119 Sep 2011

1

1 Radiogram Issue 119 September 2011

ISSN 084-6209

Issue 119

RADIO-GRAM

The Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Club of Western Australia

September 2011

News from the Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Club, Perth. WA.

This issue comprises the March to August Meetings!

Our April Meeting featured Norbert Tourneys

presentation on some early and unusual TV

receivers.

. At the March Meeting, Barry Kinsella gave a pres-

entation on Tuned Radio Frequency Receivers,

prevalent in the early 1900‘s.

Colin Hayes gave an interesting talk at the

May Meeting on his work at Atkins WA and his

connection with CS Baty.

At the July Meeting Peter Cutler talked about

his search for old recordings on various media

in particular in relation to the AFL.

2


VINTAGE WIRELESS AND GRAMAPHONE

CLUB OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Inc.

EXECUTIVE 2009-2010

President: Rob Nunn

51 St Helier Drive, Sorrento, WA 6020

Phone: 0418 922 629 (M) ; 08 94486143 (H)

Email : [email protected]

Vice President: Steve Austin

Secretary: Rodney House,


Vince Taylor (Minute Secretary)

Treasurer: Barry Kinsella


Website: Reg Gauci : http://vwgc.org.au

Email: [email protected]

Committee: Rob Nunn, Barry Kinsella, Andrew

Wakeman, Vince Taylor, Tony Smith, Steve Aus-

tin, Reg Gauci and Len Lewis.

Appointments: Librarian: TBA

Editor: Rob Nunn; Publicity/Website: Reg Gauci

Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each

month (with the exception of December) at 8pm in

the Veteran Car Club rooms at 6 Hickey Street,

Ardross. Visitors are always welcome!

Although the main interests of members are wire-

less receivers and gramophones (or phonographs)

, many members are also interested in amplifiers,

telephones, musical boxes, tape recorders, televi-

sion receivers and other associated equipment and

memorabilia.

Radio-Gram is currently published four times per

year, in February, May, August and November.

Send articles and advertisements to the editor:

Rob Nunn : 51 St Helier Drive, Sorrento, WA, 6020

Email: [email protected]

Phone : 94486143 or 0418 922 629

Please make sure your ‗copy‘ is submitted by the

meeting night prior to the issue month.

Advertisements are placed FREE of charge, but

should be of a non-exploitive nature.

Subscriptions: $25 (payable in June)

(Concession rate: $20)

Presidents’ Report I hope you enjoy this issue of ―Radiogram‖ No. 119.

Additional pages have been added to this issue be-

cause we are presently publishing 2 issues each year

instead of 4, and we, fortunately still have quite a num-

ber of contributions to the magazine from some of our

Members.

This issue covers the March to August 2011 Meetings

of our Club. In this 6 month period there was a number

of interesting subjects presented and discussed from a

variety of Members and Visitors.

In March some of our Club members set up a stall with

demo radios and gramos at the Guildford Heritage Fes-

tival. The stall received many interested visitors and

potential members. Sincere thanks are due to Rodney,

Barry, Reg and Tony for making this a success.

In March Barry gave us a presentation on Tuned Radio

Frequency receivers, including some demos from some

of his collection on display. This was followed in April

by Norbert who talked on early TV receivers, and

brought some interesting examples. In May, Colin

Hayes gave a presentation on his early work with At-

kins WA, and his connection with CS Baty.

Our AGM and monster auction were held at the June

meeting. The auction went very well with a variety of

items and good contributions to the Club. The Commit-

tee were re-elected unopposed. I would like to thank

John Newman (retiring from the Committee) for his long

service on the Committee. John has volunteered to

take photos at out meetings. Thanks also to the Com-

mittee for their support and work during the year.

At our July meeting Peter Cutler filled us in on his

search for early media recordings in WA, particularly in

relation to AFL. In August Richard and Rodney gave a

presentation on Royalty on records, including the real

Kings Speech!

Special thanks to the presenters above, and members

that showed radios or gramos or whatever ,during

―Items of Interest‖ or raised issues in ―General Business

at our monthly meetings. Keep it

up! And also special thanks to our

contributors to this magazine with

a special mention to Richard Ren-

nie, Fred Franklin, Tony Smith and

Vince Taylor. Come on Members,

and send us some photos and sto-

ries from your collections!

Rob Nunn

3


The Secretarys’ Report Another year has passed and sees the Club in a sound

financial position and with a stable core of interested members

who are able to attend meetings regularly, and who contribute

to the Club in a variety of ways.

We have enjoyed a good variety of meeting activities with a mix

of member presentations along with guest speakers. The com-

mittee has a number of ideas for meetings in the coming year,

but if you have suggestions in this area please make them

known at a general meeting or to a committee member and

there is every likelihood that they will be included some time in

the future. A small number of members have contributed to

these meeting presentations and it would be pleasing if we

were able to have more members contributing in this way. No

matter what your particular area of interest is, you will find a

very interested and responsive audience at our meetings.

Another way which members could contribute to the Club is by

writing articles for the magazine. Rob does an excellent job in

presenting this and it involves quite a lot of his time. Any assis-

tance you might be able to offer in this direction would I‘m sure

be most appreciated.

The website continues to expand and improve, thanks to the

excellent work done by our webmaster. Reg would also appre-

ciate assistance in the form of contributions, in particular photo-

graphs and descriptions of items in members‘ collections.

I continue to receive a steady trickle of enquiries by email on a

variety of subjects – mostly people seeking information and

occasionally from people wishing to dispose of items either by

donation or sale. Many of these I forward to members and I

would like to thank those who respond and who are willing to

share information and help non members in the community to

preserve and conserve the types of items we are interested in.

It is interesting to note from where many of these people obtain

Club details and the variety sometimes surprises. They include

our website, Have a Go News, Yellow Pages, Historical Soci-

ety, notice board at Wireless Hill, displays, Melville Council and

of course personal contacts.

Finally I would like to thank all members, and particularly

Committee members for their support over the past year, and

I am sure that we can all look

forward to another interesting

and enjoyable time in the

coming year.

Rodney House

Club Treasurer, Barry Kinsella

Vice-President, and Auctioneer

Wizard!, - Steve Austin.

Minutes Secretary, Vince Taylor

MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE—Auctions!

For any upcoming Auctions please give

your list of items to be auctioned to Tony

Smith. Tony is making a list so that mem-

bers will know in advance what is coming

up for sale.

Tonys address is 25/104 King William St,

4


Recent Events

March 22, 2011 : Barry Kinsella talked

about Tuned Radio Frequency Receivers,

which were prevalent in the early 1900’s,

but were replaced by superhet receivers

April 26, 2011 : Norbert Tourney showed

and talked on some early TV receivers.

May 31, 2011 : Colin Hayes presented his

work at Atkins WA and his connections

with CS Baty.

June 26, 2011 : Annual General Meeting

and Auction Night.

July 26, 2011 : Peter Cutler talked on his

search for media containing old AFL

games, particularly in WA.

August 23, 2011 : Richard Rennie pre-

sented “Royalty on Records”, and

played some records of previous English

royalty, including the real Kings Speech!

Coming Events September 27, 2011 : Richard Rennie

will guide members through the making

of a crystal set. Prizes are offered in

various categories!

October 25, 2011 : Phil Salinger will talk

on his experiences as a TV Technician at

TVW Channel 7. Now with Capital Radio.

November 22, 2011 : Social evening

Christmas Party. Commencing 6.30pm.

January 24, 2012 : Auction. Refer Web-

site for more details.

Richard Rennie

Peter Cutler

Colin Hayes

Barry Kinsella

Norbert Tourney

Do you know who this man is? (from last

issue of Radiogram)

Answer—Nicola Tesla

Rodney House

5


The circuit diagram below is part of an Astor 1954 Radiogram I recently worked

on. It has an interesting but rather complicated tone control feedback system

with one of those cursed tapped potentiometers for the volume control.

Quiz : Can you spot the potential ―death-trap‖ in the circuitry?

Answer : See below!

Here is the answer to last issues test from Tony Smith!

6


Some of Barrys Tuned Radio Frequency receivers

on display at the March meeting

Minutes of Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Collectors Club meeting held at clubrooms Tuesday March 22nd

2011. 18 members present.

8.00pm. Meeting commenced.

The meeting was opened by an address from President Rob Nunn. Welcome was extended and an overview given of

March committee meeting. Items for discussion at the committee meeting were;

The future direction of the club newsletter and website (proposal to cut newsletter from 4 to 2 issues per year), costs of

printing and mailing.

Our participation at the Guildford Heritage Festival on Sunday 27th March and Toodyay Moondine Jo Festival on May 1st.

List of speakers for future meetings.

Secretary’s Report.

There was no incoming or outgoing correspondence. A decision has been made to discontinue our listing in the White

Pages as the cost at $222 per annum is not worth it considering we are still listed in the Yellow Pages for free. The report

was moved as correct by Lex and seconded by Richard Rennie. Moved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report. Tabled as a separate document. There has been no change in our financial situation since last meet-

ing except that the money in the term deposit has been turned over again. The report was moved as correct by John New-

man, seconded by Lex. Passed unanimously.

General Business.

Tony Smith- is holding about 800Lp records on behalf of the club that have to go. Contact him if you are interested in any

of them. Yours for a small donation to the club.

Richard Rennie- has advised of an upcoming exhibition to be held in July; The Man Who Lit The World – Nikola Tesla

Science Exhibition, to be held at the Perth Town Hall July 1st to 17th . Opening hours 10am to 5pm. Cost – gold coin dona-

tion. Richard also has a top of the line Astor 3 in 1 that is going free to a good home. Anyone interested see him after the

meting.

James Wemm- has found Television Replacements of Doncaster in Melbourne a fast reliable place for spares. James is

also looking for a mid „60s Pioneer Stereo knob. Norbert can help

Items of Interest

There were no items of interest.

Meeting closed 8.20pm. Guest speaker was Barry Kinsella talking about tuned radio frequency (TRF) receivers.

Some of the members present for Barrys‘ presen-

tation on TRF‘s at the March meeting

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Minutes of Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Collectors Club meeting held at clubrooms Tuesday April 26th

2011. 16 members present, 1 visitor.


The meeting was opened by Vice President Steven Austin. Welcome was extended and apologies given for President Rob

Nunn. The minutes of the last meeting were moved as being correct by Colleen Tourney, seconded by David Littley.

Moved unanimously.


The display that was given by the club at the recent Guildford Heritage festival was a huge success with some 7000 people

attending the event. Thanks were extended to those club members who helped. Many enquiries were handled and donation

made to the club. It is hoped that more members will be prepared to be involved in future events. Member Richard Rennie

is involved in the upcoming Museum Week events. He will be presenting Sounds Like History at the Civic Square Li-

brary, City of Melville on Monday May 16th 2pm and 6pm. A talk on The Early History of the Moving Image will be held

on Sunday May 22nd at the Melville Primary school. 20th century Western Australian films will be shown at Wireless hill

Museum on Wednesday May 18th 11am and 2pm. Wireless Hill Museum will also be open during Museum Week. There

was no incoming or outgoing correspondence.

Treasurer’s Report. Tabled as a separate document. The report was moved as correct by Reg Gaucci, seconded by John

Newman. Passed unanimously.

General Business.

Steven Austin- A Community Fair is to be held at the Mandurah Indoor Sports complex on Dower St Mandurah on the

weekend of 26th and 27th of June. A box of modern stylus has been donated to the club. It has been decided to keep these

with the gramophone needles and sell them for $2 per item. Norbert Tourney has offered to supply a copy of the electronic

stylus model book so they can be properly identified and catalogued.

Items of Interest

Merv Thompson- A c.1927 Battyephone TRF wireless receiver obtained at Gregson‟s Auctions some 30 years ago.

Tony Smith- Called for members to be aware of upcoming night to bring in their battery portables for a show and tell.

Tony displayed a battery portable fitted with an available kit to run on AA cell batteries. These Operatic brand kits are

manufactured in Adelaide.

Steve Austin- Showed a late 1920s Aerona (or Nerona) German manufactured gramophone. This interesting machine in

original condition has a round 10 inch base with a reflecting horn built into the soundbox.

Meeting closed 8.22pm. Guest speaker was Norbert Tourney talking about early television and television receivers.

Early model television receivers and tubes shown by Norbert.

8


Merv Thompson displayed and discussed a number of portable

1950‘s radios during ―Items of Interest‖

Minutes of Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Collectors Club meeting held at clubrooms Tuesday May 24th 2011.

17 members present, 2 visitors.


The meeting was opened by Secretary Rod House. Welcome was extended to visitors Colin Hayes and Phil Salinger.

Apologies were given for President Rob Nunn and Len Lewis. Thanks were given to Kevin from next door for the loan of

power cables and power board that provided us with light after the electricians left us in the lurch.


Rod sent out an email to advise what we have planned for our meetings for the second half of the year. There was also the

form for listing of items for the June auction that will follow the AGM. There was no other incoming or outgoing corre-

spondence.

Treasurer’s Report.

Tabled as a separate document.

General Business.

Tony Smith- Still has 450 Lp records to dispose of. Met Mr Trevor Kelly (ex ABC) who will be a guest speaker at the club

later in the year.

Rod House- Has been forwarding emails that have been coming into the club. Would like to thank those who have re-

sponded.

Items of Interest

Merv Thompson- Displayed a number of radios. Amongst them a 1951 Phillips portable, late 40s AWA, Hotpoint port-

able, a Crazy Frog novelty radio and Novelty Sexy Girl.

Norbert Tourney- Showed 3 interesting battery portable radios. One was a 1942 Astor with the on/off switch incorporated

in the telescopic aerial. Also shown was a 1936 British portable. Norbert has been rekitting all of his battery portables to

menable them to work with modern batteries.

Meeting closed 8.45pm. Guest speaker was Colin Hayes talking about the Perth company Aitkins Carlysle and radio in

the decade 1940-50.

Norbert with early model

Portable radio

9


Vince, Barry and Rodney keep track of the Auction Some of the members present for the AGM

Minutes of Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Collectors Club meeting held at clubrooms Tuesday June 28th 2011.

26 members present.

8pm. Meeting commenced.

The meeting was opened by President Rob Nunn. Rob thanked the executive for the good work done over the year and

also for running the club in his absence. Rob also welcomed new member Paul Hansen and announced that the number of

newsletters have been cut from 4 per annum to 2. Rob will continue to edit. Reg Gaucci will continue with the website to

fill in the gaps. The minutes of the May meeting were passed as correct. Moved by Reg Gaucci, seconded by James

Wemm. Passed unanimously.

Secretary’s Report. Was circulated separately. There was some correspondence listed on the notice board. A thankyou

letter was sent out to Colin Hayes. Moved as correct by Richard Rennie, seconded by James Wemm. Passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report. Tabled as a separate document. Was not entirely up to date as most of our income will be coming

from subscriptions paid in tonight. Moved to be accepted as correct by Richard Rennie, seconded by Tony Smith. Passed

unanimously.

Nomination of Office Bearers.

President Rob Nunn nominated by Richard Rennie, nomination accepted. Seconded by Laurie Bugeja. Elected unop-

posed.

Vice President Steven Austin nominated by Richard Rennie, nomination accepted. Seconded by Laurie Bugeja. Elected

unopposed.

Secretary Rodney House nominated by Barry Kinsella, nomination accepted. Seconded by Rob Nunn. Elected unop-

posed.

Treasurer Barry Kinsella nominated by Rodney House, nomination accepted. Seconded by Rob Nunn. Elected unop-

posed.

The Committee stands as before.

General Business.

James Wemm- has a 1959 Pioneer Stereo amp that is missing a knob and would like help locating one.

Colleen Tourney- has a reel to reel tape player for sale.

Rodney House- Sent Kevin from next door a thankyou note and beers for helping us out last month when we had no elec-

tricity.

Richard Rennie- is looking for info on static short wave for next years school holiday programme build a radio telescope.

Tony Smith- has a large collection of Electronics Aust and Silicone Chip mags, Technical and Service mags that have

been donated to the club. Will list and bring to the next meeting.

Warren Anderson- is writing a book on the history of West Australian Jazz. Is looking for any information regarding

bands or recording equipment.

Items of interest.

Merv Thompson-Displayed a small yellow bakelite Astor football radio c.1947.

The meeting was followed by a club auction.

10


Minutes of Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Collectors Club meeting held at clubrooms Tuesday July 26th 2011.

21 members present, 2 visitors.


The meeting was opened by President Rob Nunn and welcome was extended to visitors. Apologies were given for Secre-

tary Rod House and Richard Rennie. Rob asked once again for members to send in digital photos of their gramophones

and radios to include on the website and club magazine. An expression of thanks was made to John Newman for looking

after the audiovisual equipment for the club. This has now been passed onto our webmaster Reg Gaucci. There have been

good reports from those who attended the Nicola Tessla exhibition at the Perth Town Hall recently. There has been a con-

tinuing flow of enquiries to the club regarding donations of items, repairs and valuations. Last months auction went well

and thanks were expressed to auctioneer Steve Austin and helpers Rod, Barry and Vince.


Due to the absence of our Secretary there was no report this month. There was no incoming or outgoing correspondence

reported.


Tabled as a separate document. The Club has finished ahead over the financial year. This is good considering we gave

away approx $900 in sponsorship. The report was passed as correct by Steven Austin and seconded by James Wemm.

Passed unanimously.

General Business.

Tony Smith- Still has 100 Lp records to dispose of, also 100 CDs (mostly classical). Feel free to check them out and re-

member that they are a donation to the club.

Steve Austin- Was wondering if there were too many items in the auction last month. Would like for the matter of a re-

striction of auction items brought up at the next committee meeting.

David Littley- Has an item on the Marconi Base in Ireland that has been put on CD as a copy for the club.

Items of Interest

Steve Austin- White hard plastic1956-58 Stromberg Carlson radio. This was left on his doorstep some time ago by a

neighbour.

Rodney House- Demonstrated by Steve…2 x 78rpm Sports Review March music on the Chappell label (Queens Hall Or-

chestra conducted by Sidney Torch). Quite appropriate considering our guest speaker tonite.

Norbert Tourney- Has a new phone number…0448881187.

Meeting closed 8.45pm. Guest speaker was Peter Cutler talking about the development of the WAFL football audio vis-

ual archive that is in process of being collected.

Some of the early AFL material collected by

Peter Cutler

Peter Cutler presents his work

Some of the audience present at the July meeting

11


Richard Rennie and Rodney House present ―Royalty on Records‖

Minutes of Vintage Wireless and Gramophone Collectors Club meeting held at clubrooms Tuesday August 20th

2011. 16 members present, 2 visitors.


The meeting was opened by Vice President Steven Austin. Welcome was extended to visitor George Noble. Apologies

were given for President Rob Nunn and Barry Kinsella. The minutes of the July meeting were moved as correct by Rich-

ard Rennie and seconded by James Wemm. Passed unanimously.


There was an incoming email from the Radio Heritage Society. An outgoing brief newsletter is to be sent shortly by email

or post.


There was no treasurer‟s report tabled due to the absence of our treasurer.

General Business.

Steven Austin- Notification has come from the City of Melville advising of a meeting for the „Process of Determining the

Significance of the Wireless Hill Collection‟. This is to be held on Wednesday 31st August and an RSVP on 1300 635845

needs to be received by Tuesday 30th August. Merv Thompson put forward a motion that the executive find a club member

to follow this up. This was seconded by Steve Austin and passed unanimously.

Tony Smith- Has an 8track recorder player. He is looking for cartridges in good condition so he can work on this machine.

James Wemm- Wished to extend thanks to Richard Rennie for the school holiday programme magic lantern projector pro-

ject. The next project scheduled is build a crankophone.

George Noble- Asked for a contact for reel to reel tape repairs. Was given the number for Tim Gillett

Items of Interest

Laurie Bugeja- Showed a boxed Western Electric photoelectric cell last tested in 1939. Also a novelty Sprite can radio and

Mercedes Coupe novelty radio.

Merv Thompson- Was at the Antique and Collectable fair at Claremont on the weekend where there was a number of

miniature novelty radio replicas on sale.

Tom Newsome- Displayed an early external horn gramophone. A modified early Gramophone and Typewriter Monarch

model.

Steven Austin- Showed a restored external horn gramophone c.1910 of unknown provenance. Possibly a Western Austra-

lian manufacture. Powered by a 2 spring Brunswick motor.

Meeting closed 8.35pm. Guest speakers were Richard Rennie and Rodney House speaking about Royalty on record.

12


GUITAR AMPLIFIERS

While I am reliving my second puppyhood by repairing guitar amplifiers, I was

asked to write a little about Fender amplifiers. I considered this and thought about

throwing the other major manufacturers into the story.

Initially, strummed stringed musical instruments were purely acoustic in their opera-

tion. That is, the strings were stretched over a bridge that sat on the top panel of a wooden box. Much refinement of the

strings and the shape, size, construction and materials used in construction of the box brought us the melodic instruments

that we know and enjoy today.

Acoustic instruments are not loud on their own. This limits their use in performances. One can place a microphone in front

of the instrument and feed the sound signal through an amplifier to make it sound louder. Later the microphone was built

into the instrument and a cable carried the signal to the amplifier.

Later, in the fifties, the electric guitar came into its own as an instrument. It had a solid timber body with channels and

holes cut into it to house electronic parts. The sound is picked up by a pickup installed under the strings next to the bridge.

The signal is given some basic tone and volume treatment by potentiometers and circuits mounted on the body near the

musician's strumming hand. The sound signal was amplified by an amplifier and fed to heavy duty speakers. As the years

passed, the amplifiers increased in power and sound quality.

Along came the next step, accessories that altered the sound of the instru-

ment. A "tremolo" lever near the strumming hand that quickly stretched and

relaxed the strings to give a trill or tremor to the note played. Then an echo

effect generated by sending the sound signal through a set of springs in a

reverberation unit. These were a great advance, however, they had a prob-

lem. This is that if the amplifier is bumped during use, the springs start vi-

brating and put an unwanted twanging noise into the sound.

From here, as musicians wanted them, many more accessories were manu-

factured by the instrument manufacturers and other accessory manufactur-

ers. These accessories changed the sound of the guitar to special effects and

mimicking other instruments.

During the 1940's Leo Fender improved the performance of hollow bodied

guitars by using a solid bodied instrument and amplifying the sound of the strings.

During 1951 the first of the electric guitars that he made was the Telecaster, a Spanish style instrument. He also built a

bass guitar that year that meant a bass player did not have to carry around a huge stringed double bass instrument. He

could play the bass on a guitar. This guitar was called the Precision Bass guitar. He then invented the vibrato or tremolo

bridge where the musician has a small lever in his strumming hand that can be moved to and from the instrument very

quickly to stretch and relax the strings thus causing a trill on the note played.

In those days the "big band" format of music was very popular, however, now that strummed string instruments were of

more a manageable size, volume and tone the smaller quartet type bands started and became very popular, especially in

the rock and roll format.

Leo Fender succumbed to ill health during 1965 and the company was sold to CBS, a music company. It would appear

that Leo had no real workshop or factory as CBS had to build one.

Fender amplifier system

Fred Franklin (Darwin, NT)

13


During 1981 William Schultz was appointed president and the company changed its name to Fender Musical Instrument

Company in Corona, California. The services offered continued to expand and the company grew. Schultz retired in 2005

and Mr. Mendello became the CEO.

Fender Musical Instruments Company encourages everyone to learn and play music. They have music schools and kids

clubs.

In the mean time, in Chicago, Gibson started developing amplifiers and electronic instruments between 1935 and 1942.

World war two came along and swallowed up all the electronic parts and talent.

After the war, Gibson employed Barnes and Reinecke to do some electronic design

work for him. The designs were of low power but better toned amplifiers. Later, Gibson

started doing his own electronic design and the circuits were many and varied and with

many modifications to existing circuits (like Kriesler radios).

These two manufacturers have their

die-hard fans similar to Ford and Hol-

den in the car industry.

During the 1960s the manufacturing of

electric guitars and amplifiers took off

in a big way with many manufacturers

large and small. Some came and went

quickly and some who stayed on to the

present day.

Hartley Peavey was influenced by

Fender's attitude to build the best equipment to suit the requirements of the musi-

cians.

Peavey Electronics Corporation was founded in 1965 building amplifiers, speakers, keyboards and other sound accesso-

ries.

Peavey grew up in Meridian, Mississippi where he worked in his father's Peavey Melody Music Store. He aspired to being

a rock 'n' roll musician but he admitted to being pretty lousy at it. He tinkered with amplifiers until he was building one

amplifier each week and selling it during that week. Then he would build an other one and sell it. This business grew into

a company employing 2,200 people and a turn over of $210 million.

Meanwhile in England, Jim Marshall started a company called Marshall Amplification during 1962. There appears not to

be a lot written about the history of this company. He mainly used 6L6 or 5881 output valves.

During 1964 he changed to KT66 output valves and a GZ34 rectifier for 100 watt amplifiers. In 1966 he changed to the

very popular EL34 (6CA7) output valve. These valves are widely used by nearly all amplifier manufacturers.

Marshall then went loud in 1967 with a 200 watt amplifier using KT88 output valves.

He introduced the first of his transistorised 100 watt amplifiers during 1974.

According to musicians, there is a difference in sound quality between valve and transistor amplifiers. Generally, guitar

amplifiers are driven very hard. This means that the valve's harmonic response and compression qualities come to the fore

and interact favourably with the speakers. Marshall's engineers noted this factor and managed to get the transistors to

sound like valves. This was called valve state. It would appear to be a 12AX7 pre-amplifier and mixer stage with a transis-

tor power output stage. I presume 2N3055. These were a good all round power transistor.

Fender amplifier top view

Fender amplifier under view

14


Other manufacturers tried to emulate the valve sound by using a transistorised pre-amplifier stage and a valve driven

(EL34) output stage. I am, personally, not a lover of hybrid circuits. In my experience, transistors work well and valves

work well, but a hybrid amplifier is touchy. I have found them to be noisy while not in use and turned on or incorrectly

matched impedances in the input, even while using the manufacturer's own instruments and cables.

The applications and performance of amplifiers is limitless, as the musicians think of new applications and sounds and

present these demands to the manufacturer's engineers who design and build these amplifiers and accessories.

The amplifier is a good rugged, basic audio amplifier with a good tone and volume. Its frequency response was observed on the oscilloscope and the signal provided by a signal generator. The pleasing result was a clean undistorted trace from 8 Hz. to 22 kHz. The sound pick up that is mounted on the body of the instrument has many different ways of converting the vibration of the strummed string to a small electrical signal of around 100mV.. One way is to have a small magnet installed under each steel string with a coil of many thousands of turns of fine enamel insu-lated wire wrapped around it. As the string vibrates it modulates the magnet's field and a small electric signal is induced into the coil. This signal is sent to the amplifier. As the device is an inductor, it can pick up unwanted other signals that are present in the area and special consideration is given to this during manufacture.

My thanks to these sites

http://www.fender.com/en-AU/about_fender.php

http://www.fender.com/en-AU/outreach/

http://www.ehow.com/facts_6767730_history-peavey-amps.html

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Peavey-Electronics-corporation-C..

http://www.activemusician.com/Peavey-History--t2i403

http://www.ehow.com about_5437499_history-gibson-amplifiers.html

http://www.netads.com/~meo/Guitar/Amps/Gibson

http://www.netads.com/~meo/Guitar/Amps/Gibsongfmap.html

VALVE DATA (Fairly basic and not a reference for all applications)

Type pin1 pin 2 pin 3 pin 4 pin 5 pin 6 pin 7 pin 8 pin 9

6L6 S H A G2 G1 H K,G3

6.3v 250v 72v -14

360v 88v -22.5

12AX7 A2 G2 K2 H H A1 G1 K1 Hct

250v -2v 6.3v 6.3v 250v -2v

100v -1v 100v -1v

5881 H A G2 G1 h k,G3

6.3v 360v 270v -22.5V

EL34 G3 H A G2 G1 H K

6.3v 775v 375v -39v

GZ34 H A1 A2 K,H

5v 2x550v, 2x450v, 2x350v 640v,480v,830v

KT66 H A G2 G1 H K,G3

6.3v 250v 250v -17.5v

KT88 S H A G2 G1 H K,G3

6.3v 360v 225v Fred Franklin

15


Richard and John at

the June AGM and

monster Auction,

and some of the items

up for Auction

Radiola wood all-band mantle radio

Guildford Heritage Festival, Guildford, Sunday 27 March, 2011

Steve, Barry and Rob (Rodney present but not in

photo) with an array of radios and gramophones on

display, and ready to answer questions.

Astor mantle radio model HPN circa 1960 Breville Model 330 dual wave mantle radio c. 1946

Barry, Rob and Reg fielding questions from inter-

ested visitors. These was plenty of interest from

the public despite it being a hot day.

16


Ham radio valves

seen by Richard in

Albany, WA

WANTED TO PHOTOGRAPH ONLY

The small crystal set, as shown below

(approx 6.5 in x 3.5 in by 3 in.)

May be leatherette covered.

Photo wanted for inclusion in the

Encyclopedia of Western Australia Wirelesses

and Gramophones.

Please contact Richard Rennie 93301636

Some Auction items at the June AGM

Some more Auction items at the June AGM

17


Steve Austin demonstrates his Aerona

gramophone at the April meeting Merv and Rodney show Mervs Batyphone at the April

meeting

Merv talks about his c1947 Astor football

radio at the June meeting Some Auction items at the June AGM

Tom Newsome displays a modified early

Gramophone and Typewriter Monarch model

Steve Austin shows a restored external horn

gramophone c. 1910 of unknown provenance,

powered by a 2 spring Brunswick motor.

Lawrie Bugeja shows a Western Electric photoelectric cell last tested in

1939, and novelty Sprite can radio and Mercedes coupe novelty radio.

August meeting

―Items of Interest‖

August meeting

―Items of Interest‖

18


HEATHKIT VF1 VARIABLE FREQUENCY OSCILLATOR

The Clapp oscillator was invented by James Clapp in 1948. Basically the tuned

circuit or tank has two capacitors in series, a coil and capacitor in series and

these two groups are then connected in parallel. Often the point where the two

capacitors are connected is earthed. The oscillator is very stable.

An oscillator is based on a simple amplifier where a portion of the output signal is fed back into the input. This

sends the amplifier into oscillation and presents a high pitched whistling sound similar to the sound made when

the microphone is too close to the speaker in a public address system. In this case the sound is not wanted

and can be quite annoying. In the case of electronics the sound is desired and can be tuned to a specific useful

frequency. In this case the frequency is tuned by a tank circuit designed by J. Clapp. There are many versions

of how the tuning is done.

This oscillator came my way about ten years ago as a result of a cleanout at work. At that stage I was working in a calibra-

tion laboratory. It was being closed and everything returned to head office down south.

The oscillator is well and simply designed and very stable. It appears to be an accessory for a Heathkit transmitter AT-1. It

was built during the fifties.

Looking at the frequency groups on the dial, it would be most useful in the amateur radio field. The frequency groups are

160, 80, 40, 20, 10 &11 meter bands. There is little on the internet about this oscillator except for some short comments by

a couple of amateur radio operators.

Rear view of chassis Underside view

Heathkit VFO front view Heathkit VFO side view—note 2-tiered chassis

Fred Franklin (Darwin, NT)

19


The oscillator draws its power supply from the equipment that it works with. It is connected by an octal plug to the equip-

ment. Connections are pin 1 earth, pin 2 filament and lamp voltage of 6volts, pin4 high voltage, 250v DC, pin 8 appears to

be a return circuit for the 6volts, pins 6&7 are

bridged. The output signal is taken from the an-

ode of the 6AU6 oscillator valve and leaves the

machine via its own lead and probe.

The power supply of 250 volts DC is regulated

by an OA2valve. The oscillator is a Clapp oscil-

lator.

Structurally, it presented in a sturdy aluminium

box with a large easy to read dial. Within, the chassis is on

two levels and is copper plated steel. With the few parts mounted on it, it looks rather pretty. I changed a couple of resis-

tors and capacitors and it worked well.

Fred

Crystals used in the transmitter—4cm x 4cm x 1.5cm

20


21


WIRELESS HILL TELECOMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM UPGRADE

As a result of a recent decision by Melville City Council, Wireless Hill will get almost $2 million dollars for a three

stage make-over, with the first stage due to be completed by September 2012 for the centenary celebrations. This

covers signage, park furniture, the playground, lighting, anchor blocks and the museum The museum plan will in-

volve an assessment of the collection, the de-accessioning of items not considered to be in keeping with the function

of the museum, and development of the internal area into a new multi-use museum exhibition and learning space.

An assessment of the collection is currently taking place.

Two comprehensive documents have been prepared by the Council, a Future Plan for Libraries, Museums and Local

History, and a Wireless Hill Interpretation Plan.

Both of these documents are available on the web at

http://www.melvillecity.com.au/facilities/future-plan-for-libraries-museums-and-local-history-1

http://www.melvillecity.com.au/our-future/wireless-hill/wireless-hill-vision-2020/wirless-hill-vision-2020-

project/wireless-hill-interpretation-plan-march-2011.pdf

If you don‟t have web access at home and wish to view these documents, they would be available at your local li-

brary where you can look forward to friendly assistance.

MORE ON WIRELESS HILL

Below is an email received by Rodney House following a phone contact.

Hello Rodney,

Further to our phone conversation... the following contains the points I was raising...

Since the Wireless Hill Telecommunications Museum is about to change its theme from Telecommunications-

Radio-Television-Flying Doctor etc to an emphasis on indigenous history, the park's birdlike, wildflowers and

the transmitting history of the site, they now plan a de-accession of the collection. Meanwhile a number of us

are preparing a proposal to put to the kindred bodies, who originally provided the collection, though this may be

complicated if the City of Melville claims complete ownership.

The notion is to build up a business plan and approach the owners of the heritage listed former ABC radio

building in Adelaide Terrace to negotiate either purchase or lease so that a living museum can be located

there.

It‘s very early days as we need to approach many of our wealthy residents in search of a philanthropic element

willing to take part in our effort.

Here's a rough guide to what we are endeavouring to do...

First assemble a group of likeminded and concerned people who are sympathetic to this cause, then...

Conduct a Feasibility Study

Initial Aims: Living museum / West TV - Community Radio - WASO possibility - Internet streaming / Me-

dia educational & teaching aspects

22


INFORMATION WANTED

WALLY COXON RECORDINGS

It was reported in the Sunday Times on May 10, 1936

that Wally Coxon said "I am opening Perth's first

commercial recording studio devoted purely to re-

cording for all commercial purposes.". (See Below)

Has anyone seen a custom record (aluminium or ace-

tate) with a label that mentions the name "Coxon" or

"Recaudio".

Contact Richard Rennie 93301636.

Needs a not-for-profit foundation that buys or leases the facility, which by its constitution fosters our history

storytelling, the conservation of our heritage, and yet be viable and run along business lines.

The concept needs to have general acceptance within the telecommunications, broadcasting and col-

lector fraternity

Have the National Trust, Heritage Council and Media onside

Have the kindred associations onside and involved

Have respected and prominent members of the community onside and involved

Solicit support from the business community and government

Need philanthropic business folk participating

Develop a business plan

Approach Finbar with a sound proposal

Much consultation will be required to develop the ideal sustainable model which meets the needs of the history

and heritage minded community.

A model that fosters the efforts of the many autonomous kindred bodies, offering them a secure solution for

housing their collections, whilst encouraging them to mentor the younger generation by sharing their accumu-

lated knowledge, skills and craft.

It‘s very important that the younger generation be involved for the longevity of this exercise, for technology is

continually evolving and we believe there is great worth in knowing where we've come from and where we're

heading. All input is therefore welcome. Please let me know if you wish to be kept informed and have an inter-

est in participating?

Kind regards,

Ken McKay

watvhistory.com

ROYALTY ON RECORDS Missed the superb presentation at the Club in August?

Despair not! We also do “catchup”

It‟s on again on the 11th of November at the Melville

Civic Centre Library.

2:30 and again at 6:30

23


3 Donnelly St

Bentley, WA 6102

Dear Tony, (Smith)

Regarding the disposal of my electronic organ, I

thought a picture would give you a better idea to show

your club members. It is a single manual keyboard

with single octave foot pedals.

I made this organ from a Stromberg Carlson kit as fea-

tured in the Radio Television and Hobbies magazine

approximately 50 years ago. I would appreciate it if

you would inform your club members and if anyone is

interested in looking at it or making an offer they can

ring me on 94584443. Call ―Ruth‖

Thanks Tony

Rod Cunningham

24


FOR SALE

Yaesu Communications Receiver

Incl. : FRG 8800 Receiver, 200kHz to

30MHz (Plus 50 - 150MHZ with converter)

FRT 7700 Antenna Tuner

FRA 7700 Active (Electronic) Antenna

FRV 8800 VHF Converter, 50 to 150 MHz

All in new condition in original box and with

all the handbooks

(Current market value in excess of $400)

Contact Rod Edward or Steven Mudge direct

on 9386 8894

FOR SALE

PYROX Wire Recorder

Contact : Nick Watling

Phone 07 4038 1731

WANTED TO BUY:

HMV ‗Picnic‘ wind-up gramophone

in good working condition, made

between 1925-1935.

Contact: Virginia Giles Ph: (08) 9336

7272. Email: [email protected] Note : Advertisements are placed free-of-charge,

but should be of a non-exploitive nature. (Editor)

WANTED TO BUY

Hand piece for a candlestick telephone—

the part you listen to. Any condition, any

model ; even incomplete.

Contact Richard on 9330 1636

CHRISTMAS PARTY Members are reminded that our Christ-

mas Party will be held at 6.30pm on

Tuesday 22 November, 2011.

Meats, salads and bread rolls, and soft

drinks and tea, coffee will be provided by

the Club. If you require any alcohol or

special drinks please bring them along.

This is a good time to have a chat with

other Members and get to know them

better, and perhaps make some new

contacts.

The Committee look forward to seeing a

good turnout of Members to make this

function the success it usually achieves.

There will be no usual Meeting formalities

but if you wish to bring along equipment

to informally show/sell to other Members.

please feel free to do so.

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