Radio mirror (Jan-Oct 1923)

RADIO DIGEST ILLUSTRATED YANK STATION ENTERTAINS BRAZIL Yank Station, Capping Brazilian Mountain, Wins Coffee Land People SPC Selects Unique Location Atop "Corcovada", 2,000 Feet Above Sea Level — Antenna Vanishes in Clouds — Artists "See" Audience Below in Rio de Janeiro By Aaron Brazil, that progressive South American republic which is now celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of its Declaration of Independence by holding centennial celebrations in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, is being entertained by a Yankee Radiophone broadcasting station licensed as SPC. The necessary governmental concession to erect and operate a short wave experimental station during the centennial due to the world-wide reputation of American broadcasting stations, was easily secured by L. A. Osbourne, head executive of the "Westinghouse International company, who was in Brazil while the feature attractions of the centennial were being made. Mr. Osbourne also secured the co-operation of the Brazilian Light and Traction company in finding a location and later in rendering program and operating assistance. Select "Corcovado" location Entering the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro the most impressive sight is the exquisite mountainous background of the city, and particularly "Corcovado" an almost perpendicular mountain with its summit over 2,000 feet above sea level. "Why erect high masts when such a mountain is so near by?" queried the Radio engineers. "Can we get the location?" This question was answered in the affirmative by F. A. Huntress, general manager of the Tramway Light and Power company who own the cog wheel railway that climbs "Corcovado." He also assured the engineers that .his company would be able to supply current on the mountain top for the Radio outfit. The party set out to explore the mountain crest The first 2,000 feet of ascent, SEEKS FEDERAL GRIP ON COMMUNICATIONS WASHINGTON. — Representative Sinclair of North Dakota has introduced an interesting bill in the House of Representatives "to secure to the United States a monopoly of electrical means for the transmission of intelligence for hire; to provide for the acquisition by the Post Office Department of the telephone and telegraph network; and to license certain telephone lines, Radio and telegraph agencies." The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Bnxrell or five-mile ride from Rio de Janeiro, was made in 30 minutes, and the final climb of 125 feet, by following the footpath to the circular observation tower on the top. A quick survey of the available space on the crest disclosed a narrow path about 120 feet long, leading to a concrete parapet on the edge of the precipice. Engineers See Practical Use The crest of Corcovado had always been used as an observation point, but the Radio engineers saw more than mere scenery — they had a view of the prospective invisible Radio audience in numerous ships at sea, and the million inhabitants of the capital city several thousand feet below. The mountain ranges and their peaks, while beautiful to look upon, were viewed as obstacles to be overcome in broadcasting to the distant cities and towns in Brazil. The tropical vegetation also suggested the climatic differences from the United States where these engineers had been active in developing several large stations. Start Broadcasting:; Send Opera The call letters "SPC" were assigned to the station, and the first concert was broadcast. This concert was heard by many local stations, and three days later the S. S. American Legion, 151 miles out at sea reported hearing the signals clearly. The S. S. West Neres 175 miles out received the signals with one tube only. The first week of broadcasting completely captured the Southern Republic. The Grand Opera House, rivaling any in the United States from point of architecture, has been equipped with a microphone, connected by direct wire to SPC's mountain top station, and both afternoon and evening performances are now broadcast. A line has also been connected to the Monroe mansion for broadcasting from Rio. The mountain top studio, in the same building with the operating room, is duplicate in size and arrangement of KDKA at East Pittsburgh, Pa. Artists Can't Help but See Audience The artists whose concerts are broadcast in the United States find it difficult to visualize their audience. Those who give concerts from SPC'S mountain top, after looking out to the .ships at sea and in the harbor at Rio, with a million population at their feet, as well as viewing the centennial buildings and the presidential palaces, can easily visualize the world as an amphitheater and the mountain top as the stage. ASKS FOR CIVIL RULE OF RADIO IN CHICAGO Alderman Includes "Silent Night" for City in Appeal CHICAGO. — Radio regulation may be undertaken by the city council for the benefit of Chicago's great army of Radiophans if an order introduced recently by Alderman John Toman is passed. The order calls for the drafting and submission of an ordinance providing for the licensing of Radio broadcasting stations and other regulations, one of the chief purposes of the ordinance to be the establishment of a "silent night." This is desired by Radiophans, Alderman Toman says, in order that they may have at least one night a week for long distance receiving. The order was referred to the committee on gas, oil and electricity. Even though it is prohibited to sell Radio receiving sets in Brazil, the twenty millions of Brazilians now have an opportunity to listen in to the broadcasting through the various receiving sets at the Centennial Exposition. Several loud speakers have been installed in the exposition grounds — one outside of the Monroe Palace and another outside of the American Building. The President of Brazil and his official family listen in through a very attractive receiving station installed in the President's palace. SPC Has Unique Position SPC has a unique position in the broadcasting field. At various times the station and antennae are in or above the clouds. Rio de Janeiro is practically on the boundary line between the temperate and torrid zones. The climate is varied by the mountain range Serra do Mar which runs along the coast. The dry season has now changed tp the warm and wet season with its subsequent tropical storms. Precautions have been taken to prevent electrical interference. The observances and records of SPC will, therefore, assist in studying the peculiarities of the air as far as Radio telephony is concerned. The experiences of this station in penetrating the equator and the torrid zone, when co-related with the data being compiled by other stations and close students of the new science, will no doubt result in listing peculiarities of the atmosphere unknown to science today. In this it will parallel the study of the peculiarities of the ocean bottom which were a closed secret before the laying of the first Atlantic cable by Cyrus Field. MAY CALL PLANTS IN FIGHT FOR BILL STATIONS TO APPEAL FOR LISTENERS' AID Plan to Arouse Attention to Issues' Plight May Save It from Discard By L. M. Lamm WASHINGTON.— An appeal to broadcasting stations to call the attention of their listeners in to the desperate plight of the White Federal Radio control bill and urge them to demand action by the Senate at this session is contemplated as a means of overcoming the obstacles being encountered by this legislation which is designed to bring about regulation of broadcasting activities. Urgent appeals from a majority of the two million or more enthusiasts to their congressmen and senators will, it is felt, have its effect. Plan Hay Save BUI This plan, together with the reference of the bill to the Senate Interstate Commerce Committee a few days ago served to revive interest in the White bill in Congress, despite predictions made previously that the measure was dead so far as this session was concerned. If the measure should ever reach the stage of committee hearings, the House members who handled the legislation in that body are expected to appear before the Senate committee and make a vigorous fight against the objections raised to the licensing features of the bill. U. S. WARNS AGAINST ETHER FOOLISHNESS WASHINGTON. — Operators of broadcasting stations are warned by the Radio section of the Department of Commerce not to communicate with other stations, receiving included, by either telegraphy or telephony as broadcasting licenses do not permit direct communication. Some stations have been guilty of acknowledging letters, telegrams and telephone calls. Suspension or revocation of the license is the penalty. Owners are cautioned to observe the rules else their station licenses may be endangered.