Radio Digest (Oct 1923-July 1924)

October 13, 1923 IONIZATION WRl/no; SUN CROWDS RADIO REACH LONGER DISTANCES DURING DARKNESS Scientists Make Interesting Observation on Radio during Solar Eclipse LOS ANGELES. — Interesting data concerning Radio reception during the recent total eclipse of the sun were obtained at astronomical observation stations in Southern California. Virtually all the observers were equipped with Radio sets for the purpose of receiving the valuable data broadcast from Station KHJ, Los Angeles Times here, tor their bonefit, and hence were able to note the effect which the darkness during the eclipse had upon Radio transmission and reception. Charles Cole and A. J. Champreux, engineers of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, who were with Prof. A. O. Leuschner at Avalon, reported increased audibility during the period of totality. A. G. Gerfin and Raleigh Wiston, Radio men with the Lowell Observatory party in Mexico, reported an increase In the signal intensity from KHJ during the eclipse. The most interesting report is that rendered by Frank Creswell and Allen Case, who were stationed at a point fiftyeight miles south of Tijuana. An audibility meter was used to obtain accurate data on the variation in signal strength and the amount of static present was also noted for each reading. Audibility Figures The normal daylight audibility of KHJ, as measured during the 9 o'clock (Pacific time) transmission, was 32 and very strong static was present. From 12:15 p. m., throughout the partial phases of the eclipse, the audibility rapidly Increased, reaching 490 at 12:58 p. m. This rapier increase in Signal strength was accompanied by an equally rapid decrease in the static strength. At 12:59 p. m., as the shadow of the moon passed over the receiving station in the total phase of the eclipse, an audibility of 780 was recorded. At this time static was nil. Three minutes later audibility rapidly fell off to 310, and continued to drop until finally the normal value was again reached. From these reports it would appear that the results obtained during the darkness of the eclipse approximated the normal night reception. During the few minutes that the strong light waves from the sun were not present, the Radio waves traveled as freely and retained their energy as well as during normal night conditions. Effect of Light These facts -shed some light upon the theoretical consideration of the great variation between day and night transmission. This variation or difference is very pronounced. In the case of KHJ, for example, the normal daylight range with the present types of receivers is perhaps 250 miles; whereas during the dark hours the station is heard at distances over 2,500 miles. There are several theories advanced to account for this great hindrance which Radio vibrations encounter during daylight. The important point established by the tests is that the audibility of received sigi nals increased with the same great rapidity as the reduction of light intensity. The fact that the audibility jumped up as darkness swooped down, only to fall away again a few moments later as the first brilliant rays of light returned, renders untenable any theory which requires a gradual change in the atmosphere, such as the ionization theory. Broadcast Luncheon Speeches CHICAGO. — The Wednesday luncheon speeches of the Chicago Association of Commerce will be broadcast each week from Station WMAQ here. Speeches at several of the luncheons already have been sent out and have met with such popularity among fans that it was decided to make the Wednesday noon broadcasts a regular WMAQ feature. RADIO DIGEST — Illustrated KIN OF WASHINGTON REVIVES WAR SONG FT. WORTH, TEXAS.— A song without (printed) words, sounded in all of the great battles of the Civil War — "Thfi Cottage by the Sea" — featured a recent program here of Station WBAP as part of the campaign for $50,000 for a monument to women of the South. The song was sung by Captain Norborn E. Sutton, lineal descendant of George Washington. FOOTSTEPS OF LITTLE FLY HEARD AT WCAE PTTTSRT'Rnn, PA. — The footsteps of a fly, the whistle of a distant traffic policeman, the beats of a human heart, the fall of a pin fifteen feet away, all these were sounded distinctly, it was reported, during a recent test of a new device — the supersensitive Western Electric microphone — in the operating room of Station WCAE. The tests were said to have marked one of Radio's greatest advances. TAKES AIRPHONE "DAILY DOZEN" Agnes Ayres, charming screen star, is a convert to the habit of taking her "daily dozen" via the ether route. Many stations are now including setting-up exercises as a part of their regular early morning programs, and Miss Ayres believes in keeping fit to the commands of the athletic directors before the various microphones WOR Fans Spend a Night with "Jolly Roger" Pirates NEWARK, N: J. — The romantic comedy "The Jolly Roger," was the principal feature of a recent program broadcast by Station WOR of this city. The story as its title indicates is based on the life of pirates. The play -was written by A. E. Thomas. Pedro de Cordoba and Carroll McComas assumed the principal roles. The former was one of the stars of "When Knighthood Was in Flower." The latter played "Maria" in "The School for Scandal." , . Britons Dance at Sea by Radio BRIGHTON, ENGLAND. — Dances are being held in steamers off shore, the music being supplied by London and Manchester broadcasters. NAVY WRECi^ AIR COMPASS to ^ SECRETARY DENBY ORDE* STUDY OF USE Point Arguello Groundings Make N gators Realize True Value of Ether Bearings By Carl H. Batman WASHINGTON.— Public attenti" recently directed forcibly to the Kadio as an aid to navigation, whe< destroyers cruising in a thick fog ; the rocks off Point Arguello, Can squadron commander did not ace correct the Radio compass bearin;' him from a naval compass Ht;r— shore. The Radio compass service is fa* new and some skippers have not hereto^; placed enough confidence in the bearg furnished them. To be sure, the bear*ii are not always exact, varying some t degrees and being subject to local coni tions, but after the Point Arguello d aster, when twenty-three lives were lc and over $9,000,000 worth of Naval propc ty destroyed, much more confidence w undoubtedly be placed in Radio bearing Denby Orders Study Made Naval commanders and navigators w certainly proceed with more caution in t future when the bearings furnished Radio stations do not agree with their o* reckonings. They will undoubtedly ask f further bearings, especially when a sin^ station only is available. Secretary the Navy Denby has ordered a spet study made of Radio compass bearings. «\ There are two methods of securing Rad bearings. The system followed at t fifty-two naval Radio compass statto. is for ships to call the station asking t their bearings, which are then given relation to the station. Usually two three stations are called and the li« representing their directions from % vessel are plotted on a chart. The p; of intersection indicates the position of; ship, subject to certain corrections. The other method, used in the Americ Lighthouse service and by many mercha vessels, requires that a Radio compass possessed by each ship, the skipper as" taining his own bearing from the statf. called and plotting His own position. 1 shore stations simply emit a Radio wa for him to observe and to measure direction with his Radio compass. SHOW LISTS PRIZES FOR AMATEUR SET Chicago Exposition Managenw Offers Rewards to School Pupils, Too ds CHICAGO. — Competition for prizes 1 the best receiving set built by any am teur and for the most unique set built any school pupil in Cook county will ». features of the second annual ChicagRadio show which opens November 20 5 the Coliseum here. The conditions fthe contests were announced recently iManager James F. Kerr. For the best home-made receiving set 1 prize of $100 will be awarded by a con\ niittee of judges who are noted Radio e-y gineers. There will be a second ftsie of $75 and a third prize of $50. Any h-ing up may be used. :tio In the contest for students in the pu and parochial schools of Cook Countiot first prize of $50 will be awarded for rts most unique set, using either crystal-he single tube hook-up. There will be a sts ond prize of $35 and a third of $25. *o. All of the sets must be brought to id. Coliseum for exhibition if so ordered 'k. the management. Details of the conte-10 may be obtained from the office of trs. Radio show at 127 North Dearborn Streer Chicago. THE ANTENNA BROTHERS Spir L. and Lew P. Disadvantages of Portable Sets o .he the of immnmuw. PAPER. RVi-r*. A\-\ f\BOUT THU RAO IO ROBBERV I PAPE-R^-v \WWSTHAT OF AD, NO I IWONQEjg: C35S*J' I POOR F\SH ■T-^53 \ THM1 MY >r ^C