The article on audion bulbs in this issue, written by Mr. A. B. Cole, the Sales Manager of the DeForest Radio Telegraph & Telephone Company is recommended to every wireless operator whether amateur or commercial. Of all instruments and devices used in radio work, the audion bulb is by far the most difficult to learn how to handle. Probably 90% of the amateurs of the country do not know how to get the best results from an audion bulb nor how to keep the bulb in best working condition. The information given in Mr. Cole's article is the first time that all of the latest details known about the audion have been put together in one article in such form that the amateur can understand it. We predict an immense improvement in receiving ability throughout the country as a result of the amateurs in the League reading this article of Mr. Cole's.
The audion bulb is regarded by the amateur in general as one of the expensive luxuries. In talking with many amateur station owners, it seems that the impression prevails that not only does a bulb and its accompanying set cost quite a bit, but it costs a lot to replenish burned out bulbs. An ordinary bulb was represented by $3.00 and the "X" bulb with its greater sensitiveness at $5.00, if we remember the prices correctly. It was the usual history of every friend who had purchased an audion that he burned his bulb out in the first few weeks and this had to be renewed. It seemed an expensive thing to keep up.
We venture to predict that with the added light on this vitally important receiving device, which Mr. Cole's article sheds, that the cost of upkeep on account of burned out bulbs, will be much reduced and that in time many more amateurs will feel that they can afford an audion. In most every one of the especially good League Relay stations, which we have illustrated in QST, the audion bulb figures as the receiving device. Some amateurs make use of the audion as a means for receiving continuous wave signals, and this, if practical, will add still further to the importance of the audion in the amateur minds. We understand, however, that up to this time, the DeForest Company do not approve of the use of the audion for this purpose. In the meantime, let every one of us whether he owns an audion or not read carefully Mr. Cole's article and then put it aside for further consideration later on. It is worth keeping.
We really seem to be getting there on the Trunk Line matter. The number of letters received from amateur station owners throughout the country since Mr. Maxim's article was printed in last month's issue, and the plan he outlines in this month's article, indicate clearly that in the near future we shall have regular working divisions the same as a railroad organization.
The idea of this subdivision and local control of each Trunk Line is especially promising because of the fact that it divides up the labor. There is so much to do that a lot of people must be identified in the job in order to carry it on. Establishing local stations at San Francisco, Chicago and some point near New York is distinctly the next thing for us to do. Let every one of us who actually operates and who is qualified to vote, send in his pick for the best local headquarters in the cities mentioned. Don't delay, and we can get the scheme into working form before the static begins next season. Never mind the remonstrance from our overworked Secretary. A few more thousands of letters in his mail will never be noticed in the pile.
As we go to press with this issue Mr. Kirwan's country wide, relay test has just been pulled off. At this writing, we have practically no information as to how far the message got, and how badly it became garbled. We do know however, that there is every indication that an extremely fine record was made, and we expect to see this confirmed later. Mr. Kirwan, 9XE of Davenport, Iowa, who originated the relay, is one of the League members and he has promised to send in to QST, all the dope as soon as he receives it himself. When it is printed it will be of great interest and assistance to the rest of us.
There will be some unexpected developments, in the matter of long distance work. For example, we have already ascertained that Mr. Readio, 1ON in Springfield, Mass. heard 9XE, when he first started the message out in Davenport, Iowa. and that he heard the others repeating it, on the way east and when Wheeling, W. Va. did his sending, he had the message good enough so as not to bother with taking it down any more. When we hear, from the Pacific Coast stations, we expect to find still more surprising things. Somebody has predicted that as a result of this relay demonstration, we will be able to get all the way across the Continent in two relays, that is, three stations.
QST, QST, QST, DE 3TQ
This Means You. An Important Suggestion
You are respectfully requested to discontinue transmitting during the Q. S. T. Reports of the Naval Stations. These reports are sent out every four hours. Complaint has already been made to the Navy Department that much QRM has been given during the Time Signals of N. A. A. and the weather and obstructions reports of the NA-Stations. Further notice has been brought to the use of excess power at other periods. Please advise ALL Amateurs to heed this warning and QRX. Safety first. 3TQ.
The Publishers of “QST” wish to express their thanks to Mr. Andrews for bringing this to their attention. QRM during these periods is a very serious affair and the LEAGUE can do no more than most earnestly recommend than every amateur adopt this rule of Keeping Out during these important periods.—Editor.
MR. FLANDERS OF BOSTON, SAYS:
I have received all the “QST’s” and appreciate the magazine. It gives one such delightful little glimpses of the amateur “as he is.”
ERRATA
The word Amplifier should be substituted for the word Audion in the fifth line of the second paragraph, second column on page 24 of the February issue. In this same article, under Notes, Power in kilowatts.
COMING ISSUES OF “QST”
Among the other good things in store for subscribers of “QST” are articles on “Tuning,” “Receiving,” “Long Distance Work,” and an article on wireless telephony describing a system which worked well on sixty cycles. This article will tell you how the Secretary of the LEAGUE carried on a number of experiments and succeeded in transmitting music a distance of twenty-five miles with one-eighth kilowatt on sixty cycles. It was practical work and you will be pleased to see the article. A number of well-known writers are going to contribute articles to “QST.”
INTERESTING MEETING OF THE RADIO CLUB OF AMERICA
NEED NOT DISMANTLE RADIO
Collector Malone was notified yesterday by the Treasury Department that, in accordance with the advice of Secretary of the Navy Daniels, it is unnecessary to dismantle the radio apparatus of bunker coal steamers of belligerent countries which remain in port for so short a time that it is not necessary for them to enter or clear. In such cases, however, the Collector is instructed to deliver to the master of the vessel a copy of the printed regulations issued by the Navy Department and inform, him that, as the vessel will not have to enter and clear, he will not be required to seal his radio apparatus or to lower his antennae, but that the apparatus must not be used in any way, either for transmitting or receiving, until after the vessel has left the limits of the port.
THE GROWTH OF “QST”
Along with the rapid development of THE AMERICAN RELAY LEAGUE, came the growth of “QST.” Did you notice the four additional pages in the February number? There are four more pages in this issue. That means, we have eight more pages than when we started; thirty-two pages instead of twenty-four. “QST” will continue to grow, if you do your share. If your trial subscription expires with this number, renew it immediately. If it is going to expire next month, don’t wait until it expires, renew it today and you will get “QST” for a year. It’s very important that you renew your subscription promptly. A delay may mean the loss of a number.
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
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