Radio Broadcast (May 1923-Oct 1923)

220 Radio Broadcast rejected the idea of radio in a separate case. I then tried packing the essentials of a hook-up in the suit case, but they would not stay put, and the result was a mess, involving poor radio, because of loosened joints and fittings. Finally I decided to get a larger hand bag to substitute for the small one carrying toilet articles. 1 selected one with a fairly wide bottom and ample jaws. On a board or base a little smaller than the bottom of the bag 1 fastened a vario-coupler, a WD-i i tube socket, a small rheostat, a combination grid-condenser and variable grid leak, and four small binding posts. These I screwed down securely wired with the shortest possible leads. All connections were well soldered. To the most convenient negative A battery lead, 1 soldered short, flexible insulated wire terminating in a strong battery clip and added the same equipment for the positive A battery lead and the positive B battery lead. (In my hook-up, as will be seen,1 the negative B battery lead connects with the negative of the A battery, and consequently this is not a part of the fixtures on the board.) 1 also soldered a short, flexible wire terminating in a battery clip to the plate lead. This is for connecting the phones. The outfit thus assembled goes to the bottom of the traveling bag. It is not much of a nuisance there as it is all firmly put together. The vario-coupler is a commercial unit already equipped with dial, switch lever and points, fixed on a little panel of its own. Into the bag, in convenient corners, I also tuck a roll of about fifty feet of No. 18 stranded flexible insulated wire, a small 22^-volt B battery, another roll of about ten feet of the same wire with battery clips on both ends, a short wire similarly provided, a pair of head phones, and (in case it is best to use it for an aerial connection)a radio plug for an electric light socket, with about fifteen feet of flexible insulated wire attached, terminating in a battery clip. I carry also two WD-ii tubes, one for use and one reserve against a possible blow out. I have as yet no satisfactory place to carry the tubes and they go in the suit case cushioned by the wearing apparel. But this is a poor makeshift. Some sort of a small box, padded and partitioned, \J. T. N.'s hook-up is practically the same as the "Parker" circuit. [ his is shown in Fig. i, page 230, of this issue. would be the thing, but I have never happened on one so far. There is nothing peculiar about the hook-up 1 use and doubtless it could be improved somewhat so as to give even better results. However, I would reject any modification which called for more parts, as I now carry quite enough miscellany in that bag. (My wife occasionally inspects it with expressions of horror.) One who lives much in hotels learns to adapt himself to circumstances. To have radio in a hotel it is necessary to call upon this acquired aptitude. If I arrive in daylight (and as well as 1 can anyway) I inspect the environment before registering. To the room clerk I probably appear rather a fussy old gentleman, possibly slipping into a paranoic state with fixed ideas, obscessions, violent likes and dislikes. Or he may be "on." These hotel clerks know a lot they say nothing about. 1 show marked preference for rooms at the top. 1 likethem at the front, or at the rear, or at the side, as the case may be, and in each case I am very definite about it. (It depends on where I saw the telephone and telegraph wires, the trolley lines and the near by or connecting buildings). 1 am apt to inquire casually about the construction of the building. Old hotels are best. They may burn you up, but in the meantime the radio will be better. No metal construction, of course, is the reason. Also 1 have a weather eye out for the hotel detective. I do not intend to violate any rules, but if he subsequently thinks my wire (if I use it) is intended to facilitate an escape without paying my bill, I want to explain before he insults me. Having done as wek as I can in the location of my room, 1 inspect its interior. A glance takes in windows, ledges, available ground. Radiators are usually all right for that; maybe bathroom connections are better, but I seldom use them as they are inconveniently placed. Recently in an overcrowded hotel where 1 had to grab anything 1 could get, the room had no bath and no radiator. It was in the South. I used the electric light wires there for the aerial and was puzzled what to do for ground. Finally I fastened the ground wire to the bed springs. It worked beautifully. I'd heard of bed springs for aerials but not for ground. (It