NBC Transmitter (Jan-Dec 1939)

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10 NBC TRANSMITTER TELE FLIGHT SUCCESSFUL (Continued from page 1) the radio transmitter and ignition apparatus for the two ship’s motors. Ralph Holmes, RCA engineer, and W. A. R. Brown. NBC engineer, explained that 200 miles from the transmitter the signal intensity was low, and no matter how slight the interference, it had serious effects on the image quality. However, as the ship approached New York City on the return trip the signal became strong. Motion picture transmissions and the landing of the plane itself came out in sharp focus. '['lie experiment bore out the theory that television’s ultra-short waves travel in a comparatively straight line. In order to receive the New York broadcast over Washington, I). C., it was necessary to take the big, United Air Lines ship above the sixteen thousand foot level. (At that height, the Air Line’s representatives supplied each of I he group with tidies, through which i nough oxygen could be breathed in to offset the effects of the high altitude.) Television engineers had previously established that the ultra-short wave’s utility was limited roughly to an area within the visual horizon. The receiver used in the experiment was, as mentioned before, a standard model. The adjustment against the propellers was necessary, since, according to the engineers, they acted as reflectors which caused extremely rapid variations in the intensity of the received signal. The antenna used was a simple dipole type, consisting of two wires strung under the fuselage of the ship. The connection to the receiver was made through the fuselage. If anyone is interested in picking up a 1934 sedan for $125, call Magnus Opsal, Extension 804, for details. by Jim Luntzel We have it from technicians in charge that the new KDKA transmitting plant will be ready for operation around November 1, so by the time you read this it should be in full swing. The new location is eighteen miles nearer Pittsburgh than the old site at Saxonville, Pa., and of course will greatly increase the station’s power and volume. The last word in modern equipment has been installed, and at this writing, wiring and connections are being readied for tests which will take place about October 16. The 71 8 foot antenna is already more than half way up and is daily climbing higher. When it is actually completed you will be able to see it . from downtown Pittsburgh office buildings. :.■» Russell Pratt, KDKA’s “Doctor Sunshine,” has taken over dutie> H | of morning pro g§ J gram ■ dint in n visor, but is also Russell Pratt continuing .his present assignments as a microphone entertainer. Russ has wide background as an artist and his new job should give him opportunity to make use of his inate showmanship from every standpoint. News of his recognition at KDKA will be happil) learned throughout the entire radio world, where he numbers his friends in legions. Editor’s note: Our new Pittsburgh correspondent has assumed a very modest altitude in neglecting to include Time — Sept. 16. Place — South Park. Excuse— the KDKA picnic. Event — the big blow. any information about himself. Since he is new to the Company as well as to this column, we take this opportunity to congratulate him on his recently assumed position and to welcome him to NBC. KDKA News Notes Mrs. Sherman D. Gregory, wife of KDKA’s station manager, is looking forward to the dedication of the new antenna — claims she’s a “transmitter widow’’ these days — and nights. . . . Bill Jackson, Lynn Morrow, and Byron McGill, of Sales and Promotion Dept., are hopeless Gilbert & Sullivan addicts — they’ve got Page Lloyd Chapman doing “Three Little Maids — etc., etc.” . . . June Marshall, comely switchboard operator, being showered by Ann Kendlehart while there’s a blush in the voice of her singing cowboy, Roy Starkey. . . . George Meyer, studio engineer, returned from vacation in country, 50 miles south of Canton, Ohio — brought back 50 lbs. fragrant Swiss cheese. Byron McGill was one of those receiving a gift package of the Ohio delicacy. . . . McGill, suffering from a cold, had cheese eaten before he recovered and even now doesn’t know how it tasted. . . . Ed Calahan of Artists Service taking bows for coordinating 140 television shows in KDKA demonstration at Allegheny County Free Fair. ... Ed Schaughency, popular announcer, showing off to his Musical Clock fans who came from miles around. Working under television lights, Schaughency lost five pounds during week — went on vacation — gained ten. He’s thinking of starting an “I’m fat and I don't care who knows it ’ club. . . . Slim and Roy, Doc Pratt, and others of early morning shift, started their own coffee club in KDKA’s Home (Continued on page 15)