Radio Guide Radio’s Technology Resource October 2003 www.radio-guide.com – www.radio-classifieds.com – www.oldradio.com Volume 11 Issue 10

Investigating Radio’s Roots: What Did Marconi Hear?

© Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS

Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) at work in the wireless room of the yacht Electra. The World’s Most Heralded Radio Failure Johns, the town where many of the transatlantic tele- graph cables landed. Still, it was convenient for Marconi to send cablegrams back to Poldhu to coordinate the Radio History tests. (Of course, the cable company employees could read and report every action of this potential competi- tor to their superiors as well.) In a small, unheated barren room of a derelict What is This Thing Called Broadcasting military hospital atop Signal Hill, Marconi and Kemp kept a listening watch with earphones on the schedule The World’s Most Heralded Radio Failure they set via cablegram to Poldhu. At Poldhu, Ambrose Fleming (later to become famous in his own right for by Donald E. Kimberlin, NCE inventing the thermionic diode vacuum tube) was keying the single Morse Code letter “S” on schedule. [LANDIS, North Carolina - October 2003] Much “Who are you? What are your credentials? Who sent of today’s world is blithely ignorant about the origins of you here? Why should we pay attention to you?” and so THE MYTH DEVELOPS the “wireless” devices that have such an impact on our on. They could well have kept matters to themselves, After some days, no signals had been received. life and society. On the other hand, educators and pushing any development in typical bureaucratic fash- Failure seemed imminent. Marconi kept trying different archivists have ingrained in their minds this “fact:” ion. arrangements of the few simple pieces of apparatus. Guglielmo Marconi spanned the Atlantic Ocean with When young Marconi described his reception to his Finally on December 12, he removed components that radio signals on December 12, 1901 at 12:30 PM mother, she decided to take him to England where the would have amounted to a low pass filter, and shortly Atlantic Standard Time. Marconi told the world he Jameson relatives (of Irish Jameson whiskey fame and after mid-day, he heard what he thought was a Morse heard the Morse Code letter “S” transmitted from wealth) had money and influence. Nevertheless, on “S” in the earphones. Poldhu, on England’s Lizard peninsula, near Land’s arrival in England a skeptical British government cus- From his account, it would seem what Marconi End. toms inspector took one look at the youthful Italian, heard was an HF component or components of the That Marconi must have succeeded has long been eyed his baggage full of electrical items, and asked “Are Poldhu signal. If it could be assumed the path had been taken as an article of you a terrorist? Is this material for a bomb?” Marconi’s working previously, then higher frequency signals must faith and reinforced to mother is reported to have said at the time, “It’s not a not have been getting through the effective filters of the succeeding generations bomb as you understand it, but it will blow down walls Newfoundland receiver. In other words, Marconi (and by those presumed to between men.” Such was the resolve forming in the Kemp) must have heard some sort of “shortwave” hold the truth of the Marconi mind. signals that day. matter. Details are Once in England, the Jameson influence did work, Because everyone wanted to believe, a rationale widely published and but not as hoped. Everyone seemed interested, but no developed a few months later. American physicist accepted, and the one would join in the effort. Young Marconi was sent Arthur Kennelly theorized in early 1902 that perhaps claimed feat has been memorialized with monuments here and there to demonstrate endlessly, proving over Marconi had some signal reflected off an ionized layer and even commemorative stamps and coins. Indeed, longer and longer distances, and to try to overcome in the upper atmosphere. (No one really knew how to for many, doubting the veracity of Marconi’s claim is skepticism and denial at every turn that his innovation calculate path losses nor what ionospheric “skip” technological heresy. had practical value. Or, as he also found, whatever he propagation was.) Oliver Heaviside in England con- sought to commercialize was something to which the curred with the Kennelly theory, and the rationale that government laid claim. Marconi must have heard some HF components was He finally found the government had no claim to generally accepted. merchant shipping on the high seas, and began to Marconi and Kemp were certain they heard the develop wireless for shipboard use. From that emerged three dots of Morse Code “S” that day. And the mythical the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, one of the theory has been taught as a canon of technology ever few business entities Marconi would be able to retain since. But no one has taken the time to see if indeed an as his own over many years. However, in those early HF radio path existed on the famous day. years, it was not very profitable. Clearly something else was needed. A SECOND LOOK Many years later, Marconi estimated the frequency MARCONI’S NEED FOR SUCCESS of the Poldhu transmitter was somewhere in the range Marconi (far left) on Newfoundland In 1901, at the end of five years of whirlwind of the lower end of today’s medium wave AM broadcast development and demonstration, Marconi had gone band. With what we know about lower frequency WAS IT REALLY SO? through two rounds of family financing, and a refusal propagation today, any groundwave signal would have However, a few nagging details have never been of the Jameson interests, to pour more money into attenuated down to a few picovolts, a signal that would validated. First, no one who could be called an young Marconi’s seeming toy seemed ever more likely. challenge even the most modern of receivers to pick up impartial observer was present at the claimed feat. The Meanwhile, government subsidized wireless develop- out of natural noise. only other person at the receiver in Newfoundland was ers in other nations were making slow but steady Using a photo of the Poldhu transmitter antenna, George Kemp, Marconi’s close personal assistant of progress. If Marconi did not have a “hit” – and a large current-day antenna specialists confirm this, estimating several years. Second, Marconi himself could not state one – soon, his budding empire might fail financially. it was a rather effective low-pass filter cutting off with certainty just how the signals could have reached His wireless experimentation and shore station everything exceeding about 850 kHz. Thus, even if the the 2,100 miles across the Atlantic. building placed him in close proximity to the then Poldhu spark created all the spurs and harmonics we Furthermore, little was known then about radio fabulously wealthy and successful submarine telegraph are told spark transmitters generated, only those signals wave propagation. Details like frequency, power level cable companies. In both England and Ireland, these below 850 kilohertz would have been radiated any- and antenna efficiency were not measurable at the had managed to evade government hegemony because way. There would have been no HF “shortwave” time, and no detailed drawings or specification docu- their geographic reach and capital expense went be- components to “skip” across the ocean! ments exist from which to reconstruct such facts. yond that of governments. But over the years, the academic community has This article does not claim Marconi to be a hoax. In mid-1901, when he found signals from his not taken into account a major fact about December Indeed, Marconi probably did believe he heard the Poldhu transmitter in England were received very 12, 1901: It was the lowest of “low days” for solar Morse “S” across the ocean. Still, there is now reason strongly at his Crookhaven marine station in Ireland, he activity needed to create skywave “skip” transmission to believe Marconi heard something similar, but not the realized sending international telegrams by radio was across the Atlantic on any frequency. actual signal he wanted to hear. a business at which he could economically enter and In fact, the sunspot count on that fateful day was undercut the submarine cable companies. Secretly zero, leaving the solar flux at its background level of 64. EARLY DEVELOPMENTS committing 50,000 Pounds Sterling (approximately 3.1 Try any of today’s HF propagation programs to see if If it had not been for Marconi’s Irish mother, Annie million Pounds or 5 million US dollars in 2003 money) you could get a path between Poldhu and St. John’s Jameson Marconi, radio and wireless likely would have to his project, Marconi set about to build a wireless with a zero sunspot count. It would not work even if you followed a different path. When young Marconi suc- station on Cape Cod. did have a transmitter radiating some HF signals. ceeded in 1895 by sending a meaningful signal over a Even the forces of nature seemed against his en- Furthermore, you can forget about “grayline” propa- hilltop to his brother on the family estate in Bologna, it deavor. Winds at Poldhu and Cape Cod blew down the gation, too. At 12:30 PM Atlantic Standard Time on 12/ was Annie Marconi who realized her precocious son wooden antenna structures on both side of the ocean. 12/1901, neither a short path nor a long path “grayline” was onto something important. First, she sent her son A simpler replacement structure was built hurriedly at was in reach of Newfoundland, and it was only to the Italian post office to offer his discovery. Poldhu and Marconi decided to try a last minute marginally approaching Poldhu. However, in typical bureaucratic fashion, the teen- receiver rig with a long wire antenna flown from a kite Like the propagation issue, the grayline one can be aged Marconi got his first hard life lesson. Italian in Newfoundland. readily seen by setting the clock of a grayline program government employees hit him with the same ques- It was December, and frozen gales were blowing to the famous day and time. tions that have daunted innovators since time began: atop the barren bluff called Signal Hill overlooking St. (Continued on page 6)

Radio Guide October-2003 Page 4 Moreover, the nature of lightning is of a rapidly Marconi’s claim also violates one of the principal pulsating spark producing noise from LF well up into laws of scientific reporting: He was never able to Radio History the HF spectrum. (Indeed, we today notice “static” reproduce the results. In fact, it took several more years The World’s Most Heralded Radio Failure from lightning in VHF television channels 2 through 4, for Marconi to successfully make a reliable, reproduc- meaning up to 70 MHz or so.) This means we can ible wireless link across the Atlantic. To do so, he had Continued from page 4. expect and do find undesired HF artifacts of static to reduce the transmitting frequency twice, from the propagating around the world to great distances, just as approximately 800 kHz of 1901, to attempts in the 100 WAS MARCONI A HOAXER? do desirable HF radio signals. kHz range – to finally build a link that operated at 30 In a word: no. Lawyers tell us witnesses do not lie. Such static heard on a “shortwave” receiver may kHz in 1906, using monstrous 300 kW transmitters at They do, however, selectively use to their memories to have originated on the other side of the earth. More Clifden in Ireland and Glace Bay in Nova Scotia. create the story that suits their belief. It is the prime likely, the HF static crashes and clicks we hear are Marconi was no charlatan. He was no hoaxster. On reason the Vatican runs such long and detailed inves- transiting some bet- 12/12/1901 he desperately needed a success, and on tigations of claimed miracles; not because people want ter, easier path. In 12/12/1901 he honestly believed he had achieved it. to hoax the church, but because they can believe so terms of HF radio, Neither Marconi nor anyone at the time could have strongly they create a whole story out of distorted facts. those better, easier suspected there would be another “signal” sounding Here is a fact usually ignored by the perpetuators of paths are north-south like the one he wanted to hear, much less where it the Marconi Myth: To conserve his dwindling re- paths, not the east- ○○○○○○○○○ would have come from or how it would get to New- sources, Marconi had Fleming purchase the largest west path Marconi foundland. Static used alternator available for Poldhu. Concerned and was hoping to use be- We have since learned all those things and more fearful of damaging this unit, they tuned its spark gap tween Poldhu and Path about the nature and management of radio waves. For to the shortest possible duty cycle. This meant the Newfoundland. that, we owe Marconi eternal gratitude for the spread sound of the Poldhu transmitter was not the character- Similarly, the HF of industries and technologies his dynamism and efforts istic “buzz-buzz-buzz” we are taught to expect of spark static we hear likely spawned in such a short time. If there had been no transmitters, but rather Poldhu produced a “click-click- originates from one of Marconi – if radio had developed at the hand of click” like a wireline telegraph sounder. Earth’s three major governments, which would have been its other course The sound Marconi and Kemp were listening for lightning storm epi- – it might have taken many decades more for us to was three clicks, not three buzzes! And three clicks centers: Southeast reach the level of productivity, economy and conve- were the sound they heard. But the three clicks could Asia, Central Africa, nience we all enjoy with “wireless” today. not have made the trip from Poldhu to Newfoundland. or Amazonian South References: There simply was not a radio path for such signals America. Hence, it is very likely Marconi heard that, You can read more about how later technologists have analyzed between those two places on the planet on that day at too, because a brief look at the map shows Newfound- Marconi’s 1901 transatlantic radio attempt at: http://www.telecommunications.ca/Edited_Manuscript.pdf “A that time! I do not doubt Marconi heard something. But land is directly north of the South American lighting Radioscientist’s Reaction to Marconi’s transatlantic Wireless Experi- it was not transmitted from Poldhu. epicenter! ment - Revisited, by John S. Belrose, a leading radio investigator. This was paper contains numerous excellent further references as well. However, there a source of “click” sounds If you would like to see for yourself what the radio paths were like on existing on 12/12/01. It existed then, before then and SUMMING UP December 12, 1901, download the excellent program W6Elprop, which exists to this day. It is the approximately 8 million So, the final answer is no, Marconi did not hear his is a Windows version of the rather famous Miniprop by the same author. lightning discharges occurring worldwide every day. Poldhu transmitter on December 12, 1901. What he Get W6Elprop free at: http://www/qsl.net/w6elprop/ (simply put in 0 for the sunspot count or 64 for the solar flux on 12/12/1901. At any given instant, there are an estimated 1,800 most likely did hear were clicks from lightning originat- ing in Amazonian South America, a place situated for Don Kimberlin is a NARTE Certified Engineer, based in thunderstorms occurring around the world. We all Landis, NC. He has written on many technical topics, both have heard the crashes and sometimes clicks heard perfect transmission of the shortwave components of current and historical, and loves to go hunting for history. You from lightning. lightning static to Newfoundland. can reach him at [email protected]

Notice, I did not say agree with them. You can still In appealing to another person’s self-interest, think in acknowledge the problem, but do not take a position. their terms: “What’s in it for me?” Realize their perspective Doing so only perpetuates the problem. Third, understand is neither irrational nor obstinate, and until your desire to Full Duplex the causes of, and how to respond to, the classic types of move the other person becomes stronger than their desire difficult behavior. to maintain status quo, no progress is made. Recognize what needs motivate people and help them fill those COMMANDMENT 7: needs. Before making demands, determine those needs. What Else to Say PROVIDE FOR DIGNITY AND SELF-RESPECT An ultimatum is used when no other strategy works, a last Everyone has the need and the right to feel good about resort indicating a failure to communicate. to Get What You Want themselves. If we violate this, we fail to move others. Or we move them in unintended or unwanted directions. COMMANDMENT 9: by George Nicholas Belittling or degrading others may invite retaliation or REJOICE AT SUCCESS sabotage. Rarely does one intend to violate this Com- Be happy when other people change in response to [CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – October 2003] We are mandment. But, a manager trying to improve perfor- your needs. Look for opportunities to acknowledge other’s working our way through “The Ten Commandments of mance of an employee often can push too hard and end improvements. Praise performance. True, some people Change,” suggested by Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman, up affecting the person’s dignity and self-respect. are uncomfortable giving praise, and some are uncomfort- authors of What to Say to Get What You Want. This time, The typical reasons cited are: we do not respect able receiving it. The solution is to “praise (or condemn) we will finish six through 10, and provide some ideas on ourselves; we have an inflated view of our own impor- the deeds, not doers.” The bottom line is to communicate dealing with difficult people. tance; we give lip service (“he promised – and he lied!”) when change occurs. and we think in the short term. If you are guilty of violating COMMANDMENT 6: this Commandment (most people recognize when they do COMMANDMENT 10: ADAPT YOUR APPROACH TO THE PERSON it), examine the roots of your “dignity-robbing” behavior. CUT YOUR LOSSES WITH REMORSE, NOT GUILT If there is one chapter that makes this book worth The simplest way to change is to adopt the Golden Have realistic expectations of what you can accom- $15.00, this is it! Just a show of hands, how many of you Rule and live it: “Do unto others as you would have them plish in changing the behavior of others. Do not accept have to deal with a “difficult” person in your job? I thought do unto you.” These are very powerful words, especially guilt for the failings of other people; instead, leave the so! This Commandment suggests we direct attention to the when the majority of your co-workers believe in them. responsibility for change with them. Give them enough behavior we want to change. Difficult people tend to get View others as an integral part of your success. Convince time to change, but if they do not, distance yourself the best of us because, during a confrontation, we often them you realize how important they are, that there are no physically and mentally. This Commandment is really become self-centered and retreat. Or, we deal with every “little people” in the organization, and your success is more for managers, but as an employee, you should be difficult person the same way, and assume all difficult dependent on their success. aware of these signs to recognize when you are in a dangerous area. people give us difficult problems. The simplest way to change is to Those are the “Ten Commandments of Change.” Three basic strategies deal successfully with difficult adopt the Golden Rule and live it. behavior. First, concentrate on improving the behavior While you may not use all ten at once, utilizing some or instead of protecting your ego. Take yourself out of the COMMANDMENT 8: all of them will help you to deal with others more situation and focus on the problem, not the people APPEAL TO SELF-INTEREST effectively. involved. Letting the other person get under your skin is Provide sensible reasons for people to change. How Would you like to know more about handling “diffi- their way of “winning;” that will not happen if you refuse will they benefit? What are the costs – and consequences cult” people? In our next Full Duplex, we will highlight to let matters get personal. – of not changing? People move when they believe it is in some of the more common types and give you tips on what Second, adopt unselfish attitudes, even if it feels their best interest to do so. The problem in getting to say – and avoid saying – to get what you want! counter-intuitive. Try to “kill with kindness.” Even though someone to change is not that they refuse to move, it is that George Nicholas operates George Nicholas Commu- the guy was – and remains – a jerk, if you are kind to him, you have yet to figure out how to make the change appear nications, specializing in technical and communication he typically will respond in a less hostile mood. Acknowl- to be in the person’s best interests. Have we defined the consulting throughout the US. You can contact him via edge the validity of other people’s feelings. situation inaccurately? [email protected]

Radio Guide October-2003 Page 6