Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-05
RADIO WILL FLASH
NEWS OF ZEPPELIN
Latest Type Apparatus to
Keep u. S. Posted on Flight
Across Atlantic.
ep.c 81 Dispatch to The Star.

epsc 81 Dispatch to The Star.
NEW YORK, May 4-Radio is again
destined to play an important role in
aviation, when the Graf Zeppelin en-
banks from Germany on its second trip
to the United States on or about
May Is.
Elaborate plans are being made for
communication direct with the United
States during the entire flight. The
dirigible took off last week for a test
cruise over the Mediterranean, and dur
ing the flight attempted to commune
cate directly with the United States
naval radio stations. These tests were
being made, it was learned here, IN
order to prove the reliability of the air
ships radio apparatus in communicat-
ing with the United States, and to avoid
possibility Of dispute with naval OH
Gals.
When the Zeppelin made its first
visit here last October sharp criticism
arose over the apparent failure OF the
ships commander, Dr. Hugo Eckner, to
communicate with naval officers at
Lakehurst. At the time this was
viewed by Navy men as direct breach
Of air and maritime courtesy.
New Apparatus Installed.
New high-powered short wave radio
telegraph apparatus was installed re-
Gently aboard the pride Of the German
air feet. Naval officials refused to de-
clare whether or not the signals we're
successful in reaching the American
coast during last weeks tests. but it is
generally believed that something was
heard during part of the flight. Direct
transatlantic communication from a
lighter-than-ai craft is a difficult feat,
engineers point out, in view of the
handicapped carrying power.
When the dirigible elnbarks on It's
second trip to the United States it may
not be possible for direct contact with
naval radio stations, but 1t is believed
that the new short wave apparatus will
give the transatlantic air liner a far
greater and more dependable range
In addition, steamers along the Atlantic
highways and coastal radio stations are
to be notified of the dirigible's departure
and will maintain constant communica-
ton.
Weather Map Apparatus.
The Graf Zeppelin is equipped with
the latest developments and types of
radio apparatus, among which is a pic
ture-receiving set employed for receiv-
ing weather maps and meteorological
charts. This apparatus, experts say,
assures far greater accuracy than re-
ports received by telegraph code and
requires considerably less time to trans
nit. Fac-Simile reproductions of the
actual weather maps is received aboard
the dirigible less than five minutes after
transmission is started American ex-
pertS say, however. that it will be prac-
tically impossible for the dirigible party
to receive maps unless they are sent
through an extremely high-powered
station.
The radio apparatus is situated in
the main cabin, adjacent to the chart
room. This close proximity allows the
radio operators to advise the navigator
of their exact position and to transmit
messages without leaving the radio
room.
The equipment is of the most modern
design, consisting of three Telefunken
transmitting sets for short, medium and
long wave transmission. The short
wave set will be used probably for long
distance communication during the
flight.
Power for the transmitters is gener-
eted by huge wind-driven generator,
located directly below the main gon-
dola, and may be swung inside the
cabin when not in uSe., The antenna
consists Of long trailing wire held in a
semi-vertical position by huge weight.
The radio sets are said to be the
latest In aircraft transmitting and re-
celvlng apparatus. The main set oper-
ates between the wave lengths of SIC
ana $500 meters. The Graf zeppelin's
call letters are DENNE. .~s,
(copyright, ls2a)