Extracted from Chatham, Rochester and Gillingham Observer March 1933

Medway Radio Transmitters

Big Contest

 

"Hams" who "Make Magic with

Heath Robinson-esque Apparatus

 

THE OBSERVER Offers a Silver

Challenge Cup

 

More than usual interest is being evinced by those who make a study of radio technique and they are legion in these days of advanced wireless science in a unique competition which, with the wholehearted support of THE OBSERVER, is being arranged by the hitherto somewhat obscure band of enthusiasts comprising the Medway Amateur Transmitters Society. There were many keen wireless transmitters in the days before the War, but their activities were cut short by the restrictions which were put into operation at the outbreak of hostilities. Following the Armistice the work of these enthusiasts was resumed, and with the boom in wireless there came into being many amateur bodies such as the Medway Society, whose members hay since made amazing progress in their most fascinating hobby with apparatus which, compared with some modern radio sets, is almost Heath Robinson-esque. They talk with men in every corner of the earth, and one member in a single afternoon a few days ago made contact with stations in all five Continents! Following the policy of encouraging enterprise where it represents itself worthily, THE OBSERVER is seeking to stimulate the activities of this Society which incidentally, draws its members from all parts of the Towns and district - by offering as the premier trophy in this unique contest, which is to test the capabilities of the transmitters and their sets, and which has been arranged to take place on March 12th, a handsome silver challenge cup mounted on an ebony plinth. This has been approved by the committee of the Society. The winner of the trophy will be the transmitter who puts up the best performance in sending out messages, and he will hold it for one year. There is also a trophy offered for the receiver who makes the most complete log of the transmitted messages.