set consists of one valve, which is a Mullard Ora, two spider coils, variometer, .001 fixed condenser across 'phone terminals. The aerial is an inverted L type, twin wire 3/20 gauge, 84ft. long, 25ft. lead-in to set; height, free end 50ft., and 31ft. low end.

1924 10

William Jehn

WIRELESS NOTES. . . . IPSWICH TRANSMITTER. The amateur experimenters will be pleased to know that the transmitting station which is being fitted up at the residence of Mr. W. R. Hansell, and to be operated by Mr. W. Fairley, is now completed, and these two enthusiasts are now only waiting for the granting of the license, which is expected to come to hand any day. A full description of this set will be given at a later date. The Jehn brothers, of Booval, are doing some good work with their 2 valve set. They state that the introduction of the honeycomb coil tuning into their set has made a big difference. The following stations have been logged this last week:— 2RJ, 2JM, 2GU, 2CM, 2BK, 2JC, 2BC, 2GR, 2HM, 2YM, (all of New South Wales); 4CM, 4EZ, 4CW, (Queensland); 3BL, (Victoria), 5AI (South Australia); and 7BK, (Tasmania). From the above list it can be seen that these brothers are out for the amateur stations, and have certainly logged some distant ones.

William Jehn

WIRELESS NOTES. . . . IPSWICH RADIO SOCIETY. The Ipswich branch of the Radio Society, has been doing some very fair work with its new set. At first it was found a little difficult to find the correct coils that would suit the set, on its new aerial, but after some very patient work this has been overcome. The members have had good results from the southern professional sta-tions, and the society's head centre station, in Brisbane. The buzzer class is an advantage to the members who are desirous of mastering the Morse code, so as to be able to read the signals of the commercial stations. Further experiments are to be tried within the next week. Jehn Bros. have logged seven new amateur stations this week, making a total of 28 for the fortnight. The stations were — 2VI, 2FB, 2AP, 2YI, 2LR, 2LU, 2YA.

1925

1925 06

Bert V. Cole

South Brisbane Radio Club. The president (Mr. A. G. Myers) took the chair at the usual weekly meeting of the South Brisbane Radio Club on Tuesday night last. Mr. B. Cole was appointed a member of the technical committee to take the place of Mr. S. Beard, resigned. Mr. Cole gave an interesting lecture on the crystal detector. Next Tuesday night Mr. F. Thompson will lecture on telephones, when intending members will be welcome. A picture benefit has been arranged at the Princess Theatre, Annerley-road, South Brisbane, for July 6 next, and tickets may be procured from members. Inquiries should be addressed to the hon. secretary, Mr. W. Wiggins, Brady-street, West End.

1925 07

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS INTERFERENCE.: (To the Editor.) Sir,— I have just left my operating room, where I have been attempting to carry out some radio research work on behalf of my firm. This I have been forced to leave owing to a violent oscillation causing a heterodyne between 350 and 380 metres. This has happened repeatedly. This is a very serious offence, and is likely to lead to a fine of £20 being imposed. I might add that I have used a direction finder to trace the oscillation. Yours. &c., BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer. Booval, July 26.

1925 09

Bert V. Cole

BERT V. COLE, WIRELESS ENGINEER, SINCLAIR-STREET, BOOVAL. CONSULTATIONS AND ADVICE FREE. GET the utmost out of your Receiver. I will show you how to do it free of all charge and obligation. Technical Adviser to The S.B.R.C. 11 YEARS EXPERIENCE.

Booval Radio Club - Initial Meeting

BOOVAL AND DISTRICT RADlO SOCIETY. On Tuesday night last, the first meeting of the Booval and District Radio Society was held at the residence of Mr. Bert. V. Cole, Sinclair-street, Booval. Mr. Cole, who is a consulting radio engineer, has placed at the disposal of the society his experimental wireless room. Mr. Jihi (sic, Jehn), at whose suggestion the society was founded, was present, and put forward some excellent suggestions for the coming season. The primary object of the society is to assist those interested in radio, and to foster wireless research generally; also to bring radio enthusiasts together so that social events may be arranged. In the course of the meeting several important issues were discussed, such as rules, socials, badges, lectures, &c., and committees were formed to look into these matters. Those interested may obtain information from the President (Mr. Bert. V. Cole), the Vice-president (Mr. W. Jihi), Mr. C. Stafford, or the hon. secretary (Mr. C. Payne).

Booval Radio Club - Later Meetings

CURRENT TOPICS. BOOVAL RADIO SOCIETY. The Booval and District Radio Society had its second meeting at the residence of the President (Mr. Coles), Sinclair-street, Booval, on September 8. ???? the chair, and there was a goodly attendance of members. It was decided that an ???? in aid of the ???? The object of the ???? assist with ????

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS. (By "Bert. V. Cole.") It is the intention of the writer to take one or two of the elements of wireless each week and thoroughly explain them both practically and theoretically. If at any time any part of the explanation is other than clear, an inquiry addressed to the writer, c/o the "Queensland Times," will be answered in this column. For the first element to be examined we will select the first element on a receiving set to receive the transmitted signals — namely, the aerial. The aerial is a factor in wireless, which, although the majority agree is necessary, comparatively few really know much about. An aerial may consist of (a) an outdoor elevated wire; (b) a frame or loop as the name suggests; (c) an indoor aerial, which may consist of an insulated wire hung round the room; or, (d) the electric light mains, to connect with which a special adaptor is necessary. The actions of these are identical and are as follow — Firstly, they catch the vibrations which are set up in the transmitter and released out to the ether by means of the transmitting aerial. These vibrations are not mechanical but purely electrical. These waves are sound waves or tone vibrations, superimposed on an electrical energy, so that the electrical energy will carry them in all directions through that unknown element which we call "ether." These waves know no insulator, that is to say, nothing at present known can stop their passage. Should they strike anything which is connected to earth, or its equivalent, they, or at least part of them, set up an electrical vibration in the object corresponding to the vibration which was applied to the transmitting aerial. So we, therefore, erect a piece of low resistance wire in the path of these waves, which immediately set up an electrical vibration, and these we conduct to our receiver to be rectified into their original sound waves. We will, for the present, consider the electrical vibrations as an electrical current, and must, therefore, use a system of insulation to prevent its leading to earth without passing through our receiver. The first type of aerial to be discussed is the outdoor aerial. The question arises, which is the most efficient outdoor aerial? This depends largely on circumstances and positions. The best, probably consists of a single strand of No. 16 copper wire, enamelled to resist corrosion, that is, of course, excluding platinum, gold, silver, nickel, and tin, on account of expense. As the high frequency currents, which are conducted by the aerial, do not penetrate the centre of the conductor, we may use a stranded wire with an equal surface area to No. 16. Thus we may use 7/20 (seven strands of number 22 gauge wire), 3/20, or 3/18. Insulator cable of this size will not affect reception, and will have a tendency to reduce static. Should the aerial, however, be required for only long wave lengths, it will be found better to use a two-wire or twin aerial. It is imperative that the wires be placed at least five or six feet apart, well insulated on the spreader. With reference to height, 30 to 40 feet will prove sufficient, if possible with one end higher than the other. The effect of this is a tendency to bring the aerial in accordance with the natural sweep of the transmitted wave. The higher the aerial, the longer the range of the receiver, but the disadvantage of a high aerial in that static is usually very pronounced. For ordinary broadcast reception, it may be taken that a single wire aerial, 80 feet long and 30 feet high, with the lead-in terminating 10 feet above the ground, will prove efficient, or say 70 ft. long and 40ft. high. You will see that the height of the aerial, plus the lead-in wire, is 100 ft. This is the height which has been adopted by the British Government for broadcast use, and has been found most satisfactory. For a twin aerial, the length is somewhat less, according to the natural aerial wave length required. The estimating of natural wave length of aerials will be dealt with at a later date. Where it is only possible to erect a short aerial. It will be found best to erect either a three or four strand aerial, always remembering to keep the wires well apart and well insulated. Should the aerial be placed near any bodies which are earthed, such as trees, buildings, &c., the resistance in the aerial is considerably increased, with the result that signals are considerably weaker than they would be were the objects removed. Tuning is also very flat, but the reason for this will be dealt with when we come to the tuning elements. The only remedy is to place the aerial well away from any objects which are earthed. Trouble by noise will sooner or later be experienced should the aerial be erected near power wires, such as telegraph wires, railway lines, arc lamps, and, in fact, any electrical apparatus. The aerial will receive energy by induction, which will affect the receiver in exactly the same way as the signal. The only remedy is to run the aerial at right angles to the power lines. Should this not be possible, then, run it at the greatest possible angle to them. An insulated aerial often helps considerably. It is impossible for the listener to prevent interference caused by electrical machinery. The only course to adopt is to request the owner of the offending machinery to have it examined for slackness and adjusted. This type of interference can be wholly, or, at least, partially eliminated by using an indoor aerial, particulars of which will be given later. Correct insulation of an aerial is vital for the best results. Do not be satisfied with one or two insulators at each end; use half-a-dozen. It is advisable to use large insulators, as the leakage surface is large. A splendid arrangement is to protect three or four of the insulators with some form of cover, so that, in wet weather, they remain dry. We now pass on to the lead-in wire from the aerial to the house. This should be taken from either the extreme end of the aerial or from the exact centre of it. It should be kept well away from the walls and roof, &c., otherwise you get exactly the same trouble as with trees and buildings close to the aerial proper. The writer need not pass any remarks about bringing the wire into the house. It is best, in all cases, to use a manufactured lead-in tube, which can be bought for a shilling or two. On the inside of the house care should be taken to use insulated cable from the lead-in tube to the instrument. It is advisable to hang this away from all walls, as a loss of signal strength might be noticed. This inside lead should be kept as short as possible. The frame or loop aerial will be dealt with next week.

Booval Radio Club - Later Meetings

CURRENT TOPICS. BOOVAL RADIO SOCIETY. The Booval and District Radio Society held its weekly meeting at its headquarters, Sinclair-street, Booval, on Thursday. There was a goodly attendance of members and important business was discussed. A 10 shilling note was won by Mrs. G. Steele, McQuarie-street, Booval. A social evening is to be held at the residence of Mrs. W. S. Hart, Brisbane-road, Booval.

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS. (By Bert. V. Cole.) Our next aerial is the frame or loop. This consists of a frame around which is wound several turns of wire carefully insulated from one another. For a given wavelength there is one best size for the frame and spacing of the wire. These characteristics are given in the table below. It is found best to use a frame with its natural wavelength almost equal to the shortest wavelength it is desired to secure. Data of frame aerials — Length of side of a square No. of turns Space between wires. Natural wave-lengths (metres.) 8 ft. 3 ¼ inch. 160; 6 ft. 4 ¼ inch. 170; 4 ft. 6 ¼ inch. 174; 3 ft. 8 1/8 inch. 183. Coil five feet square half-inch spacing between wires (tuned with a voluble condenser of .00065 mfd.)— Four turns have a wavelength range of 200-400 metres. Eight turns have a wavelength range of 350-700 metres. Sixteen turns have a wavelength range of 500-1000 metres. Same square and spacing, but tuned with a condenser of .0014 mfd.— Four turns have a wavelength of 380 to 650 metres. Eight turns have a wavelength of 400 to 950 metres. Sixteen turns have a wavelength of 675 to 2300 metres. Coil four feet square. Spacing ½ inch. Wire No. 20 D.C.C. No. of turns Capacity of condenser: .0005 mfd. Capacity of condenser: .001 mfd. 1 128 178; 3 290 400; 6 500 710; 12 920 1250; 24 1600 2100. Wavelengths in metres. These figures are given in tables by the Bureau of Standards, Washington, U.S.A. A frame aerial will not operate a crystal set unless the receiver is within a few miles of a broadcast station. A frame will be found very useful, and, in fact, should be used with receivers of the supersonic or heterodyne type. Experimenters will find this type of aerial useful, providing the receiver is fairly sensitive, as static is reduced to a minimum. The frame should be mounted on a base so that it may be rotated, as this form of aerial is very directional. That is to say, it works best when pointed towards the station received. The usual method of connecting to the receiver is to connect one end of the wire to the aerial terminal and the other end to the earth terminal. The best form of coupling will be found by experimenting. We will now consider the indoor aerial. This may be constructed in the same manner as an outdoor aerial, the same care in the insulating being taken. Keep the wire away from the ceiling and walls by at least 18 inches. In all cases of strand aerials, all joins must be soldered, otherwise, if they are twisted together, corrosion forms on the twisted parts and causes a bad connection, and in some cases no connection at all. The last aerial we have is the electric light mains, connection with which must be made with an appliance such as a Ducon (Dubilier Condenser Co.). The Ducon consists of a well made pair of condensers fitted in a bayonette fitting plug. High frequency current will pass these condensers, where the ordinary electric current will not. As these are approved by the Fire Underwriters, listeners need have no fear of fitting one. There are numerous combinations for fitting one of these adapters to a receiving set. Full instructions are issued with every Ducon, so there is no need to explain the various methods here. It is essential that all outside aerials should be properly protected from lightning. To do this it is necessary to instal a lightning arrester of a type which is approved by the Fire Underwriters. This is usually a form of spark gap, so that in the event of the aerial receiving a charge it will jump the gap and be conducted to earth. It is also advisable to fit the arrester so that, should an electrical charge jump the gap, and be conducted to earth, it will do so without entering the house, and possibly heating the conductor and causing fire. The writer also advises the use of an earthing switch, which will connect the aerial and earth when the receiver is not in use. Follow the old adage that it is better to be sure than sorry. Next week we will discuss earths and inductances.

1925 10

Booval Radio Club

SOCIAL NEWS. . . . A social evening was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Hart, Brisbane-road, Booval, by the Booval and District Radio Society on Thursday, September 24. Over 140 people were present. Mr. D. Gledson, M.L.A., occupied the chair, and explained the aims and objects of the society. Besides a wireless entertainment, various visitors rendered items, which made the evening very enjoyable. Miss Boyd contributed a piano solo. Other numbers were: Recitatition, Mrs. Dack; trombone solo, Mr. R. Hoskins; 'cello solo and musical monologue, Mr. Fletcher; violin solos, Mr. McTaggart and Miss Gedge; piano solo, Miss Pansy Sharpe; solo and ragtime numbers, Miss Bemi and others. Refreshments were dispensed. Mr. Bert Cole, Radio Engineer and President of the club, delivered an address on wireless. He sounded an appeal for new members, and Mr. W. Jehn, the Vice-president, was pleased with the result. Thanks was accorded Mr. and Mrs. Hart for the use of their home.

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS. (By Bert V. Cole.) Last week we finished dealing with aerials, so this week we will take the other external, namely, the earth, or ground. There is no need for the writer to dwell largely on the electrical action of the earth lead, but to roughly outline its main function. That is, after the tuner has selected the signal required, and the receiver is adjusted to rectify the high frequency or aerial impulse, into audio, or sound waves, all other signals, or carrier waves, are shunted to earth and so complete their circuit If there is no earth lead, one will probably hear no signal at all, unless, of course, a powerful receiver is used, and even then a considerable loss of signal strength is evidenced.One good type of earth is the water supply. It must be remembered, however, that the most important factor of a good earth is its length. Always construct as short an earth lead as possible. From that you will readily understand that a connection made to a water tap, which travels through the house before entering earth, is a very bad system, and should be avoided. Should it be found possible, however, to make connection to a water pipe on the main's side of the house, a satisfactory earth should result. At this stage the writer would like to point out that the earth lead is as important as the aerial, and just as much care is necessary in its construction. It should be remembered that the earth governs the tuning of the receiver, and the better the earth the easier the tuning. Never use a cable thinner than the aerial, and he sure to solder all joints. Dirt and rust are nonconductors, and the only method to insure that neither can accumulate between conductors is to solder them. For preference, an insulated cable larger than that used in the aerial should be used. The aim should be to overcome resistance. This is done by using a large cable and making a good big area of connection. Gas pipes should not be used as an earth, under any circumstance. If the water pipe has a long run to earth it will be found much better to build an earth. Some of the methods of doing this will be dealt with, but the individual constructor, knowing what is required, will be able to construct many more quite as efficient. THE EARTH PLATE METHOD. Use a sheet of galvanised iron, copper, or brass, about 2 ft. 6 in. wide by 4ft. long; solder a length of 7/20 cable to this (in several places), and bury it about 2 ft. or 3 ft. in moist earth. A good plan, after digging the hole, is to fill it with water until all the surrounding earth is muddy. Periodically an earth should be well soaked. An even better system is to build the earth where it will be watered by rain. THE MULTIPLE PLATE SYSTEM. Should the constructor wish to ensure the highest efficiency in his earth, he may use the multiple plate system, as used in most broadcast stations, where this method is practicable. In this case, several plates are used, each being individually treated as in the foregoing paragraph. It will be readily understood that in this system, should one of the plates fail to function, owing to dry or flat earth, no noticeable increase in resistance will result. In one broadcast station, which came under the writer's notice, no less than 39 earth plates were used, each one being 18ft. square and made of galvanised iron. These were spread in a semicircle around the transmitter. There is one important fact to bear in mind. All leads from the centre, or "king" terminal to the plates must be of equal length. This is most important, otherwise the electrical symmetry is destroyed. THE PIPE EARTH. This is probably the simplest earth there is. Solder the lead to the top of the pipe, which may be of galvanised iron or copper. Never use bare iron or steel. The pipe should be 4 ft. 6 in. or 5 ft. long. Drive this into the earth until only a few inches are above the surface. Two advantages of this type are, (a) the pipe can be sunk in a very small space; and (b) it is possible to keep the base of the pipe in moist earth by pouring water down the pipe. All the earth systems described will be found efficient under ordinary conditions. There are, in some cases, conditions prevailing which render buried earths out of the question. Some of these conditions are as follow — 1. Should there be any electrical apparatus which has its earth lead nearby the earth lead of the receiver, noises in the 'phone or speaker will be noticed. 2. Any leak in the high tension electric cables will also interfere with clear reception. 3. Should the earth be of a sandy, dry nature, tuning may be flat owing to earth resistance. The test for the first two conditions is to remove the earth wire at the set. Should the noises disappear the trouble is in the earth. There is only one known method of overcoming this trouble, and that is by using a counterpoise. A counterpoise is used when earthing conditions are not favourable, or when the receiver is situated in such a manner that a long earth lead would be needed, such as from the second or third story of a house. A counterpoise may be considered as a second aerial, and must be constructed with the same care. Should the aerial in use be a single wire, a good counterpoise would be four strands of 3/20 or 7/20 wire on 6 ft. spreader.s. Construct this in exactly the same manner as if it were an aerial, and carefully insulate it. A counterpoise should be slung on the same masts as the aerial, somewhere about midway between the aerial and the ground. For a twin aerial, the writer would suggest six strands of wire on 10 ft. spreaders. The correct height for the counterpoise can be found by experiment. The lead-in of the counterpoise is connected to the earth terminal of the receiver. A counterpoise may be also used in conjunction with an ordinary earth. In some parts of Queensland, owing to the dry state of the ground, a counterpoise is the only satisfactory earthing system. Any queries on this, or any other radio questions, addressed to the writer, care of the "Queensland Times," will be answered in this column.

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS. (By Bert. V. Cole.) This week we will consider the tuning elements of a receiving set. What does "tuning" mean? As already explained in a previous column, a wireless wave has a length, and, according to the length, the "frequency," or period, of time between each wave is altered. An aerial receives vibrations from all these different wave lengths, so, it naturally follows, that if we cannot adjust the receiver to pick out one of these frequencies and pass all others to earth, we shall hear nothing but a babel of sound from our telephones, or loudspeaker, owing to the fact that all the many vibrations set up in the aerial are being converted into sound waves. The process of selecting one frequency is known as tuning. Possibly, a simpler method of explaining this is to say that the object of a tuner is to enable the operator of a set to alter the characteristics of his circuit, so that it will readily correspond to the frequency of the signal desired, and which is just as important, so that signals which are not wanted are not received. The first piece of apparatus which the incoming signals strike in the set itself is a coil of wire, one end of which is joined to the aerial and the other to earth. So we will, for the moment, consider the aerial and coil as one and the same thing. Now, when a violinist wants to strike a higher note on his string he shortens it, and it consequently vibrates quicker, or with higher frequency, and produces a higher note. The same thing applies to a wireless wave. If we want a wave with a higher frequency than the one which we are receiving, we shorten the aerial. The practical method of doing this is by shortening the coil. As ether or wireless waves travel at the same given speed it is obvious that the more waves there are per second the shorter they are, or technically, the higher the frequency the shorter the wavelength. Therefore, as already stated, to receive a long wave at low frequency a long aerial is necessary, and to receive a short wave at high frequency a short aerial is required. This does not mean any alteration to the aerial proper, but to the coil, which we have been considering as part of the aerial. We will go a step further. The speed of a wireless wave is 186,000 miles per second. Therefore, if a wave one mile long is transmitted our aerial will receive 186,000 waves per second, or the frequency of the vibrations in the receiving aerial will be 186,000 per second. I might add that frequencies are almost always received per second. Consequently, should the transmitted wave be more than a mile in length there will not be so many received, and vice versa. The average broadcasting station transmits a wave only a fraction of a mile in length, and the frequency, therefore, is very high, somewhere about 1,000,000 per second. We can now go back to the aerial. I think we now understand that to receive any signal we must adjust our aerial, or coil, to vibrate in sympathy to the frequency of the desired signal. All other signals not of a similar frequency pass straight to earth, as the aerial vibrations, which they set up are not in harmony with the length of the aerial. The simplest form for a tuning element is a single coil of wire, over which runs a slider, which is so arranged that it will touch any particular turn of wire on the coil, thus cutting off part of the coil. The aerial is joined to one end of the coil, and the slider is connected to earth. The next system is a plain coil electrically varied by a variable condenser. A variable condenser is usually two sets of metal plates insulated from one another. One set is larger than the other and remains stationary, whilst the small set revolves in and out of them. In tuning an aerial and coil with a variable condenser, one set of plates is joined to one end of the aerial coil, and the other set to the other end. It has been stated in a previous column that the vibrations produced in the aerial is an electrical current, and so, until we have dispensed with the condenser, we will consider the aerial vibrations as an electrical current. If we had a quantity of water and were told to fill a tank in a given time, first a pint jug and then a gallon jug, and count the number of times we filled the respective jugs, we should find that we should have to fill the pint jug eight times as fast as the gallon jug. In other words, we should fill it more frequently, or the frequency would be higher. So we should prove that the higher the capacity the lower the frequency. Now, you might ask, what has the capacity of a jug and the number of times it is filled per minute got to do with a wireless condenser? The explanation is simple. The system is one and the same, except that you don't fill the condenser with water, but with electricity, or electrons. (Electrons will be dealt with at a later date.) When the incoming current strikes the condenser it fills the plates until they can hold no more, so the only obvious way out of the difficulty is for them to empty themselves into the circuit, and then the same thing goes on again. These condensers have a capacity in just the same way as a jug, but the capacity is for the filling up of electrons. If working in conjunction with a coil we can get the condenser to fill up and empty 1,000,000 times per second we shall have tuned our circuit to a frequency of 1,000,000. So, by putting the two sets of plates right in together their capacity is larger, and the filling will be slower, and, therefore, the frequency will be less. Bear in mind that reducing the capacity of a condenser increases the frequency, and increasing the frequency lowers the wave length. To reduce the wave length of a tuner, once the condenser in series with the coil, that is, one set of plates is connected to the aerial and the other set to one end of the coil, and the other end of the coil to earth. The aerial itself having a capacity, and the condenser also having its own capacity, will increase the frequency, owing to the fact that as the condenser is filling and emptying itself the aerial is also doing the same, and you, therefore, have two fillings taking place at the same time. As the frequency is higher the wavelength is lower. We will continue with tuners next week.

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS. (By Bert V. Cole.) Having explained the theory of tuning with a coil and slider, and also a coil and condenser, we now pass on to magnetic tuning. One of the methods of magnetic tuning is by the use of a variometer. This is composed of a fixed coil, inside of which is mounted, so as to be free to rotate, another coil. Both coils are generally connected together. In this case, the wavelength and frequency are varied by turning the rotor in or out of the magnetic field caused by the stator. The electrical action is somewhat similar to that of a condenser. Another method is the use of a loose coupler, the advantages of this system being in its selectivity. This system is known as the "inductively coupled" type. A loose coupler consists of two coils, one smaller than the other, and so arranged that the small one may be woven in and out of the large one. The outer coil is tapped, usually on the slider principle, and the inner coil is also tapped. The usual method of doing this is to run the tappings to contact studs on the wooden end, over which is a variable switch area. The theory of tuning in the case of a loose coupler is that a magnetically induced current appears in the inner coil of the frequency required by the alteration of the size and relative positions of the coil. One other arrangement of an inductively coupled circuit is by the use of plug in coils in a two-coil holder. In this case the first, or primary coil, is untuned, and a current induced to the secondary or closed circult coil, which is tuned by a variable condenser. In all cases of inductively coupled circuits the aerial runs to the primary coil and through it to earth. All the actual tuning is done in the secondary coil, that is, the coil with the magnetically induced current. We will now, for the time being, finish with the tuning elements, and pass along the circuit to the next part of the receiver to receive the impulses, that is the detector, or rectifier. This instrument is called a rectifier because an aerial impulse has a very high frequency. So high, in fact, that the human ear would not be able to hear the vibrations in the telephones if the vibrations corresponded to the frequency of the incoming signal. Also the aerial impulses flow in both directions, in other words, the current is alternating. The rectifier not only changes the alternating current to direct, but in doing so it slows down the frequency to a suitable one. It has already been stated that the microphone in the transmitting station governs the electrical vibrations which are carried by the carrier wave from the station to the receiving aerial. These electrical vibrations come over in the form of little groups of electrical energy. Now, the rectifier changes these little groups of impulses into one enlarged single impulse, which causes the vibration in the telephones. (Note.— The lowest orchestral note has a frequency of 82.7, whilst the highest is 4,752 per second, whilst the lowest radio unrectified frequency is 20,000.) Therefore, we can accept the following fact, that a crystal allows electricity to flow through it in one direction only. The next parts of the receiver to be affected are the telephones. Before seeing the result of the impulses on the telephones we will have a look at the inside of the telephone and see how it works. After taking the ear cap off we find a circular piece of metal, supported round the edge by the frame of the ear piece. This is a piece of springy metal often known as "Stallay." This circular piece of metal is often known as the diaphragm. On removing the diaphragm we see a pair of single magnets, around which is woven some very fine wire; in other words, we see an electromagnet. You ask what is an electromagnet? An electromagnet is a piece of soft iron around which is wound a coil of wire. When this coil has an electrical energy applied to it, the soft iron becomes magnetised, and when the electrical energy is cut off from the coil the soft iron immediately loses its magnetic powers. In the telephone piece there are, as I have said, two small magnets, which are just sufficient to hold the diaphragm. Around these magnets we have the coil of wire in exactly the same way as electromagnets. Now, when the impulses leave the crystal they flow to the coil of wire around the magnet, and so increase the magnetism. This causes the magnet to draw the diaphragm down, and then away goes the current and back flies the diaphragm. By the repeated vibration of the diaphragm, causing a disturbance in the air, a musical note is caused, so that should the diaphragm vibrate 40 times per second, a very low note is heard, and should it vibrate 262 times per second a note equal to the middle "C" on the piano is heard, and so on. The more the number of vibrations, the higher the note, and so on.

Bert V. Cole

WIRELESS. (By Bert V. Cole.) Having learnt what rectification is in the crystal, we will now take the action of a valve functioning as a detector, or rectifier. We will not deal with the two-electrode valve or vacuum tube, as this type of tube is very seldom used. The tube common to wireless outfits is the three-electrode valve. The construction of this is, in most cases, as follows. Firstly, there is the filament, around which is a coil of wire considerably thicker than the filament. This is known as the "grid." Around both these electrodes there is a metal tube, in some cases circular and in others square. This, the third electrode, is known as the "Anode," or plate. The whole of the electrodes are contained in a glass tube similar to the ordinary electric light bulb. This glass tube is exhausted of all air, and then sealed. From the base of the tube projects four legs, one from each end of the filament and one each from the grid and plate. The action of the valve is not the complicated matter that a good many radio enthusiasts imagine it to be. In the first place, Dr. Fleming discovered that when an electrical energy heated the filament of the old fashioned carbon lamp, the glass around the filament became discoloured. This, of course, took time, but by carefully examining this discolouration heat he formed the theory that it was caused by particles of electricity leaving the surface of the filament. These particles are known as "electrons." It has not yet been known that any positive electrons leave a heated filament. The next stage in the invention of the valve was to attract the electrons to a given place. An established fact at the time was that "like poles repel whilst unlike poles attract;" in other words, a negative current will attract a positive current, but will repel a negative one. Therefore, around the filament of his valve, Dr. Fleming placed a metal plate, to which he applied to positive pole of a battery. The negative pole he connected to the filament, together with the ordinary filament battery. The result of this was that all the electrons leaving the filament flew to the positively charged plate. In this simple statement we have the keynote of radio reception. Without it, wireless telephony would be impossible. Even this did not make wireless absolutely possible, but later, from experiments, Lee De Forest manufactured a valve with a grid between the filament and plate. Then we have the valve which, it has been said, "made wireless possible." It has been stated in a previous article that the current set up in the receiving aerial is an alternating one, and is. therefore, sometimes positive and sometimes negative. Now, the action of the valve is beginning to make itself clear. Suppose we apply the aerial impulse to the grid of the valve; we have a very simple action taking place. Firstly, we have the heated filament throwing off negative electrons, which are attracted by the postitively charged plate. However, to reach the plate, these electrons must pass the grid. The grid, through being connected to the aerial, is itself receiving both positive and negative charges. Now, we will think what happens when the grid is positively charged. The electron leaves the filament, and is attracted by the positive grid, with.the result that, having a double attraction in the grid and the plate, it attains a terrific velocity, and you can almost imagine it hitting the plate with a terrific impact. Due to the aerial impulses being alternating sometimes the grid is negatively charged. When this occurs, owing to the fact that "like poles repel," the negatively charged grid repels the negative electrons leaving the filament, with the result that their progress to the plate is impeded. It, therefore, naturally follows that fewer electrons reach the plate, and even then they would not have the velocity that they would were the grid positive. You will notice that the valve now has caused the little impulses in the aerial circuit to be changed into one long impulse, and, as Euclid would put it, Q.E.D. After this, of course, the telephones are affected in the usual way. A very great advantage of the valve as a rectifier lies in the fact that, as it is possible to vary the quality of electrons leaving the filament (this is done by varying the voltage applied to the filament — the more the power applied the more electrons will have), the rectifier can be made to suit the incoming signal. Another advantage lies in its stability in operation, but the best advantage is that, as it rectifies so it amplifies. This is a very big point not so much for power on the local station but in rectifying a distant and, consequently, weak signal. There are, in this district, quite ordinary one-valve sets receiving telephone messages over 3000 miles distant, and specially constructed sets using one valve are receiving Morse code signals as far away as 10,000 miles. A three-electrode valve needs, of course, a high tension, or "B" battery, but there is a valve now being used which, by having two grids, can dispense with the "B" battery. As this is a different system of rectification, I will deal with it at some later date. Taken on the whole, a valve rectified receiver has not the tonal purity of a receiver employing crystal rectification, but, owing to its many advantages over the crystal, an intending "broadcast listener" will be well advised to employ valve rectification unless he is living within a few miles of a fairly powerful broadcast station. Valves have, of course, another very important use, which will be dealt with next week. This use is that of amplifying, or magnifying.

1926

1926 05

Bert V. Cole

Business Notices. . . . BERT V. COLE HAS THE LARGEST RADIO SET OUTPUT IN THIS DISTRICT. WHY? BECAUSE — 1. HE HAS YEARS MORE RADIO EXPERIENCE THAN ANY OTHER DEALER IN THE DISTRICT. 2. HE IS THE ONLY DEALER WHO CONFINES HIS LABOUR AND BUSINESS TO RADIO WORK. 3. He has a workshop designed for speedy and correct manufacture of Radio Instruments, also their Repair. 4. BERCOLIAN RECEIVERS ARE NOT COPIES OF ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR CIRCUIT. 5. Bercolian Receivers have a LONGER GUARANTEE THAN ANY OTHER SET, AND NO OTHER DEALER HAS EVER HAD A BERCOLIAN TO REPAIR. 6..He is the only man employing labour solely on Radio Work. A well-known EX-CHIEF OFFICER OF THE AUSTRALIAN MARCONI CO., Sydney, recommends BERT. V. COLE as under: ". . . . efficient in all Radio subjects . . . fully capable of controlling any Radio organisation. . . ." (Original may be seen.) Full Stock of all Radio Material. Batteries Repaired and Charged. All Repairs Guaranteed. Consultations and Advice Free. SETS FROM 15/. Cash or terms. LOOK FOR THE SIGN. : BERT V. COLE, RADIO SERVICE STATION, GIBBON-ST, EAST IPSWICH.

1926 08

Bert V. Cole

Public Notices. BERT V. COLE'S NEW WIRELESS STORE, NEXT I. & W.M.F.S. DISPENSARY, BRISBANE-STREET, OPENING on SATURDAY, August 28. A Thomas Cash Order is as good as cash.

1926 09

Bert V. Cole

A BUSINESS such as Radio must be handled by a man who knows the trade, both technically and practically. Therefore, for all your Radio Requirements consult Bert V. Cole, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street. (Next I. and W.M. F.S. Dispensery.) 'Phone: Day, 690. Night 817. A ring and we are on the job.

Bert V. Cole

A BUSINESS such as Radio must be handled by a man who knows the trade, both technically and practically. Therefore, for all your Radio Requirements consult Bert V. Cole, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street. (Next I. and W.M. F.S. Dispensery.) 'Phone: Day, 690. Night 817. A ring and we are on the job.

1926 10

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. Phone: Day 690, Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

Bert V. Cole

IPSWICH FIRST. MANUFACTURERS' DISPLAY. PROSPECTS BRIGHT. Though there was not a very large attendance at last night's meeting of the Queensland Preference League, over which Mr. J. G. Bishop presided, a good deal of business was completed towards the organisation of the manufacturing display to be staged in the Town Hall next week. The Secretary (Mr. E. M. Scott) reported that the following firms had intimated their decision to organise displays.— Messrs. Bishop and Woodward, Queensland Woollen Company, East Ipswich Woollen Company, P. A. Barbat, A. McC. Scott, F. Goleby and Sons, W. Harper, W. Cafferky, Bognuda and Sons, Hudson and Sons, the Master Plumbers' Association, R. W. Lees, H. L. Jones, Thomas Barnes, Fullelove and Gordon, Pommer Brothers, H. T. Hooper and Company, F. A. Whitehead, Arthur Foote Ltd., J. C. Minnis, Bert. V. Cole, W. R. Hansell and Sons, Queensland Farmers' Co-operative Association, Queensland Times Limited, N. E. Hancock, Parkinson and Flynn, A. R. Morrison, F. Weir, Queensland Leader Limited, C. A. Kruger and Sons, Evans' Electrical House, and G. H. Nixon. It was pointed out that practically all the stable manufacturing industries in the district would be represented. The Chairman announced that the Railway and Model Bands had agreed to give evening entertainments. Mr. Price was engaged as night watchman. Mr. G. N. Cunnington stated that 4000 descriptive booklets would be distributed tomorrow. Various advertising schemes were decided upon. It was decided to write to the Minister for Education for permission to allow the school children to visit the exhibition. In conclusion, the Chairman expressed himself as being very optimistic of the success of the venture. It was anticipated from the number of people who had interested themselves in the exhibition that a good display of goods manufactured in Ipswich would be shown. The object of promoting the exhibition was to encourage people to support the industries of their own town or State in preference to buying goods from any other State. It must be apparent to everyone that employment was required for the people in their own town or State. By patronising goods made in this particular locality, they kept the work at home instead of sending it away, and the money was kept here too. It was expected many people would visit the exhibition, and no doubt plenty woulld be provided for them to see. It was hoped that as many children as possible would attend the exhibition to see what was being made not far from their own homes.

CRICKET. . . . Booval: W. Jehn (Captain), W. McCrindle, L. Jackson, C. Payne, E. Black, G. Lonie, B. Cole, F. Bickle, L. Stenson, C. Stafford, A. Richards, and J. Clarke (12th man.)

1926 11

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690, Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

Bert V. Cole

PERSONAL. The friends of Mrs. Bert V. Cole will be pleased to learn that she is making good progress after her recent operation. It will be some weeks before she returns to her home.

1926 12

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690, Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

Bert V. Cole

BERT V. COLE. Amongst wireless experts who have come into prominence as a result of the popularity of radio entertainment is Mr. Bert V. Cole, whose shop is situated in Brisbane-street, near the Friendly Societies' Dispensary. Mr. Cole has devoted his attention exclusively to wireless work, and makes his own sets, supplying from crystal and one-valve strength to any size required. We finds the three and four valve sets the most popular, and has made a large number of them in recent months. Mr. Cole just now is developing a thorough system in repairs. He claims to do more repair work than anyone in the city. He has a complete stock of accessories, and is prepared to cater for country people especially. With the aid of a capable assistant, Mr. Cole does his own installation work, and has a battery charging apparatus at the shop.

1927

1927 01

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690, Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

1927 02

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE. Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690. Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

1927 03

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690. Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

1927 04

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690, Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO— BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

1927 05

Bert V. Cole

FOR Repairs that Stop Repaired.— If your Wireless Set is not giving that degree of satisfaction you desire, consult BERT V. COLE, Radio Engineer, Brisbane-street, Ipswich. 'Phone: Day 690, Night 817. NOTHING BUT RADIO — BUT RADIO OF THE BEST.

1927 10

William Jehn

SIBERIA HEARD IN IPSWICH. The well-known radio experimenters, Mr. W. Jehn and Mr. N. Dyer, report the reception during the last fortnight of the Soviet Government Radio Station (RFN), Tobolsk, Siberia. They claim to have heard at good signal strength. They also report the reception of KZRM Radio, Manila, Philippine Islands, and the Japan Station (JOAK).

1930s

1933

1933 08

William Jehn

DX CLUB. A meeting of the Booval-Ipswich subbranch of the Queensland DX Club was held in the Alpha Theatre, Booval, when several new members were registered. The following office-bearers were elected — President, Mr. N. Hart; Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. R. McMurdy; Assistant-Secretary and Treasurer, C. Robinson; Committee, Messrs. A. McMillan, M Duffy, C. Howard, W. Jehn, N. Nevllle, S. Jolly, and W. Ross. The General Secretary, Mr. R. Beattie, and the General Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. H. Weimers, were present. It was decided to commence the A.O.P.C. class in the second week in September.

1950s

1950

1950 09

25 YEARS AGO. For week ending September 23, 1925. . . . . Booval Radio Society.— The Booval and District Radio Society held its weekly meeting on September 20, to discuss important business.