The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1930-02-14

dressed to the Radio Commission, Washington,
D. C.
In the absence of clearly expressed public
preference, political pressure or expediency
may force further experimenting" that will
longer delay the real solution of this problem
Radio engineers, not handicapped by the po-
litical and personal pull-andhaul that beset
members of the Commission, lean toward an in
crease in the number of cleared channels, If
necessary even at the complete sacrifice of
tain existing stations.
William D. Terrell chief of the radio division
of the Department of Commerce, and lason Off
Ger between that department and the Radio Com
mission, declares that the cleared channel has
filled very definite need and believes the num-
Der might properly be increased.
II support cleared channels" Terrell declares,
because they make possible the distribution OF
programs without conflict for the listener. The
farmer and the remote listener is more in need
of radio service than any other class and should
be accorded it. The Commission might well
have set aside SO instead of 40 cleared chan
nels."
Capt Guy Hill, chief engineer for the Com
mission, declares that radios chief trouble today
is too many stations. automatically avoiding
unofficial discussion of the cleared channel ques-
ton while it is pending before the Commission
ers, he does not hesitate to condemn the whole
the operation today, within the United States,
of more than 600 radio stations.
Under the realocation," he explains, "the
assignments Of "a per cent of the 600-odd sta
lions on the air were shuffed. To make posi-
BILE improved reception for distant listeners, not
ably the farmers, the Commission set aside 40
cleared channels for the exclusive use OF high
powered stations. Thirty-four channels were de-
signed for regional service. ranging in power
70 re hn n
nels were designated for local stations, ranging
in power up to $50 watts.
at is very difficult, however, to improve con-
ditions when the broadcast band is crammed
full with stations. Fewer stations would make
possible much better reception"
Thanks to improved equipment, however,
rather than to Commission edicts, Capt. Hill
says, there is nevertheless, steady improve
ment in the quality of reception enjoyed by the
listeners.
Reception is improving" he declares. "Bet-
ter equipment, making possible higher percent
ages of meditation by stations and higher power
on cleared channels all have made for improve
ment.
Particularly on the receiving end, manufac
turers are turning out improved and higher
grade sets which permit of sharper tuning and
a greater fidelity of reception"
Typical of this improved reception, especially
-
the screen grid principle to sets designed for
farm homes. This has been accomplished by
A.. Atwater Kent, of Philadelphia, who, inciden-
tally is the largest manufacturer Of radio receiv-
ing sets in the world. Kent, it appears, had been
particularly impressed by the dependence OF
farmers and residents in small towns on radio
and the necessity of providing them with the
most efficient receivers possible.
The screen grid tube, making possible higher
amplifcation, greater selectivity and range, was
originally developed for use only with sets draw
ing their power from electric lighting circuits.
Kent, however, set himself to the job OF per-
fecting screen grid set for farms, where such
current is not available. The result is seven
tube, screen-grid receiver, operating an electro
dynamic speaker solely from battery current
which in range, volume, selectivity and tone
puts the most isolated farm home on a parity
with the city residence in quality of reception.
The future of chain broadcasting as it bears
ON the problem Of providing the best programs
for the country as whole, is another question
ON which there is diversity of opinion both in the
Commission and in Congress. How to retain fol
the country generally the opportunity to heal
the greatest artists and entertainers usually
available only in metropolitan centers-without
curtailing the freedom and scope allowed loca
stations is an eyer-present problem.
The chain, however. appears certain I'd renal,