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Wireless News (NSW) Column - Transcriptions and notes

1920s

1924

1924 07

1924 07 21

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 21 July 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. A PAGE DEVOTED TO WIRELESS ACTIVITIES. THE LISTENING-IN LURE. Your First Set CRYSTALS & VALVES.

WITH the gazetting of the broadcast regulations, the topic of conversation on trams and ferries has taken a decided turn, and on all hands one observes a keen interest being displayed in the means and methods of "listening-in." Those people who have small sets find a deal of pleasure in detailing their experience for the benefits of those who have not yet been initiated in the mysteries of wireless. The details of the programmes received by them, the various merits and demerits of the reception, the wireless circuit used, and the possibilities of listening-in to distant stations are discussed with an expert use or technical terms. As to the best methods of making a beginning, there are diverse opinions. At the present time the general tendency is to buy the various components required, and assemble a crystal set. The crystal set is cheap, very effective for short ranges, and requires very little knowledge to operate. After a few weeks listening-in on a crystal set, however, most people get to a stage where, knowing a little of the mysteries of wireless, they develop a desire to try their hand at valve sets. Thoughts arise in their mind as to the longer range, better selectivity, and increased volume of the valve set, and during the next few weeks they are only too willing to glean from those who posses a valve set every detail of the particular circuit used, its performance, and the cost of the set, with a result that they finally decide to set the crystal set aside and instal a valve or vacuum tube set. Up to the present, the general run of crystal and valve sets been constructed at home, but with the gazetting of the regulations, the large manufacturers are at work upon the design and manufacture of every type of set. These new models will shortly be placed on the market, and it will be found that reliable crystal sets with a pleasing appearance and giving excellent results can be purchased at prices between £4 and £10, while in regard to valve sets there will shortly be displayed in the showrooms of dealers, valve sets of many types, ranging from the single valve detectors to the multi-valve set of 4 or 5 valves at prices ranging from £15 to £100. While many people will purchase a set from the display on the market at the present time, the great majority will probably wait and see what new designs will be put on the market during the next six weeks. There is a lot to be said for the latter course of action, as manufacturers have quite wisely held off the putting into action of the new receiver designs until the Government has finally decided upon the amending broadcasting regulations. Now that the Government has come to a decision in the matter, manufacturers, distributors, and dealers are in a position to decide upon their products.

THE FAMOUS PI. PI Panel Diagram (Graphic Caption) The type PI receiver, designed and manufactured in Australia by Amalgamated Wireless (A/sia), Ltd., and incorporating a number of inventions, the subject of Commonwealth letters patent, has achieved such notable success in actual commercial operation in all parts of the world during the past three years, and is so simple and economical, and yet so highly efficient in operation, that the circuit employed is attracting a great deal of attention at the present time, and a description will be welcomed by those interested in radio reception. From the diagram published here, it will be seen that the PI employs only one valve, which by means of the ingenious circuit employed carries out a three-fold function, namely, detection, amplification, and regeneration. As is well known, many receivers employ three separate valves for this purpose. The apparatus employed is panel mounted, two panels being used. The top panel carries the tuning circuits, and the lower panel the valve and its immediate accessories and circuits. The two panels are mounted one above the other on a tubular framework, and connection between the two circuits is made by means of four strap connections along the front of the panels. Connections at the back of the panels are made with rigid wire, which are formed to eliminate interaction, and are easily accessible. The whole of the high grade components used, including the expanse B valve, are manufactured in the Amalgamated Wireless Co.'s Works, Sydney. The primary and secondary coils fit into coil adaptors, and angular and lateral coupling is provided between the two. With the range of coils supplied wave lengths of from 200 to 25,000 metres may be received. By means of a switch provided, it is a very simple matter to change from valve to crystal reception if so desired. The receiver is equally suitable for the reception of either damped or undamped waves, over all ranges of wave length. The PI receiver now forms part of the equipment of practically every vessel on the Australian and New Zealand registers, and reports of phenomenal receiving distances in all parts of the world are constantly coming to hand. Vessels engaged in the trans-Pacific trade consistently communicate with American coast stations up to 6000 miles and reception for these communications is carried out on the PI receiver. This instrument has elicited much favorable comment from Government inspectors, representatives of wireless companies, and others in countries visited by Australasian vessels.

BEGINNERS' NEEDS We have received the latest copy of "Radio in Australia and New Zealand," published by the Wireless Press, Sydney. Particular attention is paid to the needs of the beginner, and this issue contains details of simple receiving circuits. For the more advanced enthusiast there is an interesting article on a short wave transmitter.

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 21 July 1924 (Second Part)

BALMAIN DISTRICT RADIO SOCIETY. During the last few weeks great interest has characterised the society's meetings. A cordial invitation is extended to Balmain experimenters who have not yet become members, and they may obtain full particulars of membership from the hon. secretary, Mr. Percy G. Stephen, "Riverina," 18 Clifton-street, East Balmain. Any schoolboy wishing to join the society should obtain a reference from their teacher, and permission from their parents. A new series of interesting lectures and demonstrations has just commenced, and will prove invaluable to both beginners and veterans. Another projected scheme for increasing the attractiveness of meetings is nearing completion. The following stations were received by the hon. secretary during the past three weeks:— 2AR, 2AY, 2BF, 2BK, 2BM, 2BN, 2CI, 2CM, 2DS, 2GR, 2HF, 2IJ, 2 IM, 2JM, 2LO, 2MR, 2RA, 2UW, 2 YG, 2YI, 2ZG, 2ZM, 2ZZ (N.S.W.), and 7AB (Tasmania). The hon. secretary will be pleased to hear from any society or experimenter wishing to conduct tests with the Balmain Society.

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 21 July 1924 (Third Part)

HEARD IN FIJI. FARMER'S SERVICE. SINKING SHIP NEWS. A most interesting letter concerning the reception in Fiji of programmes broadcast from Farmer's station, has been received in Sydney from the Rev. Richard Piper, of the Methodist Mission, at Lautoka. In a letter to the manager of Farmer's service, Mr. Piper says: "We here may not be real members of your family, but we pick up quite a number of good things from the banquet. During the past month we have received your programmes on almost every evening, and during the past week, using a combination of a loop and a small inverted aerial, have received you very well with music of excellent quality. The relative positions of the loop and a low aerial have possibilities which I have not yet fully explored. The loop may be used as a sort of rejector circuit for the elimination of interference and yet act in a directive capacity. It may have useful adaptions to our special problems here and also to others similarly placed situated 2000 miles from any powerful broadcasting station. "I want to thank you on behalf of my many friends who have participated in the excellent concerts you have given. Nearly every night there have been visitors, young and old, to "listen-in." Some of these people have travelled 20 or 30 miles to hear the "hello man" at Farmer's. I desire to thank you specially for reading the news services slowly, and repeating important words and figures so that they may be copied down. This is a great boon. I have been able to copy all the evening market reports, sporting results, and late news services. It is rather strange to hear your announcer talking to the little dots about their little blue notes while we are trying to keep cool. "I cannot tell you how interested we were in the news of the sinking of the Clan McMillan. As this ship was a direct boat to Fiji and was carrying a very valuable cargo, the news was of very serious import to us. It was a coup for the broadcasting of news. I copied the full particulars you supplied and it was telephoned to Suva. At that time those vitally concerned had no news of the disaster, the official news not arriving until the next day. The same may be said of other items of news which have come through per medium of your fine station. I have been using a six-valve set which I designed myself. The volume it produces is really a great surprise to those who hear it for the first time. Last night the loud speaker was placed on the table in the wireless cabin situated some distance from the bungalow. We discovered it was much better to go outside and sit on the lawn, and at 30 yards from the cabin the music was quite distinct. Here is the compliment one of my musical friends paid: "If I close my eyes I cannot help believing there is a violinist playing down there in the cabin." "In addition to the grown-ups and the children present on the lawn, by retransmitting over the telephone lines a number of people in several houses 20 to 30 miles away on sugar plantations "listened-in." Among these were the Bishop of Polynesia and Commander Burroughs, R.N. The Bishop, speaking to me afterwards over the 'phone, 20 miles away, said how much he enjoyed the entertainment."

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 21 July 1924 (Fourth Part)

BROADCASTING. Farmer's Service. TODAY'S PROGRAMME. CALL SIGN 2F.C. WAVE LENGTH, 1100 METRES. MONDAY, JULY 21, 1924. MIDDAY SESSION: 12.55: Tune in to the studio chimes. 12.58: Time Signals from Farmer's Master Clock (Sydney Observatory Time). Coastal Farmers' Market Reports; Stock Exchange Intelligence; Weather Information; "Sydney Morning Herald" news and cable service; "Evening News" midday news service. 1.15: Close down. AFTERNOON TEA SESSION: 3.30: Studio Chimes. 3.35: Musical programme provided by Farmer's Orchestra, broadcast direct from Farmer's Oak Luncheon Hall. Musical items will be rendered at intervals.— Valse, "The Girl of the Golden West" (Puccini); "The Prayer," from "La Tosca" (Puccini); "Barcarolle" from "Tales of Hoffman" (Offenbach); Selection, "Carmen" (Bizet); "Siciliana," "Cavalleria Rusticana" (Mascagni); Ballet, "Faust" (Gounod); "Miserere" from "Il Trovatore" (Verdi); Gavotte, "Mignon" (Thomas). 4.45: Late weather information, Stock Exchange intelligence, "Evening News" news and cable service. 5.0: Close down. EARLY EVENING SESSION: 6.30: Studio Chimes. 6.33: Children's Hour — Man in the Moon Stories. 7.0: Dalgety's Market Reports (Wool, Wheat, Stock); Fruit and Vegetable Markets. Late Stock Exchange Information; "Evening News" news and cable service. 7.15: Close down. THEATRE AND STUDIO NIGHT. NIGHT SESSION: The programme will consist of vocal and instrumental items provided in the studios of 2FC, together with numbers from the musical comedy, "Good Morning, Dearie," now being played at the new Theatre Royal. The latter items will, by the courtesy of J. C. Williamson Ltd. and Messrs. J. and N. Tait, be broadcast direct from the Theatre Royal. 7.55: Studio Chimes. 8.0: Studio Orchestra, Overture to "William Tell" (Rossini). Ten minutes humor, including "Beastly Eyeglass in My Eye" and "A Trip Tomorrow," Mr. Clive Hayter; Soprano Solo, "Life's Epitome" (Rae), Miss Phyllis Blaxland; Studio Orchestra, "Peer Gynt Suite" (Grieg). 8.30: From the Theatre Royal, Duet, "Rose Marie," from "Good Morning Dearie," Miss Josie Melville and Mr. George Volliare. 8.35: From the Studios of 2.F.C. Studio Orchestra, Selection from "La Traviata" (Verdi); Soprano Solo, "Boat Song," (Ware), Miss Phyllis Blaxland. 8.50: From the Theatre Royal, Linn Smith's Jazz Band. 9.0: Interval. 9.15: From the the Theatre Royal. Duet, "Danube Blues," Miss Josie Melville and Mr. George Volliare, accompanied by Linn Smith's Band; Trio, "Easy Pickings," Geo. Crotty, Percy La Free and Dan Agar. 9.28: From the Studios of 2 F.C.; Studio Orchestra, Waltz, "Blue Danube" (Strauss); violin solos (a) "Vienese Melody"; (b) "Tambourin Chinois" (Kreisler); Trio for Violin, Cello and Organ, "Andante Religioso" (Thome). 9.55: From the Theatre Royal. Duet, "Niagara Falls," Miss Josie Melville and Mr. George Volliare. 10: National Anthem, Close Down.

1924 07 26

Advertisement for forthcoming "Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Saturday, 26 July 1924 within the "Poultry Notes" column, alongside which the predecessor "Magic Spark" column had always been placed.

WIRELESS NEWS. The official diagrams of the "PI Circuit" — for 1 valve and 2 valve receivers — will be printed in the "Evening News" Wireless Page on Monday next.

1924 07 28

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 28 July 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. WORLD BROADCASTING.

Broadcasting stations are being erected all over the civilised world with a speed which speaks volumes for the popularity of the new scientific entertainment. Very soon the whole Continent of Europe will be as well catered for, wirelessly, as that of America. Austria's first broadcasting station was due to open on July 1, a group of banks and electrical firms having been granted a concession for that purpose. Germany, in addition to the two stations already operating, is constructing similar broadcasting centres in Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Konigsburg, and Breslau. The National Telegraph Administration has full control of wireless communication, and all receiving and transmitting stations are operated subject to its approval. The Swiss Radio Association has erected a new station in Zurich, and Lithuania is expecting to get broadcasting service from its two wireless stations — Kovno and Memel — very shortly. Italy has been rather diffident so far, but recently invitations were issued from Rome to the representatives of various wireless organisations to demonstrate their systems of broadcasting. The most suitable system for Italian conditions was to be chosen after demonstration. Portugal and Spain have become interested, and so has Denmark. Other projected broadcasting stations are Sumatra, Chile, Sao Paulo, and Tokio. Judging by present indications, the time is rapidly approaching when there will be no spot on the earth from which some broadcasting can not be heard. The whole world will become enmeshed in a network of criss-crossed ether currents.

U.S.A. TO N.Z. In a letter quoted by the New York "Herald" from Mr. F. D. Bell, of New Zealand:— "During the last twelve months more than 500 Yanks have been logged at this station. The other day I went through my entire record, and marked down the number of different nights (if any) on which each station had been heard. If a station was heard more than once in a single night I counted it as one only. "It has come to this, that anyone with a single tube and a two-coil current can hear a dozen on any single night, and the receiver that won't bring them in is a "dud." I am referring, of course, to the louder stations. . ."

NEW MELBOURNE STATION. The broadcasting station being erected by Amalgamated Wireless (A/sia), Limited, for the Australian Broadcasting Company at Melbourne, is nearing completion, and will be opened at an early date. It is situated at Braybrook, approximately six miles from the Melbourne G.P.O. The station occupies an area of four acres, and the land is practically flat. The two steel masts which support the aerial system are each 200ft high, and are built in lattice fashion. The distance between the towers is 600ft, and across this space the aerial system is extended. The transmitting equipment will consist of a 6 k.w. broadcasting set, comprising rectifying panel, magnifying panel, ½ k.w. oscillator panel, and modulator panel, one power condenser panel, and two large tuning inductances. Two special steel towers, set in concrete, are erected, one at each side of the operating room, and to these towers the leads-in from the aerials are led and a connection is also made with leads from the earth-screen. The small towers stand upright against the house and from them the various wires are carried by heavy insulators to the actual instruments. The studio will be erected on the roof of one of Melbourne's largest buildings. The speech and music emanating therefrom being conveyed by land line telephony to the station, where it will be broadcasted throughout the world.

LEICHHARDT RADIO SOCIETY. Tomorrow night members of the Leichhardt and District Radio Society will hold their 91st general meeting at the club room 176 Johnston-Street, Annandale, when a "Questions and Answers" night will be conducted. Next Tuesday night the 22nd monthly meeting will be held, when a number of new applications for membership will be dealt with, as well as other formal business on hand disposed of. Inquiries regarding the activities of the society are always welcomed, and should be addressed to the hon. sec., Mr. W. J. Zech, 145 Booth-street, Annandale.

BALMAIN RADIO SOCIETY. At the Tuesday night meeting of the society it was proposed to hold two meetings per week, owing to the keen interest now being evinced in experimentation. The postponed lecture on the electronic valve will be delivered this week. The membership roll is showing very healthy signs of inflation. Mr. Percy G. Stephen, hon. sec., "Riverina," 18 Clifton-street, East Balmain, invites all Balmain experimenters who are not yet members, to communicate with him.

STATIONS LOGGED. On Saturday, July 12, between the hours of 10.30 and 11.30 p.m., Mr. R. S. Burman, of Auburn, a member of the Wireless Institute of Australia, logged the following stations on a two-loop aerial, using a S.T. 75 circuit:— VICTORIA. 3JH, 3SW, 3OT, 3BD, 3BQ. NEW SOUTH WALES. 2CQ, 2NM, 2CR (all on 'phone). NEW ZEALAND. 1AX, 2AC, 4AG, 2AW, 4AP, 2XA, 1AO, 4AD.

NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA. Arrangements have just been completed by the Orient Royal Mail Line with the Wireless Press, Sydney, for a news service, to commence immediately, under which messages will be sent out from Australia each night to the Orient Company's mail steamers. These messages will be received each night from the time the vessel leaves Sydney until in the vicinity of Colombo, and likewise on the return trip from shortly after leaving Colombo until arrival at Sydney, thus providing for passengers in the Orient Line the boon of an up-to-date wireless news service, including a suitable proportion of Australian news.

THE FAMOUS PI (Official Circuits) (Graphic Caption) PI Circuit for Single Valve Receiver. PI Circuit for Two Valve Receiver (Detector and one stage of Audio Frequency amplification.)

1924 08

1924 08 04

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 4 August 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH

SET DESIGN. It is stated that some of the broadcast receiving sets, which will be put on the market in Australia shortly, will compare with the world's best. They are being made in Australia, and are a triumph of Australian workmanship. In England and America the tendency of the market has been to develop from the smaller type set, made in innumerable designs, to the high-grade cabinet set, built to harmonise with period furniture, and so self-contained as to require neither outside aerial nor earth connections, while the load speaker and batteries are also enclosed in the cabinet. Radio designers have for some time been aiming at the reduction of the number of controls, and so successful has been their work that the operation of most sets today is extremely simple, and such as to be capable or being switched on and off by anybody without in any way impairing the sensitivity of the apparatus. Indeed, the progress that has been made in the type of cabinet housing the apparatus has been not less than the many improvements that have been effected in the technique of the apparatus itself.

AN OCEAN NEWSPAPER. Passengers in the Union Company's steamers Niagara, Makura, Maunganui, Tahiti, Maheno, and Manuka, and the Huddart Parker steamer Ulimaroa, are now accustomed to look forward each morning for the ship's daily newspaper, which is published in time for delivery to subscribers with the early morning cup of tea. The "Wireless News" is the first daily newspaper to be published on board a British ship in the Pacific — it made its appearance in the Niagara in May of last year, and arrangements were immediately made for extension of the service to the other popular ships already mentioned. A special selection of the Australian Press Association and Reuter cables, also news from the "Sydney Morning Herald," is transmitted each night from the Sydney Radio Station on behalf of the Wireless Press, Sydney. Similar arrangements exist for news to be sent out from New Zealand, Fiji, and Canada, thus ensuring that throughout the voyage between Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Coast of America, the Australian and New Zealand ships are provided each day with specially selected news of world events, and also of happenings in Australia and New Zealand — the latter proving very popular, as prior to publication of the "Wireless News" Australian and New Zealand passengers had one long complaint about the absence of news from their native countries. In addition to the generous budget of news received by wireless, the "Wireless News" gives an account of the daily happenings on board such as deck sports, dances and concerts. A passenger may, first thing in the morning, see at a glance the result of the previous day's sports as well as the programme for the day just beginning.

HOW RADIO HELPS. It is by considering such incidents as the following that we can gauge the value of radio telephony to mankind:— A farmer near Wilkensburg (U.S.A.) had been a regular listener-in on a series of talks broadcast from Pittsburgh on the activities of the Bureau of Animal Industry. One of the talks was on tuberculosis eradication. His interest thus aroused, he turned to one of his own cows which had been noticeably unthrifty and affected with a bad cough. He went to the local office of the Bureau of Animal Industry for advice. The inspector in charge informed the State representative of the case. The State man made three futile attempts to reach the farm by following the directions which the farmer left. Failing the reach the inquirer in this manner the farmer was "paged" by radio from Station KDKA. It was announced that efforts had been made to reach him, and he was asked, if he were listening in, to get in touch again with the office. Two days later the farmer came to the office. Arrangements were then made to conduct the State representative to the farm for an examination of the suspected animal.

500 MILES ON BUZZER. The South Australian coastal station has created a record by working with a ship 500 miles away, when the vessel was transmitting on a testing buzzer. This feat was carried out on July 5 in daylight, the ship being the Queen Maud. The power being used by the ship was 28 volts, and the coastal station heard the signals at good strength.

RADIOGRAMS. Dr. J. A. Fleming divides radio listeners into two classes: those who take a great interest in construction of their own sets and others who know nothing about radio apparatus and take no interest in its construction. The latter class are anxious to hear well-known speakers, music, and entertainment, and they are quite helpless to put the set in operation if anything goes wrong. He says that a new trade or profession is likely to develop of people who go around to tune radio sets and fix them for a small fee, just as a man calls to tune a piano. Much has been said about the proper connections, for condensers, coils and 'phones, but little about the proper connections for a crystal detector. In using a crystal detector, it will be found that each one will vary in the respect of which direction the current enters. Some operate louder when the current enters through the catwhisker, and others when the current enters through the crystal and leaves through the catwhisker. Try reversing the terminal connections and a difference will be noticed in most cases. The suggestion has more than once been made that the popularity of broadcasting may result in our being able to hear better. Apart from the fact that partially deaf people are enabled by wireless to enjoy music previously denied them, there is the habit we have cultivated generally of using only one ear for the telephone. This reliance on the left ear is believed by many people to have weakened through disuse, the sensitivity of the right, and they argue that the regular use of wireless headphones will help materially to remedy the defect. A meeting will be held in the University Union Hall, to which all members of the University are invited, at 1.30 p.m. tomorrow, for the purpose of forming a radio club. The first lecture, attendance at which will be restricted to members of the club, will take place within the following few days, and will be followed by frequent lectures, both elementary and more advanced. Sets will be available for members to study and set up. There will be a meeting of the Balmain Radio Society tomorrow night at "Riverina," 18 Clifton-street, East Balmain. By special request, the lecture on the valve is to be repeated. Intending members should communicate with the hon. secretary, Percy Stephen, 18 Clifton-street, East Balmain.

TAKE HEED! Extract from the new Wireless Regulations:— "Any licensee using reaction in such a manner as to cause interference to the reception at any other station will be guilty of an offence against these regulations . . . . Penalty £20."

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 4 August 1924 (Second Part)

CRYSTAL DETECTOR CIRCUIT. The circuit given here is one of the ???? for use in wireless reception ???? recommended for beginners. ???? ???? tuning unit is a loose coupler, which can be so constructed as to bring in signals over a comparatively wide range of wavelengths. The variable condensers may be omitted, though it makes for finer tuning.

1924 08 11

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 11 August 1924

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH

MARCONI. In 1896, Marconi succeeded in effecting wireless communication in England over a distance of two miles; in 1898 the first paid Marconigram was transmitted. So great was his subsequent progress that 1901 saw the bridging of the Atlantic by radio. Today, ether waves from giant wireless stations encompass the globe, linking continent to continent instantaneously, while the number of ships sailing the seven seas equipped with wireless apparatus is legion. Marconi's name will be written in history as a public benefactor, not only in having been the means of saving lives innumerable at sea, but in establishing a world-wide system of communication whereby isolation at sea is banished; the news of the world is broadcasted as expeditiously as if one were resident in a city, and passengers are able to keep in daily or hourly communication with their friends ashore. Though Radio is a public utility whose services are available to all, its wonders never cease to exercise a fascination that far transcends the commonplace. To the most experienced Radio engineer, as to the amateur, its manifestations connote a new age in scientific achievement; wonderful as have been its attainments during the past quarter of a century, they are but the forerunner of a future that exceeds the imaginings of the most optimistic visionary.

TREMENDOUS SPEED. The ether waves, the means of transference of a wireless message, travel at the rate of 186,000 miles per second — the speed of light — encompassing the earth eight times in a second. A comparative view of this tremendous speed may be somewhat mentally visioned when it is stated that sound waves, or the ordinary speech waves, travelling through air between two persons, move at the rate of 1090 feet per second.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. NO. 1. The R" Valve. (Graphic Caption) The "R" valve is a well known type and is extensively employed for general reception purposes. It gives good results as a detector, L.F. amplifier or oscillator, and is one of the best all round valves for use where it is not desired to employ a special type for a specific purpose. The specifications of the valve are:— Type R, filament battery voltage, 6, filament terminal volts, 4.0, fil amps, 0.67; anode volts, 70; approx. length, 110 m.m., diam. of bulb, 54 m.m., Socket type, ""R." Another aspect of the speed of these ethereal messengers may be thus expressed: If you are 186 miles away from a broadcasting station when you listen-in, you hear each sound one-thousandth of a second after it is produced in the broadcasting studio. This is because radio waves, as before stated, travel at the rate of 186,000 miles a second, so fast as to be instantaneous over all normal ranges. If you were in a studio and with one ear heard a note struck on the piano, and with the other ear heard the same note transmitted a thousand miles by radio, your ears would be unable to distinguish between the two, as they would sound like a single note. Likewise, the note struck on the piano would be heard by listeners-in a thousand miles away before it was heard by people located at the back of the hall where the piano was located. How few of those who travel are aware that the space between the wireless aerials (or wires suspended from the two masts) and the deck constitute what is known in wireless as a condenser, and that this space is alternatively charged and discharged with electrical current many hundreds of thousands of times a second. This alternating current is such that it actually passes through all matter, not even excepting the human body.

A NEW WORLD. The invention of wireless was analogous to the discovery of a new world, wherein ethereal messengers rush backwards and forwards, each with a definite objective or mission. The latest ideas in the world of thought the resultant effect of the creative and constructive actions of mankind, are conveyed between continent and continent almost instantaneously, annihilating time in its relation to the distance between the great centres of population. Business depends primarily upon the creation of ideas and the interchange of intelligence, coupled with the will to ????. To this end no power since the invention of printing by Gutenberg in 1440 has been so instrumental in advancing the onward march of civilisation as has wireless. The ether is alive with messages radiating in all directions. Whether their ???? be reports of international or of national importance, their contents ???? negotiations or the results of sporting events, or even the social messages ???? relatives or friends, they ???? are a tribute to the man who made radio a democratic service — efficient, economical, and the servant of all.

AMATEURS REBUILD. Now that regeneration is freely allowed by the authorities, enthusiasts are taking full advantage of the concession. Many are rebuilding their sets, and searching around for suitable circuits. Many requests for circuits have reached this office, one of the first being for a two valve hook up, which is given. The special features of this circuit are the use of a variocoupler — the secondary of which acts as the reaction or tickler coil — a series-parallel condenser switch, and the use of dry cell valves — one valve being used for detection and the other being used for audio frequency amplification. D.E.3, 201A, or U.V.199 valves may be advantageously used with this set.

A HANDY BOOK. "A Wireless Course in 20 Lessons," by Gernsback, Lescarboura and Secor, and published by the Experimenter Publishing Co., N.Y., is a handy book for the experimenter. It is profusely illustrated and deserves the attention of every amateur, whose wireless education is not yet complete. The editors are attached to the well-known "Radio News." Our copy from W. Geo. Smith, 12 Queen Victoria Buildings, Sydney.

1924 08 18

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 18 August 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS.

The introduction of broadcasting has been compared by an eminent man of the day as ranking in importance with the introduction of printing by William Caxton in the fifteenth century. It is quite certain that few if any of Caxton's contemporaries appreciated the extraordinary influence which printing would have on the course or civilisation, and it is doubtful whether we, at this moment, realise more than a small fraction of the far-reaching influence which broadcasting will exert on the population or the world. Undoubtedly both the art itself and the apparatus used for the transmission and reception of music and speech will be improved as time goes on, but the technical perfection which has already been attained is more than sufficient to satisfy even the most critical of audiences. Facts speak for themselves. Within a year of its general introduction into England, it is estimated that some 500,000 receiving sets had been installed in the homes of the people, and probably some 2,000,000 of the inhabitants regularly enjoy the benefits of the programmes transmitted daily from the various broadcasting centres.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. No. 2. The special feature of the "D.E.R." valve is that the filament, current, and voltage, i.e., the working filament wattage, is very small, being less than one-third of that required by ordinary valves having similar operating characteristics. The filament runs at a dull red temperature, thus ensuring a very long life, as well as freedom from crackling, etc. The D.E.R. operates on 1.5 to 1.8 volts at 0.35 to 0.40 amps., so that dry cells may be used for filament lighting. The chemical structure of the filament is responsible for the high electronic emission at such a low temperature. When heated by the current passing through it, the tungsten filament undergoes a chemical change, which causes a layer of pure thorium to be formed on the outside of the filament. This layer supplies the electrons necessary to the functioning of the tube. Inside the filament just under this layer more thorium atoms are deposited, being drawn from the inside of the filament slowly. If the filament is operated at too high a temperature the thorium layer vaporises, electronic emission falls off, and the valve becomes inoperative. By burning the filament at rated voltage with plate voltage off for a period of time, normal electron emission can be regained. Following are the technical particulars of the valve:— Type. B.E.R., fil. battery voltage, 2; fil. terminal volts, 1.5., 1.8; fil. amps., 0.35-0.40; anode volts, 30-50; overall length, 115 m/m.; approx. diameter of bulb, 45 m/m.; socket type, R.

A NEW MACHINE. The popularity of wireless has been the direct cause of the appearance of many novel pieces of apparatus on the market. One of the latest is what is known as an "anode converter." This machine, according to the makers, has been introduced to meet the demand for a reliable substitute for the high-tension battery used in valve sets and amplifying units. The converter consists of a small, specially-designed motor generator, taking current at 6 or 12 volts off an ordinary accumulator battery, combined with a smoothing circuit having an inductance shunted by a condenser. The whole is mounted inside a case to deaden mechanical noise and cut out any possible interference or radiation. The machine can be used in any place where a high-tension battery is normally employed, and it is specially suited to working with power amplifiers where a considerable current is taken at fairly high voltage and where the life of the ordinary H.T. battery is limited. The combined voltage range of the four types of standard sets of this machine is from 70 to 500. Smith, Sons, and Rees Ltd., of Wentworth-avenue, Sydney, are the distributors.

OFF TO AMERICA. Miss Wallace. (Photo Caption) At the meeting of the Metropolitan Radio Club on Monday next, a send-off will be given to Miss F. V. Wallace, who is leaving for a trip to America by the Maunganui on September 11. Miss Wallace has been identified with the Metropolitan Club since its foundation several years ago, and she is extremely popular with members. One of the first radio listeners in Australia, Miss Wallace has put many a floundering novice on the road to radio success. Her visit to America is a business one, and she expects to return to Sydney about the end of November. Visitors are specially invited to the meeting on Monday next.

"Wireless News" column (page) in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 18 August 1924 (Second Part)

BROADCASTING. Farmer's Service. TODAY'S PROGRAMME. CALL SIGN 2FC. WAVELENGTH: 1100 METRES. MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 1924.

MIDDAY SESSION. 12.55: Tune in to the Studio Chimes. 12.58: Time signals from Farmer's Master Clock (Sydney Observatory Time). 1.0: Coastal Farmers' Market Reports; Stock Exchange Information; Weather Information: "Sydney Morning Herald" News and Cable Service; "Evening News" Midday News Service. 1.15: Close down.

AFTERNOON TEA SESSION. 3.30: Tune in to the Studio Chimes. 3.35: Musical programme provided by Farmer's Orchestra and broadcast direct from Farmer's Oak Luncheon Hall. Musical items will be rendered at intervals. Trio, "Morning" (Grieg); entr'acte, "Intermezzo" (Oscar Strauus): melodie, "A Lovely Little Dream" (Coleridge Taylor); suite, "In a Persian Garden" (Lehmann); baracarolle, "Au Bord d'un Ruissean" (Boladeffre); morceau, "Valse Triste" (Alfred Hil); selection, "Madame Butterfly" (Puccini); trio, "Valse" (Cesar Cui). 4.45 Late Weather Information; Stock Exchange Information; "Evening News" news service. 5.0: Close down.

EARLY EVENING SESSION. 6.30: Tune in to the studio chimes. 6.33: Children's Hour — Man in the Moon Stories. 7.0: Dalgety's Market Reports (wool, wheat, and stock), Fruit and Vegetable Markets, closing Stock Exchange information, "Evening News" news and cable service. 7.15: Close down.

NIGHT SESSION. Haymarket Operatic Orchestra and Studio Items. The Haymarket Theatre Operatic Orchestra of 20 players, under the baton of Mr. Stanley Porter (Musical Director) will, by the courtesy of the directors of the Haymarket Theatres Limited, be broadcast direct from the theatre. 7.55: Tune in to the Studio chimes. 8.0: Haymarket Operatic Orchestra:— Overture, "Italiana in Algeria" (Rossini). From the Studio of 2FC: Edie Freuderstein, mezzo-soprano: "Homing." Marguerite Mazengarb, elocutionist: (a) "Dickens' Monologue," (b) "Catch Me," Mr. Louis Bloy, Banjoist: (a) "Scotch Selections," (b) "Entry Gladiators' March;" (c) Selected, Farmer's Trio, "The Pirates of Penzance." Miss Edie Freuderstein, mezzo-soprano: "Rose of My Heart." From the Haymarket Theatre: "The Radios." A company of comedians broadcasting mirth. 9.25 Interval 10 minutes. 9.35 Haymarket Operatic Orchestra, "March and Procession of Bacchus," from "Sylvia," Ballet (Delibes); "Arabian Serenade," "An Oriental Patrol," "The Desert Caravan." 10.0: National Anthem. Close down.

This programme is subject to any variation that may be rendered necessary through unforeseen circumstances. Programme Tuesday: Beale's Concert Hall Chamber Music and Studio Concert. Programme Wednesday: Vocal and Comedy Artists for the Studio.

1924 08 25

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 25 August 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH.

Many Sydney amateurs, especially those with multi-valve sets, have been listening in for Martian signals, though they will not admit it. Needless to say, none have been heard. But an exploration of the ether at the times when the broadcasting stations are not "in the air," is an interesting venture. Round about the 200 metres mark you may hear two amateurs talking things over by telephony, and other grinding out Morse laboriously. Occasionally there will be the "cheep" of an oscillator. Up on 600 metres old VIS blares out his messages to far distant ships, and the replies to him come faintly to those who have valve receivers. If you can set up to the very high wave lengths you may hear the bell-like notes of the big overseas stations, some, perhaps, working with the speed of machine guns on automatic senders. Atmospherics there may be, but never a sign of a Martian signal. Perhaps the Martians are still using spark coils — who knows.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES NO. 3. The V24 is a three electrode receiving valve, used chiefly as an amplifier both for high and low frequency oscillations, also as a low power H.F. generator in local oscillators. The V24 is static in operation, consequently it may be used to advantage in cascade circuits. It also has the advantage of ???? on small plate current. Reference to the characteristic curve of this valve will show that good amplification may be availed of over a wide band. The filament is suspended by a small spiral spring to absorb mechanical shocks and take up ???? The plate and grid leads are brought directly out through the sides of the glass tube, thus ensuring that the capacity effects in the valve are a minimum. On this account the V24 may be advantageously employed on short wave work. Technical details: Fil. bat. volts, 6; fil. terminal volts, 5; fil. amp. 0.75; anode volts, 24-30; approx. length, ????; approx. diam. of bulb, 18 m.m.

RE THAT AERIAL. So many new aerial are being strung in the air nowadays, many by the uninitiated, that a few words of advice, not often given in connection with aerial construction will not be amiss. Several aerials noticed recently look dangerous for they cross ???? electric light and power wires, with which they would make contact should the aerial wires break. Such aerials should be altered as soon as possible. In other cases aerials have been noticed running parallel with and comparatively close to electric power cables. If a sensitive receiver is being used this will result in objectionable noises in the 'phones caused by induction from the power lines. Aerials should be placed at right angles to power lines. An aerial noticed the other day was set on two fine masts and was at least 130 feet long. This is much too long, at the height at which the aerial was placed a length of 75 feet would be ample. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by having an aerial over 100 feet long, on the contrary, bad effects will result.

A THREE-VALVER. The many amateurs who are incurable circuit-testers will be interested in this three-valve receiver constructed by Mr. J. N. Boberg, of Redfern. The set is laid out especially to facilitate the changing of circuits without interfering with the wiring behind the panel. The terminals for each piece of apparatus are situated on the face of the panel, so that any desired circuit may be employed by connecting the necessary terminals. Thus the nuisance of dismantling instruments and rewiring them again whenever a new circuit is tried out is done away with. This particular receiver has given excellent results over both short and long distances.

NEW WIRELESS BOOK. "The Boys' Wireless Book" is the title of a publication which should find a ready sale at this period of the radio "boom." It is an Australian publication, well set up and profusely illustrated, and is a concise guide to the amateur in the construction of his apparatus. The principles of the wireless art are explained in simple language, and instructions are given for the construction of various sets. Our copy is from Angus and Robertson.

METRO CLUB. Members of the Metropolitan Radio Club are reminded of the club meeting tonight at the Laurel Cafe, Royal Arcade, City. The opportunity will be taken to farewell one of the club's most prominent members, Miss F. V. Wallace, who is leaving shortly for a trip to America.

1924 09

1924 09 01

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 1 September 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH.

The announcement that grand opera items will be broadcast by 2FC on Wednesday and Thursday has caused great satisfaction among "listeners in." Several owners of sets far away in the country have written their appreciation. This will be the first time that grand opera, has been broadcast from a Sydney theatre, or, for that matter, from any theatre in Australia. The sets will have to work well on those nights, and there is a general overhaul proceeding in most amateur stations. Accumulators have gone to be charged, "B" batteries are being tested, and connections subjected to a rigid inspection. The owner of a nice three-valve set and a particularly sweet-toned loud speaker, tells me that he had no idea that he had so many friends. They have all signified their intention of dropping in on him on Wednesday or Thursday evening.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. No. 4. The "Q" type 3 electrode receiving valve is used chiefly as a rectifier. Splendid results may also be obtained with this valve as an amplifier for general receiving work. It gives good amplification with reaction, and is also suitable for heterodyning C.W. signals. The distance of the plate from the grid and filament ensures good grid control and good slope of characteristic. The characteristic curve shows that good rectifying may take place. Like the V24, the "Q" valve has a small spiral spring incorporated in the filament to absorb mechanical shock, and keep the filament taut. The plate and grid leads are also taken out through the sides of the glass tube, thus reducing self capacity of the valve to a minimum. The technical details are:— Fil. battery volts, 6; fil. terminal volts, 5; fil. amps., 0.45; anode volts, 50-150; holder clips, type "V24;" overall length, 73 m/m; diam. of bulb. 18 m/m.

LICENSES. The following circular his been sent by the chief manager of Telegraphs and Wireless to applicants for experimental licenses. A large number of applications were held over pending the issue of the new regulations:— Dear Sir,— The revised wireless telegraphy regulations will indicate to you that the serious restrictions operating against the holders of ordinary receiving licenses have been waived, and great freedom is now given to such licensees. (2) The reception of unrestricted wavelengths is permitted, the right to receive any broadcast programme is conferred, and the use of any design of set is allowed, so long as the apparatus is operated in a manner which will not interfere with other users. (3) These substantial benefits will be appreciated by those who, although perhaps not desirous of pursuing laborious and specific scientific research, are nevertheless anxious to make investigations for their own edification and personal satisfaction. (4) To those persons possessing the necessary qualifications, and who are desirous of pursuing scientific research in the realm of wireless, experimental licenses will be issued. (6) Applicants for experimental licenses must satisfy the Postmaster-General as to their qualifications, and, where so requested, must submit to technical examination. (6) The fees in respect of ordinary broadcast listeners' and experimental licenses are based primarily on the distance from the nearest broadcasting station. In your locality the fees respectively are:— Ordinary broadcast listener's license, £1/15/-; experimental license, £1. (7) Broadcast listeners' licenses, which will be, in the majority of cases, more appropriate to the requirements, are readily obtainable at all official post offices. (8) In view of the change in the regulations under which your recent application was made, no action will be taken on the application unless you still desire to obtain an experimental license under the new conditions. In the latter event, it will facilitate matters if you will kindly furnish evidence of your qualifications and of the specific scientific research in wireless which you intend to carry out. It may then be necessary for you to undergo an examination by a radio inspector (the fee for which will be 2/6), for the purpose of certifying your qualifications.

HINTS FOR BEGINNERS. Get a broadcast receiving license before you put up your aerial. See that your 'phones are efficient, many good receivers have been blamed for bad work on the part of the headset. Frequently dust the wire where the slider arm makes contact with a coil. An accumulation of dust is likely to decrease signals. Do not handle the crystal with your fingers. By so doing you may put a fine film of grease over the crystal, thus decreasing its sensitivity. Should a crystal not be giving good results, give it a wash in warm water, using a soft brush and a little soap to clean it. Give the terminals a wipe over from time to time. Disconnect or ground the aerial from the set when not in use. Do not buy a crystal set with the idea that you can use a loud speaker with it. Keep the set in a cool, dry place.

1924 09 08

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 8 September 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. By DOT DASH

The broadcast of grand opera on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from Her Majesty's Theatre, per medium of 2FC, was responsible for a great spurt in the radio boom. The various wireless shops report heavy business during the early part of last week, and crystal sets and valve outfits sold like the proverbial hot cakes. The transmissions of the opera were perfect, and old hands declare that the microphone has never functioned better. One of the most pleasing features was the entire absence of "fuzziness" on top notes. On Thursday night there was some static, but it was not sufficient to interfere with reception. Those experts who expected some interference from "howling" valves were pleased to note that there was very little. There were isolated instances of badly-controlled regenerative sets, but in the main there was very little to complain about. Country and inter-State listeners-in report excellent reception.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES NO. 5. The Marconi QX valve is of the tubular type. This is an efficient modern valve and is the result of much research and experience in valve manufacture. The plate and grid leads are brought directly out through the sides of the glass tube, thus ensuring that the capacity effects in the valve are at minimum. The QX is a particularly sensitive detector and in equally effective when used as an amplifier. Reference to the characteristic curve will show that the QX may be used to give unusually good rectification, and that with suitable potentials applied, high amplification may be availed of. The technical details are: Filament battery voltage. 6; filt. term. volts, 5,; filament amps., 0.75; anode, volts, 25-100; approx. dia. of bulb, 18 m.m.; approx. length, 13 m.m.; holder clips, type V24.

GET YOUR LICENSE. Broadcast listeners are warned to get a license. It is known that there are numbers of unlicensed receiving sets in various suburbs, and the authorities are inclined to take a serious view of the matter. Any day now a raid may be made, and it is well to remember that there is a £20 penalty for the operator of an unlicensed receiver. It does not matter if you are operating the most simple crystal set, the offence is the same as that of a man who uses an unlicensed multi-valve receiver. Every wireless enthusiast should realise that by getting a license promptly he is making it better for himself. A proportion or the license fees go to the broadcasting stations, and if they cannot get their revenue they cannot continue to transmit the high class programmes that they do at present.

RANGE OF A SET. A vexed question is the range of any type of set, and the beginner is nearly always puzzled thereby. First and foremost, it is impossible to say definitely the range of any set. One might as well seek an answer to the question, "How far can a certain motor car go in six hours?" This would depend on the state of the roads, the skill of the driver, and several other factors. Results have been obtained with crystal sets over ranges of 60 miles or even more, but this is not to say that the average broadcast listener can do so. It is safe to lay down the rule for the beginner that he cannot get good results with a crystal set over a radius of 50 miles from a broadcasting station. With a single valve set 30 or 40 miles should be covered with ease, and two valves should bring in good signals up to 80 miles or so. To get satisfactory results with a loud speaker over 40 miles from a broadcasting station, three valves should be employed, and it may be advisable to use three, in some cases, over 20 miles. These figures can only be taken as a rough guide, and not as a hard and fast rule. The best scheme is to test at each individual distant station before deciding on the type of set. TO CLUB SECRETARIES Club secretaries are asked to forward the names of their clubs, together with their own names and addresses, to "Dot Dash," c.o. "Evening News," Market-street, City. This will enable inquiries by intending members to be answered.

NEW AMPLIFICATION. A German, Herr Y. Neinhold, has patented a system which will possibly prove to be a vast improvement in the field of audio-frequency amplification. Thermionic valves are not used in this new arrangement, but the device employed is a somewhat similar piece of apparatus, having three electrodes and is filled with a colloidal solution. A colloidal solution is a liquid mineral containing specially prepared molecules of matter, these molecules being electrified. These solutions, which are at present undergoing considerable investigation by many laboratories, are of great interest, especially to biology. The amplifying effect of this arrangement seems to be due to a negative resistance effect, but the solution must be in a colloidal state, and electrolysis should not be permitted to take place. The electrical phenomenon is still due to electrons, but these travel in a liquid instead of a vacuum.

1924 09 15

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 15 September 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH.

It is a source of wonder to me that more wireless enthusiasts, especially beginners, do not go in for home construction. The reason is, probably, that the majority are afraid to tackle the work for fear of making a hash of it . They have no knowledge of the principle of wireless, and think that the learning would mean the devotion of considerable time and trouble. This is not so. The reception side of wireless can be made very simple, and a couple of hours' study of a popular wireless book would reveal this to the veriest novice. Winding and mounting coils and connecting together the various pieces of apparatus is very simple. The great advantage of a homemade set is that the constructor knows every part, and can quickly track and remedy any faults. I am referring now to crystal sets, but the same applies to valve outfits. Here a little more knowledge is required, and it is also necessary to exercise greater care. But there is no reason why the average man should not, after a short and by no means laborious survey of the principles of the science, construct any kind of set at home.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. No. 6. The U.V. 199 valve is of the dull emitter type, and operates with an expenditure or only .18 amps. for the filament. A dry cell may thus be conveniently used for filament lighting. In valves for use with dry cells, it is of greatest importance that the filament current be as small as possible, and that the characteristics of the valve should not be sacrificed in making this reduction in current. The U.V. 199 fully meets both these requirements. The filament is of tungsten, but differs from the older type of tungsten filament in that the power consumption and operating temperature. Thus the new filament at normal temperature is a dull yellow, while the older filaments burned at a white heat. This lower operating temperature, of course, ensures long life. In order to operate at such low current it is necessary that the filament wire be very fine, and it is interesting to note that the filament of the UV 199 is only about one-fourth as thick as a human hair. The UV 199 is designed to operate from 3 volt dry cells, but storage cells may be used if proper care is taken to reduce the voltage at the filament terminals to 3 volts. On account of the small filament current of the UV 199 the ordinary 4 to 10 ohms rheostats are of no use for a single tube, and higher resistances must be used. Thus one tube operated from 3 volt dry cells requires about 30 ohms in the rheostat. Technical details: Filament battery voltage (3 dry cells), 4.5; filament terminal voltage, 3; filament amps, .06; anode volts, 20-30; socket type, UV 199; overall length, 75 m.m.; diameter of bulb, 25 m.m.

RADIO COINCIDENCE. A radio coincidence is reported by a New Zealand newspaper. An extraordinary event occurred in Invercargill (says the paper), when, a local resident listening-in on a receiving set at a friend's house which he was visiting, was astonished to hear it announced that his sister, Miss V. Brook, of Dunedin, would sing, "Ever of Thee I am Fondly Dreaming." He also heard her sing her remaining programme numbers, "The Land of the Sky Blue Water," "The Bird and the Babe," and "I Wonder if Ever a Rose." Miss Brook has been in Sydney for the past few weeks, but her brother had no idea she was to sing at a concert on that particular evening. The concert was heard through 2B.L., Sydney.

RUSH CAUSES SHORTAGE. The wireless boom has caused something of a shortage of wireless parts in Sydney. During last week I had difficulty in securing terminals and enamel wire. Switch arms and some brands of headset are also scarce. One of the radio dealers says that the shortage is very marked in Sydney, but it will not be long before big shipments are landed. Much of the gear now on the water, however, has been bespoken, and it may be that shortages will occur from time to time till the demand falls off.

1924 09 22

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 22 September 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. (BY DOT DASH).

Many beginners using single slide crystal sets have complained to me that they are subjected to interference from other stations when receiving broadcasting. In some cases amateur transmitters are said to cause the trouble. There is no doubt that the user of the single slide set does suffer in this respect, but the interfering stations are by no means to blame. In this case the receiver alone is the cause of the trouble. The single slide tuner is one of the simplest forms of receiver, and it is not so selective as could be desired. Interfering stations that can be tuned out with a loose coupler will force their way through the more simple set to the annoyance of the listener. I have heard amateur transmitters blamed for causing interference, but that is unfair. The majority of Sydney's amateur stations are very well managed, and it is rarely that they are to be found off their wave length, even a few metres. I have never heard one interfering with broadcast reception. The trouble therefore, lies in the simple receiver, and the obvious remedy is to convert it into a more selective set, preferably the loose coupler, with a variable condenser across the secondary coil.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. No. 7. The U.V. 200 may be called upon to perform a great variety of duties. In either simpler or complex circuits the U.V. 200 as a detector valve embodies all the characteristics necessary for good performance. A .00075 grid condenser with grid leak should be used. The plate voltage required is from 18v. to 28v. Voltages in excess of 30v. should not be applied. The normal voltage to be applied at the filament terminals is from 5 to 5.4 volts. The U.V. 200 is very stable in operation and has a long life. These valves also possess uniform characteristics so necessary for critical receiving adjustments. Technical details: Filament battery voltage, 6; filament terminal voltage, 5; filament amps., 1.0; anode volts, 12 to 25; socket type, standard V.T.; overall length, 110 m.m.; diameter of bulb, 50 m.m.

AMPLIFICATION. Beginners deciding upon the construction of an amplifier should go very carefully. There are two methods — radio frequency and audio frequency amplification. In the first method the signals are amplified at radio frequency or before detection and with audio frequency the detected signals are "boosted" or amplified after detection. Beginners would be well advised to steer clear of the high frequency method and work on the audio system. Sets employing radio frequency, unless built by experts and skilfully handled, are liable to cause no end of trouble. Radio frequency amplification is good in cases where weak signals have to be heard, but as our local broadcasting stations send on high power, the majority of detectors should have plenty of energy to pass on to the amplifier. When adding a stage of audio frequency amplification, care should be taken that the right transformer for the circuit is used.

SUBSTITUTE AERIALS. Several inquiries have reached this office concerning the efficiency of attachments for connection to an electric light sockets, so that the light wires may be used as an aerial. Such attachments function quite well, though not as good as the standard outside aerial. Full instructions for using the attachments are given when one is purchased, and if they are clearly followed all will be well. The experimenter should never attempt to use the electric light or any other wires carrying current without the tested attachment. It is a peculiar fact that electric light aerials are much better in some cases than others, those nearer the broadcasting station sometimes working less efficiently than others further away.

1924 09 29

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 29 September 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH.

The bugbear static made things generally unpleasant for every listener in during last week, scarcely a night being free from annoying crackles and splutters. There was a good deal of lightning about, too, and on this account many receivers were not working. Now that the season of thunder and lightning is with us, it would be as well to offer a bit of advice. At the outset, it may be stressed that there is very little risk of an aerial being struck by lightning, but it is as well to be on the safe side. Instal an aerial grounding switch and an approved lightning arrester. The grounding switch, a good heavy one of the knife blade type, should be mounted on a wall outside the house, near where the lead-in enters. The lead to the set should be from the top connection, and the aerial should go to the switch arm. From the bottom connection run a stout wire straight to earth, keeping it clear of everything. When a storm comes up the aerial is grounded by merely turning down the switch.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES NO. 8. The U.V. 201A is designed to be interchangeable with the older U.V. 201, but is of the dull emitter type and requires only one-fourth as great filament current. The latest models have opaque bulbs, the glass being "silvered." While the rated filament E.M.F. of the U.V. 201A is 5 v. It requires only 0.25 amps and owes its high mutual conductance to the large area made effective by a long filament. The average electron emission is about 45 milliamperes which is in excess of what is ordinarily needed in a receiving tube and for this reason it is possible to obtain excellent results with 4 volts or even less on the filament. On account of its high electron emission and high mutual conductance this valve is especially suited to operation of loud speakers. The rectifying action is noticeably good for a valve of high vacuum type due in part to its high mutual conductance. The usual conditions for detection are 40 volts on the plate and grid condenser of 0.00075 M/F and grid leak of 2 to 10 megohms. Technical details: Filament battery volts, 6; filament terminal volts, 5; filament amps, .25; anode volts, 15 to 25; length, 110 m.m.; diameter of bulb, 50 m.m.; socket type, "R." In appearance the valve is very similar to the U.V. 200, which was illustrated last week on this page.

FOR POLICE WORK. Now that the N.S.W. police are trying out wireless it is interesting to note what other countries are doing about it. The police chief of New York is seeking permission to spend £6000 on the radio station already in use at his headquarters. He has no doubt about the value of wireless in the work of suppressing criminals. His argument is that the criminal of today travels much more quickly than formerly. He has abandoned the omnibus or train for the motorcar, or even the aeroplane, and wireless is the only agency that can get ahead of him when he is trying to escape. By selecting about fifty strategic positions at points leading from the city, wireless messages could be sent instantly to watch for a suspect. In addition, the Police Commissioner thinks it might be possible for policemen on their beats to keep in touch with headquarters by wireless instead of by telephone, as a present. At the Scotland Yard (London) headquarters is installed a 730-metre wavelength transmitter, a special selective receiver on 265 metres, with motor generator, batteries, and the necessary changeover switchgear. A special, powerful radio car is employed, containing a 265 metre transmitter, a coupled circuit tuner for 730-metre work, together with an amplifier, included in the interior equipment is a frame aerial and an adjustable aerial of five parallel wires mounted on the roof of the car. The feature of the adjustable aerial is that its height can be altered when the car is passing under bridges, trees, etc. Telephonic communication with headquarters is possible within a radius of 30 to 40 miles, and telegraphy can be employed over greater distances. The car is able to keep in touch with Scotland Yard when travelling at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.

MARINE SURVEYING. A new method of marine surveying, using both radio and sound waves, has been developed and is now being used on the Oregon coast. It may be used even in a dense fog and is as accurate as any of the usual methods of sight surveys at sea. The method depends (says a writer in "Science") on the velocity of sound through the sea water, which, being known, enables the operator on shipboard to fix his distance from two or more known positions on shore. A simple calculation then permits him to work out his own position. In this method a bomb fired under water near a vessel sends out a sound wave which travels till it reaches an underwater telephone near and connected by cable with a shore radio station. The sound itself by means of suitable apparatus sends back a radio signal to the ship in such a way that, while there is a delay in the return of the signal, this delay can be accurately measured and the result is the same as if there were no delay whatever.

SETS FOR SCHOOLS. Five valve sets, capable of operating loud speakers at splendid strength, have been installed at the Condobolin Public School and the West Maitland High School. Condobolin is about 250 miles air line from Sydney, but at the installation tests 2 F.C.'s transmission could be heard plainly 350 yards from the school. Equally good results were obtained at the West Maitland School. Both sets were installed by the Burgin Electric Co., of Sydney.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED. D.X. (Burwood): Following are the principal British broadcasting stations with their wavelengths and call signs: Aberdeen (3BD), 495 metres; Birmingham (5IT), 475; Glasgow (5SC), 420; Newcastle (3NO), 400; Bournemouth (6BM), 385; Manchester (2ZY), 375; London (2LO), 365; Cardiff (5WA), 351; Plymouth (5PY), 325; Edinburgh (2EH), 325; Liverpool (6LV), 318; Sheffield (6FL), 303; Leeds (2LS), 346; Bradford (2LS), 310. "Aerial" (Bankstown): You would be well advised to shorten your aerial; try using 75 feet. J.C.S. (Goulburn): The station you mention is one of the English group under control of the British Broadcasting Co. The matter in the book was evidently prepared for English readers.

1924 10

1924 10 06

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 6 October 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. BY DOT DASH.

I received a letter during the week from one who describes himself as a "genuine experimenter." The burden of the writer's song is that the ether is monopolised, as far as the amateur wavelengths go, by a small number of amateur transmitters, whose "experimenting" goes no further than the grinding out of gramaphone records. This, contends the writer, interferes with the genuine experimenter. Though things do not seem quite as black as "genuine experimenter" paints them, there is certainly a good deal of truth in his contention. One does hear peculiar radiophone conversations at items, and it is indeed hard to understand why an amateur will transmit music for an hour or so on end, without he is conducting a special test. The man who is trying his hardest to work D.X. is apt to get very peeved with the gramaphoners who make it impossible for him to do anything. The whole thing raises the question of amateur control. There was a time when amateur transmitters worked voluntarily to a roster, but now it seems to be an "open go." Something should be done about it.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. NO. 9. The W.D.12 operates with 5 volts, on the filament with a current consumption of only .25 amps. The special oxide coated filament gives a high electron emission at low filament temperature. A single 1.5 volt dry cell may thus be used for filament heating, and these valves are noted for their economical operation, uniform performance, and long life. The W.D.12 is an exceptionally good detector, and for this purpose a plate voltage of 20-45 should be used. When used for amplifying the plate voltage should be from 45 to 90 volts. They are unusually effective as amplifiers of both radio and audio frequencies. Technical details: Filament volts, 1.1; filament amps, .25; filament battery volts (one dry cell), 1.5; overall length, 105 mm.; diameter of bulb, 35 mm.; socket type, standard V.T.

FOR LISTENERS IN. There is nothing like the thrill experienced by the wireless amateur when he hears his first signals with the set he has himself built. I have always been a staunch advocate of home construction, feeling sure that listeners-in with a constructional turn of mind, are able to get better results by making their own sets. Home construction also means that the amateur gets a better understanding of the apparatus he is using. A drawback, however, is that the beginner frequently finds it very hard to get instructions for the building of a set. There is plenty of literature on the subject to be had, but little of the kind that can be readily understood by the novice, and there not much adopted to Australian conditions. To assist the beginner and the home constructor, the "Evening News" has published a Wireless Handbook. The book deals in simple language with the principles of the science and gives instructions for the building at home of simple crystal sets, single valve and multi-valve outfits. In addition, there is a complete list of broadcasting, and amateur transmitting stations in Australia, including their location and call signs, and many other sections of interest to radio enthusiasts. The "Evening News" Wireless Handbook may be obtained from all newsagents, price 1/-, or from the "News" Office, post free, 1/2.

HOUSING THE PANEL. The look of many a fine panel has been spoiled by its being housed in a badly polished cabinet. Any enthusiast can polish his cabinet so that it will look well in any room. Here is the way to do it: Assuming that your box or cabinet is of a white wood, commence by taking a sheet of glass-paper No. 0, and rub down your wood until a fine smooth surface is obtained, taking care that you polish with the grain of the wood. On no account try to polish against grain. After you are satisfied that all parts are smooth, mix whiting and turpentine to the consistency of thick cream. Then add a little stain (mahogany or walnut) to color desired, and apply with a clean cloth, rubbing this well in all over the wood, in this case by the cross grain. In this way all the grain will be nicely filled up, which is the purpose of this mixture. When this is thoroughly dry — which takes, approximately three to four hours — take a piece of clean No. 0 glass-paper, and polish well off by the way of the wood grain, and see that all dust is thoroughly wiped off. Now comes the actual and most important part — the preparing of the wood to take the staining and varnishing — and great care must be taken. Procure sufficient gold-size and turpentine (proportions half and half), and apply this all over the wood, again allowing to dry thoroughly — say over night. Then, before commencing the actual staining. sand-paper down again, being sure that you still rub with the grain, and thoroughly dust off before proceeding with the actual staining. If you wish to represent mahogany, take a little burnt sienna ground in turps, and tint with a little rose pink and drop black according to the desired tint required. Into this pour a little copal varnish (say a third of your mixture), the varnish acting only as a binder, and apply as before. After allowing this coat to dry thoroughly, smooth down with a clean piece of extra smooth sand-paper (which may be obtained by rubbing two pieces of No. 0 together until partly worn), and again carefully remove all dust. Then apply a nice even coat of copal varnish with a little gold-size added (proportion 4 to 1). Allow this coat to dry thoroughly hard, and for the final finish smooth down again with the extra smooth sand-paper, and apply the finishing coat of varnish.

1924 10 13

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 13 October 1924 (First Part)

WIRELESS NEWS. A PAGE DEVOTED TO WIRELESS ACTIVITIES.

BROADCASTERS IN U.S.A. HUGE TOTAL BY DOT DASH.

There are now 530 broadcast stations in America, 14 of which are operated by manufacturers of radio apparatus, 27 by churches and other religious organisations, and nearly 100 by educational institutions. Only two stations make any effort to collect for their services, and at one of these an experiment is being conducted in collecting a "voluntary tax" from listeners. The average broadcasting station represents an outlay of £10,000, and costs anywhere from £4000 to £20000 a year to operate. One station recently received 170,000 replies in a voting contest, and advertising experts estimated the ratio of replies to those reached was one in 20, giving this single station an audience of 3,000,000.

VALVES AND THEIR CURVES. No. 10. A new specially designed amplifying valve for use where considerable power is required (i.e., for loud speakers) is the LS1. The straightness of the grid voltage-plate current characteristic is such that it enables the valve to work without distortion. It will be further noticed from the characteristic curve that with a plate voltage of from 240 to 320 volts there is a very appreciable increase in plate current for a correspondingly small variation of grid voltage, making it suitable for work on the largest type of loud speakers. This valve is also suitable use as a repeater on telephone trunk lines and for low power transmission. Technical details:— Fil. Battery Voltage, 8; Fil. Term. volt., 6.0; Fil. Amps,1.5; Anode volts, 300-600; overall length, 125 M/M; diam of bulb, 67 M/M; socket type, "R."

EXIT CARRIER WAVE. According to an American exchange, radio transmission without carrier waves has been successfully demonstrated by station WRM of the University of Illinois. Further experiments are under way. Tests have brought responses from all over the United States that signals broadcast by the new method discovered at the university came in "loud and clear." Under the present system of broadcasting, the carrier wave, on which the sound wave is impressed, conveys all manner of sounds, and only the modulation intensity of the transmitter and the action of the detector in eliminating the carrier wave to more or less degree, enable the sound frequency to be heard in the receivers. Often foreign noises picked up by the carrier wave become audible sounds in the receiver, interfering with perfect reception. With the new device only the modulated sound frequencies are broadcast, and these, according to the college scientists, are devoid of the carrier wave tendency to pick up extraneous noises. Sending efficiency is increased, tuning is made more selective at the receiver, because of the sharper decrement, and much greater distance may be covered.

NAVY WIRELESS. Recent advances in radio communication in the United States navy (according to an exchange), include the gradual elimination of spark sets, and the substitution of tube transmitting sets until the sparks have been almost eliminated. The employment of multiplex radio operation and the application of automatic recorders in the reception of radio press reports are other advances effected recently. Tube apparatus has been applied to all battleships, the new cruisers, and has been installed on many submarines, with excellent results. With the discontinuance of old sparks, freedom from interference is noted, and the ability of radio personnel in the operation of the latest types of transmitters has improved. Increased efficiency is seen, and eventually all naval craft will be equipped with tube sets. Submarine radio communication has increased by new installations from between 10 and 100 miles, with the spark sets, to between 200 to 600 miles with the tube sets. The use of tube sets is considered a long step in development, and increases the security of submarine commanders. Multiplex operation, permitting several messages to be sent and received simultaneously, developed aboard the battleship Colorado, is now used on several of the battleships successfully, and it is planned to so modify the radio equipment and receiving rooms on board many ships so as to increase the facilities of fleet operation. On board the Niagara a special souvenir issue of about 30 pages is issued just before reaching Vancouver, and again shortly before arrival at New Zealand on the return trip. This innovation has proved extremely popular and large numbers are purchased by passengers for sending to their friends in all parts of the world.

1924 10 20

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 20 October 1924 (First Part)

1924 10 27

"Wireless News" column by "Dot Dash" in Sydney's "Evening News," of Monday, 27 October 1924 (First Part)