The talking machine world (July-Dec 1924)

54 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD October 15, 1924 How Radio Brought Civilization to Dr. Donald B. MacMillan, Explorer, in Arctic Famous Explorer and Scientist Tells of Part Played by Radio in Success of Expedition to Within Twelve Degrees of North Pole — Important Observations on Radio Reception in Arctic Intensely interesting observations on the part played by radio and music during his fifteen months' expedition to the Far North were made by Dr. Donald B. MacMillan, Arctic explorer and scientist, in an exclusive interview with The World, during a recent visit to New York to attend the Radio World's Fair, following his return from the Arctic. The reception of radio programs was especially effective in breaking the endless monotony of the long Arctic night, said Dr. MacMillan, and the loneliness of the endless snow and wind-swept spaces, bridging the vast distance between civilization and the intrepid explorers icebound within twelve degrees of the North Pole. On Wednesday evenings at midnight it was customary for the eight men connected with the expedition to repair to the forecastle where the radio receiving set and loud speaker were installed to "tune in" on the special concert program and messages from friends broadcast from the powerful Zenith station in Chicago. In addition, radio programs were received from many other stations, and Dr. MacMillan stated that they received many requests from broadcasters to select their own programs. This was made possible because of the fact that wireless sending apparatus was part of the equipment of the "Bowdoin," the ship on which the expedition was made. An interesting sidelight on the part played by radio and music during the expedition was the manner in which the Eskimos received the programs. They simply refused to believe that it was possible to receive messages and music through the air with the aid of only a box, but they were finally convinced and conceded that "white men could do anything.'' However, their primitive curiosity was aroused and word quickly passed through the entire tribe, with the result that some of these primitive people traveled a distance of more than 150 miles to listen to the radio. The Eskimos are lovers of the rollicking melodies, negro compositions and music of a similar type, according to Dr. MacMillan. A talking machine and records were part of the equipment of the "Bowdoin" and concerts were given weekly, which were attended by many Eskimos. The classics did not seem to please them, especially those numbers with extremely high range. They called it "crazy music." On Dr. Donald B. MacMillan "Tuning in" With a Zenith Radio Set the other hand, they were extremely pleased with Harry Lauder's recordings and music of the "jazz" type. Also of great interest were Dr. MacMillan's observations on radio reception conditions in the North. During the long Arctic night when the sun is hidden nearly six months radio reception was at its best. During a period of 230 days, from September to March, programs were clearly received, although reception was at its best during November, December and January. During this period the Zenith radio receiving set, which constituted a vital and valuable part of the equipment of the "Bowdoin" and which proved such a boon to the explorers, was in continual and eminently satisfactory operation. With the coming of the equally long day and the march of the sun across the heavens the radio signals on short wave lengths quickly faded, the last communication from civilization being received April 14, 1924, and picked up again on August 26. Dr. MacMillan studied the connections between radio and meteorological conditions and a summary of his findings will be made public, although final conclusions must await a check with other available records. One definite conclusion reached is that the northwest winds, carrying frost crystals, set up a high potential in the air, causing a continual rush and roar, which made communication utterly impossible and at times cut the explorers off entirely from contact via radio with the civilized world. The aurora had absolutely no effect on radio transmission, declared Dr. MacMillan. On the contrary, the best radio transmission results were obtained during the most spectacular displays. A peculiarity of radio reception was that stations in western United States and even in Honolulu were tuned in without any trouble, while it was impossible to get Eastern stations. This phenomenon was unexplainable, said the explorer, although at some periods static was bad. The frost-laden Northwest winds may have been responsible for this, he added. The radio log of the expedition showed that over 30,000 words were sent over the air from the "Bowdoin" and more than 1C0.000 words cf press matter was received from stations at Nauen, Germany and Leafield, England. The "Bowdoin's" signals were reported heard in the United States, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Japan, Spain, England, France, Germany, Norway, Netherlands and Italy. It was found impossible to get the station at Annapolis, due to interference of the high-powered transAtlantic stations. Music Store Changes Hands De Kalb, III., October 6. — William B. Rankin, talking machine and jewelry dealer, who had built up a large patronage during his twelve years' residence in this city, recently sold the business to H. R. Weidenhamer, of Cleveland O. Mr. Rankin has made no definite plans for the future beyond the statement that he and his family intend spending a few months vacationing in California. Adds Columbia in Waterbury Waterbury, Conn., October 7.— D. Barbieri & Bro., 375 South Main street, this city, have just added the new Columbia phonograph and the complete Italian record library, together with the American record library. Mr. Barbieri secures the bulk of his phonograph sales through the truck canvassing plan and reports that the new Columbia phonographs have met with much favor. The incorporation of the Vim Radio Corp., New York, was recently filed at Albany, with a capital stock of $50,000. The interested parties are E. Klinger and G. Swift. CHRISTMAS SALES The holiday season will shortly be upon us and the age-old question of "what to give" will be uppermost in the minds of the buying public. Mr. Dealer, you can solve this problem and make real profits for yourself by featuring the "Yale" Blue Bird talking machine for holiday sales. This small, compact, beautifully finished instrument, although not a toy, will prove an excellent gift for man, woman or child. You can fill this demand without detracting from your other sales and we urge that you communicate with us now so as to be sure to secure stock for the holiday season. A $15 value that can be sold at $10 with a good profit DAVIS MFG. & SALES COMPANY 763 State Street NEW HAVEN, CONN. MID-WEST DISTRIBUTORS— Tare & Dinner Music Co., 229 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 111. PACIFIC COAST DISTRIBUTORS -Christophe's. 2365 Mission St., San Francisco, Calif. o *