History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Publications/Australasian Radio World/Issues/1945 01

Front Cover

The Australasian Radio World

Registered at the G.P.O., Sydney, for transmission by post as a periodical.

Vol. 9 - No. 8; January 15, 1945

Highlighted Contents:

Full instructions for winding your own power transformers.

Latest - electronic control from spoken words of command.

Further tecnical data on the performance of phase-inverters.

Guide to reception of overseas short-wave broadcast stations.

Price, 1/-

P.03 - Contents Banner

THE AUSTRALASIAN RADIO WORLD

Devoted entirely to Technical Radio

and incorporating

ALL-WAVE ALL-WORLD DX NEWS

VOL. 9. - JANUARY, 1945. - No. 8.

P.03 - Publication Notes

PROPRIETOR — A. G. HULL

Manager - DUDLEY L. WALTER

Secretary - Miss E. M. VINCENT

Short-wave Editor — L. J. KEAST

For all Correspondence: City Office — 243 Elizabeth St., Sydney, Phone: MA2325

Office Hours — Weekdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m.-12 noon

Editorial Office — 117 Reservoir Street, Sydney

Victorian Advertising Representative — W. J. LEWIS, 379 Collins St., Melbourne, 'Phone MU4725

Subscription Rates: 6 issues - 5/3; 12 issues - 10/6; 24 issues - £1; Post free to any address.

Service Departments — Back Numbers, 1 /- ea. post free; Reply-by-mail Queries, 1/- each

Printed by Bridge Printery Pty. Ltd., 117 Reservoir Street, Sydney, N.S.W., for the proprietor of the "Australasian Radio World," Elizabeth St., Sydney (Footnote P.36)

P.03 - Contents

CONTENTS

CONSTRUCTIONAL —

Power Transformers . . . . 5

TECHNICAL —

Tales of Phase Inverters . . . . 11

In Defence of "A504" . . . . 13

The Telechrome . . . . 17

Factors in High Fidelity . . . . 19

Acoustic Typewriters . . . . 25

SHORTWAVE REVIEW —

The Month's Loggings . . . . 29

Notes From My Diary . . . . 32

New Stations . . . . 31

THE SERVICE PAGES —

Answers . . . . 34

P.03 - Editorial

EDITORIAL.

As this is the first issue in the year 1945 it may be permissible to reflect on the problems that have been surmounted in the past and mention the bright prospects for the New Year. It has been a part of editorial policy to avoid stressing the problems of the times and it has been gratifying to note that our subscribers seem to have appreciated them without our belabouring the subject. Now, these actual lines are being written in a caravan on Phillip Island, for the holidays. A koala bear is grunting as he nibbles the gum leaves overhead. The prospects are quite rosy. Charlie Mutton has recovered from the Amplifier Contest and several articles from his pen are already in the kitty waiting for future issues. Included is a new series on electronics. From a newcomer, J. G. Du Faur, are some handy articles, too, and there isn’t any doubt that these will be highly appreciated. They are of a high standard, like the Du Faur article in this issue. Enough to make any Editor happy is a fine series of articles on radio theory and fundamentals, written by Charles Aston, already well-known to our readers as a contributor who really can make difficult theory both easy and interesting. With the paper position easing and the above articles in hand it is clearly evident that 1945 is going to be a happy year for "Radio World" and its readers. — A. G. HULL.

P.29 - Shortwave Review - The Month's Loggings

The Month's Loggings

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN AUSTRALIAN STANDARD TIME Pressure on space only permits of unusual Loggings or alterations in schedules or frequencies. Readers will show a grateful consideration for others if they will notify me of any alterations. Please send reports to L. J. Keast, 23 Honiton Avenue W., Carlingford. Urgent reports, 'phone Epping 2511.

OCEANIA

Fiji VPD-2, Suva - 6.13mc, 48.94m - Heard at 6.30 pm, good sig. (Miss Sanderson). New Caledonia FK8AA, Noumea - 6.208mc, 48.39m - Heard nightly, 7-8 pm (Miss Sanderson) New Zealand ZLT-7, Wellington - 6.71 me, 44.68m - Heard nightly (Miss Sanderson).

AFRICA

Algeria AFHQ, Algiers - 9.60mc, 31.22m - Heard in relay with U.S. stations at 8 am with news at good level. "Cross Section" followed (Gillett). AFHQ, Algiers - 9.535mc, 31.46m - Also heard at 8 am in parallel with 31.22 m. (Gillett). Belgian Congo RNB, Leopoldville - 15.17mc, 19.78m - Closed at 11 pm after presenting AFRS programme (Gillett). RNB, Leopoldville - 11.64mc, 25.76m - Best of the RNBs. Relays WLWK at 6.30 am (Gaden). RNB, Leopoldville - 9.78mc, 30.66m - Heard from 3.45-5.15 pm (Miss Sanderson, Dr. Gaden). French Equatorial FZI, Brazzaville - 15.59mc, 19.25m - Some very good reception, especially 10.15 news (Gaden). Heard closing at 10.45 pm after giving a programme from the Armed Forces (Gillett). FZI, Brazzaville - 11.97mc, 25.06m - Heard well when opening at 2 am (Gillett). FZI, Brazzaville - 11.687mc, 25.67m - Opens at 2 am with good sig. (Gillett). Madagascar Radio Antananarivo - 6.14mc, 48.86m - Antananarivo appears to be using 48.86 m. regularly now. On a number of occasions have found them on this spot until closing at 2 am (Gillett). CR7BE, Lourenco Marques - 9.86mc, 30.42m - Logged with wonderful volume around 6.15 am with great musical programme.

GREAT BRITAIN

GRN - 6.195mc, 48.43m - Heard at 6 pm with news at dictation speed (Cushen). INDIA ZOJ, Colombo - 15.275mc, 19.64m - Heard with Delhi relay till 2.30 pm — takes own programme till 3 pm — then with Delhi till sign off with "Auld Lang Syne" at 3.25 pm (Cushen). SEAC, Colombo - 11.81 me, 25.40m - Roars in lately at night (Pepin).

CENTRAL AMERICA

Panama HP5G, Panama - 11.78mc, 25.47m - Ern Suffolk and myself have identified this one. Heard at fair level around 7 am with a variety of programmes — Latin-American music, Sports commentaries and Spanish language talks (Gillett). Heard fairly well before breakfast (Gaden). KP5A, Panama - 11.696mc, 25.65m - One of my favourites; heard fairly well before breakfast (Gaden).

SOUTH AMERICA

Brazil PRL-8, Rio de Janiero - 11.72mc, 25.60m - This is by far the best South American I have ever heard (Gaden). (Schedule: 5.30-6.15 am; 7.10 am-12.42 pm. English daily except Mondays.— L.J.K.) Dutch Guiana PZX-5, Paramaribo - 15.395mc, 19.48m - Good some nights, but not heard any English. Erratic as to skeds (Gaden). (See "New Stations"). Good level when closing with Dutch National Anthem (Gillett). Ecuador HCJB, Quito - 12.445mc, 24.08m - Heard from early evening at great strength.— L.J.K. HCJB, Quito - 9.958mc, 30.12m - Heard regularly each evening from 8.45-10.15. Signal very good (Miss Sanderson).

U.S.A.

San Francisco unless otherwise mentioned. KWIX, - 17.76mc, 16.89m - Splendid signal till closing at 5.58 am (Gaden). KWID, - 17.76mc, 16.89m - Very good on opening at 6 am (Gaden). KROJ - 17.76mc, 16.89m - Heard daily opening at 11 am (Pepin). KGEI, - 15.13mc, 19.83m - Heard closing at 8.30 pm (Miss Sanderson). (Thought I heard KGEI the other morning around 11 in parallel with KGEX (19.57 m.).— L.J.K. KGEX, - 7.25mc, 41.38m - Very good signal nightly (Miss Sanderson). (Since Miss Sanderson's report left Melbourne, I find KGEX has voices behind, especially in early part of transmission. I often hear, G for George, R for Robert, etc.— any one any ideas? — L.J.K.) KROJ, - 6.10mc, 49.15m - Strong signal at night ruined by hum (Cushen, Edel, Perkins, Miss Sanderson). Other than 'Frisco stations (Items with an asterisk (+*) are carried over from December issue) WLWL, C'nnati - 15.23mc, 19.67m - Signs at 5.45 am; re-opens at 6 am (Cushen). +*WNRX, New York - 14.55mc, 20.61m - At 12.30 am, "This is Columbia Broadcasting Station, New York." Then on in French, and at 12.45, Italian (Edel). +*WNRI, New York - 13.05mc, 22.98m - Good at 9 pm (Matthews). WLWL, C'nnati - 13.022.5mc, 23.03m - Heard at 6 am (Cushen). (Note: Call at 6.45 am is WLWL.— L.J.K.) WLWK, C'nnati - 11.71mc, 25.62m - Sched. 5.30-7 am (Cushen). +*WJQ, New York - 10.10mc, 29.97m - Heard at 6.30am (Young, Gillett, Cushen). (This Press Wireless Station situated in Hicksville, N.Y., was away back in 1942 one of the best signals on the air. They ceased operations about February, 1943. I sent them a report very early in the piece and for want of fuller particulars, not knowing at that time the owners, I simply addressed my letter to Short-Wave Radio Station, WJQ, New York City, N.Y. It was returned "Unknown." Such is fame.— L.J.K. WBOS, Boston - 9.89mc, 30.31m - Heard well at 5 am with prog, from AFRS (Cushen). This is the call in early morning with all English prog. Good at 6.30 am (Gillett). WNRA , New York - 9.855mc, 30.44m - Heard closing at 11 pm (Cushen). WLWR, C'nnati - 9.75mc, 30.77m - Heard from 1-6 am (Cushen, Gillett). WRUW, Boston - 9.70m.c, 30.93m - Very fair with special prog, at 11 pm (Cushen). +*WGEX, New York - 9.55mc, 31.41m - "X" appears to be the call on this frequency at 7 am — quite a good signal (Gaden). (Yes, 9.55 mc is reserved for "X" , schedule being 7-11 am; the call on 9.53 mc 31.48 m is "O" or "A" according to schedule.— L.J.K.) +*WLWR, Boston - 7.832mc, 38.30m - Good at 8.30 am (Matthews). +*WOOW, New York - 7.82mc, 38.36m - Good at 10.30 am (Matthews). WRUL, Boston - 7.805mc, 38.44m - Very good in special prog at 11 pm (Cushen). WNRI, New York - 7.56mc, 39.66m - This is call, now, at 7 am (Gillett). (Was previously WNRX.— L.J.K.). WGEO, New York - 7.25mc, 41.38m - One of the best Yanks at 5 pm (Cushen) WNRX, New York - 6.10mc, 49.10m - News at 7 am (Gillett).

U.S.S.R.

Moscow unless otherwise mentioned 15.33mc, 19.31m — see "New Stations". 12.26mc, 24.47m — Calls BBC at 10.30 pm (Cushen). 15.75mc, 19.05m — Seems to be the best for English programme, nightly from 9 o'clock; news at 9.40 — L.J.K. RW-15, Radio Frunze - 5.93mc, 50.54m - Heard well at 10 pm (Edel, Young). -, 8.94mc, 33.54m — Heard at 9 pm (Edel, Young). -, 9.48mc, 31.65m — Heard fairly well around 4.30 pm (Young).

Items with an asterisk (+*) are carried over from December issue.

Canada

+*CBFX, Montreal - 9.63mc, 31.15m - Good at 10 pm (Matthews, Young). (Delhi back on this frequency mars reception here.— L.J.K.) France Radio Paris - 15.355mc, 19.53m - See "New Stations". Radio Francais - 15.24mc, 19.69m - Have heard male and female announcers on the old Paris wave-length, at good strength (Gillett, Young). Radio Paris - 15.095mc, 19.87m - See "New Stations". Radio Paris - 9.56mc, 31.38m - Reported by Mr. Young and Dr. Gaden as heard around 3.30 pm. Mr. Edel found them signing off at 11.34 pm. (This is one of the wave lengths in p/l with 19.87 m.— L.J.K.) Radio Paris - 7.245mc, 41.44m - See "New Stations" Iraq +*Radio Baghdad - 7.095mc, 42.32m Good in English at 2.30 am (Matthews). Jerusalem +*British Mediterranean - 11.72mc, 25.60m - Has been heard with news in English at 10.45 pm. Very good signal (Gillett). +*British Mediterranean - 9.67mc, 31.03m - In p/l with 25.60 but not as strong (Gillett). (Same position here, Rex.— L.J.K.) Mexico XEWW, Mexico City - 9.50mc, 31.58m - Good at midnight (Edel).

Middle East JCJC, location unknown - 7.22mc, 41.55m - Received verification letter stating 7.84 mc withdrawn last June. Also mentioned location must remain secret (Cushen). WVLC, Leyte - 18.60mc, 16.14m - Good at 8.45 am (Gaden, Ferguson, Gillett). WVLC, Leyte - 17.74mc, 16.91m - Good at 9 am (Matthews). WVLC, Leyte - 14.85mc, 20.20m - Heard around 11.45 pm (Gaden, Ferguson). WVLC, Leyte - 7.795mc, 38.44m - Heard about 8.30 pm (Gillett). Good at 10 pm (Gaden, Matthews). Heard closing with RCA at 10.54 pm (Cushen, Pepin). +*WVLC, Leyte - 9.302mc, 32.25m - Is very strong at 11.15 pm with commentary for the U.S.A. (Gaden, Matthews, Gillett).

SWITZERLAND Berne HER- - 12.965mc, 23.14m - Very poor signal on Tues. and Sats. owing to morse.— L.J.K. HER- - 11.775mc, 25.48m - News in English daily except Sats. at 7.20 am; news in nat. lang. daily 7.30 and 8 am.— L.J.K. HEI-5 - 11.715mc, 25.61m - One of the best signals on the air from 6-7.30 pm on Tues. and Sats. Eng. Tues. nat. lang. Sats.— L.J.K. Heard at 2.10 am in French. Call "Ici la Suisse" (Gillett). HEO-4, - 10.338mc, 29.02m - News in nat. lang. daily at 5.45 am.— L.J.K. HEK-3 - 7.38mc, 40.65m - News in nat. lang. daily at 11.30 am. — L.J.K. HET-3, - 7.36mc, 40.78m - Good strength when closing at 1.50 am (Matthews). HEI-2 - 6.345mc, 47.28m - News in English daily at 7.20 am; nat. lang. 7.30 and 8 am.— L.J.K. Heard in afternoon at 2 o'clock (Young). HER-3 - 6.165mc, 48.66m - News in nat. lang. daily at 11.30 am— L.J.K. Good signal at 1.45 pm (Young). Sweden +*SBT, Stockholm - 15.15mc, 19.81m - Fair to good at 9 pm (Matthews) +*SBO, Stockholm - 11.705mc, 25.63m - Good at 1.30 am (Matthews). Heard at 5 am (Gillett). +*SBU, Stockholm - 9.535mc, 31.46m - Opens with bells on Sundays at 8 pm; signs off at M/N (Cushen). Syria +*FXE, Beirut - 8.035mc, 37.34m - Good signal on closing at 7.15 am with "Marseillaise" (Gillett). Good with news in English at 1 am (Matthews). Turkey +*TAP, Ankara - 9.465 me, 31.70m - Now using English on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.30 am. On Mondays put over a Post Bag Series when listeners' letters are acknowledged. I heard announcer say there were three transmitters at Ankara, viz., TAR, TAP and TAQ, but that an order had been placed for three more.— L.J.K. When listening to No. 9 of Post Bag Series on Xmas Day announcer said the success of the series was such that they were considering making it 30 minutes and in the daytime (our night time) using TAQ also.— L.J.K. Vatican City +*HVJ, - *17.445mc, 17.20m - Heard around 12.15 am (Young).

West Indies Cuba COCY, Havana - 11.737mc, 25.56m - Heard giving call in English at 6.30 am — Spanish language follows. Fair signal (Gillett). +*COCX, Havana - 9.27mc, 32.36m - Great signal at 8 am (Matthews). Haiti HH3W, Port-au-Prince - 10.13mc, 29.62m - "Congratulations on logging HH3W — heard same myself this week"— Wally Young). Thanks, Walter.— L.J.K. "Your old friend HH3W too noisy for me." (Gaden).

P.31 - Shortwave Review - New Stations

NEW STATIONS

PZX-5, Paramaribo, 15.395 mc, 19.48 m: Well, here is a sitting shot for those South American hunters to add Dutch Guiana to their log, and what is more at an hour that is somewhat unique for that part of the globe. PZX-5 is heard at quite good strength from around 8.30-9.23 pm . . . I say around advisedly, as the schedule varies, but they can be counted on to be "on the air" most nights at 9 o'clock and the Dutch National Anthem signifies their closing, which is anytime from 9.23 to 9.30. It was the playing of the anthem that attracted the attention of Roy Hallett. He rang me up mentioning the approximate wavelength and time that he had heard it and I called to mind a note from Wally Young that had arrived that morning advising me of Paramaribo. So we will credit Young-Hallett with first honours. Since then other ether-combers, Leo Edel, Dr. Gaden and Rex Gillett, have written in about it.

Radio Paris, 15.355 mc, 19.53 m: "Ici Paris Radio Diffusion Francais" is the call heard at 9 pm. A weak signal, plus very annoying morse spoilt what may be quite a good station reported by Mr. Edel. Cannot announce schedule as it has not been heard, if given, but some nights are still there at 1 or 1.30 am.

Radio Paris, 15.095 mc, 19.87 m: Here is a real "honey" of a signal, comparable with the 19 metre band BBC's at this hour, 10-11.30 pm. This item which has been re-written should have appeared in the December issue of "A.R.W." but with a good deal more "copy" was squeezed out owing to pressure on space. Rex Gillett wrote me the last week in November telling me he had heard a station at 10.45 pm on 19.87 metres announcing as "Ici Radio Diffusion Francais". All attempts this end failed to find it and apparently they jumped to 19.53 metres. But now they are back again on 19.87 metres with programme directed to French Indo-China; for this information I must thank Mr. Edel. After opening at 10 o'clock with "Marseillaise" a male and female announcer talk till 10.45 when bright cabaret type music continues till 11.15. Then the Annamite language is employed till close down at 11.30 by "Marseillaise". Signal right through is R9 Q5 and according to announcement are on additional wavelengths of 31.19, 31.38 and 31.58 m. I found them with a weak signal on 31.58 metres, say R5 Q3, but not a sound on the others, although a few weeks ago Paris was heard on 31.38 metres at that time.

Radio Paris, 7.245 mc, 41.44 m: Rex Gillett advises he heard Paris a few weeks ago at 5 am with male and female announcers, but when Delhi opens they are overpowered. This is an old Vichy frequency and will be well worth watching.

Moscow, 15.53 mc, 19.31 m: Another frequency for the U.S.S.R. whose transmitters are already legion. This one could very easily be passed over as the signal at 9.40 is very weak. Following the Soviet Anthem an English programme is heard.

XGOY, Chungking, 6.165 mc, 48.66 m: Another station with the fidgets of the old time South American frequency jumpers has been located here. Opens at 10 pm with news headlines followed by Chinese programme. News in English for 10-15 minutes is given at M/N. Mr. Edel and I found this one, one night when having a "session" at his home.

KCBA, 'Frisco, 11.14 mc, 26.92 m & KCBF, 'Frisco, 9.75 me, 30.77 m: These two are bracketed because they are twin-like in their habits. First heard at 1.30 am by Mr. Edel, who 'phoned me (with considerable thoughtfulness) after breakfast about his catch. I have since kept a watchful eye on them and so far can go on record with: Heard closing with very faint signal at 4 pm. Re-open at 4.30 and stay in parallel with KWV, KRCA and KWID (9.57 mc) until 5.45 pm, when KWID drops them. At 7 o'clock KCBA and KCBF close, returning at 7.30 with KWV when they pick up KRCA and talk in Japanese for the rest of the evening. After midnight musical programme is heard till 1 or 1.30 am (I think KWV drops them at 9 o'clock and closes). According to their frequent announcements are operated by Columbia Broadcasting System. Signal is quite o.k. in late afternoon but at night morse is a little troublesome. KCBF seems the stronger at all times.

KNBA, 'Frisco, 15.15 me, 19.81 m. & KNBC, 'Frisco, 13.05 me, 22.98 m.: Running over the bands during the holidays I came across these two new outlets of the National Broadcasting Corporation, heard in parallel with KGEX, 15.33 mc, 19.57 m, 7 am-3 pm. Signal from 11 am on KNBA is good, but KNBC is only fair.— L.J.K.

ZNK, Aden, 6.75 mc, 44.38 m: Mr. Edel during an all night sitting came across this new one. Programme in Arabic, but at 2 and 3 am announce in English that they are transmitting on 24.76 and 44.38 metres.— Nice catch, Leo.— L.J.K.

KRHO, Honolulu, 6.12 mc, 49.02 m: This Hawaiian who made his debut first week in January comes in at terrific strength from 6 p.m. till closing at 2 am. Programme is "For the enlightenment and entertainment of the peoples in Japan, China, Formosa, Manchuria and Korea. This programme can also be heard on 1,000 kilocycles in the medium wave band." (Programme is mostly in Eastern language, but there are frequent announcements in English. An harmonic of this very strong station will be heard on 12.24 mc.— L.J.K.

KRHO, Honolulu, 17.80 mc, 16.85 m: Just after ringing Ted Whiting to tell him of KRHO on 6.12 mc, he rang me to say he heard them on 17.80 mc. I found them there on Sunday, 7th inst., from 11.30 till closing at noon. Announcer said, "This has been a special broadcast by KRHO, A Voice of America broadcasting from Honolulu, Hawaii, transmitting on 17.8 mc in the 16 metre band. Our programme is heard in regular transmission from 5 pm till 1 am, Japan time, 0800-1600 G.M.T. on 6.12 mc in the 49 metre band." To-day, 8th inst., I could not find them on 16 metre band, but signal yesterday was R8 Q4.— L.J.K.

CHANGE OF FREQUENCY

KRCA, 'Frisco, has moved from 9.49 mc to 6.19 mc, 48.47 metres. Opens at 6.30 pm in parallel with KES-2, 8.93 mc. 33.58 metres, and is heard much more clearly than when on 9.49 mec KRCA is also heard on 15.13 mc, 19.83 m, opening at 9 am.— L.J.K.

P.32 - Shortwave Review - Notes From My Diary

Shortwave Review

CONDUCTED BY L. J. KEAST NOTES FROM MY DIARY

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION I am introducing a new column in this issue under the title "SAYS WHO?" and would like to know from members if it appeals. It will afford members an opportunity of expression and become a sort of debating column until such time as doubtful stations are definitely tabbed. I find members often hear stations that they hesitate to put under any particular country, and this is understandable with the great number of relays that are taking place. For instance RNB, Leopoldville, is often heard in AFRS programmes — remember the confusion when they were heard some months ago relaying the BBC at 2.30 p.m. Well it is to ventilate this type of query as well as to provide an opportunity for listeners to say their piece in addition to the short, sharp, snappy loggings they send in which will still go in the classified column.

UMBRIAGO I was delighted to hear through KROJ, 17.76 mc, on December 16, that an American destroyer had picked up the entire crew of the Super-Fortress that did not return to Saipan from the Nagoya Mission. But I had to smile when we were told the giant bomber was named Umbriago. Listeners to the Armed Forces Radio Service will remember Umbriago is the imaginary pal of Jimmy Snozzle Durante in the series "Comedy Caravan."

ERRATA Under the paragraph The Ever Bending Beam, KROJ was shown as 9.89 m.c., 30.31 metres. This should read: 6.10 m.c., 49.15 m., 6-11 p.m. South Pacific.

RADIO QUIZ Seems to be some doubt as to what is the correct frequency for the new Columbia Broadcasting System stations KCBA and KCBF. On one thing we all agree, that is, the frequencies are 9.75 m.c. and 11.14 m.c. But who belongs to which? I listened again to-day, 8th inst., and am hoping Mr. Printer will be able to squeeze this in. I tuned to 9.75 m.c. and at 4.30 p.m. heard announcement: "This is The Voice of America, stations KCBA and KCBF operated by Columbia Broadcasting System, transmitting on 9.75 m.c. and 11.14 m.c., in the 30 and 26 metre band, as authorised by the F.C.C." Well, it looks as though the position is the reverse of the paragraph elsewhere in this issue. Both stations go into parallel with KWV till closing at 7 p.m. Re-open at 7.30 p.m. with same announcement at at 4.30. Both close at 2 a.m.

CHANGES ON THE AIR Effective 1700 G.M.T. or 10 a.m., 10th January P.W.T. (that is 3 a.m. Thursday, 11th Jan., Sydney). The Voice of America will be heard over the following frequencies: Directed to The Philippines.— 7.25, 15.21, 6.12, 7.46 and 13.05 m.c. Directed to China.— 9.57, 7.23, 15.29, 6.06, 17.80 and 11.14 m.c. Directed to Japan.— 9.55, 9.57, 9.70, 13.05, 11.14 and 6.12 m.c. Directed to Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Indo-China and S.W. Pacific.— 7.23, 13.05 and 9.70 m.c. In most cases News in English will be heard ON the HOUR, every hour.

WHAT! NO SUGAR? As from last October, Home Town News heard over the ’Frisco stations has been known as "Sugar Report." The title was evidently determined by the fact that a sweet young thing, introduced as "Your Sugar" gave the names of musical items that punctuated the news supplied by the Armed Forces Radio Service, read by an army officer. Well, whether it is a New Year resolution or what have you, I do not know, but Sugar has gone and the old monnicker is being used again. I will certainly not subscribe to the idea that Sugar has run out, notwithstanding the fact that we were presented with a new Sugar each week. By the way, there is a possibility that Domestic News from the States may from January 10th be increased to 30 minutes and be read at dictation speed. With the happy knack the Yanks have of finding unusual items of news, I am sure this would be welcomed.

SAYS WHO? . . . Noumea very kindly sent me a verie. I believe lots of the lads in the past have reported them without result. Verie was a letter."— Dr. Gaden. (Yes, Dr. Gaden, a lot of the lads, including yours truly, have written without receiving an acknowledgement. Several of the letters, like mine, had Reply-Coupons enclosed. I think Roy Hallett received a photo of the lassie who used to announce from FK8AA.— L.J.K.

"Service Digest" is now heard on WEDNESDAYS at 11.15 a.m. over KROJ 17.76 m.c., 16.89 m.— L.J.K.

The opening march used by CFRX, Toronto, 6.07 m.c., 49.42 m. is "Bond of Freedom" according to a reply received by Dr. Gaden in answer to his enquiry.

Recent verifications received were from XEQQ, TGWA and CR7BE. The card from XEQQ, Mexico City, was an attractive postcard depicting a native Mexican in colour. TGWA’s card was the usual one showing the country's national bird, the Quetzal, and they also sent a 72 page booklet about Guatemala. CR7BE, Lourenco Marques, sent their usual card verifying my report of last April. (Gillett).

I was very pleased to receive a report from W. H. Pepin, of Perth, logged during his brief leave from the military. I was very pleased to receive a letter from Private W. H. Pepin, of Maylands, W .A., who during his brief leave found time to "run over the dial." Mr. Pepin before joining the Army was a regular contributor to these pages. He says, "Well, I hope some day in the near future conditions will be back to normal." I am sure we all subscribe to that thought.— L.J.K.

Sent out over 700 messages picked up here from our men interned in enemy country and heard over Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, etc., this year.— Cushen, Invercargill, N.Z.

WCBN, N.Y., 16.83 m.; WGEO, N.Y., 19.57 m ; WCBX, N.Y., 19.61 m. and WRUS, Boston, 19.83 m. all good at 10 p.m. (Matthews).

Lindsay Walker, of Perth, who writes the broadcast band notes for the W.A. Short Wave League has been selected for a Commonwealth Engineering Cadetship and will be in Melbourne for 14 months, to do field work. He will return to Perth in February, 1946, to complete his University course in Engineering.— "The Broadcaster." (Congratulations! Lindsay did not confine his Radio dialing to the broadcast band and often sent in a long and informative report to these pages.— L.J.K.)

Mr. Rex Gillett reports hearing Egypt on 7.22 m.c., 41.55 m., from 12.30-6 a.m. Dr. Gaden says he heard WLWR on 18.16 m.c., 16.52 m. at good strength in a.m. He does not mention exact time but it must be before 7, as at that time I can hear "nuttings".— L.J.K.

A new Indian has been heard on 15.22 m.c. at 1.30 p.m.— Cushen.

A good opportunity to try the selectivity of your set is to tune to GWR, 15.30 m.c., 19.61 m. (schedule is 8-9.15 p.m.) say about 9 p.m. Stay tuned and watch them quietly withdraw at 9.15. A whisper away you will find GSP on 15.31 m.c., 19.60 m., has commenced business and will continue till 10 p.m.— L.J.K.

Wally Young writes: "Have heard a muffled voice on approximately 24.52 metres at night." I am wondering if he has been listening to the elusive TFJ, Reykjavik. Only thing against this is they were, when heard a couple of years ago, only audible in the afternoon and then for a brief 15 minutes.

Probably the first of the BBC transmitters to show up near midday is GSD, 25.53 metres, who in the last quarter hour of their 7.15 a.m.-12.15 p.m. transmission to South America can be heard at quite good strength.— L.J.K.

Radio Maroc was recently logged on a few occasions on approximately 36.65 metres at 6 a.m. French language and a classical concert were presented.— Gillett.

Saipan heard with a call that sounded like NPLA or NBL-8 on 7.35 m.c., 40.82 m., after the first recent Tokyo raid.— Cushen.

Heard BBC in French until 7 а.m., then German using "V for Victory" (. . . — ) interval signal and announcement, "Hier ist Englant" repeated three times. Approx. б.04 m.c., 49.67 m.— Gillett. (If anyone hears or knows of call-sign, please oblige.— L.J.K.)

Mr. Cushen writes: "ABSIE, Office of War Information, American Embassy, London, verified with a long letter from Margaret Gill, Transmitter Intelligence. They stated schedule is now 3.30-11 a.m., and that they use many BBC transmitters, in fact, all broadcasts are on BBC trans.: GRB, GSL, GWH, GRR, GRT, GWJ, GWO, GWC, GWF, GWA, GWI, GWM, GWL, GSA, GRS, and GSW."

ABSIE has taken into use 49.59 metres, and is at good strength at 7 a.m., the same programme being carried on 49.92 metres.— Gillett. (GSA and GRB— see above.)

XGOY heard on an announced frequency of 6.165 m.c., 48.66 m.— Gillett. (See "New Stations")

Re these new CBS stations. Have you noticed the way the 7.30 p.m. announcement goes? KCBA and KCBF, then the frequencies 9.75 and 11.14 m.c. in the 30 and 26 metre bands. Makes it look as if A is on 9.75 and F on 11.14.—Gaden (Yes, see "Notes From My Diary" under Radio Quiz.)

Received verification card promised by JCJC. Well worth, having. It is cream coloured and has a lot of detail. Operated by Forces Broadcasting Unit, Middle East Headquarters, Cairo. They also operate JCPA , 1391 k.c., JCFA, 795 k.c., JCLA, 1019 k.c. and JFPA, 950 k.c.— Cushen.

Leopoldville on 19.78 metres is generally poor at opening but improves, closing nicely at 11 p.m. I find no interference whilst he is on but after his Anthem finishes, Spanish can be heard. Suspect TGWA.— Gaden.

A good signal at 6.15 p.m. is GRN, 6.195 mc, 48.43 in., when playing Allied Expeditionary Forces programmes. Schedule is 6-8.30 p.m. and 1.30-4 a.m. AEF programmes are heard on GRJ, 7.32 m.c., 40.98 m. from 8.45 p.m.-1.15 а.m.

Seein's believin' says the guy from Missouri, but what about hearin'? KWV on 10.84 m.c., 27.68 m. even as late as 7.15 p.m. on January 8th, when closing said, "Our programme continues on KRCA on a frequency of 9.49 m.c." Maybe the engineers and the programme clerks are not too chummy; KRCA has been on б.19 m.c. for last week at that hour. —L.J.K .

Heard a new B.B.C. frequency at 9.30 p.m. in General Forces Programme, 9.90 m.c.— Ted Whiting. (Yes, is heard as early as 8.05 p.m., giving programme details followed by Daily Service. Very nice signal.)