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The Radio Amateur's Hand Book

A. Frederick Collins
The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Radio Amateur's and Book
b! A. Frederick Collins
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Title3 The Radio Amateur's and Book
Author3 A. Frederick Collins
Release %ate3 4o$ember' 5667 8EBook 9:0;7<
8This file #as first "osted on Februar! /;' 566;<
Edition3 /6
=anguage3 English
Character set encoding3 A.C((
*** .TART >F TE PR>?ECT G@TE4BERG EB>>A' TE RA%(> ABATE@R'. A4% B>>A ***
Produced b! Alan Billar and the >nline %istributed Proofreading Team.
8Transcriber's 4ote3 The illustrations ha$e been included #ith
another $ersion of this #ork. The image files ha$e been named
in a straightfor#ard manner that corres"onds to the numbering in
the te-tC thus' (llustration 1 is included as file &fig661."ng&'
#hile (llustration DAE 55 is included as file &fig655a."ng&.<
TE RA%(> ABATE@R'. A4% B>>A
8(llustration3 A. Frederick Collins' (n$entor of the +ireless
Tele"hone' /F00. A#arded Gold Bedal for same' Alaska )ukon Pacific
E-"osition' /060.<
TE RA%(> ABATE@R'. A4% B>>A
A Com"lete' Authentic and (nformati$e +ork on +ireless Telegra"h! and
Tele"hon!
B)
A. FRE%ER(CA C>==(4.
(n$entor of the +ireless Tele"hone /F00C istorian of +ireless
/06/G/0/6C Author of &+ireless Telegra"h!& /06H
T>
+(==(AB BARC>4(
(4,E4T>R >F TE +(RE=E.. TE=EGRAP
(4TR>%@CT(>4
Before del$ing into the m!steries of recei$ing and sending messages
#ithout #ires' a #ord as to the histor! of the art and its "resent da!
a""lications ma! be of ser$ice. +hile "o"ular interest in the subject
has gone for#ard b! lea"s and bounds #ithin the last t#o or three
!ears' it has been a matter of scientific e-"eriment for more than a
Iuarter of a centur!.
The #ireless telegra"h #as in$ented b! +illiam Barconi' at Bologna'
(tal!' in /F0:' and in his first e-"eriments he sent dot and dash
signals to a distance of 566 or ;66 feet. The #ireless tele"hone #as
in$ented b! the author of this book at 4arberth' Penn.' in /F00' and
in his first e-"eriments the human $oice #as transmitted to a distance
of three blocks.
The first $ital e-"eriments that led u" to the in$ention of the
#ireless telegra"h #ere made b! einrich ertJ' of German!' in /FFF
#hen he sho#ed that the s"ark of an induction coil set u" electric
oscillations in an o"en circuit' and that the energ! of these #a$es
#as' in turn' sent out in the form of electric #a$es. e also sho#ed
ho# the! could be recei$ed at a distance b! means of a ring detector'
#hich he called a KresonatorK
(n /F06' Ed#ard Branl!' of France' sho#ed that metal filings in a tube
cohered #hen electric #a$es acted on them' and this de$ice he termed a
Kradio conductorKC this #as im"ro$ed u"on b! .ir >li$er =odge' #ho
called it a coherer. (n /F0H' Ale-ander Po"off' of Russia' constructed
a recei$ing set for the stud! of atmos"heric electricit!' and this
arrangement #as the earliest on record of the use of a detector
connected #ith an aerial and the earth.
Barconi #as the first to connect an aerial to one side of a s"ark ga"
and a ground to the other side of it. e used an induction coil to
energiJe the s"ark ga"' and a telegra"h ke! in the "rimar! circuit to
break u" the current into signals. Adding a Borse register' #hich
"rinted the dot and dash messages on a ta"e' to the Po"off rece"tor he
"roduced the first s!stem for sending and recei$ing #ireless telegra"h
messages.
8(llustration3 Collins' +ireless Tele"hone E-hibited at the Badison
.Iuare Garden' >ctober /06F.<
After Barconi had sho#n the #orld ho# to telegra"h #ithout connecting
#ires it #ould seem' on first thought' to be an eas! matter to
tele"hone #ithout #ires' but not so' for the electric s"ark sets u"
dam"ed and "eriodic oscillations and these cannot be used for
transmitting s"eech. (nstead' the oscillations must be of constant
am"litude and continuous. That a direct current arc light transforms a
"art of its energ! into electric oscillations #as sho#n b! Firth and
Rogers' of England' in /F0;.
The author #as the first to connect an arc lam" #ith an aerial and a
ground' and to use a micro"hone transmitter to modulate the sustained
oscillations so set u". The recei$ing a""aratus consisted of a
$ariable contact' kno#n as a K"illGbo-K detector' #hich .ir >li$er
=odge had de$ised' and to this #as connected an Ericsson tele"hone
recei$er' then the most sensiti$e made. A later im"ro$ement for
setting u" sustained oscillations #as the author's Krotating
oscillation arcK.
.ince those memorable da!s of more than t#o decades ago' #onderful
ad$ances ha$e been made in both of these methods of transmitting
intelligence' and the end is as !et no#here in sight. T#el$e or
fifteen !ears ago the bo!s began to get fun out of listeningGin to
#hat the shi" and shore stations #ere sending and' further' the! began
to do a little sending on their o#n account. These !oungsters' #ho
caused the "rofessional o"erators man! a "ang' #ere the first #ireless
amateurs' and among them e-"erts #ere de$elo"ed #ho are foremost in
the "ractice of the art toda!.
A#a! back there' the s"ark coil and the arc lam" #ere the onl! kno#n
means for setting u" oscillations at the sending end' #hile the
electrol!tic and cr!stal detectors #ere the onl! a$ailable means for
the amateur to recei$e them. As it #as ne-t to im"ossible for a bo! to
get a current ha$ing a high enough $oltage for o"erating an
oscillation arc lam"' #ireless tele"hon! #as out of the Iuestion for
him' so he had to stick to the s"ark coil transmitter #hich needed
onl! a batter! current to energiJe it' and this' of course' limited
him to sending Borse signals. As the electrol!tic detector #as
cumbersome and reIuired a liIuid' the cr!stal detector #hich came into
being shortl! after #as just as sensiti$e and soon dis"laced the
former' e$en as this had dis"laced the coherer.
A fe# !ears ahead of these amateurs' that is to sa! in /06H' ?. A.
Fleming' of England' in$ented the $acuum tube detector' but ten more
!ears ela"sed before it #as "erfected to a "oint #here it could
com"ete #ith the cr!stal detector. Then its use became general and
#orkers e$er!#here sought to' and did im"ro$e it. Further' the! found
that the $acuum tube #ould not onl! act as a detector' but that if
energiJed b! a direct current of high $oltage it #ould set u"
sustained oscillations like the arc lam"' and the $alue of sustained
oscillations for #ireless telegra"h! as #ell as #ireless tele"hon! had
alread! been disco$ered.
The fact that the $acuum tube oscillator reIuires no adjustment of its
elements' that its initial cost is much less than the oscillation arc'
besides other considerations' is the reason that it "o"ulariJed
#ireless tele"hon!C and because continuous #a$es ha$e man! ad$antages
o$er "eriodic oscillations is the reason the $acuum tube oscillator is
re"lacing the s"ark coil as a #ireless telegra"h transmitter.
Boreo$er' b! using a number of large tubes in "arallel' "o#erful
oscillations can be set u" and' hence' the #a$es sent out are radiated
to enormous distances.
+hile oscillator tubes #ere being e-"erimented #ith in the research
laboratories of the General Electric' the +estinghouse' the Radio
Cor"oration of America' and other big com"anies' all the !outhful
amateurs in the countr! had learned that b! using a $acuum tube as a
detector the! could easil! get messages H66 miles a#a!. The use of
these tubes as am"lifiers also made it "ossible to em"lo! a loud
s"eaker' so that a room' a hall' or an outGofGdoor audience could hear
clearl! and distinctl! e$er!thing that #as being sent out.
The bo! amateur had onl! to let father or mother listenGin' and the!
#ere dul! im"ressed #hen he told them the! #ere getting it from A%AA
Dthe Pittsburgh station of the +estinghouse Co.E' for #as not
Pittsburgh H66 miles a#a!2 And so the!' too' became enthusiastic
#ireless amateurs. This ne# interest of the gro#nGu"s #as at once met
not onl! b! the manufacturers of a""aratus #ith com"lete recei$ing and
sending sets' but also b! the big com"anies #hich began broadcasting
regular "rograms consisting of music and talks on all sorts of
interesting subjects.
This is the #ireless' or radio' as the a$erage amateur kno#s it toda!.
But it is b! no means the limit of its "ossibilities. >n the contrar!'
#e are just beginning to realiJe #hat it ma! mean to the human race.
The Go$ernment is no# utiliJing it to send out #eather' cro" and
market re"orts. Foreign trade conditions are being re"orted. The 4a$al
>bser$ator! at Arlington is #irelessing time signals.
%e"artment stores are beginning to issue "rograms and ad$ertise b!
radio2 Cities are also taking u" such "rograms' and the! #ill
doubtless be included soon among the regular "ri$ileges of the
ta-G"a!ers. Politicians address their constituents. Preachers reach
the sta!GatGhomes. Great singers thrill thousands instead of hundreds.
.oon it #ill be "ossible to hear the finest musical "rograms'
entertainers' and orators' #ithout budging from one's eas! chair.
(n the +orld +ar #ireless "ro$ed of inestimable $alue. Air"lanes'
instead of fl!ing aimlessl!' ke"t in constant touch #ith headIuarters.
Bodies of troo"s mo$ed alertl! and intelligentl!. .hi"s at sea talked
freel!' o$er hundreds of miles. .couts re"orted. E$er!#here its
in$isible aid #as in$oked.
(n time of "eace' ho#e$er' it has "ro$ed and #ill "ro$e the greatest
ser$ant of mankind. +ireless messages no# go dail! from continent to
continent' and soon #ill go around the #orld #ith the same facilit!.
.hi"s in distress at sea can summon aid. ,essels e$er!#here get the
da!'s ne#s' e$en to baseball scores. %ail! ne# tasks are being
assigned this tireless' #ireless messenger.
Bessages ha$e been sent and recei$ed b! mo$ing trains' the =acka#anna
and the Rock (sland railroads being "ioneers in this field. Bessages
ha$e also been recei$ed b! automobiles' and one in$entor has
successfull! demonstrated a motor car controlled entirel! b! #ireless.
This method of communication is being em"lo!ed more and more b!
ne#s"a"ers. (t is also of great ser$ice in re"orting forest fires.
Colleges are beginning to take u" the subject' some of the first being
Tufts College' unter College' Princeton' )ale' ar$ard' and Columbia'
#hich ha$e regularl! organiJed de"artments for students in #ireless.
(nstead of the un#ield! and formidable looking a""aratus of a short
time ago' e-"erimenters are no# $!ing #ith each other in making small
or no$el eIui"ment. Portable sets of all sorts are being fashioned'
from one #hich #ill go into an ordinar! suitcase' to one so small it
#ill easil! sli" into a Bro#nie camera. >ne recei$er de"icted in a
ne#s"a"er #as one inch sIuare2 Another #as a ring for the finger' #ith
a setting one inch b! fi$eGeighths of an inch' and an umbrella as a
&ground.& +alking sets #ith recei$ers fastened to one's belt are also
common. %ail! ne# no$elties and mar$els are announced.
Bean#hile' the radio amateur to #hom this book is addressed ma! ha$e
his share in the jo!s of #ireless. To get all of these good things out
of the ether one does not need a rod or a gunGGonl! a co""er #ire made
fast at either end and a recei$ing set of some kind. (f !ou are a
sheer beginner' then !ou must be $er! careful in bu!ing !our
a""aratus' for since the great #a$e of "o"ularit! has #ashed #ireless
into the hearts of the "eo"le' numerous com"anies ha$e s"rung u" and
some of these are selling the $eriest kinds of junk.
And ho#' !ou ma! ask' are !ou going to be able to kno# the good from
the indifferent and bad setsL B! bu!ing a make of a firm #ith an
established re"utation. ( ha$e gi$en a fe# offhand at the end of this
book. >b$iousl! there are man! others of meritGGso man!' indeed' that
it #ould be Iuite im"ossible to get them all in such a list' but these
#ill ser$e as a guide until !ou can choose intelligentl! for !ourself.
A. F. C.
C>4TE4T.
CAPTER
(. >+ T> BEG(4 +(RE=E..
Ainds of +ireless .!stemsGGParts of a +ireless .!stemGGThe Easiest +a!
to .tartGGAbout Aerial +ire .!stemsGGAbout the Recei$ing
A""aratusGGAbout Transmitting .tationsGGAinds of TransmittersGGThe
."ark Ga" +ireless Telegra"h TransmitterGGThe ,acuum Table Telegra"h
TransmitterGGThe +ireless Tele"hone Transmitter.
((. P@TT(4G @P )>@R AER(A=
Ainds of Aerial +ire .!stemsGGo# to Put @" a Chea" Recei$ing
AerialGGA T#oG#ire AerialGGConnecting in the GroundGGo# to Put u" a
Good AerialGGAn (ne-"ensi$e Good AerialGGThe Best Aerial That Can be
BadeGGAssembling the AerialGGBaking a Good Ground.
(((. .(BP=E TE=EGRAP A4% TE=EP>4E RECE(,(4G .ET.
Assembled +ireless Recei$ing .etsGGAssembling )our >#n Recei$ing
.etGGThe Cr!stal %etectorGGThe Tuning CoilGGThe =oose Cou"led Tuning
CoilGGFi-ed and ,ariable CondensersGGAbout Tele"hone Recei$ersGG
Connecting @" the PartsGGRecei$ing .et 4o. 5GGAdjusting the 4o. /
.etGGThe Tuning CoilGGAdjusting the 4o. 5 .et.
(,. .(BP=E TE=EGRAP .E4%(4G .ET.
A Chea" Transmitting .et D4o. /EGGThe ."ark CoilGGThe Batter!GGThe
Telegra"h Ae!GGThe ."ark Ga"GGThe Tuning CoilGGThe ighGtension
CondenserGGA Better Transmitting .et D4o. 5EGGThe Alternating Current
TransformerGGThe +ireless Ae!GGThe ."ark Ga"GGThe ighGtension
CondenserGGThe >scillation TransformerGGConnecting @" the
A""aratusGGFor %irect CurrentGGo# to Adjust )our Transmitter. Tuning
+ith a ot +ire AmmeterGGTo .end >ut a 566Gmeter +a$e =engthGGThe @se
of the Aerial .#itchGGAerial .#itch for a Com"lete .ending and
Recei$ing .etGGConnecting in the =ightning .#itch.
,. E=ECTR(C(T) .(BP=) EMP=A(4E%
Electricit! at Rest and in BotionGGThe Electric Current and its
CircuitGGCurrent and the Am"ereGGResistance and the >hmGG+hat >hm's
=a# (sGG+hat the +att and Ailo#att AreGGElectromagnetic
(nductionGGButual (nductionGGighGfreIuenc! CurrentsGGConstants of an
>scillation CircuitGG+hat Ca"acitance (sGG+hat (nductance (sGG+hat
Resistance (sGGThe Effect of Ca"acitance.
,(. >+ TE TRA4.B(TT(4G A4% RECE(,(4G .ET. +>RA
o# Transmitting .et 4o. / +orksGGThe Batter! and ."ark Coil
CircuitGGChanging the Primar! ."ark Coil Current (nto .econdar!
CurrentsGG+hat Ratio of Transformation BeansGGThe .econdar! ."ark Coil
CircuitGGThe Closed >scillation CircuitGGo# Transmitting .et 4o. 5
+orksGG+ith Alternating CurrentGG+ith %irect CurrentGGThe Rotar! ."ark
Ga"GGThe Nuenched ."ark Ga"GGThe >scillation TransformerGGo#
Recei$ing .et 4o. / +orksGGo# Recei$ing .et 4o. 5 +orks.
,((. BECA4(CA= A4% E=ECTR(CA= T@4(4G
%am"ed and .ustained Bechanical ,ibrationsGG%am"ed and .ustained
>scillationsGGAbout Bechanical TuningGGAbout Electric Tuning.
,(((. A .(BP=E ,AC@@B T@BE %ETECT>R RECE(,(4G .ET
Assembled ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .etGGA .im"le ,acuum Tube Recei$ing
.etGGThe ,acuum Tube %etectorGGThree Electrode ,acuum Tube
%etectorGGThe %r! Cell and .torage BatteriesGGThe Filament
RheostatGGAssembling the PartsGGConnecting @" the PartsGGAdjusting the
,acuum Tube %etector Recei$ing .et.
(M. ,AC@@B T@BE ABP=(F(ER RECE(,(4G .ET.
A Grid =eak Am"lifier Recei$ing .et. +ith Cr!stal %etectorGGThe Fi-ed
Resistance @nit' or Grid =eakGGAssembling the Parts for a Cr!stal
%etector .etGGConnecting u" the Parts for a Cr!stal %etectorGGA Grid
=eak Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et +ith ,acuum Tube %etectorGGA Radio
FreIuenc! Transformer Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .etGGAn Audio FreIuenc!
Transformer Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .etGGA .i- .te" Am"lifier Recei$ing
.et #ith a =oo" AerialGGo# to Pre$ent o#ling.
M. REGE4ERAT(,E ABP=(F(CAT(>4 RECE(,(4G .ET.
The .im"lest T!"e of Regenerati$e Recei$ing .etGG+ith =oose Cou"led
Tuning CoilGGConnecting @" the PartsGGAn Efficient Regenerati$e
Recei$ing .et. +ith Three Coil =oose Cou"lerGGThe A Batter!
PotentiometerGGThe Parts and o# to Connect Them @"GGA Regenerati$e
Audio FreIuenc! Am"lifierGGThe Parts and o# to Connect Them @".
M(. .>RT +A,E REGE4ERAT(,E RECE(,(4G .ET.
A .hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$er' #ith >ne ,ariometer and Three
,ariable CondensersGGThe ,ariocou"lerGGThe ,ariometerGGConnecting @"
the PartsGG.hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$er #ith T#o ,ariometers and
T#o ,ariable CondensersGGThe Parts and o# to Connect Them @".
M((. (4TERBE%(ATE A4% =>4G +A,E REGE4ERAT(,E RECE(,(4G .ET.
(ntermediate +a$e Recei$ing .etsGG(ntermediate +a$e .et +ith =oading
CoilsGGThe Parts and o# to Connect Them @"GGAn (ntermediate +a$e .et
#ith ,ariocou"ler (nductance CoilsGGThe Parts and o# to Connect Them
@"GGA =ong +a$e Recei$ing .etGGThe Parts and o# to Connect Them @".
M(((. ETER>%)4E >R BEAT =>4G +A,E TE=EGRAP RECE(,(4G .ET
+hat the eterod!ne or Beat Bethod (sGGThe Autod!ne or .elfGheterod!ne
=ong +a$e Recei$ing .etGGThe Parts and Connections of an Autod!ne or
.elfGheterod!ne' Recei$ing .etGGThe .e"arate eterod!ne =ong +a$e
Recei$ing .etGGThe Parts and Connections of a .e"arate eterod!ne =ong
+a$e Recei$ing .et.
M(,. EA%P>4E. A4% =>@% .PEAAER.
+ireless ead"honesGGo# a Bell Tele"hone Recei$er is BadeGGo# a
+ireless ead"hone is BadeGGAbout Resistance' Turns of +ire and
.ensiti$it! of ead"honesGGThe (m"edance of ead"honesGGo# the
ead"hones +orkGGAbout =oud ."eakersGGThe .im"lest T!"e of =oud
."eakerGGAnother .im"le Aind of =oud ."eakerGGA Third Aind of .im"le
=oud ."eakerGGA .u"er =oud ."eaker.
M,. >PERAT(>4 >F ,AC@@B T@BE RECEPT>R.
+hat is Beant b! (oniJationGGo# Electrons are .e"arated from
AtomsGGAction of the T#o Electrode ,acuum TubeGGo# the T#o Electrode
Tube Acts as a %etectorGGo# the Three Electrode Tube Acts as a
%etectorGGo# the ,acuum Tube Acts as an Am"lifierGGThe >"eration of a
.im"le ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .etGG>"eration of a Regenerati$e ,acuum
Tube Recei$ing .etGG>"eration of Autod!ne and eterod!ne Recei$ing
.etsGGThe Autod!ne' or .elfGeterod!ne Recei$ing .etGGThe .e"arate
eterod!ne Recei$ing .et.
M,(. C>4T(4@>@. +A,E TE=EGRAP TRA4.B(TT(4G .ET. +(T %(RECT C@RRE4T
.ources of Current for Telegra"h Transmitting .etsGGAn E-"erimental
Continuous +a$e Telegra"h TransmitterGGThe A""aratus )ou 4eedGGThe
Tuning CoilGGThe CondensersGGThe Aerial AmmeterGGThe BuJJer and %r!
CellGGThe Telegra"h Ae!GGThe ,acuum Tube >scillatorGGThe .torage
Batter!GGThe Batter! RheostatGGThe >scillation Choke CoilGGTransmitter
ConnectorsGGThe Panel CutoutGGConnecting @" the Transmitting
A""aratusGGA /66Gmile C. +. Telegra"h TransmitterGGThe A""aratus )ou
4eedGGThe Tuning CoilGGThe Aerial CondenserGGThe Aerial AmmeterGGThe
Grid and Blocking CondensersGGThe Ae! Circuit A""aratusGGThe H +att
>scillator ,acuum TubeGGThe .torage Batter! and RheostatGGThe Filament
,oltmeterGGThe >scillation Choke CoilGGThe BotorGgenerator .etGGThe
Panel CutGoutGGThe Protecti$e CondenserGGConnecting @" the
Transmitting A""aratusGGA 566Gmile C. +. Telegra"h TransmitterGGA
H66Gmile C. +. Telegra"h TransmitterGGThe A""aratus and ConnectionsGG
The H6G#att ,acuum Tube >scillatorGGThe Aerial AmmeterGGThe Grid =eak
ResistanceGGThe >scillation Choke CoilGGThe Filament RheostatGGThe
Filament .torage Batter!GGThe Protecti$e CondenserGGThe
BotorGgeneratorGGA /666Gmile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.
M,((. C>4T(4@>@. +A,E TE=EGRAP TRA4.B(TT(4G .ET. +(T A=TER4AT(4G
C@RRE4T
A /66Gmile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitting .etGGThe A""aratus
ReIuiredGGThe Choke CoilsGGThe BilliGammeterGGThe A. C. Po#er
TransformerGGConnecting @" the A""aratusGGA 566G to H66Gmile C. +.
Telegra"h Transmitting .etGA H66G to /666Gmile C. +. Telegra"h
Transmitting .etGGThe A""aratus ReIuiredGGThe Alternating Current
Po#er TransformerGConnecting @" the A""aratus.
M,(((. +(RE=E.. TE=EP>4E TRA4.B(TT(4G .ET. +(T %(RECT A4%
A=TER4AT(4G C@RRE4T.
A .hort %istance +ireless Tele"hone Transmitting .etGG+ith //6G$olt
%irect =ighting CurrentGGThe A""aratus )ou 4eedGGThe Bicro"hone
TransmitterGGConnecting @" the A""aratusGGA 5HG to H6Gmile +ireless
Tele"hone TransmitterGG+ith %irect Current Botor GeneratorGGThe
A""aratus )ou 4eedGGThe Tele"hone (nduction CoilGGThe Bicro"hone
TransformerGGThe Bagnetic BodulatorGGo# the A""aratus is Connected
@"GGA H6G to /66Gmile +ireless Tele"hone TransmitterGG+ith %irect
Current Botor GeneratorGGThe >scillation Choke CoilGGThe Plate and
Grid Circuit Reactance CoilsGGConnecting u" the A""aratusGGA /66G to
566Gmile +ireless Tele"hone TransmitterGG+ith %irect Current Botor
GeneratorGGA H6G to /66Gmile +ireless Tele"hone Transmitting .etGG+ith
/66G$olt Alternating CurrentGGThe A""aratus )ou 4eedGGThe ,acuum Tube
RectifierGGThe Filter CondensersGGThe Filter Reactance CoilGG
Connecting @" the A""aratusGGA /66G to 566Gmile +ireless Tele"hone
Transmitting .etGG+ith //6G$olt Alternating CurrentGGA""aratus
ReIuired.
M(M. TE >PERAT(>4 >F ,AC@@B T@BE TRA4.B(TTER.
The >"eration of the ,acuum Tube >scillatorGGThe >"eration of C. +.
Telegra"h Transmitters #ith %irect CurrentGG.hort %istance C. +.
TransmitterGGThe >"eration of the Ae! CircuitGGThe >"eration of C. +.
Telegra"h Transmitting #ith %irect CurrentGGThe >"eration of C. +.
Telegra"h Transmitters #ith Alternating CurrentGG+ith a .ingle
>scillator TubeGGeating the Filament #ith Alternating CurrentGGThe
>"eration of C. +. Telegra"h Transmitters #ith Alternating CurrentGG
+ith T#o >scillator TubesGGThe >"eration of +ireless Tele"hone
Transmitters #ith %irect CurrentGG.hort %istance TransmitterGGThe
Bicro"hone TransmitterGGThe >"eration of +ireless Tele"hone
Transmitters #ith %irect CurrentGG=ong %istance TransmittersGGThe
>"eration of Bicro"hone BodulatorsGGThe (nduction CoilGGThe Bicro"hone
TransformerGGThe Bagnetic BodulatorGG>"eration of the ,acuum Tube as a
BodulatorGGThe >"eration of +ireless Tele"hone Transmitters #ith
Alternating CurrentGGThe >"eration of Rectifier ,acuum TubesGGThe
>"eration of Reactors and Condensers.
MM. >+ T> BAAE A RECE(,(4G .ET F>R OH.66 >R =E...
The Cr!stal %etectorGGThe Tuning CoilGGThe ead"honeGGo# to Bount the
PartsGGThe CondenserGGo# to Connect @" the Rece"tor.
APPE4%(M
@seful (nformationGGGlossar!GG+ireless %on'ts.
=(.T >F F(G@RE.
Fig. /.GG.im"le Recei$ing .et
Fig. 5.GG.im"le Transmitting .et
DAE Fig. ;.GGFlat To"' or oriJontal Aerial
DBE Fig. ;.GG(nclined Aerial
DAE Fig. 7.GG(n$erted = Aerial
DBE Fig. 7GGT Aerial
Fig. H.GGBaterial for a .im"le Aerial +ire .!stem
DAE Fig. :.GG.ingle +ire Aerial for Recei$ing
DBE Fig. :.GGRecei$ing Aerial #ith ."ark Ga" =ightning Arrester
DCE Fig. :.GGAerial #ith =ightning .#itch
Fig. 1.GGT#oG#ire Aerial
DAE Fig. F.GGPart of a Good Aerial
DBE Fig. F.GGThe ."readers
DAE Fig. 0.GGThe Biddle ."reader
DBE Fig. 0.GG>ne End of Aerial Com"lete
DCE Fig. 0.GGThe =eading in ."reader
DAE Fig. /6.GGCross .ection of Cr!stal %etector
DBE Fig. /6.GGThe Cr!stal %etector Com"lete
DAE Fig. //.GG.chematic %iagram of a %ouble .lide Tuning Coil
DBE Fig. //.GG%ouble .lide Tuning Coil Com"lete
DAE Fig. /5.GG.chematic %iagram of a =oose Cou"ler
DBE Fig. /5.GG=oose Cou"ler Com"lete
DAE Fig. /;.GGo# a Fi-ed Recei$ing Condenser is Built u"
DBE Fig. /;.GGThe Fi-ed Condenser Com"lete
DCE and D%E Fig. /;.GG,ariable Rotar! Condenser
Fig. /7.GGPair of +ireless ead"hones
DAE Fig. /H.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for Recei$ing .et 4o. /
DBE Fig. /H.GG+iring %iagram for Recei$ing .et 4o. /
DAE Fig. /:.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for Recei$ing .et 4o. 5
DBE Fig. /:.GG+iring %iagram for Recei$ing .et 4o. 5
Fig. /1.GGAdjusting the Recei$ing .et
DAE and DBE Fig. /F.GGT!"es of ."ark Coils for .et 4o. /
DCE Fig. /F.GG+iring %iagram of ."ark Coil
Fig. /0.GG>ther Parts for Transmitting .et 4o. /
DAE Fig. 56.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for .ending .et 4o. /
DBE Fig. 56.GG+iring of %iagram for .ending .et 4o. /
Fig. 5/.GGParts for Transmitting .et 4o. 5
DAE Fig. 55.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for .ending .et 4o. 5
DBE Fig. 55.GG+iring %iagram for .ending .et 4o. 5
Fig. 5;.GG@sing a //6G$olt %irect Current #ith an Alternating current
Transformer
Fig. 57.GGPrinci"le of the ot +ire Ammeter
Fig. 5H.GGAinds of Aerial .#itches
Fig. 5:.GG+iring %iagram for a Com"lete .ending and Recei$ing .et 4o. /
Fig. 51.GG+iring %iagram for Com"lete .ending and Recei$ing .et 4o. 5
Fig. 5F.GG+ater Analogue for Electric Pressure
Fig. 50.GG+ater Analogues for %irect and Alternating Currents
Fig. ;6.GGo# the Ammeter and ,oltmeter are @sed
Fig. ;/.GG+ater ,al$e Analogue of Electric Resistance
DAE and DBE Fig. ;5.GGo# an Electric Current is Changed into Bagnetic
=ines of Force and These into an Electric Current
DCE and D%E Fig. ;5.GGo# an Electric Current .ets u" a Bagnetic Field
Fig. ;;.GGThe Effect of Resistance on the %ischarge of an Electric
Current
Fig. ;7.GG%am"ed and .ustained Bechanical ,ibrations
Fig. ;H.GG%am"ed and .ustained Electric >scillations
Fig. ;:.GG.ound +a$e and Electric +a$e Tuned .enders and Rece"tors
Fig. ;1.GGT#o Electrode ,acuum Tube %etectors
Fig. ;F.GGThree Electrode ,acuum Tube %etector and Batter! Connections
Fig. ;0.GGA and B Batteries for ,acuum Tube %etectors
Fig. 76.GGRheostat for the A or .torageGbatter! Current
DAE Fig. 7/.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for ,acuum Tube %etector
Recei$ing .et
DBE Fig. 7/.GG+iring %iagram of a .im"le ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .et
Fig. 75.GGGrid =eaks and o# to Connect them @"
Fig. 7;.GGCr!stal %etector Recei$ing .et #ith ,acuum Tube Am"lifier
DResistance Cou"ledE
DAE Fig. 77.GG,acuum Tube %etector Recei$ing .et #ith >ne .te"
Am"lifier DResistance Cou"ledE
DBE Fig. 77.GG+iring %iagram for @sing >ne A or .torage Batter! #ith
an Am"lifier and a %etector Tube
DAE Fig. 7H.GG+iring %iagram for Radio FreIuenc! Transformer
Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et
DBE Fig. 7H.GGRadio FreIuenc! Transformer
DAE Fig. 7:.GGAudio FreIuenc! Transformer
DBE Fig. 7:.GG+iring %iagram for Audio FreIuenc! Transformer
Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et. D+ith ,acuum Tube %etector and T#o .te"
Am"lifier TubesE
DAE Fig. 71.GG.i- .te" Am"lifier #ith =oo" Aerial
DBE Fig. 71.GGEfficient Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et D+ith Three Coil
=oose Cou"ler TunerE
Fig. 7F.GG.im"le Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et D+ith =oose Cou"ler TunerE
DAE Fig. 70.GG%iagram of Three Coil =oose Cou"ler
DBE Fig. 70.GGThree Coil =oose Cou"ler Tuner
Fig. H6.GGone!comb (nductance Coil
Fig. H/.GGThe @se of the Potentiometer
Fig. H5.GGRegenerati$e Audio FreIuenc! Am"lifier Recei$ing .et
Fig. H;.GGo# the ,ario Cou"ler is Bade and +orks
Fig. H7.GGo# the ,ariometer is Bade and +orks
Fig. HH.GG.hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et D>ne ,ariometer
and Three ,ariable CondensersE
Fig. H:.GG.hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et DT#o ,ariometer
and T#o ,ariable CondensersE
Fig. H1.GG+iring %iagram .ho#ing Fi-ed =oading Coils for (ntermediate
+a$e .et
Fig. HF.GG+iring %igram of (ntermediate +a$e Rece"tor #ith >ne ,ario
Cou"ler and /5 .ection BankG#ound (nductance Coil
Fig. H0.GG+iring %iagram .ho#ing =ong +a$e Rece"tor #ith ,ario
Cou"lers and F BankG#ound (nductance Coils
Fig. :6.GG+iring %iagram of =ong +a$e Autod!ne' or .elfGheterod!ne
Rece"tor DCom"are #ith Fig. 11E
Fig. :/.GG+iring %iagram of =ong +a$e .e"arate eterod!ne Recei$ing
.et
Fig. :5.GGCross .ection of Bell Tele"hone Recei$er
Fig. :;.GGCross .ection of +ireless ead"hone
Fig. :7.GGThe +ireless ead"hone
Fig. :H.GGArka! =oud ."eaker
Fig. ::.GGAm"litone =oud ."eaker
Fig. :1.GGAm"litron =oud ."eaker
Fig. :F.GGBagna$o- =oud ."eaker
Fig. :0.GG.chematic %iagram of an Atom
Fig. 16.GGAction of T#oGelectrode ,acuum Tube
DAE and DBE Fig. 1/.GGo# a T#oGelectrode Tube Acts as Rela! or a
%etector
DCE Fig. 1/GG>nl! the Positi$e Part of >scillations Goes through the
Tube
DAE and DBE Fig. 15.GGo# the Positi$e and 4egati$e ,oltages of the
>scillations Act on the Electrons
DCE Fig. 15.GGo# the ThreeGelectrode Tube Acts as %etector and
Am"lifier
D%E Fig. 15.GGo# the >scillations Control the Flo# of the Batter!
Current through the Tube
Fig. 1;.GGo# the eterod!ne Rece"tor +orks
Fig. 17.GG.e"arate eterod!ne >scillator
DAE Fig. 1H.GGA""aratus for E-"erimental C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.
DBE Fig. 1H.GGA""aratus for E-"erimental C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.
Fig. 1:.GGE-"erimental C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter
Fig. 11GGA""aratus of /66Gmile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter
Fig. 1F.GGHG to H6G#att C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter D#ith a .ingle
>scillation TubeE
Fig. 10.GG566Gmile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter D#ith T#o Tubes in
ParallelE
Fig. F6.GGH6G#att >scillator ,acuum Tube
Fig. F/.GGAlternating Current Po#er Transformer Dfor C. +. Telegra"h!
and +ireless Tele"hon!E
Fig. F5.GG+iring %iagram for 566G to H66Gmile C. +. Telegra"h
Transmitting .et. D+ith Alternating Current.E
Fig. F;GG+iring %iagram for H66G to /666Gmile C. +. Telegra"h
Transmitter
Fig. F7.GG.tandard Bicro"hone Transmitter
Fig. FH.GG+iring %iagram of .hort %istance +ireless Tele"hone .et.
DBicro"hone in Aerial +ire.E
Fig. F:.GGTele"hone (nduction Coil Dused #ith Bicro"hone TransmitterE.
Fig. F1.GGBicro"hone Transformer @sed #ith Bicro"hone Transmitter
Fig. FF.GGBagnetic Bodulator @sed #ith Bicro"hone Transmitter
DAE Fig. F0.GG+iring %iagram of 5HGGto H6Gmile +ireless Tele"hone.
DBicro"hone Bodulator .hunted Around GridGleak CondenserE
DBE Fig. F0.GGBicro"hone Bodulator Connected in Aerial +ire
Fig. 06.GG+iring %iagram of H6G to /66Gmile +ireless Tele"hone
Transmitting .et
Fig. 0/.GGPlate and Grid Circuit Reactor
Fig. 05.GGFilter Reactor for .moothing >ut Rectified Currents
Fig. 0;.GG/66G to 566Gmile +ireless Tele"hone Transmitter
DAE and DBE Fig. 07.GG>"eration of ,acuum Tube >scillators
DCE Fig. 07.GGo# a %irect Current .ets u" >scillations
Fig. 0H.GGPositi$e ,oltage >nl! .ets u" >scillations
Fig. 0:.GGRasco Bab! Cr!stal %etector
Fig. 01.GGo# the Tuning Coil is Bade
Fig. 0F.GGBesco loo"Gohm ead .et
Fig. 00.GG.chematic =a!out of the OH.66 Recei$ing .et
Fig. /66.GG+iring %iagram for the OH.66 Recei$ing .et
=(.T >F (==@.TRAT(>4.
A. Frederick Collins' (n$entor of the +ireless Tele"hone' /F00.
A#arded Gold Bedal for same' Alaska )ukon Pacific E-"osition' /060
Collins' +ireless Tele"hone E-hibited at the Badison .Iuare Garden'
>ctober' /06F
General Pershing &=isteningGin&
The +orld's =argest Radio Recei$ing .tation. >#ned b! the Radio
Cor"oration of America at Rock! Point near Port ?efferson' =. (.
First +ireless College in the +orld' at Tufts College' Bass
Ale-ander Graham Bell' (n$entor of the Tele"hone' no# an ardent
Radio Enthusiast
+orld's =argest =oud ."eaker e$er made. (nstalled in =!tle
Park' Cincinnati' >hio' to "ermit President arding's
Address at Point Pleasant' >hio' during the Grant Centenar!
Celebration to be heard #ithin a radius of one sIuare
@nited .tates 4a$al igh Po#er .tation' Arlington' ,a. General
$ie# of Po#er Room. At the left can be seen the Control
.#itchboards' and o$erhead' the great ;6 A.+. Arc Transmitter
#ith Accessories
The Transformer and Tuner of the +orld's =argest Radio .tation.
>#ned b! the Radio Cor"oration of America at Rock! Point
near Port ?efferson' =. (.
Broadcasting Go$ernment Re"orts b! +ireless from +ashington.
This sho#s Br. Gale at #ork #ith his set in the Post >ffice
%e"artment
+ireless Rece"tor' the siJe of a .afet! Batch Bo-. A )outhful
Genius in the "erson of Aenneth R. inman' #ho is onl!
t#el$e !ears old' has made a +ireless Recei$ing .et that fits
neatl! into a .afet! Batch Bo-. +ith this (nstrument and
a Pair of >rdinar! Recei$ers' he is able to catch not onl!
Code Bessages but the regular Broadcasting Programs from
.tations T#ent! and Thirt! Biles %istant
+ireless .et made into a Ring' designed b! Alfred G. Rinehart' of
EliJabeth' 4e# ?erse!. This little Rece"tor is a Practical .etC
it #ill recei$e Bessages' Concerts' etc.' measures /& b! HPF& b!
1PF&. An ordinar! @mbrella is used as an Aerial
CAPTER (
>+ T> BEG(4 +(RE=E..
(n #riting this book it is taken for granted that !ou are3 KfirstK'
one of the se$eral hundred thousand "ersons in the @nited .tates #ho
are interested in #ireless telegra"h! and tele"hon!C KsecondK' that
!ou #ould like to install an a""aratus in !our home' and KthirdK' that
it is all ne# to !ou.
4o# if !ou li$e in a cit! or to#n large enough to su""ort an
electrical su""l! store' there !ou #ill find the necessar! a""aratus
on sale' and someone #ho can tell !ou #hat !ou #ant to kno# about it
and ho# it #orks. (f !ou li$e a#a! from the marts and hi$es of
industr! !ou can send to $arious makers of #ireless a""aratus
8Footnote3 A list of makers of #ireless a""aratus #ill be found in the
KA""endi-K.< for their catalogues and "riceGlists and these #ill gi$e
!ou much useful information. But in either case it is the better "lan
for !ou to kno# before !ou start in to bu! an outfit e-actl! #hat
a""aratus !ou need to "roduce the result !ou ha$e in mind' and this
!ou can gain in eas! ste"s b! reading this book.
Ainds of +ireless .!stems.GGThere are t#o distinct kinds of #ireless
s!stems and these are3 the K#ireless telegra"hK s!stem' and the
K#ireless tele"honeK s!stem. The difference bet#een the #ireless
telegra"h and the #ireless tele"hone is that the former transmits
messages b! means of a Ktelegra"h ke!K' and the latter transmits
con$ersation and music b! means of a Kmicro"hone transmitterK. (n
other #ords' the same difference e-ists bet#een them in this res"ect
as bet#een the Borse telegra"h and the Bell tele"hone.
Parts of a +ireless .!stem.GGE$er! com"lete #ireless station' #hether
telegra"h or tele"hone' consists of three chief se"arate and distinct
"arts and these are3 DaE the Kaerial #ire s!stemK' or KantennaK as it
is often called' DbE the KtransmitterK' or KsenderK' and DcE the
Krecei$erK' or' more "ro"erl!' the Krece"torK. The aerial #ire is
"recisel! the same for either #ireless telegra"h! or #ireless
tele"hon!. The transmitter of a #ireless telegra"h set generall! uses
a Ks"ark ga"K for setting u" the electric oscillations' #hile usuall!
for #ireless tele"hon! a K$acuum tubeK is em"lo!ed for this "ur"ose.
The rece"tor for #ireless telegra"h! and tele"hon! is the same and ma!
include either a Kcr!stal detectorK or a K$acuum tube detectorK' as
#ill be e-"lained "resentl!.
The Easiest +a! to .tart.GGFirst of all !ou must obtain a go$ernment
license to o"erate a sending set' but !ou do not need a license to "ut
u" and use a recei$ing set' though !ou are reIuired b! la# to kee"
secret an! messages #hich !ou ma! o$erhear. .ince no license is needed
for a recei$ing set the easiest #a! to break into the #ireless game is
to "ut u" an aerial and hook u" a recei$ing set to itC !ou can then
listenGin and hear #hat is going on in the allG"er$ading ether around
!ou' and !ou #ill soon find enough to make things highl! entertaining.
4earl! all the big #ireless com"anies ha$e great stations fitted #ith
"o#erful tele"hone transmitters and at gi$en hours of the da! and
night the! send out songs b! "o"ular singers' dance music b! jaJJ
orchestras' fashion talks b! and for the ladies' agricultural re"orts'
go$ernment #eather forecasts and other interesting features. Then b!
sim"l! shifting the slide on !our tuning coil !ou can often tuneGin
someone #ho is sending KBorseK' that is' messages in the dot and dash
code' or' "erha"s a friend #ho has a #ireless tele"hone transmitter
and is talking. >f course' if !ou #ant to Ktalk backK !ou must ha$e a
#ireless transmitter' either telegra"hic or tele"honic' and this is a
much more e-"ensi$e "art of the a""aratus than the rece"tor' both in
its initial cost and in its o"eration. A #ireless telegra"h
transmitter is less costl! than a #ireless tele"hone transmitter and
it is a $er! good scheme for !ou to learn to send and recei$e
telegra"hic messages.
At the "resent time' ho#e$er' there are fifteen amateur recei$ing
stations in the @nited .tates to e$er! sending station' so !ou can see
that the majorit! of #ireless folks care more for listening in to the
broadcasting of ne#s and music than to sending out messages on their
o#n account. The easiest #a! to begin #ireless' then' is to "ut u" an
aerial and hook u" a recei$ing set to it.
About Aerial +ire .!stems.GGTo the beginner #ho #ants to install a
#ireless station the aerial #ire s!stem usuall! looms u" as the
biggest obstacle of all' and es"eciall! is this true if his house is
#ithout a flag "ole' or other ele$ation from #hich the aerial #ire can
be con$enientl! sus"ended.
(f !ou li$e in the congested "art of a big cit! #here there are no
!ards and' "articularl!' if !ou li$e in a flat building or an
a"artment house' !ou #ill ha$e to string !our aerial #ire on the roof'
and to do this !ou should get the o#ner's' or agent's' "ermission.
This is usuall! an eas! thing to do #here !ou onl! intend to recei$e
messages' for one or t#o thin #ires su""orted at either end of the
building are all that are needed. (f for an! reason !ou cannot "ut
!our aerial on the roof then run a #ire along the building outside of
!our a"artment' and' finall!' if this is not feasible' connect !our
recei$er to a #ire strung u" in !our room' or e$en to an iron or a
brass bed' and !ou can still get the nearGb! stations.
An im"ortant "art of the aerial #ire s!stem is the KgroundK' that is'
!our recei$ing set must not onl! be connected #ith the aerial #ire'
but #ith a #ire that leads to and makes good contact #ith the moist
earth of the ground. +here a house or a building is "i"ed for gas'
#ater or steam' it is eas! to make a ground connection' for all !ou
ha$e to do is to fasten the #ire to one of the "i"es #ith a clam".
8Footnote3 Pi"es are often insulated from the ground' #hich makes them
useless for this "ur"ose.< +here the house is isolated then a lot of
#ires or a sheet of co""er or of Jinc must be buried in the ground at
a sufficient de"th to insure their being ke"t moist.
About the Recei$ing A""aratus.GG)ou can either bu! the "arts of the
recei$ing a""aratus se"arate and hook them u" !ourself' or !ou can bu!
the a""aratus alread! assembled in a set #hich is' in the beginning'
"erha"s' the better #a!.
The sim"lest recei$ing set consists of D/E a KdetectorK' D5E a Ktuning
coilK' and D;E a Ktele"hone recei$erK and these three "ieces of
a""aratus are' of course' connected together and are also connected to
the aerial and ground as the diagram in Fig. / clearl! sho#s. There
are t#o chief kinds of detectors used at the "resent time and these
are3 DaE the Kcr!stal detectorK' and DbE the K$acuum tube detectorK.
The cr!stal detector is the chea"est and sim"lest' but it is not as
sensiti$e as the $acuum tube detector and it reIuires freIuent
adjustment. A cr!stal detector can be used #ith or #ithout a batter!
#hile the $acuum tube detector reIuires t#o small batteries.
8(llustration3 Fig. /.GG.im"le Recei$ing .et.<
A tuning coil of the sim"lest kind consists of a single la!er of
co""er #ire #ound on a c!linder #ith an adjustable' or sliding'
contact' but for shar" tuning !ou need a Kloose cou"led tuning coilK.
+here a single coil tuner is used a Kfi-edK condenser should be
connected around the tele"hone recei$ers. +here a loose cou"led tuner
is em"lo!ed !ou should ha$e a $ariable condenser connected across the
Kclosed oscillation circuitK and a Kfi-ed condenserK across the
tele"hone recei$ers.
+hen listeningGin to distant stations the energ! of the recei$ed
#ireless #a$es is often so $er! feeble that in order to hear
distinctl! an Kam"lifierK must be used. To am"lif! the incoming sounds
a $acuum tube made like a detector is used and sometimes as man! as
halfGaGdoJen of these tubes are connected in the recei$ing circuit' or
in KcascadeK' as it is called' #hen the sounds are Kam"lifiedK' that
is magnified' man! hundreds of times.
The tele"hone recei$er of a recei$ing set is eIuall! as im"ortant as
the detector. A single recei$er can be used but a "air of recei$ers
connected #ith a headGband gi$es far better results. Then again the
higher the resistance of the recei$ers the more sensiti$e the! often
are and those #ound to as high a resistance as ;'566 ohms are made for
use #ith the best sets. To make the incoming signals' con$ersation or
music' audible to a room full of "eo"le instead of to just !ourself
!ou must use #hat is called a Kloud s"eakerK. (n its sim"lest form
this consists of a metal cone like a mega"hone to #hich is fitted a
tele"hone recei$er.
About Transmitting .tationsGGGetting )our =icense.GG(f !ou are going
to install a #ireless sending a""aratus' either telegra"hic or
tele"honic' !ou #ill ha$e to secure a go$ernment license for #hich no
fee or charge of an! kind is made. There are three classes of licenses
issued to amateurs #ho #ant to o"erate transmitting stations and these
are3 D/E the Krestricted amateur licenseK' D5E the Kgeneral amateur
licenseK' and D;E the Ks"ecial amateur licenseK.
(f !ou are going to set u" a transmitter #ithin fi$e nautical miles of
an! na$al #ireless station then !ou #ill ha$e to get a Krestricted
amateur licenseK #hich limits the current !ou use to half a Kkilo#attK
8Footnote3 A KAilo#attK is /'666 K#attsK. There are 17: #atts in a
horse"o#er.< and the #a$e length !ou send out to 566 KmetersK. .hould
!ou li$e outside of the fi$eGmile range of a na$! station then !ou can
get a general amateur license and this "ermits !ou to use a current of
/ kilo#att' but !ou are like#ise limited to a #a$e length of 566
meters. But if !ou can sho# that !ou are doing some s"ecial kind of
#ireless #ork and not using !our sending station for the mere "leasure
!ou are getting out of it !ou ma! be able to get a Ks"ecial amateur
licenseK #hich gi$es !ou the right to send out #a$e lengths u" to ;1H
meters.
+hen !ou are read! to a""l! for !our license #rite to the KRadio
(ns"ectorK of #hiche$er one of the follo#ing districts !ou li$e in3
First %istrict..............Boston' Bass.
.econd & ..............4e# )ork Cit!
Third & ..............Baltimore' Bd.
Fourth & ..............4orfolk' ,a.
Fifth & ..............4e# >rleans' =a.
.i-th & ............. .an Francisco' Cal.
.e$enth & ............. .eattle' +ash.
Eighth & ............. %etroit' Bich.
4inth & ..............Chicago' (ll.
Ainds of Transmitters.GGThere are t#o general t!"es of transmitters
used for sending out #ireless messages and these are3 D/E K#ireless
telegra"hK transmitters' and D5E K#ireless tele"honeK transmitters.
Telegra"h transmitters ma! use either3 DaE a Kjum"Gs"arkK' DbE an
Kelectric arcK' or DcE a K$acuum tubeK a""aratus for sending out dot
and dash messages' #hile tele"hone transmitters ma! use either' DaE an
Kelectric arcK' or DbE a K$acuum tubeK for sending out $ocal and
musical sounds. Amateurs generall! use a Kjum"Gs"arkK for sending
#ireless telegra"h messages and the K$acuum tubeK for sending #ireless
tele"hone messages.
The ."ark Ga" +ireless Telegra"h Transmitter.GGThe sim"lest kind of a
#ireless telegra"h transmitter consists of3 D/E a Ksource of direct or
alternating currentK' D5E a Ktelegra"h ke!K' D;E a Ks"arkGcoilK or a
KtransformerK' D7E a Ks"ark ga"K' DHE an Kadjustable condenserK and
D:E an Koscillation transformerK. +here Kdr! cellsK or a Kstorage
batter!K must be used to su""l! the current for energiJing the
transmitter a s"arkGcoil can be em"lo!ed and these ma! be had in
$arious siJes from a little fello# #hich gi$es /P7Ginch s"ark u" to a
larger one #hich gi$es a :Ginch s"ark. +here more energ! is needed it
is better "ractice to use a transformer and this can be #orked on an
alternating current of //6 $olts' or if onl! a //6 $olt direct current
is a$ailable then an Kelectrol!tic interru"terK must be used to make
and break the current. A sim"le transmitting set #ith an induction
coil is sho#n in Fig. 5.
8(llustration3 Fig 5.GG.im"le Transmitting .et.<
A #ireless ke! is made like an ordinar! telegra"h ke! e-ce"t that
#here large currents are to be used it is some#hat hea$ier and is
"ro$ided #ith large sil$er contact "oints. ."ark ga"s for amateur #ork
are usuall! of3 D/E the K"lainK or Kstationar! t!"eK' D5E the
Krotating t!"eK' and D;E the KIuenched ga"K t!"e. The "lain s"arkGga"
is more suitable for small s"arkGcoil sets' and it is not so a"t to
break do#n the transformer and condenser of the larger sets as the
rotar! ga". The rotar! ga" on the other hand tends to "re$ent KarcingK
and so the break is Iuicker and there is less dragging of the s"ark.
The Iuenched ga" is more efficient than either the "lain or rotar! ga"
and moreo$er it is noiseless.
Condensers for s"ark telegra"h transmitters can be ordinar! =e!den
jars or glass "lates coated #ith tin or co""er foil and set into a
frame' or the! can be built u" of mica and sheet metal embedded in an
insulating com"osition. The glass "late condensers are the chea"est
and #ill ser$e !our "ur"ose #ell' es"eciall! if the! are immersed in
oil. Tuning coils' sometimes called Ktransmitting inductancesK and
Koscillation transformersK' are of $arious t!"es. The sim"lest kind is
a transmitting inductance #hich consists of 5H or ;6 turns of co""er
#ire #ound on an insulating tube or frame. An oscillation transformer
is a loose cou"led tuning coil and it consists of a "rimar! coil
formed of a number of turns of co""er #ire #ound on a fi-ed insulating
su""ort' and a secondar! coil of about t#ice the number of turns of
co""er #ire #hich is like#ise fi-ed in an insulating su""ort' but the
coils are relati$el! mo$able. An Koscillation transformerK Dinstead of
a Ktuning coilKE' is reIuired b! go$ernment regulations unless
Kinducti$el! cou"ledK.
The ,acuum Tube Telegra"h Transmitter.GGThis consists of3 D/E a
Ksource of direct or alternating currentK' D5E a Ktelegra"h ke!K' D;E a
K$acuum tube oscillatorK' D7E a Ktuning coilK' and DHE a KcondenserK.
This kind of a transmitter sets u" KsustainedK oscillations instead of
K"eriodicK oscillations #hich are "roduced b! a s"ark ga" set. The
ad$antages of this kind of a s!stem #ill be found e-"lained in Cha"ter
M,(.
The +ireless Tele"hone Transmitter.GGBecause a jum"Gs"ark sets u"
K"eriodic oscillationsK' that is' the oscillations are discontinuous'
it cannot be used for #ireless tele"hon!. An electric arc or a $acuum
tube sets u" KsustainedK oscillations' that is' oscillations #hich are
continuous. As it is far easier to kee" the oscillations going #ith a
$acuum tube than it is #ith an arc the former means has all but
su""lanted the latter for #ireless tele"hone transmitters. The
a""aratus reIuired and the connections used for #ireless tele"hone
sets #ill be described in later cha"ters.
@seful (nformation.GG(t #ould be #ise for the reader to turn to the
A""endi-' beginning #ith "age ;6/ of this book' and familiariJe
himself #ith the information there set do#n in tabular and gra"hic
form. For e-am"le' the first table gi$es abbre$iations of electrical
terms #hich are in general use in all #orks dealing #ith the subject.
)ou #ill also find there brief definitions of electric and magnetic
units' #hich it #ould be #ell to commit to memor!C or' at least' to
make so thoroughl! !our o#n that #hen an! of these terms is mentioned'
!ou #ill kno# instantl! #hat is being talked about.
CAPTER ((
P@TT(4G @P )>@R AER(A=
As inferred in the first cha"ter' an aerial for recei$ing does not
ha$e to be nearl! as #ell made or "ut u" as one for sending. But this
does not mean that !ou can sli"shod the construction and installation
of it' for ho#e$er sim"le it is' the job must be done right and in
this case it is as eas! to do it right as #rong.
To send #ireless telegra"h and tele"hone messages to the greatest
distances and to recei$e them as distinctl! as "ossible from the
greatest distances !ou must use for !our aerial D/E co""er or aluminum
#ire' D5E t#o or more #ires' D;E ha$e them the "ro"er length' D7E ha$e
them as high in the air as !ou can' DHE ha$e them #ell a"art from each
other' and D:E ha$e them #ell insulated from their su""orts. (f !ou
li$e in a flat building or an a"artment house !ou can string !our
aerial #ires from one edge of the roof to the other and su""ort them
b! #ooden sta!s as high abo$e it as ma! be con$enient.
.hould !ou li$e in a detached house in the cit! !ou can usuall! get
!our ne-tGdoor neighbor to let !ou fasten one end of the aerial to his
house and this #ill gi$e !ou a good stretch and a fairl! high aerial.
(n the countr! !ou can stretch !our #ires bet#een the house and barn
or the #indmill. From this !ou #ill see that no matter #here !ou li$e
!ou can nearl! al#a!s find #a!s and means of "utting u" an aerial that
#ill ser$e !our needs #ithout going to the e-"ense of erecting a mast.
Ainds of Aerial +ire .!stems.GGAn amateur #ireless aerial can be
an!#here from 5H feet to /66 feet long and if !ou can get a stretch of
the latter length and a height of from ;6 to 1H feet !ou #ill ha$e one
#ith #hich !ou can recei$e a thousand miles or more and send out as
much energ! as the go$ernment #ill allo# !ou to send.
The kind of an aerial that gi$es the best results is one #hose #ire'
or #ires' are KhoriJontalK' that is' "arallel #ith the earth under it
as sho#n at A in Fig. ;. (f onl! one end can be fi-ed to some ele$ated
su""ort then !ou can secure the other end to a "ost in the ground' but
the slo"e of the aerial should not be more than ;6 or ;H degrees from
the horiJontal at most as sho#n at B.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. ;.GGFlat to"' or oriJontal Aerial.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. ;.GG(nclined Aerial.<
The KleadingGin #ireK' that is' the #ire that leads from and joins the
aerial #ire #ith !our sending and recei$ing set' can be connected to
the aerial an!#here it is most con$enient to do so' but the best
results are had #hen it is connected to one end as sho#n at A in Fig.
7' in #hich case it is called an Kin$erted = aerialK' or #hen it is
connected to it at the middle as sho#n at B' #hen it is called a KT
aerialK. The leadingGin #ire must be carefull! insulated from the
outside of the building and also #here it "asses through it to the
inside. This is done b! means of an insulating tube kno#n as a
KleadingGin insulatorK' or Kbulkhead insulatorK as it is sometimes
called.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 7.GG(n$erted = Aerial.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 7.GGT Aerial.<
As a "rotection against lightning burning out !our instruments !ou can
use either3 D/E an KairGga" lightning arrester'K D5E a K$acuum tube
"rotectorK' or D;E a Klightning s#itchK' #hich is better. +hiche$er
of these de$ices is used it is connected in bet#een the aerial and an
outside ground #ire so that a direct circuit to the earth #ill be
"ro$ided at all times e-ce"t #hen !ou are sending or recei$ing. .o
!our aerial instead of being a menace reall! acts during an electrical
storm like a lightning rod and it is therefore a real "rotection. The
airGga" and $acuum tube lightning arresters are little de$ices that
can be used onl! #here !ou are going to recei$e' #hile the lightning
s#itch must be used #here !ou are going to sendC indeed' in some
localities the KFire @nder#ritersK reIuire a large lightning s#itch to
be used for recei$ing sets as #ell as sending sets.
o# to Put @" a Chea" Recei$ing Aerial.GGThe kind of an aerial #ire
s!stem !ou "ut u" #ill de"end' chiefl!' on t#o things' and these are3
D/E !our "ocketbook' and D5E the "lace #here !ou li$e.
A .ingle +ire Aerial.GGThis is the sim"lest and chea"est kind of a
recei$ing aerial that can be "ut u". The first thing to do is to find
out the length of #ire !ou need b! measuring the s"an bet#een the t#o
"oints of su""ortC then add a sufficient length for the leadingGin
#ire and enough more to connect !our recei$ing set #ith the radiator
or #ater "i"e.
)ou can use an! siJe of co""er or aluminum #ire that is not smaller
than K4o. /: Bro#n and .har"e gauge.K +hen !ou bu! the #ire get also
the follo#ing material3 D/E t#o K"orcelain insulatorsK as sho#n at A
in Fig. HC D5E three or four K"orcelain knob insulatorsK' see BC D;E
either DaE an Kair ga" lightning arrester'K see C' or DbE a Klightning
s#itchK see %C D7E a KleadingGin "orcelain tube insulator'K see E' and
DHE a Kground clam"K' see F.
8(llustration3 Fig. H.GGBaterial for a .im"le Aerial +ire .!stem.<
To make the aerial sli" each end of the #ire through a hole in each
insulator and t#ist it fastC ne-t cut off and sli" t#o more "ieces of
#ire through the other holes in the insulators and t#ist them fast and
then secure these to the su""orts at the ends of the building. Take
the "iece !ou are going to use for the leadingGin #ire' t#ist it
around the aerial #ire and solder it there #hen it #ill look like A in
Fig. :. 4o# if !ou intend to use the Kair ga" lightning arresterK
fasten it to the #all of the building outside of !our #indo#' and
bring the leadingGin #ire from the aerial to the to" binding "ost of
!our arrester and kee" it clear of e$er!thing as sho#n at B. (f !our
aerial is on the roof and !ou ha$e to bring the leadingGin #ire o$er
the cornice or around a corner fi- a "orcelain knob insulator to the
one or the other and fasten the #ire to it.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. :.GG.ingle +ire Aerial for Recei$ing.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. :.GGRecei$ing Aerial #ith Air Ga" =ightning
Arrester.<
8(llustration3 DCE Fig. :.GGAerial #ith =ightning .#itch.<
4e-t bore a hole through the frame of the #indo# at a "oint nearest
!our recei$ing set and "ush a "orcelain tube HPF inch in diameter and
H or : inches long' through it. Connect a length of #ire to the to"
"ost of the arrester or just abo$e it to the #ire' run this through
the leadingGin insulator and connect it to the slider of !our tuning
coil. .cre# the end of a "iece of hea$! co""er #ire to the lo#er "ost
of the arrester and run it to the ground' on "orcelain knobs if
necessar!' and solder it to an iron rod or "i"e #hich !ou ha$e dri$en
into the earth. Finall! connect the fi-ed terminal of !our tuning coil
#ith the #ater "i"e or radiator inside of the house b! means of the
ground clam" as sho#n in the diagrammatic sketch at B in Fig. : and
!ou are read! to tune in.
(f !ou #ant to use a lightning s#itch instead of the airGga" arrester
then fasten it to the outside #all instead of the latter and scre# the
free end of the leadingGin #ire from the aerial to the middle "ost of
it as sho#n at C in Fig. :. Run a #ire from the to" "ost through the
leadingGin insulator and connect it #ith the slider of !our tuning
coil. 4e-t scre# one end of a length of hea$! co""er #ire to the lo#er
"ost of the aerial s#itch and run it to an iron "i"e in the ground as
described abo$e in connection #ith the s"arkGga" lightning arresterC
then connect the fi-ed terminal of !our tuning coil #ith the radiator
or #ater "i"e and !our aerial #ire s!stem #ill be com"lete as sho#n at
C in Fig. :.
A T#oG#ire Aerial.GGAn aerial #ith t#o #ires #ill gi$e better results
than a single #ire and three #ires are better than t#o' but !ou must
kee" them #ell a"art. To "ut u" a t#oG#ire aerial get D/E enough K4o.
/:K' or "referabl! K4o. /7K' solid or stranded co""er or aluminum
#ire' D5E four "orcelain insulators' see B in Fig. H' and D;E t#o
sticks about / inch thick' ; inches #ide and ; or 7 feet long' for the
Ks"readersK' and bore /PFGinch hole through each end of each one. 4o#
t#ist the ends of the #ires to the insulators and then cut off four
"ieces of #ire about : feet long and run them through the holes in the
#ood s"readers. Finall! t#ist the ends of each "air of short #ires to
the free ends of the insulators and then t#ist the free ends of the
#ires together.
For the leadingGin #ire that goes to the lightning s#itch take t#o
lengths of #ire and t#ist one end of each one around the aerial #ires
and solder them there. T#ist the short #ire around the long #ire and
solder this joint also #hen the aerial #ill look like Fig. 1. Bring
the free end of the leadingGin #ire do#n to the middle "ost of the
lightning s#itch and fasten it there and connect u" the recei$er to it
and the ground as described under the ca"tion of KA .ingle +ire
AerialK.
8(llustration3 Fig. 1.GGT#o +ire Aerial.<
Connecting in the Ground.GG(f there is a gas or #ater s!stem or a
steamGheating "lant in !our house !ou can make !our ground connection
b! clam"ing a ground clam" to the nearest "i"e as has been "re$iousl!
described. Connect a length of bare or insulated co""er #ire #ith it
and bring this u" to the table on #hich !ou ha$e !our recei$ing set.
(f there are no grounded "i"es a$ailable then !ou #ill ha$e to make a
good ground #hich #e shall describe "resentl! and lead the ground #ire
from !our recei$ing set out of the #indo# and do#n to it.
o# to Put @" a Good Aerial.GG+hile !ou can use the chea" aerial
alread! described for a small s"arkGcoil sending set !ou should ha$e a
better insulated one for a /P5 or a / kilo#att transformer set. The
cost for the materials for a good aerial is small and #hen "ro"erl!
made and #ell insulated it #ill gi$e results that are all out of
"ro"ortion to the cost of it.
An (ne-"ensi$e Good Aerial.GGA far better aerial' because it is more
highl! insulated' can be made b! using Kmidget insulatorsK instead of
the "orcelain insulators described under the ca"tion of KA .ingle +ire
AerialK and using a small Kelectrose leadingGin insulatorK instead of
the "orcelain bushing. This makes a good sending aerial for small sets
as #ell as a good recei$ing aerial.
The Best Aerial that Can Be Bade.GGTo make this aerial get the
follo#ing material together3 D/E enough Kstranded or braided #ireK for
three or four lengths of "arallel #ires' according to the number !ou
#ant to use D5E si- or eight Kelectrose ball insulatorsK' see B' Fig.
FC D;E t#o HGinch or /6Ginch Kelectrose strain insulatorsK' see CC D7E
si- or eight K.GhooksK' see %C one large K#itheK #ith one e!e for
middle of end s"reader' see EC D:E t#o smaller K#ithesK #ith one e!e
each for end s"reader' see EC D1E t#o still smaller K#ithesK' #ith t#o
e!es each for the ends of the end s"readers' see E DFE t#o KthimblesK'
see F' for /P7Ginch #ire cableC D0E si- or eight Khard rubber tubesK
or KbushingsK as sho#n at GC and D/6E t#o Kend s"readersK' see C one
Kmiddle s"readerK' see (C and one KleadingGin s"readerK' see ?.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. FGGPart of a Good Aerial.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. F.GGThe ."readers.<
For this aerial an! one of a number of kinds of #ire can be used and
among these are DaE Kstranded co""er #ireCK DbE Kbraided co""er #ireCK
DcE Kstranded silicon bronJe #ire'K and DdE Kstranded "hos"hor bronJe
#ireK. .tranded and braided co""er #ire is $er! fle-ible as it is
formed of se$en strands of fine #ire t#isted or braided together and
it is $er! good for short and light aerials. .ilicon bronJe #ire is
stronger than co""er #ire and should be used #here aerials are more
than /66 feet long' #hile "hos"hor bronJe #ire is the strongest aerial
#ire made and is used for high grade aerials b! the commercial
com"anies and the Go$ernment for their highG"o#er stations.
The s"readers should be made of s"ruce' and should be 7 feet /6 inches
long for a threeG#ire aerial and 1 feet / inch long for a fourG#ire
aerial as the distance bet#een the #ires should be about 51 inches.
The end s"readers can be turned c!lindricall! but it makes a better
looking job if the! ta"er from the middle to the ends. The! should be
5G/P7 inches in diameter at the middle and /G;P7 inches at the ends.
The middle s"reader can be c!lindrical and 5 inches in diameter. (t
must ha$e holes bored through it at eIuidistant "oints for the hard
rubber tubesC each of these should be HPF inch in diameter and ha$e a
hole HP;5 inch in diameter through it for the aerial #ire. The
leadingGin s"reader is also made of s"ruce and is /G/P5 inches sIuare
and 5: inches long. Bore three or four HPFGinch holes at eIuidistant
"oints through this s"reader and insert hard rubber tubes in them as
#ith the middle s"reader.
Assembling the Aerial.GGBegin b! measuring off the length of each #ire
to be used and see to it that all of them are of e-actl! the same
length. 4o# "ush the hard rubber insulators through the holes in the
middle s"reader and thread the #ires through the holes in the
insulators as sho#n at A in Fig 0.
4e-t t#ist the ends of each #ire to the rings of the ball insulators
and then "ut the large #ithes on the middle of each of the end
s"readersC fi- the other #ithes on the s"readers so that the! #ill be
51 inches a"art and fasten the ball insulators to the e!es in the
#ithes #ith the .Ghooks. 4o# sli" a thimble through the e!e of one of
the long strain insulators' thread a length of stranded steel #ire /P7
inch in diameter through it and fasten the ends of it to the e!es in
the #ithes on the ends of the s"readers.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 0.GGBiddle ."reader.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 0.GG>ne End of Aerial Com"lete.<
8(llustration3 DCE Fig. 0.GG=eading in ."reader.<
Finall! fasten a 76Ginch length of steel stranded #ire to each of the
e!es of the #ithes on the middle of each of the s"readers' loo" the
other end o$er the thimble and then #ra" the end around the #ires that
are fi-ed to the ends of the s"readers. >ne end of the aerial is sho#n
com"lete at B in Fig. 0' and from this !ou can see e-actl! ho# it is
assembled. 4o# cut off three or four "ieces of #ire /H or 56 feet long
and t#ist and solder each one to one of the aerial #iresC then sli"
them through the hard rubber tubes in the leadingGin s"reader' bring
their free ends together as at C and t#ist and solder them to a length
of #ire long enough to reach to !our lightning s#itch or instruments.
Baking a Good Ground.GG+here !ou ha$e to make a KgroundK !ou can do so
either b! D/E bur!ing sheets of Jinc or co""er in the moist earthC D5E
bur!ing a number of #ires in the moist earth' or D;E using a
Kcounter"oiseK. To make a ground of the first kind take half a doJen
large sheets of co""er or Jinc' cut them into stri"s a foot #ide'
solder them all together #ith other stri"s and bur! them dee"l! in the
ground.
(t is easier to make a #ire ground' sa! of as man! or more #ires as
!ou ha$e in !our aerial and connect them together #ith cross #ires. To
"ut such a ground in the earth !ou #ill ha$e to use a "lo# to make the
furro#s dee" enough to insure them al#a!s being moist. (n the
counter"oise ground !ou make u" a s!stem of #ires e-actl! like !our
aerial' that is' !ou insulate them just as carefull!C then !ou su""ort
them so that the! #ill be as close to the ground as "ossible and !et
not touch it or an!thing else. This and the other t#o grounds just
described should be "laced directl! under the aerial #ire if the best
results are to be had. (n using a counter"oise !ou must bring the #ire
from it u" to and through another leadingGin insulator to !our
instruments.
CAPTER (((
.(BP=E TE=EGRAP A4% TE=EP>4E RECE(,(4G .ET.
+ith a cr!stal detector recei$ing set !ou can recei$e either
telegra"hic dots and dashes or tele"honic s"eech and music. )ou can
bu! a recei$ing set alread! assembled or !ou can bu! the different
"arts and assemble them !ourself. An assembled set is less bother in
the beginning but if !ou like to e-"eriment !ou can Khook u"K' that
is' connect the se"arate "arts together !ourself and it is "erha"s a
little chea"er to do it this #a!. Then again' b! so doing !ou get a
lot of $aluable e-"erience in #ireless #ork and an understanding of
the #orkings of #ireless that !ou cannot get in an! other #a!.
Assembled +ireless Recei$ing .ets.GGThe chea"est assembled recei$ing
set 8Footnote3 The Bar$el' made b! the Radio Bfg. Co.' 4e# )ork Cit!.<
ad$ertised is one in #hich the detector and tuning coil is mounted in
a bo-. (t costs O/H.66' and can be bought of dealers in electric
su""lies generall!.
This "rice also includes a cr!stal detector' an adjustable tuning
coil' a single tele"hone recei$er #ith headGband and the #ire'
"orcelain insulators' lightning s#itch and ground clam" for the aerial
#ire s!stem. (t #ill recei$e #ireless telegra"h and tele"hone messages
o$er a range of from /6 to 5H miles.
Another chea" unit rece"tor' that is' a com"lete #ireless recei$ing
set alread! mounted #hich can be used #ith a single aerial is sold for
O5H.66. 8Footnote3 The Aeriola ?r.' made b! the +estinghouse Com"an!'
Pittsburgh' Pa.< This set includes a cr!stal detector' a $ariable
tuning coil' a fi-ed condenser and a "air of head tele"hone recei$ers.
(t can also be used to recei$e either telegra"h or tele"hone messages
from distances u" to 5H miles. The aerial eIui"ment is not included in
this "rice' but it can be bought for about O5.H6 e-tra.
Assembling )our >#n Recei$ing .et.GG(n this cha"ter #e shall go onl!
into the a""aratus used for t#o sim"le recei$ing sets' both of #hich
ha$e a Kcr!stal detectorK. The first set includes a KdoubleGslide
tuning coilK and the second set em"lo!s a KlooseGcou"led tuning coilK'
or Kloose cou"lerK' as it is called for short. For either set !ou can
use a "air of 5'666G or ;'666Gohm head "hones.
8(llustration3 original Q @nder#ood and @nder#ood. General Pershing
=istening (n.<
The Cr!stal %etector.GGA cr!stal detector consists of3 D/E Kthe
frameK' D5E Kthe cr!stalK' and D;E Kthe #ire "ointK. There are an!
number of different designs for frames' the idea being to "ro$ide a
de$ice that #ill DaE hold the sensiti$e cr!stal firml! in "lace' and
!et "ermit of its remo$al' DbE to "ermit the K#ire "ointK' or
KelectrodeK' to be mo$ed in an! direction so that the free "oint of it
can make contact #ith the most sensiti$e s"ot on the cr!stal and DcE
to $ar! the "ressure of the #ire on the cr!stal.
A sim"le detector frame is sho#n in the crossGsection at A in Fig. /6C
the cr!stal' #hich ma! be KgalenaK' KsiliconK or Kiron "!ritesK' is
held securel! in a holder #hile the K"hos"horGbronJe #ire "ointK #hich
makes contact #ith it' is fi-ed to one end of a threaded rod on the
other end of #hich is a knob. This rod scre#s into and through a
slee$e fi-ed to a ball that sets bet#een t#o brass standards and this
"ermits an u" and do#n or a side to side adjustment of the metal "oint
#hile the "ressure of it on the cr!stal is regulated b! the scre#.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. /6.GGCross .ection of Cr!stal %etector.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. /6.GGThe Cr!stal %etector Com"lete.<
A cr!stal of this kind is often enclosed in a glass c!linder and this
makes it retain its sensiti$eness for a much longer time than if it
#ere e-"osed to dust and moisture. An u"right t!"e of this detector
can be bought for O5.5H' #hile a horiJontal t!"e' as sho#n at B' can
be bought for O5.1H. Galena is the cr!stal that is generall! used'
for' #hile it is not Iuite as sensiti$e as silicon and iron "!rites'
it is easier to obtain a sensiti$e "iece.
The Tuning Coil.GG(t is #ith the tuning coil that !ou Ktune inK and
Ktune outK different stations and this !ou do b! sliding the contacts
to and fro o$er the turns of #ireC in this #a! !ou $ar! the
KinductanceK and Kca"acitanceK' that is' the KconstantsK of the
recei$ing circuits and so make them recei$e Kelectric #a$esK' that is'
#ireless #a$es' of different lengths.
The %ouble .lide Tuning Coil.GG+ith this tuning coil !ou can recei$e
#a$es from an! station u" to /'666 meters in length. >ne of the ends
of the coil of #ire connects #ith the binding "ost marked KaK in Fig.
//' and the other end connects #ith the other binding "ost marked KbK'
#hile one of the sliding contacts is connected to the binding "ost
KcK' and the Kother sliding contactK is connected #ith the binding
"ost KdK.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. //.GG.chematic %iagram of %ouble .lide Tuning
Coil.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. //.GG%ouble .lide Tuning Coil Com"lete.<
+hen connecting in the tuning coil' onl! the "ost KaK or the "ost KbK
is used as ma! be most con$enient' but the other end of the #ire #hich
is connected to a "ost is left freeC just bear this "oint in mind #hen
!ou come to connect the tuning coil u" #ith the other "arts of !our
recei$ing set. The tuning coil is sho#n com"lete at B and it costs
O;.66 or O7.66. A Ktri"le slideK tuning coil constructed like the
double slide tuner just described' onl! #ith more turns of #ire on it'
makes it "ossible to recei$e #a$e lengths u" to /'H66 meters. (t costs
about O:.66.
The =oose Cou"led Tuning Coil.GG+ith a Kloose cou"lerK' as this kind
of a tuning coil is called for short' $er! Kselecti$e tuningK is
"ossible' #hich means that !ou can tune in a station $er! shar"l!' and
it #ill recei$e an! #a$e lengths according to siJe of coils. The
"rimar! coil is #ound on a fi-ed c!linder and its inductance is $aried
b! means of a sliding contact like the double slide tuning coil
described abo$e. The secondar! coil is #ound on a c!linder that slides
in and out of the "rimar! coil. The inductance of this coil is $aried
b! means of a s#itch that makes contact #ith the fi-ed "oints' each of
#hich is connected #ith e$er! t#entieth turn of #ire as sho#n in the
diagram A in Fig. /5. The loose cou"ler' #hich is sho#n com"lete at B'
costs in the neighborhood of OF.66 or O/6.66.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. /5.GG.chematic %iagram of =oose Cou"ler.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. /5.GG=oose Cou"ler Com"lete.<
Fi-ed and ,ariable Condensers.GG)ou do not reIuire a condenser for a
sim"le recei$ing set' but if !ou #ill connect a Kfi-ed condenserK
across !our head"hones !ou #ill get better results' #hile a K$ariable
condenserK connected in the Kclosed circuit of a direct cou"led
recei$ing setK' that is' one #here a double slide tuning coil is used'
makes it eas! to tune $er! much more shar"l!C a $ariable condenser is
absolutel! necessar! #here the circuits are Kinducti$el! cou"ledK'
that is' #here a loose cou"led tuner is used.
A fi-ed condenser consists of a number of sheets of "a"er #ith lea$es
of tinGfoil in bet#een them and so built u" that one end of e$er!
other leaf of tinGfoil "rojects from the o""osite end of the "a"er as
sho#n at A in Fig. /;. The "a"er and tinGfoil are then "ressed
together and im"regnated #ith an insulating com"ound. A fi-ed
condenser of the e-act ca"acitance reIuired for connecting across the
head "hones is mounted in a base fitted #ith binding "osts' as sho#n
at B' and costs 1H cents. DPa"er ones 5H cents.E
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. /;.GGo# a Fi-ed Recei$ing Condenser is Built
u".<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. /;.GGThe Fi-ed Condenser Com"lete.<
8(llustration3 DCE and D%E Fig. /;.GGThe ,ariable Rotar! Condenser.<
A $ariable condenser' see C' of the rotating t!"e is formed of a set
of fi-ed semiGcircular metal "lates #hich are slightl! se"arated from
each other and bet#een these a similar set of mo$able semiGcircular
metal "lates is made to interlea$eC the latter are secured to a shaft
on the to" end of #hich is a knob and b! turning it the ca"acitance of
the condenser' and' hence' of the circuit in #hich it is connected' is
$aried. This condenser' #hich is sho#n at %' is made in t#o siJes' the
smaller one being large enough for all ordinar! #a$e lengths #hile the
larger one is for "ro"ortionatel! longer #a$e lengths. These
condensers cost O7.66 and OH.66 res"ecti$el!.
About Tele"hone Recei$ers.GGThere are a number of makes of head
tele"hone recei$ers on the market that are designed es"eciall! for
#ireless #ork. These "hones are #ound to KresistancesK of from 1H
KohmsK to F'666 KohmsK' and cost from O/.5H for a recei$er
#ithout a cord or headband to O/H.66 for a "air of "hones #ith a cord
and head band. )ou can get a recei$er #ound to an! resistance in
bet#een the abo$e $alues but for either of the sim"le recei$ing sets
such as described in this cha"ter !ou ought to ha$e a "air #ound to at
least 5'666 ohms and these #ill cost !ou about OH.66. A "air of head
"hones of this t!"e is sho#n in Fig. /7.
8(llustration3 Fig. /7.GGPair of +ireless ead Phones.<
Connecting @" the PartsGGRecei$ing .et 4o. /.GGFor this set get D/E a
Kcr!stal detectorK' D5E a Kt#oGslide tuning coilK' D;E a Kfi-ed
condenserK' and D7E a "air of 5'666 ohm head "hones. Bount the
detector on the rightGhand side of a board and the tuning coil on the
leftGhand side. .cre# in t#o binding "osts for the cord ends of the
tele"hone recei$ers at KaK and KbK as sho#n at A in Fig. /H. This done
connect one of the end binding "osts of the tuning coil #ith the
ground #ire and a "ost of one of the contact slides #ith the lightning
arrester or s#itch #hich leads to the aerial #ire.
8(llustration3 Fig. /H.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for Recei$ing
.et 4o. /.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. /H.GG+iring %iagram for Recei$ing .et 4o. /.<
4o# connect the "ost of the other contact slide to one of the "osts of
the detector and the other "ost of the latter #ith the binding "ost
KaK' then connect the binding "ost KbK to the ground #ire and solder
the joint. 4e-t connect the ends of the tele"hone recei$er cord to the
"osts KaK and KbK and connect a fi-ed condenser also #ith these "osts'
all of #hich are sho#n in the #iring diagram at B' and !ou are read!
to adjust the set for recei$ing.
Recei$ing .et 4o. 5.GG@se the same kind of a detector and "air of head
"hones as for K.et 4o. /K' but get D/E a Kloose cou"led tuning coilK'
and D5E a K$ariable condenserK. Bount the loose cou"ler at the back of
a board on the leftGhand side and the $ariable condenser on the
rightGhand side. Then mount the detector in front of the $ariable
condenser and scre# t#o binding "osts' KaK and KbK' in front of the
tuning coil as sho#n at A in Fig. /:.
8(llustration3 Fig. /:.GGTo" $ie# of A""aratus =a!out for Recei$ing
.et 4o. 5.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. /:.GG+iring %iagram for Recei$ing .et 4o. 5.<
4o# connect the "ost of the sliding contact of the loose cou"ler #ith
the #ire that runs to the lightning s#itch and thence to the aerialC
connect the "ost of the "rimar! coil' #hich is the outside coil' #ith
the ground #ireC then connect the binding "ost leading to the s#itch
of the secondar! coil' #hich is the inside coil' #ith one of the "osts
of the $ariable condenser' and finall!' connect the "ost that is
joined to one end of the secondar! coil #ith the other "ost of the
$ariable condenser.
This done' connect one of the "osts of the condenser #ith one of the
"osts of the detector' the other "ost of the detector #ith the binding
"ost KaK' and the "ost KbK to the other "ost of the $ariable
condenser. 4e-t connect a fi-ed condenser to the binding "osts KaK and
KbK and then connect the tele"hone recei$ers to these same "osts' all
of #hich is sho#n in the #iring diagram at B. )ou are no# read! to
adjust the instruments. (n making the connections use 4o. /: or /F
insulated co""er #ire and scra"e the ends clean #here the! go into the
binding "osts. .ee' also' that all of the connections are tight and
#here !ou ha$e to cross the #ires kee" them a"art b! an inch or so and
al#a!s cross them at right angles.
Adjusting the 4o. / .etGGThe %etector.GGThe first thing to do is to
test the detector in order to find out if the "oint of the contact
#ire is on a sensiti$e s"ot of the cr!stal. To do this !ou need a
KbuJJerK' a Ks#itchK and a Kdr! cellK. An electric bell from #hich the
gong has been remo$ed #ill do for the buJJer' but !ou can get one that
is made s"eciall! for the "ur"ose' for 1H cents' #hich gi$es out a
clear' highG"itched note that sounds like a highG"o#er station.
Connect one of the binding "osts of the buJJer #ith one "ost of the
s#itch' the other "ost of the latter #ith the Jinc "ost of the dr!
cell and the carbon "ost of this to the other "ost of the buJJer. Then
connect the "ost of the buJJer that is joined to the $ibrator' to the
ground #ire as sho#n in the #iring diagram' Fig. /1. 4o# close the
s#itch of the buJJer circuit' "ut on !our head "hones' and mo$e the
#ire "oint of the detector to $arious s"ots on the cr!stal until !ou
hear the s"arks made b! the buJJer in !our "hones.
8(llustration3 Fig. /1.GGAdjusting the Recei$ing .et.<
Then $ar! the "ressure of the "oint on the cr!stal until !ou hear the
s"arks as loud as "ossible. After !ou ha$e made the adjustment o"en
the s#itch and disconnect the buJJer #ire from the ground #ire of !our
set. This done' be $er! careful not to jar the detector or !ou #ill
thro# it out of adjustment and then !ou #ill ha$e to do it all o$er
again. )ou are no# read! to tune the set #ith the tuning coil and
listen in.
The Tuning Coil.GGTo tune this set mo$e the slide A of the
doubleGslide tuner' see B in Fig. /H' o$er to the end of the coil that
is connected #ith the ground #ire and the slide B near the o""osite
end of the coil' that is' the one that has the free end. 4o# mo$e the
slide A to#ard the B slide and #hen !ou hear the dots and dashes' or
s"eech or music' that is coming in as loud as !ou can mo$e the B slide
to#ard the A slide until !ou hear still more loudl!. A $er! fe# trials
on !our "art and !ou #ill be able to tune in or tune out an! station
!ou can hear' if not too close or "o#erful.
8(llustration3 original Q @nder#ood and @nder#ood. The +orld's
=argest Radio Recei$ing .tation. >#ned b! the Radio Cor"oration of
America at Rock! Point near Point ?efferson' =.(.<
Adjusting the 4o. 5 .et.GGFirst adjust the cr!stal detector #ith the
buJJer set as described abo$e #ith K.et 4o. /'K then turn the knob of
!our $ariable condenser so that the mo$able "lates are just halfG#a!
in' "ull the secondar! coil of !our looseGcou"led tuner half #a! outC
turn the s#itch le$er on it until it makes a contact #ith the middle
contact "oint and set the slider of the "rimar! coil half #a! bet#een
the ends.
4o# listen in for telegra"hic signals or tele"honic s"eech or musicC
#hen !ou hear one or the other slide the secondar! coil in and out of
the "rimar! coil until the sounds are loudestC no# mo$e the contact
s#itch o$er the "oints forth and back until the sounds are still
louder' then mo$e the slider to and fro until the sounds are !et
louder and' finall!' turn the knob of the condenser until the sounds
are clear and cris". +hen !ou ha$e done all of these things !ou ha$e'
in the "arlance of the #ireless o"erator' Ktuned inK and !ou are read!
to recei$e #hate$er is being sent.
CAPTER (,
.(BP=E TE=EGRAP .E4%(4G .ET.
A #ireless telegra"h transmitting set can be installed for a $er!
small amount of mone! "ro$ided !ou are content #ith one that has a
limited range. =arger and better instruments can' of course' be had
for more mone!' but ho#e$er much !ou are #illing to s"end still !ou
are limited in !our sending radius b! the Go$ernment's rules and
regulations. The best #a!' and the chea"est in the end' to install a
telegra"h set is to bu! the se"arate "arts and hook them u" !ourself.
The usual t!"e of #ireless telegra"h transmitter em"lo!s a Kdisru"ti$e
discharge'K or Ks"ark'K as it is called' for setting u" the
oscillating currents in the aerial #ire s!stem and this is the t!"e of
a""aratus described in this cha"ter. There are t#o #a!s to set u" the
s"arks and these are3 D/E #ith an Kinduction coil'K or Ks"arkGcoil'K
as it is commonl! called' and D5E #ith an Kalternating current
transformerK' or K"o#er transformerK' as it is sometimes called. +here
!ou ha$e to generate the current #ith a batter! !ou must use a s"ark
coil' but if !ou ha$e a //6G$olt direct or alternating lighting
current in !our home !ou can use a transformer #hich #ill gi$e !ou
more "o#er.
A Chea" Transmitting .et D4o. /E.GGFor this set !ou #ill need3 D/E a
Ks"arkGcoilK' D5E a Kbatter!K of dr! cells' D;E a Ktelegra"h ke!K' D7E
a Ks"ark ga"K' DHE a KhighGtension condenserK' and D:E an Koscillation
transformerK. There are man! different makes and st!les of these "arts
but in the last anal!sis all of them are built on the same underl!ing
bases and #ork on the same fundamental "rinci"les.
The ."arkGCoil.GG."ark coils for #ireless #ork are made to gi$e s"arks
from /P7 inch in length u" to : inches in length' but as a s"ark coil
that gi$es less than a /Ginch s"ark has a $er! limited out"ut it is
best to get a coil that gi$es at least a /Ginch s"ark' as this onl!
costs about OF.66' and if !ou can get a 5G or a 7Ginch s"ark coil so
much the better. There are t#o general st!les of s"ark coils used for
#ireless and these are sho#n at A and B in Fig. /F.
8(llustration3 DAE and DBE Fig. /F.GGT!"es of ."ark Coils for .et. 4o.
/.<
8(llustration3 DCE Fig. /F.GG+iring %iagram of ."ark Coil<
A s"ark coil of either st!le consists of DKaKE a soft Kiron coreK on
#hich is #ound DKbKE a cou"le of la!ers of hea$! insulated #ire and
this is called the K"rimar! coilK' DKcKE #hile o$er this' but
insulated from it' is #ound a large number of turns of $er! fine
insulated co""er #ire called the Ksecondar! coilKC DdE an
Kinterru"terK' or K$ibratorK' as it is commonl! called' and' finall!'
DeE a KcondenserK. The core' "rimar! and secondar! coils form a unit
and these are set in a bo- or mounted on to" of a hollo# #ooden base.
The condenser is "laced in the bottom of the bo-' or on the base'
#hile the $ibrator is mounted on one end of the bo- or on to" of the
base' and it is the onl! "art of the coil that needs adjusting.
The $ibrator consists of a stiff' flat s"ring fi-ed at one end to the
bo- or base #hile it carries a "iece of soft iron called an KarmatureK
on its free end and this sets close to one end of the soft iron core.
(nsulated from this s"ring is a standard that carries an adjusting
scre# on the small end of #hich is a "latinum "oint and this makes
contact #ith a small "latinum disk fi-ed to the s"ring. The condenser
is formed of alternate sheets of "a"er and tinfoil built u" in the
same fashion as the recei$ing condenser described under the ca"tion of
KFi-ed and ,ariable CondensersK' in Cha"ter (((.
The #iring diagram C sho#s ho# the s"ark coil is #ired u". >ne of the
batter! binding "osts is connected #ith one end of the "rimar! coil
#hile the other end of the latter #hich is #ound on the soft iron core
connects #ith the s"ring of the $ibrator. The other batter! binding
"ost connects #ith the standard that su""orts the adjusting scre#. The
condenser is shunted across the $ibrator' that is' one end of the
condenser is connected #ith the s"ring and the other end of the
condenser is connected #ith the adjusting scre# standard. The ends of
the secondar! coil lead to t#o binding "osts' #hich are usuall! "laced
on to" of the s"ark coil and it is to these that the s"ark ga" is
connected.
The Batter!.GGThis can be formed of dr! cells or !ou can use a storage
batter! to energiJe !our coil. For all coils that gi$e less than a
/Ginch s"ark !ou should use H dr! cellsC for /Gand 5Ginch s"ark coils
use : or F dr! cells' and for ; to 7Ginch s"ark coils use F to /6 dr!
cells. The #a! the dr! cells are connected together to form a batter!
#ill be sho#n "resentl!. A dr! cell is sho#n at A in Fig' /0.
8(llustration3 Fig. /0.GG>ther "arts for Transmitting .et 4o. /<
The Telegra"h Ae!.GG)ou can use an ordinar! Borse telegra"h ke! for
the sending set and !ou can get one #ith a ja"anned iron base for
O/.H6 Dor better' one made of brass and #hich has /PFGinch sil$er
contact "oints for O;.66. A ke! of the latter kind is sho#n at BE.
The ."ark ga".GG(t is in the Ks"ark ga"K that the high tension s"ark
takes "lace. The a""aratus in #hich the s"ark takes "lace is also
called the Ks"ark ga"K. (t consists of a "air of Jinc "lugs' called
KelectrodesK' fi-ed to the ends of a "air of threaded rods' #ith knobs
on the other ends' and these scre# into and through a "air of
standards as sho#n at KcK. This is called a Kfi-edK' or Kstationar!
s"ark ga"K and costs about O/.66.
The Tuning Coil.GGThe Ktransmitting inductanceK' or Ksending tuning
coilK' consists of 56 to ;6 turns of K4o. F or 0K hard dra#n co""er
#ire #ound on a slotted insulated form and mounted on a #ooden base.
(t is "ro$ided #ith Kcli"sK so that !ou can cut in and cut out as man!
turns of #ire as !ou #ish and so tune the sending circuits to send out
#hate$er #a$e length !ou desire. (t is sho#n at KdK' and costs about
OH.66. .ee also K>scillation TransformerK' "age :; 8Cha"ter (,<.
The igh Tension Condenser.GGigh tension condensers' that is'
condensers #hich #ill stand u" under Khigh "otentialsK' or electric
"ressures' can be bought in units or sections. These condensers are
made u" of thin brass "lates insulated #ith a s"ecial com"ound and
"ressed into a com"act form. The Kca"acitanceK 8Footnote3 This is the
ca"acit! of the condenser.< of one section is enough for a
transmitting set using a s"ark coil that gi$es a 5 inch s"ark or less
and t#o sections connected together should be used for coils gi$ing
from 5 to 7 inch s"arks. (t is sho#n at KeK.
Connecting @" the A""aratus.GG)our sending set should be mounted on a
table' or a bench' #here it need not be mo$ed. Place the ke! in about
the middle of the table and do#n in front' and the s"ark coil to the
left and #ell to the back but so that the $ibrator end #ill be to the
right' as this #ill enable !ou to adjust it easil!. Place the batter!
back of the s"ark coil and the tuning coil Doscillation transformerE
to the right of the s"ark coil and back of the ke!' all of #hich is
sho#n in the la!out at A in Fig. 56.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 56.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for .ending
.et 4o. /.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 56.GG+iring of %iagram for .ending .et 4o. /.<
For the Klo# $oltage circuitK' that is the batter! circuit' use K4o.
/5K or K/7K insulated co""er #ire. Connect all of the dr! cells
together in KseriesK' that is' connect the Jinc of one cell #ith the
carbon of the ne-t and so on until all of them are connected u". Then
connect the carbon of the end cell #ith one of the "osts of the ke!'
the Jinc of the other end cell #ith one of the "rimar! "osts of the
s"ark coil and the other "rimar! "ost of the s"ark coil #ith the other
"ost of the ke!' #hen the "rimar! circuit #ill be com"lete.
For the Khigh tension circuitsK' that is' the Koscillation circuitsK'
!ou ma! use either bare or insulated co""er #ire but !ou must be
careful that the! do not touch the table' each other' or an! "art of
the a""aratus' e-ce"t' of course' the "osts the! are connected #ith.
Connect one of the "osts of the secondar! coil of the s"ark coil #ith
one of the "osts of the s"ark ga"' and the other "ost #ith one of the
"osts of the condenserC then connect the other "ost of the condenser
#ith the lo#er s"ring cli" of the tuning coil and also connect this
cli" #ith the ground. This done' connect the middle s"ring cli" #ith
one of the "osts of the s"ark ga"' and' finall!' connect the to" cli"
#ith the aerial #ire and !our transmitting set is read! to be tuned. A
#iring diagram of the connections is sho#n at B. As this set is tuned
in the same #a! as K.et 4o. 5K #hich follo#s' !ou are referred to the
end of this cha"ter.
A Better Transmitting .et D4o. 5E.GGThe a""aratus for this set
includes3 D/E an Kalternating current transformerK' D5E a K#ireless
telegra"h ke!K' D;E a Kfi-edK' a Krotar!K' or a KIuenched s"ark ga"K'
D7E a KcondenserK' and DHE an Koscillation transformerK. (f !ou ha$e a
//6 $olt direct lighting current in !our home instead of //6 $olt
alternating current' then !ou #ill also need D:E an Kelectrol!tic
interru"terK' for in this case the "rimar! circuit of the transformer
must be made and broken ra"idl! in order to set u" alternating
currents in the secondar! coil.
The Alternating Current Transformer.GGAn alternating current' or
"o#er' transformer is made on the same "rinci"le as a s"ark coil' that
is' it has a soft iron core' a "rimar! coil formed of a cou"le of
la!ers of hea$! #ire' and a secondar! coil #ound u" of a large number
of turns of $er! fine #ire. @nlike the s"ark coil' ho#e$er' #hich has
an Ko"en magnetic coreK and #hose secondar! coil is #ound on the
"rimar! coil' the transformer has a Kclosed magnetic coreK' #ith the
"rimar! coil #ound on one of the legs of the core and the secondar!
#ound on the other leg. (t has neither a $ibrator nor a condenser. A
"lain transformer is sho#n at A in Fig. 5/.
8(llustration3 Fig. 5/.GGParts for Transmitting .et 4o. 5.<
A transformer of this kind can be bought either DaE KunmountedK' that
is' just the bare transformer' or DbE Kfull! mountedK' that is' fitted
#ith an iron stand' mounted on an insulating base on #hich are a "air
of "rimar! binding "osts' #hile the secondar! is "ro$ided #ith a
Ksafet! s"ark ga"K. There are three siJes of transformers of this kind
made and the! are rated at /P7' /P5 and / kilo#att' res"ecti$el!' the!
deli$er a secondar! current of 0'666' //'666 and 5H'666 $olts'
according to siJe' and cost O/:.66' O55.66 and O;;.66 #hen full!
mountedC a reduction of O;.66' O7.66 and OH.66 is made #hen the! are
unmounted. All of these transformers o"erate on //6 $olt' :6 c!cle
current and can be connected directl! to the source of alternating
current.
The +ireless Ae!.GGFor this transmitting set a standard #ireless ke!
should be used as sho#n at B. (t is made about the same as a regular
telegra"h ke! but it is much hea$ier' the contact "oints are larger
and instead of the current being led through the bearings as in an
ordinar! ke!' it is carried b! hea$! conductors directl! to the
contact "oints. This ke! is made in three siJes and the first #ill
carr! a current of H Kam"eresK8Footnote3 .ee KA""endi-K for
definition.< and costs O7.66' the second #ill carr! a current of /6
am"eres and costs O:.H6' #hile the third #ill carr! a current of 56
am"eres and costs O1.H6.
The ."ark Ga".GGEither a fi-ed' a rotar!' or a Iuenched s"ark ga" can
be used #ith this set' but the former is seldom used e-ce"t #ith
s"arkGcoil sets' as it is $er! hard to kee" the s"arks from arcing
#hen large currents are used. A rotar! s"ark ga" com"rises a #heel'
dri$en b! a small electric motor' #ith "rojecting "lugs' or
electrodes' on it and a "air of stationar! "lugs on each side of the
#heel as sho#n at C. The number of s"arks "er second can be $aried b!
changing the s"eed of the #heel and #hen it is rotated ra"idl! it
sends out signals of a high "itch #hich are eas! to read at the
recei$ing end. A rotar! ga" #ith a //6G$olt motor costs about O5H.66.
A Iuenched s"ark ga" not onl! eliminates the noise of the ordinar! ga"
but' #hen "ro"erl! designed' it increases the range of an induction
coil set some 566 "er cent. A /P7 kilo#att Iuenched ga" costs O/6.66.
8Footnote3 .ee A""endi- for definition.<
The igh Tension Condenser.GG.ince' if !ou are an amateur' !ou can
onl! send out #a$es that are 566 meters in length' !ou can onl! use a
condenser that has a ca"acitance of .661 KmicrofaradK. 8Footnote3 .ee
A""endi- for definition.< A sectional high tension condenser like the
one described in connection #ith K.et 4o. /K can be used #ith this
set but it must ha$e a ca"acitance of not more than .661 microfarad. A
condenser of this $alue for a /P7Gkilo#att transformer costs O1.66C
for a /P5Gkilo#att transformer O/7.66' and for a /Gkilo#att
transformer O5/.66. .ee E' Fig. /0.
The >scillation Transformer.GG+ith an oscillation transformer !ou can
tune much more shar"l! than #ith a single inductance coil tuner. The
"rimar! coil is formed of : turns of co""er stri"' or 4o. 0 co""er
#ire' and the secondar! is formed of 0 turns of stri"' or #ire. The
"rimar! coil' #hich is the outside coil' is hinged to the base and can
be raised or lo#ered like the lid of a bo-. +hen it is lo#ered the
"rimar! and secondar! coils are in the same "lane and #hen it is
raised the coils set at an angle to each other. (t is sho#n at % and
costs OH.66.
Connecting @" the A""aratus. For Alternating Current.GG.cre# the ke!
to the table about the middle of it and near the front edgeC "lace the
high tension condenser back of it and the oscillation transformer back
of the latterC set the alternating current transformer to the left of
the oscillation transformer and "lace the rotar! or Iuenched s"ark ga"
in front of it.
4o# bring a "air of K4o. /5K or K/7K insulated #ires from the //6 $olt
lighting leads and connect them #ith a singleGthro#' doubleG"ole
s#itchC connect one "ole of the s#itch #ith one of the "osts of the
"rimar! coil of the alternating "o#er transformer and connect the
other "ost of the latter #ith one of the "osts of !our ke!' and the
other "ost of this #ith the other "ole of the s#itch. 4o# connect the
motor of the rotar! s"ark ga" to the "o#er circuit and "ut a
singleG"ole' singleGthro# s#itch in the motor circuit' all of #hich is
sho#n at A in Fig. 55.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 55.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for .ending
.et 4o. 5.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 55.GG+iring %iagram for .ending .et 4o. 5.<
4e-t connect the "osts of the secondar! coil to the "osts of the
rotar! or Iuenched s"ark ga" and connect one "ost of the latter to one
"ost of the condenser' the other "ost of this to the "ost of the
"rimar! coil of the oscillation transformer' #hich is the inside coil'
and the cli" of the "rimar! coil to the other s"ark ga" "ost. This
com"letes the closed oscillation circuit. Finall! connect the "ost of
the secondar! coil of the oscillation transformer to the ground and
the cli" of it to the #ire leading to the aerial #hen !ou are read! to
tune the set. A #iring diagram of the connections is sho#n at B.
For %irect Current.GG+here !ou ha$e //6 $olt direct current !ou must
connect in an electrol!tic interru"ter. This interru"ter' #hich is
sho#n at A and B in Fig. 5;' consists of D/E a jar filled #ith a
solution of / "art of sul"huric acid and 0 "arts of #ater' D5E a lead
electrode ha$ing a large surface fastened to the co$er of surface that
sets in a "orcelain slee$e and #hose end rests on the bottom of the
jar.
8(llustration3 Fig. 5;.GG@sing //6 ,olt %irect Current #ith an
Alternating Current Transformer.<
+hen these electrodes are connected in series #ith the "rimar! of a
large s"ark coil or an alternating current transformer' see C' and a
direct current of from 76 to //6 $olts is made to "ass through it' the
current is made and broken from /'666 to /6'666 times a minute. B!
raising or lo#ering the slee$e' thus e-"osing more or less of the
"latinum' or allo! "oint' the number of interru"tions "er minute can
be $aried at #ill. As the electrol!tic interru"ter #ill onl! o"erate
in one direction' !ou must connect it #ith its "latinum' or allo!
anode' to the R or K"ositi$eK "o#er lead and the lead cathode to the G
or Knegati$eK "o#er lead. )ou can find out #hich is #hich b!
connecting in the interru"ter and tr!ing it' or !ou can use a "olarit!
indicator. An electrol!tic interru"ter can be bought for as little as
O;.66.
o# to Adjust )our Transmitter. Tuning +ith a ot +ire Ammeter.GGA
transmitter can be tuned in t#o different #a!s and these are3 D/E b!
adjusting the length of the s"ark ga" and the tuning coil so that the
greatest amount of energ! is set u" in the oscillating circuits' and
D5E b! adjusting the a""aratus so that it #ill send out #a$es of a
gi$en length.
To adjust the transmitter so that the circuits #ill be in tune !ou
should ha$e a Khot #ire ammeterK' or radiation ammeter' as it is
called' #hich is sho#n in Fig. 57. (t consists of a thin "latinum #ire
through #hich the highGfreIuenc! currents surge and these heat itC the
e-"ansion and contraction of the #ire mo$es a needle o$er a scale
marked off into fractions of an am"ere. +hen the s"ark ga" and tuning
coil of !our set are "ro"erl! adjusted' the needle #ill s#ing farthest
to the right o$er the scale and !ou #ill then kno# that the aerial
#ire s!stem' or o"en oscillation circuit' and the closed oscillation
circuit are in tune and radiating the greatest amount of energ!.
8(llustration3 Fig. 57.GGPrinci"le of the ot +ire Ammeter.<
To .end >ut a 566 Beter +a$e =ength.GG(f !ou are using a condenser
ha$ing a ca"acitance of .661 microfarad' #hich is the largest ca"acit!
$alue that the Go$ernment #ill allo# an amateur to use' then if !ou
ha$e a hot #ire ammeter in !our aerial and tune the inductance coil or
coils until the ammeter sho#s the largest amount of energ! flo#ing
through it !ou #ill kno# that !our transmitter is tuned and that the
aerial is sending out #a$es #hose length is 566 meters. To tune to
different #a$e lengths !ou must ha$e a K#a$eGmeterK.
The @se of the Aerial .#itch.GG+here !ou intend to install both a
transmitter and a rece"tor !ou #ill need a thro#o$er s#itch' or
Kaerial s#itchK' as it is called. An ordinar! doubleG"ole'
doubleGthro# s#itch' as sho#n at A in Fig. 5H' can be used' or a
s#itch made es"eciall! for the "ur"ose as at B is handier because the
arc of the thro# is much less.
8(llustration3 Fig. 5H.GGAinds of Aerial .#itches.<
Aerial .#itch for a Com"lete .ending and Recei$ing .et.GG)ou can bu! a
doubleG"ole' doubleGthro# s#itch mounted on a "orcelain base for about
1H cents and this #ill ser$e for K.et 4o. /K. .cre# this s#itch on
!our table bet#een the sending and recei$ing sets and then connect one
of the middle "osts of it #ith the ground #ire and the other middle
"ost #ith the lightning s#itch #hich connects #ith the aerial. Connect
the "ost of the tuning coil #ith one of the end "osts of the s#itch
and the cli" of the tuning coil #ith the other and com"lementar! "ost
of the s#itch. This done' connect one of the o""osite end "osts of the
s#itch to the "ost of the recei$ing tuning coil and connect the
sliding contact of the latter #ith the other and com"lementar! "ost of
the s#itch as sho#n in Fig. 5:.
8(llustration3 Fig. 5:.GG+iring %iagram for Com"lete .ending and
Recei$ing .et 4o. /.<
Connecting in the =ightning .#itch.GGThe aerial #ire connects #ith the
middle "ost of the lightning s#itch' #hile one of the end "osts lead
to one of the middle "osts of the aerial s#itch. The other end "ost of
the lightning s#itch leads to a se"arate ground outside the building'
as the #iring diagrams Figs. 5: and 51 sho#.
8(llustration3 Fig. 51.GG+iring %iagram for Com"lete .ending and
Recei$ing .et 4o. 5.<
CAPTER ,
E=ECTR(C(T) .(BP=) EMP=A(4E%
(t is eas! to understand ho# electricit! beha$es and #hat it does if
!ou get the right idea of it at the start. (n the first "lace' if !ou
#ill think of electricit! as being a fluid like #ater its fundamental
actions #ill be greatl! sim"lified. Both #ater and electricit! ma! be
at rest or in motion. +hen at rest' under certain conditions' either
one #ill de$elo" "ressure' and this "ressure #hen released #ill cause
them to flo# through their res"ecti$e conductors and thus "roduce a
current.
Electricit! at Rest and in Botion.GGAn! #ire or a conductor of an!
kind can be charged #ith electricit!' but a =e!den jar' or other
condenser' is generall! used to hold an electric charge because it has
a much larger Kca"acitanceK' as its ca"acit! is called' than a #ire.
As a sim"le analogue of a condenser' su""ose !ou ha$e a tank of #ater
raised abo$e a second tank and that these are connected together b!
means of a "i"e #ith a $al$e in it' as sho#n at A in Fig. 5F.
8(llustration3 Fig. 5F.GG+ater Analogue for Electric Pressure.<
8(llustration3 original Q @nder#ood and @nder#ood. First +ireless
College in the +orld' at Tufts College' Bass.<
4o# if !ou fill the u""er tank #ith #ater and the $al$e is turned off'
no #ater can flo# into the lo#er tank but there is a difference of
"ressure bet#een them' and the moment !ou turn the $al$e on a current
of #ater #ill flo# through the "i"e. (n $er! much the same #a! #hen
!ou ha$e a condenser charged #ith electricit! the latter #ill be under
K"ressure'K that is' a Kdifference of "otentialK #ill be set u"' for
one of the sheets of metal #ill be charged "ositi$el! and the other
one' #hich is insulated from it' #ill be charged negati$el!' as sho#n
at B. >n closing the s#itch the o""osite charges rush together and
form a current #hich flo#s to and fro bet#een the metal "lates.
8Footnote3 .trictl! s"eaking it is the difference of "otential that
sets u" the electromoti$e force.<
The Electric Current and (ts Circuit.GG?ust as #ater flo#ing through a
"i"e has KIuantit!K and K"ressureK back of it and the "i"e offers
friction to it #hich tends to hold back the #ater' so' like#ise' does
electricit! flo#ing in a circuit ha$e3 D/E KIuantit!K' or Kcurrent
strengthK' or just KcurrentK' as it is called for short' or
Kam"erageK' and D5E K"ressureK' or K"otential differenceK' or
Kelectromoti$e forceK' or K$oltageK' as it is $ariousl! called' and
the #ire' or circuit' in #hich the current is flo#ing has D;E
KresistanceK #hich tends to hold back the current.
A definite relation e-ists bet#een the current and its electromoti$e
force and also bet#een the current' electromoti$e force and the
resistance of the circuitC and if !ou #ill get this relationshi"
clearl! in !our mind !ou #ill ha$e a $er! good insight into ho# direct
and alternating currents act. To kee" a Iuantit! of #ater flo#ing in a
loo" of "i"e' #hich #e #ill call the circuit' "ressure must be a""lied
to it and this ma! be done b! a rotar! "um" as sho#n at A in Fig. 50C
in the same #a!' to kee" a Iuantit! of electricit! flo#ing in a loo"
of #ire' or circuit' a batter!' or other means for generating electric
"ressure must be used' as sho#n at B.
8(llustration3 Fig. 50.GG+ater Analogues for %irect and Alternating
Currents.<
(f !ou ha$e a closed "i"e connected #ith a "iston "um"' as at C' as
the "iston mo$es to and fro the #ater in the "i"e #ill mo$e first one
#a! and then the other. .o also #hen an alternating current generator
is connected to a #ire circuit' as at %' the current #ill flo# first
in one direction and then in the other' and this is #hat is called an
Kalternating currentK.
Current and the Am"ere.GGThe amount of #ater flo#ing in a closed "i"e
is the same at all "arts of it and this is also true of an electric
current' in that there is e-actl! the same Iuantit! of electricit! at
one "oint of the circuit as there is at an! other.
The amount of electricit!' or current' flo#ing in a circuit in a
second is measured b! a unit called the Kam"ereK' 8Footnote3 For
definition of Kam"ereK see KA""endi-.K< and it is e-"ressed b! the
s!mbol (. 8Footnote3 This is because the letter C is used for the
s!mbol of Kca"acitanceK< ?ust to gi$e !ou an idea of the Iuantit! of
current an Kam"ereK is #e #ill sa! that a dr! cell #hen fresh gi$es a
current of about 56 am"eres. To measure the current in am"eres an
instrument called an KammeterK is used' as sho#n at A in Fig. ;6' and
this is al#a!s connected in KseriesK #ith the line' as sho#n at B.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;6.GGo# the Ammeter and ,oltmeter are @sed.<
Electromoti$e Force and the ,olt.GG+hen !ou ha$e a "i"e filled #ith
#ater or a circuit charged #ith electricit! and !ou #ant to make them
flo# !ou must use a "um" in the first case and a batter! or a d!namo
in the second case. (t is the batter! or d!namo that sets u" the
electric "ressure as the circuit itself is al#a!s charged #ith
electricit!.
The more cells !ou connect together in KseriesK the greater #ill be
the electric "ressure de$elo"ed and the more current it #ill mo$e
along just as the amount of #ater flo#ing in a "i"e can be increased
b! increasing the "ressure of the "um". The unit of electromoti$e
force is the K$oltK' and this is the electric "ressure #hich #ill
force a current of K/ am"ereK through a resistance of K/ ohmKC it is
e-"ressed b! the s!mbol KEK. A fresh dr! cell #ill deli$er a current
of about /.H $olts. To measure the "ressure of a current in $olts an
instrument called a K$oltmeterK is used' as sho#n at C in Fig. ;6' and
this is al#a!s connected across the circuit' as sho#n at %.
Resistance and the >hm.GG?ust as a #ater "i"e offers a certain amount
of resistance to the flo# of #ater through it' so a circuit o""oses
the flo# of electricit! in it and this is called KresistanceK.
Further' in the same #a! that a small "i"e #ill not allo# a large
amount of #ater to flo# through it' so' too' a thin #ire limits the
flo# of the current in it.
(f !ou connect a Kresistance coilK in a circuit it acts in the same
#a! as "artl! closing the $al$e in a "i"e' as sho#n at A and B in Fig.
;/. The resistance of a circuit is measured b! a unit called the
KohmK' and it is e-"ressed b! the s!mbol KRK. A 4o. /6' Bro#n and
.har"e gauge soft co""er #ire' /'666 feet long' has a resistance of
about / ohm. To measure the resistance of a circuit an a""aratus
called a Kresistance bridge is usedK. The resistance of a circuit can'
ho#e$er' be easil! calculated' as the follo#ing sho#s.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;/.GG+ater ,al$e Analogue of Electric Resistance.
AG a $al$e limits the flo# of #ater. BG a resistance limits the flo#
of current.<
+hat >hm's =a# (s.GG(f' no#' D/E !ou kno# #hat the current flo#ing in
a circuit is in Kam"eresK' and the electromoti$e force' or "ressure'
is in K$oltsK' !ou can then easil! find #hat the resistance is in
KohmsK of the circuit in #hich the current is flo#ing b! this formula3
,olts E
GGGGGGGGG S >hms' or GGG S R
Am"eres (
That is' if !ou di$ide the current in am"eres b! the electromoti$e
force in $olts the Iuotient #ill gi$e !ou the resistance in ohms.
>r D5E if !ou kno# #hat the electromoti$e force of the current is in
K$oltsK and the resistance of the circuit is in KohmsK then !ou can
find #hat the current flo#ing in the circuit is in Kam"eresK' thus3
,olts E
GGGGG S Am"eres' or GGG S (
>hms R
That is' b! di$iding the resistance of the circuit in ohms' b! the
electromoti$e force of the current !ou #ill get the am"eres flo#ing in
the circuit.
Finall! D;E if !ou kno# #hat the resistance of the circuit is in
KohmsK and the current is in Kam"eresK then !ou can find #hat the
electromoti$e force is in K$oltsK since3
>hms - Am"eres S ,olts' or R - ( S E
That is' if !ou multi"l! the resistance of the circuit in ohms b! the
current in am"eres the result #ill gi$e !ou the electromoti$e force in
$olts.
From this !ou #ill see that if !ou kno# the $alue of an! t#o of the
constants !ou can find the $alue of the unkno#n constant b! a sim"le
arithmetical "rocess. This relation bet#een these three constants is
kno#n as K>hm's =a#K and as the! are $er! im"ortant !ou should
memoriJe them.
+hat the +att and Ailo#att Are.GG?ust as Khorse"o#erK or K.P.K' is
the unit of #ork that steam has done or can do' so the K#attK is the
unit of #ork that an electric current has done or can do. To find the
K#attsK a current de$elo"s !ou need onl! to multi"l! the Kam"eresK b!
the K$oltsK. There are K17: #attsK to K/ horse"o#er' and /'666 #atts
are eIual to / kilo#attK.
Electromagnetic (nduction.GGTo sho# that a current of electricit! sets
u" a magnetic field around it !ou ha$e onl! to hold a com"ass o$er a
#ire #hose ends are connected #ith a batter! #hen the needle #ill
s#ing at right angles to the length of the #ire. B! #inding an
insulated #ire into a coil and connecting the ends of the latter #ith
a batter! !ou #ill find' if !ou test it #ith a com"ass' that the coil
is magnetic.
This is due to the fact that the energ! of an electric current flo#ing
in the #ire is "artl! changed into magnetic lines of force #hich
rotate at right angles about it as sho#n at A in Fig. ;5. The
magnetic field "roduced b! the current flo#ing in the coil is
"recisel! the same as that set u" b! a "ermanent steel magnet.
Con$ersel!' #hen a magnetic line of force is set u" a "art of its
energ! goes to make u" electric currents #hich #hirl about in a like
manner' as sho#n at B.
8(llustration3 DAE and DBE Fig. ;5.GGo# an Electric Current is
Changed into Bagnetic =ines of Force and These into an Electric
Current.<
8(llustration3 DCE and D%E Fig. ;5.GGo# an Electric Current .ets u" a
Bagnetic Field.<
.elfGinduction or (nductance.GG+hen a current is made to flo# in a
coil of #ire the magnetic lines of force "roduced are concentrated' as
at C' just as a lens concentrates ra!s of light' and this forms an
intense Kmagnetic fieldK' as it is called. 4o# if a bar of soft iron
is brought close to one end of the coil of #ire' or' better still' if
it is "ushed into the coil' it #ill be magnetiJed b! Kelectromagnetic
induction'K see %' and it #ill remain a magnet until the current is
cut off.
Butual (nduction.GG+hen t#o loo"s of #ire' or better' t#o coils of
#ire' are "laced close together the electromagnetic induction bet#een
them is reacti$e' that is' #hen a current is made to flo# through one
of the coils closed magnetic lines of force are set u" and #hen these
cut the other loo" or turns of #ire of the other coil' the! in turn
"roduce electric currents in it.
(t is the mutual induction that takes "lace bet#een t#o coils of #ire
#hich makes it "ossible to transform Klo# $oltage currentsK from a
batter! or a //6 $olt source of current into high "ressure currents'
or Khigh "otential currentsK' as the! are called' b! means of a s"ark
coil or a transformer' as #ell as to Kste" u"K and Kste" do#nK the
"otential of the high freIuenc! currents that are set u" in sending
and recei$ing oscillation transformers. .oft iron cores are not used
in oscillation inductance coils and oscillation transformers for the
reason that the freIuenc! of the current is so high the iron #ould not
ha$e time to magnetiJe and demagnetiJe and so #ould not hel" along the
mutual induction to an! a""reciable e-tent.
ighGFreIuenc! Currents.GGigh freIuenc! currents' or electric
oscillations as the! are called' are currents of electricit! that
surge to and fro in a circuit a million times' more or less' "er
second. Currents of such high freIuencies #ill KoscillateK' that is'
surge to and fro' in an Ko"en circuitK' such as an aerial #ire s!stem'
as #ell as in a Kclosed circuitK.
4o# there is onl! one method b! #hich currents of high freIuenc!' or
KradioGfreIuenc!K' as the! are termed' can be set u" b! s"ark
transmitters' and this is b! discharging a charged condenser through a
circuit ha$ing a small resistance. To charge a condenser a s"ark coil
or a transformer is used and the ends of the secondar! coil' #hich
deli$ers the high "otential alternating current' are connected #ith
the condenser. To discharge the condenser automaticall! a Ks"ark'K or
an Karc'K or the Kflo# of electronsK in a $acuum tube' is em"lo!ed.
Constants of an >scillation Circuit.GGAn oscillation circuit' as
"ointed out before' is one in #hich high freIuenc! currents surge or
oscillate. 4o# the number of times a high freIuenc! current #ill surge
forth and back in a circuit de"ends u"on three factors of the latter
and these are called the constants of the circuit' namel!3 D/E its
Kca"acitance'K D5E its KinductanceK and D;E its Kresistance.K
+hat Ca"acitance (s.GGThe #ord Kca"acitanceK means the Kelectrostatic
ca"acit!K of a condenser or a circuit. The ca"acitance of a condenser
or a circuit is the Iuantit! of electricit! #hich #ill raise its
"ressure' or "otential' to a gi$en amount. The ca"acitance of a
condenser or a circuit de"ends on its siJe and form and the $oltage of
the current that is charging it.
The ca"acitance of a condenser or a circuit is directl! "ro"ortional
to the Iuantit! of electricit! that #ill kee" the charge at a gi$en
"otential. The Kfarad'K #hose s!mbol is KB'K is the unit of
ca"acitance and a condenser or a circuit to ha$e a ca"acitance of one
farad must be of such siJe that one Kcoulomb'K #hich is the unit of
electrical Iuantit!' #ill raise its charge to a "otential of one $olt.
.ince the farad is far too large for "ractical "ur"oses a millionth of
a farad' or KmicrofaradK' #hose s!mbol is Kmfd.K' is used.
+hat (nductance (s.GG@nder the subGca"tion of K.elfGinductionK and
K(nductanceK in the beginning of this cha"ter it #as sho#n that it #as
the inductance of a coil that makes a current flo#ing through it
"roduce a strong magnetic field' and here' as one of the constants of
an oscillation circuit' it makes a highGfreIuenc! current act as
though it "ossessed KinertiaK.
(nertia is that "ro"ert! of a material bod! that reIuires time and
energ! to set in motion' or sto". (nductance is that "ro"ert! of an
oscillation circuit that makes an electric current take time to start
and time to sto". Because of the inductance' #hen a current flo#s
through a circuit it causes the electric energ! to be absorbed and
changes a large "art of it into magnetic lines of force. +here high
freIuenc! currents surge in a circuit the inductance of it becomes a
"o#erful factor. The "ractical unit of inductance is the Khenr!K and
it is re"resented b! the s!mbol K=K.
+hat Resistance (s.GGThe resistance of a circuit to highGfreIuenc!
currents is different from that for lo# $oltage direct or alternating
currents' as the former do not sink into the conductor to nearl! so
great an e-tentC in fact' the! stick "racticall! to the surface of it'
and hence their flo# is o""osed to a $er! much greater e-tent. The
resistance of a circuit to high freIuenc! currents is generall! found
in the s"ark ga"' arc ga"' or the s"ace bet#een the electrodes of a
$acuum tube. The unit of resistance is' as stated' the KohmK' and its
s!mbol is KRK.
The Effect of Ca"acitance' (nductance and Resistance on Electric
>scillations.GG(f an oscillation circuit in #hich high freIuenc!
currents surge has a large resistance' it #ill so o""ose the flo# of
the currents that the! #ill be dam"ed out and reach Jero graduall!' as
sho#n at A in Fig. ;;. But if the resistance of the circuit is small'
and in #ireless circuits it is usuall! so small as to be negligible'
the currents #ill oscillate' until their energ! is dam"ed out b!
radiation and other losses' as sho#n at B.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;;.GGThe Effect of Resistance on the %ischarge of
an Electric Current.<
As the ca"acitance and the inductance of the circuit' #hich ma! be
made of an! $alue' that is amount' !ou #ish' determines the Ktime
"eriodK' that is' the length of time for a current to make one
com"lete oscillation' it must be clear that b! $ar!ing the $alues of
the condenser and the inductance coil !ou can make the high freIuenc!
current oscillate as fast or as slo# as !ou #ish #ithin certain
limits. +here the electric oscillations that are set u" are $er! fast'
the #a$es sent out b! the aerial #ill be short' and' con$ersel!' #here
the oscillations are slo# the #a$es emitted #ill be long.
CAPTER ,(
>+ TE TRA4.B(TT(4G A4% RECE(,(4G .ET. +>RA
The easiest #a! to get a clear conce"tion of ho# a #ireless
transmitter sends out electric #a$es and ho# a #ireless rece"tor
recei$es them is to take each one se"aratel! and follo#3 D/E in the
case of the transmitter' the transformation of the lo# $oltage direct'
or alternating current into high "otential alternating currentsC then
find out ho# these charge the condenser' ho# this is discharged b! the
s"ark ga" and sets u" highGfreIuenc! currents in the oscillation
circuitsC then D5E in the case of the rece"tor' to follo# the high
freIuenc! currents that are set u" in the aerial #ire and learn ho#
the! are transformed into oscillations of lo#er "otential #hen the!
ha$e a larger current strength' ho# these are con$erted into
intermittent direct currents b! the detector and #hich then flo# into
and o"erate the tele"hone recei$er.
o# Transmitting .et 4o. / +orks. The Batter! and ."ark Coil
Circuit.GG+hen !ou "ress do#n on the knob of the ke! the sil$er "oints
of it make contact and this closes the circuitC the lo# $oltage direct
current from the batter! no# flo#s through the "rimar! coil of the
s"ark coil and this magnetiJes the soft iron core. The instant it
becomes magnetic it "ulls the s"ring of the $ibrator o$er to it and
this breaks the circuitC #hen this takes "lace the current sto"s
flo#ing through the "rimar! coilC this causes the core to lose its
magnetism #hen the $ibrator s"ring flies back and again makes contact
#ith the adjusting scre#C then the c!cle of o"erations is re"eated.
A condenser is connected across the contact "oints of the $ibrator
since this gi$es a much higher $oltage at the ends of the secondar!
coil than #here the coil is used #ithout itC this is because3 D/E the
selfGinduction of the "rimar! coil makes the "ressure of the current
rise and #hen the contact "oints close the circuit again it discharges
through the "rimar! coil' and D5E #hen the break takes "lace the
current flo#s into the condenser instead of arcing across the contact
"oints.
Changing the Primar! ."ark Coil Current (nto .econdar! Currents.GG4o#
e$er! time the $ibrator contact "oints close the "rimar! circuit the
electric current in the "rimar! coil is changed into closed magnetic
lines of force and as these cut through the secondar! coil the! set u"
in it a Kmomentar! currentK in one direction. Then the instant the
$ibrator "oints break a"art the "rimar! circuit is o"ened and the
closed magnetic lines of force contract and as the! do so the! cut the
turns of #ire in the secondar! coil in the o""osite direction and this
sets u" another momentar! current in the secondar! coil in the other
direction. The result is that the lo# $oltage direct current of the
batter! is changed into alternating currents #hose freIuenc! is
"recisel! that of the s"ring $ibrator' but #hile the freIuenc! of the
currents is lo# their "otential' or $oltage' is enormousl! increased.
+hat Ratio of Transformation Beans.GGTo make a s"ark coil ste" u" the
lo# $oltage direct current into high "otential alternating current the
"rimar! coil is #ound #ith a cou"le of la!ers of thick insulated
co""er #ire and the secondar! is #ound #ith a thousand' more or less'
number of turns #ith $er! fine insulated co""er #ire. (f the "rimar!
and secondar! coils #ere #ound #ith the same number of turns of #ire
then the "ressure' or $oltage' of the secondar! coil at its terminals
#ould be the same as that of the current #hich flo#ed through the
"rimar! coil. @nder these conditions the Kratio of transformationK' as
it is called' #ould be unit!.
The ratio of transformation is directl! "ro"ortional to the number of
turns of #ire on the "rimar! and secondar! coils and' since this is
the case' if !ou #ind /6 turns of #ire on the "rimar! coil and /'666
turns of #ire on the secondar! coil then !ou #ill get /66 times as
high a "ressure' or $oltage' at the terminals of the secondar! as that
#hich !ou caused to flo# through the "rimar! coil' but' naturall!' the
current strength' or am"erage' #ill be "ro"ortionatel! decreased.
The .econdar! ."ark Coil Circuit.GGThis includes the secondar! coil
and the s"ark ga" #hich are connected together. +hen the alternating'
but high "otential' currents #hich are de$elo"ed b! the secondar!
coil' reach the balls' or KelectrodesK' of the s"ark ga" the latter
are alternatel! charged "ositi$el! and negati$el!.
4o# take a gi$en instant #hen one electrode is charged "ositi$el! and
the other one is charged negati$el!' then #hen the! are charged to a
high enough "otential the electric strain breaks do#n the air ga"
bet#een them and the t#o charges rush together as described in the
cha"ter before this one in connection #ith the discharge of a
condenser. +hen the charges rush together the! form a current #hich
burns out the air in the ga" and this gi$es rise to the s"ark' and as
the heated ga" bet#een the t#o electrodes is a $er! good conductor the
electric current surges forth and back #ith high freIuenc!' "erha"s a
doJen times' before the air re"laces that #hich has burned out. (t is
the inrushing air to fill the $acuum of the ga" that makes the
crackling noise #hich accom"anies the discharge of the electric s"ark.
(n this #a! then electric oscillations of the order of a million' more
or less' are "roduced and if an aerial and a ground #ire are connected
to the s"ark balls' or electrodes' the oscillations #ill surge u" and
do#n it and the energ! of these in turn' are changed into electric
#a$es #hich tra$el out into s"ace. An o"en circuit transmitter of this
kind #ill send out #a$es that are four times as long as the aerial
itself' but as the #a$es it sends out are strongl! dam"ed the
Go$ernment #ill not "ermit it to be used.
The Closed >scillation Circuit.GGB! using a closed oscillation circuit
the transmitter can be tuned to send out #a$es of a gi$en length and
#hile the #a$es are not so strongl! dam"ed more current can be sent
into the aerial #ire s!stem. The closed oscillation circuit consists
of3 D/E a Ks"ark ga"K' D5E a KcondenserK and D;E an Koscillation
transformerK. The high "otential alternating current deli$ered b! the
secondar! coil not onl! charges the s"ark ga" electrodes #hich
necessaril! ha$e a $er! small ca"acitance' but it charges the
condenser #hich has a large ca"acitance and the $alue of #hich can be
changed at #ill.
4o# #hen the condenser is full! charged it discharges through the
s"ark ga" and then the electric oscillations set u" surge to and fro
through the closed circuit. As a closed circuit is a $er! "oor
radiator of energ!' that is' the electric oscillations are not freel!
con$erted into electric #a$es b! it' the! surge u" to' and through the
aerial #ireC no# as the aerial #ire is a good radiator nearl! all of
the energ! of the electric oscillations #hich surge through it are
con$erted into electric #a$es.
o# Transmitting .et 4o. 5 +orks. +ith Alternating Current. The
o"eration of a transmitting set that uses an alternating current
transformer' or K"o#er transformer'K as it is sometimes called' is
e$en more sim"le than one using a s"ark coil. The transformer needs no
$ibrator #hen used #ith alternating current. The current from a
generator flo#s through the "rimar! coil of the transformer and the
alternations of the usual lighting current is :6 c!cles "er second.
This current sets u" an alternating magnetic field in the core of the
transformer and as these magnetic lines of force e-"and and contract
the! set u" alternating currents of the same freIuenc! but of much
higher $oltage at the terminals of the secondar! coil according to the
ratio of the "rimar! and secondar! turns of #ire as e-"lained under
the subGca"tion of KRatio of TransformationK.
+ith %irect Current.GG+hen a //6 $olt direct current is used to
energiJe the "o#er transformer an Kelectrol!ticK interru"tor is needed
to make and break the "rimar! circuit' just as a $ibrator is needed
for the same "ur"ose #ith a s"ark coil. +hen the electrodes are
connected in series #ith the "rimar! coil of a transformer and a
source of direct current ha$ing a "otential of 76 to //6 $olts'
bubbles of gas are formed on the end of the "latinum' or allo! anode'
#hich "re$ent the current from flo#ing until the bubbles break and
then the current flo#s again' in this #a! the current is ra"idl! made
and broken and the break is $er! shar".
+here this t!"e of interru"ter is em"lo!ed the condenser that is
usuall! shunted around the break is not necessar! as the interru"ter
itself has a certain inherent ca"acitance' due to electrol!tic action'
and #hich is called its Kelectrol!tic ca"acitanceK' and this is large
enough to balance the selfGinduction of the circuit since the greater
the number of breaks "er minute the smaller the ca"acitance reIuired.
The Rotar! ."ark Ga".GG(n this t!"e of s"ark ga" the t#o fi-ed
electrodes are connected #ith the terminals of the secondar! coil of
the "o#er transformer and also #ith the condenser and "rimar! of the
oscillation transformer. 4o# #hene$er an! "air of electrodes on the
rotating disk are in a line #ith the "air of fi-ed electrodes a s"ark
#ill take "lace' hence the "itch of the note de"ends on the s"eed of
the motor dri$ing the disk. This kind of a rotar! s"arkGga" is called
KnonGs!nchronousK and it is generall! used #here a :6 c!cle
alternating current is a$ailable but it #ill #ork #ith other higher
freIuencies.
The Nuenched ."ark Ga".GG(f !ou strike a "iano string a single Iuick
blo# it #ill continue to $ibrate according to its natural "eriod. This
is $er! much the #a! in #hich a Iuenched s"ark ga" sets u"
oscillations in a cou"led closed and o"en circuit. The oscillations
set u" in the "rimar! circuit b! a Iuenched s"ark make onl! three or
four shar" s#ings and in so doing transfer all of their energ! o$er to
the secondar! circuit' #here it #ill oscillate some fift! times or
more before it is dam"ed out' because the high freIuenc! currents are
not forced' but sim"l! oscillate to the natural freIuenc! of the
circuit. For this reason the radiated #a$es a""roach some#hat the
condition of continuous #a$es' and so shar"er tuning is "ossible.
The >scillation Transformer.GG(n this set the condenser in the closed
circuit is charged and discharged and sets u" oscillations that surge
through the closed circuit as in K.et 4o. /K. (n this set' ho#e$er' an
oscillation transformer is used and as the "rimar! coil of it is
included in the closed circuit the oscillations set u" in it "roduce
strong oscillating magnetic lines of force. The magnetic field thus
"roduced sets u" in turn electric oscillations in the secondar! coil
of the oscillation transformer and these surge through the aerial #ire
s!stem #here their energ! is radiated in the form of electric #a$es.
The great ad$antage of using an oscillation transformer instead of a
sim"le inductance coil is that the ca"acitance of the closed circuit
can be $er! much larger than that of the aerial #ire s!stem. This
"ermits more energ! to be stored u" b! the condenser and this is
im"ressed on the aerial #hen it is radiated as electric #a$es.
o# Recei$ing .et 4o. ( +orks.GG+hen the electric #a$es from a distant
sending station im"inge on the #ire of a recei$ing aerial their energ!
is changed into electric oscillations that are of e-actl! the same
freIuenc! Dassuming the rece"tor is tuned to the transmitterE but
#hose current strength Dam"erageE and "otential D$oltageE are $er!
small. These electric #a$es surge through the closed circuit but #hen
the! reach the cr!stal detector the contact of the metal "oint on the
cr!stal "ermits more current to flo# through it in one direction than
it #ill allo# to "ass in the other direction. For this reason a
cr!stal detector is sometimes called a KrectifierK' #hich it reall!
is.
Thus the high freIuenc! currents #hich the steel magnet cores of the
tele"hone recei$er #ould choke off are changed b! the detector into
intermittent direct currents #hich can flo# through the magnet coils
of the tele"hone recei$er. .ince the tele"hone recei$er chokes off the
oscillations' a small condenser can be shunted around it so that a
com"lete closed oscillation circuit is formed and this gi$es better
results.
+hen the intermittent rectified current flo#s through the coils of the
tele"hone recei$er it energiJes the magnet as long as it lasts' #hen
it is deGenergiJedC this causes the soft iron disk' or Kdia"hragmK as
it is called' #hich sets close to the ends of the "oles of the magnet'
to $ibrateC and this in turn gi$es forth sounds such as dots and
dashes' s"eech or music' according to the nature of the electric #a$es
that sent them out at the distant station.
o# Recei$ing .et 4o. 5 +orks.GG+hen the electric oscillations that
are set u" b! the incoming electric #a$es on the aerial #ire surge
through the "rimar! coil of the oscillation transformer the! "roduce a
magnetic field and as the lines of force of the latter cut the
secondar! coil' oscillations of the same freIuenc! are set u" in it.
The "otential D$oltageE of these oscillations are' ho#e$er' Kste""ed
do#nK in the secondar! coil and' hence' their current strength
Dam"eresE is increased.
The oscillations then flo# through the closed circuit #here the! are
rectified b! the cr!stal detector and transformed into sound #a$es b!
the tele"hone recei$er as described in connection #ith K.et 4o. /K.
The $ariable condenser shunted across the closed circuit "ermits finer
secondar! tuning to be done than is "ossible #ithout it. +here !ou
are recei$ing continuous #a$es from a #ireless tele"hone transmitter
Ds"eech or musicE !ou ha$e to tune shar"er than is "ossible #ith the
tuning coil alone and to do this a $ariable condenser connected in
"arallel #ith the secondar! coil is necessar!.
CAPTER ,((
BECA4(CA= A4% E=ECTR(CA= T@4(4G
There is a strikingl! close resemblance bet#een Ksound #a$esK and the
#a! the! are set u" in Kthe airK b! a mechanicall! $ibrating bod!'
such as a steel s"ring or a tuning fork' and Kelectric #a$esK and the
#a! the! are set u" in Kthe etherK b! a current oscillating in a
circuit. As it is eas! to gras" the #a! that sound #a$es are "roduced
and beha$e something #ill be told about them in this cha"ter and also
an e-"lanation of ho# electric #a$es are "roduced and beha$e and thus
!ou #ill be able to get a clear understanding of them and of tuning in
general.
%am"ed and .ustained Bechanical ,ibrations.GG(f !ou #ill "lace one end
of a flat steel s"ring in a $ice and scre# it u" tight as sho#n at A
in Fig. ;7' and then "ull the free end o$er and let it go it #ill
$ibrate to and fro #ith decreasing am"litude until it comes to rest as
sho#n at B. +hen !ou "ull the s"ring o$er !ou store u" energ! in it
and #hen !ou let it go the stored u" energ! is changed into energ! of
motion and the s"ring mo$es forth and back' or K$ibratesK as #e call
it' until all of its stored u" energ! is s"ent.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;7.GG%am"ed and .ustained Bechanical ,ibrations.<
(f it #ere not for the air surrounding it and other frictional losses'
the s"ring #ould $ibrate for a $er! long time as the stored u" energ!
and the energ! of motion #ould "racticall! offset each other and so
the energ! #ould not be used u". But as the s"ring beats the air the
latter is sent out in im"ulses and the con$ersion of the $ibrations of
the s"ring into #a$es in the air soon uses u" the energ! !ou ha$e
im"arted to it and it comes to rest.
(n order to send out Kcontinuous #a$esK in the air instead of Kdam"ed
#a$esK as #ith a flat steel s"ring !ou can use an Kelectric dri$en
tuning forkK' see C' in #hich an electromagnet is fi-ed on the inside
of the "rongs and #hen this is energiJed b! a batter! current the
$ibrations of the "rongs of the fork are ke"t going' or are
KsustainedK' as sho#n in the diagram at %.
%am"ed and .ustained Electric >scillations.GGThe $ibrating steel
s"ring described abo$e is a $er! good analogue of the #a! that dam"ed
electric oscillations #hich surge in a circuit set u" and send out
"eriodic electric #a$es in the ether #hile the electric dri$en tuning
fork just described is like#ise a good analogue of ho# sustained
oscillations surge in a circuit and set u" and send out continuous
electric #a$es in the ether as the follo#ing sho#s.
4o# the inductance and resistance of a circuit such as is sho#n at A
in Fig. ;H' slo#s do#n' and finall! dam"s out entirel!' the electric
oscillations of the high freIuenc! currents' see B' #here these are
set u" b! the "eriodic discharge of a condenser' "recisel! as the
$ibrations of the s"ring are dam"ed out b! the friction of the air and
other resistances that act u"on it. As the electric oscillations surge
to and fro in the circuit it is o""osed b! the action of the ether
#hich surrounds it and electric #a$es are set u" in and sent out
through it and this transformation soon uses u" the energ! of the
current that flo#s in the circuit.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;H.GG%am"ed and .ustained Electric >scillations.<
To send out Kcontinuous #a$esK in the ether such as are needed for
#ireless tele"hon! instead of Kdam"ed #a$esK #hich are' at the "resent
#riting' generall! used for #ireless telegra"h!' an Kelectric
oscillation arcK or a K$acuum tube oscillatorK must be used' see C'
instead of a s"ark ga". +here a s"ark ga" is used the condenser in the
circuit is charged "eriodicall! and #ith considerable la"ses of time
bet#een each of the charging "rocesses' #hen' of course' the condenser
discharges "eriodicall! and #ith the same time element bet#een them.
+here an oscillation arc or a $acuum tube is used the condenser is
charged as ra"idl! as it is discharged and the result is the
oscillations are sustained as sho#n at %.
About Bechanical Tuning.GGA tuning fork is better than a s"ring or a
straight steel bar for setting u" mechanical $ibrations. As a matter
of fact a tuning fork is sim"l! a steel bar bent in the middle so that
the t#o ends are "arallel. A handle is attached to middle "oint of the
fork so that it can be held easil! and #hich also allo#s it to $ibrate
freel!' #hen the ends of the "rongs alternatel! a""roach and recede
from one another. +hen the "rongs $ibrate the handle $ibrates u" and
do#n in unison #ith it' and im"arts its motion to the Ksounding bo-K'
or Kresonance caseK as it is sometimes called' #here one is used.
(f' no#' !ou #ill mount the fork on a sounding bo- #hich is tuned so
that it #ill be in resonance #ith the $ibrations of the fork there
#ill be a direct reinforcement of the $ibrations #hen the note emitted
b! it #ill be augmented in strength and Iualit!. This is called
Ksim"le resonanceK. Further' if !ou mount a "air of forks' each on a
se"arate sounding bo-' and ha$e the forks of the same siJe' tone and
"itch' and the bo-es s!nchroniJed' that is' tuned to the same
freIuenc! of $ibration' then set the t#o bo-es a foot or so a"art' as
sho#n at A in Fig. ;:' #hen !ou strike one of the forks #ith a rubber
hammer it #ill $ibrate #ith a definite freIuenc! and' hence' send out
sound #a$es of a gi$en length. +hen the latter strike the second fork
the im"act of the molecules of air of #hich the sound #a$es are formed
#ill set its "rongs to $ibrating and it #ill' in turn' emit sound
#a$es of the same length and this is called Ks!m"athetic resonanceK'
or as #e #ould sa! in #ireless the forks are Kin tuneK.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;:.GG.ound +a$e and Electric +a$e Tuned .enders
and Rece"tors. A G $ariable tuning forks for sho#ing sound #a$e
tuning. B G $ariable oscillation circuits for sho#ing electric #a$e
tuning.<
Tuning forks are made #ith adjustable #eights on their "rongs and b!
fi-ing these to different "arts of them the freIuenc! #ith #hich the
forks $ibrate can be changed since the freIuenc! $aries in$ersel! #ith
the sIuare of the length and directl! #ith the thickness 8Footnote3
This la# is for forks ha$ing a rectangular crossGsection. Those ha$ing
a round crossGsection $ar! as the radius.< of the "rongs. 4o# b!
adjusting one of the forks so that it $ibrates at a freIuenc! of' sa!'
/: "er second and adjusting the other fork so that it $ibrates at a
freIuenc! of' sa!' /F or 56 "er second' then the forks #ill not be in
tune #ith each other and' hence' if !ou strike one of them the other
#ill not res"ond. But if !ou make the forks $ibrate at the same
freIuenc!' sa! /:' 56 or 57 "er second' #hen !ou strike one of them
the other #ill $ibrate in unison #ith it.
About Electric Tuning.GGElectric resonance and electric tuning are
$er! like those of acoustic resonance and acoustic tuning #hich ( ha$e
just described. ?ust as acoustic resonance ma! be sim"le or
s!m"athetic so electric resonance ma! be sim"le or s!m"athetic. .im"le
acoustic resonance is the direct reinforcement of a sim"le $ibration
and this condition is had #hen a tuning fork is mounted on a sounding
bo-. (n sim"le electric resonance an oscillating current of a gi$en
freIuenc! flo#ing in a circuit ha$ing the "ro"er inductance and
ca"acitance ma! increase the $oltage until it is se$eral times greater
than its normal $alue. Tuning the rece"tor circuits to the transmitter
circuits are e-am"les of s!m"athetic electric resonance. As a
demonstration if !ou ha$e t#o =e!den jars Dca"acitanceE connected in
circuit #ith t#o loo"s of #ire DinductanceE #hose inductance can be
$aried as sho#n at B in Fig. ;:' #hen !ou make a s"ark "ass bet#een
the knobs of one of them b! means of a s"ark coil then a s"ark #ill
"ass in the ga" of the other one "ro$ided the inductance of the t#o
loo"s of #ire is the same. But if !ou $ar! the inductance of the one
loo" so that it is larger or smaller than that of the other loo" no
s"ark #ill take "lace in the second circuit.
+hen a tuning fork is made to $ibrate it sends out #a$es in the air'
or sound #a$es' in all directions and just so #hen high freIuenc!
currents surge in an oscillation circuit the! send out #a$es in the
ether' or electric #a$es' that tra$el in all directions. For this
reason electric #a$es from a transmitting station cannot be sent to
one "articular station' though the! do go further in one direction
than in another' according to the #a! !our aerial #ire "oints.
.ince the electric #a$es tra$el out in all directions an! recei$ing
set "ro"erl! tuned to the #a$e length of the sending station #ill
recei$e the #a$es and the onl! limit on !our abilit! to recei$e from
highG"o#er stations throughout the #orld de"ends entirel! on the #a$e
length and sensiti$it! of !our recei$ing set. As for tuning' just as
changing the length and the thickness of the "rongs of a tuning fork
$aries the freIuenc! #ith #hich it $ibrates and' hence' the length of
the #a$es it sends out' so' too' b! $ar!ing the ca"acitance of the
condenser and the inductance of the tuning coil of the transmitter the
freIuenc! of the electric oscillations set u" in the circuit ma! be
changed and' conseIuentl!' the length of the electric #a$es the! send
out. =ike#ise' b! $ar!ing the ca"acitance and the inductance of the
rece"tor the circuits can be tuned to recei$e incoming electric #a$es
of #hate$er length #ithin the limitation of the a""aratus.
CAPTER ,(((
A .(BP=E ,AC@@B T@BE %ETECT>R RECE(,(4G .ET
+hile !ou can recei$e dots and dashes from s"ark #ireless telegra"h
stations and hear s"oken #ords and music from #ireless tele"hone
stations #ith a cr!stal detector recei$ing set such as described in
Cha"ter (((' !ou can get stations that are much farther a#a! and hear
them better #ith a K$acuum tube detectorK recei$ing set.
Though the $acuum tube detector reIuires t#o batteries to o"erate it
and the recei$ing circuits are some#hat more com"licated than #here a
cr!stal detector is used still the former does not ha$e to be
constantl! adjusted as does the latter and this is another $er! great
ad$antage. Taken all in all the $acuum tube detector is the most
sensiti$e and the most satisfactor! of the detectors that are in use
at the "resent time.
4ot onl! is the $acuum tube a detector of electric #a$e signals and
s"eech and music but it can also be used to Kam"lif!K them' that is'
to make them stronger and' hence' louder in the tele"hone recei$er and
further its "o#ers of am"lification are so great that it #ill
re"roduce them b! means of a Kloud s"eakerK' just as a horn am"lifies
the sounds of a "honogra"h re"roducer' until the! can be heard b! a
room or an auditorium full of "eo"le. There are t#o general t!"es of
loud s"eakers' though both use the "rinci"le of the tele"hone
recei$er. The construction of these loud s"eakers #ill be full!
described in a later cha"ter.
Assembled ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .ets.GG)ou can bu! a recei$ing set
#ith a $acuum tube detector from the $er! sim"lest t!"e' #hich is
described in this cha"ter' to those that are "ro$ided #ith
Kregenerati$e circuitsK and Kam"lif!ingK tubes or both' #hich #e shall
describe in later cha"ters' from dealers in electrical a""aratus
generall!. +hile one of these sets costs more than !ou can assemble a
set for !ourself' still' es"eciall! in the beginning' it is a good
"lan to bu! an assembled one for it is fitted #ith a K"anelK on #hich
the adjusting knobs of the rheostat' tuning coil and condenser are
mounted and this makes it "ossible to o"erate it as soon as !ou get it
home and #ithout the slightest trouble on !our "art.
)ou can' ho#e$er' bu! all the $arious "arts se"aratel! and mount them
!ourself. (f !ou #ant the rece"tor sim"l! for recei$ing then it is a
good scheme to ha$e all of the "arts mounted in a bo- or enclosed
case' but if !ou #ant it for e-"erimental "ur"oses then the "arts
should be mounted on a base or a "anel so that all of the connections
are in sight and accessible.
A .im"le ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .et.GGFor this set !ou should use3 D/E
a Kloose cou"led tuning coil'K D5E a K$ariable condenser'K D;E a
K$acuum tube detector'K D7E an A or Kstorage batter!K gi$ing : $olts'
DHE a B or Kdr! cell batter!K gi$ing 55G/P5 $olts' D:E a KrheostatK
for $ar!ing the storage batter! current' and D1E a "air of 5'666Gohm
Khead tele"hone recei$ersK. The loose cou"led tuning coil' the
$ariable condenser and the tele"hone recei$ers are the same as those
described in Cha"ter (((.
The ,acuum Tube %etector. +ith T#o Electrodes.GGA $acuum tube in its
sim"lest form consists of a glass bulb like an incandescent lam" in
#hich a K#ire filamentK and a Kmetal "lateK are sealed as sho#n in
Fig. ;1' The air is then "um"ed out of the tube and a $acuum left or
after it is e-hausted it is filled #ith nitrogen' #hich cannot burn.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;1.GGT#o Electrode ,acuum Tube %etectors.<
+hen the $acuum tube is used as a detector' the #ire filament is
heated redGhot and the metal "late is charged #ith "ositi$e
electricit! though it remains cold. The #ire filament is formed into a
loo" like that of an incandescent lam" and its outside ends are
connected #ith a :G$olt storage batter!' #hich is called the A
batter!C then the R or K"ositi$eK terminal of a 55G/P5 $olt dr! cell
batter!' called the B batter!' is connected to the metal "late #hile
the G or Knegati$eK terminal of the batter! is connected to one of the
terminals of the #ire filament. The diagram' Fig. ;1' sim"l! sho#s ho#
the t#o electrode $acuum tube' the A or dr! batter!' and the B or
storage batter! are connected u".
Three Electrode ,acuum Tube %etector.GGThe three electrode $acuum tube
detector sho#n at A in Fig. ;F' is much more sensiti$e than the t#o
electrode tube and has' in conseIuence' all but su""lanted it. (n this
more recent t!"e of $acuum tube the third electrode' or KgridK' as it
is called' is "laced bet#een the #ire filament and the metal "late and
this allo#s the current to be increased or decreased at #ill to a $er!
considerable e-tent.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;F.GGThree Electrode ,acuum Tube %etector and
Batter! Connections.<
The #a! the three electrode $acuum tube detector is connected #ith the
batteries is sho#n at B. The "late' the A or dr! cell batter! and one
terminal of the filament are connected in KseriesKGGthat is' one after
the other' and the ends of the filament are connected to the B or
storage batter!. (n assembling a recei$ing set !ou must' of course'
ha$e a socket for the $acuum tube. A $acuum tube detector costs from
OH.66 to O:.66.
The %r! Cell and .torage Batteries.GGThe reason that a storage batter!
is used for heating the filament of the $acuum tube detector is
because the current deli$ered is constant' #hereas #hen a dr! cell
batter! is used the current soon falls off and' hence' the heat of the
filament graduall! gro#s less. The smallest A or : $olt storage
batter! on the market has a ca"acit! of 56 to 76 am"ere hours' #eighs
/; "ounds and costs about O/6.66. (t is sho#n at A in Fig. ;0. The B
or dr! cell batter! for the $acuum tube "late circuit that gi$es
55G/P5 $olts can be bought alread! assembled in sealed bo-es. The
small siJe is fitted #ith a "air of terminals #hile the larger siJe is
"ro$ided #ith Kta"sK so that the $oltage reIuired b! the "late can be
adjusted as the "ro"er o"eration of the tube reIuires careful
regulation of the "late $oltage. A dr! cell batter! for a "late
circuit is sho#n at B.
8(llustration3 Fig. ;0.GGA and B Batteries for ,acuum
Tube %etectors.<
The Filament Rheostat.GGAn adjustable resistance' called a KrheostatK'
must be used in the filament and storage batter! circuit so that the
current flo#ing through the filament can be controlled to a nicet!.
The rheostat consists of an insulating and a heat resisting form on
#hich is #ound a number of turns of resistance #ire. A mo$able contact
arm that slides o$er and "resses on the turns of #ire is fi-ed to the
knob on to" of the rheostat. A rheostat that has a resistance of :
ohms and a current carr!ing ca"acit! of /.H am"eres #hich can be
mounted on a "anel board is the right kind to use. (t is sho#n at A
and B in Fig. 76 and costs O/.5H.
8(llustration3 Fig. 76.GGRheostat for the A or .torage Batter!
Current.<
Assembling the Parts.GGBegin b! "lacing all of the se"arate "arts of
the recei$ing set on a board or a base of other material and set the
tuning coil on the left hand side #ith the adjustable s#itch end
to#ard the right hand side so that !ou can reach it easil!. Then set
the $ariable condenser in front of it' set the $acuum tube detector at
the right hand end of the tuning coil and the rheostat in front of the
detector. Place the t#o sets of batteries back of the instruments and
scre# a cou"le of binding "osts KaK and KbK to the right hand lo#er
edge of the base for connecting in the head "hones all of #hich is
sho#n at A in Fig. 7/.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 7/.GGTo" ,ie# of A""aratus =a!out for a ,acuum
Tube %etector Recei$ing .et.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 7/.GG+iring %iagram of a .im"le ,acuum Tube
Recei$ing .et.<
Connecting @" the Parts.GGTo #ire u" the different "arts begin b!
connecting the sliding contact of the "rimar! coil of the loose
cou"led tuning coil Dthis !ou #ill remember is the outside one that is
#ound #ith fine #ireE to the u""er "ost of the lightning s#itch and
connect one terminal of this coil #ith the #ater "i"e. 4o# connect the
free end of the secondar! coil of the tuning coil Dthis is the inside
coil that is #ound #ith hea$! #ireE to one of the binding "osts of the
$ariable condenser and connect the mo$able contact arm of the
adjustable s#itch of the "rimar! of the tuning coil #ith the other
"ost of the $ariable condenser.
4e-t connect the grid of the $acuum tube to one of the "osts of the
condenser and then connect the "late of the tube to the Kcarbon
terminalK of the B or dr! cell batter! #hich is the R or K"ositi$e
"oleK and connect the KJinc terminalK of the G or Knegati$eK "ole to
the binding "ost KaK' connect the "ost KbK to the other side of the
$ariable condenser and then connect the terminals of the head "hones
to the binding "osts KaK and KbK. +hate$er !ou do be careful not to
get the "late connections of the batter! re$ersed.
4o# connect one of the "osts of the rheostat to one terminal of the
filament and the other terminal of the filament to the G or Knegati$eK
terminal of the A or storage batter! and the R or K"ositi$eK terminal
of the A or storage batter! to the other "ost of the rheostat. Finall!
connect the R or "ositi$e terminal of the A or storage batter! #ith
the #ire that runs from the head "hones to the $ariable condenser' all
of #hich is sho#n in the #iring diagram at B in Fig. 7/.
Adjusting the ,acuum Tube %etector Recei$ing .et.GGA $acuum tube
detector is tuned e-actl! in the same #a! as the KCr!stal %etector .et
4o. 5K described in Cha"ter (((' inGsoGfar as the tuning coil and
$ariable condenser are concerned. The sensiti$it! of the $acuum tube
detector recei$ing set and' hence' the distance o$er #hich signals and
other sounds can be heard de"ends $er! largel! on the sensiti$it! of
the $acuum tube itself and this in turn de"ends on3 D/E the right
amount of heat de$elo"ed b! the filament' or Kfilament brillianc!K as
it is called' D5E the right amount of $oltage a""lied to the "late'
and D;E the e-tent to #hich the tube is e-hausted #here this kind of a
tube is used.
To $ar! the current flo#ing from the A or storage batter!
through the filament so that it #ill be heated to the right degree !ou
adjust the rheostat #hile !ou are listening in to the signals or other
sounds. B! carefull! adjusting the rheostat !ou can easil! find the
"oint at #hich it makes the tube the most sensiti$e. A rheostat is
also useful in that it kee"s the filament from burning out #hen the
current from the batter! first flo#s through it. )ou can $er! often
increase the sensiti$eness of a $acuum tube after !ou ha$e used it for
a #hile b! recharging the A or storage batter!.
The degree to #hich a $acuum tube has been e-hausted has a $er!
"ronounced effect on its sensiti$it!. The longer the tube is used the
lo#er its $acuum gets and generall! the less sensiti$e it becomes.
+hen this takes "lace Dand !ou can onl! guess at itE !ou can $er!
often make it more sensiti$e b! #arming it o$er the flame of a candle.
,acuum tubes ha$ing a gas content Din #hich case the! are' of course'
no longer $acuum tubes in the strict senseE make better detectors than
tubes from #hich the air has been e-hausted and #hich are sealed off
in this e$acuated condition because their sensiti$eness is not
de"endent on the degree of $acuum as in the latter tubes. Boreo$er' a
tube that is com"letel! e-hausted costs more than one that is filled
#ith gas.
CAPTER (M
,AC@@B T@BE ABP=(F(ER RECE(,(4G .ET.
The reason a $acuum tube detector is more sensiti$e than a cr!stal
detector is because #hile the latter merel! KrectifiesK the
oscillating current that surges in the recei$ing circuits' the former
acts as an Kam"lifierK at the same time. The $acuum tube can be used
as a se"arate am"lifier in connection #ith either3 D/E a Kcr!stal
detectorK or D5E a K$acuum tube detectorK' and DKaKE it #ill am"lif!
either the Kradio freIuenc! currentsK' that is the high freIuenc!
oscillating currents #hich are set u" in the oscillation circuits or
DKbKE it #ill am"lif! the Kaudio freIuenc! currentsK' that is' the
Klo# freIuenc! alternatingK currents that flo# through the head "hone
circuit.
To use the am"lified radio freIuenc! oscillating currents or am"lified
audio freIuenc! alternating currents that are set u" b! an am"lifier
tube either a high resistance' called a Kgrid leakK' or an Kam"lif!ing
transformerK' #ith or #ithout an iron core' must be connected #ith the
"late circuit of the first am"lifier tube and the grid circuit of the
ne-t am"lifier tube or detector tube' or #ith the #ire "oint of a
cr!stal detector. +here t#o or more am"lifier tubes are cou"led
together in this #a! the scheme is kno#n as Kcascade am"lification.K
+here either a Kradio freIuenc! transformerK' that is one #ithout the
iron core' or an Kaudio freIuenc! transformerK' that is one #ith the
iron core' is used to cou"le the am"lifier tube circuits together
better results are obtained than #here a high resistance grid leak is
used' but the am"lif!ing tubes ha$e to be more carefull! shielded from
each other or the! #ill react and set u" a Kho#lingK noise in the head
"hones. >n the other hand grid leaks cost less but the! are more
troublesome to use as !ou ha$e to find out for !ourself the e-act
resistance $alue the! must ha$e and this !ou can do onl! b! testing
them out.
A Grid =eak Am"lifier Recei$ing .et. +ith Cr!stal %etector.GGThe
a""aratus !ou need for this set includes3 D/E a Kloose cou"led tuning
coilK' D5E a K$ariable condenserK' D;E Kt#o fi-ed condensersK' D7E a
Kcr!stal detectorK' or better a K$acuum tube detectorK' DHE an A or K:
$olt storage batter!K' D:E a KrheostatK' D1E a B or 55G/P5 K$olt dr!
cell batter!K' DFE a fi-ed resistance unit' or Kleak gridK as it is
called' and D0E a "air of KheadG"honesK. The tuning coil' $ariable
condenser' fi-ed condensers' cr!stal detectors and headG"hones are
e-actl! the same as those described in K.et 4o. 5K in Cha"ter (((.
The A and B batteries are e-actl! the same as those described in
Cha"ter ,(((. The K$acuum tube am"lifierK and the Kgrid leakK are the
onl! ne# "ieces of a""aratus !ou need and not described before.
The ,acuum Tube Am"lifier.GGThis consists of a three electrode $acuum
tube e-actl! like the $acuum tube detector described in Cha"ter ,(((
and "ictured in Fig. ;F' e-ce"t that instead of being filled #ith a
nonGcombustible gas it is e$acuated' that is' the air has been
com"letel! "um"ed out of it. The gas filled tube' ho#e$er' can be used
as an am"lifier and either kind of tube can be used for either radio
freIuenc! or audio freIuenc! am"lification' though #ith the e-hausted
tube it is easier to obtain the right "late and filament $oltages for
good #orking.
The Fi-ed Resistance @nit' or Grid =eak.GGGrid leaks are made in
different #a!s but all of them ha$e an enormousl! high resistance.
>ne #a! of making them consists of de"ositing a thin film of gold on a
sheet of mica and "lacing another sheet of mica on to" to "rotect it
the #hole being enclosed in a glass tube as sho#n at A in Fig. 75.
These grid leaks are made in units of from H6'666 ohms D.6H megohmE to
H'666'666 ohms DH megohmsE and cost from O/ to O5.
8(llustration3 Fig. 75.GGGrid =eaks and o# to Connect Them u".<
As the K$alueK of the grid leak !ou #ill need de"ends $er! largel!
u"on the construction of the different "arts of !our recei$ing set and
on the kind of aerial #ire s!stem !ou use #ith it !ou #ill ha$e to tr!
out $arious resistances until !ou hit the right one. The resistance
that #ill gi$e the best results' ho#e$er' lies some#here bet#een
H66'666 ohms D/P5 a megohmE and ;'666'666 ohms D; megohmsE and the
onl! #a! for !ou to find this out is to bu! /P5' / and 5 megohm grid
leak resistances and connect them u" in different #a!s' as sho#n at B'
until !ou find the right $alue.
Assembling the Parts for a Cr!stal %etector .et.GGBegin b! la!ing the
$arious "arts out on a base or a "anel #ith the loose cou"led tuning
coil on the left hand side' but #ith the adjustable s#itch of the
secondar! coil on the right hand end or in front according to the #a!
it is made. Then "lace the $ariable condenser' the rheostat' the
cr!stal detector and the binding "osts for the head "hones in front of
and in a line #ith each other. .et the $acuum tube am"lifier back of
the rheostat and the A and B batteries back of the "arts or in an!
other "lace that ma! be con$enient. The fi-ed condensers and the grid
leak can be "laced an!#here so that it #ill be eas! to connect them in
and !ou are read! to #ire u" the set.
Connecting @" the Parts for a Cr!stal %etector.GGFirst connect the
sliding contact of the "rimar! of the tuning coil to the leadingGin
#ire and one of the end #ires of the "rimar! to the #ater "i"e' as
sho#n in Fig. 7;. 4o# connect the adjustable arm that makes contact
#ith one end of the secondar! of the tuning coil to one of the "osts
of the $ariable condenserC then connect the other "ost of the latter
#ith a "ost of the fi-ed condenser and the other "ost of this #ith the
grid of the am"lif!ing tube.
8(llustration3 Fig. 7;.GGCr!stal %etector Recei$ing .et #ith ,acuum
Tube Am"lifier DResistance Cou"ledE.<
Connect the first "ost of the $ariable condenser to the R or K"ositi$e
electrodeK of the A batter! and its G or Knegati$e electrodeK #ith the
rotating contact arm of the rheostat. 4e-t connect one end of the
resistance coil of the rheostat to one of the "osts of the am"lifier
tube that leads to the filament and the other filament "ost to the R
or K"ositi$e electrodeK of the A batter!. This done connect the
Knegati$eK' that is' the KJinc "oleK of the B batter! to the "ositi$e
electrode of the A batter! and connect the K"ositi$eK' or Kcarbon
"oleK of the former #ith one end of the grid leak and connect the
other end of this to the "late of the am"lifier tube.
To the end of the grid leak connected #ith the "late of the am"lifier
tube connect the metal "oint of !our cr!stal detector' the cr!stal of
the latter #ith one "ost of the head "hones and the other "ost of them
#ith the other end of the grid leak and' finall!' connect a fi-ed
condenser in K"arallelK #ithGGthat is across the ends of the grid
leak' all of #hich is sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. 7;.
A Grid =eak Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et +ith ,acuum Tube %etector.GGA
better am"lif!ing recei$ing set can be made than the one just
described b! using a $acuum tube detector instead of the cr!stal
detector. This set is built u" e-actl! like the cr!stal detector
described abo$e and sho#n in Fig. 7; u" to and including the grid leak
resistance' but shunted across the latter is a $acuum tube detector'
#hich is made and #ired u" "recisel! like the one sho#n at A in Fig.
7/ in the cha"ter ahead of this one. The #a! a grid leak and $acuum
tube detector #ith a oneGste" am"lifier are connected u" is sho#n at A
in Fig. 77. +here !ou ha$e a $acuum tube detector and one or more
am"lif!ing tubes connected u"' or in KcascadeK as it is called' !ou
can use an A' or storage batter! of : $olts for all of them as sho#n
at B in Fig. 77' but for e$er! $acuum tube !ou use !ou must ha$e a B
or 55G/P5 $olt dr! batter! to charge the "late #ith.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 77GG,acuum Tube %etector .et #ith >ne .te"
Am"lifier DResistance Cou"ledE.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 77.GG+iring %iagram for @sing >ne A or .torage
Batter! #ith an Am"lifier and a %etector Tube.<
A Radio FreIuenc! Transformer Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et.GG(nstead of
using a grid leak resistance to cou"le u" the am"lifier and detector
tube circuits !ou can use a Kradio freIuenc! transformerK' that is' a
transformer made like a loose cou"led tuning coil' and #ithout an iron
core' as sho#n in the #iring diagram at A in Fig. 7H. (n this set'
#hich gi$es better results than #here a grid leak is used' the
am"lifier tube is "laced in the first oscillation circuit and the
detector tube in the second circuit.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 7H.GG+iring %iagram for a Radio FreIuenc!
Transformer Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 7H.GGRadio FreIuenc! Transformer.<
.ince the radio freIuenc! transformer has no iron core the high
freIuenc!' or Kradio freIuenc!K oscillating currents' as the! are
called' surge through it and are not changed into lo# freIuenc!' or
Kaudio freIuenc!K "ulsating currents' until the! flo# through the
detector. .ince the diagram sho#s onl! one am"lifier and one radio
freIuenc! transformer' it is conseIuentl! a Kone ste" am"lifierKC
ho#e$er' t#o' three or more' am"lif!ing tubes can be connected u" b!
means of an eIual number of radio freIuenc! transformers #hen !ou #ill
get #onderful results. +here a si- ste" am"lifier' that is' #here si-
am"lif!ing tubes are connected together' or in KcascadeK' the first
three are usuall! cou"led u" #ith radio freIuenc! transformers and the
last three #ith audio freIuenc! transformers. A radio freIuenc!
transformer is sho#n at B and costs O: to O1.
An Audio FreIuenc! Transformer Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et.GG+here audio
freIuenc! transformers are used for ste""ing u" the $oltage of the
current of the detector and am"lifier tubes' the radio freIuenc!
current does not get into the "late circuit of the detector at all for
the reason that the iron core of the transformer chokes them off'
hence' the succeeding am"lifiers o"erate at audio freIuencies. An
audio freIuenc! transformer is sho#n at A in Fig. 7: and a #iring
diagram sho#ing ho# the tubes are connected in KcascadeK #ith the
transformers is sho#n at BC it is therefore a t#oGste" audio freIuenc!
recei$ing set.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 7:.GGAudio FreIuenc! Transformer.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 7:GG+iring %iagram for an Audio FreIuenc!
Transformer Am"lif!ing Recei$ing .et. D+ith ,acuum Tube %etector and
T#o .te" Am"lifier Tubes.E<
A .i- .te" Am"lifier Recei$ing .et +ith a =oo" Aerial.GGB! using a
recei$ing set ha$ing a three ste" radio freIuenc! and a three ste"
audio freIuenc!' that is' a set in #hich there are cou"led three
am"lif!ing tubes #ith radio freIuenc! transformers and three
am"lif!ing tubes #ith audio freIuenc! transformers as described under
the ca"tion KA Radio FreIuenc! Transformer Recei$ing .etK' !ou can use
a Kloo" aerialK in !our room thus getting around the difficultiesGGif
such there beGGin erecting an outGdoor aerial. )ou can easil! make a
loo" aerial b! #inding /6 turns of K4o. /7K or K/:K co""er #ire about
/P/: inch a"art on a #ooden frame t#o feet on the side as sho#n in
Fig. 71. +ith this si- ste" am"lifier set and loo" aerial !ou can
recei$e #a$e lengths of /H6 to :66 meters from $arious high "o#er
stations #hich are at considerable distances a#a!.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 71.GG.i- .te" Am"lifier #ith =oo" Aerial.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 71.GGEfficient Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et.
D+ith Three Coil =oose Cou"ler Tuner.E<
o# to Pre$ent o#ling.GG+here radio freIuenc! or audio freIuenc!
am"lifiers are used to cou"le !our am"lifier tubes in cascade !ou must
take "articular "ains to shield them from one another in order to
"re$ent the Kfeed backK of the currents through them' #hich makes the
head "hones or loud s"eaker Kho#lK. To shield them from each other the
tubes should be enclosed in metal bo-es and "laced at least : inches
a"art #hile the transformers should be set so that their cores are at
right angles to each other and these also should be not less than si-
inches a"art.
CAPTER M
REGE4ERAT(,E ABP=(F(CAT(>4 RECE(,(4G .ET.
+hile a $acuum tube detector has an am"lif!ing action of its o#n' and
this accounts for its great sensiti$eness' its am"lif!ing action can
be further increased to an enormous e-tent b! making the radio
freIuenc! currents that are set u" in the oscillation circuits react
on the detector.
.uch currents are called KfeedGbackK or Kregenerati$eK currents and
#hen circuits are so arranged as to cause the currents to flo# back
through the detector tube the am"lification kee"s on increasing until
the ca"acit! of the tube itself is reached. (t is like using steam
o$er and o$er again in a steam turbine until there is no more energ!
left in it. A s!stem of circuits #hich #ill cause this regenerati$e
action to take "lace is kno#n as the KArmstrong circuitsK and is so
called after the !oung man #ho disco$ered it.
.ince the regenerati$e action of the radio freIuenc! currents is
"roduced b! the detector tube itself and #hich sets u" an am"lif!ing
effect #ithout the addition of an am"lif!ing tube' this t!"e of
recei$ing set has found great fa$or #ith amateurs' #hile in
combination #ith am"lif!ing tubes it multi"lies their "o#er
"ro"ortionatel! and it is in conseIuence used in one form or another
in all the better sets.
There are man! different kinds of circuits #hich can be used to
"roduce the regenerati$e am"lification effect #hile the $arious kinds
of tuning coils #ill ser$e for cou"ling themC for instance a t#o or
three slide single tuning coil #ill ans#er the "ur"ose but as it does
not gi$e good results it is not ad$isable to s"end either time or
mone! on it. A better scheme is to use a loose cou"ler formed of t#o
or three hone!comb or other com"act coils' #hile a K$ariocou"lerK or a
K$ariometerK or t#o #ill "roduce the ma-imum regenerati$e action.
The .im"lest T!"e of Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et. +ith =oose Cou"led
Tuning Coil.GG+hile this regenerati$e set is the sim"lest that #ill
gi$e an!thing like fair results it is here described not on account of
its desirabilit!' but because it #ill ser$e to gi$e !ou the
fundamental idea of ho# the KfeedGbackK circuit is formed.
For this set !ou need3 D/E a KlooseGcou"led tuning coilK such as
described in Cha"ter (((' D5E a K$ariable condenserK of K.66/ mfd.K
DmicrofaradE ca"acitanceC D;E one Kfi-ed condenserK of K.66/ mfd.KC
D7E one Kfi-ed condenserK for the grid leak circuit of K.6665H mfd.KC
DHE a Kgrid leakK of /P5 to 5 megohms resistanceC D:E a K$acuum tube
detectorKC D1E an KA : $olt batter!KC DFE a KrheostatKC D0E a KB 55
/P5 $olt batter!KC and D/6E a "air of K5666 ohm head "honesK.
Connecting @" the Parts.GGBegin b! connecting the leadingGin #ire of
the aerial #ith the binding "ost end of the "rimar! coil of the loose
cou"ler as sho#n in the #iring diagram Fig. 7F and then connect the
sliding contact #ith the #ater "i"e or other ground. Connect the
binding "ost end of the "rimar! coil #ith one "ost of the $ariable
condenser' connect the other "ost of this #ith one of the "osts of the
K.6665H mfd.K condenser and the other end of this #ith the grid of the
detector tubeC then around this condenser shunt the grid leak
resistance.
8(llustration3 Fig. 7F.GG.im"le Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et. D+ith
=oose Cou"ler Tuner.E<
4e-t connect the sliding contact of the "rimar! coil #ith the other
"ost of the $ariable condenser and from this lead a #ire on o$er to
one of the terminals of the filament of the $acuum tubeC to the other
terminal of the filament connect one of the "osts of the rheostat and
connect the other "ost to the G or negati$e electrode of the A
batter! and then connect the R or "ositi$e electrode of it to the
other terminal of the filament.
Connect the R or "ositi$e electrode of the A batter! #ith one "ost of
the .66/ mfd. fi-ed condenser and connect the other "ost of this to
one of the ends of the secondar! coil of the tuning coil and #hich is
no# kno#n as the Ktickler coilKC then connect the other end of the
secondar!' or tickler coil to the "late of the $acuum tube. (n the
#iring diagram the secondar!' or tickler coil is sho#n abo$e and in a
line #ith the "rimar! coil but this is onl! for the sake of making the
connections clearC in realit! the secondar!' or tickler coil slides to
and fro in the "rimar! coil as sho#n and described in Cha"ter (((.
Finall! connect the Knegati$eK' or Jinc "ole of the KB batter!K to one
side of the fi-ed condenser' the K"ositi$eK' or carbon' "ole to one of
the terminals of the head "hones and the other terminal of this to the
other "ost of the fi-ed condenser #hen !our regenerati$e set is
com"lete.
An Efficient Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et. +ith Three Coil =oose
Cou"ler.GGTo construct a reall! good regenerati$e set !ou must use a
loose cou"led tuner that has three coils' namel! a K"rimar!K' a
Ksecondar!K and a Ktickler coilK. A tuner of this kind is made like an
ordinar! loose cou"led tuning coil but it has a KthirdK coil as sho#n
at A and B in Fig. 70. The middle coil' #hich is the Ksecondar!K' is
fi-ed to the base' and the large outside coil' #hich is the K"rimar!K'
is mo$able' that is it slides to and fro o$er the middle coil' #hile
the small inside coil' #hich is the KticklerK' is also mo$able and can
slide in or out of the middle KcoilK. 4one of these coils is $ariableC
all are #ound to recei$e #a$es u" to ;:6 meters in length #hen used
#ith a $ariable condenser of K.66/ mfdK. ca"acitance. (n other #ords
!ou slide the coils in and out to get the right amount of cou"ling and
!ou tune b! adjusting the $ariable condenser to get the e-act #a$e
length !ou #ant.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 70.GG%iagram of a Three Coil Cou"ler.<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. 70.GGThree Coil =oose Cou"ler Tuner.<
+ith Com"act Coils.GGCom"act coil tuners are formed of three fi-ed
inductances #ound in flat coils' and these are "i$oted in a mounting
so that the distance bet#een them and' therefore' the cou"ling' can be
$aried' as sho#n at A in Fig. H6. These coils are #ound u" b! the
makers for $arious #a$e lengths ranging from a small one that #ill
recei$e #a$es of an! length u" to ;:6 meters to a large one that has a
ma-imum of 57'666 meters. For an amateur set get three of the smallest
coils #hen !ou can not onl! hear amateur stations that send on a 566
meter #a$e but broadcasting stations that send on a ;:6 meter #a$e.
8(llustration3 Fig. H6.GGone!comb (nductance Coil.<
These three coils are mounted #ith "anel "lugs #hich latter fit into a
stand' or mounting' so that the middle coil is fi-ed' that is'
stationar!' #hile the t#o outside coils can be s#ung to and fro like a
doorC this scheme "ermits small $ariations of cou"ling to be had
bet#een the coils and this can be done either b! handles or b! means
of knobs on a "anel board. +hile ( ha$e suggested the use of the
smallest siJe coils' !ou can get and use those #ound for an! #a$e
length !ou #ant to recei$e and #hen those are connected #ith
$ariometers and $ariable condensers' and #ith a "ro"er aerial' !ou
#ill ha$e a highl! efficient rece"tor that #ill #ork o$er all ranges
of #a$e lengths. The smallest siJe coils cost about O/.H6 a"iece and
the mounting costs about O: or O1 each.
The A Batter! Potentiometer.GGThis de$ice is sim"l! a resistance like
the rheostat described in connection #ith the "receding $acuum tube
recei$ing sets but it is #ound to 566 or ;66 ohms resistance as
against /G/P5 to : ohms of the rheostat. (t is' ho#e$er' used as #ell
as the rheostat. +ith a $acuum tube detector' and es"eciall! #ith one
ha$ing a gasGcontent' a "otentiometer is $er! necessar! as it is onl!
b! means of it that the "otential of the "late of the detector can be
accuratel! regulated. The result of "ro"er regulation is that #hen the
critical "otential $alue is reached there is a marked increase in the
loudness of the sounds that are emitted b! the head "hones.
As !ou #ill see from A in Fig. H/ it has three ta"s. The t#o ta"s
#hich are connected #ith the ends of the resistance coil are shunted
around the A batter! and the third ta"' #hich is attached to the
mo$able contact arm' is connected #ith the B batter! ta"' see B' at
#hich this batter! gi$es /F $olts. .ince the A batter! gi$es : $olts
!ou can $ar! the "otential of the "late from /F to 57 $olts. The
"otentiometer must ne$er be shunted around the B batter! or the latter
#ill soon run do#n. A "otentiometer costs a cou"le of dollars.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. H/.GGThe @se of the Potentiometer.<
The Parts and o# to Connect Them @".GGFor this regenerati$e set !ou
#ill need3 D/E a Khone!combK or other com"act KthreeGcoil tunerK' D5E
t#o K$ariableK DK.66/K and K.666H mfdK.E KcondensersKC D;E a K.6665H
mfd. fi-ed condenserKC D7E a K/P5 to 5 megohm grid leakKC DHE a Ktube
detectorKC D:E a K: $olt A batter!KC D1E Ka rheostatKC DFE a
K"otentiometerKC D0E an K/FK or K56 $olt B batter!KC D/6E a Kfi-ed
condenserK of K.66/ mfd. fi-ed condenserKC and D//E a K"air of 5666
ohm head "honesK.
To #ire u" the "arts connect the leadingGin #ire of the aerial #ith
the "rimar! coil' #hich is the middle one of the tuner' and connect
the other terminal #ith the ground. Connect the ends of the secondar!
coil' #hich is the middle one' #ith the "osts of the $ariable
condenser and connect one of the "osts of the latter #ith one "ost of
the fi-ed .6665H mfd. condenser and the other "ost of this #ith the
gridC then shunt the grid leak around it. 4e-t connect the other "ost
of the $ariable condenser to the G or Knegati$eK electrode of the KA
batter!KC the R or K"ositi$eK electrode of this to one terminal of the
detector filament and the other end of the latter to the electrode of
the A batter!.
4o# connect one end of the tickler coil #ith the detector "late and
the other "ost to the fi-ed .66/ mfd. condenser' then the other end of
this to the "ositi$e or carbon "ole of the B batter!.
This done shunt the "otentiometer around the A batter! and run a #ire
from the mo$able contact of it Dthe "otentiometerE o$er to the /F $olt
ta"' Dsee B' Fig. H/E' of the B batter!.
Finall!' shunt the head "hones and the .66/ mfd. fi-ed condenser and
!ou are read! to tr! out conclusions.
A Regenerati$e Audio FreIuenc! Am"lifier Recei$ing .et.GGThe use of
amateur regenerati$e cascade audio freIuenc! recei$ing sets is getting
to be Iuite common. To get the greatest am"lification "ossible #ith
am"lif!ing tubes !ou ha$e to kee" a negati$e "otential on the grids.
)ou can' ho#e$er' get $er! good results #ithout an! s"ecial charging
arrangement b! sim"l! connecting one "ost of the rheostat #ith the
negati$e terminal of the filament and connecting the Klo# "otentialK
end of the secondar! of the tuning coil #ith the G or negati$e
electrode of the A batter!. This scheme #ill gi$e the grids a negati$e
bias of about / $olt. )ou do not need to bother about these added
factors that make for high efficienc! until after !ou ha$e got !our
recei$ing set in #orking order and understand all about it.
The Parts and o# to Connect Them @".GGE-actl! the same "arts are
needed for this set as the one described abo$e' but in addition !ou
#ill #ant3 D/E t#o more KrheostatsKC D5E Kt#oK more sets of B 55G/P5
K$olt batteriesKC D;E Kt#o am"lifier tubesK' and D7E Kt#o audio
freIuenc! transformersK as described in Cha"ter (M and "ictured at A
in Fig. 7:.
To #ire u" the "arts begin b! connecting the leadingGin #ire to one
end of the "rimar! of the tuning coil and then connect the other end
of the coil #ith the ground. A $ariable condenser of .66/ mfd.
ca"acitance can be connected in the ground #ire' as sho#n in Fig. H5'
to good ad$antage although it is not absolutel! needed. 4o# connect
one end of the secondar! coil to one "ost of a K.66/ mfd.K $ariable
condenser and the other end of the secondar! to the other "ost of the
condenser.
8(llustration3 Fig. H5.GGRegenerati$e Audio FreIuenc! Am"lifier
Recei$ing .et.<
4e-t bring a lead D#ireE from the first "ost of the $ariable condenser
o$er to the "ost of the first fi-ed condenser and connect the other
"ost of the latter #ith the grid of the detector tube. .hunt /P5 to 5
megohm grid leak resistance around the fi-ed condenser and then
connect the second "ost of the $ariable condenser to one terminal of
the detector tube filament. Run this #ire on o$er and connect it #ith
the first "ost of the second rheostat' the second "ost of #hich is
connected #ith one terminal of the filament of the first am"lif!ing
tubeC then connect the first "ost of the rheostat #ith one end of the
secondar! coil of the first audio freIuenc! transformer' and the other
end of this coil #ith the grid of the first am"lifier tube.
Connect the lead that runs from the second "ost of $ariable condenser
to the first "ost of the third rheostat' the second "ost of #hich is
connected #ith one terminal of the second am"lif!ing tubeC then
connect the first "ost of the rheostat #ith one end of the secondar!
coil of the second audio freIuenc! transformer and the other end of
this coil #ith the grid of the second am"lifier tube.
This done connect the G or negati$e electrode of the A batter!
#ith the second "ost of the $ariable condenser and connect the R or
"ositi$e electrode #ith the free "ost of the first rheostat' the other
"ost of #hich connects #ith the free terminal of the filament of the
detector. From this lead ta" off a #ire and connect it to the free
terminal of the filament of the first am"lifier tube' and finall!
connect the end of the lead #ith the free terminal of the filament of
the second am"lifier tube.
4e-t shunt a "otentiometer around the A batter! and connect the
third "ost' #hich connects #ith the sliding contact' to the negati$e
or Jinc "ole of a B batter!' then connect the "ositi$e or
carbon "ole of it to the negati$e or Jinc "ole of a second B
batter! and the "ositi$e or carbon "ole of the latter #ith one end of
the "rimar! coil of the second audio freIuenc! transformer and the
other end of it to the "late of the first am"lif!ing tube. Run the
lead on o$er and connect it to one of the terminals of the second
fi-ed condenser and the other terminal of this #ith the "late of the
second am"lif!ing tube. Then shunt the head"hones around the
condenser.
Finall! connect one end of the tickler coil of the tuner #ith the
"late of the detector tube and connect the other end of the tickler to
one end of the "rimar! coil of the first audio freIuenc! transformer
and the other end of it to the #ire that connects the t#o B
batteries together.
CAPTER M(
.>RT +A,E REGE4ERAT(,E RECE(,(4G .ET.
A Kshort #a$e recei$ing setK is one that #ill recei$e a range of
#a$e lengths of from /H6 to :66 meters #hile the distance o$er #hich
the #a$es can be recei$ed as #ell as the intensit! of the sounds
re"roduced b! the head"hones de"ends on3 D/E #hether it is a
regenerati$e set and D5E #hether it is "ro$ided #ith am"lif!ing tubes.
ighGgrade regenerati$e sets designed es"eciall! for recei$ing amateur
sending stations that must use a short #a$e length are built on the
regenerati$e "rinci"le just like those described in the last cha"ter
and further am"lification can be had b! the use of am"lifier tubes as
e-"lained in Cha"ter (M' but the ne# feature of these sets is the use
of the K$ariocou"lerK and one or more K$ariometersK. These tuning
de$ices can be connected u" in different #a!s and are $er! "o"ular
#ith amateurs at the "resent time.
%iffering from the ordinar! loose cou"ler the $ariometer has no
mo$able contacts #hile the $ariometer is "ro$ided #ith ta"s so that
!ou can connect it u" for the #a$e length !ou #ant to recei$e. All !ou
ha$e to do is to tune the oscillation circuits to each other is to
turn the KrotorK' #hich is the secondar! coil' around in the KstatorK'
as the "rimar! coil is called in order to get a $er! fine $ariation of
the #a$e length. (t is this construction that makes Kshar" tuningK
#ith these sets "ossible' b! #hich is meant that all #a$e lengths are
tuned out e-ce"t the one #hich the recei$ing set is tuned for.
A .hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$erGG+ith >ne ,ariometer and Three
,ariable Condensers.GGThis set also includes a $ariocou"ler and a
Kgrid coilK. The #a! that the "arts are connected together makes it a
sim"le and at the same time a $er! efficient regenerati$e recei$er for
short #a$es. +hile this set can be used #ithout shielding the "arts
from each other the best results are had #hen shields are used.
The "arts !ou need for this set include3 D/E one K$ariocou"lerKC D5E
one K.66/ microfarad $ariable condenserKC D;E one K.666H microfarad
$ariable condenserKC D7E one K.6661 microfarad $ariable condenserKC
DHE Kone 5 megohm grid leakKC D:E one K$acuum tube detectorKC D1E one
K: $olt A batter!KC DFE one K: ohmK' /G/P5 Kam"ere rheostatKC D0E one
K566 ohm "otentiometerKC D/6E one 55G/P5 K$olt B batter!KC D//E one
K.66/ microfarad fi-ed condenserK' D/5E one "air of K5'666 ohm
head"honesK' and D/;E a K$ariometerK.
The ,ariocou"ler.GGA $ariocou"ler consists of a "rimar! coil #ound on
the outside of a tube of insulating material and to certain turns of
this ta"s are connected so that !ou can fi- the #a$e length #hich !our
aerial s!stem is to recei$e from the shortest #a$eC i.e.' /H6 meters
on u" b! ste"s to the longest #a$e' i.e.' :66 meters' #hich is the
range of most amateur $ariocou"lers that are sold in the o"en market.
This is the "art of the $ariocou"ler that is called the KstatorK.
The secondar! coil is #ound on the section of a ball mounted on a
shaft and this is s#ung in bearings on the stator so that it can turn
in it. This "art of the $ariocou"ler is called the KrotorK and is
arranged so that it can be mounted on a "anel and adjusted b! means of
a knob or a dial. A diagram of a $ariocou"ler is sho#n at A in Fig.
H;' and the cou"ler itself at B. There are $arious makes and
modifications of $ariocou"lers on the market but all of them are about
the same "rice #hich is O:.66 or OF.66.
8(llustration3 Fig. H;.GGo# the ,ariocou"ler is Bade and +orks.<
The ,ariometer.GGThis de$ice is Iuite like the $ariocou"ler' but #ith
these differences3 D/E the rotor turns in the stator' #hich is also
the section of a ball' and D5E one end of the "rimar! is connected
#ith one end of the secondar! coil. To be reall! efficient a
$ariometer must ha$e a small resistance and a large inductance as #ell
as a small dielectric loss. To secure the first t#o of these factors
the #ire should be formed of a number of fine' "ure co""er #ires each
of #hich is insulated and the #hole strand then co$ered #ith silk.
This kind of #ire is the best that has !et been de$ised for the
"ur"ose and is sold under the trade name of KlitJendrahtK.
A ne# t!"e of $ariometer has #hat is kno#n as a Kbasket #ea$eK' or
K#a$! #oundK stator and rotor. There is no #ood' insulating com"ound
or other dielectric materials in large enough Iuantities to absorb the
#eak currents that flo# bet#een them' hence #eaker sounds can be heard
#hen this kind of a $ariometer is used. +ith it !ou can tune shar"l!
to #a$es under 566 meters in length and u" to and including #a$e
lengths of ;:6 meters. +hen amateur stations of small "o#er are
sending on these short #a$es this st!le of $ariometer kee"s the
electric oscillations at their greatest strength and' hence' the
re"roduced sounds #ill be of ma-imum intensit!. A #iring diagram of a
$ariometer is sho#n at A in Fig. H7 and a KbasketballK $ariometer is
sho#n com"lete at B.
8(llustration3 Fig. H7.GGo# the ,ariometer is Bade and +orks.<
Connecting @" the Parts.GGTo hookGu" the set connect the leadingGin
#ire to one end of the "rimar! coil' or stator' of the $ariocou"ler
and solder a #ire to one of the ta"s that gi$es the longest #a$e
length !ou #ant to recei$e. Connect the other end of this #ire #ith
one "ost of a .66/ microfarad $ariable condenser and connect the other
"ost #ith the ground as sho#n in Fig. HH. 4o# connect one end of the
secondar! coil' or rotor' to one "ost of a .6661 mfd. $ariable
condenser' the other "ost of this to one end of the grid coil and the
other end of this #ith the remaining end of the rotor of the
$ariocou"ler.
8(llustration3 Fig. HH.GG.hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et Done
,ariometer and three ,ariable Condensers.E<
4e-t connect one "ost of the .6661 mfd. condenser #ith one of the
terminals of the detector filamentC then connect the other "ost of
this condenser #ith one "ost of the .666H mfd. $ariable condenser and
the other "ost of this #ith the grid of the detector' then shunt the
megohm grid leak around the latter condenser. This done connect the
other terminal of the filament to one "ost of the rheostat' the other
"ost of this to the G or negati$e electrode of the : $olt A
batter! and the R or "ositi$e electrode of the latter to the other
terminal of the filament.
.hunt the "otentiometer around the A batter! and connect the sliding
contact #ith the G or Jinc "ole of the B batter! and the R or carbon
"ole #ith one terminal of the head"honeC connect the other terminal to
one of the "osts of the $ariometer and the other "ost of the
$ariometer to the "late of the detector. Finall! shunt a .66/ mfd.
fi-ed condenser around the head"hones. (f !ou #ant to am"lif! the
current #ith a $acuum tube am"lifier connect in the terminals of the
am"lifier circuit sho#n at A in Figs. 77 or 7H at the "oint #here
the! are connected #ith the secondar! coil of the loose cou"led tuning
coil' in those diagrams #ith the binding "osts of Fig. HH #here the
"hones are usuall! connected in.
.hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$er. +ith T#o ,ariometers and T#o
,ariable Condensers.GGThis t!"e of regenerati$e rece"tor is $er!
"o"ular #ith amateurs #ho are using highGgrade shortG#a$e sets. +hen
!ou connect u" this rece"tor !ou must kee" the $arious "arts #ell
se"arated. .cre# the $ariocou"ler to the middle of the base board or
"anel' and secure the $ariometers on either side of it so that the
distance bet#een them #ill be 0 or /6 inches. B! so "lacing them the
cou"ling #ill be the same on both sides and besides !ou can shield
them from each other easier.
For the shield use a sheet of co""er on the back of the "anel and
"lace a sheet of co""er bet#een the "arts' or better' enclose the
$ariometers and detector and am"lif!ing tubes if !ou use the latter in
sheet co""er bo-es. +hen !ou set u" the $ariometers "lace them so that
their stators are at right angles to each other for other#ise the
magnetic lines of force set u" b! the coils of each one #ill be
mutuall! inducti$e and this #ill make the head"hones or loud s"eaker
Kho#lK. +hate$er tendenc! the rece"tor has to ho#l #ith this
arrangement can be o$ercome b! "utting in a grid leak of the right
resistance and adjusting the condenser.
The Parts and o# to Connect Them @".GGFor this set !ou reIuire3 D/E
one K$ariocou"lerKC D5E t#o K$ariometersKC D;E one K.66/ microfarad
$ariable condenserKC D7E one K.666H microfarad $ariable condenserKC
DHE one K5 megohm grid leak resistanceKC D:E one K$acuum tube
detectorKC D1E one K: $olt A batter!KC DFE one K566 ohm
"otentiometerKC D0E one K55G/P5 $olt B batter!KC D/6E one K.66/
microfarad fi-ed condenserK' and D//E one "air of K5'666 ohm
head"honesK.
To #ire u" the set begin b! connecting the leadingGin #ire to the
fi-ed end of the "rimar! coil' or KstatorK' of the $ariocou"ler' as
sho#n in Fig. H:' and connect one "ost of the .66/ mfd. $ariable
condenser to the stator b! soldering a short length of #ire to the ta"
of the latter that gi$es the longest #a$e !ou #ant to recei$e. 4o#
connect one end of the secondar! coil' or KrotorK' of the $ariocou"ler
#ith one "ost of the .666H mfd. $ariable condenser and the other "art
to the grid of the detector tube. Connect the other end of the rotor
of the $ariocou"ler to one of the "osts of the first $ariometer and
the other "ost of this to one of the terminals of the detector
filament.
8(llustration3 Fig. H:.GG.hort +a$e Regenerati$e Recei$ing .et Dt#o
,ariometers and t#o ,ariable Condensers.E<
Connect this filament terminal #ith the G or negati$e electrode of the
A batter! and the R or "ositi$e electrode of this #ith one "ost
of the rheostat and lead a #ire from the other "ost to the free
terminal of the filament. This done shunt the "otential around the
A batter! and connect the sliding contact to the G or Jinc "ole
of the B batter! and the R or carbon "ole of this to one
terminal of the head"hones' #hile the other terminal of this leads to
one of the "osts of the second $ariometer' the other "ost of #hich is
connected to the "late of the detector tube. (f !ou #ant to add an
am"lifier tube then connect it to the "osts instead of the head"hones
as described in the foregoing set.
CAPTER M((
(4TERBE%(ATE A4% =>4G +A,E REGE4ERAT(,E RECE(,(4G .ET.
All recei$ing sets that recei$e o$er a range of #a$e lengths of from
/H6 meters to ;'666 meters are called Kintermediate #a$e setsK and all
sets that recei$e #a$e lengths o$er a range of an!thing more than
;'666 meters are called Klong #a$e setsK. The range of intermediate
#a$e rece"tors is such that the! #ill recei$e amateur' broadcasting'
shi" and shore 4a$!' commercial' Arlington's time and all other
stations using Ks"ark telegra"h dam"ed #a$esK or KarcK or K$acuum tube
tele"hone continuous #a$esK but not Kcontinuous #a$e telegra"h
signalsK' unless these ha$e been broken u" into grou"s at the
transmitting station. To recei$e continuous #a$e telegra"h signals
reIuires recei$ing sets of s"ecial kind and these #ill be described in
the ne-t cha"ter.
(ntermediate +a$e Recei$ing .ets.GGThere are t#o chief schemes
em"lo!ed to increase the range of #a$e lengths that a set can recei$e
and these are b! using3 D/E Kloading coilsK and Kshunt condensersK'
and D5E KbankG#ound coilsK and K$ariable condensersK. (f !ou ha$e a
shortG#a$e set and "lan to recei$e intermediate #a$es #ith it then
loading coils and fi-ed condensers shunted around them affords !ou the
#a! to do it' but if !ou "refer to bu! a ne# rece"tor then the better
#a! is to get one #ith bankG#ound coils and $ariable condensersC this
latter #a! "reser$es the electrical balance of the oscillation
circuits better' the electrical losses are less and the tuning easier
and shar"er.
(ntermediate +a$e .et +ith =oading Coils.GGFor this intermediate #a$e
set !ou can use either of the shortG#a$e sets described in the
foregoing cha"ter. For the loading coils use Khone!comb coilsK' or
other good com"act inductance coils' as sho#n in Cha"ter M and ha$ing
a range of #hate$er #a$e length !ou #ish to recei$e. The follo#ing
table sho#s the range of #a$e length of the $arious siJed coils #hen
used #ith a $ariable condenser ha$ing a .66/ microfarad Kca"acitanceK'
the a""ro-imate KinductanceK of each coil in KmillihenriesK and "rices
at the "resent #riting3
TAB=E >F CARACTER(.T(C. >F >4E)C>BB C>(=.
A""ro-imate +a$e
=ength in Beters in
Billihenries
(nductance .66/ mfd. ,ariable Bounted
A""-. Air Condenser. on Plug
.676 /;6GG ;1H O/.76
.61H /F6GG H/H /.76
./H 576GG 1;6 /.H6
.; ;;6GG /6;6 /.H6
.: 7H6GG /7:6 /.HH
/.; ::6GG 5566 /.:6
5.; 0;6GG 5FH6 /.:H
7.H /;66GG 7666 /.16
:.H /HH6GG 7F66 /.1H
//. 56H6GG :;66 /.F6
56. ;666GG FH66 5.66
76. 7666GG/5666 5./H
:H. H666GG/H666 5.;H
/66. :566GG/0666 5.:6
/5H. 1666GG5/666 ;.66
/1H. F566GG57666 ;.H6
These and other kinds of com"act coils can be bought at electrical
su""l! houses that sell #ireless goods. (f !our aerial is not $er!
high or long !ou can use loading coils' but to get an!thing like
efficient results #ith them !ou must ha$e an aerial of large
ca"acitance and the onl! #a! to get this is to "ut u" a high and long
one #ith t#o or more "arallel #ires s"aced a goodl! distance a"art.
The Parts and o# to Connect Them @".GGGet D/E Kt#o hone!comb or other
coilsK of the greatest #a$e length !ou #ant to recei$e' for in order
to "ro"erl! balance the aerial' or "rimar! oscillation circuit' and
the closed' or secondar! oscillation circuit' !ou ha$e to tune them to
the same #a$e lengthC D5E t#o K.66/ mfd. $ariable condensersK' though
fi-ed condensers #ill do' and D;E t#o small KsingleGthro# doubleG"ole
knife s#itchesK mounted on "orcelain bases.
To use the loading coils all !ou ha$e to do is to connect one of them
in the aerial abo$e the "rimar! coil of the loose cou"ler' or
$ariocou"ler as sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. H1' then shunt one
of the condensers around it and connect one of the s#itches around
thisC this s#itch enables !ou to cut in or out the loading coil at
#ill. =ike#ise connect the other loading coil in one side of the
closed' or secondar! circuit bet#een the $ariable .6661 mfd. condenser
and the secondar! coil of the loose cou"ler or $ariocou"ler as sho#n
in Fig. H;. The other connections are e-actl! the same as sho#n in
Figs. 77 and 7H.
8(llustration3 Fig. H1.GG+iring %iagram .ho#ing Fi-ed =oading Coils
for (ntermediate +a$e .et.<
An (ntermediate +a$e .et +ith ,ariocou"ler (nductance Coils.GGB! using
the coil #ound on the rotor of the $ariocou"ler as the tickler the
cou"ling bet#een the detector tube circuits and the aerial #ire s!stem
increases as the set is tuned for greater #a$e lengths. This scheme
makes the control of the regenerati$e circuit far more stable than it
is #here an ordinar! loose cou"led tuning coil is used.
+hen the $ariocou"ler is adjusted for recei$ing $er! long #a$es the
rotor sets at right angles to the stator and' since #hen it is in this
"osition there is no mutual induction bet#een them' the tickler coil
ser$es as a loading coil for the detector "late oscillation circuit.
(nductance coils for short #a$e lengths are usuall! #ound in single
la!ers but KbankG#ound coilsK' as the! are called are necessar! to get
com"actness #here long #a$e lengths are to be recei$ed. B! #inding
inductance coils #ith t#o or more la!ers the highest inductance $alues
can be obtained #ith the least resistance. A #iring diagram of a
multi"oint inductance coil is sho#n in Fig. HF. )ou can bu! this
intermediate #a$e set assembled and read! to use or get the "arts and
connect them u" !ourself.
8(llustration3 Fig. HF.GG+iring %iagram for (ntermediate +a$e Rece"tor
#ith one ,ariocou"ler and /5 section BankG#ound (nductance Coil.<
The Parts and o# to Connect Them @".GGFor this regenerati$e
intermediate #a$e set get3 D/E one K/5 section tri"le bankG#ound
inductance coilK' D5E one K$ariometerK' and D;E all the other "arts
sho#n in the diagram Fig. HF e-ce"t the $ariocou"ler. First connect
the free end of the condenser in the aerial to one of the terminals of
the stator of the $ariocou"lerC then connect the other terminal of the
stator #ith one of the ends of the bankG#ound inductance coil and
connect the mo$able contact of this #ith the ground.
4e-t connect a #ire to the aerial bet#een the $ariable condenser and
the stator and connect this to one "ost of a .666H microfarad fi-ed
condenser' then connect the other "ost of this #ith the grid of the
detector and shunt a 5 megohm grid leak around it. Connect a #ire to
the ground #ire bet#een the bankG#ound inductance coil and the ground
"ro"er' i.e.' the radiator or #ater "i"e' connect the other end of
this to the R electrode of the A batter! and connect this end also to
one of the terminals of the filament. This done connect the other
terminal of the filament to one "ost of the rheostat and the other
"ost of this to the G or negati$e side of the A batter!.
To the R electrode of the A batter! connect the G or Jinc "ole of the
B batter! and connect the R or carbon "ole of the latter #ith one "ost
of the fi-ed .66/ microfarad condenser. This done connect one terminal
of the tickler coil #hich is on the rotor of the $ariometer to the
"late of the detector and the other terminal of the tickler to the
other "ost of the .66/ condenser and around this shunt !our
head"hones. >r if !ou #ant to use one or more am"lif!ing tubes connect
the circuit of the first one' see Fig. 7H' to the "osts on either side
of the fi-ed condenser instead of the head"hones.
A =ong +a$e Recei$ing .et.GGThe $i$id imagination of ?ules ,erne ne$er
concei$ed an!thing so fascinating as the rece"tion of messages #ithout
#ires sent out b! stations half #a! round the #orldC and in these da!s
of high "o#er cableless stations on the fi$e continents !ou can
listenGin to the messages and hear #hat is being sent out b! the
=!ons' Paris and other French stations' b! Great Britain' (tal!'
German! and e$en far off Russia and ?a"an.
A long #a$e set for recei$ing these stations must be able to tune to
#a$e lengths u" to 56'666 meters. %iffering from the #a! in #hich the
regenerati$e action of the short #a$e sets described in the "receding
cha"ter is secured and #hich de"ends on a tickler coil and the
cou"ling action of the detector in this long #a$e set' 8Footnote3 All
of the short #a$e and intermediate #a$e recei$ers described' are
connected u" according to the #iring diagram used b! the A. . Grebe
Com"an!' Richmond ill' =ong (sland' 4. ).< this action is obtained b!
the use of a tickler coil in the "late circuit #hich is inducti$el!
cou"led to the grid circuit and this feeds back the necessar! amount
of current. This is a $er! good #a! to connect u" the circuits for the
reason that3 D/E the #iring is sim"lified' and D5E it gi$es a single
$ariable adjustment for the entire range of #a$e lengths the rece"tor
is intended to co$er.
The Parts and o# to Connect Them @".GGThe t#o chief features as far
as the "arts are concerned of this long #a$e length recei$ing set are
D/E the K$ariable condensersK' and D5E the Ktuning inductance coilsK.
The $ariable condenser used in series #ith the aerial #ire s!stem has
5: "lates and is eIual to a ca"acitance of K.666F mfd.K #hich is the
normal aerial ca"acitance. The condenser used in the secondar! coil
circuit has /7 "lates and this is eIual to a ca"acitance of K.6667
mfdK.
There are a number of inductance coils and these are arranged so that
the! can be connected in or cut out and combinations are thus formed
#hich gi$e a high efficienc! and !et allo# them to be com"actl!
mounted. The inductance coils of the aerial #ire s!stem and those of
the secondar! coil circuit are "racticall! alike. For #a$e lengths u"
to 5'566 meters Kbank litJG#ound coilsK are used and these are
#ound u" in 5' 7 and : banks in order to gi$e the "ro"er degree of
cou"ling and inductance $alues.
+here #a$e lengths of more than 5'566 meters are to be recei$ed
KcotoGcoilsK are used as these are the &last #ord& in inductance coil
design' and are es"eciall! ada"ted for medium as #ell as long #a$e
lengths. 8Footnote3 Can be had of the Coto Coil Co.' Pro$idence' R. (.<
These $arious coils are cut in and out b! means of t#o fi$eG"oint
s#itches #hich are "ro$ided #ith au-iliar! le$ers and contactors for
KdeadGendingK the right amount of the coils. (n cutting in coils for
increased #a$e lengths' that is from /6'666 to 56'666 meters' all of
the coils of the aerial are connected in series as #ell as all of the
coils of the secondar! circuit. The connections for a long #a$e
rece"tor are sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. H0.
8(llustration3 Fig. H0.GG+iring %iagram .ho#ing =ong +a$e Rece"tor
#ith ,ariocou"lers and BankG#ound (nductance Coils<
CAPTER M(((
ETER>%)4E >R BEAT =>4G +A,E TE=EGRAP RECE(,(4G .ET
An! of the recei$ing sets described in the foregoing cha"ters #ill
res"ond to either3 D/E a #ireless telegra"h transmitter that uses a
s"ark ga" and #hich sends out "eriodic electric #a$es' or to D5E a
#ireless tele"hone transmitter that uses an arc or a $acuum tube
oscillator and #hich sends out continuous electric #a$es. To recei$e
#ireless Ktelegra"hK signals' ho#e$er' from a transmitter that uses an
arc or a $acuum tube oscillator and #hich sends out continuous #a$es'
either the transmitter or the rece"tor must be so constructed that the
continuous #a$es #ill be broken u" into grou"s of audio freIuenc! and
this is done in se$eral different #a!s.
There are four different #a!s em"lo!ed at the "resent time to break u"
the continuous #a$es of a #ireless telegra"h transmitter into grou"s
and these are3 DKaKE the Kheterod!neK' or KbeatK' method' in #hich
#a$es of different lengths are im"ressed on the recei$ed #a$es and so
"roduces beatsC DKbKE the KtikkerK' or Kcho""erK method' in #hich the
high freIuenc! currents are ra"idl! broken u"C DKcKE the $ariable
condenser method' in #hich the mo$able "lates are made to ra"idl!
rotateC DKdKE the Ktone #heelK' or KfreIuenc! transformerK' as it is
often called' and #hich is reall! a modified form of and an
im"ro$ement on the tikker. The heterod!ne method #ill be described in
this cha"ter.
+hat the eterod!ne or Beat Bethod (s.GGThe #ord Kheterod!neK #as
coined from the Greek #ords KheterosK #hich means KotherK' or
KdifferentK' and Kd!neK #hich means K"o#erKC in other #ords it means
#hen used in connection #ith a #ireless rece"tor that another and
different high freIuenc! current is used besides the one that is
recei$ed from the sending station. (n music a KbeatK means a regularl!
recurrent s#elling caused b! the reinforcement of a sound and this is
set u" b! the interference of sound #a$es #hich ha$e slightl!
different "eriods of $ibration as' for instance' #hen t#o tones take
"lace that are not Iuite in tune #ith each other. This' then' is the
"rinci"le of the heterod!ne' or beat' rece"tor.
(n the heterod!ne' or beat method' se"arate sustained oscillations'
that are just about as strong as those of the incoming #a$es' are set
u" in the recei$ing circuits and their freIuenc! is just a little
higher or a little lo#er than those that are set u" b! the #a$es
recei$ed from the distant transmitter. The result is that these
oscillations of different freIuencies interfere and reinforce each
other #hen KbeatsK are "roduced' the "eriod of #hich is slo# enough to
be heard in the head"hones' hence the incoming signals can be heard
onl! #hen #a$es from the sending station are being recei$ed. A fuller
e-"lanation of ho# this is done #ill be found in Cha"ter M,.
The Autod!ne or .elfGeterod!ne =ongG+a$e Recei$ing .et.GGThis is the
sim"lest t!"e of heterod!ne rece"tor and it #ill recei$e "eriodic
#a$es from s"ark telegra"h transmitters or continuous #a$es from an
arc or $acuum tube telegra"h transmitter. (n this t!"e of rece"tor the
detector tube itself is made to set u" the Kheterod!ne oscillationsK
#hich interfere #ith those that are "roduced b! the incoming #a$es
that are a little out of tune #ith it.
+ith a long #a$e Kautod!neK' or KselfGheterod!neK rece"tor' as this
t!"e is called' and a t#oGste" audioGfreIuenc! am"lifier !ou can
clearl! hear man! of the cableless stations of Euro"e and others that
send out long #a$es. For recei$ing long #a$e stations' ho#e$er' !ou
must ha$e a long aerialGGa single #ire 566 or more feet in length #ill
doGGand the higher it is the louder #ill be the signals. +here it is
not "ossible to "ut the aerial u" a hundred feet or more abo$e the
ground' !ou can use a lo#er one and still get messages in
K(nternational BorseK fairl! strong.
The Parts and Connections of an Autod!ne' or .elfGeterod!ne'
Recei$ing .et.GGFor this long #a$e recei$ing set !ou #ill need3 D/E
one K$ariocou"lerK #ith the "rimar! coil #ound on the stator and the
secondar! coil and tickler coil #ound on the rotor' or !ou can use
three hone!comb or other good com"act coils of the longest #a$e !ou
#ant to recei$e' a table of #hich is gi$en in Cha"ter M((C D5E t#o
K.66/ mfd. $ariable condensersKC D;E one K.666H mfd. $ariable
condenserKC D7E one K.H to 5 megohm grid leak resistanceKC DHE one
K$acuum tube detectorKC D:E one KA batter!KC D1E one KrheostatKC DFE
one KB batter!KC D0E one K"otentiometerKC D/6E one K.66/ mfd. fi-ed
condenserK and D//E one "air of Khead"honesK. For the t#oGste"
am"lifier !ou must' of course' ha$e besides the abo$e "arts the
am"lifier tubes' $ariable condensers' batteries rheostats'
"otentiometers and fi-ed condensers as e-"lained in Cha"ter (M. The
connections for the autod!ne' or selfGheterod!ne' recei$ing set are
sho#n in Fig. :6.
8(llustration3 Fig. :6.GG+iring %iagram of =ong +a$e Antod!ne' or
.elfGeterod!ne Rece"tor.<
The .e"arate eterod!ne =ong +a$e Recei$ing .et.GGThis is a better
long #a$e rece"tor than the self heterod!ne set described abo$e for
recei$ing #ireless telegra"h signals sent out b! a continuous long
#a$e transmitter. The great ad$antage of using a se"arate $acuum tube
to generate the heterod!ne oscillations is that !ou can make the
freIuenc! of the oscillations just #hat !ou #ant it to be and hence
!ou can make it a little higher or a little lo#er than the
oscillations set u" b! the recei$ed #a$es.
The Parts and Connections of a .e"arate eterod!ne =ong +a$e Recei$ing
.et.GGThe "arts reIuired for this long #a$e recei$ing set are3 D/E
four hone!comb or other good Kcom"act inductanceK coils of the longest
#a$e length that !ou #ant to recei$eC D5E three K.66/ mfd. $ariable
condensersKC D;E one K.666H mfd. $ariable condenserKC D7E one K/
megohm grid leak resistanceKC DHE one K$acuum tube detectorKC D:E one
KA batter!KC D1E t#o rheostatsC DFE t#o KB batteriesK' one of #hich is
su""lied #ith ta"sC D0E one K"otentiometerKC D/6E one K$acuum tube
am"lifierK' for setting u" the heterod!ne oscillationsC D//E a "air of
Khead"honesK and D/5E all of the "arts for a Kt#oGste" am"lifierK as
detailed in Cha"ter (M' that is if !ou are going to use am"lifiers.
The connections are sho#n in Fig. :/.
8(llustration3 Fig. :/.GG+iring %iagram of =ong +a$e .e"arate
eterod!ne Recei$ing .et.<
(n using either of these heterod!ne recei$ers be sure to carefull!
adjust the B batter! b! means of the "otentiometer.
8Footnote3 The am"lifier tube in this case is used as a generator of
oscillations.<
CAPTER M(,
EA%P>4E. A4% =>@% .PEAAER.
+ireless ead"hones.GGA tele"hone recei$er for a #ireless recei$ing
set is made e-actl! on the same "rinci"le as an ordinar! Bell
tele"hone recei$er. The onl! difference bet#een them is that the
former is made flat and com"act so that a "air of them can be fastened
together #ith a band and #orn on the head D#hen it is called a
KheadsetKE' #hile the latter is long and c!lindrical so that it can be
held to the ear. A further difference bet#een them is that the
#ireless head"hone is made as sensiti$e as "ossible so that it #ill
res"ond to $er! feeble currents' #hile the ordinar! tele"hone recei$er
is far from being sensiti$e and #ill res"ond onl! to com"arati$el!
large currents.
o# a Bell Tele"hone Recei$er (s Bade.GGAn ordinar! tele"hone recei$er
consists of three chief "arts and these are3 D/E a hardGrubber' or
com"osition' shell and ca"' D5E a "ermanent steel bar magnet on one
end of #hich is #ound a coil of fine insulated co""er #ire' and D;E a
soft iron disk' or Kdia"hragmK' all of #hich are sho#n in the
crossGsection in Fig. :5. The bar magnet is securel! fi-ed inside of
the handle so that the outside end comes to #ithin about /P;5 of an
inch of the dia"hragm #hen this is laid on to" of the shell and the
ca" is scre#ed on.
8(llustration3 Fig. :5.GGCrossGsection of Bell tele"hone Recei$er.<
8(llustration3 original Q @nder#ood and @nder#ood. Ale-ander Graham
Bell' (n$entor of the Tele"hone' no# an ardent Radio Enthusiast.<
The ends of the coil of #ire are connected #ith t#o binding "osts
#hich are in the end of the shell' but are sho#n in the "icture at the
sides for the sake of clearness. This coil usuall! has a resistance of
about 1H ohms and the meaning of the Kohmic resistanceK of a recei$er
and its bearing on the sensiti$eness of it #ill be e-"lained a little
farther along. After the disk' or dia"hragm' #hich is generall! made
of thin' soft sheet iron that has been tinned or ja"anned' 8Footnote3
A disk of "hotogra"hic tinGt!"e "late is generall! used.< is "laced
o$er the end of the magnet' the ca"' #hich has a small o"ening in it'
is scre#ed on and the recei$er is read! to use.
o# a +ireless ead"hone (s Bade.GGFor #ireless #ork a recei$er of the
#atchGcase t!"e is used and nearl! al#a!s t#o such recei$ers are
connected #ith a headband. (t consists of a "ermanent bar magnet bent
so that it #ill fit into the shell of the recei$er as sho#n at A in
Fig. :;.
8(llustration3 Fig. :;.GG+ireless ead"hone.<
The ends of this magnet' #hich are called K"olesK' are bent u"' and
hence this t!"e is called a Kbi"olarK recei$er. The magnets are #ound
#ith fine insulated #ire as before and the dia"hragm is held securel!
in "lace o$er them b! scre#ing on the ca".
About Resistance' Turns of +ire and .ensiti$it! of ead"hones.GG(f !ou
are a beginner in #ireless !ou #ill hear those #ho are e-"erienced
s"eak of a tele"hone recei$er as ha$ing a resistance of 1H ohms' /'666
ohms' 5'666 or ;'666 ohms' as the case ma! beC from this !ou #ill
gather that the higher the resistance of the #ire on the magnets the
more sensiti$e the recei$er is. (n a sense this is true' but it is not
the resistance of the magnet coils that makes it sensiti$e' in fact'
it cuts do#n the current' but it is the Knumber of turnsK of #ire on
them that determines its sensiti$enessC it is eas! to see that this is
so' for the larger the number of turns the more often #ill the same
current flo# round the cores of the magnet and so magnetiJe them to a
greater e-tent.
But to #ind a large number of turns of #ire close enough to the cores
to be effecti$e the #ire must be $er! small and so' of course' the
higher the resistance #ill be. 4o# the #ire used for #inding good
recei$ers is usuall! 4o. 76' and this has a diameter of .66;/ inchC
conseIuentl!' #hen !ou kno# the ohmic resistance !ou get an idea of
the number of turns of #ire and from this !ou gather in a general #a!
#hat the sensiti$it! of the recei$er is.
A recei$er that is sensiti$e enough for #ireless #ork should be #ound
to not less than /'666 ohms Dthis means each ear "honeE' #hile those
of a better grade are #ound to as high as ;'666 ohms for each one. A
highGgrade headset is sho#n in Fig. :7. Each "hone of a headset should
be #ound to the same resistance' and these are connected in series as
sho#n. +here t#o or more headsets are used #ith one #ireless recei$ing
set the! must all be of the same resistance and connected in series'
that is' the coils of one head set are connected #ith the coils of the
ne-t head set and so on to form a continuous circuit.
8(llustration3 Fig. :7.GG+ireless ead"hone.<
The (m"edance of ead"hones.GG+hen a current is flo#ing through a
circuit the material of #hich the #ire is made not onl! o""oses its
"assageGGthis is called its Kohmic resistanceKGGbut a
KcounterGelectromoti$e forceK to the current is set u" due to the
inducti$e effects of the current on itself and this is called
Kim"edanceK. +here a #ire is #ound in a coil the im"edance of the
circuit is increased and #here an alternating current is used the
im"edance gro#s greater as the freIuenc! gets higher. The im"edance of
the magnet coils of a recei$er is so great for high freIuenc!
oscillations that the latter cannot "ass through themC in other #ords'
the! are choked off.
o# the ead"hones +ork.GGAs !ou #ill see from the crossGsections in
Figs. :5 and :; there is no connection' electrical or mechanical'
bet#een the dia"hragm and the other "arts of the recei$er. 4o# #hen
either feeble oscillations' #hich ha$e been rectified b! a detector'
or small currents from a B batter!' flo# through the magnet coils the
"ermanent steel magnet is energiJed to a greater e-tent than #hen no
current is flo#ing through it. This added magnetic energ! makes the
magnet attract the dia"hragm more than it #ould do b! its o#n force.
(f' on the other hand' the current is cut off the "ull of the magnet
is lessened and as its attraction for the dia"hragm is decreased the
latter s"rings back to its original "osition. +hen $ar!ing currents
flo# through the coils the dia"hragm $ibrates accordingl! and sends
out sound #a$es.
About =oud ."eakers.GGThe sim"lest acoustic instrument e$er in$ented
is the Kmega"honeK' #hich latter is a Greek #ord meaning Kgreat
soundK. (t is a $er! "rimiti$e de$ice and our (ndians made it out of
birchGbark before Columbus disco$ered America. (n its sim"lest form it
consists of a coneGsha"ed horn and as the s"eaker talks into the small
end the concentrated sound #a$es "ass out of the large end in #hate$er
direction it is held.
4o# a loud s"eaker of #hate$er kind consists of t#o chief "arts and
these are3 D/E a Ktele"hone recei$erK' and D5E a Kmega"honeK' or
KhornK as it is called. A loud s"eaker #hen connected #ith a #ireless
recei$ing set makes it "ossible for a room' or an auditorium' full of
"eo"le' or an outdoor cro#d' to hear #hat is being sent out b! a
distant station instead of being limited to a fe# "ersons listeningGin
#ith head"hones. To use a loud s"eaker !ou should ha$e a $acuum tube
detector recei$ing set and this must be "ro$ided #ith a oneGste"
am"lifier at least.
To get reall! good results !ou need a t#oGste" am"lifier and then
energiJe the "late of the second $acuum tube am"lifier #ith a /66 $olt
B batter!C or if !ou ha$e a threeGste" am"lifier then use the
high $oltage on the "late of the third am"lifier tube. Am"lif!ing
tubes are made to stand a "late "otential of /66 $olts and this is the
kind !ou must use. 4o# it ma! seem curious' but #hen the current flo#s
through the coils of the tele"hone recei$er in one direction it gi$es
better results than #hen it flo#s through in the other directionC to
find out the #a! the current gi$es the best results tr! it out both
#a!s and this !ou can do b! sim"l! re$ersing the connections.
The .im"lest T!"e of =oud ."eaker.GGThis loud s"eaker' #hich is
called' the Arka!' 8Footnote3 Bade b! the Rile!GAlotJ Bfg. Co.'
4e#ark' 4. ?.< #ill #ork on a oneG or t#oGste" am"lifier. (t consists
of a brass horn #ith a cur$e in it and in the bottom there is an
ada"ter' or frame' #ith a set scre# in it so that !ou can fit in one
of !our head"hones and this is all there is to it. The construction is
rigid enough to "re$ent o$ertones' or distortion of s"eech or music.
(t is sho#n in Fig. :H.
8(llustration3 Fig. :H.GGArka! =oud ."eaker.<
Another .im"le Aind of =oud ."eaker.GGAnother loud s"eaker' see Fig.
::' is kno#n as the KAm"litoneK 8Footnote3 Bade b! the American
Pattern' Foundr! and Bachine Co.' F5 Church .treet' 4. ). C.< and it
like#ise makes use of the head"hones as the sound "roducer. This
de$ice has a cast metal horn #hich im"ro$es the Iualit! of the sound'
and all !ou ha$e to do is to sli" the head"hones on the inlet tubes of
the horn and it is read! for use. The t#o head"hones not onl! gi$e a
longer $olume of sound than #here a single one is used but there is a
certain blended Iualit! #hich results from one "hone smoothing out the
im"erfections of the other.
8(llustration3 Fig. ::.GGAm"litone =oud ."eaker.<
A Third Aind of .im"le =oud ."eaker.GGThe o"eration of the
KAm"litronK' 8Footnote3 Bade b! the Radio .er$ice Co.' //6 +. 76th
.treet' 4. ).< as this loud s"eaker is called' is slightl! different
from others used for the same "ur"ose. The sounds set u" b! the
head"hone are con$e!ed to the a"e- of an in$erted co""er cone #hich is
1 inches long and /6 inches in diameter. ere it is reflected b! a
"arabolic mirror #hich greatl! am"lifies the sounds. The am"lification
takes "lace #ithout distortion' the sounds remaining as clear and
cris" as #hen "rojected b! the transmitting station. B! remo$ing the
ca" from the recei$er the shell is scre#ed into a rece"tacle on the
end of the loud s"eaker and the instrument is read! for use. (t is
"ictured in Fig. :1.
8(llustration3 Fig. :1.GGAm"litron =oud ."eaker.<
A .u"er =oud ."eaker.GGThis loud s"eaker' #hich is kno#n as the
KBagna$o- TelemegafoneK' #as the instrument used b! =t. erbert E.
Betcalf' ;'666 feet in the air' and #hich startled the Cit! of
+ashington on A"ril 5' /0/0' b! re"eating President +ilson's K,ictor!
=oan BessageK from an air"lane in flight so that it #as distinctl!
heard b! 56'666 "eo"le belo#.
This #onderful achie$ement #as accom"lished through the installation
of the KBagna$o-K and am"lifiers in front of the Treasur! Building.
E$er! #ord =t. Betcalf s"oke into his #ireless tele"hone transmitter
#as caught and s#elled in $olume b! the KTelemegafonesK belo# and
"ersons blocks a#a! could hear the message "lainl!. T#o kinds of these
loud s"eakers are made and these are3 D/E a small loud s"eaker for the
use of o"erators so that head"hones need not be #orn' and D5E a large
loud s"eaker for auditorium and outGdoor audiences.
8(llustration3 original Q @nder#ood and @nder#ood. +orld's =argest
=oud ."eaker e$er made. (nstalled in =!tle Park' Cincinnati' >hio' to
"ermit President arding's Address at Point Pleasant' >hio' during the
Grant Centenar! Celebration to be heard #ithin a radius of one
sIuare.<
Either kind ma! be used #ith a oneG or t#oGste" am"lifier or #ith a
cascade of half a doJen am"lifiers' according to the degree of
loudness desired. The KTelemegafoneK itself is not an am"lifier in the
true sense inasmuch as it contains no elements #hich #ill locall!
increase the incoming current. (t does' ho#e$er' transform the
$ariable electric currents of the #ireless recei$ing set into sound
$ibrations in a most #onderful manner.
A KtelemegafoneK of either kind is formed of3 D/E a tele"hone recei$er
of large "ro"ortions' D5E a ste"Gdo#n induction coil' and D;E a : $olt
storage batter! that energiJes a "o#erful electromagnet #hich #orks
the dia"hragm. An electromagnet is used instead of a "ermanent magnet
and this is energiJed b! a :G$olt storage batter! as sho#n in the
#iring diagram at A in Fig. :F. >ne end of the core of this magnet is
fi-ed to the iron case of the s"eaker and together these form the
eIui$alent of a horseshoe magnet. A mo$able coil of #ire is su""orted
from the center of the dia"hragm the edge of #hich is rigidl! held
bet#een the case and the small end of the horn. This coil is "laced
o$er the u""er end of the magnet and its terminals are connected to
the secondar! of the induction coil. 4o# #hen the coil is energiJed b!
the current from the am"lifiers it and the core act like a solenoid in
that the coil tends to suck the core into itC but since the core is
fi-ed and the coil is mo$able the core dra#s the coil do#n instead.
The result is that #ith e$er! $ariation of the current that flo#s
through the coil it mo$es u" and do#n and "ulls and "ushes the
dia"hragm do#n and u" #ith it. The large am"litude of the $ibrations
of the latter set u" "o#erful sound #a$es #hich can be heard se$eral
blocks a#a! from the horn. (n this #a! then are the faint incoming
signals' s"eech and music #hich are recei$ed b! the am"lif!ing
recei$ing set re"roduced and magnified enormousl!. The KTelemegafoneK
is sho#n com"lete at B.
8(llustration3 Fig. :F.GGBagna$o- =oud ."eaker.<
CAPTER M,
>PERAT(>4 >F ,AC@@B T@BE RECEPT>R.
From the foregoing cha"ters !ou ha$e seen that the $acuum tube can be
used either as a KdetectorK or an Kam"lifierK or as a KgeneratorK of
electric oscillations' as in the case of the heterod!ne recei$ing set.
To understand ho# a $acuum tube acts as a detector and as an am"lifier
!ou must first kno# #hat KelectronsK are. The #a! in #hich the $acuum
tube sets u" sustained oscillations #ill be e-"lained in Cha"ter M,(((
in connection #ith the K>"eration of ,acuum Tube TransmittersK.
+hat Electrons Are.GG.cience teaches us that masses of matter are made
u" of KmoleculesK' that each of these is made u" of KatomsK' and each
of these' in turn' is made u" of a central core of "ositi$e "articles
of electricit! surrounded b! negati$e "articles of electricit! as
sho#n in the schematic diagram' Fig. :0. The little black circles
inside the large circle re"resent K"ositi$e "articles of electricit!K
and the little #hite circles outside of the large circle re"resent
Knegati$e "articles of electricit!K' or KelectronsK as the! are
called.
8(llustration3 Fig. :0.GG.chematic %iagram of an Atom.<
(t is the number of "ositi$e "articles of electricit! an atom has that
determines the kind of an element that is formed #hen enough atoms of
the same kind are joined together to build it u". Thus h!drogen' #hich
is the lightest kno#n element' has one "ositi$e "article for its
nucleus' #hile uranium' the hea$iest element no# kno#n' has 05
"ositi$e "articles. 4o# before lea$ing the atom "lease note that it is
as much smaller than the diagram as the latter is smaller than our
solar s!stem.
+hat (s Beant b! (oniJation.GGA h!drogen atom is not onl! lighter but
it is smaller than the atom of an! other element #hile an electron is
more than a thousand times smaller than the atom of #hich it is a
"art. 4o# as long as all of the electrons remain attached to the
surface of an atom its "ositi$e and negati$e charges are eIualiJed and
it #ill' therefore' be neither "ositi$e nor negati$e' that is' it #ill
be "erfectl! neutral. +hen' ho#e$er' one or more of its electrons are
se"arated from it' and there are se$eral #a!s b! #hich this can be
done' the atom #ill sho# a "ositi$e charge and it is then called a
K"ositi$e ionK.
(n other #ords a K"ositi$e ionK is an atom that has lost some of its
negati$e electrons #hile a Knegati$e ionK is one that has acIuired
some additional negati$e KelectronsK. +hen a number of electrons are
being constantl! gi$en b! the atoms of an element' #hich let us
su""ose is a metal' and are being attracted to atoms of another
element' #hich #e #ill sa! is also a metal' a flo# of electrons takes
"lace bet#een the t#o o""ositel! charged elements and form a current
of negati$e electricit! as re"resented b! the arro#s at A in Fig. 16.
8(llustration3 Fig. 16.GGAction of T#oGelectrode ,acuum Tube.<
+hen a stream of electrons is flo#ing bet#een t#o metal elements' as a
filament and a "late in a $acuum tube detector' or an am"lifier' the!
act as KcarriersK for more negati$e electrons and these are su""lied
b! a batter! as #e shall "resentl! e-"lain. (t has al#a!s been
customar! for us to think of a current of electricit! as flo#ing from
the "ositi$e "ole of a batter! to the negati$e "ole of it and hence #e
ha$e called this the Kdirection of the currentK. .ince the electronic
theor! has been e$ol$ed it has been sho#n that the electrons' or
negati$e charges of electricit!' flo# from the negati$e to the
"ositi$e "ole and that the ioniJed atoms' #hich are more "ositi$e than
negati$e' flo# in the o""osite direction as sho#n at B.
o# Electrons are .e"arated from Atoms.GGThe ne-t Iuestion that arises
is ho# to make a metal thro# off some of the electrons of the atoms of
#hich it is formed. There are se$eral #a!s that this can be done but
in an! e$ent each atom must be gi$en a good' hard blo#. A sim"le #a!
to do this is to heat a metal to incandescence #hen the atoms #ill
bombard each other #ith terrific force and man! of the electrons #ill
be knocked off and thro#n out into the surrounding s"ace.
But all' or nearl! all' of them #ill return to the atoms from #hence
the! came unless a means of some kind is em"lo!ed to attract them to
the atoms of some other element. This can be done b! gi$ing the latter
"iece of metal a "ositi$e charge. (f no# these t#o "ieces of metal are
"laced in a bulb from #hich the air has been e-hausted and the first
"iece of metal is heated to brillianc! #hile the second "iece of metal
is ke"t "ositi$el! electrified then a stream of electrons #ill flo#
bet#een them.
Action of the T#o Electrode ,acuum Tube.GG4o# in a $acuum tube
detector a #ire filament' like that of an incandescent lam"' is
connected #ith a batter! and this forms the hot element from #hich the
electrons are thro#n off' and a metal "late #ith a terminal #ire
secured to it is connected to the "ositi$e or carbon ta" of a dr!
batter!C no# connect the negati$e or Jinc ta" of this #ith one end of
a tele"hone recei$er and the other end of this #ith the terminals of
the filament as sho#n at A in Fig. 1/. (f no# !ou heat the filament
and hold the "hone to !our ear !ou can hear the current from the B
batter! flo#ing through the circuit.
8(llustration3 DAE and DBE Fig. 1/.GGo# a T#o Electrode Tube Acts as
a Rela! or a %etector.<
8(llustration3 DCE Fig. 1/.GG>nl! the Positi$e Part of >scillations
Goes through the Tube.<
.ince the electrons are negati$e charges of electricit! the! are not
onl! thro#n off b! the hot #ire but the! are attracted b! the "ositi$e
charged metal "late and #hen enough electrons "ass' or flo#' from the
hot #ire to the "late the! form a conducting "ath and so com"lete the
circuit #hich includes the filament' the "late and the B or
"late batter!' #hen the current can then flo# through it. As the
number of electrons that are thro#n off b! the filament is not great
and the $oltage of the "late is not high the current that flo#s
bet#een the filament and the "late is al#a!s Iuite small.
o# the T#o Electrode Tube Acts as a %etector.GGAs the action of a t#o
electrode tube as a detector 8Footnote3 The three electrode $acuum
tube has entirel! taken the "lace of the t#o electrode t!"e.< is
sim"ler than that of the three electrode $acuum tube #e shall describe
it first. The t#o electrode $acuum tube #as first made b! Br. Edison
#hen he #as #orking on the incandescent lam" but that it #ould ser$e
as a detector of electric #a$es #as disco$ered b! Prof. Fleming' of
>-ford @ni$ersit!' =ondon. As a matter of fact' it is not reall! a
detector of electric #a$es' but it acts as3 D/E a KrectifierK of the
oscillations that are set u" in the recei$ing circuits' that is' it
changes them into "ulsating direct currents so that the! #ill flo#
through and affect a tele"hone recei$er' and D5E it acts as a Krela!K
and the feeble recei$ed oscillating current controls the larger direct
current from the B batter! in $er! much the same #a! that a telegra"h
rela! does. This latter rela! action #ill be e-"lained #hen #e come to
its o"eration as an am"lifier.
+e ha$e just learned that #hen the stream of electrons flo# from the
hot #ire to the cold "ositi$e "late in the tube the! form a conducting
"ath through #hich the batter! current can flo#. 4o# #hen the electric
oscillations surge through the closed oscillation circuit' #hich
includes the secondar! of the tuning coil' the $ariable condenser' the
filament and the "late as sho#n at B in Fig. 1/ the "ositi$e "art of
them "asses through the tube easil! #hile the negati$e "art cannot get
through' that is' the to"' or "ositi$e' "art of the #a$eGform remains
intact #hile the lo#er' or negati$e' "art is cut off as sho#n in the
diagram at C. As the recei$ed oscillations are either broken u" into
#a$e trains of audio freIuenc! b! the telegra"h transmitter or are
modulated b! a tele"hone transmitter the! carr! the larger im"ulses of
the direct current from the B batter! along #ith them and these flo#
through the head"hones. This is the reason the $acuum tube am"lifies
as #ell as detects.
o# the Three Electrode Tube Acts as a %etector.GGThe $acuum tube as a
detector has been made $er! much more sensiti$e b! the use of a third
electrode sho#n in Fig. 15. (n this t!"e of $acuum tube the third
electrode' or KgridK' is "laced bet#een the filament and the "late and
this controls the number of electrons flo#ing from the filament to the
"lateC in "assing bet#een these t#o electrodes the! ha$e to go through
the holes formed b! the grid #ires.
8(llustration3 DAE and DBE Fig. 15.GGo# the Positi$e and 4egati$e
,oltages of >scillations Act on the Electrons.<
8(llustration3 DCE Fig. 15.GGo# the Three Electrode Tube Acts as a
%etector and Am"lifier.<
8(llustration3 D%E Fig. 15.GGo# the >scillations Control the Flo# of
the Batter! Current through the Tube.<
(f no# the grid is charged to a higher Knegati$eK $oltage than the
filament the electrons #ill be sto""ed b! the latter' see A' though
some of them #ill go through to the "late because the! tra$el at a
high rate of s"eed. The higher the negati$e charge on the grid the
smaller #ill be the number of electrons that #ill reach the "late and'
of course' the smaller #ill be the amount of current that #ill flo#
through the tube and the head"hones from the B batter!.
>n the other hand if the grid is charged K"ositi$el!K' see B' then
more electrons #ill strike the "late than #hen the grid is not used or
#hen it is negati$el! charged. But #hen the three electrode tube is
used as a detector the oscillations set u" in the circuits change the
grid alternatel! from negati$e to "ositi$e as sho#n at C and hence the
$oltage of the B batter! current that is allo#ed to flo# through the
detector from the "late to the filament rises and falls in unison #ith
the $oltage of the oscillating currents. The #a! the "ositi$e and
negati$e $oltages of the oscillations #hich are set u" b! the incoming
#a$es' energiJe the gridC ho# the oscillator tube cli"s off the
negati$e "arts of them' and' finall!' ho# these carr! the batter!
current through the tube are sho#n gra"hicall! b! the cur$es at %.
o# the ,acuum Tube Acts as an Am"lifier.GG(f !ou connect u" the
filament and the "late of a three electrode tube #ith the batteries
and do not connect in the grid' !ou #ill find that the electrons #hich
are thro#n off b! the filament #ill not get farther than the grid
regardless of ho# high the $oltage is that !ou a""l! to the "late.
This is due to the fact that a large number of electrons #hich are
thro#n off b! the filament strike the grid and gi$e it a negati$e
charge' and conseIuentl!' the! cannot get an! farther. .ince the
electrons do not reach the "late the current from the B batter! cannot
flo# bet#een it and the filament.
4o# #ith a "ro"erl! designed am"lifier tube a $er! small negati$e
$oltage on the grid #ill kee" a $er! large "ositi$e $oltage on the
"late from sending a current through the tube' and o""ositel!' a $er!
small "ositi$e $oltage on the grid #ill let a $er! large "late current
flo# through the tubeC this being true it follo#s that an! small
$ariation of the $oltage from "ositi$e to negati$e on the grid and the
other #a! about #ill $ar! a large current flo#ing from the "late to
the filament.
(n the Borse telegra"h the rela! "ermits the small current that is
recei$ed from the distant sending station to energiJe a "air of
magnets' and these dra# an armature to#ard them and close a second
circuit #hen a large current from a local batter! is a$ailable for
#orking the sounder. The am"lifier tube is a $ariable rela! in that
the feeble currents set u" b! the incoming #a$es constantl! and
"ro"ortionatel! $ar! a large current that flo#s through the
head"hones. This then is the "rinci"le on #hich the am"lif!ing tube
#orks.
The >"eration of a .im"le ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .et.GGThe #a! a sim"le
$acuum tube detector recei$ing set #orks is like this3 #hen the
filament is heated to brillianc! it gi$es off electrons as "re$iousl!
described. 4o# #hen the electric #a$es im"inge on the aerial #ire the!
set u" oscillations in it and these surge through the "rimar! coil of
the loose cou"led tuning coil' a diagram of #hich is sho#n at B in
Fig. 7/.
The energ! of these oscillations sets u" oscillations of the same
freIuenc! in the secondar! coil and these high freIuenc! currents
#hose $oltage is first "ositi$e and then negati$e' surge in the closed
circuit #hich includes the secondar! coil and the $ariable condenser.
At the same time the alternating "ositi$e and negati$e $oltage of the
oscillating currents is im"ressed on the gridC at each change from R
to G and back again it allo#s the electrons to strike the "late and
then shuts them offC as the electrons form the conducting "ath bet#een
the filament and the "late the larger direct current from the B
batter! is "ermitted to flo# through the detector tube and the
head"hones.
>"eration of a Regenerati$e ,acuum Tube Recei$ing .et.GGB! feeding
back the "ulsating direct current from the B batter! through the
tickler coil it sets u" other and stronger oscillations in the
secondar! of the tuning coil #hen these act on the detector tube and
increase its sensiti$eness to a remarkable e-tent. The regenerati$e'
or Kfeed backK' action of the recei$ing circuits used #ill be easil!
understood b! referring back to B in Fig. 71.
+hen the #a$es set u" oscillations in the "rimar! of the tuning coil
the energ! of them "roduces like oscillations in the closed circuit
#hich includes the secondar! coil and the condenserC the alternating
"ositi$e and negati$e $oltages of these are im"ressed on the grid and
these' as #e ha$e seen before' cause similar $ariations of the direct
current from the B batter! #hich acts on the "late and #hich
flo#s bet#een the latter and the filament.
This $ar!ing direct current' ho#e$er' is made to flo# back through the
third' or tickler coil of the tuning coil and sets u" in the secondar!
coil and circuits other and larger oscillating currents and these
augment the action of the oscillations "roduced b! the incoming #a$es.
These e-tra and larger currents #hich are the result of the feedback
then act on the grid and cause still larger $ariations of the current
in the "late $oltage and hence of the current of the B batter!
that flo#s through the detector and the head"hones. At the same time
the tube kee"s on res"onding to the feeble electric oscillations set
u" in the circuits b! the incoming #a$es. This regenerati$e action of
the batter! current augments the original oscillations man! times and
hence "roduce sounds in the head"hones that are man! times greater
than #here the $acuum tube detector alone is used.
>"eration of Autod!ne and eterod!ne Recei$ing .ets.GG>n "age /60
8Cha"ter ,((< #e discussed and at A in Fig. ;: is sho#n a "icture of
t#o tuning forks mounted on sounding bo-es to illustrate the "rinci"le
of electrical tuning. +hen a "air of these forks are made to $ibrate
e-actl! the same number of times "er second there #ill be a
condensation of the air bet#een them and the sound #a$es that are sent
out #ill be augmented. But if !ou adjust one of the forks so that it
#ill $ibrate 5H: times a second and the other fork so that it #ill
$ibrate 5:6 times a second then there #ill be a "hase difference
bet#een the t#o sets of #a$es and the latter #ill augment each other 7
times e$er! second and !ou #ill hear these rising and falling sounds
as KbeatsK.
4o# electric oscillations set u" in t#o circuits that are cou"led
together act in e-actl! the same #a! as sound #a$es "roduced b! t#o
tuning forks that are close to each other. .ince this is true if !ou
tune one of the closed circuits so that the oscillations in it #ill
ha$e a freIuenc! of a /'666'666 and tune the other circuit so that the
oscillations in it ha$e a freIuenc! of /'66/'666 a second then the
oscillations #ill augment each other /'666 times e$er! second.
As these rising and falling currents act on the "ulsating currents
from the B batter! #hich flo# through the detector tube and the
head"hones !ou #ill hear them as beats. A gra"hic re"resentation of
the oscillating currents set u" b! the incoming #a$es' those "roduced
b! the heterod!ne oscillator and the beats the! form is sho#n in Fig.
1;. To "roduce these beats a rece"tor can use3 D/E a single $acuum
tube for setting u" oscillations of both freIuencies #hen it is called
an Kautod!neK' or KselfGheterod!neK rece"tor' or D5E a se"arate $acuum
tube for setting u" the oscillations for the second circuit #hen it is
called a Kheterod!neK rece"tor.
8(llustration3 Fig. 1;.GGo# the eterod!ne Rece"tor +orks.<
The Autod!ne' or .elfGeterod!ne Recei$ing .et.GG+here onl! one $acuum
tube is used for "roducing both freIuencies !ou need onl! a
regenerati$e' or feedGback rece"torC then !ou can tune the aerial #ire
s!stem to the incoming #a$es and tune the closed circuit of the
secondar! coil so that it #ill be out of ste" #ith the former b! /'666
oscillations "er second' more or less' the e-act number does not
matter in the least. From this !ou #ill see that an! regenerati$e set
can be used for autod!ne' or selfGheterod!ne' rece"tion.
The .e"arate eterod!ne Recei$ing .et.GGThe better #a!' ho#e$er' is to
use a se"arate $acuum tube for setting u" the heterod!ne oscillations.
The latter then act on the oscillations that are "roduced b! the
incoming #a$es and #hich energiJe the grid of the detector tube. 4ote
that the $acuum tube used for "roducing the heterod!ne oscillations is
a KgeneratorK of electric oscillationsC the latter are im"ressed on
the detector circuits through the $ariable cou"ling' the secondar! of
#hich is in series #ith the aerial #ire as sho#n in Fig. 17. The #a!
in #hich the tube acts as a generator of oscillations #ill be told in
Cha"ter M,(((.
8(llustration3 Fig. 17.GG.e"arate eterod!ne >scillator.<
CAPTER M,(
C>4T(4@>@. +A,E TE=EGRAP TRA4.B(TT(4G .ET. +(T %(RECT C@RRE4T
(n the first "art of this book #e learned about s"arkGga" telegra"h
sets and ho# the oscillations the! set u" are Kdam"edK and the #a$es
the! send out are K"eriodicK. (n this and the ne-t cha"ter #e shall
find out ho# $acuum tube telegra"h transmitters are made and ho# the!
set u" oscillations that are KsustainedK and radiate #a$es that are
KcontinuousK.
.ending #ireless telegra"h messages b! continuous #a$es has man!
features to recommend it as against sending them b! "eriodic #a$es and
among the most im"ortant of these are that the transmitter can be3 D/E
more shar"l! tuned' D5E it #ill send signals farther #ith the same
amount of "o#er' and D;E it is noiseless in o"eration. The
disad$antageous features are that3 D/E a batter! current is not
satisfactor!' D5E its circuits are some#hat more com"licated' and D;E
the oscillator tubes burn out occasionall!. There is' ho#e$er' a
gro#ing tendenc! among amateurs to use continuous #a$e transmitters
and the! are certainl! more u"GtoGdate and interesting than s"ark ga"
sets.
4o# there are t#o "ractical #a!s b! #hich continuous #a$es can be set
u" for sending either telegra"hic signals or tele"honic s"eech and
music and these are #ith3 DaE an Koscillation arc lam"K' and DbE a
K$acuum tube oscillatorK. The oscillation arc #as the earliest kno#n
#a! of setting u" sustained oscillations' and it is no# largel! used
for commercial high "o#er' long distance #ork. But since the $acuum
tube has been de$elo"ed to a high degree of efficienc! and is the
scheme that is no# in $ogue for amateur stations #e shall confine our
efforts here to e-"laining the a""aratus necessar! and ho# to #ire the
$arious "arts together to "roduce se$eral siJes of $acuum tube
telegra"h transmitters.
.ources of Current for Telegra"h Transmitting .ets.GG%iffering from a
s"arkGga" transmitter !ou cannot get an! a""reciable results #ith a
lo# $oltage batter! current to start #ith. For a "urel! e-"erimental
$acuum tube telegra"h transmitter !ou can use enough B batteries to
o"erate it but the current strength of these dro"s so fact #hen the!
are in use' that the! are not at all satisfactor! for the #ork.
)ou can' ho#e$er' use //6 $olt direct current from a lighting circuit
as !our initial source of "o#er to energiJe the "late of the $acuum
tube oscillator of !our e-"erimental transmitter. +here !ou ha$e a //6
$olt Kdirect currentK lighting ser$ice in !our home and !ou #ant a
higher $oltage for !our "late' !ou #ill then ha$e to use a
motorGgenerator set and this costs mone!. (f !ou ha$e //6 $olt
Kalternating currentK lighting ser$ice at hand !our troubles are o$er
so far as cost is concerned for !ou can ste" it u" to an! $oltage !ou
#ant #ith a "o#er transformer. (n this cha"ter #ill be sho#n ho# to
use a direct current for !our source of initial "o#er and in the ne-t
cha"ter ho# to use an alternating current for the initial "o#er.
An E-"erimental Continuous +a$e Telegra"h Transmitter.GG)ou #ill
remember that in Cha"ter M, #e learned ho# the heterod!ne recei$er
#orks and that in the se"arate heterod!ne recei$ing set the second
$acuum tube is used solel! to set u" oscillations. 4o# #hile this
e-tra tube is used as a generator of oscillations these are' of
course' $er! #eak and hence a detector tube cannot be used to generate
oscillations that are useful for other "ur"oses than heterod!ne
rece"tors and measurements.
There is a $acuum tube am"lifier 8Footnote3 This is the KradiationK
@,G56/' made b! the Radio Cor"oration of America' +ool#orth Bldg.' 4e#
)ork Cit!.< made that #ill stand a "late "otential of /66 $olts' and
this can be used as a generator of oscillations b! energiJing it #ith
a //6 $olt direct current from !our lighting ser$ice. >r in a "inch
!ou can use fi$e standard B batteries to de$elo" the "late $oltage'
but these #ill soon run do#n. But #hate$er !ou do' ne$er use a
current from a lighting circuit on a tube of an! kind that has a rated
"late "otential of less than /66 $olts.
The A""aratus )ou 4eed.GGFor this e-"erimental continuous #a$e
telegra"h transmitter get the follo#ing "ieces of a""aratus3 D/E one
Ksingle coil tuner #ith three cli"sKC D5E one K.665 mfd. fi-ed
condenserKC D;E three K.66/ mfd. condensersKC D7E one Kadjustable grid
leakKC DHE one KhotG#ire ammeterKC D:E one KbuJJerKC D1E one Kdr!
cellKC DFE one Ktelegra"h ke!KC D0E one K/66 $olt "late $acuum tube
am"lifierKC D/6E one K: $olt storage batter!KC D//E one KrheostatKC
D/5E one Koscillation choke coilKC D/;E one K"anel cutGoutK #ith a
KsingleGthro#' doubleG"ole s#itchK' and a "air of Kfuse socketsK on
it.
The Tuning Coil.GG)ou can either make this tuning coil or bu! one. To
make it get t#o disks of #ood ;P7Ginch thick and H inches in diameter
and four stri"s of hard #ood' or better' hard rubber or com"osition
stri"s' such as KbakeliteK' /P5Ginch thick' / inch #ide and HG;P7
inches long' and scre# them to the disks as sho#n at A in Fig. 1H. 4o#
#ra" on this form about 5H turns of 4o. F or /6' Bro#n and .har"e
gauge' bare co""er #ire #ith a s"ace of /PFGinch bet#een each turn.
Get three of the smallest siJe terminal cli"s' see B' and cli" them on
to the different turns' #hen !our tuning coil is read! for use. )ou
can bu! a coil of this kind for O7.66 or OH.66.
The Condensers.GGFor the aerial series condenser get one that has a
ca"acitance of .665 mfd. and that #ill stand a "otential of ;'666
$olts. 8Footnote3 The @ CG/6/7 KFaradonK condenser made b! the Radio
Cor"oration of America #ill ser$e the "ur"ose.< (t is sho#n at C. The
other three condensers' see %' are also of the fi-ed t!"e and ma! ha$e
a ca"acitance of .66/ mfd.C 8Footnote3 =ist 4o. 5::C fi-ed recei$ing
condenser' sold b! the Banhattan Electrical .u""l! Co.< the blocking
condenser should "referabl! ha$e a ca"acitance of /P5 a mfd. (n these
condensers the lea$es of the sheet metal are embedded in com"osition.
The aerial condenser #ill cost !ou O5.66 and the others 1H cents each.
8(llustration3 DAE Fig. 1H.GGA""aratus for E-"erimental C. +.
Telegra"h Transmitter.<
8(llustration3 Fig. 1H.GGA""aratus for E-"erimental C. +. Telegra"h
Transmitter.<
The Aerial Ammeter.GGThis instrument is also called a KhotG#ireK
ammeter because the oscillating currents flo#ing through a "iece of
#ire heat it according to their current strength and as the #ire
contracts and e-"ands it mo$es a needle o$er a scale. The ammeter is
connected in the aerial #ire s!stem' either in the aerial side or the
ground sideGGthe latter "lace is usuall! the most con$enient. +hen !ou
tune the transmitter so that the ammeter sho#s the largest amount of
current surging in the aerial #ire s!stem !ou can consider that the
oscillation circuits are in tune. A hotG#ire ammeter reading to 5.H
am"eres #ill ser$e !our needs' it costs O:.66 and is sho#n at E in
Fig. 1H.
8(llustration3 @nited .tates 4a$al igh Po#er .tation' Arlington ,a.
General $ie# of Po#er Room. At the left can be seen the Control
.#itchboards' and o$erhead' the great ;6 A.+. Arc Transmitter #ith
Accessories.<
The BuJJer and %r! Cell.GG+hile a heterod!ne' or beat' rece"tor can
recei$e continuous #a$e telegra"h signals an ordinar! cr!stal or
$acuum tube detector recei$ing set cannot recei$e them unless the! are
broken u" into trains either at the sending station or at the
recei$ing station' and it is considered the better "ractice to do this
at the former rather than at the latter station. For this small
transmitter !ou can use an ordinar! buJJer as sho#n at F. A dr! cell
or t#o must be used to energiJe the buJJer. )ou can get one for about
1H cents.
The Telegra"h Ae!.GGAn! kind of a telegra"h ke! #ill ser$e to break u"
the trains of sustained oscillations into dots and dashes. The ke!
sho#n at G is mounted on a com"osition base and is the chea"est ke!
made' costing O/.H6.
The ,acuum Tube >scillator.GGAs e-"lained before !ou can use an!
am"lif!ing tube that is made for a "late "otential of /66 $olts. The
current reIuired for heating the filament is about / am"ere at :
$olts. A "orcelain socket should be used for this tube as it is the
best insulating material for the "ur"ose. An am"lifier tube of this
t!"e is sho#n at and costs O:.H6.
The .torage Batter!.GGA storage batter! is used to heat the filament
of the tube' just as it is #ith a detector tube' and it can be of an!
make or ca"acit! as long as it #ill de$elo" : $olts. The chea"est :
$olt storage batter! on the market has a 56 to 76 am"ereGhour ca"acit!
and sells for O/;.66.
The Batter! Rheostat.GGAs #ith the rece"tors a rheostat is needed to
regulate the current that heats the filament. A rheostat of this kind
is sho#n at ( and is listed at O/.5H.
The >scillation Choke Coil.GGThis coil is connected in bet#een the
oscillation circuits and the source of current #hich feeds the
oscillator tube to kee" the oscillations set u" b! the latter from
surging back into the ser$ice #ires #here the! #ould break do#n the
insulation. )ou can make an oscillation choke coil b! #inding sa! /66
turns of 4o. 5F Bro#n and .har"e gauge double cotton co$ered magnet
#ire on a cardboard c!linder 5 inches in diameter and 5G/P5 inches
long.
Transmitter Connectors.GGFor connecting u" the different "ieces of
a""aratus of the transmitter it is a good scheme to use Kco""er
braidKC this is made of braided co""er #ire in three siJes and sells
for 1'/H and 56 cents a foot res"ecti$el!. A "iece of it is "ictured
at ?.
The Panel CutG>ut.GGThis is used to connect the cord of the //6G$olt
lam" socket #ith the transmitter. (t consists of a "air of K"lug
cutouts and a singleGthro#' doubleG"oleK s#itch mounted on a "orcelain
base as sho#n at A. (n some localities it is necessar! to "lace these
in an iron bo- to conform to the reIuirements of the fire
under#riters.
Connecting @" the Transmitting A""aratus.GGThe #a! the $arious "ieces
of a""aratus are connected together is sho#n in the #iring diagram.
Fig. 1:. Begin b! connecting one "ost of the ammeter #ith the #ire
that leads to the aerial and the other "ost of it to one end of the
tuning coilC connect cli" K/K to one terminal of the .665 mfd. ;'666
$olt aerial condenser and the other "ost of this #ith the ground.
8(llustration3 Fig. 1:GGE-"erimental C.+. Telegra"h Transmitter<
4o# connect the end of the tuning coil that leads to the ammeter #ith
one end of the .66/ mfd. grid condenser and the other end of this #ith
the grid of the $acuum tube. Connect the telegra"h ke!' the buJJer and
the dr! cell in series and then shunt them around the grid condenser.
4e-t connect the "late of the tube #ith one end of the .66/ mfd.
blocking condenser and the other end of this #ith the cli" K5K on the
tuning coil.
Connect one end of the filament #ith the R or "ositi$e electrode of
the storage batter!' the G or negati$e electrode of this #ith one "ost
of the rheostat and the other "ost of the latter #ith the other end of
the filamentC then connect cli" K;K #ith the R or "ositi$e side of the
storage batter!. This done connect one end of the choke coil to the
conductor that leads to the "late and connect the other end of the
choke coil to one of the ta"s of the s#itch on the "anel cutGout.
Connect the R or "ositi$e electrode of the storage batter! to the
other s#itch ta" and bet#een the s#itch and the choke coil connect the
"rotecti$e condenser across the //6 $olt feed #ires. Finall! connect
the lam" cord from the socket to the "lug fuse ta"s #hen !our
e-"erimental continuous #a$e telegra"h transmitter is read! to use.
A /66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.GGere is a continuous
#a$e telegra"h transmitter that #ill co$er distances u" to /66 miles
that !ou can rel! on. (t is built on e-actl! the same lines as the
e-"erimental transmitter just described' but instead of using a /66
$olt "late am"lifier as a makeshift generator of oscillations it
em"lo!s a $acuum tube made es"eciall! for setting u" oscillations and
instead of ha$ing a lo# "late $oltage it is energiJed #ith ;H6 $olts.
The A""aratus )ou 4eed.GGFor this transmitter !ou reIuire3 D/E one
Koscillation transformerKC D5E one KhotG#ire ammeterKC D;E one Kaerial
series condenserKC D7E one Kgrid leak resistanceKC DHE one Kcho""erKC
D:E one Kke! circuit choke coilKC D1E one KH #att $acuum tube
oscillatorKC DFE one K: $olt storage batter!KC D0E one Kbatter!
rheostatKC D/6E one Kbatter! $oltmeterKC D//E one Kblocking
condenserKC D/5E one K"o#er circuit choke coilK' and D/;E one
KmotorGgeneratorK.
The >scillation Transformer.GGThe tuning coil' or Koscillation
transformerK as this one is called' is a conducti$el! cou"led
tunerGGthat is' the "rimar! and secondar! coils form one continuous
coil instead of t#o se"arate coils. This tuner is made u" of 5H turns
of thin co""er stri"' ;PF inch #ide and #ith its edges rounded' and
this is secured to a #ood base as sho#n at A in Fig. 11. (t is fitted
#ith one fi-ed ta" and three cli"s to each of #hich a length of co""er
braid is attached. (t has a diameter of :G/P7 inches' a height of
1G1PF inches and a length of 0G;PF inches' and it costs O//.66.
8(llustration3 Fig. 11.GGA""aratus of /66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h
Transmitter.<
The Aerial Condenser.GGThis condenser is made u" of three fi-ed
condensers of different ca"acitances' namel! .666;' .6667 and .666H
mfd.' and these are made to stand a "otential of 1H66 $olts. The
condenser is therefore adjustable and' as !ou #ill see from the
"icture B' it has one terminal #ire at one end and three terminal
#ires at the other end so that one' t#o or three condensers can be
used in series #ith the aerial. A condenser of this kind costs OH.76.
The Aerial Ammeter.GGThis is the same kind of a hotG#ire ammeter
alread! described in connection #ith the e-"erimental set' but it
reads to H am"eres.
The Grid and Blocking Condensers.GGEach of these is a fi-ed condenser
of .665 mfd. ca"acitance and is rated to stand ;'666 $olts. (t is
made like the aerial condenser but has onl! t#o terminals. (t costs
O5.66.
The Ae! Circuit A""aratus.GGThis consists of3 D/E the Kgrid leakKC D5E
the Kcho""erKC D;E the Kchoke coilK' and D7E the Kke!K. The grid leak
is connected in the lead from the grid to the aerial to kee" the
$oltage on the grid at the right "otential. (t has a resistance of
H666 ohms #ith a midGta" at 5H66 ohms as sho#n at C. (t costs O5.66.
The cho""er is sim"l! a rotar! interru"ter dri$en b! a small motor. (t
com"rises a #heel of insulating material in #hich ;6 or more metal
segments are set in an insulating disk as sho#n at %. A metal contact
called a brush is fi-ed on either side of the #heel. (t costs about
O1.66 and the motor to dri$e it is e-tra. The choke coil is #ound u"
of about 5H6 turns of 4o. ;6 Bro#n and .har"e gauge cotton co$ered
magnet #ire on a s"ool #hich has a diameter of 5 inches and a length
of ;G/P7 inches.
The H +att >scillator ,acuum Tube.GGThis tube is made like the
am"lifier tube described for use #ith the "receding e-"erimental
transmitter' but it is larger' has a more "erfect $acuum' and #ill
stand a "late "otential of ;H6 $olts #hile the "late current is .67H
am"ere. The filament takes a current of a little more than 5 am"eres
at 1.H $olts. A standard 7Gta" base is used #ith it. The tube costs
OF.66 and the "orcelain base is O/.66 e-tra. (t is sho#n at E.
The .torage Batter! and Rheostat.GGThis must be a HGcell batter! so
that it #ill de$elo" /6 $olts. A storage batter! of an! ca"acit! can
be used but the lo#est "riced one costs about O55.66. The rheostat for
regulating the batter! current is the same as that used in the
"receding e-"erimental transmitter.
The Filament ,oltmeter.GGTo get the best results it is necessar! that
the $oltage of the current #hich heats the filament be ke"t at the
same $alue all of the time. For this transmitter a direct current
$oltmeter reading from 6 to /H $olts is used. (t is sho#n at F and
costs O1.H6. The >scillation Choke Coil.GGThis is made e-actl! like
the one described in connection #ith the e-"erimental transmitter.
The BotorGGenerator .et.GG+here !ou ha$e onl! a //6 or a 556 $olt
direct current a$ailable as a source of "o#er !ou need a
KmotorGgeneratorK to change it to ;H6 $olts' and this is an e-"ensi$e
"iece of a""aratus. (t consists of a single armature core #ith a motor
#inding and a generator #inding on it and each of these has its o#n
commutator. +here the lo# $oltage current flo#s into one of the
#indings it dri$es its as a motor and this in turn generates the
higher $oltage current in the other #inding. Get a /66 #att ;H6 $olt
motorGgeneratorC it is sho#n at F and costs about O1H.66.
The Panel CutG>ut.GGThis s#itch and fuse block is the same as that
used in the e-"erimental set.
The Protecti$e Condenser.GGThis is a fi-ed condenser ha$ing a
ca"acitance of / mfd. and #ill stand 1H6 $olts. (t costs O5.66.
Connecting @" the Transmitting A""aratus.GGFrom all that has gone
before !ou ha$e seen that each "iece of a""aratus is fitted #ith
terminal' #ires' ta"s or binding "osts. To connect u" the "arts of
this transmitter it is onl! necessar! to make the connections as sho#n
in the #iring diagram Fig. 1F.
8(llustration3 Fig. 1F.GGH to H6 +att C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.
D+ith .ingle >scillation Tube.E<
A 566 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.GGTo make a continuous #a$e
telegra"h transmitter that #ill co$er distances u" to 566 miles all
!ou ha$e to do is to use t#o H #att $acuum tubes in K"arallelK' all of
the rest of the a""aratus being e-actl! the same. Connecting the
oscillator tubes u" in "arallel means that the t#o filaments are
connected across the leads of the storage batter!' the t#o grids on
the same lead that goes to the aerial and the t#o "lates on the same
lead that goes to the "ositi$e "ole of the generator. +here t#o or
more oscillator tubes are used onl! one storage batter! is needed' but
each filament must ha$e its o#n rheostat. The #iring diagram Fig. 10
sho#s ho# the t#o tubes are connected u" in "arallel.
8(llustration3 Fig. 10.GG566 Bile C.+. Telegra"h Transmitter D+ith T#o
Tubes in Parallel.E<
A H66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.GGFor sending to distances of
o$er 566 miles and u" to H66 miles !ou can use either3 D/E three or
four H #att oscillator tubes in "arallel as described abo$e' or D5E
one H6 #att oscillator tube. Buch of the a""aratus for a H6 #att tube
set is e-actl! the same as that used for the H #att sets. .ome of the
"arts' ho#e$er' must be "ro"ortionatel! larger though the design all
the #a! through remains the same.
The A""aratus and Connections.GGThe aerial series condenser' the
blocking condenser' the grid condenser' the telegra"h ke!' the
cho""er' the choke coil in the ke! circuit' the filament $oltmeter and
the "rotecti$e condenser in the "o#er circuit are identical #ith those
described for the H #att transmitting set.
The H6 +att ,acuum Tube >scillator.GGThis is the siJe of tube
generall! used b! amateurs for long distance continuous #a$e
telegra"h!. A single tube #ill de$elo" 5 to ; am"eres in !our aerial.
The filament takes a /6 $olt current and a "late "otential of /'666
$olts is needed. >ne of these tubes is sho#n in Fig. F6 and the cost
is O;6.66. A tube socket to fit it costs O5.H6 e-tra.
8(llustration3 Fig. F6.GGH6 +att >scillator ,acuum Tube.<
The Aerial Ammeter.GGThis should read to H am"eres and the cost is
O:.5H.
The Grid =eak Resistance.GG(t has the same resistance' namel! H'666
ohms as the one used #ith the H #att tube transmitter' but it is a
little larger. (t is listed at O/.:H.
The >scillation Choke Coil.GGThe choke coil in the "o#er circuit is
made of about 5:6 turns of 4o. ;6 B. T .. cotton co$ered magnet #ire
#ound on a s"ool 5G/P7 inches in diameter and ;G/P7 inches long.
The Filament Rheostat.GGThis is made to take care of a /6 $olt current
and it costs O/6.66.
The Filament .torage Batter!.GGThis must de$elo" /5 $olts and one
ha$ing an out"ut of 76 am"ereGhours costs about O5H.66.
The Protecti$e Condenser.GGThis condenser has a ca"acitance of / mfd.
and costs O5.66.
The BotorGGenerator.GG+here !ou use one H6 #att oscillator tube !ou
#ill need a motorGgenerator that de$elo"s a "late "otential of /666
$olts and has an out"ut of 566 #atts. This machine #ill stand !ou
about O/66.66.
The different "ieces of a""aratus for this set are connected u"
e-actl! the same as sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. 1F.
A /666 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitter.GGAll of the "arts of this
transmitting set are the same as for the H66 mile transmitter just
described e-ce"t the motor generator and #hile this de$elo"s the same
"late "otential' i.e.' /'666 $olts' it must ha$e an out"ut of H66
#attsC it #ill cost !ou in the neighborhood of O/1H.66. For this long
distance transmitter !ou use t#o H6 #att oscillator tubes in "arallel
and all of the "arts are connected together e-actl! the same as for
the 566 mile transmitter sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. 10.
CAPTER M,((
C>4T(4@>@. +A,E TE=EGRAP TRA4.B(TT(4G .ET. +(T A=TER4AT(4G C@RRE4T
+ithin the last fe# !ears alternating current has largel! taken the
"lace of direct current for light' heat and "o#er "ur"oses in and
around to#ns and cities and if !ou ha$e alternating current ser$ice in
!our home !ou can install a long distance continuous #a$e telegra"h
transmitter #ith $er! little trouble and at a com"arati$el! small
e-"ense.
A /66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitting .et.GGThe "rinci"al "ieces of
a""aratus for this transmitter are the same as those used for the K/66
Bile Continuous +a$e Telegra"h Transmitting .etK described and
"ictured in the "receding cha"ter #hich used direct current' e-ce"t
that an Kalternating current "o#er transformerK is em"lo!ed instead of
the more costl! KmotorGgeneratorK.
The A""aratus ReIuired.GGThe $arious "ieces of a""aratus !ou #ill need
for this transmitting set are3 D/E one KhotG#ire ammeterK for the
aerial as sho#n at E in Fig. 1H' but #hich reads to H am"eres instead
of to 5.H am"eresC D5E one Ktuning coilK as sho#n at A in Fig. 11C D;E
one aerial condenser as sho#n at B in Fig. 11C D7E one Kgrid leakK as
sho#n at C in Fig. 11C DHE one Ktelegra"h ke!K as sho#n at G in Fig.
1HC D:E one Kgrid condenserK' made like the aerial condenser but
ha$ing onl! t#o terminalsC D1E one KH #att oscillator tubeK as sho#n
at E in Fig. 11C DFE one K.665 mfd. ;'666 $olt b!G"ass condenserK'
made like the aerial and grid condensersC D0E one "air of Kchoke
coilsK for the high $oltage secondar! circuitC D/6E one
KmilliGammeterKC D//E one A. C. K"o#er transformerKC D/5E one
KrheostatK as sho#n at ( in Fig. 1H' and D/;E one K"anel cutGoutK as
sho#n at A in Fig. 1H.
The Choke Coils.GGEach of these is made b! #inding about /66 turns of
4o. 5F' Bro#n and .har"e gauge' cotton co$ered magnet #ire on a s"ool
5 inches in diameter and 5G/P5 inches long' #hen it #ill ha$e an
inductance of about 6.H Kmillihenr!K 8Footnote3 A millihenr! is
/P/666th "art of a henr!.< at /'666 c!cles.
The BilliGammeter.GGThis is an alternating current ammeter and reads
from 6 to 5H6 Kmilliam"eresKC 8Footnote3 A Kmilliam"ereK is the
/P/666th "art of an am"ere.< and is used for measuring the secondar!
current that energiJes the "late of the oscillator tube. (t looks like
the aerial ammeter and costs about O1.H6.
The A. C. Po#er Transformer.GG%iffering from the motor generator set
the "o#er transformer has no mo$ing "arts. For this transmitting set
!ou need a transformer that has an in"ut of ;5H $olts. (t is made to
#ork on a H6 to :6 c!cle current at /65.H to //H $olts' #hich is the
range of $oltage of the ordinar! alternating lighting current. This
adjustment for $oltage is made b! means of ta"s brought out from the
"rimar! coil to a rotar! s#itch.
The high $oltage secondar! coil #hich energiJes the "late has an
out"ut of /1H #atts and de$elo"s a "otential of from ;H6 to /'/66
$olts. The lo# $oltage secondar! coil #hich heats the filament has an
out"ut of /1H #atts and de$elo"s 1.H $olts. This transformer' #hich is
sho#n in Fig. F/' is large enough to take care of from one to four H
#att oscillator tubes. (t #eighs about /H "ounds and sells for O5H.66.
8(llustration3 Fig. F/.GGAlternation Current Po#er Transformer. DFor
C. +. Telegra"h! and +ireless Tele"hon!.E<
8(llustration3 The Transformer and Tuner of the +orld's =argest Radio
.tation. >#ned b! the Radio Cor"oration of America at Rock! Point near
Port ?efferson =.(.<
Connecting @" the A""aratus.GGThe #iring diagram Fig. F5 sho#s clearl!
ho# all of the connections are made. (t #ill be obser$ed that a
storage batter! is not needed as the secondar! coil of the transformer
su""lies the current to heat the filament of the oscillator. The
filament $oltmeter is connected across the filament secondar! coil
terminals' #hile the "late milliGammeter is connected to the midGta"s
of the "late secondar! coil and the filament secondar! coil.
8(llustration3 Fig. F5. +iring %iagram for 566 to H66 Bile C.+.
Telegra"h Transmitting .et. D+ith Alternating CurrentE<
A 566 to H66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitting .et.GG%istances of from
566 to H66 miles can be successfull! co$ered #ith a telegra"h
transmitter using t#o' three or four H #att oscillator tubes in
"arallel. The a""aratus needed is identical #ith that used for the /66
mile transmitter just described. The tubes are connected in "arallel
as sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. F;.
8(llustration3 Fig. F;.GG+iring %iagram for H66 to /666 Bile C. +.
Telegra"h Transmitter.<
A H66 to /'666 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitting .et.GG+ith the
a""aratus described for the abo$e set and a single H6 #att oscillator
tube a distance of u"#ards of H66 miles can be co$ered' #hile #ith t#o
H6 #att oscillator tubes in "arallel !ou can co$er a distance of /'666
miles #ithout difficult!' and nearl! 5'666 miles ha$e been co$ered
#ith this set.
The A""aratus ReIuired.GGAll of the a""aratus for this C. +.
telegra"h transmitting set is the same as that described for the /66
and 566 mile sets but !ou #ill need3 D/E one or t#o KH6 #att
oscillator tubes #ith socketsCK D5E one Kke! condenserK that has a
ca"acitance of / mfd.' and a rated "otential of /'1H6 $oltsC D;E one
K6 to H66 milliGammeterKC D7E one Kaerial ammeterK reading to H
am"eres' and DHE an KA. C. "o#er transformerK for one or t#o H6 #att
tubes.
8(llustration3 Broadcasting Go$ernment Re"orts b! +ireless from
+ashington. This sho#s Br. Gale at #ork #ith his set in the Post
>ffice %e"artment.<
The Alternating Current Po#er Transformer.GGThis "o#er transformer is
made e-actl! like the one described in connection #ith the "receding
/66 mile transmitter and "ictured in Fig. F/' but it is considerabl!
larger. =ike the smaller one' ho#e$er' it is made to #ork #ith a H6 to
:6 c!cle current at /65.H to //H $olts and' hence' can be used #ith
an! A. C. lighting current.
(t has an in"ut of 1H6 $olts and the high $oltage secondar! coil #hich
energiJes the "late has an out"ut of 7H6 #atts and de$elo"s /'H66 to
;'666 $olts. The lo# $oltage secondar! coil #hich heats the filament
de$elo"s /6.H $olts. This transformer #ill su""l! current for one or
t#o H6G#att oscillator tubes and it costs about O76.66.
Connecting @" the A""aratus.GG+here a single oscillator tube is used
the "arts are connected as sho#n in Fig. F5' and #here t#o tubes are
connected in "arallel the $arious "ieces of a""aratus are #ired
together as sho#n in Fig. F;. The onl! difference bet#een the H #att
tube transmitter and the H6 #att tube transmitter is in the siJe of
the a""aratus #ith one e-ce"tionC #here one or t#o H6 #att tubes are
used a second condenser of large ca"acitance D/ mfd.E is "laced in the
grid circuit and the telegra"h ke! is shunted around it as sho#n in
the diagram Fig. F;.
CAPTER M,(((
+(RE=E.. TE=EP>4E TRA4.B(TT(4G .ET. +(T %(RECT A4% A=TER4AT(4G
C@RRE4T.
(n time "ast the most difficult of all electrical a""aratus for the
amateur to make' install and #ork #as the #ireless tele"hone. This #as
because it reIuired a Kdirect currentK of not less than H66 $olts to
set u" the sustained oscillations and all ordinar! direct current for
lighting "ur"oses is usuall! generated at a "otential of //6 $olts.
4o# as !ou kno# it is eas! to Kste"Gu"K a //6 $olt alternating current
to an! $oltage !ou #ish #ith a "o#er transformer but until #ithin
com"arati$el! recent !ears an alternating current could not be used
for the "roduction of sustained oscillations for the $er! good reason
that the state of the art had not ad$anced that far. (n the ne# order
of things these difficulties ha$e all but $anished and #hile a
#ireless tele"hone transmitter still reIuires a high $oltage direct
current to o"erate it this is easil! obtained from //6 $olt source of
alternating current b! means of K$acuum tube rectifiersK.
The "ulsating direct currents are then "assed through a filtering
reactance coil' called a KreactorK' and one or more condensers' and
these smooth them out until the! a""ro-imate a continuous direct
current. The latter is then made to flo# through a $acuum tube
oscillator #hen it is con$erted into high freIuenc! oscillations and
these are K$ariedK' or KmodulatedK' as it is called' b! a Kmicro"hone
transmitterK such as is used for ordinar! #ire tele"hon!. The energ!
of these sustained modulated oscillations is then radiated into s"ace
from the aerial in the form of electric #a$es.
The distance that can be co$ered #ith a #ireless tele"hone transmitter
is about oneGfourth as great as that of a #ireless telegra"h
transmitter ha$ing the same in"ut of initial current' but it is long
enough to satisf! the most enthusiastic amateur. For instance #ith a
#ireless tele"hone transmitter #here an am"lifier tube is used to set
u" the oscillations and #hich is made for a "late "otential of /66
$olts' distances u" to /6 or /H miles can be co$ered.
+ith a single H #att oscillator tube energiJed b! a direct current of
;H6 $olts from either a motorGgenerator or from a "o#er transformer
Dafter it has been rectified and smoothed outE s"eech and music can be
transmitted to u"#ards of 5H miles. +here t#o H #att tubes connected
in "arallel are used #ireless tele"hone messages can be transmitted to
distances of 76 or H6 miles. Further' a single H6 #att oscillator tube
#ill send to distances of H6 to /66 miles #hile t#o of these tubes in
"arallel #ill send from /66 to 566 miles. Finall!' #here four or fi$e
oscillator tubes are connected in "arallel "ro"ortionatel! greater
distances can be co$ered.
A .hort %istance +ireless Tele"hone Transmitting .etG+ith //6 ,olt
%irect =ighting Current.GGFor this $er! sim"le' short distance
#ireless tele"hone transmitting set !ou need the same a""aratus as
that described and "ictured in the beginning of Cha"ter M,( for a
K.hort %istance C. +. Telegra"h TransmitterK' e-ce"t that !ou use a
Kmicro"hone transmitterK instead of a Ktelegra"h ke!K. (f !ou ha$e a
//6 $olt direct lighting current in !our home !ou can "ut u" this
short distance set for $er! little mone! and it #ill be #ell #orth
!our #hile to do so.
The A""aratus )ou 4eed.GGFor this set !ou reIuire3 D/E one Ktuning
coilK as sho#n at A and B in Fig. 1HC D5E one Kaerial ammeterK as
sho#n at C in Fig. 1HC D;E one Kaerial condenserK as sho#n at C in
Fig. 1HC D7E one Kgrid' blocking and "rotecti$e condenserK as sho#n at
% in Fig. 1HC DHE one Kgrid leakK as sho#n at C in Fig. 11C D:E one
K$acuum tube am"lifierK #hich is used as an KoscillatorKC D1E one K:
$olt storage batter!KC DFE one KrheostatK as sho#n at ( in Fig. 1HC
D0E one Koscillation choke coilKC D/6E one K"anel cutGoutK as sho#n at
A in Fig. 1H and an ordinar! Kmicro"hone transmitterK.
The Bicro"hone Transmitter.GGThe best kind of a micro"hone to use #ith
this and other tele"hone transmitting sets is a K+estern Electric 4o.
5F7G+K. 8Footnote3 Bade b! the +estern Electric Com"an!' Chicago'
(ll.< This is kno#n as a solid back transmitter and is the standard
commercial t!"e used on all long distance Bell tele"hone lines. (t
articulates shar"l! and distinctl! and there are no current $ariations
to distort the #a$e form of the $oice and it #ill not buJJ or siJJle.
(t is sho#n in Fig. F7 and costs O5.66. An! other good micro"hone
transmitter can be used if desired.
8(llustration3 Fig. F7.GG.tandard Bicro"hone Transmitter.<
Connecting @" the A""aratus.GGBegin b! connecting the leadingGin #ire
#ith one of the terminals of the micro"hone transmitter' as sho#n in
the #iring diagram Fig. FH' and the other terminal of this to one end
of the tuning coil. 4o# connect Kcli" /K of the tuning coil to one of
the "osts of the hotG#ire ammeter' the other "ost of this to one end
of aerial condenser and' finall!' the other end of the latter #ith the
#ater "i"e or other ground. The micro"hone can be connected in the
ground #ire and the ammeter in the aerial #ire and the results #ill be
"racticall! the same.
8(llustration3 Fig. FH.GG+iring %iagram of .hort %istance +ireless
Tele"hone .et. DBicro"hone in Aerial +ire.E<
4e-t connect one end of the grid condenser to the "ost of the tuning
coil that makes connection #ith the micro"hone and the other end to
the grid of the tube' and then shunt the grid leak around the
condenser. Connect the R or K"ositi$eK electrode of the storage
batter! #ith one terminal of the filament of the $acuum tube' the
other terminal of the filament #ith one "ost of the rheostat and the
other "ost of this #ith the G or Knegati$eK electrode of the batter!.
This done' connect Kcli" 5K of the tuning coil to the R or K"ositi$eK
electrode of the batter! and bring a lead from it to one of the s#itch
ta"s of the "anel cutGout.
4o# connect Kcli" ;K of the tuning coil #ith one end of the blocking
condenser' the other end of this #ith one terminal of the choke coil
and the other terminal of the latter #ith the other s#itch ta" of the
cutGout. Connect the "rotecti$e condenser across the direct current
feed #ires bet#een the "anel cutGout and the choke coil. Finall!
connect the ends of a lam" cord to the fuse socket ta"s of the
cutGout' and connect the other ends to a lam" "lug and scre# it into
the lam" socket of the feed #ires. .cre# in a "air of H am"ere Kfuse
"lugsK' close the s#itch and !ou are read! to tune the transmitter and
talk to !our friends.
A 5H to H6 Bile +ireless Tele"hone TransmitterGG+ith %irect Current
Botor Generator.GG+here !ou ha$e to start #ith //6 or 556 $olt direct
current and !ou #ant to transmit to a distance of 5H miles or more !ou
#ill ha$e to install a KmotorGgeneratorK. To make this transmitter !ou
#ill need e-actl! the same a""aratus as that described and "ictured
for the K/66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitting .etK in Cha"ter M,('
e-ce"t that !ou must substitute a Kmicro"hone transmitterK and a
Ktele"hone induction coilK' or a Kmicro"hone transformerK' or still
better' a Kmagnetic modulatorK' for the telegra"h ke! and cho""er.
The A""aratus )ou 4eed.GGTo reiterateC the "ieces of a""aratus !ou
need are3 D/E one Kaerial ammeterK as sho#n at E in Fig. 1HC D5E one
Ktuning coilK as sho#n at A in Fig. 11C D;E one Kaerial condenserK as
sho#n at B in Fig. 11C D7E one Kgrid leakK as sho#n at C in Fig. 11C
DHE one Kgrid' blockingK and K"rotecti$e condenserKC D:E one KH #att
oscillator tubeK as sho#n at E in Fig. 11C D1E one KrheostatK as sho#n
at ( in Fig. 1HC DFE one K/6 $olt DH cellE storage batter!KC D0E one
Kchoke coilKC D/6E one K"anel cutGoutK as sho#n at A in Fig. 1H' and
D//E a KmotorGgeneratorK ha$ing an in"ut of //6 or 556 $olts and an
out"ut of ;H6 $olts.
(n addition to the abo$e a""aratus !ou #ill need3 D/5E a Kmicro"hone
transmitterK as sho#n in Fig. F7C D/;E a batter! of four dr! cells or
a : $olt storage batter!' and either D/7E a Ktele"hone induction coilK
as sho#n in Fig. F:C D/HE a Kmicro"hone transformerK as sho#n in Fig.
F1C or a Kmagnetic modulatorK as sho#n in Fig. FF. All of these "arts
ha$e been described' as said abo$e' in Cha"ter M,(' e-ce"t the
micro"hone modulators.
8(llustration3 Fig. F:.GGTele"hone (nduction Coil. D@sed #ith
Bicro"hone Transmitter.E<
8(llustration3 Fig. F1.GGBicro"hone Transformer. D@sed #ith Bicro"hone
Transmitter.E<
8(llustration3 Fig. FF.GGBagnetic Bodulator. D@sed #ith Bicro"hone
Transmitter.E<
The Tele"hone (nduction Coil.GGThis is a little induction coil that
transforms the :G$olt batter! current after it has flo#ed through and
been modulated b! the micro"hone transmitter into alternating currents
that ha$e a "otential of /'666 $olts of more. (t consists of a "rimar!
coil of K4o. 56 B. and ..K gauge cotton co$ered magnet #ire #ound on a
core of soft iron #ires #hile around the "rimar! coil is #ound a
secondar! coil of K4o. ;6K magnet #ire. Get a Kstandard tele"hone
induction coilK that has a resistance of H66 or 1H6 ohms and this #ill
cost !ou a cou"le of dollars.
The Bicro"hone Transformer.GGThis de$ice is built on e-actl! the same
"rinci"le as the tele"hone induction coil just described but it is
more effecti$e because it is designed es"eciall! for modulating the
oscillations set u" b! $acuum tube transmitters. As #ith the tele"hone
induction coil' the micro"hone transmitter is connected in series #ith
the "rimar! coil and a : $olt dr! or storage batter!.
(n the better makes of micro"hone transformer' there is a third
#inding' called a Kside toneK coil' to #hich a head"hone can be
connected so that the o"erator #ho is s"eaking into the micro"hone can
listenGin and so learn if his transmitter is #orking u" to standard.
The Bagnetic Bodulator.GGThis is a small closed iron core transformer
of "eculiar design and ha$ing a "rimar! and a secondar! coil #ound on
it. This de$ice is used to control the $ariations of the oscillating
currents that are set u" b! the oscillator tube. (t is made in three
siJes and for the transmitter here described !ou #ant the smallest
siJe' #hich has an out"ut of /P5 to /G/P5 am"eres. (t costs about
O/6.66.
o# the A""aratus (s Connected @".GGThe different "ieces of a""aratus
are connected together in e-actl! the same #a! as the K/66 Bile C. +.
Telegra"h .etK in Cha"ter M,( e-ce"t that the micro"hone transmitter
and micro"hone modulator D#hiche$er kind !ou useE is substituted for
the telegra"h ke! and cho""er.
4o# there are three different #a!s that the micro"hone and its
modulator can be connected in circuit. T#o of the best #a!s are sho#n
at A and B in Fig. F0. (n the first #a! the secondar! terminals of the
modulator are shunted around the grid leak in the grid circuit as at
A' and in the second the secondar! terminals are connected in the
aerial as at B. +here an induction coil or a micro"hone transformer is
used the! are shunted around a condenser' but this is not necessar!
#ith the magnetic modulator. +here a second tube is used as in Fig. 06
then the micro"hone and its modulator are connected #ith the grid
circuit and Kcli" ;K of the tuning coil.
8(llustration3 Fig. F0.GG+iring %iagram of 5H to H6 Bile +ireless
Tele"hone. DBicro"hone Bodulator .hunted Around GridG=eak Condenser.E<
8(llustration3 DBE Fig. F0.GGBicro"hone Bodulator Connected in Aerial
+ire.<
8(llustration3 Fig. 06.GG+iring %iagram of H6 to /66 Bile +ireless
Tele"hone Transmitting .et.<
A H6 to /66 Bile +ireless Tele"hone TransmitterGG+ith %irect Current
Botor Generator.GGAs the initial source of current a$ailable is taken
to be a //6 or 556 $olt direct current a motorGgenerator ha$ing an
out"ut of ;H6 $olts must be used as before. The onl! difference
bet#een this transmitter and the "receding one is that3 D/E t#o H #att
tubes are used' the first ser$ing as an KoscillatorK and the second as
a KmodulatorKC D5E an Koscillation choke coilK is used in the "late
circuitC D;E a Kreactance coilK or KreactorK' is used in the "late
circuitC and D7E a KreactorK is used in the grid circuit.
The >scillation Choke Coil.GG)ou can make this choke coil b! #inding
about 51H turns of K4o. 5F B. and .. gaugeK cotton co$ered magnet #ire
on a s"ool 5 inches in diameter and 7 inches long. Gi$e it a good
coat of shellac $arnish and let it dr! thoroughl!.
The Plate and Grid Circuit Reactance Coils.GG+here a single tube is
used as an oscillator and a second tube is em"lo!ed as a modulator' a
KreactorK' #hich is a coil of #ire #ound on an iron core' is used in
the "late circuit to kee" the high $oltage direct current of the
motorGgenerator the same at all times. =ike#ise the grid circuit
reactor is used to kee" the $oltage of the grid at a constant $alue.
These reactors are made alike and a "icture of one of them is sho#n in
Fig. 0/ and each one #ill cost !ou OH.1H.
8(llustration3 Fig. 0/.GGPlate and Grid Circuit Reactor.<
Connecting u" the A""aratus.GGAll of the different "ieces of a""aratus
are connected u" as sho#n in Fig. F0. >ne of the ends of the secondar!
of the induction coil' or the micro"hone transformer' or the magnetic
modulator is connected to the grid circuit and the other end to Kcli"
;K of the tuning coil.
A /66 to 566 Bile +ireless Tele"hone TransmitterGG+ith %irect Current
Botor Generator.GGB! using the same connections sho#n in the #iring
diagrams in Fig. F0 and a single H6 #att oscillator tube !our
transmitter #ill then ha$e a range of /66 miles or so' #hile if !ou
connect u" the a""aratus as sho#n in Fig. 06 and use t#o H6 #att tubes
!ou can #ork u" to 566 miles. Buch of the a""aratus for a H6 #att
oscillator set #here either one or t#o tubes are used is of the same
siJe and design as that just described for the H #att oscillator sets'
but' as in the C. +. telegra"h sets' some of the "arts must be
"ro"ortionatel! larger. The reIuired "arts are D/E the KH6 #att tubeKC
D5E the Kgrid leak resistanceKC D;E the Kfilament rheostatKC D7E the
Kfilament storage batter!KC and DHE the Kmagnetic modulatorK. All of
these "arts' e-ce"t the latter' are described in detail under the
heading of a KH66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h Transmitting .etK in Cha"ter
M,(' and are also "ictured in that cha"ter.
(t is not ad$isable to use an induction coil for the modulator for
this set' but use' instead' either a tele"hone transformer' or better'
a magnetic modulator of the second siJe #hich has an out"ut of from
/G/P5 to ;G/P5 am"eres. The magnetic modulator is described and
"ictured in this cha"ter.
A H6 to /66 Bile +ireless Tele"hone Transmitting .etGG+ith //6 ,olt
Alternating Current.GG(f !ou ha$e a //6 $olt 8Footnote3 Alternating
current for lighting "ur"oses ranges from /65.H $olts to //H $olts' so
#e take the median and call it //6 $olts.< alternating current
a$ailable !ou can use it for the initial source of energ! for !our
#ireless tele"hone transmitter. The chief difference bet#een a
#ireless tele"hone transmitting set that uses an alternating current
and one that uses a direct current is that3 D/E a K"o#er transformerK
is used for ste""ing u" the $oltage instead of a motorGgenerator' and
D5E a K$acuum tube rectifierK must be used to con$ert the alternating
current into direct current.
The A""aratus )ou 4eed.GGFor this tele"hone transmitting set !ou need3
D/E one Kaerial ammeterKC D5E one Ktuning coilKC D;E one Ktele"hone
modulatorKC D7E one Kaerial series condenserKC DHE one K7 cell dr!
batter!K or a : $olt storage batter!C D:E one Kmicro"hone
transmitterKC D1E one Kbatter! s#itchKC DFE one Kgrid condenserKC D0E
one Kgrid leakKC D/6E t#o KH #att oscillator tubes #ith socketsKC D//E
one Kblocking condenserKC D/5E one Koscillation choke coilKC D/;E t#o
Kfilter condensersKC D/7E one Kfilter reactance coilKC D/HE an
Kalternating current "o#er transformerK' and D/:E t#o K56 #att
rectifier $acuum tubesK.
All of the abo$e "ieces of a""aratus are the same as those described
for the K/66 Bile C. +. Telegra"h TransmitterK in Cha"ter M,(('
e-ce"t3 DaE the Kmicro"hone modulatorKC DbE the Kmicro"hone
transmitterK and DcE the Kdr!K or Kstorage batter!K' all of #hich are
described in this cha"terC and the ne# "arts #hich are3 DdE the
Krectifier $acuum tubesKC DeE the Kfilter condensersKC and DfE the
Kfilter reactance coilKC further and finall!' the "o#er transformer
has a KthirdK secondar! coil on it and it is this that feeds the
alternating current to the rectifier tubes' #hich in turn con$erts it
into a "ulsating direct current.
The ,acuum Tube Rectifier.GGThis rectifier has t#o electrodes' that
is' it has a filament and a "late like the original $acuum tube
detector' The smallest siJe rectifier tube reIuires a "late "otential
of HH6 $olts #hich is de$elo"ed b! one of the secondar! coils of the
"o#er transformer. The filament terminal takes a current of 1.H $olts
and this is su""lied b! another secondar! coil of the transformer.
This rectifier tube deli$ers a direct current of 56 #atts at ;H6
$olts. (t looks e-actl! like the H #att oscillator tube #hich is
"ictured at E in Fig. 11. The "rice is O1.H6.
The Filter Condensers.GGThese condensers are used in connection #ith
the reactance coil to smooth out the "ulsating direct current after it
has "assed through the rectifier tube. The! ha$e a ca"acitance of /
mfd. and #ill stand 1H6 $olts. These condensers cost about O5.66 each.
The Filter Reactance Coil.GGThis reactor #hich is sho#n in Fig. 05'
has about the same a""earance as the "o#er transformer but it is
some#hat smaller. (t consists of a coil of #ire #ound on a soft iron
core and has a large inductance' hence the ca"acitance of the filter
condensers are "ro"ortionatel! smaller than #here a small inductance
is used #hich has been the general "ractice. The siJe !ou reIuire for
this set has an out"ut of /:6 milliam"eres and it #ill su""l! current
for one to four H #att oscillator tubes. This siJe of reactor costs
O//.H6.
8(llustration3 Fig. 05.GGFilter Reactor for .moothing out Rectified
Currents.<
Connecting @" the A""aratus.GGThe #iring diagram in Fig. 0; sho#s ho#
the $arious "ieces of a""aratus for this tele"hone transmitter are
connected u". )ou #ill obser$e3 D/E that the terminals of the "o#er
transformer secondar! coil #hich de$elo"s /6 $olts are connected to
the filaments of the oscillator tubesC D5E that the terminals of the
other secondar! coil #hich de$elo"s /6 $olts are connected #ith the
filaments of the rectifier tubesC D;E that the terminals of the third
secondar! coil #hich de$elo"s HH6 $olts are connected #ith the "lates
of the rectifier tubesC D7E that the "air of filter condensers are
connected in "arallel and these are connected to the midGta"s of the
t#o filament secondar! coilsC DHE that the reactance coil and the
third filter condenser are connected together in series and these are
shunted across the filter condensers' #hich are in "arallelC and'
finall!' D:E a lead connects the midGta" of the HH6G$olt secondar!
coil of the "o#er transformer #ith the connection bet#een the reactor
and the third filter condenser.
8(llustration3 Fig 0;.GG/66 to 566 Bile +ireless Tele"hone
Transmitter.<
A /66 to 566 Bile +ireless Tele"hone Transmitting .etGG+ith //6 ,olt
Alternating Current.GGThis tele"hone transmitter is built u" of
e-actl! the same "ieces of a""aratus and connected u" in "recisel! the
same #a! as the one just described and sho#n in Fig. 0;.
A""aratus ReIuired.GGThe onl! differences bet#een this and the
"receding transmitter are3 D/E the Kmagnetic modulatorK' if !ou use
one' should ha$e an out"ut of ;G/P5 to H am"eresC D5E !ou #ill need
t#o KH6 #att oscillator tubes #ith socketsKC D;E t#o K/H6 #att
rectifier tubes #ith socketsKC D7E an Kaerial ammeterK that reads to
KH am"eresKC DHE three K/ mfd. filter condensersK in "arallelC D:E
Kt#o filter condensers of / mfd. ca"acitanceK that #ill stand K/1H6
$oltsKC and D:E a K;66 milliam"ere filter reactorK.
The a""aratus is #ired u" as sho#n in Fig. 0;.
CAPTER M(M
TE >PERAT(>4 >F ,AC@@B T@BE TRA4.B(TTER.
The three foregoing cha"ters e-"lained in detail the design and
construction of D/E t#o kinds of C. +. telegra"h transmitters' and D5E
t#o kinds of #ireless tele"hone transmitters' the difference bet#een
them being #hether the! used DAE a direct current' or DBE an
alternating current as the initial source of energ!. >f course there
are other differences bet#een those of like t!"es as' for instance'
the a""aratus and connections used DKaKE in the ke! circuits' and
DKbKE in the micro"hone circuits. But in all of the transmitters
described of #hate$er t!"e or kind the same fundamental de$ice is used
for setting u" sustained oscillations and this is the K$acuum tubeK.
The >"eration of the ,acuum Tube >scillator.GGThe o"eration of the
$acuum tube in "roducing sustained oscillations de"ends on D/E the
action of the tube as a $al$e in setting u" the oscillations in the
first "lace and D5E the action of the grid in am"lif!ing the
oscillations thus set u"' both of #hich #e e-"lained in Cha"ter M(,.
(n that cha"ter it #as also "ointed out that a $er! small change in
the grid "otential causes a corres"onding and larger change in the
amount of current flo#ing from the "late to the filamentC and that if
a $acuum tube is used for the "roduction of oscillations the initial
source of current must ha$e a high $oltage' in fact the higher the
"late $oltage the more "o#erful #ill be the oscillations.
To understand ho# oscillations are set u" b! a $acuum tube #hen a
direct current is a""lied to it' take a look at the sim"le circuits
sho#n in Fig. 07. 4o# #hen !ou close the s#itch the $oltage from the
batter! charges the condenser and kee"s it charged until !ou o"en it
againC the instant !ou do this the condenser discharges through the
circuit #hich includes it and the inductance coil' and the discharge
of a condenser is al#a!s oscillator!.
8(llustration3 DAE and DBE Fig. 07. >"eration of ,acuum Tube
>scillators.<
+here an oscillator tube is included in the circuits as sho#n at A and
B in Fig. 07' the grid takes the "lace of the s#itch and an! slight
change in the $oltage of either the grid or the "late is sufficient to
start a train of oscillations going. As these oscillations surge
through the tube the "ositi$e "arts of them flo# from the "late to the
filament and these carr! more of the direct current #ith them.
To make a tube set u" "o#erful oscillations then' it is onl! necessar!
that an oscillation circuit shall be "ro$ided #hich #ill feed "art of
the oscillations set u" b! the tube back to the grid circuit and #hen
this is done the oscillations #ill kee" on being am"lified until the
tube reaches the limit of its out"ut.
8(llustration3 DCE Fig. 07.GGo# a %irect Current .ets u"
>scillations.<
The >"eration of C. +. Telegra"h Transmitters +ith %irect
CurrentGG.hort %istance C. +. Transmitter.GG(n the transmitter sho#n
in the #iring diagram in Fig. 1: the "ositi$e "art of the //6 $olt
direct current is carried do#n from the lam" socket through one side
of the "anel cutGout' thence through the choke coil and to the "late
of the oscillator tube' #hen the latter is charged to the "ositi$e
sign. The negati$e "art of the //6 $olt direct current then flo#s do#n
the other #ire to the filament so that there is a difference of
"otential bet#een the "late and the filament of //6 $olts. 4o# #hen
the :G$olt batter! current is s#itched on the filament is heated to
brillianc!' and the electrons thro#n off b! it form a conducting "ath
bet#een it and the "lateC the //6 $olt current then flo#s from the
latter to the former.
4o# follo# the #iring from the "late o$er to the blocking condenser'
thence to Kcli" ;K of the tuning coil' through the turns of the latter
to Kcli" 5K and o$er to the filament and' #hen the latter is heated'
!ou ha$e a Kclosed oscillation circuitK. The oscillations surging in
the latter set u" other and like oscillations in the tuning coil
bet#een the end of #hich is connected #ith the grid' the aerial and
the Kcli" 5K' and these surge through the circuit formed b! this
"ortion of the coil' the grid condenser and the filamentC this is the
am"lif!ing circuit and it corres"onds to the regenerati$e circuit of a
recei$ing set.
+hen oscillations are set u" in it the grid is alternatel! charged to
the "ositi$e and negati$e signs. These re$ersals of $oltage set u"
stronger and e$er stronger oscillations in the "late circuit as before
e-"lained. 4ot onl! do the oscillations surge in the closed circuits
but the! run to and fro on the aerial #ire #hen their energ! is
radiated in the form of electric #a$es. The oscillations are $aried b!
means of the telegra"h ke! #hich is "laced in the grid circuit as
sho#n in Fig. 1:.
The >"eration of the Ae! Circuit.GGThe effect in a C. +. transmitter
#hen a telegra"h ke! is connected in series #ith a buJJer and a
batter! and these are shunted around the condenser in the grid
circuit' is to ra"idl! change the #a$e form of the sustained
oscillations' and hence' the length of the #a$es that are sent out.
+hile no sound can be heard in the head"hones at the recei$ing station
so long as the "oints of the ke! are not in contact' #hen the! are in
contact the oscillations are modulated and sounds are heard in the
head"hones that corres"ond to the freIuenc! of the buJJer in the ke!
circuit.
The >"eration of C. +. Telegra"h Transmitters #ith %irect
Current.GGThe chief differences bet#een the long distance sets #hich
use a direct current' i.e.' those described in Cha"ter M,(' and the
short distance transmitting sets are that the former use3 D/E a
motorGgenerator set for changing the lo# $oltage direct current into
high $oltage direct current' and D5E a cho""er in the ke! circuit. The
#a! the motorGgenerator changes the lo#G into highG$oltage current has
been e-"lained in Cha"ter M,(.
The cho""er interru"ts the oscillations surging through the grid
circuit at a freIuenc! that the ear can hear' that is to sa!' about
F66 to /'666 times "er second. +hen the ke! is o"en' of course' the
sustained oscillations set u" in the circuits #ill send out continuous
#a$es but #hen the ke! is closed these oscillations are broken u" and
then the! send out discontinuous #a$es. (f a heterod!ne recei$ing set'
see Cha"ter M,' is being used at the other end !ou can dis"ense #ith
the cho""er and the ke! circuit needed is $er! much sim"lified. The
o"eration of ke! circuits of the latter kind #ill be described
"resentl!.
The >"eration of C. +. Telegra"h Transmitters #ith Alternating
CurrentGG+ith a .ingle >scillator Tube.GG+here an oscillator tube
telegra"h transmitter is o"erated b! a //6 $olt alternating current as
the initial source of energ!' a buJJer' cho""er or other interru"tor
is not needed in the ke! circuit. This is because oscillations are set
u" onl! #hen the "late is energiJed #ith the "ositi$e "art of the
alternating current and this "roduces an intermittent musical tone in
the head"hones. ence this kind of a sending set is called a Ktone
transmitterK.
.ince oscillations are set u" onl! b! the "ositi$e "art or $oltage of
an alternating current it is clear that' as a matter of fact' this
kind of a transmitter does not send out continuous #a$es and therefore
it is not a C. +. transmitter. This is gra"hicall! sho#n b! the cur$e
of the #a$e form of the alternating current and the oscillations that
are set u" b! the "ositi$e "art of it in Fig. 0H. +hene$er the
"ositi$e half of the alternating current energiJes the "late then
oscillations are set u" b! the tube and' con$ersel!' #hen the negati$e
half of the current charges the "late no oscillations are "roduced.
8(llustration3 Fig. 0H.GGPositi$e ,oltage onl! sets u" >scillations.<
)ou #ill also obser$e that the oscillations set u" b! the "ositi$e
"art of the current are not of constant am"litude but start at Jero
the instant the "ositi$e "art begins to energiJe the "late and the!
kee" on increasing in am"litude as the current rises in $oltage until
the latter reaches its ma-imumC then as it graduall! dro"s again to
Jero the oscillations decrease "ro"ortionatel! in am"litude #ith it.
eating the Filament #ith Alternating Current.GG+here an alternating
current "o#er transformer is used to de$elo" the necessar! "late
$oltage a second secondar! coil is generall! "ro$ided for heating the
filament of the oscillation tube. This is better than a direct current
for it adds to the life of the filament. +hen !ou use an alternating
current to heat the filament kee" it at the same $oltage rather than
at the same am"erage Dcurrent strengthE. To do this !ou need onl! to
use a $oltmeter across the filament terminals instead of an ammeter in
series #ith itC then regulate the $oltage of the filament #ith a
rheostat.
The >"eration of C. +. Telegra"h Transmitters #ith Alternating
CurrentGG+ith T#o >scillator Tubes.GGB! using t#o oscillator tubes and
connecting them u" #ith the "o#er transformer and oscillating circuits
as sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig. F; the "lates are "ositi$el!
energiJed alternatel! #ith e$er! re$ersal of the current and'
conseIuentl!' there is no time "eriod bet#een the ending of the
oscillations set u" b! one tube and the beginning of the oscillations
set u" b! the other tube. (n other #ords these oscillations are
sustained but as in the case of those of a single tube' their
am"litude rises and falls. This kind of a set is called a Kfull #a$e
rectification transmitterK.
The #a$es radiated b! this transmitter can be recei$ed b! either a
cr!stal detector or a "lain $acuumGtube detector but the heterod!ne
rece"tor #ill gi$e !ou better results than either of the foregoing
t!"es.
The >"eration of +ireless Tele"hone Transmitters #ith %irect
CurrentGG.hort %istance Transmitter.GGThe o"eration of this short
distance #ireless tele"hone transmitter' a #iring diagram of #hich is
sho#n in Fig. FH is e-actl! the same as that of the K%irect Current
.hort %istance C. +. Telegra"h TransmitterK alread! e-"lained in this
cha"ter. The onl! difference in the o"eration of these sets is the
substitution of the Kmicro"hone transmitterK for the telegra"h ke!.
The Bicro"hone Transmitter.GGThe micro"hone transmitter that is used
to $ar!' or modulate' the sustained oscillations set u" b! the
oscillator tube and circuits is sho#n in Fig. F7. B! referring to the
diagram at A in this figure !ou #ill readil! understand ho# it
o"erates. +hen !ou s"eak into the mouth"iece the Ksound #a$esK' #hich
are #a$es in the air' im"inge u"on the dia"hragm and these set it into
$ibrationGGthat is' the! make it mo$e to and fro.
+hen the dia"hragm mo$es to#ard the back of the transmitter it forces
the carbon granules that are in the cu" closer togetherC this lo#ers
their resistance and allo#s more current from the batter! to flo#
through themC #hen the "ressure of the air #a$es is remo$ed from the
dia"hragm it s"rings back to#ard the mouthG"iece and the carbon
granules loosen u" #hen the resistance offered b! them is increased
and less current can flo# through them. +here the oscillation current
in the aerial #ire is small the transmitter can be connected directl!
in series #ith the latter #hen the former #ill surge through it. As
!ou s"eak into the micro"hone transmitter its resistance is $aried and
the current strength of the oscillations is $aried accordingl!.
The >"eration of +ireless Tele"hone Transmitters #ith %irect
CurrentGG=ong %istance Transmitters.GG(n the #ireless tele"hone
transmitters for long distance #ork #hich #ere sho#n and described in
the "receding cha"ter a batter! is used to energiJe the micro"hone
transmitter' and these t#o elements are connected in series #ith a
Kmicro"hone modulatorK. This latter de$ice ma! be either D/E a
Ktele"hone induction coilK' D5E a Kmicro"hone transformerK' or D;E a
Kmagnetic modulatorKC the first t#o of these de$ices ste"Gu" the
$oltage of the batter! current and the am"lified $oltage thus
de$elo"ed is im"ressed on the oscillations that surge through the
closed oscillation circuit or the aerial #ire s!stem according to the
"lace #here !ou connect it. The third de$ice #orks on a different
"rinci"le and this #ill be described a little farther along.
The >"eration of Bicro"hone BodulatorsGGThe (nduction Coil.GGThis
de$ice is reall! a miniature transformer' see A in Fig. F:' and its
"ur"ose is to change the : $olt direct current that flo#s through the
micro"hone into /66 $olts alternating currentC in turn' this is
im"ressed on the oscillations that are surging in either D/E the grid
circuit as sho#n at A in Fig. F0' and in Fig. 06' D5E the aerial #ire
s!stem' as sho#n at B in Fig. F0 and Fig. 0;. +hen the current from
the batter! flo#s through the "rimar! coil it magnetiJes the soft iron
core and as the micro"hone $aries the strength of the current the high
$oltage alternating currents set u" in the secondar! coil of the
induction coil are like#ise $aried' #hen the! are im"ressed u"on and
modulate the oscillating currents.
The Bicro"hone Transformer.GGThis is an induction coil that is
designed es"eciall! for #ireless tele"hone modulation. The iron core
of this transformer is also of the o"en magnetic circuit t!"e' see A
in Fig. F1' and the KratioK of the turns 8Footnote3 .ee Cha"ter ,(< of
the "rimar! and the secondar! coil is such that #hen the secondar!
current is im"ressed u"on either the grid circuit or the aerial #ire
s!stem it controls the oscillations flo#ing through it #ith the
greatest efficienc!.
The Bagnetic Bodulator.GGThis "iece of a""aratus is also called a
Kmagnetic am"lifierK. The iron core is formed of $er! thin "lates' or
KlaminationsK as the! are called' and this "ermits highGfreIuenc!
oscillations to surge in a coil #ound on it. (n this transformer' see
A in Fig. FF' the current flo#ing through the micro"hone $aries the
magnetic "ermeabilit! of the soft iron core b! the magnetic saturation
of the latter. .ince the micro"hone current is absolutel! distinct
from the oscillating currents surging through the coil of the
transformer a $er! small direct current flo#ing through a coil on the
latter #ill $ar! or modulate $er! large oscillating currents surging
through the former. (t is sho#n connected in the aerial #ire s!stem
at A in Fig. FF' and in Fig. 0;.
>"eration of the ,acuum Tube as a Bodulator.GG+here a micro"hone
modulator of the induction coil or micro"hone transformer t!"e is
connected in the grid circuit or aerial #ire s!stem the modulation is
not $er! effecti$e' but b! using a second tube as a KmodulatorK' as
sho#n in Fig. 06' an efficient degree of modulation can be had. 4o#
there are t#o methods b! #hich a $acuum tube can be used as a
modulator and these are3 D/E b! the Kabsor"tionK of the energ! of the
current set u" b! the oscillator tube' and D5E b! K$ar!ingK the direct
current that energiJes the "late of the oscillator tube.
The first of these t#o methods is not used because it absorbs the
energ! of the oscillating current "roduced b! the tube and it is
therefore #asteful. The second method is an efficient one' as the
direct current is $aried before it "asses into the oscillator tube.
This is sufficient reason for describing onl! the second method. The
$oltage of the grid of the modulator tube is $aried b! the secondar!
coil of the induction coil or micro"hone transformer' abo$e described.
(n this #a! the modulator tube acts like a $ariable resistance but it
am"lifies the $ariations im"ressed on the oscillations set u" b! the
oscillator tube. As the magnetic modulator does the same thing a
$acuum tube used as a modulator is not needed #here the former is
em"lo!ed. For this reason a magnetic modulator is the chea"est in the
long run.
The >"eration of +ireless Tele"hone Transmitters #ith Alternating
Current.GG+here an initial alternating current is used for #ireless
tele"hon!' the current must be rectified first and then smoothed out
before "assing into the oscillator tube to be con$erted into
oscillations. Further so that the oscillations #ill be sustained' t#o
oscillator tubes must be used' and' finall!' in order that the
oscillations ma! not $ar! in am"litude the alternating current must be
first changed into direct current b! a "air of rectifier $acuum tubes'
as sho#n in Fig. 0;. +hen this is done the "lates #ill be "ositi$el!
charged alternatel! #ith e$er! re$ersal of the current in #hich case
there #ill be no break in the continuit! of the oscillations set u"
and therefore in the #a$es that are sent out.
The >"eration of Rectifier ,acuum Tubes.GGThe $acuum tube rectifier is
sim"l! a t#o electrode $acuum tube. The #a! in #hich it changes a
commercial alternating current into "ulsating direct current is the
same as that in #hich a t#o electrode $acuum tube detector changes an
oscillating current into "ulsating direct currents and this has been
e-"lained in detail under the heading of KThe >"eration of a T#o
Electrode ,acuum Tube %etectorK in Cha"ter M((. (n the KC. +.
Telegra"h Transmitting .etsK described in Cha"ter M,((' the oscillator
tubes act as rectifiers as #ell as oscillators but for #ireless
tele"hon! the alternating current must be rectified first so that a
continuous direct current #ill result.
The >"eration of Reactors and Condensers.GGA reactor is a single coil
of #ire #ound on an iron core' see Fig. 06 and A in Fig. 0/' and it
should "referabl! ha$e a large inductance. The reactor for the "late
and grid circuit of a #ireless tele"hone transmitter #here one or more
tubes are used as modulators as sho#n in the #iring diagram in Fig.
06' and the filter reactor sho#n in Fig. 05' o"erate in the same #a!.
+hen an alternating current flo#s through a coil of #ire the re$ersals
of the current set u" a Kcounter electromoti$e forceK in it #hich
o""oses' that is KreactsK' on the current' and the KhigherK the
freIuenc! of the current the KgreaterK #ill be the KreactanceK. +hen
the "ositi$e half of an alternating current is made to flo# through a
large resistance the current is smoothed out but at the same time a
large amount of its energ! is used u" in "roducing heat.
But #hen the "ositi$e half of an alternating current is made to flo#
through a large inductance it acts like a large resistance as before
and like#ise smooths out the current' but none of its energ! is #asted
in heat and so a coil ha$ing a large inductance' #hich is called an
Kinducti$e reactanceK' or just KreactorK for short' is used to smooth
out' or filter' the alternating current after it has been changed into
a "ulsating direct current b! the rectifier tubes.
A condenser also has a reactance effect on an alternating current but
different from an induction coil the Klo#erK the freIuenc! the
KgreaterK #ill be the reactance. For this reason both a filter reactor
and Kfilter condensersK are used to smooth out the "ulsating direct
currents.
CAPTER MM
>+ T> BAAE A RECE(,(4G .ET F>R OH.66 >R =E..
(n the cha"ters on KRece"torsK !ou ha$e been told ho# to build u"
highGgrade sets. But there are thousands of bo!s' and' "robabl!' not a
fe# men' #ho cannot afford to in$est O5H.66' more or less' in a
recei$ing set and #ould like to e-"eriment in a small #a!.
The follo#ing set is ine-"ensi$e' and #ith this chea"' little "ortable
rece"tor !ou can get the Borse code from stations a hundred miles
distant and messages and music from broadcasting stations if !ou do
not li$e too far a#a! from them. All !ou need for this set are3 D/E a
Kcr!stal detectorK' D5E a Ktuning coilK and D;E an Kear"honeK. )ou can
make a cr!stal detector out of a cou"le of binding "osts' a bit of
galena and a "iece of brass #ire' or' better' !ou can bu! one all
read! to use for H6 cents.
8(llustration3 +ireless Rece"tor' the siJe of a .afet! Batch Bo-. A
)outhful Genius in the "erson of Aenneth R. inman' +ho is onl! t#el$e
!ears old' has made a +ireless Recei$ing .et that fits neatl! into a
.afet! Batch Bo-. +ith this (nstrument and a Pair of >rdinar!
Recei$ers' e is able to catch not onl! Code Bessages but the regular
Broadcasting Programs from .tations T#ent! and Thirt! Biles %istant.<
The Cr!stal %etector.GGThis is kno#n as the KRasco bab!K detector and
it is made and sold b! the KRadio ."ecialt! Com"an!K' 0: Park Place'
4e# )ork Cit!. (t is sho#n in Fig. 0:. The base is made of black
com"osition and on it is mounted a standard in #hich a rod slides and
on one end of this there is fi-ed a hard rubber adjusting knob #hile
the other end carries a thin "iece of K"hos"horGbronJe #ireK' called a
KcatG#hiskerK. To secure the galena cr!stal in the cu" !ou sim"l!
unscre# the knurled ca"' "lace it in the ca$it! of the "ost and scre#
the ca" back on again. The free end of the catG#hisker #ire is then
adjusted so that it #ill rest lightl! on the e-"osed "art of the
galena.
8(llustration3 Fig. 0:.GGRasco Bab! Cr!stal %etector.<
The Tuning Coil.GG)ou #ill ha$e to make this tuning coil' #hich !ou
can do at a cost of less than O/.66' as the chea"est tuning coil !ou
can bu! costs at least O;.66' and #e need the rest of our OH.66 to
in$est in the ear"hone. Get a cardboard tube' such as is used for
mailing "ur"oses' 5 inches in diameter and ; inches long' see A in
Fig. 01. 4o# #ind on 5H6 turns of K4o. 76 Bro#n and .har"e gauge "lain
enameled magnet #ireK. )ou can use K4o. 76 double cotton co$ered
magnet #ireK' in #hich case !ou #ill ha$e to shellac the tube and the
#ire after !ou get it on.
8(llustration3 Fig. 01.GGo# the Tuning Coil is Bade.<
As !ou #ind on the #ire take off a ta" at e$er! /Hth turn' that is'
scra"e the #ire and solder on a "iece about 1 inches long' as sho#n in
Fig. 00C and do this until !ou ha$e : ta"s taken off. (nstead of
lea$ing the #ires outside of the tube bring them to the inside of it
and then out through one of the o"en ends. 4o# bu! a Kround #oodGbase
s#itchK #ith 1 contact "oints on it as sho#n at B in Fig. 01. This
#ill cost !ou 5H or H6 cents.
The ead"hone.GGAn ordinar! Bell tele"hone recei$er is of small use
for #ireless #ork as it is #ound to too lo# a resistance and the
dia"hragm is much too thick. (f !ou ha""en to ha$e a Bell "hone !ou
can re#ind it #ith K4o. 76K single co$ered silk magnet #ire' or
enameled #ire of the same siJe' #hen its sensiti$it! #ill be $er!
greatl! im"ro$ed. Then !ou must get a thin dia"hragm and this should
KnotK be enameled' as this tends to dam"en the $ibrations of it. )ou
can get a dia"hragm of the right kind for H cents.
The better #a!' though' is to bu! an ear"hone made es"eciall! for
#ireless #ork. )ou can get one #ound to /666 ohms resistance for O/.1H
and this "rice includes a cord. 8Footnote3 This is Besco' 4o. 716
#ireless "hone. .old b! the Banhattan Electrical .u""l! Co.' Park
Place' 4.).C.< For O/.66 e-tra !ou can get a headGband for it' and
then !our "hone #ill look like the one "ictured in Fig. 0F.
8(llustration3 Fig. 0F.GGBesco /666 >hm ead .et.<
o# to Bount the Parts.GG4o# mount the coil on a #ood base' /P5 or /
inch thick' ;G/P5 inches #ide and HG/P5 inches long' and then connect
one end of the coil to one of the end "oints on the s#itch' and
connect each succeeding ta" to one of the s#itch "oints' as sho#n
schematicall! in Fig. 00 and diagrammaticall! in Fig. /66. This done'
scre# the s#itch do#n to the base. Finall! scre# the detector to the
base and scre# t#o binding "osts in front of the coil. These are for
the ear"hone.
8(llustration3 Fig. 00.GG.chematic =a!out of OH.66 Recei$ing .et.<
8(llustration3 Fig. /66.GG+iring %iagram for OH.66 Recei$ing .et.<
The Condenser.GG)ou do not ha$e to connect a condenser across the
ear"hone but if !ou do !ou #ill im"ro$e the recei$ing Iualities of the
rece"tor.
o# to Connect @" the Rece"tor.GG4o# connect u" all the "arts as sho#n
in Figs. 00 and /66' then connect the leadingGin #ire of the aerial
#ith the le$er of the s#itchC and connect the free end of the tuning
coil #ith the KgroundK. (f !ou ha$e no aerial #ire tr! hooking it u"
to a rain "i"e that is Knot groundedK or the steel frame of an
umbrella. For a KgroundK !ou can use a #ater "i"e' an iron "i"e dri$en
into the ground' or a h!drant. Put on !our head"hone' adjust the
detector and mo$e the le$er o$er the s#itch contacts until it is in
adjustment and then' if all !our connections are "ro"erl! made' !ou
should be able to "ick u" messages.
8(llustration3 +ireless .et made into a Ring' designed b! Alfred G.
Rinehart' of EliJabeth' 4e# ?erse!. This little Rece"tor is a
Practical .etC it #ill recei$e Bessages' Concerts' etc.' Beasures /&
b! HPF& b! 1PF&. An ordinar! @mbrella is used as an Aerial.<
APPE4%(M
@.EF@= (4F>RBAT(>4
ABBRE,(AT(>4. >F @4(T.
@nit Abbre$iation
am"ere am".
am"ereGhours am".Ghr.
centimeter cm.
centimeterGgramGsecond c.g.s.
cubic centimeters cm.U;
cubic inches cu. in.
c!cles "er second V
degrees Centigrade WC.
degrees Fahrenheit WF.
feet ft.
footG"ounds ft.Glb.
grams g.
henries h.
inches in.
kilograms kg.
kilometers km.
kilo#atts k#.
kilo#attGhours k#.Ghr.
kilo$oltGam"eres k$.Ga.
meters m.
microfarads 8Greek3 mu<f.
micromicrofarads 8Greek3 mu mu<f.
millihenries mh.
millimeters mm.
"ounds lb.
seconds sec.
sIuare centimeters cm.U5
sIuare inches sI. in.
$olts $.
#atts #.
PREF(ME. @.E% +(T BETR(C .).TEB @4(T.
Prefi- Abbre$iation Beaning
micro 8Greek3 mu<. / millionth
milli m. / thousandth
centi c. / hundredth
deci d. / tenth
deka dk. /6
hekto h. / hundred
kilo k. / thousand
mega m. / million
.)BB>=. @.E% F>R ,AR(>@. N@A4T(T(E.
Nuantit! .!mbol
ca"acitance C
conductance g
cou"ling coGefficient k
current' instantaneous i
current' effecti$e $alue (
decrement 8Greek3 delta<
dielectric constant 8Greek3 al"ha<
electric field intensit! 8Greek3 e"silon<
electromoti$e force'
instantaneous $alue E
electromoti$e force'
effecti$e $alue F
energ! +
force F
freIuenc! f
freIuenc! - 58Greek3 "i< 8Greek3 omega<
im"edance X
inductance' self =
inductance' mutual B
magnetic field intensit! A
magnetic flu- 8Greek3 Phi<
magnetic induction B
"eriod of a com"lete
oscillation T
"otential difference ,
Iuantit! of electricit! N
ratio of the
circumference of a
circle to its diameter
S;./7/: 8Greek3 "i<
reactance M
resistance R
time t
$elocit! $
$elocit! of light c
#a$e length 8Greek3 lambda<
#a$e length in meters 8Greek3 lambda<m
#ork +
"ermeabilit! 8Greek3 mu<
.Iuare root 8Bath3 sIuare root<
TAB=E >F E4ABE=E% +(RE
4o. of Turns Turns >hms "er
+ire' "er "er Cubic (nch
B.T .. =inear .Iuare of
Gauge (nch (nch +inding
56 ;6 FFH .17F
55 ;1 /766 /.FF
57 7: 5/:6 7.:/
5: HF ;7:6 //.F6
5F 1; H766 50.56
;6 0/ F5:6 16.06
;5 //: 5/'666 1H71.66
;7 /7H /;'7;6 50:F.66
;: /1F ;/'F56 /60F.66
;F 5;5 H7'6F6 7H:.66
76 507 F:'H66 /F;.66
TAB=E >F FREN@E4C) A4% +A,E =E4GT.
+. =.GG+a$e =engths in Beters.
F.GG4umber of >scillations "er .econd.
>. or sIuare root =. C. is called >scillation Constant.
C.GGCa"acit! in Bicrofarads.
=.GG(nductance in Centimeters.
/666 Centimeters S / Bicrohenr!.
+.=. F > =.C.
H6 :'666'666 .F;0 .16;0
/66 ;'666'666 /.:F 5.F5
/H6 5'666'666 5.H5 :.;H
566 /'H66'666 ;.;: //.50
5H6 /'566'666 7./0 /1.HH
;66 /'666'666 H.6H 5H.;6
;H6 FH1'/66 H.F1 ;7.7:
766 1H6'666 :.1/ 7H.6;
7H6 :::'166 1.HH H1.66
H66 :66'666 F.;0 16.;0
HH6 H7H'766 0.5; FH./0
:66 H66'666 /6.61 /6/.7/
166 75F':66 //.17 /;1.F;
F66 ;1H'666 /;.75 /F6./6
066 ;;;';66 /H./6 55F.6/
/'666 ;66'666 /:.1F 5F/.H1
/'/66 515'1;6 /F.7H ;76.76
/'566 5H6'666 56./; 76H.56
/';66 5;6'1:6 5/.F/ 71H.16
/'766 5/7';F6 5;.70 HH/.F6
/'H66 566'666 5H./1 :;;.H6
/':66 /F1'H66 5:.F7 156.76
/'166 /1:'7:6 5F.H5 F/;.76
/'F66 /::':16 ;6.56 0/5.66
/'066 /H1'F66 ;/.FF /'6/:.76
5'666 /H6'666 ;;.HH /'/5H.:6
5'/66 /75'FH6 ;H.5; /'57/.56
5'566 /;:';:6 ;:.0/ /';:5.76
5';66 /;6'7;6 ;F.H0 /'7F0.;6
5'766 /5H'666 76.51 /':5/.F6
5'H66 /56'666 7/.0H /'1H0.16
5':66 //H';F6 7;.:5 /'065.:6
5'166 ///'//6 7H.;6 5'6H5.66
5'F66 /61'/76 7:.F0 5'561.66
5'066 /6;'7H6 7F.:: 5';::.;6
;'666 /66'666 H6.;; 5'H;;.56
7'666 1H'666 :1.// 7'H67.66
H'666 :6'666 F;.F0 1'6;F.66
:'666 H6'666 /66.1 /6'/;6.66
1'666 7/'F66 //1.; /;':;6.66
F'666 ;1'H66 /;7./ /F'666.66
0'666 ;;';66 /H/.6 55'F56.66
/6'666 ;6'666 /:1.0 5F'/H6.66
//'666 51';66 /F7.F ;7'/H6.66
/5'666 5H'666 56/.H 76':66.66
/;'666 5;'/66 5/F.; 71':66.66
/7'666 5/'766 5;H.6 HH'566.66
/H'666 56'666 5H5.6 :;'H66.66
/:'666 /F'1H6 5:0.6 15';66.66
PR>4@4C(AT(>4 >F GREEA =ETTER.
Ban! of the "h!sical Iuantities use Greek letters for s!mbols. The
follo#ing is the Greek al"habet #ith the #a! the letters are
"ronounced3
a al"ha
b beta
g gamma
d delta
e e"silon
J Jeta
ae eta
th theta
i iota
k ka""a
l lambda
m mu
n nu
- MiDXiE
o omicron
" "i
r rho
s sigma
t tau
u u"silon
"h "hi
ch chi
"s "si
o omega
TAB=E >F .PARA(4G %(.TA4CE.
(n Air for ,arious ,oltages bet#een 4eedle Points
,olts %istance
(nches Centimeter
H'666 .55H .H1
/6'666 .716 /./0
/H'666 .15H /.F7
56'666 /.666 5.H7
5H'666 /.;66 ;.;6
;6'666 /.:5H 7./6
;H'666 5.666 H./6
76'666 5.7H6 :.56
7H'666 5.0H 1.H6
H6'666 ;.HH 0.06
:6'666 7.:H //.F
16'666 H.FH /7.0
F6'666 1./6 /F.6
06'666 F.;H 5/.5
/66'666 0.:6 57.7
//6'666 /6.1H 51.;
/56'666 //.FH ;6./
/;6'666 /5.0H ;5.0
/76'666 /;.0H ;H.7
/H6'666 /H.66 ;F./
FEET PER P>@4% >F (4.@=ATE% BAG4ET +(RE
4o. of .ingle %ouble .ingle %ouble
B.T .. Cotton' Cotton' .ilk' .ilk' Enamel
Gauge 7GBils FGBils /G;P7GBils 7GBils
56 ;// 50F ;/0 ;/5 ;56
5/ ;F0 ;16 76F ;F0 767
55 7FF 7:/ H6; 70F H60
5; :/5 HF7 :;: :;/ :75
57 1:5 17H F66 110 F/6
5H 0H1 06; /'66H 0:: /'6/0
5: /'/05 /'//F /'5:H /'565 /'5F:
51 /'7FF /'755 /'H06 /'H7; /':56
5F /'FH5 /'1H0 /'015 /'0/1 5'675
50 5';1H 5'561 5'H16 5'7;H 5'H16
;6 5'F:6 5'H;7 ;'/7H 5'066 ;'576
;/ ;'F66 5'1:F ;'07; ;':F; 7'6F5
;5 7';1H ;'1;1 7'0H6 7':H7 H'/;5
;; H'H06 7':01 :'/F6 H':F0 :'77H
;7 :'H66 :'/:F 1'176 1'/// F'60;
;H F'6H6 :'1;1 0':66 F'HF7 /6'/01
;: 0'F56 1'F11 /5'666 /6'6;0 /5'F/;
;1 //'F:6 0';60 /H'666 /6'::: /:'//6
;F /7';66 /6':;: /F'::6 /7'555 56'517
;0 /1'/;6 //'061 5;'/H6 /:'H/: 5H'H/0
76 5/'H06 /7'555 5F'166 5/';;; ;5'/61
(4TER4AT(>4A= B>R.E C>%E A4% C>4,E4T(>4A= .(G4A=.
T> BE @.E% F>R A== GE4ERA= P@B=(C .ER,(CE RA%(> C>BB@4(CAT(>4
/. A dash is eIual to three dots.
5. The s"ace bet#een "arts of the same letter is eIual to one dot.
;. The s"ace bet#een t#o letters is eIual to three dots.
7. The s"ace bet#een t#o #ords is eIual to fi$e dots.
84ote3 "eriod denotes Borse dot' h!"hen denotes Borse dash<
A .G
B G...
C G.G.
% G..
E .
F ..G.
G GG.
....
( ..
? .GGG
A G.G
= .G..
B GG
4 G.
> GGG
P .GG.
N GG.G
R .G.
. ...
T G
@ ..G
, ...G
+ .GG
M G..G
) G.GG
X GG..
Y DGermanE .G.G
Z or [ D."anishG.candina$ianE .GG.G
C DGermanG."anishE GGGG
\ DFrenchE ..G..
] D."anishE GG.GG
^ DGermanE GGG.
_ DGermanE ..GG
/ .GGGG
5 ..GGG
; ...GG
7 ....G
H .....
: G....
1 GG...
F GGG..
0 GGGG.
6 GGGGG
Period .. .. ..
.emicolon G.G.G.
Comma G.G.G.
Colon GGG...
(nterrogation ..GG..
E-clamation "oint GG..GG
A"ostro"he .GGGG.
!"hen G....G
Bar indicating fraction G..G.
Parenthesis G.GG.G
(n$erted commas .G..G.
@nderline ..GG.G
%ouble dash G...G
%istress Call ...GGG...
Attention call to "recede e$er! transmission G.G.G
General inIuir! call G.G. GG.G
From DdeE G.. .
(n$itation to transmit Dgo aheadE G.G
+arningGGhigh "o#er GG..GG
Nuestion D"lease re"eat after ...EGGinterru"ting long messages ..GG..
+ait .G...
Break DBk.E Ddouble dashE G...G
@nderstand ...G.
Error ........
Recei$ed D>.A.E .G.
Position re"ort Dto "recede all "osition messagesE G .G.
End of each message DcrossE .G.G.
Transmission finished Dend of #orkE Dconclusion of corres"ondenceE ...G.G
(4TER4AT(>4A= RA%(>TE=EGRAP(C C>4,E4T(>4
=(.T >F ABBRE,(AT(>4. T> BE @.E% (4 RA%(> C>BB@4(CAT(>4
ABBRE,(AT(>4 N@E.T(>4 A4.+ER >R REP=)
PRB %o !ou #ish to communicate ( #ish to communicate b! means
b! means of the (nternational of the (nternational .ignal Code.
.ignal CodeL
NRA +hat shi" or coast station is This is....
thatL
NRB +hat is !our distanceL B! distance is....
NRC +hat is !our true bearingL B! true bearing is....
NR% +here are !ou bound forL ( am bound for....
NRF +here are !ou bound fromL ( am bound from....
NRG +hat line do !ou belong toL ( belong to the ... =ine.
NR +hat is !our #a$e length in B! #a$e length is ... meters.
metersL
NR? o# man! #ords ha$e !ou to sendL ( ha$e ... #ords to send.
NRA o# do !ou recei$e meL ( am recei$ing #ell.
NR= Are !ou recei$ing badl!L ( am recei$ing badl!. Please
.hall ( send 56L send 56.
...G. ...G.
for adjustmentL for adjustment.
NRB Are !ou being interfered #ithL ( am being interfered #ith.
NR4 Are the atmos"herics strongL Atmos"herics are $er! strong.
NR> .hall ( increase "o#erL (ncrease "o#er.
NRP .hall ( decrease "o#erL %ecrease "o#er.
NRN .hall ( send fasterL .end faster.
NR. .hall ( send slo#erL .end slo#er.
NRT .hall ( sto" sendingL .to" sending.
NR@ a$e !ou an!thing for meL ( ha$e nothing for !ou.
NR, Are !ou read!L ( am read!. All right no#.
NR+ Are !ou bus!L ( am bus! Dor3 ( am bus! #ith...E.
Please do not interfere.
NRM .hall ( stand b!L .tand b!. ( #ill call !ou #hen
reIuired.
NR) +hen #ill be m! turnL )our turn #ill be 4o....
NRX Are m! signals #eakL )ou signals are #eak.
N.A Are m! signals strongL )ou signals are strong.
N.B (s m! tone badL The tone is bad.
(s m! s"ark badL The s"ark is bad.
N.C (s m! s"acing badL )our s"acing is bad.
N.% +hat is !our timeL B! time is....
N.F (s transmission to be in Transmission #ill be in
alternate order or in seriesL alternate order.
N.G Transmission #ill be in a
series of H messages.
N. Transmission #ill be in a
series of /6 messages.
N.? +hat rate shall ( collect for...L Collect....
N.A (s the last radiogram canceledL The last radiogram is canceled.
N.= %id !ou get m! recei"tL Please ackno#ledge.
N.B +hat is !our true courseL B! true course is...degrees.
N.4 Are !ou in communication #ith landL ( am not in communication #ith land.
N.> Are !ou in communication #ith ( am in communication #ith...
an! shi" or station Dthrough...E.
Dor3 #ith...EL
N.P .hall ( inform...that !ou are (nform...that ( am calling him.
calling himL
N.N (s...calling meL )ou are being called b!....
N.R +ill !ou for#ard the radiogramL ( #ill for#ard the radiogram.
N.T a$e !ou recei$ed the general General call to all stations.
callL
N.@ Please call me #hen !ou ha$e +ill call #hen ( ha$e finished.
finished Dor3 at...o'clockEL
N., (s "ublic corres"ondence being Public corres"ondence is being
handledL handled. Please do not interfere.
8Footnote3 Public corres"ondence is an! radio #ork' official or
"ri$ate' handled on commercial #a$e lengths.<
N.+ .hall ( increase m! s"ark (ncrease !our s"ark freIuenc!.
freIuenc!L
N.M .hall ( decrease m! s"ark %ecrease !our s"ark freIuenc!.
freIuenc!L
N.) .hall ( send on a #a$elength =et us change to the #a$e length
of ... metersL of ... meters.
N.X .end each #ord t#ice. ( ha$e
difficult! in recei$ing !ou.
NTA Re"eat the last radiogram.
+hen an abbre$iation is follo#ed b! a mark of interrogation' it refers
to the Iuestion indicated for that abbre$iation.
@seful (nformation
.!mbols @sed For A""aratus
alternator
ammeter
aerial
arc
batter!
buJJer
condenser
$ariable condenser
connection of #ires
no connection
cou"led coils
$ariable cou"ling
detector
ga"' "lain
ga"' Iuenched
ground
hot #ire ammeter
inductor
$ariable inductor
ke!
resistor
$ariable resistor
s#itch s.".s.t.
& s.".d.t.
& d.".s.t.
& d.".d.t.
& re$ersing
"hone recei$er
& transmitter
thermoelement
transformer
$acuum tube
$oltmeter
choke coil
%EF(4(T(>4. >F E=ECTR(C A4% BAG4ET(C @4(T.
The KohmK is the resistance of a thread of mercur! at the tem"erature
of melting ice' /7.7H5/ grams in mass' of uniform crossGsection and a
length of /6:.;66 centimeters.
The Kam"ereK is the current #hich #hen "assed through a solution of
nitrate of sil$er in #ater according to certain s"ecifications'
de"osits sil$er at the rate of 6.66///F66 of a gram "er second.
The K$oltK is the electromoti$e force #hich "roduces a current of /
am"ere #hen steadil! a""lied to a conductor the resistance of #hich is
/ ohm.
The KcoulombK is the Iuantit! of electricit! transferred b! a current
of / am"ere in / second.
The Kam"ereGhourK is the Iuantit! of electricit! transferred b! a
current of / am"ere in / hour and is' therefore' eIual to ;:66
coulombs.
The KfaradK is the ca"acitance of a condenser in #hich a "otential
difference of / $olt causes it to ha$e a charge of / coulomb of
electricit!.
The Khenr!K is the inductance in a circuit in #hich the electromoti$e
force induced is / $olt #hen the inducing current $aries at the rate
of / am"ere "er second.
The K#attK is the "o#er s"ent b! a current of / am"ere in a resistance
of / ohm.
The KjouleK is the energ! s"ent in ( second b! a flo# of / am"ere in /
ohm.
The KhorseG"o#erK is used in rating steam machiner!. (t is eIual to
17: #atts.
The Kkilo#attK is /'666 #atts.
The units of ca"acitance actuall! used in #ireless #ork are the
KmicrofaradK' #hich is the millionth "art of a farad' because the
farad is too large a unitC and the KC. G. .. electrostatic unit of
ca"acitanceK' #hich is often called the Kcentimeter of ca"acitanceK'
#hich is about eIual to /.// microfarads.
The units of inductance commonl! used in radio #ork are the
Kmillihenr!K' #hich is the thousandth "art of a henr!C and the
Kcentimeter of inductanceK' #hich is one oneGthousandth "art of a
microhenr!.
4ote.GGFor further information about electric and magnetic units get
the KBureau of .tandards Circular 4o. :6K' called KElectric @nits and
.tandardsK' the "rice of #hich is /H centsC also get K.cientific Pa"er
4o. 505K' called K(nternational .!stem of Electric and Bagnetic
@nitsK' "rice /6 cents. These and other informati$e "a"ers can be had
from the K.u"erintendent of %ocuments' Go$ernment Printing >fficeK'
+ashington' %. C.
+(RE=E.. B>>A.
The Admiralt! Banual of +ireless Telegra"h!. /056. Published b! is
Bajest!'s .tationer! >ffice' =ondon.
Ral"h E. Batcher.GGPre"ared Radio Beasurements. /05/. +ireless Press'
(nc.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Elmer E. Bucher.GGPractical +ireless Telegra"h!. /0/F. +ireless
Press' (nc.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Elmer E. Bucher.GG,acuum Tubes in +ireless Communication. /0/0.
+ireless Press' (nc.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Elmer E. Bucher.GGThe +ireless E-"erimenter's Banual. /056. +ireless
Press' (nc.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
A. Frederick Collins.GG+ireless Telegra"h!' (ts istor!' Theor!' and
Practice. /06H. BcGra# Pub. Co.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
?. . %ellinger.GGPrinci"les @nderl!ing Radio Communication. /05/.
.ignal Cor"s' @. .. Arm!' +ashington' %. C.
. B. %orsett.GG+ireless Telegra"h! and Tele"hon!. /056. +ireless
Press' =td.' =ondon.
?. A. Fleming.GGPrinci"les of Electric +a$e Telegra"h!. /0/0.
=ongmans' Green and Co.' =ondon.
Charles B. a!#ard.GGo# to Become a +ireless >"erator. /0/F.
American Technical .ociet!' Chicago' (ll.
G. %. Robinson.GGBanual of Radio Telegra"h! and Tele"hon!. /056.
@nited .tates 4a$al (nstitute' Anna"olis' Bd.
Ru"ert .tanle!.GGTe-tbook of +ireless Telegra"h!. /0/0. =ongmans'
Green and Co.' =ondon.
E. +. .tone.GGElements of Radio Telegra"h!. /0/0. %' ,an 4ostrand Co.'
4e# )ork Cit!.
=. B. Turner.GG+ireless Telegra"h! and Tele"hon!. /05/. Cambridge
@ni$ersit! Press. Cambridge' England.
.end to the K.u"erintendent of %ocuments' Go$ernment Printing >fficeK'
+ashington' %. C.' for a co"! of KPrice =ist 4o. :7K #hich lists the
Go$ernment's books and "am"hlets on #ireless. (t #ill be sent to !ou
free of charge.
The Go$ernment "ublishesC D/E KA =ist of Commercial Go$ernment and
."ecial +ireless .tationsK' e$er! !ear' "rice /H centsC D5E KA =ist of
Amateur +ireless .tationsK' !earl!' "rice /H centsC D;E KA +ireless
.er$ice BulletinK is "ublished monthl!' "rice H cents a co"!' or 5H
cents !earl!C and D7E K+ireless Communication =a#s of the @nited
.tatesK' the K(nternational +ireless Telegra"hic Con$ention and
Regulations Go$erning +ireless >"erators and the @se of +ireless on
.hi"s and =and .tationsK' "rice /H cents a co"!. >rders for the abo$e
"ublications should be addressed to the K.u"erintendent of %ocuments'
Go$ernment Printing >ffice' +ashington' %. C.K
Banufacturers and %ealers in +ireless A""aratus and .u""lies3
AdamsGBorgan Co.' @""er Bontclair' 4. ?.
American ard Rubber Co.' // Bercer .treet' 4e# )ork Cit!.
American Radio and Research Cor"oration' Bedford illside' Bass.
Brach D=. ..E Bfg. Co.' /51 .usse- A$e.' 4e#ark' 4. ?.
Brandes DC.E (nc.' 5;1 =afa!ette .t.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Bunnell D?. .E Com"an!' Park Place' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Burgess Batter! Com"an!' arris Trust Co. Bldg.' Chicago' (ll.
Cla""GEastman Co.' /56 Bain .t.' Cambridge' Bass.
Connecticut Tele"hone and Telegra"h Co.' Beriden' Conn.
Continental Fiber Co.' 4e#ark' %el.
CotoGCoil Co.' Pro$idence' R. (.
Crosle! Bfg. Co.' Cincinnati' >hio.
%oolittle DF. B.E' F/1 Cha"el .t.' 4e# a$en' Conn.
Edelman DPhili" E.E' 0 Cortlandt .t.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Edison .torage Batter! Co.' >range' 4. ?.
Electric ."ecialt! Co.' .tamford' Conn.
Electrose Bfg. Co.' :6 +ashington .t.' Brookl!n' 4. ).
General Electric Co.' .chenectad!' 4. ).
Grebe DA. .E and Co.' (nc.' Richmond ill' 4. ). C.
(nternational Brass and Electric Co.' /1: Beekman .t.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
(nternational (nsulating Co.' 5H +est 7Hth .t.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Aing Am"litone Co.' F5 Church .t.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Aenned! DColin B.E Co.' Rialto Bldg.' .an Francisco' Cal.
Bagna$o- Co.' >akland' Cal.
Banhattan Electrical .u""l! Co.' Park Place' 4. ).
BarshallGGerken Co.' Toledo' >hio.
Bichigan Pa"er Tube and Can Co.' 5H;: Grand Ri$er A$e.' %etroit' Bich.
Burdock D+m. ?.E Co.' Chelsea' Bass.
4ational Carbon Co.' (nc.' =ong (sland Cit!' 4. ).
Pittsburgh Radio and A""liance Co.' //5 %iamond .t.' Pittsburgh' Pa'
Radio Cor"oration of America' 5;; Broad#a!' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Rile!GAlotJ Bfg. Co.' /1G/0 Bulberr! .t.' 4e#ark' 4. ?.
Radio ."ecialt! Co.' 0: Park Place' 4e# )ork Cit!.
RollerG.mith Co.' /H Barcla! .t.' 4e# )ork Cit!.
Tuska DC. %.E Co.' artford' Conn.
+estern Electric Co.' Chicago' (ll.
+estinghouse Electric Co.' Pittsburgh' Pa.
+eston Electrical (nstrument Co.' /1; +eston A$e.' 4e#ark' 4. ?.
+estfield Bachine Co.' +estfield' Bass.
ABBRE,(AT(>4. >F C>BB>4 TERB.
A. ..............Aerial
A.C. ............Alternating Current
A.F. ............Audio FreIuenc!
B. and .. .......Bro#n T .har"e +ire Gauge
C. ..............Ca"acit! or Ca"acitance
C.G... ..........CentimeterGGrainG.econd
Cond. ...........Condenser
Cou". ...........Cou"ler
C.+. ............Continuous +a$es
%.C. ............%irect Current
%.P.%.T. ........%ouble Point %ouble Thro#
%.P...T. ........%ouble Point .ingle Thro#
%.M. ............%istance
E. ...............hort for Electromoti$e Force D,oltE
E.B.F. ..........Electromoti$e Force
F. ..............Filament or FreIuenc!
G. ..............Grid
Gnd. ............Ground
(. ..............Current .trength DAm"ereE
(.C.+. ..........(nterru"ted Continuous +a$es
A+. .............Ailo#att
=. ..............(nductance
=.C. ............=oose Cou"ler
=itJ. ...........=itJendraht
Bfd. ............Bicrofarad
4eg. ............4egati$e
>.T. ............>scillation Transformer
P. ..............Plate
Prim. ...........Primar!
Pos. ............Positi$e
R. ..............Resistance
R.F. ............Radio FreIuenc!
.ec. .............econdar!
..P.%.T. .........ingle Point %ouble Thro#
..P...T. .........ingle Point .ingle Thro#
..R. .............elf Rectif!ing
T. ..............Tele"hone or Period DtimeE of Com"lete
>scillation
Tick. ...........Tickler
,. ..............Potential %ifference
,ar. ............,ariometer
,ar. Cond. ......,ariable Condenser
,.T. ............,acuum Tube
+.=. ............+a$e =ength
M. ..............Reactance
G=>..AR)
A BATTER).GG.ee Batter! A.
ABBRE,(AT(>4.' C>%E.GGAbbre$iations of Iuestions and ans#ers used in
#ireless communication. The abbre$iation Kof a IuestionK is usuall! in
three letters of #hich the first is N. Thus N R B is the code
abbre$iation of &K#hat is !our distanceLK& and the ans#er &KB!
distance isK...& .ee Page ;6: 8A""endi-3 =ist of Abbre$iations<.
ABBRE,(AT(>4.' @4(T..GGAbbre$iations of $arious units used in #ireless
electricit!. These abbre$iations are usuall! lo#er case letters of the
Roman al"habet' but occasionall! Greek letters are used and other
signs. Thus Kam"eresK is abbre$iated Kam".' microK' #hich means Kone
millionthK' 8Greek3 mu<' etc. .ee Page ;6/ 8A""endi-3 @seful
Abbre$iations<.
ABBRE,(AT(>4. >F +>R%. A4% TERB..GG=etters used instead of #ords and
terms for shortening them u" #here there is a constant re"etition of
them' as KA.C.K for Kalternating currentC C.+.K for Kcontinuous #a$esC
,.T.K for K$acuum tubeK' etc. .ee Page ;/5 8A""endi-3 Abbre$iations of
Common Terms<.
AER(A=.GGAlso called KantennaK. An aerial #ire. >ne or more #ires
sus"ended in the air and insulated from its su""orts. (t is the aerial
that sends out the #a$es and recei$es them.
AER(A=' ABATE@R.GGAn aerial suitable for sending out 566 meter #a$e
lengths. .uch an aerial #ire s!stem must not e-ceed /56 feet in length
from the ground u" to the aerial s#itch and from this through the
leadingGin #ire to the end of the aerial.
AER(A= ABBETER.GG.ee KAmmeter' ot +ireK.
AER(A=' BE%G.PR(4G..GG+here an outdoor aerial is not "racticable
KbedGs"ringsK are often made to ser$e the "ur"ose.
AER(A= CAPAC(T).GG.ee KCa"acit!' Aerial.K
AER(A= C>@4TERP>(.E.GG+here it is not "ossible to get a good ground an
Kaerial counter"oiseK or Kearth ca"acit!K can be used to ad$antage.
The counter"oise is made like the aerial and is su""orted directl!
under it close to the ground but insulated from it.
AER(A=' %(RECT(>4A=.GGA flatGto" or other aerial that #ill transmit
and recei$e o$er greater distances to and from one direction than to
and from another.
AER(A=' GR>@4%.GG.ignals can be recei$ed on a single long #ire #hen it
is "laced on or buried in the earth or immersed in #ater. (t is also
called a Kground antennaK and an Kunderground aerial.K
AER(A=' =>>P.GGAlso called a Kcoil aerial' coil antenna' loo" aerial'
loo" antennaK and #hen used for the "ur"ose a Kdirection finderK. A
coil of #ire #ound on a $ertical frame.
AER(A= RE.(.TA4CE.GG.ee KResistance' Aerial.K
AER(A= .+(TC.GG.ee K.#itch Aerial.K
AER(A= +(RE.GGD/E A #ire or #ires that form the aerial. D5E +ire that
is used for aerialsC this is usuall! co""er or co""er allo!.
AER(A= +(RE .).TEB.GGAn aerial and ground #ire and that "art of the
inductance coil #hich connects them. The o"en oscillation circuit of
a sending or a recei$ing station.
A(R C>RE TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' Air Core.K
ABATE@R AER(A= >R A4TE44A.GG.ee KAerial' Amateur.K
A=TER4AT>R.GGAn electric machine that generates alternating current.
A=PABET' (4TER4AT(>4A= C>%E.GGA modified Borse al"habet of dots and
dashes originall! used in Continental Euro"e and' hence' called the
KContinental CodeK. (t is no# used for all general "ublic ser$ice
#ireless communication all o$er the #orld and' hence' it is called the
K(nternational CodeK. .ee "age ;6H 8A""endi-3 (nternational Borse
Code<.
A=TER4AT(4G C@RRE4T DKA.C.KEGG.ee KCurrent.K
A=TER4AT(4G C@RRE4T TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformerK.
ABATE@R GR>@4%.GG.ee KGround' AmateurK.
ABBETER.GGAn instrument used for measuring the current strength' in
terms of am"eres' that flo#s in a circuit. Ammeters used for measuring
direct and alternating currents make use of the Kmagnetic effectsK of
the currents. igh freIuenc! currents make use of the Kheating
effectsK of the currents.
ABBETER' >TG+(RE.GGigh freIuenc! currents are usuall! measured b!
means of an instrument #hich de"ends on heating a #ire or metal stri"
b! the oscillations. .uch an instrument is often called a Kthermal
ammeterK' Kradio ammeterK and Kaerial ammeterK.
ABBETER' AER(A=.GG.ee KAmmeter' ot +ireK.
ABBETER' RA%(>.GG.ee KAmmeter' ot +ireK.
ABPERE.GGThe current #hich #hen "assed through a solution of nitrate
of sil$er in #ater according to certain s"ecifications' de"osits
sil$er at the rate of 6.66///F66 of a gram "er second.
ABPEREG>@R.GGThe Iuantit! of electricit! transferred b! a current of
/ am"ere in / hour and is' therefore' eIual to ;:66 coulombs.
ABPEREGT@R4..GG+hen a coil is #ound u" #ith a number of turns of #ire
and a current is made to flo# through it' it beha$es like a magnet. B
The strength of the magnetic field inside of the coil de"ends on D/E
the strength of the current and D5E the number of turns of #ire on the
coil. Thus a feeble current flo#ing through a large number of turns
#ill "roduce as strong a magnetic field as a strong current flo#ing
through a fe# turns of #ire. This "roduct of the current in am"eres
times the number of turns of #ire on the coil is called the
Kam"ereGturnsK.
ABP=(F(CAT(>4' A@%(> FREN@E4C).GGA current of audio freIuenc! that is
am"lified b! an am"lifier tube or other means.
ABP=(F(CAT(>4' CA.CA%E.GG.ee KCascade Am"lificationK.
ABP=(F(CAT(>4' RA%(> FREN@E4C).GGA current of radio freIuenc! that is
am"lified b! an am"lifier tube or other means before it reaches the
detector.
ABP=(F(CAT(>4' REGE4ERAT(,E.GGA scheme that uses a third circuit to
feed back "art of the oscillations through a $acuum tube and #hich
increases its sensiti$eness #hen used as a detector and multi"lies its
action as an am"lifier and an oscillator.
ABP=(F(ER' A@%(> FREN@E4C).GGA $acuum tube or other de$ice that
am"lifies the signals after "assing through the detector.
ABP=(F(ER' BAG4ET(C.GGA de$ice used for controlling radio freIuenc!
currents either b! means of a telegra"h ke! or a micro"hone
transmitter. The controlling current flo#s through a se"arate circuit
from that of the radio current and a fraction of an am"ere #ill
control se$eral am"eres in the aerial #ire.
ABP=(F(ER.' B@=T(G.TAGE.GGA recei$ing set using t#o or more
am"lifiers. Also called Kcascade am"lificationK.
ABP=(F(ER' ,AC@@B T@BE.GGA $acuum tube that is used either to am"lif!
the radio freIuenc! currents or the audio freIuenc! currents.
ABP=(T@%E >F +A,E.GGThe greatest distance that a "oint mo$es from its
"osition of rest.
ABP=(F)(4G TRA4.F>RBER' A@%(>.GG.ee KTransformer' Audio Am"lif!ingK.
ABP=(F)(4G B>%@=AT>R ,AC@@B T@BE.GG.ee K,acuum Tube' Am"lif!ing
BodulatorK.
ABP=(F)(4G TRA4.F>RBER RA%(>.GG.ee KTransformer' Radio Am"lif!ingK.
A4TE44A' ABATE@R.GG.ee KAerial' AmateurK.
A4TE44A .+(TC.GG.ee K.#itch' AerialK.
APPARAT@. .)BB>=..GG.ee K.!mbols' A""aratusK.
ARB.TR>4G C(RC@(T.GG.ee KCircuit' ArmstrongK.
ATB>.PER(C..GG.ame as K.taticK' #hich see.
ATTE4@AT(>4.GG(n .ending #ireless telegra"h and tele"hone messages the
am"litude of the electric #a$es is dam"ed out as the distance
increases. This is called KattenuationK and it increases as the
freIuenc! is increased. This is the reason #h! short #a$e lengths
#ill not carr! as far as long #a$e lengths.
A@%(> FREN@E4C) ABP=(F(ER.GG.ee KAm"lifier' Audio FreIuenc!K.
A@%(> FREN@E4C) ABP=(F(CAT(>4.GG.ee KAm"lification' Audio FreIuenc!K.
A@%(B(=(T) BETER.GG.ee KBeter' Audibilit!K.
A@%(> FREN@E4C).GG.ee KFreIuenc!' AudioK.
A@%(> FREN@E4C) C@RRE4T.GG.ee KCurrent' Audio FreIuenc!K.
A@%(>4.GGAn earl! trade name gi$en to the $acuum tube detector.
A@T>%)4E RECEPT>R.GG.ee KRece"tor' Autod!neK.
A@T> TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' AutoK.
BAAE=(TE.GGA manufactured insulating com"ound.
B BATTER).GG.ee KBatter! BK.
BA4%' +A,E =E4GT.GG.ee K+a$e =ength BandK.
BA.AET +>@4% C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductanceK.
BATTER)' A.GGThe :G$olt storage batter! used to heat the filament of a
$acuum tube' detector or am"lifier.
BATTER)' B.GGThe 55G/P5G$olt dr! cell batter! used to energiJe the
"late of a $acuum tube detector or am"lifier.
BATTER)' B>>.TER.GGThis is the batter! that is connected in series
#ith the cr!stal detector.
BATTER)' C.GGA small dr! cell batter! sometimes used to gi$e the grid
of a $acuum tube detector a bias "otential.
BATTER)' E%(.>4 .T>RAGE.GGA storage batter! in #hich the elements are
made of nickel and iron and immersed in an alkaline
Kelectrol!teK.
BATTER)' =EA% .T>RAGE.GGA storage batter! in #hich the elements are
made of lead and immersed in an acid electrol!te.
BATTER) P>=E..GG.ee KPoles' Batter!K.
BATTER)' PR(BAR).GGA batter! that generates current b! chemical
action.
BATTER)' .T>RAGE.GGA batter! that de$elo"s a current after it has been
charged.
BEAT RECEPT(>4.GG.ee Keterod!ne Rece"tionK.
BE% .PR(4G. AER(A=.GG.ee KAerial' Bed ."ringsK.
B=@B B=@B.GG>$er modulation in #ireless tele"hon!.
BR>A% +A,E.GG.ee K+a$e' BroadK.
BR@. %(.CARGE.GG.ee K%ischargeK.
B@XXER B>%@=AT(>4.GG.ee KBodulation' BuJJerK.
B=@E G=>+ %(.CARGE.GG.ee K%ischargeK.
B>>.TER BATTER).GG.ee KBatter!' BoosterK.
BR>A%CA.T(4G.GG.ending out intelligence and music from a central
station for the benefit of all #ho li$e #ithin range of it and #ho
ha$e recei$ing sets.
CAPAC(TA4CE.GGAlso called b! the older name of Kca"acit!K. The
ca"acit! of a condenser' inductance coil or other de$ice ca"able of
retaining a charge of electricit!. Ca"acitance is measured in terms
of the KmicrofaradK.
CAPAC(T(,E C>@P=(4G.GG.ee KCou"ling' Ca"aciti$eK.
CAPAC(T).GGAn! object that #ill retain a charge of electricit!C hence
an aerial #ire' a condenser or a metal "late is sometimes called a
Kca"acit!K.
CAPAC(T)' AER(A=.GGThe amount to #hich an aerial #ire s!stem can be
charged. The Kca"acitanceK of a small amateur aerial is from
6.6665 to 6.666H microfarad.
CAPAC(T)' %(.TR(B@TE%.GGA coil of #ire not onl! has inductance' but
also a certain small ca"acitance. Coils #ound #ith their turns
"arallel and ha$ing a number of la!ers ha$e a Kbunched ca"acitanceK
#hich "roduces unto#ard effects in oscillation circuits. (n hone!comb
and other stagger #ound coils the ca"acitance is more e$enl!
distributed.
CAPAC(T) REACTA4CE.GG.ee KReactance' Ca"acit!K.
CAPAC(T) @4(T.GG.ee KFaradK.
CARB>4 RE>.TAT..GG.ee KRheostat' CarbonK.
CARB>R@4%@B %ETECT>R.GG.ee K%etectorK.
CARR(ER C@RRE4T TE=EP>4).GG.ee K+iredG+irelessK.
CARR(ER FREN@E4C).GG.ee KFreIuenc!' CarrierK.
CARR(ER FREN@E4C) TE=EP>4).GG.ee K+iredG+irelessK.
CA.CA%E ABP=(F(CAT(>4.GGT#o or more am"lif!ing tubes hooked u" in a
recei$ing set.
CAT +(.AER C>4TACT.GGA long' thin #ire #hich makes contact #ith the
cr!stal of a detector.
CE4T(BETER >F CAPAC(TA4CE.GGEIual to /.// KmicrofaradsK.
CE4T(BETER >F (4%@CTA4CE.GGEIual to one oneGthousandth "art of a
Kmicrohenr!K.
CE==@=AR C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductanceK.
C.G... E=ECTR>.TAT(C @4(T >F CAPAC(TA4CE.GG.ee KCentimeter of
Ca"acitanceK.
CARACTER(.T(C..GGThe s"ecial beha$ior of a de$ice' such as an aerial'
a detector tube' etc.
CARACTER(.T(C.' GR(%.GG.ee KGrid CharacteristicsK.
C>AE C>(=..GGCoils that "re$ent the high $oltage oscillations from
surging back into the transformer and breaking do#n the insulation.
C>PPER B>%@=AT(>4.GG.ee KBodulation' Cho""erK.
C(RC@(T.GGAn! electrical conductor through #hich a current can flo#. A
lo# $oltage current reIuires a loo" of #ire or other conductor both
ends of #hich are connected to the source of current before it can
flo#. A high freIuenc! current #ill surge in a #ire #hich is o"en at
both ends like the aerial.
Closed Circuit.GGA circuit that is continuous.
>"en Circuit.GGA conductor that is not continuous.
Cou"led Circuits.GG>"en and closed circuits connected together
b! inductance coils' condensers or resistances. .ee Kcou"lingK.
Close Cou"led Circuits.GG>"en and closed circuits connected
directl! together #ith a single inductance coil.
=oose Cou"led Circuits.GG>"ened and closed currents connected
together inducti$el! b! means of a transformer.
.tandGb! Circuits.GGAlso called K"ickGu"K circuits. +hen listeningGin
for "ossible calls from a number of stations' a recei$er is used #hich
#ill res"ond to a #ide band of #a$e lengths.
Armstrong Circuits.GGThe regenerati$e circuit in$ented b! Bajor E. .
Armstrong.
C=>.E C>@P=E% C(RC@(T..GG.ee KCurrents' Close Cou"ledK.
C=>.E% C(RC@(T.GG.ee KCircuit' ClosedK.
C=>.E% C>RE TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' Closed CoreK.
C>%E.GG
Continental.GG.ame as K(nternationalK.
(nternational.GG>n the continent of Euro"e land lines use the
KContinental BorseK al"habetic code. This code has come to be used
throughout the #orld for #ireless telegra"h! and hence it is no#
called the K(nternational codeK. (t is gi$en on Page ;6H. 8A""endi-3
(nternational Borse Code<.
Borse.GGThe code de$ised b! .amuel F. B. Borse and #hich is used on
the land lines in the @. ..
4ational Electric.GGA set of rules and reIuirements de$ised b! the
K4ational Board of Fire @nder#ritersK for the electrical installations
in buildings on #hich insurance com"anies carr! risks. This code also
co$ers the reIuirements for #ireless installations. A co"! ma! be had
from the K4ational Board of Fire @nder#ritersK' 4e# )ork Cit!' or from
!our insurance agent.
4ational Electric .afet!.GGThe Bureau of .tandards' +ashington' %. C.'
ha$e in$estigated the "recautions #hich should be taken for the safe
o"eration of all electric eIui"ment. A co"! of the KBureau of
.tandards andbook 4o. ;K can be had for 76 cents from the
K.u"erintendent of %ocumentsK.
C>EFF(C(E4T >F C>@P=(4G.GG.ee KCou"ling' Coefficient ofK.
C>(= AER(A=.GG.ee KAerial' =oo"K.
C>(= A4TE44A.GG.ee KAerial' =oo"K.
C>(=' (4%@CT(>4.GGAn a""aratus for changing lo# $oltage direct
currents into high $oltage' lo# freIuenc! alternating currents. +hen
fitted #ith a s"ark ga" the high $oltage' lo# freIuenc! currents are
con$erted into high $oltage' high freIuenc! currents. (t is then also
called a Ks"ark coilK and a KRuhmkorff coilK.
C>(=' =>A%(4G.GGA coil connected in the aerial or closed oscillation
circuit so that longer #a$e lengths can be recei$ed.
C>(=' REPEAT(4G.GG.ee KRe"eating CoilK.
C>(=' R>TAT(4G.GG>ne #hich rotates on a shaft instead of sliding as in
a Kloose cou"lerK. The rotor of a K$ariometerK or K$ariocou"lerK is a
Krotating coilK.
C>(=.' (4%@CTA4CE.GGThese are the tuning coils used for sending and
recei$ing sets. For sending sets the! are formed of one and t#o coils'
a single sending coil is generall! called a Ktuning inductance coilK'
#hile a t#oGcoil tuner is called an Koscillation transformerK.
Recei$ing tuning coils are made #ith a single la!er' single coil' or a
"air of coils' #hen it is called an oscillation KtransformerK. .ome
tuning inductance coils ha$e more than one la!er' the! are then called
Klattice #oundK' KcellularK' Kbasket #oundK' Khone!combK'
KduoGlateralK' Kstagger #oundK' Ks"iderG#ebK and KslabK coils.
C>BBERC(A= FREN@E4C).GG.ee KFreIuenc!' CommercialK.
C>4%E4.ER' AER(A= .ER(E..GGA condenser "laced in the aerial #ire
s!stem to cut do#n the #a$e length.
C>4%E4.ER' ,ER4(ER.GGA small $ariable condenser used for recei$ing
continuous #a$es #here $er! shar" tuning is desired.
C>4%E4.ER.GGAll conducting objects #ith their insulation form
ca"acities' but a KcondenserK is understood to mean t#o sheets or
"lates of metal "laced closel! together but se"arated b! some
insulating material.
Adjustable Condenser.GG+here t#o or more condensers can be cou"led
together b! means of "lugs' s#itches or other de$ices.
Aerial Condenser.GGA condenser connected in the aerial.
Air Condenser.GG+here air onl! se"arates the sheets of metal.
B!GPass Condenser.GGA condenser connected in the transmitting currents
so that the high freIuenc! currents cannot flo# back through the "o#er
circuit.
Filter Condenser.GGA condenser of large ca"acitance used in
combination #ith a filter reactor for smoothing out the "ulsating
direct currents as the! come from the rectifier.
Fi-ed Condenser.GG+here the "lates are fi-ed relati$el! to one
another.
Grid Condenser.GGA condenser connected in series #ith the grid lead.
=e!den ?ar Condenser.GG+here glass jars are used.
Bica Condenser.GG+here mica is used.
>il Condenser.GG+here the "lates are immersed in oil.
Pa"er Condenser.GG+here "a"er is used as the insulating material.
Protecti$e.GGA condenser of large ca"acit! connected across the lo#
$oltage su""l! circuit of a transmitter to form a b!G"ath of kickGback
oscillations.
,ariable Condenser.GG+here alternate "lates can be mo$ed and so made
to interlea$e more or less #ith a set of fi-ed "lates.
,ernier.GGA small condenser #ith a $ernier on it so that it can be
$er! accuratel! $aried. (t is connected in "arallel #ith the $ariable
condenser used in the "rimar! circuit and is used for the rece"tion of
continuous #a$es #here shar" tuning is essential.
C>4%E4.(TE.GGA manufactured insulating com"ound.
C>4%@CT(,(T).GGThe conductance of a gi$en length of #ire of uniform
cross section. The reci"rocal of Kresisti$it!K.
C>4TACT %ETECT>R..GG.ee K%etectors' ContactK.
C>4T(4E4TA= C>%E.GG.ee KCode' ContinentalK.
C>@=>BB.GGThe Iuantit! of electricit! transferred b! a current of /
am"ere in / second.
C>4,ECT(,E %(.CARGE.GG.ee K%ischargeK.
C>4,E4T(>4A= .(G4A=..GG.ee K.ignals' Con$entionalK.
C>@4TER E=ECTR>B>T(,E F>RCE.GG.ee KElectromoti$e Force' CounterK.
C>@4TERP>(.E. A du"licate of the aerial #ire that is raised a fe# feet
abo$e the earth and insulated from it. @suall! no connection is made
#ith the earth itself.
C>@P=E% C(RC@(T..GG.ee KCircuit' Cou"ledK.
C>@P=(4G.GG+hen t#o oscillation circuits are connected together either
b! the magnetic field of an inductance coil' or b! the electrostatic
field of a condenser.
C>@P=(4G' CAPAC(T(,E.GG>scillation circuits #hen connected together b!
condensers instead of inductance coils.
C>@P=(4G' C>EFF(C(E4T >F.GGThe measure of the closeness of the
cou"ling bet#een t#o coils.
C>@P=(4G' (4%@CT(,E.GG>scillation circuits #hen connected together b!
inductance coils.
C>@P=(4G' RE.(.TA4CE.GG>scillation circuits connected together b! a
resistance.
CR).TA= RECT(F(ER.GGA cr!stal detector.
C@RRE4T' A=TER4AT(4G DA.C.E.GGA lo# freIuenc! current that surges to
and fro in a circuit.
C@RRE4T' A@%(> FREN@E4C).GGA current #hose freIuenc! is lo# enough to
be heard in a tele"hone recei$er. .uch a current usuall! has a
freIuenc! of bet#een 566 and 5'666 c!cles "er second.
C@RRE4T' P=ATE.GGThe current #hich flo#s bet#een the filament and the
"late of a $acuum tube.
C@RRE4T' P@=.AT(4G.GGA direct current #hose $oltage $aries from moment
to moment.
C@RRE4T' RA%(> FREN@E4C).GGA current #hose freIuenc! is so high it
cannot be heard in a tele"hone recei$er. .uch a current ma! ha$e a
freIuenc! of from 56'666 to /6'666'666 "er second.
C@RRE4T.' (G FREN@E4C).GGD/E Currents that oscillate from /6'666 to
;66'666'666 times "er second. D5E Electric oscillations.
C@RRE4T.' (G P>TE4T(A=.GGD/E Currents that ha$e a "otential of more
than /6'666 $olts. D5E igh $oltage currents.
C)C=E.GGD/E A series of changes #hich #hen com"leted are again at the
starting "oint. D5E A "eriod of time at the end of #hich an
alternating or oscillating current re"eats its original direction of
flo#.
%ABP(4G.GGThe degree to #hich the energ! of an electric oscillation is
reduced. (n an o"en circuit the energ! of an oscillation set u" b! a
s"ark ga" is dam"ed out in a fe# s#ings' #hile in a closed circuit it
is greatl! "rolonged' the current oscillating 56 times or more before
the energ! is dissi"ated b! the sum of the resistances of the circuit.
%ECREBE4T.GGThe act or "rocess of graduall! becoming less.
%ETECT>R.GGAn! de$ice that #ill D/E change the oscillations set u" b!
the incoming #a$es into direct current' that is #hich #ill rectif!
them' or D5E that #ill act as a rela!.
Carborundum.GG>ne that uses a KcarborundumK cr!stal for the sensiti$e
element. Carborundum is a cr!stalline silicon carbide formed in the
electric furnace.
Cat +hisker Contact.GG.ee KCat +hisker ContactK.
Chalco"!rite.GGCo""er "!rites. A brass colored mineral used as a
cr!stal for detectors. .ee KXinciteK.
Contact.GGA cr!stal detector. An! kind of a detector in #hich t#o
dissimilar but suitable solids make contact.
Ferron.GGA detector in #hich iron "!rites are used as the sensiti$e
element.
Galena.GGA detector that uses a galena cr!stal for the rectif!ing
element.
(ron P!rites.GGA detector that uses a cr!stal of iron "!rites for its
sensiti$e element.
Bol!bdenite.GGA detector that uses a cr!stal of Ksul"hide of
mol!bdenumK for the sensiti$e element.
Perikon.GGA detector in #hich a KborniteK cr!stal makes contact #ith a
KJinciteK cr!stal.
.ilicon.GGA detector that uses a cr!stal of silicon for its sensiti$e
element.
,acuum Tube.GGA $acuum tube D#hich seeE used as a detector.
Xincite.GGA detector in #hich a cr!stal of KJinciteK is used as the
sensiti$e element.
%E T@4(4G.GGA method of signaling b! sustained oscillations in #hich
the ke! #hen "ressed do#n cuts out either some of the inductance or
some of the ca"acit! and hence greatl! changes the #a$e length.
%(E=ECTR(C.GGAn insulating material bet#een t#o electricall! charged
"lates in #hich there is set u" an Kelectric strainK' or dis"lacement.
%(E=ECTR(C .TRA(4.GGThe electric dis"lacement in a dielectric.
%(RECT(>4A= AER(A=.GG.ee KAerial' %irectionalK.
%(RECT(>4 F(4%ER.GG.ee KAerial' =oo"K.
%(.CARGE.GGD/E A faintl! luminous discharge that takes "lace from the
"ositi$e "ointed terminal of an induction coil' or other high
"otential a""aratusC is termed a Kbrush dischargeK. D5E A continuous
discharge bet#een the terminals of a high "otential a""aratus is
termed a Kcon$ecti$e dischargeK. D;E The sudden breakingGdo#n of the
air bet#een the balls forming the s"ark ga" is termed a Kdisru"ti$e
dischargeKC also called an Kelectric s"arkK' or just Ks"arkK for
short. D7E +hen a tube has a "oor $acuum' or too large a batter!
$oltage' it glo#s #ith a blue light and this is called a Kblue glo#
dischargeK.
%(.R@PT(,E %(.CARGE.GG.ee K%ischargeK.
%(.TRE.. CA==. 8Borse code3< ...GGG... D.>.E.
%(.TR(B@TE% CAPAC(T).GG.ee KCa"acit!' %istributedK.
%>@B=E @BP RE.>4A4CE C@R,E.GGA resonance cur$e that has t#o "eaks or
hum"s #hich sho# that the oscillating currents #hich are set u" #hen
the "rimar! and secondar! of a tuning coil are closel! cou"led ha$e
t#o freIuencies.
%@>G=ATERA= C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductanceK.
%@P=EM C>BB@4(CAT(>4.GGA #ireless tele"hone s!stem #ith #hich it is
"ossible to talk bet#een both stations in either direction #ithout the
use of s#itches. This is kno#n as the Kdu"le- s!stemK.
EART CAPAC(T).GGAn aerial counter"oise.
EART C>44ECT(>4.GGBetal "lates or #ires buried in the ground or
immersed in #ater. An! kind of means b! #hich the sending and
recei$ing a""aratus can be connected #ith the earth.
E%(.>4 .T>RAGE BATTER).GG.ee K.torage Batter!' EdisonK.
E=ECTR(C E4ERG).GGThe "o#er of an electric current.
E=ECTR(C >.C(==AT(>4..GG.ee K>scillations' ElectricK.
E=ECTR(C .PARA.GG.ee K%ischarge' ."arkK.
E=ECTR(C(T)' 4EGAT(,E.GGThe o""osite of K"ositi$e electricit!K.
4egati$e electricit! is formed of negati$e electrons #hich make u" the
outside "articles of an atom.
E=ECTR(C(T)' P>.(T(,E.GGThe o""osite of Knegati$e electricit!K.
Positi$e electricit! is formed of "ositi$e electrons #hich make u" the
inside "articles of an atom.
E=ECTR>%E..GG@suall! the "arts of an a""aratus #hich di" into a liIuid
and carr! a current. The electrodes of a dr! batter! are the Jinc and
carbon elements. The electrodes of an Edison storage batter! are the
iron and nickel elements' and the electrodes of a lead storage batter!
are the lead elements.
E=ECTR>=)TE..GGThe acid or alkaline solutions used in batteries.
E=ECTR>BAG4ET(C +A,E..GG.ee K+a$es' ElectricK.
E=ECTR>B>T(,E F>RCE.GGAbbre$iated KemfK. The force that dri$es an
electric current along a conductor. Also loosel! called
K$oltageK.
E=ECTR>B>T(,E F>RCE' C>@4TER.GGThe emf. that is set u" in a direction
o""osite to that in #hich the current is flo#ing in a conductor.
E=ECTR>4.GGD/E A negati$e "article of electricit! that is detached
from an atom. D5E A negati$e "article of electricit! thro#n off from
the incandescent filament of a $acuum tube.
E=ECTR>4 F=>+.GGThe "assage of electrons bet#een the incandescent
filament and the cold "ositi$el! charged "late of a $acuum tube.
E=ECTR>4 RE=A).GG.ee KRela!' ElectronK.
E=ECTR>4 T@BE.GGA $acuum tube or a gasGcontent tube used for an!
"ur"ose in #ireless #ork. .ee K,acuum TubeK.
E=ECTR>.E (4.@=AT>R..GG(nsulators made of a com"osition material the
trade name of #hich is KElectroseK.
E4ERG)' E=ECTR(C.GG.ee KElectric Energ!K.
E4ERG) @4(T.GGThe KjouleK' #hich see' Page ;6F 8A""endi-3 %efinitions
of Electric and Bagnetic @nits<.
FA%(4G.GGThe sudden $ariation in strength of signals recei$ed from a
transmitting station #hen all the adjustments of both sending and
recei$ing a""aratus remain the same. Also called Ks#ingingK.
FARA%.GGThe ca"acitance of a condenser in #hich a "otential difference
of / $olt causes it to ha$e a charge of / coulomb of electricit!.
FEE%GBACA ACT(>4.GGFeeding back the oscillating currents in a $acuum
tube to am"lif! its "o#er. Also called Kregenerati$e actionK.
FERR>BAG4ET(C C>4TR>=.GG.ee KBagnetic Am"lifierK.
F(=ABE4T.GGThe #ire in a $acuum tube that is heated to incandescence
and #hich thro#s off electrons.
F(=ABE4T RE>.TAT.GG.ee KRheostat' FilamentK.
F(=TER.GG(nductance coils or condensers or both #hich D/E "re$ent
troublesome $oltages from acting on the different circuits' and D5E
smooth out alternating currents after the! ha$e been rectified.
F(=TER REACT>R.GG.ee KReactor' FilterK.
F(RE @4%ER+R(TER..GG.ee KCode' 4ational ElectricK.
F(ME% GAP.GG.ee KGa"K.
F=EB(4G ,A=,E.GGA t#oGelectrode $acuum tube.
F>RCE% >.C(==AT(>4..GG.ee K>scillations' ForcedK.
FREE >.C(==AT(>4..GG.ee K>scillations' FreeK.
FREN@E4C)' A@%(>.GGD/E An alternating current #hose freIuenc! is lo#
enough to o"erate a tele"hone recei$er and' hence' #hich can be heard
b! the ear. D5E Audio freIuencies are usuall! around H66 or /'666
c!cles "er second' but ma! be as lo# as 566 and as high as /6'666
c!cles "er second.
Carrier.GGA radio freIuenc! #a$e modulated b! an audio freIuenc! #a$e
#hich results in setting of KthreeK radio freIuenc! #a$es. The
"rinci"al radio freIuenc! is called the carrier freIuenc!' since it
carries or transmits the audio freIuenc! #a$e.
Commercial.GGD/E Alternating current that is used for commercial
"ur"oses' namel!' light' heat and "o#er. D5E Commercial freIuencies
no# in general use are from 5H to H6 c!cles "er second.
4atural.GGThe "endulum and $ibrating s"ring ha$e a Knatural freIuenc!K
#hich de"ends on the siJe' material of #hich it is made' and the
friction #hich it has to o$ercome. =ike#ise an oscillation circuit has
a natural freIuenc! #hich de"ends u"on its KinductanceK' Kca"acitanceK
and KresistanceK.
Radio.GGD/E An oscillating current #hose freIuenc! is too high to
affect a tele"hone recei$er and' hence' cannot be heard b! the ear.
D5E Radio freIuencies are usuall! bet#een 56'666 and 5'666'666 c!cles
"er second but ma! be as lo# as /6'666 and as high as ;66'666'666
c!cles "er second.
."ark.GGThe number of s"arks "er second "roduced b! the discharge of a
condenser.
GAP' F(ME%.GG>ne #ith fi-ed electrodes.
GAP' 4>4G.)4CR>4>@..GGA rotar! s"ark ga" run b! a se"arate motor
#hich ma! be #idel! different from that of the s"eed of the
alternator.
GAP' N@E4CE%.GGD/E A s"ark ga" for the im"ulse "roduction of
oscillating currents. D5E This method can be likened to one #here a
s"ring is struck a single shar" blo# and then continues to set u"
$ibrations.
GAP' R>TAR).GG>ne ha$ing fi-ed and rotating electrodes.
GAP' .)4CR>4>@..GGA rotar! s"ark ga" run at the same s"eed as the
alternator #hich su""lies the "o#er transformer. .uch a ga" usuall!
has as man! teeth as there are "oles on the generator. ence one s"ark
occurs "er half c!cle.
GA.GC>4TE4T T@BE.GG.ee K,acuum Tube.K
GE4ERAT>R T@BE.GGA $acuum tube used to set u" oscillations. As a
matter of fact it does not KgenerateK oscillations' but changes the
initial lo# $oltage current that flo#s through it into oscillations.
Also called an Koscillator tubeK and a K"o#er tube.K
GR(% BATTER).GG.ee KBatter! C.K
GR(% CARACTER(.T(C..GGThe $arious relations that could e-ist bet#een
the $oltages and currents of the grid of a $acuum tube' and the $alues
#hich do e-ist bet#een them #hen the tube is in o"eration. These
characteristics are generall! sho#n b! cur$es.
GR(% C>4%E4.ER.GG.ee KCondenser' Grid.K
GR(% =EAA.GGA high resistance unit connected in the grid lead of both
sending and recei$ing sets. (n a sending set it kee"s the $oltage of
the grid at a constant $alue and so controls the out"ut of the aerial.
(n a recei$ing set it controls the current flo#ing bet#een the "late
and filament.
GR(% B>%@=AT(>4.GG.ee KBodulation' Grid.K
GR(% P>TE4T(A=.GGThe negati$e or "ositi$e $oltage of the grid of a
$acuum tube.
GR(% ,>=TAGE.GG.ee KGrid Potential.K
GR(4%ER..GGThe most common form of K.tatic'K #hich see. The! make a
grinding noise in the head"hones.
GR>@4%.GG.ee KEarth Connection.K
GR>@4%' ABATE@R.GGA #aterG"i"e ground.
GR>@4%' +ATERP(PE.GGA common method of grounding b! amateurs is to use
the #ater"i"e' gas"i"e or radiator.
G@(%E% +A,E TE=EP>4).GG.ee K+ired +ireless.K
AR% T@BE.GGA $acuum tube in #hich the $acuum is Khigh'K that is'
e-hausted to a high degree.
E=(M.GGD/E An! coil of #ire. D5E ."ecificall! a transmitter tuning
inductance coil.
E4R).GGThe inductance in a circuit in #hich the electromoti$e force
induced is / $olt #hen the inducing current $aries at the rate of /
am"ere "er second.
ETER>%)4E RECEPT(>4.GGD/E Recei$ing b! the KbeatK method. D5E
Recei$ing b! means of su"er"osing oscillations generated at the
recei$ing station on the oscillations set u" in the aerial b! the
incoming #a$es.
ETER>%)4E RECEPT>R.GG.ee KRece"tor' eterod!ne.K
(G FREN@E4C) C@RRE4T..GG.ee KCurrents' igh FreIuenc!.K
(G FREN@E4C) RE.(.TA4CE.GG.ee KResistance' igh FreIuenc!.K
(G P>TE4T(A= C@RRE4T..GG.ee KCurrents' igh Potential.K
(G ,>=TAGE C@RRE4T..GG.ee KCurrents' igh Potential.K
>4E)C>BB C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductance.K
>R.EGP>+ER.GG@sed in rating steam machiner!. (t is eIual to 17:
#atts.
>T +(RE ABBETER.GG.ee KAmmeter' ot +ire.K
>+=(4G.GG+here more than three stages of radio am"lification' or more
than t#o stages of audio am"lification' are used ho#ling noises are
a"t to occur in the tele"hone recei$ers.
(BPE%A4CE.GGAn oscillation circuit has KreactanceK and also
Kresistance'K and #hen these are combined the total o""osition to the
current is called Kim"edance.K
(4%@CTA4CE C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductance.K
(4%@CTA4CE C>(=' =>A%(4G.GG.ee KCoil' =oading (nductance.K
(4%@CT(,E C>@P=(4G.GG.ee KCou"ling' (nducti$e.K
(4%@CT(,E REACTA4CE.GG.ee KReactance' (nducti$e.K
(4%@CT(>4 C>(=.GG.ee KCoil' (nduction.K
(4%@CT(>4' B@T@A=.GG(nduction "roduced bet#een t#o circuits or coils
close to each other b! the mutual interaction of their magnetic
fields.
(4.@=AT(>4.GGBaterials used on and around #ires and other conductors
to kee" the current from leaking a#a!.
(4.PECT>R' RA%(>.GGA @. .. ins"ector #hose business it is to issue
both station and o"erators' licenses in the district of #hich he is in
charge.
(4TERFERE4CE.GGThe crossing or su"er"osing of t#o sets of electric
#a$es of the same or slightl! different lengths #hich tend to o""ose
each other. (t is the unto#ard interference bet#een electric #a$es
from different stations that makes selecti$e signaling so difficult a
"roblem.
(4TERBE%(ATE +A,E..GG.ee K+a$es.K
(>4(C T@BE..GG.ee K,acuum Tubes.K
(4TER4AT(>4A= C>%E.GG.ee Code' (nternational.
?ABB(4G.GG+a$es that are of such length and strength that #hen the!
interfere #ith incoming #a$es the! dro#n them out.
?>@=E.GGThe energ! s"ent in / second b! a flo# of / am"ere in / ohm.
?>@=E'. =A+.GGThe relation bet#een the heat "roduced in seconds to the
resistance of the circuit' to the current flo#ing in it.
AE4>TR>4.GGThe trade name of a $acuum tube rectifier made b! the
KRadio Cor"oration of America.K
A(CAGBACA.GG>scillating currents that rise in $oltage and tend to flo#
back through the circuit that is su""l!ing the transmitter #ith lo#
$oltage current.
A(CAGBACA PRE,E4T(>4.GG.ee KPre$ention' AickGBack.K
A(=>+ATT.GG/'666 #atts.
=ABB%A.GG.ee Pages ;6/' ;65. 8A""endi-3 @seful Abbre$iations<.
=ATT(CE +>@4% C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductance.K
=(GT4(4G .+(TC.GG.ee K.#itch' =ightning.K
=(4E RA%(> C>BB@4(CAT(>4.GG.ee K+ired +ireless.K
=(4E RA%(> TE=EP>4).GG.ee KTele"hon!' =ine Radio.K
=(TXE4%RAT.GGA conductor formed of a number of fine co""er #ires
either t#isted or braided together. (t is used to reduce the Kskin
effect.K .ee KResistance' igh FreIuenc!.K
=>A% F=(CAER.GGThe flickering of electric lights on lines that su""l!
#ireless transmitting sets due to $ariations of the $oltage on o"ening
and closing the ke!.
=>A%(4G C>(=.GG.ee KCoil' =oading.K
=>4G +A,E..GG.ee K+a$es.K
=>>P AER(A=.GG.ee KAerial' =oo".K
=>>.E C>@P=E% C(RC@(T..GG.ee KCircuits' =oose Cou"led.K
=>@% .PEAAER.GGA tele"hone recei$er connected to a horn' or a
s"eciall! made one' that re"roduces the incoming signals' #ords or
music loud enough to be heard b! a room or an auditorium full of
"eo"le' or b! large cro#ds outGdoors.
BAG4ET(C P>=E..GG.ee KPoles' Bagnetic.K
BEG>B.GG>ne million ohms.
BETER' A@%(B(=(T).GGAn instrument for measuring the loudness of a
signal b! com"arison #ith another signal. (t consists of a "air of
head"hones and a $ariable resistance #hich ha$e been calibrated.
B>.GGThe unit of conductance. As conductance is the reci"rocal of
resistance it is measured b! the Kreci"rocal ohmK or Kmho.K
B(CA.GGA trans"arent mineral ha$ing a high insulating $alue and #hich
can be s"lit into $er! thin sheets. (t is largel! used in making
condensers both for transmitting and recei$ing sets.
B(CR>FARA%.GGThe millionth "art of a Kfarad.K
B(CR>E4R).GGThe millionth "art of a Kfarad.K
B(CR>B(CR>FARA%.GGThe millionth "art of a Kmicrofarad.K
B(CR>B.GGThe millionth "art of an Kohm.K
B(CR>P>4E TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' Bicro"hone.K
B(CR>P>4E TRA4.B(TTER.GG.ee KTransmitter' Bicro"hone.K
B(==(GABBETER.GGAn ammeter that measures a current b! the
oneGthousandth of an am"ere.
B>%@=AT(>4.GGD/E (nflection or $ar!ing the $oice. D5E ,ar!ing the
am"litude of oscillations b! means of the $oice.
B>%@=AT(>4' B@XXER.GGThe modulation of radio freIuenc! oscillations b!
a buJJer #hich breaks u" the sustained oscillations of a transmitter
into audio freIuenc! im"ulses.
B(==(E4R).GGThe thousandth "art of a Khenr!.K
B>%@=AT(>4' C>PPER.GGThe modulation of radio freIuenc! oscillations
b! a cho""er #hich breaks u" the sustained oscillations of a
transmitter into audio freIuenc! im"ulses.
B>%@=AT(>4' GR(%.GGThe scheme of modulating an oscillator tube b!
connecting the secondar! of a transformer' the "rimar! of #hich is
connected #ith a batter! and a micro"hone transmitter' in the grid
lead.
B>%@=AT(>4' >,ER.GG.ee KBlub Blub.K
B>%@=AT(>4' P=ATE.GGBodulating the oscillations set u" b! a $acuum
tube b! $ar!ing the current im"ressed on the "late.
B>%@=AT>R T@BE.GGA $acuum tube used as a modulator.
B>T(>4' +A,E.GGD/E The to and fro motion of #ater at sea. D5E +a$es
transmitted b!' in and through the air' or sound #a$es. D;E +a$es
transmitted b!' in and through the Kether'K or Kelectromagnetic
#a$es'K or Kelectric #a$esK for short.
B>T>RGGE4ERAT>R.GGA motor and a d!namo built to run at the same s"eed
and mounted on a common base' the shafts being cou"led together. (n
#ireless it is used for changing commercial direct current into direct
current of higher $oltages for energiJing the "late of a $acuum tube
oscillator.
B@=T(G.TAGE ABP=(F(ER..GG.ee KAm"lifiers' BultiG.tage.K
B@T@A= (4%@CT(>4.GG.ee K(nduction' Butual.K
B@..GG(rregular intermediate freIuencies set u" b! arc transmitters
#hich interfere #ith the fundamental #a$e lengths.
B@.) 4>TE.GGA note that is not clear cut' and hence hard to read'
#hich is recei$ed b! the Kheterod!ne methodK #hen dam"ed #a$es or
modulated continuous #a$es are being recei$ed.
4AT(>4A= E=ECTR(C C>%E.GG.ee KCode' 4ational Electric.K
4AT(>4A= E=ECTR(C .AFET) C>%E.GG.ee KCode' 4ational Electric
.afet!.K
4EGAT(,E E=ECTR(C(T).GG.ee KElectricit!' 4egati$e.K
4>4G.)4CR>4>@. GAP.GG.ee KGa"' 4onG.!nchronous.K
>B.GGThe resistance of a thread of mercur! at the tem"erature of
melting ice' /7.7H5/ grams in mass' of uniform crossGsection and a
length of /6:.;66 centimeters.
>B'. =A+.GGThe im"ortant fi-ed relation bet#een the electric current'
its electromoti$e force and the resistance of the conductor in #hich
it flo#s.
>PE4 C(RC@(T.GG.ee KCircuit' >"en.K
>PE4 C>RE TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' >"en Core.K
>.C(==AT(>4 TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' >scillation.K
>.C(==AT(>4.' E=ECTR(C.GGA current of high freIuenc! that surges
through an o"en or a closed circuit. D/E Electric oscillations ma! be
set u" b! a s"ark ga"' electric arc or a $acuum tube' #hen the! ha$e
not onl! a high freIuenc! but a high "otential' or $oltage. D5E +hen
electric #a$es im"inge on an aerial #ire the! are transformed into
electric oscillations of a freIuenc! eIual to those #hich emitted the
#a$es' but since a $er! small amount of energ! is recei$ed their
"otential or $oltage is like#ise $er! small.
.ustained.GG>scillations in #hich the dam"ing factor is small.
%am"ed.GG>scillations in #hich the dam"ing factor is large.
Free.GG+hen a condenser discharges through an oscillation circuit'
#here there is no outside electromoti$e force acting on it' the
oscillations are said to be Kfree.K
Forced.GG>scillations that are made to surge in a circuit #hose
natural "eriod is different from that of the oscillations set u" in
it.
>.C(==AT(>4 TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer.K
>.C(==AT(>4 ,A=,E.GG.ee K,acuum Tube.K
>.C(==AT>R T@BE.GGA $acuum tube #hich is used to "roduce electric
oscillations.
>,ER B>%@=AT(>4.GG.ee KBlub Blub.K
PA4CAAE >.C(==AT(>4 TRA4.F>RBER.GG%iskGsha"ed coils that are used for
recei$ing tuning inductances.
PERBEAB(=(T)' BAG4ET(C.GGThe degree to #hich a substance can be
magnetiJed. (ron has a greater magnetic "ermeabilit! than air.
PA.E.GGA characteristic as"ect or a""earance that takes "lace at the
same "oint or "art of a c!cle.
P(CAG@P C(RC@(T..GG.ee KCircuits' .tandGb!.K
P=ATE C(RC@(T REACT>R.GG.ee KReactor' Plate Circuit.K
P=ATE C@RRE4T.GG.ee KCurrent' Plate.K
P=ATE B>%@=AT(>4.GG.ee KBodulation' Plate.K
P=ATE ,>=TAGE.GG.ee KFoliage' Plate.K
P>=E.' BATTER).GGThe "ositi$e and negati$e terminals of the elements
of a batter!. >n a storage batter! these "oles are marked R and G
res"ecti$el!.
P>=E.' BAG4ET(C.GGThe ends of a magnet.
P>.(T(,E E=ECTR(C(T).GG.ee KElectricit!' Positi$e.K
P>TE4T(A= %(FFERE4CE.GGThe electric "ressure bet#een t#o charged
conductors or surfaces.
P>TE4T(>BETER.GGA $ariable resistance used for subdi$iding the $oltage
of a current. A K$oltage di$ider.K
P>+ER TRA4.F>RBER.GG.ee KTransformer' Po#er.K
P>+ER T@BE.GG.ee KGenerator Tube.K
PR(BAR) BATTER).GG.ee KBatter!' Primar!.K
PRE,E4T(>4' A(CAGBACA.GGA choke coil "laced in the "o#er circuit to
"re$ent the high freIuenc! currents from getting into the transformer
and breaking do#n the insulation.
N . T.GGAn abbre$iation used in #ireless communication for D/E the
Iuestion &a$e !ou recei$ed the general callL& and D5E the notice'
&General call to all stations.&
N@E4CE% GAP.GG.ee KGa"' Nuenched.K
RA%(AT(>4.GGThe emission' or thro#ing off' of electric #a$es b! an
aerial #ire s!stem.
RA%(> ABBETER.GG.ee KAmmeter' ot +ire.K
RA%(> FREN@E4C).GG.ee KFreIuenc!' Radio.K
RA%(> FREN@E4C) ABP=(F(CAT(>4.GG.ee KAm"lification' Radio FreIuenc!.K
RA%(> FREN@E4C) C@RRE4T.GG.ee KCurrent' Radio FreIuenc!.K
RA%(> (4.PECT>R.GG.ee K(ns"ector' RadioK.
RA%(>TR>4.GGThe trade name of $acuum tube detectors' am"lifiers'
oscillators and modulators made b! the KRadio Cor"oration of AmericaK.
RA%(> +A,E..GG.ee K+a$es' RadioK.
REACTA4CE.GG+hen a circuit has inductance and the current changes in
$alue' it is o""osed b! the $oltage induced b! the $ariation of the
current.
REACTA4CE' CAPAC(T).GGThe ca"acit! reactance is the o""osition offered
to a current b! a ca"acit!. (t is measured as a resistance' that is'
in KohmsK.
RECE(,(4G T@4(4G C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductanceK.
RECE(,ER' =>@% .PEAA(4G.GG.ee K=oud ."eakersK.
RECE(,ER' +ATC CA.E.GGA com"act tele"hone recei$er used for #ireless
rece"tion.
REACTA4CE' (4%@CT(,E.GGThe inducti$e reactance is the o""osition
offered to the current b! an inductance coil. (t is measured as a
resistance' that is' in KohmsK.
REACT>R' F(=TER.GGA reactance coil for smoothing out the "ulsating
direct currents as the! come from the rectifier.
REACT>R' P=ATE C(RC@(T.GGA reactance coil used in the "late circuit of
a #ireless tele"hone to kee" the direct current su""l! at a constant
$oltage.
RECE(,ER.GGD/E A tele"hone recei$er. D5E An a""aratus for recei$ing
signals' s"eech or music. D;E Better called a Krece"torK to
distinguish it from a tele"hone recei$er.
RECT(F(ER.GGD/E An a""aratus for changing alternating current into
"ulsating direct current. D5E ."ecificall! in #ireless DKaKE a
cr!stal or $acuum tube detector' and DKbKE a t#oGelectrode $acuum
tube used for changing commercial alternating current into direct
current for #ireless tele"hon!.
REGE4ERAT(,E ABP=(F(CAT(>4.GG.ee KAm"lification' Regenerati$eK.
RECEPT>R.GGA recei$ing set.
RECEPT>R' A@T>%)4E.GGA rece"tor that has a regenerati$e circuit and
the same tube is used as a detector and as a generator of local
oscillations.
RECEPT>R' BEAT.GGA heterod!ne rece"tor.
RECEPT>R' ETER>%)4E.GGA recei$ing set that uses a se"arate $acuum
tube to set u" the second series of #a$es for beat rece"tion.
REGE4ERAT(,E ACT(>4.GG.ee KFeedGBack Action.K
REGE4ERAT(,E ABP=(F(CAT(>4.GG.ee KAm"lification' Regenerati$e.K
RE=A)' E=ECTR>4.GGA $acuum tube #hen used as a detector or an
am"lifier.
REPEAT(4G C>(=.GGA transformer used in connecting u" a #ireless
recei$er #ith a #ire transmitter.
RE.(.TA4CE.GGThe o""osition offered b! a #ire or other conductor to
the "assage of a current.
RE.(.TA4CE' AER(A=.GGThe resistance of the aerial #ire to oscillating
currents. This is greater than its ordinar! ohmic resistance due to
the skin effect. .ee KResistance' igh FreIuenc!.K
RE.(.TA4CE B>M.GG.ee KResistor.K
RE.(.TA4CE C>@P=(4G.GG.ee KCou"ling' Resistance.K
RE.(.TA4CE' (G FREN@E4C).GG+hen a high freIuenc! current oscillates
on a #ire t#o things take "lace that are different than #hen a direct
or alternating current flo#s through it' and these are D/E the current
inside of the #ire lags behind that of the current on the surface' and
D5E the am"litude of the current is largest on the surface and gro#s
smaller as the center of the #ire is reached. This une$en distribution
of the current is kno#n as the Kskin effectK and it amounts to the
same thing as reducing the siJe of the #ire' hence the resistance is
increased.
RE.(.T(,(T).GGThe resistance of a gi$en length of #ire of uniform
cross section. The reci"rocal of Kconducti$it!.K
RE.(.T>R.GGA fi-ed or $ariable resistance unit or a grou" of such
units. ,ariable resistors are also called Kresistance bo-esK and more
often Krheostats.K
RE.>4A4CE.GGD/E .im"le resonance of sound is its increase set u" b!
one bod! b! the s!m"athetic $ibration of a second bod!. D5E B!
e-tension the increase in the am"litude of electric oscillations #hen
the circuit in #hich the! surge has a KnaturalK "eriod that is the
same' or nearl! the same' as the "eriod of the first oscillation
circuit.
RE>.TAT.GGA $ariable resistance unit. .ee KResistor.K
RE>.TAT' CARB>4.GGA carbon rod' or carbon "lates or blocks' #hen used
as $ariable resistances.
RE>.TAT' F(=ABE4T.GGA $ariable resistance used for kee"ing the
current of the storage batter! #hich heats the filament of a $acuum
tube at a constant $oltage.
R>TAT(4G C>(=.GG.ee KCoil.K
R>TAR) GAP.GG.ee KGa".K
R>T>R.GGThe rotating coil of a $ariometer or a $ariocou"ler.
R@BA>RFF C>(=.GG.ee KCoil' (nduction.K
.AT@RAT(>4.GGThe ma-imum "late current that a $acuum tube #ill take.
.E4.(T(,E .P>T..GG."ots on detector cr!stals that are sensiti$e to the
action of electric oscillations.
.>RT +A,E..GG.ee K+a$es.K
.(%E +A,E..GG.ee K+a$e =ength Band.K
.(G4A=.' C>4,E4T(>4A=.GGD/E The (nternational Borse al"habet and
numeral code' "unctuation marks' and a fe# im"ortant abbre$iations
used in #ireless telegra"h!. D5E %ot and dash signals for distress
call' in$itation to transmit' etc. 4o# used for all general "ublic
ser$ice #ireless communication.
.A(4 EFFECT.GG.ee KResistance' igh FreIuenc!.K
.>FT T@BE.GGA $acuum tube in #hich the $acuum is lo#' that is' it is
not highl! e-hausted.
.PACE CARGE EFFECT.GGThe electric field intensit! due to the "ressure
of the negati$e electrons in the s"ace bet#een the filament and "late
#hich at last eIuals and neutraliJes that due to the "ositi$e
"otential of the "late so that there is no force acting on the
electrons near the filament.
.PARA.GG.ee K%ischarge.K
.PARA C>(=.GG.ee KCoil' (nduction.K
.PARA %(.CARGE.GG.ee K."ark' Electric.K
.PARA FREN@E4C).GG.ee KFreIuenc!' ."ark.K
.PARA GAP.GGD/E A Ks"ark ga"'K #ithout the h!"hen' means the a""aratus
in #hich s"arks take "laceC it is also called a Ks"ark discharger.K
D5E K."arkGga"'K #ith the h!"hen' means the airGga" bet#een the
o""osed faces of the electrodes in #hich s"arks are "roduced.
Plain.GGA s"ark ga" #ith fi-ed electrodes.
Rotar!.GGA s"ark ga" #ith a "air of fi-ed electrodes and a number of
electrodes mounted on a rotating element.
Nuenched.GGA s"ark ga" formed of a number of metal "lates "laced
closel! together and insulated from each other.
.P(%ER +EB (4%@CTA4CE C>(=.GG.ee KCoil' ."ider +eb (nductance.K
.PREA%ER.GGA stick of #ood' or s"ar' that holds the #ires of the
aerial a"art.
.TAGGER +>@4% C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductance.K
.TA4%GB) C(RC@(T..GG.ee KCircuits' .tandGB!.K
.TAT(C.GGAlso called Katmos"herics' grinders' stra!s' M's'K and' #hen
bad enough' b! other names. (t is an electrical disturbance in the
atmos"here #hich makes noises in the tele"hone recei$er.
.TAT>R.GGThe fi-ed or stationar! coil of a $ariometer or a
$ariocou"ler.
.T>RAGE BATTER).GG.ee KBatter!' .torage.K
.TRA) E=(B(4AT(>4.GGA method for increasing the strength of the
signals as against the strength of the stra!s. .ee K.tatic.K
.TRA)..GG.ee K.taticK.
.TRA4%E% +(RE.GG.ee K+ire' .trandedK.
.@PERGETER>%)4E RECEPT>R.GG.ee Keterod!ne' .u"erK.
.+(4G(4G.GG.ee KFadingK.
.+(TC' AER(A=.GGA s#itch used to change o$er from the sending to the
recei$ing set' and the other #a! about' and connect them #ith the
aerial.
.+(TC' =(GT4(4G.GGThe s#itch that connects the aerial #ith the
outside ground #hen the a""aratus is not in use.
.)BB>=.' APPARAT@..GGAlso called Kcon$entional s!mbolsK. These are
diagrammatic lines re"resenting $arious "arts of a""aratus so that
#hen a #iring diagram of a transmitter or a rece"tor is to be made it
is onl! necessar! to connect them together. The! are eas! to make and
eas! to read. .ee Page ;61 8A""endi-3 .!mbols @sed for A""aratus<.
.)4CR>4>@. GAP.GG.ee KGa"' .!nchronousK.
TE=EP>4)' =(4E RA%(>.GG.ee K+ired +irelessK.
TERBA= ABBETER.GG.ee KAmmeter' ot +ireK.
TREE E=ECTR>%E ,AC@@B T@BE.GGK.ee ,acuum Tube' Three ElectrodeK.
T(AAER.GGA sli""ing contact de$ice that breaks u" the sustained
oscillations at the recei$ing end into grou"s so that the signals can
be heard in the head "hones. The de$ice usuall! consists of a fine
steel or gold #ire sli""ing in the smooth groo$e of a rotating brass
#heel.
TRA4.F>RBER.GGA "rimar! and a secondar! coil for ste""ing u" or do#n a
"rimar! alternating or oscillating current.
A. C.GG.ee KPo#er TransformerK.
Air Cooled.GGA transformer in #hich the coils are e-"osed to the air.
Air Core.GG+ith high freIuenc! currents it is the general "ractice not
to use iron cores as these tend to choke off the oscillations. ence
the core consists of the air inside of the coils.
Auto.GGA single coil of #ire in #hich one "art forms the "rimar! and
the other "art the secondar! b! bringing out an intermediate ta".
Audio Am"lif!ing.GGThis is a transformer #ith an iron core and is used
for freIuencies u" to sa! ;'666.
Closed Core.GGA transformer in #hich the "ath of the magnetic flu- is
entirel! through iron. Po#er transformers ha$e closed cores.
Bicro"hone.GGA small transformer for modulating the oscillations set
u" b! an arc or a $acuum tube oscillator.
>il Cooled.GGA transformer in #hich the coils are immersed in oil.
>"en Core.GGA transformer in #hich the "ath of the magnetic flu- is
"artl! through iron and "artl! through air. (nduction coils ha$e o"en
cores.
>scillation.GGA coil or coils for transforming or ste""ing do#n or u"
oscillating currents. >scillation transformers usuall! ha$e no iron
cores #hen the! are also called Kair core transformers.K
Po#er.GGA transformer for ste""ing do#n a commercial alternating
current for lighting and heating the filament and for ste""ing u" the
commercial a.c.' for charging the "late of a $acuum tube oscillator.
Radio Am"lif!ing.GGThis is a transformer #ith an air core. (t does not
in itself am"lif! but is so called because it is used in connection
#ith an am"lif!ing tube.
TRA4.B(TTER' B(CR>P>4E.GGA tele"hone transmitter of the kind that is
used in the Bell tele"hone s!stem.
TRA4.B(TT(4G T@4(4G C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductance.K
T@4(4G.GG+hen the o"en and closed oscillation circuits of a
transmitter or a rece"tor are adjusted so that both of the former #ill
"ermit electric oscillations to surge through them #ith the same
freIuenc!' the! are said to be tuned. =ike#ise' #hen the sending and
recei$ing stations are adjusted to the same #a$e length the! are said
to be Ktuned.K
Coarse Tuning.GGThe first adjustment in the tuning oscillation
circuits of a rece"tor is made #ith the inductance coil and this tunes
them coarse' or roughl!.
Fine Tuning.GGAfter the oscillation circuits ha$e been roughl! tuned
#ith the inductance coil the e-act adjustment is obtained #ith the
$ariable condenser and this is Kfine tuning.K
.har".GG+hen a sending set #ill transmit or a recei$ing set #ill
recei$e a #a$e of gi$en length onl! it is said to be shar"l! tuned.
The smaller the decrement the shar"er the tuning.
T@4(4G C>(=..GG.ee KCoils' (nductance.K
T+> E=ECTR>%E ,AC@@B T@BE.GG.ee K,acuum Tube' T#o Electrode.K
,AC@@B T@BE.GGA tube #ith t#o or three electrodes from #hich the air
has been e-hausted' or #hich is filled #ith an inert gas' and used as
a detector' an am"lifier' an oscillator or a modulator in #ireless
telegra"h! and tele"hon!.
Am"lifier.GG.ee KAm"lifier' ,acuum Tube.K
Am"lif!ing Bodulator.GGA $acuum tube used for modulating and
am"lif!ing the oscillations set u" b! the sending set.
Gas Content.GGA tube made like a $acuum tube and used as a detector
but #hich contains an inert gas instead of being e-hausted.
ard.GG.ee Kard Tube.K
Rectifier.GGD/E A $acuum tube detector. D5E a t#oGelectrode $acuum
tube used for changing commercial alternating current into direct
current for #ireless tele"hon!.
.oft.GG.ee K.oft Tube.K
Three Electrode.GGA $acuum tube #ith three electrodes' namel! a
filament' a grid and a "late.
T#o Electrode.GGA $acuum tube #ith t#o electrodes' namel! the filament
and the "late.
,A=,E.GG.ee K,acuum Tube.K
,A=,E' F=EB(4G.GG.ee KFleming ,al$e.K
,AR(AB=E C>4%E4.ER.GG.ee KCondenser' ,ariable.K
,AR(AB=E (4%@CTA4CE.GG.ee K(nductance' ,ariable.K
,AR(AB=E RE.(.TA4CE.GG.ee KResistance' ,ariable.K
,AR(>C>@P=ER.GGA tuning de$ice for $ar!ing the inductance of the
recei$ing oscillation circuits. (t consists of a fi-ed and a rotatable
coil #hose #indings are not connected #ith each other.
,AR(>BETER.GGA tuning de$ice for $ar!ing the inductance of the
recei$ing oscillation currents. (t consists of a fi-ed and a rotatable
coil #ith the coils connected in series.
,ER4(ER C>4%E4.ER.GG.ee KCondenser' ,ernier.K
,>=T.GGThe electromoti$e force #hich "roduces a current of / am"ere
#hen steadil! a""lied to a conductor the resistance of #hich is one
ohm.
,>=TAGE %(,(%ER.GG.ee KPotentiometer.K
,>=TAGE' P=ATE.GGThe $oltage of the current that is used to energiJe
the "late of a $acuum tube.
,>=TBETER.GGAn instrument for measuring the $oltage of an electric
current.
+ATC CA.E RECE(,ER.GG.ee KRecei$er' +atch Case.K
+ATERGP(PE GR>@4%.GG.ee KGround' +aterGPi"e.K
+ATT.GGThe "o#er s"ent b! a current of / am"ere in a resistance of /
ohm.
+A,E' BR>A%.GGA #a$e ha$ing a high decrement' #hen the strength of the
signals is nearl! the same o$er a #ide range of #a$e lengths.
+A,E =E4GT.GGE$er! #a$e of #hate$er kind has a length. The #a$e
length is usuall! taken to mean the distance bet#een the crests of t#o
successi$e #a$es.
+A,E =E4GT BA4%.GG(n #ireless rece"tion #hen continuous #a$es are
being sent out and these are modulated b! a micro"hone transmitter the
different audio freIuencies set u" corres"onding radio freIuencies and
the energ! of these are emitted b! the aerialC this results in #a$es
of different lengths' or a band of #a$es as it is called.
+A,E BETER.GGAn a""aratus for measuring the lengths of electric #a$es
set u" in the oscillation circuits of sending and recei$ing sets.
+A,E B>T(>4.GG%isturbances set u" in the surrounding medium as #ater
#a$es in and on the #ater' sound #a$es in the air and electric #a$es
in the ether.
+A,E..GG.ee K+a$e BotionK.
+A,E.' E=ECTR(C.GGElectromagnetic #a$es set u" in and transmitted b!
and through the ether.
Continuous. Abbre$iated C.+.GG+a$es that are emitted #ithout a break
from the aerial. Also called Kundam"ed #a$esK.
%iscontinuous.GG+a$es that are emitted "eriodicall! from the aerial.
Also called Kdam"ed #a$esK. %am"ed.GG.ee K%iscontinuous +a$esK.
(ntermediate.GG+a$es from :66 to 5'666 meters in length.
=ong.GG+a$es o$er 5'666 meters in length.
Radio.GGElectric #a$es used in #ireless telegra"h! and tele"hon!.
.hort.GG+a$es u" to :66 meters in length.
+ireless.GGElectric #a$es used in #ireless telegra"h! and tele"hon!.
@ndam"ed.GG.ee KContinuous +a$esK.
+(RE=E.. TE=EGRAP C>%E.GG.ee KCode' (nternationalK.
+(RE' E4ABE==E%.GG+ire that is gi$en a thin coat of enamel #hich
insulates it.
+(RE' P>.P>R BR>4XE.GGA $er! strong #ire made of an allo! of co""er
and containing a trace of "hos"horus.
+(RE% +(RE=E...GGContinuous #a$es of high freIuenc! that are sent o$er
tele"hone #ires instead of through s"ace. Also called Kline radio
communicationC carrier freIuenc! tele"hon!' carrier current tele"hon!C
guided #a$e tele"hon!K and K#ired #ireless.K
M'..GG.ee K.tatic.K
X(4C(TE.GG.ee K%etector.K
+(RE=E.. %>4'T.
AER(A= +(RE %>4'T.
K%on'tK use iron #ire for !our aerial.
K%on'tK fail to insulate it #ell at both ends.
K%on'tK ha$e it longer than 1H feet for sending out a 566Gmeter #a$e.
K%on'tK fail to use a lightning arrester' or better' a lightning
s#itch' for !our recei$ing set.
K%on'tK fail to use a lightning s#itch #ith !our transmitting set.
K%on'tK forget !ou must ha$e an outside ground.
K%on'tK fail to ha$e the resistance of !our aerial as small as
"ossible. @se stranded #ire.
K%on'tK fail to solder the leadingGin #ire to the aerial.
K%on'tK fail to "ro"erl! insulate the leadingGin #ire #here it goes
through the #indo# or #all.
K%on'tK let !our aerial or leadingGin #ire touch trees or other
objects.
K%on'tK let !our aerial come too close to o$erhead #ires of an! kind.
K%on'tK run !our aerial directl! under' or o$er' or "arallel #ith
electric light or other #ires.
K%on'tK fail to make a good ground connection #ith the #ater "i"e
inside.
TRA4.B(TT(4G %>4'T.
K%on'tK attem"t to send until !ou get !our license.
K%on'tK fail to li$e u" to e$er! rule and regulation.
K%on'tK use an in"ut of more than /P5 a kilo#att if !ou li$e #ithin H
nautical miles of a na$al station.
K%on'tK send on more than a 566Gmeter #a$e if !ou ha$e a restricted or
general amateur license.
K%on'tK use s"ark ga" electrodes that are too small or the! #ill get
hot.
K%on'tK use too long or too short a s"ark ga". The right length can be
found b! tr!ing it out.
K%on'tK fail to use a safet! s"ark ga" bet#een the grid and the
filament terminals #here the "late "otential is abo$e 5'666 $olts.
K%on'tK bu! a motorGgenerator set if !ou ha$e commercial alternating
current in !our home.
K%on'tK o$erload an oscillation $acuum tube as it #ill greatl! shorten
its life. @se t#o in "arallel.
K%on'tK o"erate a transmitting set #ithout a hotG#ire ammeter in the
aerial.
K%on'tK use solid #ire for connecting u" the "arts of transmitters.
@se stranded or braided #ire.
K%on'tK fail to solder each connection.
K%on'tK use soldering fluid' use rosin.
K%on'tK think that all of the energ! of an oscillation tube cannot be
used for #a$e lengths of 566 meters and under. (t can be if the
transmitting set and aerial are "ro"erl! designed.
K%on'tK run the #ires of oscillation circuits too close together.
K%on'tK cross the #ires of oscillation circuits e-ce"t at right
angles.
K%on'tK set the transformer of a transmitting set nearer than ; feet
to the condenser and tuning coil.
K%on'tK use a rotar! ga" in #hich the #heel runs out of true.
RECE(,(4G %>4'T.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get as good results #ith a cr!stal detector as #ith
a $acuum tube detector.
K%on'tK be discouraged if !ou fail to hit the sensiti$e s"ot of a
cr!stal detector the first timeGGor se$eral times thereafter.
K%on'tK use a #ire larger than K4o. F6K for the #ire electrode of a
cr!stal detector.
K%on'tK tr! to use a loud s"eaker #ith a cr!stal detector recei$ing
set.
K%on'tK e-"ect a loo" aerial to gi$e #orth#hile results #ith a cr!stal
detector.
K%on'tK handle cr!stals #ith !our fingers as this destro!s their
sensiti$it!. @se t#eeJers or a cloth.
K%on'tK imbed the cr!stal in solder as the heat destro!s its
sensiti$it!. @se K+ood's metal'K or some other allo! #hich melts at or
near the tem"erature of boiling #ater.
K%on'tK forget that strong static and strong signals sometimes destro!
the sensiti$it! of cr!stals.
K%on'tK heat the filament of a $acuum tube to greater brillianc! than
is necessar! to secure the sensiti$eness reIuired.
K%on'tK use a "late $oltage that is less or more than it is rated for.
K%on'tK connect the filament to a lighting circuit.
K%on'tK use dr! cells for heating the filament e-ce"t in a "inch.
K%on'tK use a constant current to heat the filament' use a constant
$oltage.
K%on'tK use a $acuum tube in a horiJontal "osition unless it is made
to be so used.
K%on'tK fail to "ro"erl! insulate the grid and "late leads.
K%on'tK use more than /P; of the rated $oltage on the filament and on
the "late #hen tr!ing it out for the first time.
K%on'tK fail to use alternating current for heating the filament #here
this is "ossible.
K%on'tK fail to use a $oltmeter to find the "ro"er tem"erature of the
filament.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get results #ith a loud s"eaker #hen using a single
$acuum tube.
K%on'tK fail to "rotect !our $acuum tubes from mechanical shocks and
$ibration.
K%on'tK fail to cut off the A batter! entirel! from the filament #hen
!ou are through recei$ing.
K%on'tK s#itch on the A batter! current all at once through the
filament #hen !ou start to recei$e.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get the best results #ith a gasGcontent detector
tube #ithout using a "otentiometer.
K%on'tK connect a "otentiometer across the B batter! or it #ill
s"eedil! run do#n.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get as good results #ith a single coil tuner as !ou
#ould #ith a loose cou"ler.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get as good results #ith a t#oGcoil tuner as #ith
one ha$ing a third' or KticklerK' coil.
K%on'tK think !ou ha$e to use a regenerati$e circuit' that is' one
#ith a tickler coil' to recei$e #ith a $acuum tube detector.
K%on'tK think !ou are the onl! amateur #ho is troubled #ith static.
K%on'tK e-"ect to eliminate interference if the amateurs around !ou
are sending #ith s"ark sets.
K%on'tK la! out or assemble !our set on a "anel first. Connect it u"
on a board and find out if e$er!thing is right.
K%on'tK tr! to connect u" !our set #ithout a #iring diagram in front
of !ou.
K%on'tK fail to shield radio freIuenc! am"lifiers.
K%on'tK set the a-es of the cores of radio freIuenc! transformers in a
line. .et them at right angles to each other.
K%on'tK use #ire smaller than K4o. /7K for connecting u" the $arious
"arts.
K%on'tK fail to adjust the B batter! after "utting in a fresh $acuum
tube' as its sensiti$it! de"ends largel! on the $oltage.
K%on'tK fail to "ro"erl! s"ace the "arts #here !ou use $ariometers.
K%on'tK fail to "ut a co""er shield bet#een the $ariometer and the
$ariocou"ler.
K%on'tK fail to kee" the leads to the $acuum tube as short as
"ossible.
K%on'tK thro# !our recei$ing set out of the #indo# if it Kho#lsK. Tr!
"lacing the audioGfreIuenc! transformers farther a"art and the cores
of them at right angles to each other.
K%on'tK use condensers #ith "a"er dielectrics for an am"lifier
recei$ing set or it #ill be nois!.
K%on'tK e-"ect as good results #ith a loo" aerial' or #hen using the
bed s"rings' as an outGdoor aerial #ill gi$e !ou.
K%on'tK use an am"lifier ha$ing a "late "otential of less than /66
$olts for the last ste" #here a loud s"eaker is to be used.
K%on'tK tr! to assemble a set if !ou don't kno# the difference bet#een
a binding "ost and a blue "rint. Bu! a set read! to use.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get Arlington time signals and the big cableless
stations if !our recei$er is made for short #a$e lengths.
K%on'tK take !our head"hones a"art. )ou are just as a"t to s"oil them
as !ou #ould a #atch.
K%on'tK e-"ect to get results #ith a Bell tele"hone recei$er.
K%on'tK forget that there are other o"erators using the ether besides
!ourself.
K%on'tK let !our B batter! get dam" and don't let it freeJe.
K%on'tK tr! to recharge !our B batter! unless it is constructed for
the "ur"ose.
.T>RAGE BATTER) %>4'T.
K%on'tK connect a source of alternating current direct to !our storage
batter!. )ou ha$e to use a rectifier.
K%on'tK connect the "ositi$e lead of the charging circuit #ith the
negati$e terminal of !our storage batter!.
K%on'tK let the electrol!te get lo#er than the to"s of the "lates of
!our storage batter!.
K%on'tK fail to look after the condition of !our storage batter! once
in a #hile.
K%on'tK bu! a storage batter! that gi$es less than : $olts for heating
the filament.
K%on'tK fail to kee" the s"ecific gra$it! of the electrol!te of !our
storage batter! bet#een /.55H and /.;66 Baume. This !ou can do #ith a
h!drometer.
K%on'tK fail to recharge !our storage batter! #hen the h!drometer
sho#s that the s"ecific gra$it! of the electrol!te is close to /.55H.
K%on'tK kee" charging the batter! after the h!drometer sho#s that the
s"ecific gra$it! is /.5FH.
K%on'tK let the storage batter! freeJe.
K%on'tK let it stand for longer than a month #ithout using unless !ou
charge it.
K%on'tK monke! #ith the storage batter! e-ce"t to add a little
sul"huric acid to the electrol!te from time to time. (f an!thing goes
#rong #ith it better take it to a ser$ice station and let the e-"ert
do it.
EMTRA %>4'T.
K%on'tK think !ou ha$e an u"GtoGdate transmitting station unless !ou
are using C.+.
K%on'tK use a #ire from !our lightning s#itch do#n to the outside
ground that is smaller than 4o. K7K.
K%on'tK tr! to o"erate !our s"ark coil #ith //6G$olt direct lighting
current #ithout connecting in a rheostat.
K%on'tK tr! to o"erate !our s"ark coil #ith //6G$olt alternating
lighting current #ithout connecting in an electrol!tic interru"ter.
K%on'tK tr! to o"erate an alternating current "o#er transformer #ith
//6G$olt direct current #ithout connecting in an electrol!tic
interru"tor.
K%on'tKGGno ne$erGGconnect one side of the s"ark ga" to the aerial
#ire and the other side of the s"ark ga" to the ground. The Go$ernment
#on't ha$e itGGthat's all.
K%on'tK tr! to tune !our transmitter to send out #a$es of gi$en length
b! guess#ork. @se a #a$emeter.
K%on'tK use Khard fiberK for "anels. (t is a $er! "oor insulator #here
high freIuenc! currents are used.
K%on'tK think !ou are the onl! one #ho doesn't kno# all about
#ireless. +ireless is a $er! com"le- art and there are man! things
that those e-"erienced ha$e still to learn.
TE E4%.
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