History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Editing/Notes

6ML Perth - Transcriptions and notes

1920s

1924

1924 04

4KR J. K. Richardson planning to test with 4DO Harold Hobler

Barcaldine and General Budget . . . Mr. K. Richardson, Ascot, is still meeting with success in his wireless experiments. During the past week some very satisfactory tests have been carried out. He has distinctly heard 2GR — Mr J. Marks, of Ritz Flats, Rose Bay, Sydney, every night, and last Sunday at 3.30 p.m. he heard Mr. Marshall, of Armidale, testing 2CR Tamworth — Mr. L. V. G. Todd. On Saturday Broadcasting Ltd., Sydney, gave an excellent programme of dance music supplied by the Bungawam Band. The reception was so loud at Ascot that the applause and cries of "Encore" after each item were distinctly heard. Last Tuesday Broadcasters also gave an entertaining programme from 8 to 10, and so distinct was the music that it could be danced to 100 yards from the speaker. During the last week Mr. Richardson has been testing Morse Code every night with 4CK — Mr. Norris, of Toowoomba, and the tests have been very satisfactory. They are now testing telephony. During the week Farmer's Ltd., Sydney, have been heard broadcasting "Lilac Nights" from His Majesty's Theatre, while 3GM, Victoria, was very distinctly heard on Tuesday night. Next week Mr. Richardson will conduct a test with Mr. Hobler, Rockhampton. It is interesting to note that all these experimenters, with the exception, of course, of Broadcasters Ltd. and Farmer's, are amateurs, and the success of the tests is most gratifying.

1924 09

4DO details his reception of KGO

WIRELESS NOTES. By "Aerial." . . . Mr. Hobler, of Lennox-street sends in his report as promised, and here it is:— "Herewith is my DX report for the last couple of months, including a detailed report of programme received from KGO on 27/8/24. In exactly two months 53 amateur stations were logged, situated in all Australian States (save W.A.), and New Zealand and America. Broadcaster's Ltd., and farmer's Broadcasting Company situated 800 miles away from here by air, can be heard any night on one valve and the former has been heard in daylight on a similar number. With two valves (no audio) Broadcaster's Ltd. (2BL), can be beard 12 ft. from loud speaker. KGO, 6000 miles, heard repeatedly on one valve and in daylight, and was heard several times when using 1 K.W. Here is what I heard from this station on 27/8/24:— Music on 1 valve at 5.58 p.m. (daylight). Then at 6.1 p.m.— " Speech, by Henry Halstead." Music followed this up to 6.7 p.m. when there was some more speech. 6.12 p.m.— This speech, "Pacific Coast Station KGO, General Electric Company, Oakland, California, playing in the Garden Room of the Hotel St Francis, San Francisco, orchestra." Nothing on wave after this until 6.15 pm., when music was again played. 6.18 p.m.— Music followed by speech and music again at 6.29 p.m. 6.32 p.m.— This speech, "KGO broadcasting. Playing in the Garden Room of the Hotel St. Francis, San Francisco." Music immediately after this speech, followed by more speech. 6.45 p.m.— Music by one instrument, then orchestra, San Francisco. Music followed after this, then speech, and music again. 7 p.m.— "San Francisco," followed by harsh speech. This was the concluding speech which is always said about 1 a.m. American Pacific time which agrees to 7 p.m. East Coast Australian time. The concluding speech, which has often been heard, runs like this — "Pacific Coast Station KGO, General Electric Company, Oakland, California. This concludes the broadcast programme by Henry Halstead's Orchestra, playing in the Garden Room of the Hotel St. Francis, San Francisco, KGO signing off at 1.01 a.m. Pacific time. Good morning." Only one valve was used throughout for this reception. I had a witness who also heard both speech and music through one headphone. At times the clock has been heard striking and the clapping of the dancers is often very clear. If any person doubts any of the receptions carried out by this station (4DO), I would be pleased to prove it to them by letting them hear for themselves. About 40 people have witnessed the reception of concerts from Sydney and practically every station heard has confirmed my reports, which were sent for that purpose." Another report comes from Archer. Even this small township has an aerial. It is from Mr. M. J. Platen, who writes that while listening-in on Sunday, August 16th, he heard KGO at about 6 p.m., using a one valve home constructed receiver. The circuit used is the May circuit and no reaction was employed. He says that if any reader of these notes, wishing to try the circuit, would write to him, he would forward them the diagram. This amateur complains of the very bad howling on about 350 metres and asks if amateurs would loosen the reactance coil. On Sunday and Monday August 31st and September 1st. he complains of the interference being awful. Now then enthusiasts don't forget about that reactance coil. If you do, trouble is likely to result. (That is the spirit Mr. Platen. Keep the good work going. Thanks for your offer about the circuit. If you will send me a report of your reception of KGO I will try and get it confirmed for you, and if it is correct will publish it in these columns).