WHRB Starts Testing House Tuning Units

The Harvard Radio Network yesterday started a series of house-to-house tests in an effort to discover how large a part misadjustment of its tuning units plays in producing excess radiation. The results of these tests may determine how soon the station can return to the air.

WHRB technical director George H. Mealy '49 announced last night that the station has borrowed a special field meter from the Electronics Research Laboratory to help in these experiments.

The network was ordered off the air by the Federal Communications Commission on January 15 for operating with a radiation output in excess of regulations. Mealy said that during regular operations. WHRB was unable to estimate the extent of this excess.

Complicated System

The station's first technician stated that the "network realized that there were misadjustments in its tuning units. "What we want to find out now," he continued, "is to what extent our excess radiation output is caused by these misadjustments or by factors inherent in our system."

"Our setup is so complicated, Mealy said, "that it's impossible to tell whether or not we can comply with the FCC regulations simply by making these readjustments."

Extension Denied

Wayne Coy, head of the FCC, has denied the extension of broadcasting privileges requested several weeks ago by ex-WHRB president Bradford S. Doane '50. This ruling came as no surprise to the network, Mealy disclosed.

A full report of the results obtained by the present tests and a complete description of the stations operating characteristics will be sent to the FCC for use in its hearings on the problem, the date of which still remains undecided.

WHRB, with its advertising income gone, is now completely dependent on its Recording and Public Address rentals.