Broadcasting (Oct 1931-Dec 1932)

What Effect Repeal on Radio? A MODERN TRANSMITTER IS NO GUARANTEE OF A DISTORTION-FREE SIGNAL B Even well designed modern transmitters are capable of serious modulation distortion if some simple maladjustment— wrong value of grid bias, for instance — occurs. Modulation distortion becomes a particularly flagrant difficulty as the percentage of modulation is pushed closer and closer toward 100fT. Asymmetry of the carrier modulation (i.e. unequal percentage modulation on positive and negative peaks) is only one of these troubles. 9 Protection against modulation troubles is best secured through a daily routine check on the transmitter with a General Radio modulation meter. This instrument not only measures percentage modulation on both positive and negative peaks, but it can show shifts of the average amplitude of the carrier during modulation and non-linearity of the modulation system. It operates from power picked up in the antenna circuit and its indications are, therefore, independent of conditions within the transmitter. ■ A useful auxiliary, the distortion-factor meter, makes it possible to measure the amount of distortion occurring in the entire transmitter from speech circuit to antenna. Write for more data on our method of checking transmitter distortion. OTHER INSTRUMENTS By General Radio Frequency Monitor Volume Indicator Volume Controls Audio Transformers Distortion Meter Piezo-Electric Quartz Crystals INSTRUMENTS OF PRECISIO CAMBRIDGE A, MASSACHUSETTS (Continued stations have been reluctant to declare their position as to whether they plan to carry commercial programs setting forth the merits of the several brews and wines. It is known, however, that certain independent stations, including WOR, are studying the problems involved. Fine Programs Promised BREWERS have been frank to say that they intend to use radio broadcasting as a supplement to their newspaper advertising. They declare that their programs will have a standard of excellence that will be revolutionary in radio. They point out that while many other "dying" industries have attempted such programs to "revive the corpse," the pulmotor stopped when financial backing was withdrawn. "Money makes the mare go," they argue, and money will make the new radio programs. All the figures presented by dry economists to prove that the return of light wines and beer would have little effect in restoring business would have to furnish more than these figures to convince habitues of the "monuments of Mirth" of other days — Churchill's, Rector's, Martin's, Mouquins, Jack's, Palais Royal, Rustanoby's, the Knickerbockers, the Hoffman House, Reisenweber's, Gavanaugh's, Guffanti's and a host of other places. It is roughly estimated that 12,000 entertainers, like those cast in the divertissements and extravaganzas of those days, are walking the streets or haunting the audition from page 7) rooms of the great stations. Great maitres des hotels, their talented chefs and staffs, with the exception of Oscar of the Waldorf, dropped into oblivion, also, it is pointed out, for the reason that the profits from their bars faded with the adoption of the Volstead act. Theatres found the going hard for the same reason, they argue. There is no question that every famous rendezvous, or at least its modern counterpart will spring into existence with the repeal of Volsteadism and they will want to get on the air. And the concensus of opinion in broadcasting circles is that they will get on the air; that the breweries will broadcast, and the distilleries as well, if the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment is accomplished. Everyone agrees that it will revive the theatre and all other forms of entertainment that have suffered so acutely under the dry acts. ON RECOMMENDATION of its legal division, the Radio Commission Sept. 8 remanded to the examiner for further hearing, the case involving stations WIL and KFWF of St. Louis. Examiner Pratt has recommended that KFWF be deleted, finding that the St. Louis Truth Center, licensee, was guilty of allegedly fraudulent operations, and that WIL be given full time on 1200 kc, which it shares with KFWF. Additional testimony having to do with the charges against KFWF will be sought, it is understood. N.A.B. CONVENTION IN ST. LOUIS Next November Headquarters THE HOTEL CHASE SAINT LOUIS Convenient to all things of principal interest — Its location at Lindell and Kingshighway Boulevards, opposite Forest Park, appeals to visitors — Delightful surroundings. HOME OF RADIO STATION KWK The only Hotel in St. Louis with nationwide radio affiliation. Location, rooms, food, service, facilities, "atmosphere" and a sincere desire to serve you well at sensible prices is our promise. Rates for one, $3 to $5 per day Rates for two, $5 to $7 per day THE HOTEL CHASE ST. LOUIS, MO. J. A. HADLEY, Manager Page 24 BROADCASTING • September 15, 1932