Radio Broadcast (May 1929-Apr 1930)

Record Details:

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Harry Alter, president, Harry Alter Company, Majestic distributors in Chicago. Knowing Your Line Facilitates Selling JUDGING THE MERITS OF A NEW SET By HARRY ALTER President, Harry Alter Company, Chicago, HI. As Told to Edgar H. Felix pE process of testing a radio receiver by a dealer or jobber, when the first sample of a newmodel is delivered, almost invariably consists | of hastily plugging in the candidate for sales f records at the nearest light socket, connecting I up any antenna that happens to be at hand, and then listening to a number of local programs in tense admiration. A few, more particular, may indulge in a slightly more exhaustive test, installing the receiver in their homes so that they may enjoy a little aimless dial twiddling. These hap-hazard processes are indeed a compliment to the confidence which the dealer has in the reputation of a manufacturer but such casual observation of performance is hardly an illuminating test. I do not advocate any exhaustive engineering examination because, in most instances, it is neither practicable nor necessary. But, if a dealer is to qualify himself to appreciate fully the merits of a new fine, a systematic and comprehensive testing procedure, faithfully carried out, may be of inestimable value. Only by actual experience and intimate knowledge of the performance capabilities of a receiver is it possible to present the advantages of ownership to the prospective purchaser in a clear, concise, forceful, and convincing manner. The testing procedure suggested is based upon the combined experience of a number of technical advisors of the largest jobbing organizations in the industry. The tests are qualitative rather than quantitative and require facilities which are almost invariably available. A prime consideration in securing a reliable judgment is that a comparison with known performance be made under standard conditions. Receivers are, therefore, usually tested in the home of a technically qualified employee or executive rather than in the place of business of the dealer or jobber. It is essential that standard conditions, to which the expert is accustomed, be maintained. Usually a standard receiver is permanently installed at the testing location and this, when comparisons are made, should be equipped with new tubes in the same manner as the new receiver to be tested. The most satisfactory results are obtained if a quick change mechanism is available for rapidly switching from the known receiver to the new. This requires not only switching antenna and ground, but preferably the reproducer element as well. Both receivers should be completely wired up through the switching system so that antenna, ground, and reproducer may be instantly changed from one receiver to the other. With alternating-current tubes, filaments on both receivers should remain switched in constantly so that instant comparison is possible. Three series of tests are suggested: first, tone quality; second, selectivity; and third, sensitivity. These are the three fundamental factors of performance which are readily compared. These tests should first be made through a common reproducer system and, if the receivers are equipped with their own reproducers, the tests should then be repeated with each receiver utilizing its own loud speaking device. The usual process in fidelity tests is to tune-in to a program which involves the lower notes. If considerable volume is obtained with such program material, the reproduction is generally classed as satisfactory. This is, however, only a partial test because receivers are frequently designed which • JUNE 1929 • • 81