THE BAIRD TELEVISOR, A LOOK AT HOW IT ALL BEGAN " he Olds" From T i - American Radio History
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THE BAIRD TELEVISOR, A LOOK
AT HOW IT ALL BEGAN
--¡-¡-"
From T he Olds"
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1,000 Channel Wideband Scanner
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Frequency Range: 5 z - 600M Hz
800 MHz- I WMHz
Receiving Modes: AM - FM - Wideband FM
Search Steps 5kHz to 995kHz
Selectable 10dB Attenuator
Tapes ecorder Output Socket
omatic Tape Recorder Switching Circuit
Keypad or Rotary Tune Contro
Switchdblc' Audio S.
II Metal Case F r Improved EMC Corn i sty
AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL DEALER
OR DIRECT FROM
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189 LONDON ROAD, NORTH END,
PORTSMOUTH P02 9AE Ap
USE YOUR CREDIT CARD FOR SAME
DAY DESPATCH
ORDER HOTLINE
S105) 662145
£27 I.IMT
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VOL. 50 ISSUE 6 JUNE 1992
ON SALE MAY 28 10 Marconi and the South Wellfleet
Wireless Station
(Next Issue on sale JUNE 25) Fred Judd G2BCX
EDITOR: Dick Ganderton, C. Eng., MIEE, G8VFH
12 Fred Judd G2BCX
ART EDITOR:: Steve Hunt
NEWS & FEATURES: Elaine Richards G4LFM
1P A Replica Televisor
J.A. Pearson
EDITORIAL
Enefco House, The Quay,
Poole, Dorset BH15 1PP
TEL: (0202) 678558
21 Loewe ART - 21 Reviewed
Tim Anderson GOGTF
FAX: (0202) 666244
CREDIT CARD ORDERS: (0202) 665524
(Out of hours service by answering machine)
?4 Baird Television Remembered
Arthur Bishop
ADVERTISEMENT DEPARTMENT
ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER
Roger Hall G4TNT
31 Nordmende Galaxy 25 Reviewed
Roger Bunney
TEL: 071-7316222
FAX: 071-384 1031
ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION (Poole) 34 Electronic Weather Monitor Reviewed
Dick Ganderton
Marcia Brogan
37
TEL: (0202) 676033
FAX: (0202) 666244 PC-GOES/WEFAX 3.3 Reviewed
Lawrence Harris
C PW PUBLISHING LTD. 1992.
Copyright in all drawings, photographs and articles
published in Short Wave Magazine is fully protected and
reproduction or imitation in whole or in part is expressly
forbidden. All reasonable precautions are taken by Short
39 A Novel 3.5MHz Receiver
with Reaction - Part 2
Wave Magazineto ensure that the advice and data given Ian Hickman
to our readers is reliable. We cannot however guarantee
42
it and we cannot accept legal responsibility for it. Prices
are those current as we go to press. Short Wave
Magazine is published monthly for $45 per year by PW Special Book Offers
Publishing Ltd., Enefco House, The Quay, Poole Dorset Guide to Facsimile Stations
BH15 1PP. Second class postage paid at Middlesex, NJ.
Postmaster: send address changes to C & C Mailers, PO Air Traffic Radio
Box 177, Middlesex, New Jersey, 08846, USA.
REGULARS
Cover: 52 Airband 19 Listen With Grandad
49 Amateur Bands Round -up 64 Long Medium & Short
The theme of this issue is
television old and new 47 Bandscan Australia 68 LW Maritime Beacons
and the main picture on 74 Book Service 6 News
the cover shows an 60 Decode 41 PCB Service
original Baird Televisor. DXTV Round -up 15 RadioLine
50
The colour slide was
2 Editorial 4 Rallies
kindly loaned by the
Independent Television 15 First Aid 48 Satellite TV News
Commission. 4 Grassroots 55 Scanning
The lower picture shows a 57 Info in Orbit 2 Services
test card created by Tim 76 Index to Advertisers 44 SSB Utility Listening
Anderson on an Amiga
5 Junior Listener 36 SWM Subscribers' Club
500 computer and
displayed on the ART -21 2 Letters 77 Trading Post
reviewed in this issue.
...GOOD LISTENING
BOOK SPECIAL OFFER TRADING POST
COUPON SWM JUNE 1992 COUPON SWM JUNE 1992
0 ir 7
G8VFH
The theme for this issue is television old and new and was sparked off by a couple of short articles
SWM SERVICES submitted, independently, describing Baird Televisors. The new aspect is covered by a couple of
reviews of modern, multi -standard, colour sets of interest to the DXTV enthusiast. I hope that you
Subscriptions find it interesting.
Subscriptions are available at£21 per
annum to UK addresses £23 in Europe It is always sad to have to write an obituary, particularly for someone who has contributed so much
and £25overseas. Subscription copies to the technical understanding of the hobby of radio. Fred Judd G2BCX was such a person and he
are despatched by Accelerated will be greatly missed by everyone, even by those who disagreed with him and his views. An
Surface Post outside Europe. Airmail appreciation of his contribution to the hobby and Short Wave Magazine in particular, appears on
page 12 of this issue.
rates for overseas subscriptions can
No one is indispensible or irreplaceable and doubtless others will appear to help fill the
be quoted on request. Joint
/I/e /rte
vaccuum left by his death, but there will never be another G2BCX.
subscriptions to both Short Wave
Magazine and Practical Wireless are
available at£34 (UK) £37 (Europe) and
£39 (rest of world).
Components for SWM Dear Sir Dear Sir
Projects The letter in the February magazine from Mr John Alton brought back An interesting situation that may be
In general all components used in some memories, for I too joined a Bomber Squadron in late 1939 thought provoking for others.
constructing SWM projects are following apprentice training. This was No. 104 and we were equipped Every amateur I have met who
available from a variety of component with Blenheims, in which I spent some time operating the wireless uses h.f. has the normal rig/a.t.u./
suppliers. Where special, or difficult which was awkwardly situated behind the rear gun turret. However, antenna set up; not one does
to obtain, components are specified, first for the record, the TR9 mentioned by Mr Alton was the h.f./RT set without an a.t.u. Yet any one who
a supplierwill be quoted inthe article. operated by the pilot, with a Bowden cable remote control uses v.h.f. just slaps an antenna
The printed circuitboardsfor SWM arrangement. It was indeed a t.r.f. receiver but had a crystal controlled onto the rig and away he goes,
transmitter and a single h.f. channel, which was set up on the ground although one or two might trim the
projects are available from the SWM
and could not be re -tuned in the air. This was standard equipment in antenna for lower s.w.r.
PCB Service.
Fighter Command as well and was used exclusively in the Battle of I used a mobile 144MHz whip on
Britain - v.h.f. was in the future! a biscuit tin, which gave an s.w.r. of
Back Numbers and The box of plug-in coils mentioned by Mr Alton would have been 1.7 to 1 while a home-made Slim Jim
Binders for the R1082, which was the standard W/T equipment, along with the gave about 1.9 to 1. To safeguard my
Limited stocks of most issues of SWM 11083 and used by the wireless operation. The R1082 was also a 5 - v.h.f. p.a. stage I ordered a 144MHz
for the pastfive years are available at valve t.r.f. set and powered by (would you believe!) a 2V accumulator Transmatch from SEM ( on the Isle
£1.80 each including P&Pto addresses and a 120V h.t. battery. of Man) and happily tune up on my
at home and overseas (by surface The trailing antenna had to be unwound manually. If you first let it Slim Jim and get 1 to 1.
mail).
go, despite the brake on the reel, the weights flew off the end. There Has any one else considered
were eleven bead weights incidentally and it was used for m.f. The using an a.t.u. for v.h.f? Or do v.h.f.
Binders, each taking one volume
fixed antenna was used for h.f. and, as Mr Alton says, if you forgot to manufacturers expect us to just slap
of the new style SWM, are available
wind it in on landing, it was quite lethal underneath. The wireless op on any old antenna? Food for
price£5.50plus£1 P&Pfor one binder, was made to pay for the replacement, 15 shillings in those days, quite thought!!
£2 P&P for two or more, UK or a tidy sum! R. Bradshaw G4DTD
overseas. Please state the year and Dennis Terry, Kent Milton Keynes
volume numberforwhichthe binder is
required. Prices include VAT where
appropriate. Dear Sir Dear Sir
Orders for p.c.b.s, back numbers, I read both letters in the April issue the main air/ground frequencies. I found G. Chance's letter (SWM
with interest, but in the interest of The equipment was out -dated even March '92) worth offering comment
binders and items from our Book
accuracy can I add my comments as in 1935 when conceived, but on.
Service should be sent to PW
an ex -RAF Signals bod (1098595). fortunately the 1133 and 1143 came Since the mid '70s,'the powers
Publishing Ltd., FREEPOST, Post Sales
The TR9 was originally conceived along, although TR9 production that be' have had grandstand seats
Department, Enefco House, The Quay, in 1935 but not put into production continued, and many of the heavies for an electronic battle of wits in
Poole, Dorset BH15 1PP, with details until 1938/39. Originally a low power were fitted with TR9s. Northern Ireland; in recent years
of your credit card or a cheque or m.o./p.a. single h.f. channel TX/RX in The TR2 and TR4 were also in scanning receivers have played an
postal order payableto PW Publishing the 5MHz band, it was eventually service with the RAF up to 1940, but important part in this battle - on both
Ltd. Cheques with overseas orders converted to Xtal osc/p.a. Although these fascinating equipments would sides. Surely any desire to ban
must be drawn on a London Clearing designated for fighter aircraft, it need another two pages to discuss scanners would have manifest itself
Bank and in sterling. found its way into nearly all aircraft them fully, and in any case did not here?
requiring a low power single belong to the TR9/11 family. Secondly, any authorised
Credit card orders (Access,
channel R/T. The reason for this was Both Mr Speed and Mr Olway organisation now has access to
Mastercard, Eurocard orVisa) are also
that the TR11 designated for medium have the 1082/1083 installation relatively cheap frequency agile
welcome bytelephone to Poole (0202)
and heavy bombers, and working on correct as described. I still have my equipment with the option of
665524. An answering machine will a slightly higher frequency ran into 1938 Notes for Radio Mechanics on encryption modules. It seems quite
accept your order out of office hours. production difficulties (all were file should anyone require precise possible that only the most mundane
hand -built) and was abandoned to details. users will remain 'in clear' within a
concentrate on the TR9. Two Harry Cain few years!.
frequencies, 6.44 and 5.68MHz, were Alnwick Ian Wye. London
2 Short Wave Magazine, June 1992
Dear Sir
I was most interested in John
Alton's letter in SWMfor February
about the TR9 of wartime vintage. I
/1/< It< OP -7~9
was a meteorologist in Bengal in
1943 and all our data came from a Dear Sir IF YOU HAVE ANY
similar radio - I can't now remember During much of WWII, I was working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at
POINTS OF VIEW THAT
its number. It certainly was a 'TR' Farnborough, initially on Radio Communications and later an airborne
and battery powered. It was housed radar and IFF. Based on my experiences at RAE, I would like to add a point YOU WANT TO AIR
in a grey wooden sort of 'suitcase' of correction to the letters of Messrs Speed and Olway in your issue for PLEASE WRITE TO THE
with the receiver in the lid and the April.
There was, in fact, a very much more up-to-date (for those times) EDITOR. IF YOUR LETTER
base holding a 150V h.t. battery and
I.t. battery - plus a rack of coils. replacement for the TR9 (which Had as its p.a. a PEN220A I.f. output IS USED YOU WILL
These were of resin coated pentode) This was the TR1196, which was just coming into squadron
RECEIVE A £5 VOUCHER
cardboard, about 75mm long and service when it was replaced by the TR1133/TR1143. It consisted of three
with coloured Bakelite knobs at one units on a single chassis: the receiver and the transmitter facing each TO SPEND ON ANY SWM
end. The red coils were for tuning other, and linked by a push-button 'pecking motor' (as in the TR1133) - and SERVICE.
and the green ones for the reaction the motor generator set, at right -angles to the TX/RX. There were from
circuits. The WOP simply plugged in crystal controlled channels: the superhet receiver was a neat job, using 'E'
the required pair to change the series valves, and the transmitter (with which I was primarily involved) had The Editor reserves the
wavelength. The whole thing could a tetrode p.a. rather similar to a small 807, which had the same
characteristics as half an 832 - a double tetrode in a single glass envelope
right to shorten any
be closed up like a suitcase for
carrying - as we knew it - into an with pins instead of a normal base. I do not remember now the power letters for publication but
aircraft as a complete working unit. output or the actual frequency range (in the h.f. band), but I do recollect will try not to alter their
It served us well until 1945 when that it was reported as a very good set for relatively 'local' exchanges
between fighters and their bases. Some twenty years or so ago, a sense. Letters must be
a passing benevolent American 'met
man' donated his AR88. The change production model was exhibited in the Science Museum, but it later original and not have
was so immense it left our WOPs disappeared - doubtless owing to the constant demand for exhibition
been submitted to other
dazzled and delighted. What quality space.
engineering went into these glorious May I add one comment on the T1154/R1155. This was originally a magazines.The views
receiver - of brass, Bakelite and commercial set, designed and manufactured by Marconi: while I was not expressed in letters
glowing bottles'... involved with it, one of my colleagues who was described it as about the
Incidentally, I am now into RTTY most inefficient machines he had ever come across; only about 30% of the published in this
met and work a Creed 7B teleprinter power input ever appeared as r.f. at the antenna! I understand, however, magazine are not
from - guess? - an AR88. that after numerous and extensive modifications by RAE, it turned out to be
necessarily those of Short
M.H.D. Hoddinott a very serviceable and popular set for Bomber Command.
Chester Stuart Rison, Switzerland Wave Magazine.
Dear Sir are subsequently pleased with their
I was pleased to see a good choice.
selection of letters once again in It would be interesting to hear
Dear Sir your much improved magazine and from anyone who has, however,
Two letters to you about the BBC and radio policy brings me to mention agree with Mr E Barrett, there does been disappointed with their
the worst sin, which is putting several transmitters on one frequency. appear to be a need for a 'Senior eventual purchase despite of their
This happens on the BBC service on 693, 909 and 1215kHz but it is the Citizens' page to compliment the researches or assurances of the
last mentioned of these that is the worst offender. Junior Listener. dealer. Most manufacturers, it
Radio 3 on 1215kHz is often a diabolical noise, caused, not by the This could become a 'minefield', seems, produce almost identical
choice of music, but by my radio picking up signals from at least 3 however, and extremely difficult to specifications and it really boils
provide the sort of information most down to what pleases ones eye!
transmitters - probably Droitwich, Washford and Brookmans Park who
readers would wish to see in print. Cosmetic changes usually mean a
give me similar field strengths. The phase relationship of the incoming
For example, the reliability and cheaper 'cost effective' way of
signals seem to change gradually, even by day -time. perhaps due to
performance as experienced by production allied to a price rise 'in
small changes in path length. Even by the BBC's own admission only
ordinary users of equipment they line with inflation'. note with
I
40% of the population is served after dark and 70% by day.
personally own would, I am sure, interest the appearance of 'basic'
If I am driving, life is even more 'fun' because I hear a roller -coaster radio equipment devoid of all the
provide an almost unending subject
of distortion as I pass through crests and troughs of distortion. Would unnecessary gimmicks (with only a
source, but how difficult it would be
this be more use as a 'Loran' navigation system? to obtain a totally unbiased and slight price reduction unfortunately)
If the cry is 'go for v.h.f.', I ask myself who would want to take over objective report! It would be about so there is just a hope of even lower
the present 1215kHz network? No self-respecting independent station. as useful as some of the reviews prices to come when product
During he last 2 or 3 years a strange new effect has appeared in that appear from time to time on development costs are excluded!
1215kHz, namely a whirring sound. Perhaps new microwave links are equipment provided by the makers For many years now I have
causing phase problems. or distributors in order to promote concluded that the Electronics
Before 22 November 1978) a black day in UK radio) there was a their particular product! Industry have taken us all for a ride
single transmitter at Daventry that gave nice smooth copy any time of Fortunately, most people I'm and it really is about time the
day or night, on 647kHz. After that, the UK authorities seemed to throw sure do such research as they feel consumer got a better deal!
the '0' level radio manuals out of the window. necessary before purchasing and D.J. Gommo, Crewkerne
Taking Radio 2 off long wave was also a bad move back in 1978 as it
left no musical voice of the UK to compete with the various powerful Dear Sir
French stations. Contemporary music is a good selling point for this In the August 1990 issue, you printed a short BASIC program, by Ian Wraith,
country: do young French people listen to Radio 4? for Commodore 64 computers to decode the five -digit numbers as
Perhaps the DTI/Home Office should nip in and bid for the slot transmitted by the various meteorological stations.
I did enquire by letter in September, if anyone could rewrite this for the
where Stimme der DDR used to be in 177kHz, for a new light
Atari computer, to which I received limited response.
entertainment station in post -Maastricht Europe?
Nearly two years later and a bit wiser, I have discovered that the program
Richard Gosnell
will type straight in on the Atari, with slight modifications, using MicroSoft I/II
Swindon BASIC. If any one would like a copy or details, please contact me.
Nick Ashby, Middlesex
Short Wave Magazine, June 1992 3
S>(s OP' C- o9 o
Acton, Brentford & Chiswick RC: 3rd Norfolk ARC: Wednesdays, 7.30pm. Farm House, East Dundry Rd,
'May 30/31: RSGB National Rally at NEC
Birmingham. Yes, in spite of RadCom Tuesdays, 7.30pm. June 16 - ERA The Norfolk Dumpling, The Livestock Whitchurch. May 27 - Signwriting for
ommiting to mention our stand in their Morse Decoder by G3IGM. Paul Truitt Market, Harford, Norfolk. May 27 - the Rally, June 3 - Oscilloscope
exhibition guide, we have stand Al2 - G4W Q0.071-938 2561. Final HF NFD Briefing, June 3 - The Evening, 10th - Astro Photography,
the same as last year. This is the
American Radio Scene byG3JQ1,10th 17th - Bullseye Contest with NBARC,
RSGB's showpiece and follows the
Aylesbury Vale RS: Wednesdays. The - NARC Rally Briefing, 17th - Devel- 24th - Briefing for Longleat Rally and
same lines as in previous years. The car
parking is free with a courtesy bus Village Hall, Hardwick. Martin G4XZJ. opment of the Receiver by G4UUB, Fox Hunt, Howto Make the Aerial. Len
service from the car parks to the hall. (0296) 81097. 24th - Do We Need the RSGB Debate. Baker. Whitchurch 832222.
Jack Simpson G3NJG. (0603) 747992.
June 7: The Northampton Radio Club Bromley & DARS: 3rd Tuesdays,
will again be holding their Radio Southgate ARC: 2nd & 4th Thursdays.
Computer & Electronics Rally at the
7.30pm. The Victory Social Club, North Ferriby United ARS: Fridays, Winchmore Hill Cricket Club Pavilion,
rear of the Red Lion public house 1500 Kechill Gardens, Hayes. June 16 - In- 8pm. North Ferriby United Football Firs Lane, Winchmore Hill, London
yards from Junction 16 of the Mil. troduction to Family History by Gill Social Club, Church Road, North N21. May 28 -'Youth' Meeting Night,
Doors open 10am. Pub and cafe open Valentine. Geoffrey Milne. 081-462 Ferriby. May 29 - Surplus Equipment June 11 - Surface Mount Technology
all day. Paul Young. Tel: (0327)41261. 2689. Sale. Frank Lee. (0482) 650410. byG8TAU,25th- Club Our -door Activity
'June 14: The 23rd Elveston Castle & Barbecue. Brian Shelton GOMEE.
Radio Rally will be held, as usual, at the Chelmsford ARS: 1st Tuesdays, ARC of Nottingham: Thursdays, 081-360 2453.
showground of the Elavaston Castle 7.30pm. Marconi College, Arbour Lane, 7.30pm. Sherwood Community Centre,
Country Park, some 8km south east of Chelmsford. Roy Martyr. Chelmsford Mansfield Road, Nottingham. May 28 South Notts ARC: Fridays, 7pm.
Derby. All the usual attractions with 353221 ext 3815. - RAYNET by G3YUT, June 4 - Forum, Highbank Community Centre or
neraly 200 traders make this one of the
country's top rallies. 11th - Balance, Impedance and SWR Fairham Community College, Farn-
Dronfield & DARC: 1st & 4th Mon- by GOREX, 18th - 2m Foxhunt, 25th - borough Road, Clifton Estate, Not-
'June 14: The Royal Naval ARS will be days, 7.30pm. Room 3, Gladys Buxton Contest Techniques by GOFOG. Rex tingham. May 29 - On Air. Ray G7ENK.
holding their annual rally at HMS School, Oakhill Road, Dronfield. Other Beastall. (0602) 733740. (0602) 841940.
Mercury, near Petersfield, Hants. Gates Mondays, socials atthe Fleur -de -Lys,
open from 10am to 5pm. Admission
£1.50 adults, children free, no dogs
Main Road, Unstone. June 1 - The Oxford & DARS: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, Stockport RS: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays,
except guide dogs please. Cliff Harper Magnetic Loop Aerial - Construction 7.45pm. British Legion Club, Haddow 7 45pm. Room 14, Dialstone Centre,
G4UJR. Tel: (0703) 557469. & Operation byGOLUM. Piers Oldham. Road, Crotch Crescent, Marston Road, Lisburne Lane, Offerton, Stockport.
Tel: (0246) 290444. Oxford. May 28 - Those Other Elec- May 27 - Photographic Tips by G4RLD.
June 21: The Norfolk RAYNET will be
holding their rally and car boot sale at
tromagnetic Waves by G3NNG, June John Verity G4ECI. 061-439 3831.
Barford, Norfolk. It all starts at 10am
Edgware & DRS: 8pm. Watling Com- 25th Deep Heat in Nepal by Frec
and it will cost £5 for car boot pitch. Pat munity Centre, 145 Orange Hill Road, Wondre.Terry Hastings. (0865)863526. Stratford upon Avon & DARS: 7.30pm.
Bates. Tel: (0692) 404593 evenings only. Burnt Oak. May 28 - Constructors The Home Guard Club, Main Road,
Contest & NFD Briefing, June 11 - Preston ARS: Alternate Thursdays. Tiddington, Stratford-upon-Avon.
June 21: Denby Dale & District ARS will Informal, 25th - Audiometry by G4GKA.
be holding their rally at Salendine Nook
The Lonsdale Sports & Social Club, June 8- Cables&Feeders byG8MWR,
High School, Huddersfield. Easy access Hank Kay GOFAB. (081-205 1023). Fulwood Hall Lane, Fulwood. May 28 - 22nd - Electronic Warfare by G3RZP
from M62, junction 23 eastbound, Prep Night for HF NFD, June 11 - A. Beasley GOCXJ 060-882 495.
junction 24 westbound. Doors open Hastings E&RC: 3rd Wednesdays, Vanoise National Park by Mr Ruthven,
11 am. Usual traders, craft stalls, etc., 7.45pm. West Hill Community Centre, 25th - Whitebread's Brewery Outing. Three Counties RC: Alternate
bar, catering, car boot sale, Bring & Croft Road, Hastings. Fridays, 8.30pm. Eric Eastwood G 1 WCQ. (0772) 686708. Wednesdays, 7.30pm. The Railway
Buy, ample parking. Philip. Tel: (04841
644827. Ashdown Farm Community, Downey Hotel, Liphook, Hants.June 3- Falkland
Close, Hastings. Reg Kemp. 7 Reading & DARC: 2nd & 4th Thurs- Idlands & the British Antartic Survey
*June 26/28: Ham Radio '92, Forewood Rise, Crowhurst. days, 8pm. The Woodley Pavilion, by Richard Fletcher -Cook, 17th -
Friedrichshafen, Germany. The largest Woodford Park, Haddon Drive,
amateur radio show in Europe and well
Construction Night & Competition.
Hoddesdon RC: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, Woodley, Reading. May 28 -Alignment Kevin G8GOS. (0420) 83091.
worth a visit. The Flea Market alone is
worth the journey and Friedrichshafen, 8pm. Conservative Club (side en- Evening, June 11 - NFD Planning, 25th
situated on the Bodensee - Lake trance), Rye Road, Hoddesdon. May - G5RV & Other Antennas by G3WFM. West Kent ARS: 3rd Fridays, 8pm. The
Constance to the English - and within 28 - EMC by G3ZKE, June 11 - Natter Nick Challacombe. (0734) 722489. School Annex,Albion Road,Tunbridge
easy reach of Austria and Switzerland, Night, 16th - Visit to RSGB HQ, 25th -
is a fantastic area for a holiday.
Wells, Kent. June 19 -Junk Sale.John
My Visit to Morokulien by GOKLU. Roy RSGB City of Bristol Group: last Taylor G3OHV. (08921 664960.
June 27: The Brentwood International
G 4U N L. 081-804 5643. Mondays, 7pm. The Small Lecture
Amateur Radio and Computer Rally will Theatre, Queens Building, University Wimbledon & DARS: 2nd & last Fri-
be held at the Brentwood International Horndean & DARC: 1st Thursdays, of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol. May days, 7.30pm. StAndrews Church Hall,
Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, 7.30pm. Horndean CommunitySchool, 25 - Picnic at Ashton Court at 2pm.
Essex. Doors open from 10.30am to 6pm.
Herbert Road, SW19. May 29 - Cable
Barton Cross, Horndean. June 4 - Dave Coxon GOGHM. (0275)855123. TV by G3DPW, June 12 - General Ac-
Bar & Cafe serving hot meals and
drinks all day, Bring & Buy area, Brains Trust. S.W. Swain. (0705) tivity Evening, 26th - DX Chasing on
massive car park. CLPK, 18 Litchfield 472846). Sevenoaks & DARS: Sevenoaks DC, Top Band by G4AKY. Chris Frost. 081-
Close, Clacton -on -Sea, Essex C015 Council Offices, Argyle Road, 397 0427.
3SZ. Lincoln SWC: Wednesdays, 8pm. City Sevenoaks.June 15 - Practical Wire-
Engineers Club, Waterside South, less- History & Future by Rob Mannion. York ARS: Fridays, 7.30pm. York City
'June 28: The 35th Longleat Amateur
Radio Rally will be held, as usual, in the
Lincoln. June 6 - Cherry Willingham Social Club, Bootham Crescent, York.
grounds of Longleat House. There will Gala/HF Night, 10th - Junk Sale, 14th - South Bristol ARC: Wednesdays. K.R. Cass G3WVO.4 Heworth Village,
be over 140 companies this year, as Washingborough Gala, 17th - Activity Whitchurch Folkhouse Assoc, Bridge York.
well as a large craft fair. Free car Night. Patrick GOOSO, QTHR.
parking and on site camping available
and there will be a beer tent and plenty
of on -site catering. Shaun G8VPG. Tel:
Mansfield ARS: 1st Thursdays, 8pm.
(0225)873098. The Polish Catholic Club, off Windmill
Lane, Woodhouse Road, Mansfield. r'Iub Secretaries:
June 28: The Bromsgrove ARS will be
holding their second Mobile Radio Ham
June4-JunkSale. MaryGONZA.10623) Send all details of your club's up-and-coming
755288.
Rally & Car Boot Sale at the Lower events to;
Wick Country Fair, the location being on
the Worcester to Malvern Road, rear of Midland ARS: 3rd Tuesdays, 7.30pm. 'Grassroots',
Bennetts' Dairy. Doors open 9am to Headquarters Unit 22,60 Regent Place, Lorna Mower
6pm. Tables for Boot Sale are £4. Entry Birmingham B1 3NJ. May 29 & June Short Wave Magazine, Enefco House,
to fair and rally is £1. Dave Edwards. 26 - Atari Night, June 16 - Treasure
Tel: (0527) 546075. The Quay, Poole, Dorset BH15 1PP
Hunt, 29th - Computer Night. John
Crane GOLAI.021-62876321evenings).
4
Short Wave Magazine, June 1992
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Radiocommunications Agency has produced a range of Information
Jamboree on the Air
Sheets, General Publications, Licence Application Forms and Guidance
Often called JOTA, Jamboree on the
Notes, concerning the use of radio spectrum. You can get them free (but
Air takes place every year, this time
don't ask for more than one copy of any Information Sheet) from: The
over the weekend of October 17/18. Jon Jones
Information & Library Service, Radiocommunications Agency, Room 605,
It's now in its 35th year, not a bad
Waterloo Bridge House, Waterloo Road, London SE1 8UA 24 hour PO Box 59
achievement at all. It gives Guides
Answerphone Ordering Service: 071-215 2072. Fishponds
and Scouts the chance to meet
There were quite a few I thought Junior Listener readers would find Bristol BS16 4LH
without having to leave their own
interesting and I've listed them here, but if you would like to see the full
towns and also learn about amateur
list you should request RA81 which is the Current List of Agency
radio.
Publications.
In 1991, radio amateurs working badges and stickers. All designs
RA174 - CB Information Sheet A: Licensing
with local Scout and Guide Groups should be sent to Paul Bateman,
RA175 - CB Information Sheet B: Equipment
operated nearly 400 stations National Adviser for Amateur Radio,
RA176 - CB Information Sheet C: Interference & Abuse
throughout the UK. So you should c/o Programme and Training
RA177 - CB Information Sheet D: Emergency Monitoring & Channel 9
check with your leader to see if your Department, The Scout Association,
RA78 - General Role of the Radio Investigation Service
Troop is doing something this year. If Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4
RA97 - Guide to Class of Emissions
you are a licensed amateur and 7QW.
RA 82 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 1: Licensing
would like to get involved with JOTA, Still on the subject of Scouts,
RA69 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 2: Amateur Service
you should approach your local they now have 'Scout Frequencies'
Allocation in the 50MHz and 70MHz Bands
Scout Group and ask the Leaders to in the amateur bands:
RA41 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 3: Morse
send for the new fact -sheet on how 80m - 3.74MHz; 40m - 7.09MHz;
RA70 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 4: Amateur Radio Call
to take part in JOTA. 20m - 14.29MHz; 17m - 18.14MHz;
Signs
If you are in the Scouting 15m - 21.36MHz, 10m - 28.99MHz; 2m
RA83 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 5: Amateur Radio Clubs
organisation, why not have a go at f.m. - 145.325MHz; 2m s.s.b. -
and Societies
designing the 1992 JOTA logo? The 144.32MHz. So if you're licensed
RA84 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 6: Radio Amateur's
logo has to be eye-catching and why not use them? If you're an
Examination
interesting, yet easy to print and s.w.l. Scout have a listen and see
RA80 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 7: New Amateur Radio
reproduce on items as diverse as what you can log. Either way let me
Licences
posters and QSL cards to cloth know what you find.
RA100 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 8: RIS District Offices
RA105 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 9: CEPT Amateurs (UK
Licensees)
RA117 - Radio Amateur Information Sheet No 10: CEPT Amateur
(Visiting Licensees) More Power HCJB Programmes
RA166 - Radio Amateur Novice Licence Information Sheet
RA139 - Radiocommunications Agency - its Role
Radio amateurs will have access Ham Radio Today is a programme
RA169 - Receive Only - Scanners, etc. aired by John Beck on Wednesdays.
to greater power after a revision
RA79 - How to become a Radio Amateur At the moment he is running a
to the Amateur Radio Licence on
RA67 - Radio Users Guide to the Law
April 1, the Radiocommunications feature called 'Computer Corner'. In
I'll be discussing the information in some of these sheets over the next
Agency announced recently. it he explains the processes that go
few months. They also produce a multi -coloured wall chart which on behind the screen and helps you
From April 1, 1.83 to 1.85MHz
displays the frequency allocations in the UK, this is called The United
will be available on a primary become a better informed consumer.
Kingdom Radio Frequency Allocations Chart.
basis to amateurs in the UK, with a Other features during his 30 minute
new maximum power level of programme are items on propagation
Prize-winning Books 26dBW p.e.p. and antennas plus a report from the
This is part of the 1.81 to 2MHz world of electronics and amateur
The Science Book Prizes were Black Holes and Uncle Albert, its frequency band which amateurs radio.
started in 1987 by the Science about Uncle Albert and his niece can at present use on the basis of Another interesting programme is
Museum and COPUS as part of a Gedanken who discover the non-interference to other DX Partyline on Saturdays. This is in
programme of activities to raise the exploding universe, wonky jelly services, with a maximum p.e.p. of the company of Rich McVicar when
public awareness of science and space, black holes that swallow 15dBW. you can discover what you can hear
technology and their implications. everything and how you are made This is all part of the on the short wave bands.
Whilst not necessarily anything to of stardust. It's the friendly way to modifications made by the World You can get a copy of their latest
do with radio, science books can be find out about Einstein's Theory of Administrative Radio Conference schedule by writing to HCJB, Casilla
very interesting and the ready of Relativity. Anything that can make Geneva 1979, to the allocation of 691, Quito, Ecuador. This will give
such books by 'junior listeners' that readable has got to be worth frequency bands between 1.6065 you the latest frequencies and times
should be encouraged. These titles looking for in the library! and 2.85MHz. for their programmes.
should be available in your local
library - if not in the school library
too as they are aimed at the under
14s.
This year's short listed finalists Interesting Letter
are:
The Amazing Voyage of the I
received a most interesting letter from Mr Banfield following my description of Baudot. In the early
Cucumber Sandwich by Peter 1930s, he earned his living operating RTTY and Morse. The sketch shown gives you an example of the
Rowan type of manual keyboard that he used.
Black Holes and Uncle Albert by They used to open the lid of the little 'piano', which would make it start to click at about 100 clicks
Russell Stannard a minute. The Baudot was a magnificent machine, built of heavy brass and polished steel.
Dinosaur! by David Norman Everything, the main bank of brushes and each operator's machine (they have 1 + 4) was
How Nature Works by David motivated by a.c. of about 50 or 60Hz. This was produced from the 200V d.c. mains by a vibrating
Burnie reed about 460mm in length. He thinks an electric bell type of circuit kept it vibrating and
Ian and Fred's Big Green Book by additional contacts chopped the d.c. to make it look like a.c. to the 'phonic wheels' it
Fred Pearce and Ian Winton drove. These wheels were some 150mm in diameter and resembled the non self-
Tomorrow's Earth by David starting type of mains electric clock. It was all very reliable, as far as Mr Bonfield
Bellamy remembers it never went wrong other than the reed used to speed up sometimes,
Just to choose one of them, but a small twist of a screw soon made it behave again.
Short Wave Magazine, June 1992 5
eSpecial Event Stations
June 20/21: GBBGC. This station will be on the air from Glamis
Castle, Angus, which has been a Royal Residence since 1372 and
is the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
July 18/19: GB2SMC. This station is on the air from the
Scottish Museum of Communication in Bo'ness.
August 1: GB8PP. On the air from Pollok Park, Glasgow,
which is the home of the Burrell Collection and Pollock House -
the birthplace of the National Trust for Scotland in 1931.
August 22/23: GB6SM. This goes on the air from the 3rd
Annual West of Scotland Steam Fair, Summerlee Museum,
Coatbridge.
September 19/20: GB2NTS. During this special event ten
different stations will be on the air in the UK and Ireland from
National Trust properties. This station will be on the air from
Culzean Castle, Maybole, Ayrshire. Other stations to keep a listen
for are: GB2NTU, EI7M/P, EI4DCD, GB2NTW, GB2NTC, GB2NTE,
GJ3DVC and GT3FLH.
Hands Free
November 30: GB6SA. To celebrate St. Andrew's Day. A new safety orientated, carried out by the activation of
These special event stations in Scotland could enable you to 'hands -free' unit that can be a switch which starts a timed
obtain an award. used in conjunction with most period when the radio
Scottish Thistle Award. This is issued for contacting or hearing vehicle -mounted radios, is operation is triggered by the
four separate Scottish Tourist Board special event stations now being made by operator's voice. It can be
operating in Scotland. To claim, forward log extracts only (QSL Technotrend Ltd. reset by simply re -pressing the
cards are not required) to the Awards Manager, PO Box 59, It is designed so that the switch that is positioned
Hamilton, Scotland ML3 6QB enclosing £2.00 or $6 or driver can use the normal fist nearby.
equivalent (cheques/postal orders payable to STB(RAEG). microphone with the push -to - For more information,
The Supreme Tartan Banner Award. This is issued for contact- talk facility, as well as the contact Technotrend Ltd.,
ing or hearing a total of six Scottish Tourist Board special event hands free operation. This is Unit B5, Armstrong Mall,
stations (this can include the four previously heard for the Thistle necessary when driving Southwood Summit
Award). Claim as before enclosing £2.50 or $8 or equivalent and conditions inhibit the lifting Centre, Farnborough,
don't forget to quote the number of your Thistle Award. and holding of the micro- Hants GU14 ONR. Tel:
phone. Communication is (0252) 373242.
QTI TNA
Mini World Receiver Stolen
Quotations of Technical Interest or QTI is a tape
The AE3905 from Philips is a mini As a result of a break-in on magazine that is produced for the visually impaired
world receiver designed for travelling Wednesday March 18 at the radio enthusiast by QTI Talking Newspaper
listeners. It has 13 s.w. bands as well Icom Showroom in Herne Bay, Association.
as f.m., m.w. and I.w. as well as the following equipment was Each issue of QTI is a compilation of technical
direct frequency key -in tuning. Other stolen. articles selected from current radio magazines and
facilities include Autostore tuning Icom IC -R1 S/N 890013168 recorded on tape by a team of readers from all
which automatically stores the nine Icom IC-W2E S/N parts of the UK. QTI is recorded on two C90
strongest station ready for direct 951001697 cassettes and is sent out to more than 140 mem-
recall. dual conversion, f.m. stereo Icon IC-X2E S/N 93500007 bers every three weeks. Most of these are in the UK,
via headphones and a local/distance Icom IC-2SET S/N but there are also members in Norway, West
key for sensitive reception of all 835001106 Germany, Eire, India, Canada, USA and Australia.
signals. The multi -function I.c.d. has If you can help Icom trace The cassettes are returned for erasure followed by
a 5 -digit frequency readout and the goods, please contact recording of the next issue.
shows selected band indication, Dennis Goodwin, The service is available to all handicapped
selected preset indication, stereo and Icom (UK) Ltd., persons for an annual subscription of £5. In order
preset flags. Sea Street, not to deter those with financial hardship, the
The AE3905 is available from your Herne Bay, subscription is voluntary. There is a 'Sponsor a
local Philips dealer, priced £000.00. Kent CT6 8LD. Member' scheme to help such members. The
Tel: (0227) 741741. cassettes are sent post free to blind or partially
sighted persons under the Articles for the Blind
service of the Post Office. In other cases there is
postage to pay.
As a registered charity, QTI Talking Newspaper
Association is always in need of funds to cover
running costs and to purchase materials and
equipment. So donations, large or small are always
gratefully received. As the Association is run by
volunteers, there are no salaries or perks to fund so
any donations are fully used.
For further information, contact
Harry Longley,
QTI Talking Newspaper Association,
7 Anderson Close, Lancaster LA1 3JE.
Tel: (0524) 33207.
6 Short Wave Magazine, June 1992
Purpose
Built
World Service
Homelodge is a
timber -framed
Back in New
structure, free- Zealand
standing, fully
insulated and double BBC World Service has
glazed that could restarted its 'round the clock'
possibly be used as radio broadcasts in New
a shack if the house Zealand. The new BBC Service
no longer has the space for you can be heard in Auckland on
and your radio gear. A simple 1.386MHz a.m. and in Welling-
intercom provides communica- ton on 1.233MHz a.m. twenty-
tion with the house, mains four hours a day.
wiring and telephone cables as The BBC has always had a
well as a separate earth can be small band of devoted short
installed. The price for a wave listeners in New
Homelodge includes delivery Zealand. However, in January
and building, internal decora- 1991 during the Gulf War,
tion, external decoration, local test transmissions on
double glazing, carpet, lights, f.m. started up in New
power points, electric heating, Zealand. But they had to be
blinds for the window and door abandoned eight months later
and all the guttering, etc. The smallest size available is 3.6 x 3.6m and the cost is £8450. when long term access to
If you would like details of the Homelodge range, contact: Homelodge Buildings Ltd., frequencies could not be
Kingswell Point, Crawley, Winchester, Hants S021 2PU. Tel: (0962) 881480. guaranteed.
Programmes travel the
12 000miles from BBC HQ in
Parish History Bush House to Auckland by
Station Name Tuning digital satellite circuit. The
Michael O'Reagan is helping BBC Service for New Zealand
set up an Interpretive Centre Listeners using the new Sony ICF SW55 compact short wave radio listeners will be basically
in the Parish of Goleen, West radio can get the station of their choice by simply recalling the identical to that which can be
Cork - formerly the Parish of station name. The 25 Station Name memory feature is incorpo- heard anywhere else on the
Kilmoe. One of the aims is the rated in this new travel -sized radio allowing consumers to tune globe. But for weekday
research of the past history of into the station of their choice more easily. breakfast and drive time
the Parish. As their main The memory holds up to 125 different frequencies, with 50 audiences, the schedule is
project, they hope to research stations pre-programmed and the facility to store 25 station going to be reinforced with
into Marconi as Marconi's names. The ICF SW55 offers f.m. stereo, I.w., m.w., s.w. and s.s.b. additional news and current
base was at Bron Head near reception, with continuous a.m. frequency coverage and 100Hz affairs material plus a special
Crookhaven. step tuning and a four-way tuning option including presets, headline service of New
They would be glad of any manual tuning, auto -scan and 10 -key direct tuning. A digital Zealand news.
information readers could World Time clock/alarm, sleep function and world map display The BBC and WS New
give them, no matter how feature are also included. Zealand Ltd expect the service
little. Contact The new easy -to -use tuning feature, compact size, full wave to have a third transmitter in
Michael O'Regan, band reception and a wealth of features make this a radio Christchurch within six
Corelacka, suitable for holidays and travel abroad. The SW55 should be months. There are plans to
Goleen, Co. Cork. available from your local Sony dealer for £249.99 expand to other parts of the
country too.
North Yorkshire Scanner Aid
Moors Railway
Scanner radio enthusiasts who monitor anything more that a few local channels can soon find they have difficulty
The Scarborough Special managing all the frequency and related information, especially if they don't own a computer.
Events Group commence their Scanner Forms is a set often 'master' forms designed to help manage all this information and make scanner
summer season on June 27/28 monitoring more efficient and effective. The masters can be photocopied or reprinted in quantity. The package
when they will be on the air as includes:
GBOYMR during the Silver Memory Channels Record - enter the channel number, frequency and user of each channel in the scanner.
Jubilee Gala weekend Memory Channels/Bank PL Form - record bank number, channel number, frequency PL tone and user information
celebrations to mark the 25th for each channel programmed into the scanner.
Anniversary of the North PL Tone Check -Off Sheet - helps locate the tone of a PL user on a specific frequency.
Yorkshire Moors Railway. PL Tone User ID Sheet - record the names of the user of a specific frequency and PL tone.
Operation will be around Travellers' Form for Local Frequencies - record frequencies for local utilities.
3.725 and 7.055MHz in the h.f. Travellers' Form for County/State Frequencies - similar to the local frequency form only for county/state use.
bands plus 144MHz s/s/b/ and Emergency Services Form - Over 20 categories that might be involved in an emergency, with room for up to eight
f.m. The usual full colour QSL frequencies for each.
cards will be available to Railroad Radio Frequency List - lets user record frequencies for some 23 different types of railroad communica-
commemorate the occasion tions - up to three each.
and further details can be Airport Radio Frequency List - Use to record the many frequencies used at airports, according to user type.
obtained from G4SSH. 9 Marine Radio Frequency List - Use to record marine radio frequencies of various user in coastal and waterway
Green Island, Irton, areas.
Scarborough, North All forms are on white card stock and are ready to take to a printer or copying service.
Yorkshire Y012 4RN. Scanner Forms is $10 plus S3 overseas post and packing and can be ordered using Visa or Mastercard. Tiare
Publications, PO Box 493, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, USA.
Short Wave Magazine, June 1992 7
Aerial Systems for serious listeners
Look to Lowe
DX -One Electronic Antenna £249 inc VAT
The World Radio TV Handbook said of the DX -One "... the best of its type available anywhere in the
world." It has a frequency range of 50kHz - 50MHz (*3dB) and 10kHz - 75MHz (*6dB); it is both
horizontally and vertically polarised, so low -angle (DX) signals suffer less selective fading. The output
level from the antenna is adjustable in steps from +6dB to -40dB for optimum matching. The extremely
high intercept point (+66dBm 2nd order, +40dBm 3rd order) and a very low noise figure (12.8 dB)
ensure optimum performance. The indoor unit contains a mains power supply, a step -wise attenuator and a very effective
medium wave suppression filter. It also has two receiver outputs for feeding two receivers without mutual interference.
SP -2 Antenna Splitter £152 inc VAT
A growing number of radio enthusiasts have two receivers, but no space for two separate antennas. The
SP -2 is the answer for connecting two receivers to one antenna (be it active or passive). The SP -2 offers
a very high degree of isolation between the two receivers (For the very best in Communications Receivers
Lóók to Lowe
Communications Receivers from KENWOOD
R-2000 R-5000
150kHz - 30MHz - 100kHz - 30MHz
118MHz - 174MHz - 108MHz - 174MHz
CS11~11111.00.0..
(optional) -~111111-411111«= (optional)
- LSB, USB, CW, AM, FM - USB, LSB, CW, AM,
- Digital VFO with FM & FSK
execellent stability - 10Hz step Dual Digital
Dual 24hr quartz clocks VFOs
- 10 memories (tunable - Superb Interference
by VFO) Reduction
- Memory/band scans - 100 memories with
- 3 built-in IF filters full data storage
- Quality audio with 4in. - Dual 24 -hour quartz
speaker clocks
375mm(W) x 115mm(H) - Keyboard frequency
x 210mm(D) selection
Optional accessories - RS -232C interface for
On demonstration at all use with 'CONTROL'
Lowe Regional Centres software
R-2000 £549 inc VAT R-5000... £925.00 inc VAT
General Coverage Receiver
Latest in the line of NRD receivers, the NRD-535 is a triumph for For the keen broadcast DXer, There is also an optional plug-in ECSS
JRC and represents a true step forward in features, performance and board for locking on toanincomingAM signal and then picking off either
facilities for the dedicated listening enthusiast. sideband.
The smooth tuning is the There are 200 memory
first thing you notice and JRC channels, each of which stores,
has developed a direct digital frequency, mode, bandwidth, at-
synthesiser (DDS) system tenuator and AGC settings, com-
which tunes in 1Hz steps. The prehensive frequency sweep fa-
accuracy and stability are of cilities and no less than 16 differ-
laboratory standard. There is of ent functions which can be pro-
course the front panel keypad grammed from the front panel by
for swift frequency setting. the user.
All mode reception covers For the advanced user,
AM, USB, LSB, CW, FM, the NRD-535 is fitted with a
RTTY and even FAX with IF RS -232C interface for 28 com-
filter bandwidths to suit the puter controlled receiver func-
modes. tions. Available for demon-
For winkling out the weak stations, the NRD-535 excels. Pass stration at Matlock and the regional centres .
band shift enables you to slide the IF filter around the signal so as to
eliminate the adjacent signal and a totally new notch system gives NRD-535 HF Receiver £1,195 inc VAT
tunable rejection with a 40dB notch depth. There is also an optional CMF-78 ECSS option £229 inc VAT
Bandwidth Control board. CFL-243 BWC option .. £359 inc VAT
Send four first class stamps to cover the postage and we Access
will send you, by return, your FREE copy of 'THE TRW/LEGE
LISTENERS GUIDE' (2nd edition); a commonsense look at
radio listening on the LF, MF and HF bands. Its unique Xw MEMBERSHIP CARD
FREE style will, I am sure, result in a 'good read'; but underneath
the humour lies a wealth of experience and expertise. You
will also receive detailed leaflets on our range of receivers
and a copy of our current price list.
VISA
n...iw.mu., 100000
BOURNEMOUTH: 27 Gillam Road, Northbourne Tel: 0202 577760
BRISTOL: 6 Ferry Steps Ind Estate Tel: 0272 771770 CAMBRIDGE: 162 High St, Chesterton Tel: 0223 311230 CUMBERNAULD:
Cumbernauld Airport Foyer Tel: 0236 721004 LONDON (HEATHROW): 6 Cherwell Close, Langley Tel: 0753 545255
LONDON (MIDDX): 223/225 Field End Rd, Eastcote Tel: 081-429 3256 NEWCASTLE: Newcastle Intn'l Airport Tel: 0661 860418
Short Wave Magazine, June 1992 9Feature
Marconi and the South
Wellfleet Wireless
Little has been published in the UK
about the Marconi wireless station
located at South Wellfleet, Cape Cod,
Massachusetts in the USA, which
became fully operational in 1903. In
this article F.C. Judd G2BCX, outlines
the history of the birthplace of
United States transatlantic wireless.
Practical Wireless published Technical Details - The ring from which the main lead- rotor. The spark -gap was not
my article 'The Early Work of Antenna in was taken, through the roof 'muffled' and with 30000 watts
Marconi', in the May and June of the building beneath, to the of power the crashing spark
'84 issues. This covered the Following the disaster that transmitter. A counterpoise could be heard four miles
period from the time of destroyed Marconi's original was used for r.f. earthing as downwind!". To prevent
Marconi's first experiments, in circular antenna system a four the sandy soil on which the destructive arcing and secure
about 1885, to the installation tower arrangement was station was built made an a clean break at the spark -gap,
of wireless stations in the UK erected as illustrated in Fig. 1. unsatisfactory 'ground'. compressed air jets 'blew out
and at Glace Bay in Nova This was similar to that used the arc' as the circuit opened.
Scotia for 'transatlantic' at Glace Bay (Nova Scotia) and The Transmitter Although the operational
wireless service in 1902. The Poldhu in Cornwall (UK). Each 'wavelength' was estimated as
article includes details of his tower was 64m high, 7.3m This was powered by a about 1800 metres, the
major achievement, the first square at the base and 2.4m generator delivering 2.5kV bandwidth probably extended
wireless signals across the square at the top. The towers stepped up by a transformer over the whole of today's long
Atlantic in 1901. Marconi's were set in a square each 61m to the 25kV required by the wave broadcast band!
next venture was to set up a apart. rotary spark system. The Not surprisingly there were
station in the USA. A suitable The antenna itself general circuit of the problems with interference.
site was found on Cape Cod, was made up of transmitter is "The tuner was not too
but shortly after the station large gauge illustrated in efficient and had to be
had been installed gale force stranded Fig. 2 in improved because of its
winds completely demolished copper which the tendency to interfere with
the antenna. An alternative wire (the various other transmitters". This
site, South Wellfleet, was top was main presumably meant that the
chosen and here the whole square compo- 'transmitter' was interfering
station was rebuilt. sec- nents can with reception by other
tion) be stations!
South Wellfleet - The with identified
First Transmission 200 by the The Operators Room
lead 'letter'
On 18 January 1903 the official down annotations. This room had a sound -proof
communiqués of the American wires to The 'heart' of door leading directly to the
President Theodore Roosevelt form the the transmitter transmitter building and which
and King Edward VII were inverted was "A three was fitted with a glass port so
exchanged between South pyramid foot diameter that the operator could 'see'
Wellfleet and Poldhu in shape. whirling the spark -gap. "It was rarely, if
England. Using the American These were spark - ever, that anyone entered the
callsign 'CC', this was also the all connected gap transmitter building while the
first transmission from the together at the spark rotor was spinning.
United States of America and base to a Such a move would have
Great Britain and another large proved dangerous. The
Marconi achievement. Within operator had to sit on an
a few months this new insulated wooden stool to
wireless station was regularly work the telegraph key using a
sending American news, 'pump handle' which required
through Poldhu, to The Times much effort!". The pump
newspaper in London and handle (?) was later replaced
news from Europe, via a by automatic Wheatstone
telegraph link from South keying and perforated tape
Wellfleet direct to the New equipment. Pre -punched tapes
York Times. of news items, etc., taken from
10 Short Wave Magazine, June 1992Feature
overland telegraph lines, could
be used to key the transmitter
directly. A change no doubt
welcomed by the operators.
The news service operated
from 2200 to 0100 hours local
time, found to be the most
reliable period for transmis-
sion to England, but private
messages could be sent at
other times for 50 cents per
word. (You paid your money
and hoped that propagation
conditions held good!).
The Receiver
The basic receiver circuit,
illustrated in Fig. 3 employed a Fig. 1: The South Wellfleet transmitter site. (A) The main antenna
'coherer' detector. According assembly; (B) Personnel living quarters; (T) The transmitter house; (0)
to the original explanation of Wireless operator's hut; (P) Transmitter power house.
the circuit this had to be
consistently shaken by means
of a mechanical 'tapper' to
maintain sensitivity. The
received Morse dots and
dashes could be heard by
means of a headphone and/or
recorded by a paper tape
'printer'. The receiver was
presumably 'tuned' to the
same wavelength (1800
metres) as the transmitter and
used the same antenna
Conclusion
For 15 years the South
Wellfleet station continued
with 'commercial' operations
but its end was inevitable. The
sea cliff where the station was Fig. 2: The transmitter circuit. (A) 60Hz Alternator. (B) 110V storage battery,
located was eroding away at a (C) High tension condensor, (G) 110V battery charging generator, (H)
rate of 3 feet a year and by Oscillating circuit inductance, (J) Antenna coupling inductance, (K) Morse key,
1916 the eastern towers were (M) Rotary spark -gap motor, (N) Main high voltage keying relay, (R) Rotary
threatened with collapse. The spark -gap, (T) Main high voltage transformer, (U) Radio frequency chokes.
station was closed the
following year by the US Navy
to ensure security and news
censorship during World War THE 8/Q7-JOL pCtt: : - ,,1,Y7p S7P7r-1
I. The station was never ¢ao/o
reopened and in 1920 was e
scrapped altogether. In 1919
coN
the RCA company of America
had bought out what was the RFC
American Marconi Co. and PR
later built a new wireless JOººQ
station at Chatham, on Cape
Cod. With the callsign 'WCC' it
eventually became the most Fig. 3: The receiver circuit. (AE) Connection
/9O3:Lfa2COU' 5TaT/O,U CC O^
used of all the ship -to -shore to main antenna, (B) Coherer battery, (COH)
On J, mar. 3.90.5 from the Marcos,
stations on the East Coast of Coherer detector, (MB) Receiver battery, (PR) 2otary Spark Gap Station located ,r
the USA. Morse printer, (RFC) RF chokes, (RLY) Relay. South We//f/eet, Maeoechueett 3
The author in indebted to GuI/jé/mo Marcon, sucteeefu,: y4 compete..
Dr L.P. Todd, a leading the f'r3t TicoWay,Qadro Tarlem,seion
between the .Jn;tec'Sta:ee á turooe
American historian and radio Fig. 4: South Wellfleet
amateur WA1STP, of Cape (Marconi) station 'CC' 75th O" /903 MF7¢CO,U r9T5 "O..
Cod, Mass, USA, for much of Anniversary postal sticker. 75r^ p.lM'v5,256"21'
the information concerned
with The Marconi South
Wellfleet Wireless Station.
Short Wave Magazine, June 1992 11You can also read
