Radio Broadcast (May 1929-Apr 1930)

The Trade-in Problem The desirability of establishing a workable trade-in mechanism has long been appreciated by leaders of the radio industry. If such a system were developed it would be beneficial to the buyers and sellers of used sets, to radio dealers, and to manufacturers. A study of existing conditions, however, shows that there are many delicate problems which must be solved before the desired result may be obtained. In this connection, Curliss Abbott, sales manager, Radio Division, National Carbon Company, makes a number of pertinent remarks: To the Editor: Realization of the fact that trade-in value exists in his old set is a decided incentive for the owner to purchase a new and modern receiver. Therefore, a standardized trade-in policy would be of decided benefit to the industry. To this end the most obvious course is to establish a set of valuations for the more recent models of radio receivers. The value of an old receiver is determined by three major factors: (a) its value in service to the buyer; (b) The degree of technical development involved in its design as compared with current models; and (c) the law of supply and demand. In establishing trade-in values it is especially important that they be made as fair as possible. If used sets are priced too low it is a reflection on the products of past years and does not encourage trade-ins; excessive valuations are the same as reducing the prices of new receivers. Giving the trade-in valuation of a receiver on the basis described above may often prove embarrassing to a dealer when faced with a customer to whom he sold the set originally three or four years back. In such cases it must be explained that half of the original investment was represented in the cost of accessories and supplies which are no longer of value, and then the dealer must point out how the improved appearance, selectivity, sensitivity, tone range, and operation of new sets affects the price of old sets. In addition, the improved convenience of new sets, namely, a.c. operation, has placed a very marked handicap on the value of old sets. From the viewpoint of the dealer, the used set business is dangerous unless it is handled expertly. Giving substantially large allowances provided only a false stimulation of business and in extreme cases result in converting the stock of new models into one consisting of second-hand obsolete sets — and it is not a demonstrated fact that large numbers of used sets may be sold. At present the value of the turned-in product is depressed greatly by the superiority of current models, and great activity in the sale of old sets cannot be expected for two or three years, at which time a.c. sets will be turned in. A possible solution of the dealer's problem is the establishment of regular channels for the distribution of old sets. At the present time it is customary for each dealer to dispose of his own second-hand stock, which is unsatisfactory in many cases because of the character of his clientele. On the other hand, the situation might be improved by moving these sets to large cities where there are prospects of a type which would be more interested in the opportunity of buying old receivers at a low price. H. Curtiss Abbott. Interference Hunters Many aggressive dealers have found that the best way to create good will in their vicin ily is to give complete service and this may be considered to include the elimination of interference throughout the town. This trend has created a demand for data on the design of interference-hunting receivers. Radio Broadcast has received several letters from dealers on this subject, and the one which follows is especially interesting as it outlines the essential electrical and mechanical characteristics of such a piece of apparatus. To the Editor: While I cannot claim to be an expert in the field of interference hunting, I have done some experimenting — enough so that I know what an interference hunter should do, and how it should be built. Therefore, I am taking the liberty of mentioning a few of the points which I deem desirable : 1. The outfit should be complete with batteries and a selfcontained loop, it should weigh not more than 20 pounds, and should be very compact, say, not more than 4 to 5 inches thick, perhaps 12 inches wide, and not exceed 14 to 15 inches in length. It should be carried by means of a shoulder strap, and it should be possible to operate it while it is being carried. 2. Interference hunters should have a minimum number of controls, one tuning dial, a volume knob, and a switch being an ideal combination. The tuning mechanism should offer enough resistance to changes so that its setting is not altered while being carried. The volume control should be across the output so that it may function as an audibility meter. An output meter is desirable for comparing signal intensities and should be included together with a push button for connecting it. A filament voltmeter and rheostat is also desirable in order to insure constant voltage during a test. 3. A set consisting of one stable r.f. stage, a fixed detector, and two a.f. stages is probably best suited for this work as it can be made compact and light in weight. C batteries should be used for the power supply to reduce the weight. I also wish to point out a few of the disadvantages of the average interference hunter. In the first place, most of them are too heavy and have to be set down, opened, and adjusted before a reading can be taken. Usually the setting has changed or cannot be duplicated and, as a result, it is impossible to obtain an accurate comparison. With the receiver I have in mind, the operator can take a reading in one location, turn off the set, walk a block, and then take another reading without readjusting the dial. The output meter would indicate accurately the relative intensity at each location, H. J. Goddard. • JULY • 1 929 • • 141