California H i s t o r c a R a d i o Society N e w s CHRS OFFICERS AND STAFF 1996 ABOUTCHRS

PRESIDENT/ BOARD CHAIRMAN/ GENERAL COUNSEL The California Historical Radio Society MAIL PICK-UP MAILING CHAIRMAN Bart Lee (CHRS) is a non-profit corporation chartered Steve Kushman Dale Sanford 88 Kearny St. #1301 in the State of California. CHRS was formed 4233-25th. St. 107 St. Thomas Wy. San Francisco, CA 94108 in 1974 to promote the restoration and preser- San Francisco, CA 94114 Tibouron, CA 94920 415 956-5959 vation of early radio and broadcasting. Our 415 821-7671 415 435-6131 goal is to provide the opportunity to exchange NAME BADGE CHAIRMAN ideas and information on the history of radio, VICE PRESIDENT ON SITE EVENT Norm Lehfeldt particularly in the West, with emphasis in Lee Allder CHAIRMAN 757 Guerreo St. collecting, literature, programs, and the P. 0. Box 6785 Paul Bourbin San Francisco, CA 94110 restoration and display of early equipment. San Rafael, CA 94903 25 Greenview Ct 415 285-0643 The Journal of the Society is published and 415 499-9228 San Francisco, CA 94131 furnished free of charge to members. Yearly 415 648-8489 TECHNICAL AD VISOR membership dues are $20 (U.S. funds). SECRETARY Larry Clark Submissions for the Journal are always Russ Turner WEBSITE CHAIRMAN 438 York Dr. welcome. Typed copy is preferred, submitted 414 Liberty St. Alan Voorhees Benicia, CA 94510 on a 3.5 inch IBM or Macintosh diskettes in San Francisco, CA 94114 10809 Mcintyre St. 707 745-9132 ASCII or Microsoft Word format. Send all 415 824-8367 Oakland, CA 94605 material to Alan Voorhees and include your 510 562-3235 JOURNAL STAFF: name, address, and phone number. You write TREASURER CONTRIBUTING EDITORS about radio and we'll print it. Will Jensby MEMBERSHIP Bart Lee 645 Giannini Dr. CHAIRMAN Alan Voorhees ©1996 California Historical Radio Society. All Santa Clara, CA 95051 Mike Simpson Lee Allder rights reserved. No part of this publication 408 296-6071 21818 Via Regina may be reproduced in any form, or by any Saratoga, CA 95070 CONTRIBUTORS means, without prior written permission from MEMBERSHIP 408 867-73 15 Lynn Love CHRS. except that you may make "fair use" SECRETARY Tom Jackson of quotations of text fully attributed by you to Hal Layer BOARD MEMBER Michael E. Franzen the source (this Journal) and the author. P. 0. Box 27676 John Eckland Bart Lee San Francisco, CA 94127 969A Addison Ave. Steve Kushman CHRS 415 661-6958 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Alan Voorhees P.O. Box 31659 415 323-0101 San Francisco. CA 94131 BOARD MEMBER/ NORTH VALLEY CHAPTER 415 82 1-9800 PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN BOARD MEMBER Norm Braithwaite CHRS on the Internet: Mike Adams John Wentzel P. 0. Box 2443 http://www.wp.com/chrs 112 Crescent Court 1609 Irving St. Redding, CA 96099 Scotts Valley, CA 95066 San Francisco, CA 94122 916 246-4209 408 439-9544 415 731-1920 GREATEST MA.CAZINE IN TELEVISION

ON THE COVER Superheterodyne Anotbcr greal. trlumph ! DrtUJaut. performan~ tar above lhe ordinary mtdget. 6 TUBES - VARIADl.JO: Decked out in his signature cap and gown, M U AND PENTODE­ FUf,L VlSION ILLUMI· the "OJ' Perfesser" Kay Kyser conducts his NATED DlAI--Ginny Simms WHOLESALE RADIO ~~~.~~cc~ HG Sixth Ave., New York Back row, left, Ish Kibibble 2 Califor n ia H i s· t o r i c a 1 R a d i o S ociety N e w s NEWS AND INFORMATION ... FROM THE PRESIDENT Steve Kusbman

NEWS: on tbe Board. times a year ... in March .. .in June .. .in Sep­ Congratulations!-To Henry Engstrom, 2. Board members are limited to a three year tember ... and in December. We are always the 1996 recipient of the 'Doc' Herrold term. looking for articles for the Journal. And since Award. Henry bas not only been a 'contribu­ 3. The Vice President will be elected by the many of our members collect many different tor' to CHRS over the years, but also beads tbe Board. things, we can use articles on not only tube Military Radio Restoration Group. He was 4. The Vice President will succeed the Presi­ radios, but pbonograpbs, microphones, bi-fi also instrumental in our initial contact witb dent upon the President's retirement. audio, transistor radios, television, telegraph the Presidio, to begin tbe Restoration Project. 5. Tbe ex-President will become President keys, etc. You get the idea, start writing! Thank You Henry! Emeritus. Name Badges-Our thanks to Norm Dues-It's renewal time again! By now, If you haven't done so yet, please vote on Lehfeldt, our Badge Chairman, for those col­ you should bave gotten your renewal forms. these By Law changes on your renewal forms. orful, stick-on, name badges, be bas been Please take tbe time to read them carefully. printing for our events. If you need changes Make sure your information is correct by Hotline-Remember, the CHRS HOTLINE on those badges, please let Norm know. Norm checking the mailing label. As we reported in number bas been changed to 415 821-9800. reports that the debut of the re-styled plastic our summer Journal, your Board of Directors Now that we are in the rainy season, it is very badge is near. If we owe you a plastic badge, voted to raise tbe yearly dues to $20, due to important to check tbe H01LINE for rainout we are sorry for the inconvenience and the increased operating costs. This increase, ap­ information or any changes in our events. delay. proved in July, takes effect witb all 1997 mem­ Technical Reprint Service-Our Technical berships. Those of you wbo bave already re­ Journal-I continue to bear from many mem­ Advisor, Larry Clark, continues to offer Re­ newed at the old rate .. .let your conscience be bers that our Journal is, "terrific," "great," "the prints of schematics or other materials from your guide. best radio club magazine in the country!" the CHRS Library. Just send a note to Larry Election-At the July meeting, the Board WelL it's all true! Alan Voorhees, our editor, and let him know wbat you need. Enclose a of Directors voted to change tbe CHRS By should be congratulated for doing a great job self addressed stamped envelope and SI. Mail Laws, so tbat the following may occur: of putting this first rate publication together. to: 1. The Board of Directors will fill vacancies Look for the Journal in your mailbox four continued on nexJ page

" and now a ghost story ... " 3 C a 1 f o r n i a H s l o r c a 1 R a d i o s 0 c e t' Y N e w s

Larry Clark taJive or to be announced. applies. Thanks for having us Cllff! 438 York Dr. Benicia, CA 94510 (707 745-9132) January 5th. SUNDAY, Sam August 2nd. Saturday, Sam Or if you need assistance with a repair pro­ San Francisco Los Altos Hills ject, call Larry and maybe he can help. Thanks Alemany Flea Market, 100 Alemany Blvd. Foothill College, Lot "T." Sellers fee applies. Larry! The Library is still looking for Rider's (near HWY IOI and 280 interchange). Take tbe Vols. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 17 tbru 23. If you have Alemany exit off of 280. Sellers fee applies. September 6th. Saturday, 9AM these and aren't using them call the HOTLINE. Marina, CA Presidio Project-As some of .you already February 1st Saturday, Sam Marina Airfield at Fort Ord. Sellers fee ap­ know, CHRS is involved with the Perham Los Altos Hills plies. This event is tentative. Thanks to Foundation in a project to restore the original Foothill College, Lot "T." Take El Monte Rd. Howard Griffin for making the arrangements. radio station buildings in the historic Presidio west off HWY 280. AUCTION. Sellers fee ap­ of San Francisco. The eventual goal is to have plies. October 4th. Saturday these sites restored lo original condition, dis­ Redding play working historical gear, lo possibly have March 1st Saturday, 9AM The Shasta-Cascade Amateur Radio Society a borne for the Perham Foundation's Electron­ Sacramento invites CHRS members to participate in their ic Museum and to possibly build the Califor­ Towe Ford Museum, on Front St. near Capitol event. The location to be announced. Call nia Historical Radio Society Museum. The Ave. Near Old Town. Sellers fee applies. See Norm Braithwaite for details. CHRS Museum would not only contain radios, the largest car museum in California for possi­ but other historically related media, such as bly the last time. Thanks to Bill Howell for October 18th. Saturday, 9AM phonographs, bi-fi equipment, historical audio arranging this event. Fairfield and Rio Vista gear, microphones, keys, etc. Please read Bart Western Railroad Museum, State Rt. 12. Col­ Lee's article for more information. And by the April 5th. Saturday, Sam lectors event and Picnic. No sellers fee, pay way, Kudos to Bart for drafting the proposal Concord reduced museum admission. Thanks to Paul that got this ball rolling! Concord Flea Market at the Solano Drive-in. Bourbin for setting up this one. Museum Fund-In order lo restore build­ Sellers fee applles. Thanks to Stan Lopes for ings and build museums, we need money, setting up this event. November 1st Saturday, Sam manpower, money, intellectual input, money, Los Altos Hills donations from Corporations, and donations May 3rd. Saturday, Sam Foothill College, Lot "T." Sellers fee applies. of services and materials. We will gladly ac­ Los Al tos Hills cept donations from our members, and Foothill College, Lot ''T." Sellers fee applies. December remember, donations are tax deductible. (nothing yet) Happy Holidays from CHRS. Please check the appropriate lines on your May 17th. Saturday, Sam renewal form or call Bart Lee or myself if San Luis Obispo Positions Available-We are looking for you can help. Date is tentative, location to be announced. two people who can help at our CoJJector Auction-To kick off our CHRS Museum Thanks to Dan Steele. events. CHRS would like someone lo become Fund Drive, we will be holding an auction at the Club Photographer. The Club will pay for our February 1st. event at Foothill College. June 7th. Saturday, Sam film and processing. Who would like to docu­ Please donate an item or two (please ... no San Rafael ment tbe goings on at our meets? We need a junk), an appraiser will give you a written Erik's Downtown Drive-In, comer of 2nd. and Coffee Commissioner! appraisal for your items that you can use as a Lindaro. Sellers fee applies. Thanks to Lee John Eckland bas retired from this presti­ tax deduction. Allder and remember ... Erik cooks a great gious position and is ready to pass the cere­ Your items will then be offered at auction breakfast! monial Coffee Um to a new master. Who can to the membership, with the proceeds going brew? into the Museum Fund. Also possibly up for July 5th. Saturday, Sam Year End Thoughts ... Well, it's been a auction ... items from the estate of one of our San Francisco year since I took this job and it's been inter­ members. SL Annes of the Sunset, 850 Judah St. off esting. I've never done ~ything like this be­ Funston (13th. ave.). Sellers fee applies. fore and I've learned a lot. I've learned that INFORMATION: Thanks lo John Wentzel of Aladdin Radio for the Antique Radio Hobby is thriving! Radios Collector Events- Here is the list of making tbe arrangements. are more scarce and more expensive than ever. events for 1997. All events are subject to Our membership bas bas grown by about 100, change or rainout. Please call the CHRS HOT­ July 18th. Saturday, 9AM this year, putting us very close to 500 mem­ LINE, 415 821-9800, for the best updated in­ Merced, at Cliff Berthelson's Radio Ware­ bers! I've learned that most Club members formation. Please note the events that are ten- house, comer of 13th. and X street. Sellers fee belong for the sole purpose of buying and 4 C a I f o r n i a H S t O r c a I R a d i o Society N e w s CHRS WELCOMES LETIERS NEW MEMBERS selling 'stuff.' This Club can be so much more An organization such as CHRS needs and wel­ LOOKING FOR A TUBE TESTER U1an just 'stuff.' Let's open the communica­ comes new members. New members bring In the 1950's, as I was growing up, my father tion Lines, exchange dialogue and ideas about new ideas and enthusiasm and keep the club was manufacturing TV tube testers. He tells the future of the hobby and of CHRS. We interesting and fresh. We thank these collec­ me that he sold quite a few in the San Fran­ need new people who can step forward and tors have joined since September 1996. cisco area. He is now 75 years in age with help run the club and shape its future. If you Steve failing health and would like to have one of want to help, check the appropriate lines on his old tube testers. It was made in a red your renewal fonn or call me at 415 821-7671. Valerie Munn-Denver, CO leatherette suitcase style case. His company It's the time of the year to give thanks. We Ed Jesser K6VPX-Los Gatos, CA was "American Scientific Development Com­ all should give thanks for our good heallh and Bill Toensing-Nevada City, CA pany" and the meter would say "Fort Atkin­ good fortunes during 1996. I want to thank the Fred Kirsten-Lafayette, CA son, Wisconsin" on it. If any of your society people who make this Club run. First my Stephen Sparks-San ta Rosa, CA members would know of the location of one thanks to Alan Voorhees for his tireless work Mike Brooks-Oakland, CA of these testers in any condition, would you on the Joumal and his creation and mainte­ Jack Fritz-Sebastopol, CA please ask them to contact me. nance of our web site. A year ago we only Ron Vikjord-Modesto, CA Richard A111hes dreamed about the Web. And now thanks to Richard McCraner-Ahwahnee, CA 2541 Richen Avenue. Clovis, CA 93611 Alan, we have one of the finest sites on the Bill McChesney-Oakdale, CA 2091292-8802 Web. Thanks to Dale Sanford and his wife, Edward Hoyt-Merced, CA wbo stuff, stamp, fold, sort and mail every­ Luis & Maria Perez-S an Clemente, CA PLYWOOD RADIOS thing we send to the membership. It's a lot of Richard Lane-Turlock, CA I am currently researching an article on the work, and I can't thank Dale enough. Thanks Kurt Swanson-Sacramento, CA history of the plywood radio cabinet from to Will Jensby who keeps the books straight. Bob Mantz KQ6CM-Milpitas, CA 1946 to 1956 and I'm hoping some of my Thanks to Hal Layer who turns membership Charlene Hunter-Sonoma, CA fellow members of CHRScan help me in lo­ fonns into computer data and then into mail­ Dave Schutt-San Jose, CA cating infonnation on the manufacturers of ing labels. Bart Lee continues to contribute. I Dennis Trimble W6LVY-Morgan Hil1, CA these inexpensive alternatives to the catalin call him a lot, and ask him many questions Tim Sayers-Reed City, MI radio enclosures. The larger radio companies and he always has time for me. He always James Bremer-Redding, CA like Zenith, RCA, or Bendix would often pro­ writes insightful and interesting articles for Joseph Cali-San Jose, CA duce the chassis for their radios but would the Journal, and Bart is one of the key play­ Rod Kennedy-Moraga, CA sub-contract the manufacture of the radio cab­ ers in the Presidio Restoration Project. We all Hollis Poche-Santa Clara, CA inets to some local cabinet maker. While most owe Bart many Thanks! After all these years, Perham Foundation-Los Altos, CA of these shops seem to be leftovers from the Paul Bourbin continues to strike fear in the Gary Reeves-Lewisville, TX war effort, they also survived by making ply­ hearts of would be early sellers. He manages Verne Anderson-Campbell, CA wood goods such as furniture and hi-ti equip­ our meets like no other. Thank you Paul! ment. Most of these shops would produce the Mike Adams gets the word out about our cabinets and grills as well as put the finish on activities. Thanks Mike. And thanks to Larry the cabinets. Clark, Lee Allder, Mike Simpson, Norm It is these companies, with names like Ply­ Lehfeldt, Russ Turner, John Wentzel, and IN MEMORIAM fonn, Ply-Craft, Plymade of Chicago, Evans John Eckland for their contributions to Paul Giganti became a Silent Key on No­ Plywood Moulding Co. of California and CllRS in 1996. Also thanks to all of you who vember 9th at the age of 86 after being in Michigan that I need infonnation about, write for the Journal and set up meets for us! ill health for several years. Paul had been though any information about any company 1997 promi ses to be a year filled with excit­ a radio collector and dealer for nearly engaged in the manufacturing of radio cabi­ ing possibilities. We have 14 events lined up forty years, as well as an amateur radio nets is needed. Do any of my fellow readers for the year. And, the Presisio Restoration operator (W6GVY). even longer. have any memories, photos, catalogs or older Project will move closer to becoming reality. An ad of Paul's offering radios for sale magazine articles on the subject? Any and all I am always available to receive your can he found in the AWA Old 1imer's Bul­ leads or information would be, of course, thoughts and suggestions please call me at le1i11, 1961. He had built a world-wide rep­ greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to 415 821-7671 or leave a message on the HOT­ utation for fair dealing with bo th sellers sharing this chapter of radio history wi th the LINE at 415 821-9800. All my best wishes to and buyers. Paul helped many a new col­ readers of the Joumal. you and your families for a joyous Holiday lector get off to a good start and add to S1ere11 Cabella Season and a prosperous New Year! their collection, as well as finding rare seL~ 500 Red Hill Ave, San Anselmo, CA 94960 for the advanced collector. 415 561-6810 HAPPY COLLECTING! He will he missed by all. Steve 5 Califor n ia Historical R a d i o Society N e w s PRESIDIO HISTORICAL RADIO PROJECT REPORT Bart Lee xWPRE2DLT 325 Filbert Steps, San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 788 4072 The PERHAM FOUNDATION, by its president Engstrom the Charles E. "Doc" Herrold Don Koijane, committed in November to the Award for 1996. Congratulations to you, National Park Service at the Presidio of San Henry! Francisco to enter into partnership to rehabili­ The next steps in the Presidio Radio Histo­ tate the main radio sites at the Presidio. These ry Project are a formal application, then orga­ sites are the WWII Coastal Artillery station nization of the working team. Volunteers with atop Presidio Hill, the 1920s vintage radio every skill are needed for everything from station by the reservoir, and the museum-size paint removal to fund raising. Please give me WVY transmitter site near the hill The PER­ a call to help. The Coastal Radio Station site HAM FOUNDATION hosted a large meeting alone is big enough for meetings, operating and lunch at the Presidio Officers' Oub on receivers and transmitters, and a repair facili­ November 2d, attended by NPS personnel ty. It will also be possible to hold swapmeets Steve Haller, Historian of the Presidio, Jim at the Presidio. Gasser, manager of the real estate division, A second front is also opening. Al the Mar­ Don Koijane, Will Jensby and several other coni/RCA/MCI radio station in Bolinas there Board members and staff of the PERHAM are several WWII vintage transmitters. The FOUNDATION, CHRS President Steve Kush­ lessee up there and the MCI station chief, man, vice president Lee Allder and Board Jack Martini, are more than amenable to sav­ Chairman Dale Sanford, and invited guests ing good vintage gear. In the end, this is ex­ such as NASA's Michael F. Wright, repre­ actly the sort of gear that should illustrate the

~ .~ senting the Silicon Valley Engineering Coun­ WVY era of radio equipment. Several of us ,t cil, and Kip Crosby, of the Computer History are working this aspect of the project. Volun­ Presidio tower at the 1922 WVY site, now used by Association of California. teers are needed for moving and storage of the Park Service Police radio. We all owe an immense debt of gratitude to this gear, fairly soon. CHRS member Henry Engstrom, also active Please feel free to call or write to me about in the Military Collectors Radio Net and the any aspect of this project. My home number is Military Radio Restoration Group for making (415) 788-4072 and my office number is (415) the connection to Steve Haller. Henry's credi­ 956-5959. If you want to leave an after-hours bility and energy opened the doors for the voicemail, the extension is 103. Let me bear Presidio Historical Radio Project. He too at­ from you, please! tended the November 2d meeting, seeing the Below, left: The first (circa 1922) WVY site, also initial results of his work. Henry has been Correspondence is invited. broadcast station AG! and the Anny Amateur Radio doing museum quality restorations of military Service site in 1926; probably the monitoring sta­ radio systems for many years, for example, Photos: Michael E. Wright, P.E. tion #2 site in Dec. 1941. Bart Lee recowus its his­ the complete command and liaison radio sys­ tory to Perham Founda1ion and CHRS boards. tem of the B-17 bomber. He is also a radio operator of this vintage gear. The Board of Below, right: WVY transmilter site building from Directors of CHRS bas given me the privilege the back side. of announcing that it has awarded to Henry

6 C a I f o r n a H s t o r c a I R a d 0 Soc i ety N e w s RADIO SODA

Top: Costa/ Radio Station, circa 194 J, the candidate for rehabilitation

Center: Another view of the transmitter building

Bottom: WVY transmitter site at the Presidio. Henry Engstrom stands in front of this museum-size building. Note WVY call lellers above the door. Bart lie (l) and Steve Kushman (R)

i '~1~1 -~ ": 1 ...... ~

An interesting find in the collection of CHRS member Joe Cain is !bis soft drink bottle la­ beled Radio Soda Works, San Jose. Calif.

If anyone knows any of the history of this company, please share it with the Journal.

7 R a d 0 c 0 e c n g RADIO COLLECTING ON THE INTERNET Alan Voorhees

It seems you can't do anything these days earlier this year, and bas bad hundreds of vis­ without bearing about the Internet. If you its to it's site. Stop by and you can find the aren't "connected" it may be hard to imagine latest club information including the calendar what all the fuss is really about People selling of swap meets, complete with directions and Internet services tell of the vast amounts of maps, general information on joining the club, information available (although they neglect and you can tap into the information in a to inform you that finding it is like looking for number of past Journal articles contained on­ a book in the library with the card catalog line. With each new issue of the Journal, ad­ shuffled). On a more realistic scale, it's a ditional articles are posted on the site. bandy way to keep abreast of personal inter­ For those with enough hardware (68040 ests, and the radio collecting hobby is well Mac or 486 PC and a 28.8 connection) there represented on-line. are even eight complete shows f1om radio's There are two parts of the internet where golden age available for listing; Jack Benny radio information is readily accessible, news­ goes on the air before bis writers finish the groups and the World Wide Web. script... Kay Kyser holds a session of the Kol­ Newsgroups allow the posting of questions lege of Musical Knowledge .. .Jimmy Durante and information, and replies to them. continues to dismantle the English language .. There is an active antique radio newsgroup Philo Vance solves a murder. (rec.antiques.radio+phono) which is the forum Elsewhere on the Internet, Don Adamson's to seek the answer to the puzzling questions Antique Radio Page (below) is one of the best about that set you just acquired or to ask ad­ designed radio sites you'll find. It's loaded vice on the restoration or repair of a radio. with photos and descriptions of radios from The World Wide Web is the part of the In­ the 1920s to transistor sets, a wide range of ternet that has received the most attention radio resources (both on the Internet and oth­ since it exponentially grew in the past couple ers), and an active want ad section. of years. It is here that Toyota and Honda sell These want ads lead to another advantage their cars, and that individuals display pictures of the web ... adding to your collection. The of their cats. In this amazing mixture of infor­ site for buying radios is undisputably, mation and excess are a number of interesting Machine Age, the self-declared "collectors web sites dealing with antique and vintage super-site." Located here are four major radio radios. dealers, with sets pictured, described, and The first stop you should make is, of priced. The biggest listing is that of Radioma­ course, the CHRS web site (see sidebar for nia run by Mark Stein. The site is like a color addresses). CHRS has been on the web since version of his Radiomania catalog, with

8 R a d 0 c 0 e c n g

around 200 sets available. You can find wood­ Vintage Radios en sets, plastics, novelty, transistor and con­ Cllcllon • pic111r1 belov for aJaJier JPEG photo; click on 1ht OOtor ill!otllllldon sole radios here. on die •« plc1uncl. Re4loo.,. p=enled m epprn:dma11 chronoJoclc&I cmler.

John Salcas' Radio Craze is also located -2AtJIOS-0 ? Ta: ) t)OS:- under the Machine Age banner. John is well known as a dealer in catalin and other bigbly collectable radios. John, like Mark, can be contacted by e-mail from their sites. If the prices at the dealers seem too high, there are a number of collectors offering sets from their collections on the Internet. Like visiting a CHRS swap meet, you'll find a wide range of radios available in an equally wide range of prices. Machine Age is a site for per­ sonal collectors as well as dealers, and it bas a free ad section for personal selling or seeking c:>adi() - Craze of antique items. Click ou any picture to 20()m in, You can find most everything you might or click on d-. wx·l to iuquiro 11bo1.1t an iwni. need for restoring a radio; grill cloth, dial re­ productions, schematics, refinishing supplies. All just a mouse click away. Find a friend with a computer and an Inter­ net account and have them show you around! I

Radiomania8 Vinta,e Radios £ Othet Desiyn Arlif ads

WEB SrrF.S MENTIONED:

CHRS: http://www.wp.com/cbrs

Don Adamson's Antique Radio Page: http://members.aol.com/djadamson/arp.htJnl

Machine Age: bttp://www.cais.com/macbine_age/

Radiomania: http://www.sscsi.com/machine_age/radiomania

Radio Craze: http://www.radiocraze.com fl.it( 1!il: ------W;t 9 R a d 0 s a r s 0 f b e 9 3 0 s a n d 4 0 s KAY KYSER and the KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE Alan Voorhees

Who is listed in Ripley's BEUEVE rr OR Nar James Kern Kyser in Rocky Mountain, North as being the only bandleader that didn 't sing Carolina in 1905. He was first introduced to or play an instrument? the music business in Law School when Hal Kemp, who led the schools very popular Car­ Who was the cowitry's top-grossing band olina Club Orchestra, graduated in 1926. Hal leader in 1941? approached Kay, then the very popular leader of the cheering section, and pressed him into Who was the first person to entertain the service as a replacement conductor. troops and entenained more troops during the When school resumed in the fall of 1927, war than any other person (including Bob Kyser advertised for people to join the band, Hope)? and the first was saxophonist Sol "Sully" Ma­ son who became, and remained, the bands Who had seven records at the same time­ second-in-command. A group was assembled more than anybody else-on YOUR HIT PA­ and they put together a repertoire of a balf­ RADE?...lt's the "Ol' Perfesser" himself. .. dozen numbers and set out on their first en­ /sh Kibibble does some explaining to the gagement The band to ended up playing its "01' Perfesser" Kay Kyser "Evenin 'folks, how y'all?" With that and a six tunes several times, and as the evening cry of "Students!' the Kollege of Musical wore on the dancers started calling out the Knowledge, which represents the bulk of the names of the songs before the singers started, Kay Kyser Band's 3,000 radio broadcasts, was leading Kyser towards his idea of "singing called to order. The Kollege became the na­ song titles" which would become a Kyser tion's number one quiz show in the 1940s with band trademark. And one of the songs played Kyser decked out in a cap and gown, jumping that night, Thinking of You, would become the around the stage like the college cheerleader Kyser theme. be once was, giving "hints" to the questions be was asking, and then feigning astonishment AFTER GRADUATION to the answers be practically gave the contes­ The band expanded and grew in popularity, tants. and when Kay graduated in 1928 he talked the The Kay Kyser and his band The "01' Perfesser'' Kay Kyser, was born Victor Talking Machine Company in pressing

IO R a d 0 s a r s 0 f h e 9 3 0 s a n d 4 0 s

a record of the band for distribution in the of their last commercial dates. Booked for group together to entertain overseas. General area-enabling him to promote the group as four weeks, they followed the Harry James Douglas MacArthur, one of Kyser big fans, "Kay Kyser and his Victor Recording Orches­ band. There was much speculation that Kyser bad lsb Kibbible assigned to Kyser, and the tra." The band began to get better bookings wasn't up to it. The sound of bis band wasn't band became the first civilian entertainers on and in 1930 got an engagement in New York what critics said the audience wanted Okinawa. While in the Pacific, fearing yet City where the New York Times proclaimed anymore, the band bad lost all of its 15 years another poem from Isb Kibbible, Japan sur­ him a "genius if jazz." worth of arrangements in a fire a few months rendered. The band traveled around the country and before and they badn 't played an East Coast Because of problems with arthritis, Kay in 1932 Kyser was offered a 15-minute spot on date in years. wanted to slow down, but contracts made that the radio. In order to squeeze in as much mu­ impossible, so be continued with the Kollege sic as possible in the short time segment, Kay THE BAND IS REBORN broadcasts, with their 11 year run ending in implemented the "singing song title" idea to But the first week of the engagement bad 1948. At that time the big band era was wan­ eliminate the need for spoken announcements Kyser breaking the attendance records of Har­ ing, and Kyser disbanded. Kay moved back to between selections. In 1934 Hal Kemp again ry James, and a surprise had unfolded. The North Carolina with bis wife, who bad retired bad Kay fill as bis replacement at the Black­ band had a new sound. In rebuilding the li­ to raise their three daughters. hawk in Cbicago, which included valuable brary, the arrangers bad made significant Kyser's retirement from the music business radio time as well. changes. The trademark "singing song titles" gave him the opportunity to devote himself It was in Chicago that the band began to were gone. A large number of the tunes were full time to his church. He became first a take off, doing better than even Kemp bad upbeat instrumentals, and the vocal arrange­ Christian Science practioner and after having been doing. Kyser tried a number of ments were varied, ranging from solos to as success in this, Kay in the l 960's became a gimmicks on the Radio broadcasts, and finally many as eight singers at a time. '1'his is one Christian Science teacher and also became drew upon bis college days to develop the of the breeziest and most unrelenting shows involved with the Broadcasting department of musical quiz show format ("Kay Kyser's ever put on at a dance spot," said Drum BeaJ the Church headquarters in Boston. Kay bead­ Kampus Klass'') which would become the magazine, "Kyser is a brilliant variety artist ed up that department and it's various pro­ "Kollege of Musical Knowledge" and be car­ and deserves all the acclaim in the world." grams until the mid-1970s, when he returned ried on NBC a few years later. Kyser also be­ In July 1942 the musician union strike be­ to Chapel Hill, NC. In the late l 970's, Kay came the only band leader to have a starring gan, and the resulting ban on recording left went back on the road, so to speak, by becom­ career in the movies, making seven films in Kyser more time to devote to the troops. Oth­ ing a Christian Science Lecturer. He wrote five years. er entertainers followed Kyser's lead, most frequently for the Christian Science periodi­ notably Bob Hope, but none devoted more cals, the Journal and the Sentinel. AMERICA ENTERS THE WAR time or money to the cause. Kyser paid the In bis ''retirement'' years, which were much By 1942, when America officially entered band travel expenses himself. more than that, Kay continued to touch many World War II, Kay Kyser had become the Kay's wartime band was the best it had ever lives. Kay Kyser died in 1985. country's top-grossing band leader having had been, despite the draft having nearly gutted nearly 50 records on the charts, and ten the band of musicians. Only a few of the Band vocalist Ginny Simms records in the top ten. The "Ol' Perfesser" of members of the band in 1942 were left a few radio's "Kollege of Musical Knowledge" bad years later. The band bad record sales at their already begun to entertain our troops by origi­ highest ever (despite the recording ban which nating his program from military bases around made for a lack of new product) and bad four the country in February of 1941. It wasn't un­ records that sold over a million copies; they til nearly a year later that other programs fol­ bad sold over 400 million in war bonds, and lowed suit to entertain "the boys." had made thousands of appearances. But, After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Kyser since be now only performed at military spent all bis free time working for the war ef­ bases, most critics didn't see or bear the band, fort. He helped start the Hollywood Canteen, and as a result the band often is overlooked in where movie stars served food, talked and their place in musical history. entertained the troops. Kay sold war bonds on the radio and wbereever be went, and bis band THE WAR COMES TO AN END played for the troops whenever they could. In 1944 Kyser married singer Georgia Car­ With bis involvement in the war effort, Kyser roll. In 1945 "Isb Kibbible" (Merwyn Bogue) declined to accept any additional commercial was drafted and Sully Mason left to start his bookings, but did honor those be already bad, own band. Kay found a new singer, Michael including a Meadowbrook (NJ) supper club Dowd, and gave him the stage name of Mike engagement where the Kyser band played one Douglas. Kyser finally was able to get a small 11 R a d 0 n b e N e w s Occupational extinction

- ·"'*~ --::-,,... _ ~ ~ - -- - ;: . \'.... .,.,..,.-..,,,.,.•.... f>' , <;.

Associat"'1 Pre JOBS OF YORE - J ohn Wentzel, 68, repairs an old tube Wentzel's job still exists in the Dictionary of Occupatiom radio at his shop, Aladdin Radio Repair, in San Francisco. Titles, but others like "milkman" are disappearing.

By James 0. Clifford Swain. Associated Press But none of the jobs rings c SAN FRANCISCO the past like Wentzel's, Gryc; Handbool{ delists and Wedeking's. OHN WENTZEL has a job Wentzel's shop, Aladdin Radi that's quaint, charming, Repair, is a real time tunnel. nostalgic - and vanishing. The radios are right out of J Wentzel, 68, repairs old­ obsolete jobs Norman Rockwell painting. It' fashioned tube radios, outdated easy to imagine a family gaU since the transistor reduced the helped revise the Dictionary of Wedeking's switchboard is in ered in the living room, listenin "wireless" to pocket size. Occupational Titles for the U.S. there, too. Not so for Grycz'. to World War II coverage on "I get old ones brought in all Department of Labor. "We still have a few milk console radio topped with photo the time," said Wentzel, 68. "But The dictionary was first pub­ route drivers here in Raleigh," A visitor can be excused fo the real oldies are in my own lished in 1939. The department Swain said in a telephone inter­ being disappointed when a radi collection. I have one that goes should be releasing the updated view. is switched on and Jack Benny' back to 1923." version of the fourth edition The new edition won·t even voice doesn't llow out, or Bosto Then there's Michal Grycz. He soon. The dictionary is used by have that. Blackie fails to expound abou gets up each morning and deliv­ job placement officials to match "There's a generic 'route driv­ being "a friend of those wh ers milk. Or Lee Wedeking. who people and jobs. er' to cover all deliveries," have no friends, enemy of thos operates a switchboard. According to Swain, 74 occu­ Swain said. who make him an enemy." What's a switchboard? Well, pational titles have been Some other titles being Surprisingly, Wentzel said h kids, it goes back to the days dropped from the dictionary dropped grab your attention. has no trouble finding parts. when people, not mammoth while 134 have been combined Ever met a process stripper? "Some suppliers have bi; computers, handled almost all with other occupations. Sounds like someone who takes stocks, and I'm always comin telephone connections. The dictionary does contain off their clothes while serving a across World War II stockpiles. Jobs come and go, according "radio repairer-tube," so Wen­ court document. he said. "You'd be surprised ho\ to Mike Swain. of Raleigh, N.C .. tzel still exists as far as the fed ­ "Actually, it has something to much business there is for tub an occupational analyst who eral government is concerned. do with color photography," said radios." Californ a H s t o r c a 1 R a d 0 Society N e w s WANT ADS HELP!

WA!'iTED: Televisions, Philco Predicw, all models. All types of V"uitage and collectable TVs and related items, other earlier TVs wanted. Send or fax desaiption to Sheldon than parts or service literarure. F.ric Stumpf, P.O. Box Donig, 340 Laurel Ave. San Anselmo, CA 94960. 415 60245, Santa Barbara CA 93160. Phone 805 964-9417. 454-8851 Fax 415 456-9322. Riders manuals, Volumes I, 2, 4, 5 and 17 !Mu 23. Call Antenna for Radiola Super Vill console, or details to CHRS HOTLINE, 415 821 -9800. construct one ... pictures, dimensions, etc. Mark S. Rauber, Box 1077, Minden NV 89403. 702 782-3596. Pocket size reel to reel tape or wire recorden. Guy Doss, 736 Los Pacres Blvd Santa Oara, CA 95050. Blue, etched, side mirror fo r Sparton 558 (4 knob). Dial Phone 408-241-2437. glass for Sentinel 248 (wavy grille). Oiassis for Stewart Warner R469. Steve Kushman, 4233-25th. St., San Fran­ Majestic model 194 gothic cathedral cabinet, or a loaner cisco, CA 94114. 415 821-7671. to copy. Also Philco 60 chassis and speaker. Ben Martin, in 18334 Pepper St., Castro Valley, CA 94546. Phone 510 Starting 1997 the CHRS Journal will be 1945-1953 Plywood radios from the following compa­ 582-6804. published on a new quarterly schedule, with nies: Emerson roodel #503, #519, #535 or any with the issues arriving in your mailbox in March, perforated fronts; Tele-Tone #117, 117 A with speaker FoRSALE: June, September and December. holes; RCA model #28T. State price~ on condition. Free to a good home: Heathkit model GR-269 portable Your editor (see artist's sketch above) is Also want Zenith "radio nurse," brown plastic speakers. TV, Heathkit GR-2025 Console TV, and RCA home worried that there won't be enough input to Steven Cabella, 500 Red Hill Ave., San Anselmo, CA entertainment center circa 1960s. Also a Majestic radio 94960. 415 461-6810. console without power supply, I think this is from the sustain the expanded schedule and that be '20s. Robert Stueland, 21711 Alcazar Ave., Cupertino, will be reduced to writing endless articles on Mini-tube and hybrid coat pocket size plastic radios, CA 95014-5929. 408 253-8848. Lykemall@AOLCOM radio refinishing (the first of which, by the pocket crystal radios, hearing aids. I'll buy, or trade my way, will appear in the next issue). transistor radios. Mike Brooks, 7335 Skyline, Oakland, Electrolytic capacitors, NOS, two section- S4, 3 section­ The Journal needs the vaired collecting CA 94611. Phone 510-339-1751. SS, four section- $6. Some rated at 450 volts. Evan Pow­ ell, 4717 ConquistaAve., Lakewood CA 90713. 310 expertises of CHRS members to keep the con­ Mini-tube and hybrid coat pocket size plastic radios, 429-3793 tent varied and interesting. Why not write pocket crystal radios, bearing aids. fll buy, or trade my about your radio interests and submit it? transistor radios. Mike Brooks, 7335 Skyline, Oakland, CHRS Tee shirts, S 11, including postage. CHRS base­ Deadlines are the 15th of the month preceed­ CA 94611. 510 339-1751. ball caps SIO, including postage. Call CHRS HOTLINE ing publication. You can mail submissions to: 415 821-9800. Zenith T. 0. 10605 Dipper 1942 (sailboat or bomber on Alan Voorhees grille cloth). Oiris Rogers, 38 Smethurst Ave., Paken­ Neon transformers and capacitors; telsa coil parts and 10809 Mcintyre Street ham, Australia 3810. various high voltage parts. Dan Smith, 707 664-8156 Oakland, CA 94605

Atwater Kent model 20, big box radios, any condition. Send large SASE for tubes, parts, literature, radios or for or e-mail to: please state price. Paul Thompson, 315 Larkspur Dr. , books, magazines, catalogs, manuals. Two stamps, [email protected] SaIU Maria, CA ~3455. Phone 805-934-2778. please, brings you both lists. Stan Lopes, 1201-74 Mon­ ument Blvd, Concord, CA 94520. 510 825-6865 Any information on the history, use, or development of the HT-4 transmitter by Hallicrafters. Mikhael Brown, Hallicrafters SX-43 restored-$175- (no speaker). You 188 Sprucemont Place, San Jose, CA 95139. Phone 408 pay UPS, local pick-up preffered. Ted Stewart, 2157 SALE! 578-6076. Braemar Rd., Oakland, CA 94602. Phone 510 531-7042

UV-199 socket to make adapter to test tube at a 80 sock­ Bird Wattmeter with case and six slugs: 2-30 Mhz IOOw, et or an adapter. Edsel Erwin, 1513 E. Houston Ave., SOOw, IOOOw- I00-250Mhz 25w, 250w- 200-500 Mhz · The Howard Sams' six- Fresno, CA 93720-2750. Phone 209 299-5012 25w. Excellent condition, Model 43, 50 ohm. Dave "i.1 part series, Radios of the Schutt, 22 So. Keeble St., San Jose, CA 95126. 408 ~~ Baby Boom Era, a com­ Rack mount Navy radio RBC or RBB, or the cabinet 293-3437. alone. Buy or trade table top cabinet for RBA. For Sale­ prehensive picture refer­ Complete set of 20 years of "Ham Radio"- $50. John Kenwood TH21-A, 2 meter hand held tranciever, new ence to the classic radios of the post-World Gibson, 1075 Sterling Ave., Berkeley, CA 94708. Phone ni-cads, short and long rubber duck, charger and War II era is available at a reduced price unW 510849-1051. 115VAC supply. Original packing and manual- $60. December 31, 1996. Henry Meyer, 30 Tobin Clark Dr., Hillsborough, CA The complete set of six books, regularily Good photos of tube type transmitters, trancievers, and 94010. Phone415 349-2071 allied equipment, for the next edition of Tube Type priced at $96.95, is now available for $49.95 Transmi11er Guide. Gene Rippen, 105 Donnington, SERVICES: including shipping directly from Howard W. Auburn, CA 95603. Phone 916 885-6147. Repair/repla.cement of meters before 1940. Wanted- Old Sams Co. To order call 800 428-7267. rwers/Galvos before 1910. As is okay. Thanks, Leonard Use Sams Order #6100'J and refer to the Small knob (one) for W. E. Aeriola Sr., either filament Cartwright, 879 Russet Dr., Surutyvale, CA 94087. special pricing code of BKOCTI when order­ or tickler. Gene Warner, 522 Weiman, Ridgecrest CA Phone 408 739-6025 93555. Phone 619-446-2617. ing. VISA, MasterCard, American Express accepled. 13 R a d 0 c 0 e c n g WHERE TO FIND ANTIQUE RADIOS Lynn Love

negotiate if you think the price is out of line. commercial ones where you get your tube Also, leave your name and phone number socks and pipe wrench from the same seller. with the seller if your offer is initially turned (where do they get this stuff?) There are nea down. Odds are good that you will get a markets that are not commercial, these are the phone call on Sunday or Monday accepting ones you want to hit. I am aware that there is your offer. Tbe only down side to garage sales a non-commercial flee market in both Oak­ is that it can be tiring. You may hit 50 lo 100 land and San Jose. We just haven't had the garage sales in a day and that's a lot of in and opportunity to attend them yet. Similar to flea out of your vehicle. markets are church bazaars that sell donated goods for fund raising. Go to these because TiiRIFT STOR F.S they sometimes tum up good stuff al very rea­ Believe it or not, thrift stores can be a good sonable prices. source for antique radios. Like garage sales, they are inconsistent in their supply. We try WORD OF MOUTH and bit most of our local stores once every We bave acquired more radios through word week or so. Prices can vary substantially, de­ of mouth than we ever imagined. People from pending on the store. Bargains can be found work, friends, neighbors, relatives, doctors, as well as overpriced, trashed sets. If you fre­ you name it, get the word out. Al least month­ quent the store, introduce yourself to the man­ ly we get a tip, a lead, or an offer to sell us a ager and give bim your phone number. Many radio. Just recently we picked up some sets times they will call you when they get some­ from a garage sale, and by word of mouth As relative newcomers to the radio collecting thing in, and give you first shot at it and may from the garage sale. Some neighbors from bobby, only three years, my husband Martin even negotiate a price. down the street had a mini block sale several and I have learned something about the vari­ · weeks ago. I bought two radios, several old ous sources for finding radios and related EsTATE SALES speakers and stack of 40 or SO really great 78 items. Our first conception was that antique Check your local newspapers for estate sales. records at two of the sales. I introduced my­ radios are mostly found in antique shops. Estate sales sometimes tum up real finds, usu­ self as the neighbor 8 doors down and across That's just but one source. Tbe following are ally in fairly good condition. Depending on the street. One of the sellers called me about a good sources that frequently turn up great who is conducting the sale, prices can vary week later and asked me to come down to his finds. These are listed in no significant order from being priced close to market value to garage. He opened up the trunk of his car and except the best is saved for last. overpriced. Their knowledge of antique prices, asked me if I was interested in this stuff. or their lack thereof, seem to govern prices. There were three wooden AC sets from the GARAGE SALES Bargains can be found, but less frequently mid 30's, two plastic sets from the 40's, a tube About the time we started radio collecting, than garage sales. Bargaining is sometimes tester, a multi-meter, a 1941 RCA service Martin and I became certified garage sale done, don't be afraid to ask. Worst case is you manual, and a box of parts consisting of sev­ "Junkies". We have actually become quite may get a dirty look. Bids are frequently ac­ eral transformers, tubes, coils, etc. I asked professional at it. We can hit the pavement at cepted if you don't want to pay the asking him how mucb be wanted for the goods. His 9:00 am on Saturday morning and cover from price. You may gel a phone call back and get a response was, "Oh nothing, my brother was Burlingame south lo Redwood City on the set al the price you want to pay. For some rea­ cleaning out his garage and just wanted to get peninsula in three or four hours. We have son, estate sales are usually conducted on Fri­ rid of this junk". See how word of mouth found that garage sales are the best source for day and Saturday only. I guess this allows the works! Let all your acquaintances know what finding radios at give away prices. Our best antique dealers to get first crack at the good your interests are. You'll be surprised al wbal find was a Philco 71 Baby Grand Cathedral in stuff on Friday while the rest of us working comes your way. great condition with grocery bag full of tubes stiffs are earning a living. If you can, bit es­ for a mere S25. You will find lots of plastic tate sales on Friday and if you want lo bar­ CBRS SWAP MEETS table sets from the SO's and 60's for under $2. gain, do it late in the day on the last day of When all is considered, lhc best source overall They are great for collecting, for parts and the sale. They are more likely to bargain an for antique radios is our clubs' swap meets. tubes, and for selling at swap meets. Garage hour before closing. Prices are almost always fair, bargaining is sales are hit or miss. You can go for several done, the variety and selection cannot be beat, months and find very little. On the other hand, FLEA MARKETS and the friendship and knowledge available they can be very productive. I remember one A.i'iD CHURCH BAZAARS from our members makes it the BEST place to Saturday when the first 3 out of 4 garage sales I've been told that nea markets are good find old radios. Martin and I enjoy every swap we hit produced radios. all within four blocks sources, we just haven't seen it yet. We must meet we attend, whether we are selling, buy­ of our house. Don't be afraid to bargain and be going to the wrong ones. You know, the ing, or just plain browsing and hanging out. 14 R e s o r a o n a n d T e c b n c a T o p c s HUM, FEEDBACK & OSCILLATION Michael E. Franzen

Hum, feedback and oscillation are a scourge may show up. Ground loop hum may be lowering I.be mutual conductance of a tube. To to the radio repair man. They are the least un­ traced to bad solder connections to the chas­ change I.be bias on oscillator/mixer/converter derstood and hardest to troubleshoot faults in sis, multiple chassis grounding points or dete­ or IF tubes, change I.be value of the ave resis­ a radio receiver. While a major article could riorated insulation inside of shielding. tors. be written on any one of these conditions, it is On AC-DC receivers, the proper way to con the hope of this writer that the following hints nect series string vacuum tubes is to start at 0vERALL FEEDBACK & 0sCll.LA110N and tips will assist the repair man when one the AC line with the rectifier continuing on to On manufactured receivers which are built of lhese conditions is encountered. I dedicate the audio output, IF tube, RF-Oscillator-1st by reputable companies, over-all oscillation I.bis article to my father, Val Franzen (1908- detector and then ending with the 2nd detec­ after many years in service can be traced to 1992) who put up with me as a kid in bis radio tor/1st audio tube. In other words, I.be chassis common by-pass capacitors. An ol.ber source, sbop and taugbt me bow to troubleshoot and ground should always be on I.be tube that is on AC receivers, is a faulty or lack of a by­ repair radios. most sensitive to burn modulation. pass capacitor across I.be electrolytic filter capacitor. The purpose of I.bis capacitor is to · HUM 0sCil.LA110N insure a permanent low impedance RF pal.b to Hum is the most frequent problem that is Single stage oscillation is perhaps the least ground. Over-all IF oscillation can occur encountered in older receivers. Tbere are three understood type of trouble. It normally comes when the RF resistance of the electrolytic fil. basic forms of bum; steady state, tunable and from an IF stage. Usually no amount of filter­ ter capacitor increases with age. ground loop. ing applied to the plate or screen supply, cath­ In UL approved ac-dc receivers, feedback is Steady state bum can be caused by defec­ ode or ave circuit will correct the oscillation. usually the result of faulty design because the tive filter capacitors in the power supply. Nev­ If an IF transformer has been replaced with chassis is not solidly conneeted to the "B-" er replace a faulty filter capacitor wilb one of one having a higher "Q" the problem is com­ point in the receiver, but is merely by-passed a higher rated capacily. Doing so will shorten pounded. In IF stages, the limiting factor in to that point by a capacity exceeding .25ufd. the life of I.be rectifier tube. Receiving tube the amount of gain that may be obtained from To limit shock hazard in receivers where one manuals usually show or state the maximum a circuit before oscillation occurs is the grid­ side of the line is connected to lbe chassis, the capacitance allowable for the input filter ca­ to-plate capacity of the tube. A simple way to capacity between the chassis and the minus pacitor. Steady state bum can also result from check an IF stage to see if the oscillation is "B" must be limited to .25ufd. beater to cathode leakage in the audio stages being produced by that stage is to connect a of I.be receiver or defective audio coupling milliammeter in series with the B+ lead of the Diode Circuit Noise capacitors as well as a defective bum bucking output transformer. Shunt the meter with a . l While not burn or oscillation, a major coil on field coil speakers. It is also possible ufd capacitor. Detune the 1st and 4th circuits source of noise in an old receiver, is the vol­ for a faulty pilot lamp or a defective eye tube in opposite directions. Intermittently short the ume control. Actually many times this is the to cause bum in an AC receiver. grid of the 1-F amplifier while rotating the result of an improperly designed 2nd detector Tunable bum is beard only when a station is grid trimmer of the 1-F transformer. If the circuit. Figure 1 illustrates the offending cir­ tuned in. A good test for I.bis type of bum, on plate current changes when the short circuit is cuitry. This illustration is a Philco model 37- AC-DC receivers is to reverse the line plug. If applied and removed, the circuit is changing 602 and is similar to the circuit used in sever­ the bum decreases, the cause is the ac line from oscillation to a stable condition and is al models of Philco as well as other brands. bypass capacitor. On AC receivers, it is best to the culprit. The noise results from diode current flowing always replace both of the ac line capacitors if through the volume control. As components two are used. A few AC-DC receivers did not REMEDIES FOR SINGLE-STAGE 0sCILLATION age, in particular the carbon volume control, use an ac bypass capacitor and a good service 1. Use a close fitting tube shield on the the noise increases. Many radio repair men practice is to add one. It should be approxi­ offending tube. seem to think that the noise is caused only by mately .1ufd at 600 volts. AC receivers usual­ 2. Use a tube with a lower grid-plate capacity. a dirty element in the control and merely ly use .01ufd bypass capacitors. If the receiver 3. Use a tube with lower mutual conductance. spray clean it. A permanent fix can be bad by did not have ac bypass capacitors, it is a good 4. Raise the bias on the offending tube just to rewiring the circuit to correspond to figure 2. idea to add them. If the receiver used a capac­ the point of stopping the oscillation. All that bas been added is RI and Cl. The itor on only one side of the line, it is a good 5. Replace "G" or "GT' tubes with equivalent improved circuit will also eliminate grid cur­ service practice to add a second one on the metal types. Note that pin no. I of metal rent and stabilize the ave action in crowed other leg of the ac line. On a few AC receivers types is the shield. This pin must be reception areas. You may need to experiment I have measured as high as 25 VAC from the grounded. Make sure that it is not used as a with the value of RI. Tbe value of RI can be chassis to the safety ground on the bench out­ tie point for other circuitry. varied to change tbe bias on the oscillator/ let. This is an indication that the power trans­ In IF stages, you can sometimes put the mixer and IF stages thereby eliminating oscil­ former has leakage and should be replaced. plate lead on one side of the chassis and the lation . (See #4, above, under Remedies for Ground loop hum is not a problem on prop­ grid lead on the other to stop the oscillation. Single-Stage Oscj//aJion. ) erly designed receivers, but as receivers age, it Raising the bias on a tube is equivalent to 15 R a d i o N e w s a n d Features F r o m h e P a s t How Cathode Rays are used in Both Transmission and Receotion by Farnsworth Television by Samuel"kaufman, Radio News, December 1935 Many experimenters would like to know bow R£'.CE:IV!:R the cathode-ray type of tube can be used in TRANSMITT£'.R television for picking up the picture as well as for recreating it This article explains the mode of operation of the Farnsworth system employ­ ing a number of important and novel features. Last month the Philadelphia laboratories of Farnsworth Television, Inc. demonstrated the fidelity and clearness of Philo T. Farnsworth's system and the fact that 10- by 12-incb and 6- by 7-incb images bad been successfully achieved by the young inventor. Now, we will set forth the method as well as the results of the bis high-definition television tests. is apparent that the eye and brain of the view­ engineer of Farnsworth Television Laborato­ er of a television program automatically make ries, Inc., who jointly with Mr. Farnsworth 360-400 Lines allowances for minor imperfections of the explained the system to this magazine's staff, Here is a precise picture of the Farnsworth moving image. But the same viewer is bound prepared the diagram. The pickup of the trans­ system-one of the most advanced in the to be more critical when gazing at a still pic­ mitter, designated on the diagram as A bas world. We might note these few facts before ture of the same image. Actually, however, a been dubbed the "image dissector." The light proceeding into our technical description of television program consists of a rapid succes­ intensities of an image focused upon its pho­ the apparatus and methods: The RADIO NEWS sion of minute parts of pictures and it is the tosensitive surface is converted by the dissec­ demonstration was conducted on 240 lines. efficient reconstruction of the entire series that tor into fluctuations of an electric current. The But the inventor intends to increase bis system registers itself on the viewer's mind in deter­ scanning system also embraces its enveloping to 360 lines and, and still later, to "something mining the merits of the transmissions. coil assembly (B) and the scanning oscillators in the order of 400 lines." The RADIO NEWS group was impressed (C) and (D). Mr. Brolly pointed out that their An idea of the type of image seen at our with the Farnsworth demonstration. And the joint duty is to analyze the area of an image special demonstration is conveyed by Figure daily press, too, accorded favorable comment into a regular succession of space elements and 1. But, you must keep in mind the fact that to demonstrations at the Philadelphia labora­ convert them into corresponding signal cur­ photographs are very difficult to take of the tory. The figure above gives the basic sche­ rent adequate for routing over but oae signal moving images at the end of a cathode-ray matic outline of the Farnsworth television channel. rube and that the same image directly con­ transmitter and receiver circuits, virtually Current impulses are amplified by an elec­ veyed to the eye registers as being clearer than identical to the apparatus employed at the tron multiplier (E) which is an integral part of the average photograph of the image. Also, it press demonstrations. Mr. A. H. Brolly, chief the valve, and by vacuum tube amplifiers (F

WHAT YOU CAN SEE Tht illustration, above, is a rtproduC1ion of a photograph madt ofa rtu ivtd imagt of tlit oscillighl tubt, which is tht Marr oftht Farnsworth Ttltvision syntm. Tht middlt praurt shows an opmuor adjusting 1ht Farnsworth co~rcia/ rack-mounting rtltvision tquipmmr. At righl of pagt is Mr. Famsworrh demonsrraJing his srandard homt-ry~ tectivtr for 1eltvision and sound 1uep1ion. 16 R a d i o N e w s a n d Features F r o m l h e P a s t

and G) to produce signal voltages great enough the cathode travel in spiral paths direcled along ray tube framed neatly at eye level from a sil­ to modulate a radio carrier. Mr. Brolly explain­ the resultant magnetic field and come to focus ting posture. ed further that the connections (H and K) be­ at a point displaced by the transverse field. The recent tie-ins accomplished by the tween the scanning circuits and the amplifier, It was pointed out that the pictures at the Farnsworth firm with the Baird interests of provide impulses which automatically syn­ receiving end could be black-and-white, a flu­ England and the Fernseh A.G. group of Ger­ chronize reproducers tuned to the transmitter. orescent green and black or possibly other many will eventually result in a pooling of the The cathode-ray tube (M) is the heart of the colors. It seems that there is a public objective best features of all three systems in a single reproducer. It converts the received electric toward black-and-white pictures. It is not be­ set The outward similarity of the new Fernseh impulses into corresponding light variations cause black and-white images are more na­ set to the Farnsworth home model can be no­ and arranges them in orderly space-sequence tural, but rather on account of the fact that the ticed in the German model shown below. The to reproduce the image at the transmitter. This public has learned to accept black-and-white modern encasing enhances the appearance of is done with the use of the scanning system as natural through constant attendance at mo­ the set while doors hide the control knobs. comprised of the coils (N-N), the associated tion-picture shows. The color of the picture The receiver cathode-ray lube has been oscillators (0-0) and the tube (M) itself. Once through the Farnsworth methods depends on named the "Oscillight Tube." The flat, broad more the scanning oscillators are joined to the material utilized to produce the florescence of end is the fluorescent screen and the electron signal channel as shown by (P) to make pos­ the cathode-ray tube screen. In the Farnsworth gun is toward the end of the funnel-shaped sible automatic control from the transmitter. tests, pictures with a greenish tone were ob­ valve. In and around this cylindrical end of Mr. Brolly points out that amplification com­ tained through the use of a zinc orthosilicate the funnel is also mounted the focusing and pensates for the inefficiencies of translation screen. To reproduce images in black-and­ horizontal magnetic deflection coils and the and transmission while the series of processes white, a combination of substances, including vertical deflecting magnet. is completed by propagation of the signal. calcium tungstate, is employed. One of the chief things to be ironed out in It was also explained that the focused elec­ At Farnsworth·s test transmitting point {for television as Mr. Farnsworth has said is "stan­ tron image in the dissector is scanned by dis­ both wire and radio), the apparatus includes dardization," This, he declared, must precede placing it in its own plane by means of trans­ his cathode-ray "camera," or "dissector," an commercialization, AJso, he said, that his fum verse magnetic fields which sweep the image amplifier for the minute impulses and an ul­ will not manufacture television equipment, but across a fixed aperture, thus allowing a small tra-short-wave transmitting outfit. And, as not­ will issue non-exclusive licenses to other area of the picture element to produce a cur­ ed, the receiver also embodies the cathode-ray companies. Philco already is sanctioned to rent in an electrical circuit, where it may be tube and its allied equipment. make Farnsworth-type receivers while Heintz amplified and transmitted over wire lines or Experiments have reached the stage where and Kaufman has permission to make visual by radio. A resultant field which is inclined to home model receivers have been designed in transmitters. Although the demonstrations the axis of the tube is obtained by the addition attractive cabinets. The featured model seen at were warmly received by the Press, company of a transverse magnetic field to the focusing the Philadelphia demonstration for the RADIO engineers are already al work on improvements. field. Electrons starting from given points on NEWS staff bas the screen end of the cathode-

THE TELEVISION RECEIVER Above, 1/it television reaplWn llllit aJmprises 1/it ca11wdt-ray tubt and associaJtd radio tubes mo1U11ed on metal chassis.

Ctnter illustralion shows 1/it television recefrtr. aJ the top; 1/it Power supply, bottom; while the o~ralor points aJ the short- wave Wlil. Al 1/it left of tlit page is 1/it Femseh model using tlit same principles and manufactured for tlit German market

17 R a d i o N e w s a n d F e a l u r e s F r o m l b e P a s l BRINGING BACK VOICES FROM THE PAST L M. Cockaday Radio News, March 1938

On a very fair Thursday evening, not so very are co-operating with birn in this respec t. Jong ago radio listeners from coast to coast "Kipling wrote in bis latest book 'Gramo­ could bear, over tbe Mutual Network, tbe phone records of good men would be more voice of tbe late Theodore Roosevelt in an helpful to education than bushels of printed address be made to a boys' club 25 years ago. books.' That expresses our sentiments exact­ Tbe broadcasl was made through tbe medium ly," said Mr. Reeves. He continued: "We will of a pbonograpb record. This old type cylin­ shortly be able to release for a special series der record was amplified and electrically tran­ of radio broadcasts and for use in schools and scribed onto a disk for tbe broadcast and tbe bomes, records of the actual voices of sucb story of bow the old record came to be made pasl leaders of American Life and American almost a quarter of a century ago, was told by Cullure as William McKinley, Garrell A. Ho­ Robert Vincent at whose request Colonel Roo­ bart, William Jennings Bryan, Phineas T. Bar­ sevelt made the speech. Vincent was being num, Woodrow Wilson, John Wanamaker, interviewed by Jerry Danzig of tbe WOK Thomas A. Edison, William Howard Tafl and Press Section. scores of others. Also the present leaders of current tbougbt in all fields, we hope, will make recordings for us, so tbat their voices may be preserved for poslerity. Permanent copies of all these records will be kept in tbe archives of the Library of Harvard University."

USEFUL, EDUCATIONAL PROJECT Tbis is an interesting and most useful project and will not only be entertaining but may do mucb for educational purposes. One will be able to sit by one's own fireside and bear Bryan give a discourse on Immortality or Taft suggest a solution to tbe difficult Labor Ques­ tion. Classes in science will be able to listen lo Thomas A. Edison himself lell about the marvels of electricity and history students can actually bear Calvin Coolidge welcome borne tbat intrepid flyer wbo succeeded alone in a single motored plane in completing the first non-stop flight from New York to Paris. Also that flyer's story of bis reception in Europe HOW TEDDY ROOSEVELT'S VOICE ''TEDDY" SPEAKS AGAIN spoken by himself is one of the records in this WAS REJUVENATED Since then, lelters and cards have been pour­ series. Surely, this is a step in the right direc­ ing in from all sections of the country staling tion and it is not surprising that one of the late Scene in !he Reeves SoW'ld Studios, where 1he bow much tbe audiences enjoyed that program Thomas A. Edison's closest associates recent­ 25-year-old cylinder record is being reproduced and asking for more features of tbal nature. ly said: "Reeves has done a wonderful work with its tones revitalized on a wax disc. 11te de­ Many friends of Theodore Roosevelt said lhal in these transcriptions. He is doing bis share vice for replaying !he old record (indicated by tbe voice of this greatly beloved American, as for the technical advancement of tbe heritage arrow) is shown on !he small centrally located heard by them on tbe radio, was unmistakable left us by Mr. Edison." table. The opera1or in !he foregroW1d is monitor· and characleristic. A graduate Mechanical Engineer of Geor­ ing !he feeble sounds produced by !he old Tbe electrical reproduction of T. K.'s voice gia Tech and Brooklyn Polytechnic, Hazard E. record. The amplifier in lhe background is was made al tbe Reeves Sound Studios, 1600 Reeves became research engineer for tbe Co­ sirenglhening Ihese Iones, while lhe second op· Broadway, New York. Accordingly our news lumbia Pbonograpb Co. and later recording erator watches the delicate cutting of !he new reporter and pbmograpber proceeded lo these engineer for the Stanley Recording Co. He disc. sludios, lo bring you pictures of the equip­ bas been consulting engineer for many well­ ment used in the transcription of this record. known frrms and Director of Recording for Mr. H. E. Reeves stated that his company is the Harvard University Film Foundation. He now working on many similar ventures and is now president of bis own Laboratory and that tbe Edison Laboralories in New Jersey technical adviser to tbe Omnivox Company. 18 Excerpts F r o m H e r b B r a m s Notebooks

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CONTENTS l'llos. ol in wbo 1-ow wbot it - lo wait w;,i, o.Dous ~ WI al""'Y' be: i;r-.u.iul ior the "°"'1 oi hang :&bk to NM in our nd.i:>s and pien:c rhc ,..ill o( silcru:• ~ me righting fronts and home.

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