History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Charles Dansie Maclurcan/Notes

3 Charles Dansie Maclurcan - Transcriptions and notes Key article copies Non-chronological material 1880s 1880 1880 01 1880 02 1880 03 1880 04 1880 05 1880 06 1880 07 1880 08 1880 09 1880 10 1880 11 1880 12 1881 1881 01 1881 02 1881 03 1881 04 1881 05 1881 06 1881 07 1881 08 1881 09 1881 10 1881 11 1881 12 1882 1882 01 1882 02 1882 03 1882 04 1882 05 1882 06 1882 07 1882 08 1882 09 1882 10 1882 11 1882 12 1883 1883 01 1883 02 1883 03 1883 04 1883 05 1883 06 1883 07 1883 08 1883 09 1883 10 1883 11 1883 12 1884 1884 01 1884 02 1884 03 1884 04 1884 05 1884 06 1884 07 1884 08 1884 09 1884 10 1884 11 1884 12 1885 1885 01 1885 02 1885 03 1885 04 1885 05 1885 06 1885 07 1885 08 1885 09 1885 10 1885 11 1885 12 1886 1886 01 1886 02 1886 03 1886 04 1886 05 1886 06 1886 07 1886 08 1886 09 1886 10 1886 11 1886 12 1887 1887 01 1887 02 1887 03 1887 04 1887 05 1887 06 1887 07 1887 08 1887 09 1887 10 1887 11 1887 12 1888 1888 01 1888 02 1888 03 1888 04 Birth Notice for Maclurcan's older sister Evelyn Clara BIRTHS MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. [Notices under this head are charged 3s. per insertion, and each must be authenticated by the signature of some responsible person.] BIRTHS. . . . MACLURCAN.— On the 31st March, at Franklin-street, South Brisbane, the wife of Donald Maclurcan, of a daughter.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3471682 Family Notices The Brisbane Courier XLIV, 9,427 Queensland, Australia 2 April 1888 7 February 2025 4 National Library of Australia 1888 05 1888 06 1888 07 1888 08 1888 09 1888 10 1888 11 1888 12 1889 1889 01 1889 02 1889 03 1889 04 1889 05 1889 06 1889 07 1889 08 1889 09 1889 10 1889 11 1889 12 1890s 1890 1890 01 1890 02 1890 03 1890 04 1890 05 1890 06 1890 07 1890 08 1890 09 1890 10 1890 11 1890 12 1891 1891 01 1891 02 1891 03 1891 04 1891 05 1891 06 1891 07 1891 08 1891 09 1891 10 1891 11 1891 12 1892 1892 01 1892 02 1892 03 1892 04 1892 05 1892 06 1892 07 1892 08 1892 09 1892 10 1892 11 1892 12 1893 1893 01 1893 02 1893 03 1893 04 1893 05 1893 06 1893 07 1893 08 1893 09 1893 10 1893 11 1893 12 1894 1894 01 1894 02 1894 03 1894 04 1894 05 1894 06 1894 07 1894 08 1894 09 1894 10 1894 11 1894 12 1895 1895 01 1895 02 1895 03 1895 04 1895 05 1895 06 1895 07 1895 08 1895 09 1895 10 1895 11 1895 12 1896 1896 01 1896 02 1896 03 1896 04 1896 05 1896 06 1896 07 1896 08 1896 09 1896 10 1896 11 1896 12 1897 1897 01 1897 02 1897 03 1897 04 1897 05 1897 06 1897 07 1897 08 1897 09 1897 10 1897 11 1897 12 1898 1898 01 1898 02 1898 03 1898 04 1898 05 1898 06 1898 07 1898 08 1898 09 1898 10 1898 11 1898 12 1899 1899 01 1899 02 1899 03 1899 04 1899 05 1899 06 1899 07 1899 08 1899 09 1899 10 1899 11 1899 12 1900s 1900 1900 01 1900 02 1900 03 1900 04 1900 05 1900 06 1900 07 1900 08 1900 09 1900 10 1900 11 1900 12 1901 1901 01 1901 02 1901 03 1901 04 1901 05 1901 06 1901 07 1901 08 1901 09 1901 10 1901 11 1901 12 1902 1902 01 1902 02 1902 03 1902 04 1902 05 1902 06 1902 07 1902 08 1902 09 1902 10 1902 11 1902 12 1903 1903 01 1903 02 A fire at the Wentworth Hotel, one of several FIRES. NARROW ESCAPE OF THE WENTORTH HOTEL. The Wentworth Hotel, a building of four floors, occupied by Mr. D. Maclurcan, at Church-Hill, had a narrow escape from a serious fire yesterday afternoon, but owing to the prompt arrival of the brigades, the damage was confined to several upper bedrooms and the roof. The outbreak was discovered in one of the top bedrooms shortly before half-past four, and within a very brief period steamers, large ladders, and a hose carriage from headquarters, and the stations at Circular Quay and Darlinghurst, were on the scene, all being under the direction of Superintendent Webb and Deputy-Superintendent Sparkes. By the time of their arrival, however, the flames were through the roof, and appearances pointed to a big blaze. But a good stream of water soon had its effect, and it was not long before the flames were completely subdued. An examination showed that about 20ft. by 15ft. of the iron roof and the covering of two bedrooms, had been completely burned away, whilst one of the rooms and its contents was severely damaged by the fire. The water used had, of course, flowed downstairs, and several rooms and their contents, principally on the third floor, were in that way damaged. Altogether the "save" reflects credit on the fire brigades. The cause of the outbreak has not yet been definitely ascertained, but it is generally believed to be the result of fusion of the electric wires. The hotel is the property of Mrs. Hayes, of the Buena Vista Hotel, Mosman, and is said to be insured.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237408478 FIRES. The Daily Telegraph 7399 New South Wales, Australia 24 February 1903 7 February 2025 6 National Library of Australia 1903 03 1903 04 1903 05 1903 06 Charles Maclurcan's father passes early and unexpectedly at age 50 THE LATE MR. D. S. B. MACLURCAN. Mr. Donald S. B. Maclurcan, licensee of the Wentworth Hotel, Church Hill, died somewhat suddenly on Monday, and his remains were interred on Tuesday at Waverley Cemetery. Mr. Maclurcan had been licensee of the Wentworth Hotel for about two years, previous to which he was for several years licensee of the Queen's Hotel, Townsville. In earlier life he filled various offices up to the rank of captain in the ships of the British-India Company, and for years he was well known in Queensland as the chief officer, in turn, of the steamships Mekara and Dorunda. On one occasion, while a passenger on the Duke of Buckinghamshire, Mr. Maclurcan performed the duties of the chief officer of that vessel throughout a voyage, the chief officer having met with a serious accident in the Bay of Biscay. In recognition of this he was accorded the thanks of the directors of the line, and Mrs. Maclurcan received a handsome and valuable present. The deceased gentleman was 50 years of age. Mrs. Maclurcan and four children survive him.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113408608 THE LATE MR. D. S. B. MACLURCAN. Evening News 11,226 New South Wales, Australia 4 June 1903 7 February 2025 3 National Library of Australia 1903 07 1903 08 1903 09 1903 10 1903 11 1903 12 1904 1904 01 1904 02 1904 03 1904 04 1904 05 1904 06 1904 07 1904 08 1904 09 1904 10 1904 11 1904 12 1905 1905 01 1905 02 1905 03 1905 04 1905 05 1905 06 1905 07 1905 08 1905 09 1905 10 1905 11 1905 12 1906 1906 01 1906 02 1906 03 1906 04 1906 05 1906 06 1906 07 1906 08 1906 09 1906 10 1906 11 1906 12 1907 1907 01 1907 02 1907 03 1907 04 1907 05 1907 06 1907 07 1907 08 1907 09 1907 10 1907 11 1907 12 1908 1908 01 1908 02 1908 03 1908 04 1908 05 1908 06 1908 07 1908 08 1908 09 1908 10 1908 11 1908 12 1909 1909 01 1909 02 1909 03 1909 04 1909 05 1909 06 1909 07 1909 08 1909 09 1909 10 1909 11 1909 12 1910s 1910 1910 01 1910 02 1910 03 1910 04 1910 05 1910 06 1910 07 1910 08 1910 09 1910 10 1910 11 Earliest report of Maclurcan's wireless experiments WIRELESS. INSTALLATIONS IN TWO SYDNEY HOTELS. MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM ADELAIDE. Considerable interest has been evinced by the public lately on the appearance of "wireless" masts and paraphernalia on the Hotel Australia and the Wentworth Hotel. Neither is yet complete, though messages have already been received from various places. The apparatus at the Wentworth Hotel is purely for experimental purposes. So said Mr. C. Maclurcan, a son of the proprietress, who, with Mr. Cyril Lane, is making and fitting up every part of the plant with the exception of the coil, which has to be imported from England. Both are electrical engineers, and failure to procure any of the necessary parts in Sydney has compelled them to set about making everything that is possible to make. They have their workshop on the roof of the hotel, quite handy to the plant. The big mast on the Wentworth Hotel is 80 feet high, and the small one 40 feet, so that the receiver is practically 170 feet above the ground, and about 220 feet above sea-level. So far only the aerials are erected; the transmitting apparatus will not be complete for two or three months. There is a wave length of 280 metres, the normal length being 310 metres. It is intended to embrace in the installation the best points of existing methods, while the ordinary direct system, which is so sensitive to atmospherics, will be ignored in favor of the "couple" system. The installation is to be purely for experimental purposes, for which a license has been obtained from the Federal authorities, and to keep in touch with the progress of wireless, and to test ideas of the makers. It is expected that when completed messages will be transmitted about 500 miles overland and from 700 to 1000 over sea. But operations will not stop there. It is hoped that Fremantle may be reached. Already messages have been received from long distances, including one from R.M.S. Otway, at Adelaide, a few days ago, which was as distinct as if she were in Sydney Harbor, and several from H.M.S. Powerful, in Port Phillip. The installation on the Hotel Australia is that of the Australian [sic, Australasian] Wireless Co., Ltd., which was erected a little time back in Underwood-street, and is being transferred.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123828881 WIRELESS. Sunday Times 1297 New South Wales, Australia 27 November 1910 6 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia 1910 12 1911 1911 01 1911 02 1911 03 1911 04 1911 05 1911 06 1911 07 1911 08 1911 09 1911 10 Maclurcan appears in a list of 22 licensed wireless experimenters as at October 1911 WIRELESS STATIONS. TWENTY-TWO IN NEW SOUTH WALES. MELBOURNE, Saturday. While the Federal Government has spent two years in partially establishing two wireless stations, 26 private stations have been erected and equipped in the Commonwealth. According to a return presented to the Senate at the request of Senator Chataway, two stations have been established in Victoria, one on King Island, 22 in New South Wales and one in South Australia. Two have sub-stations in neighbouring localities. The stations are all experimental. The variety of systems used extends from the usual telephonic receiving instruments of a New South Wales inventor to the potential detector syntonic of Mr. H. Sutton, in Victoria. Father Shaw's system is described as the one transmitter. The following are the New South Wales licensees:— C. P. Bartholomew, Mosman; J. H. A. Pike, Marella, Edie-street, Arncliffe; F. Leverrier, Phillip-street, Sydney; W. H. Bannam (sic, Hannam), Kinkowrie, Railway-parade, Burwood, the Rev. H. Shaw, Ascot, Dutruc-street, Randwick; G. C. Hamilton, Strathroy, Ocean-street, Woollahra; Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Milson's Point, Sydney; Maclurcan and Lane, Hotel Wentworth, Sydney; E. Reeve, 25 Belmore-street, Rozelle; J. Y. Nelson, electrical engineer, Postmaster-General's Department, Sydney; H. Leverrier, Park-avenue, Gordon; M. C. Meyetempt, Randwick; A. S. Arnold, Palace-street, Ashfield; A. H. King, William-street, Marrickville; F. H. Day, C. of E. Grammar School, North Sydney; Jas. Nolan, Old South Head-road, Waverley; R. C. Allsop, Wilton, Barker-street, Randwick; H. A. Stone (sic, Stowe), Duncan-street, Drummoyne, Sydney; A. Goodwin, Lindsay-street, Newcastle; C. N. Allen, Lorelei, Anderson-street, Chatswood; H. J. B. Foley, Keira, Carrington-road, Randwick; The Maritime Wireless Company of Australia Ltd., Avoca street, Randwick; Australasian Wireless Limited, Pitt-street, Sydney.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15285061 WIRELESS STATIONS. The Sydney Morning Herald 23,025 New South Wales, Australia 30 October 1911 6 August 2021 7 National Library of Australia 1911 11 1911 12 1912 1912 01 Maclurcan's wireless station destroyed by fire at Wentworth Hotel while he is overseas in Germany CITY FIRE. WIRELESS STATION DESTROYED. WORK OF A LIFETIME RUINED. The wireless station on the roof of the Wentworth Hotel, in Lang-street, Church Hill, over the building, and the installing of which Mr. Charles Maclurcan, the son of the licensee of the house, has spent some years, was burned out this afternoon, and damage estimated at several hundred pounds done. Fortunately the flames were not permitted to secure a good hold, and consequently the damage to the hotel premises was confined to that done by water. The cause of the outbreak is a mystery. The supposed cause, as set down on the Fire Brigade's record, is "a spark from a neighboring chimney," but while, appreciating the wisdom of the firemen in such matters, Mrs. Maclurcan is of the opinion that the blaze was not started in that way, but in a manner that will never be ascertained. She stated this afternoon that when the alarm was first given the flames were noticed in the middle of the building, which is constructed on circular lines on the iron roof. Without delaying, one of the windows was smashed, and a small extinguisher got to work. But the fire had obtained too good a hold, and the more effective methods were required. The woodwork had evidently been smouldering for some time, and although the flames were not dangerous at any time, they flared up in a manner that caused a deal of alarm. When the brigades were informed they anticipated a big job, and turned out in force under Second-officer Sparkes. The two big ladders were taken along, but they were not wanted. It was necessary, however, to use a hydrant, and in the taking of the hose up the five flights of stairs a considerable amount of damage was done to the carpets. The firemen got the blaze under quickly. It started shortly after 2.30, and was extinguished about twenty minutes later. But in that short space of time installations and machinery which had occupied almost a lifetime in the making were ruined. After the fire Mrs. Maclurcan said her son, who was enjoying a holiday in Hamburg, would be broken-hearted when he heard of the destruction of his plant. Wireless telegraphy had been his hobby always, and every spare moment was spent by him in adding to or improving the installation of the station. The work was started by him when he was 14 years of age, and all the machinery in the station had been made and installed by his own hands. Prior to his departure from Australia everything was in good working order, but now his life's work had been ruined in a few minutes. Everything had been destroyed. The station had been burned out, and the flames had done their unkind work only too well. The plant was covered by insurance, but Mrs. Maclurcan explained that the amount would not nearly compensate her son for the loss he had sustained.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article221995172 CITY FIRE. The Sun 485 New South Wales, Australia 18 January 1912 6 February 2025 7 (FINAL EXTRA) National Library of Australia As previous, further detail FIRE AT CHURCH-HILL. HOTEL THREATENED. WIRELESS INSTALLATION DESTROYED. A telephone message was received at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade yesterday just before 2.30 p.m., conveying the intelligence that a fire had broken out at the Wentworth Hotel, Church-hill. Within a few minutes of the call engines from headquarters, Circular Quay, and Cumberland-street stations were on the scene with the necessary firefighting apparatus and ladders. But with the aid of a single hydrant the brigade, which was under the direction of Mr. Sparkes, soon had the outbreak under control, quickly extinguished it, and removed all further danger. The fire was confined to a wireless telegraphy installation situated on the roof of the hotel, and this was destroyed, the structure in which it was housed being severely damaged, presenting a blackened and blistered mass of wood. The installation was a private one, and was the hobby of Mr. Charles Maclurcan, son of the licensee (Mrs. Hannah Maclurcan), who is at present out of the State. From his early youth he had taken great interest in wireless telegraphy, and with his own hands had made the machinery and installed the plant, which he used solely for his own operations. The whole was located in an octagonal building on the roof, and it was considered in perfect safety, the wires being disconnected; consequently the fire could not have originated from fusing. It was by using chemical extinguishers to the interior that it was not enabled to secure a hold. Had it done so the large hotel would have been in danger and a valuable property menaced. As it was, the only damage done to the hotel was by the water, which found its way from the roof to the staircase, down which it run, saturating in its course the stair carpeting. It is understood that the installation was insured, but for what amount could not be ascertained.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15303345 FIRE AT CHURCH-HILL. The Sydney Morning Herald 23,095 New South Wales, Australia 19 January 1912 6 February 2025 6 National Library of Australia 1912 02 1912 03 1912 04 1912 05 1912 06 1912 07 1912 08 1912 09 1912 10 1912 11 1912 12 1913 1913 01 1913 02 1913 03 1913 04 1913 05 1913 06 1913 07 1913 08 1913 09 1913 10 1913 11 1913 12 1914 1914 01 1914 02 1914 03 1914 04 1914 05 1914 06 1914 07 1914 08 1914 09 1914 10 1914 11 1914 12 1915 1915 01 1915 02 1915 03 1915 04 1915 05 1915 06 1915 07 1915 08 1915 09 1915 10 1915 11 1915 12 1916 1916 01 1916 02 1916 03 1916 04 1916 05 1916 06 1916 07 1916 08 1916 09 1916 10 1916 11 1916 12 1917 1917 01 1917 02 1917 03 1917 04 1917 05 1917 06 1917 07 1917 08 1917 09 1917 10 1917 11 1917 12 1918 1918 01 1918 02 1918 03 1918 04 1918 05 1918 06 1918 07 1918 08 1918 09 1918 10 1918 11 1918 12 1919 1919 01 1919 02 1919 03 1919 04 1919 05 1919 06 1919 07 1919 08 1919 09 1919 10 1919 11 1919 12 1920s 1920 1920 01 1920 02 1920 03 1920 04 1920 05 1920 06 1920 07 1920 08 1920 09 1920 10 1920 11 1920 12 1921 1921 01 1921 02 1921 03 1921 04 1921 05 1921 06 1921 07 1921 08 1921 09 1921 10 1921 11 Maclurcan assists AWA in the reception of USA President Harding's world-message of goodwill WIZARD WIRELESS. NEW YORK TO SYDNEY. PRESIDENT HARDING'S GREETING AMERICAN NATION'S HOPE. The fact that Australia's isolation is rapidly being destroyed by wireless was demonstrated once more yesterday morning by the receipt of President Harding's world-message of goodwill despatched direct to 28 countries from the great wireless station, which is now known as New York Radio Central. As soon as advice was received by Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Limited, that the message would be radiated to all the world arrangements were made by Mr. E. T. Fisk, the company's managing director, for its reception both in Sydney and Melbourne. Special receiving apparatus was installed aboard the steamers Ulimaroa and Mataram in Sydney Harbor, and at the company's Melbourne office in Little Collins Street. Instructions were also sent to the operator on the R.M.S. Narkunda, which has been equipped with special apparatus, and the company's experimental station at Kooweerup, Victoria, was also instructed to receive the message. New Zealand stations were informed by cable on Saturday. The message was sent from a room in the White House, Washington, by President Harding closing a small switch, which set the automatic apparatus into operation, and released the ether waves which rushed across the world at the enormous velocity of 186,000 miles per second, carrying the Morse signals, which made up the message. In England, all European countries, in the Far East, in Australia and New Zealand, and throughout North, Central, and South America skilled operators, with specially tuned apparatus, listened for and received this famous message. It was received as loud and distinct in Sydney and Melbourne as if it had come from a hundred miles, instead of which it had travelled ten thousand (10,000) miles from New York to Australia, and covered the distance in less than one-eighteenth part of a second. The station from which the message was sent was built by the Radio Corporation of America, which is known as America's greatest national wireless company. It is now the most modern and the most powerful station in the world and it comprises all the most valuable recent inventions of the Alexanderson, Marconi, and Telefunken systems. The station is so designed that it can be worked by operators located in the heart of New York city, and it is capable of sending and receiving twenty different messages and communicating with ten different countries simultaneously. The work of installing the special apparatus and receiving the messages at Sydney was successfully carried out by Messrs. D. G. Wyles and E. A. Burbury, two technical experts of the Amalgamated Wireless Company, and able assistance was also given by Mr. C. D. Maclurcan, the well-known wireless experimenter. RECEIVED IN OTHER STATES. MELBOURNE, Sunday.— President Harding's message was received at the Domain station and other wireless stations in Melbourne. It was also picked up at Hobart.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article239714332 WIZARD WIRELESS The Daily Telegraph 13258 New South Wales, Australia 7 November 1921 7 February 2025 6 National Library of Australia 1921 12 1922 1922 01 1922 02 Maclurcan oversights the Wireless Receiving Competition conducted by the WIA NSW RADIO NEWS. . . . BY DOTDASH. . . . Competition Results. The results of the wireless receiving competition conducted by the Wireless Institute under the direction of Mr. Charles Maclurcan during December last were officially announced during the week. For six consecutive Sunday mornings telegraph and telephone messages were broadcasted from Mr. Maclurcan's station at Strathfield and picked up by more than a dozen competitors. There were 22 entrants, but only 13 actually received the messages, therefore, according to the rules, the judges, Messrs. Renshaw, Stowe and Maclurcan, only awarded prizes in the first and second sections as follows:— Section 1.— For the best complete log of the series:— First Prize (a De Forest intervalve audiofrequency transformer donated by Mr. Maclurcan): Mr. R. D. Charlesworth, 173 Parramatta-road, Haberfield. Second Prize (Open Order on Australelectric Co., value 35s, donated by the Wireless Institute): Mr. C. A. Gorman, West Botany-street, Arncliffe. Section 2.— For the longest distance received:— First Prize (a Room 2 61 receiving Valve, donated by Mr. Maclurcan): Mr. E. T. Vears, Grose-street, Leura. Second Prize (an Expanse Valve, donated by Australectric, Ltd.): Mr. G. E. H. Blanchard), Brown's-road, Church Point. Following are the marks obtained by the various competitors in the order of merit:— R. D. Charlesworth 563, C. A. Gorman 555, L. R. Hewett 540, R. P. Whitburn 521, J. H. A. Pike 477, R. F. Grosvenor 389, E. B. Crocker 331, H. R. S. Callan 307, W. J. Zech 244, G. E. Blanchard 174. E. T. Vears 128, E. R. Mawson 96, W. G. Best 49, T. R. Willmot 10, T. E. Dickenson 4. The maximum was 630.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118880401 RADIO NEWS Evening News 17,047 New South Wales, Australia 4 February 1922 25 January 2025 2 National Library of Australia Maclurcan advises how to make cheap "B" batteries THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News from Everywhere. . . . BY DOTDASH. . . . Cheap "B" Batteries The leading experimenter, Mr. Charles Maclurcan, whose splendidly equipped station at Agnes-street, Strathfield, is the end of all wireless men, has been tackling the high cost of "B" batteries with great success. At a cost of about 10 shillings he has just completed an accumulator "B" battery of 60 volts, which is practically everlasting. It is charged from the 240 volt A.C. house lighting mains through a four-cell electrolytic rectifier, using only half of the A.C. cycle. One charge takes about 10 minutes, and is sufficient for about four hours' continuous working. The battery is made with 30 cells, each consisting of a glass test tube 6 inches by 1 inch. The plates are cut from sheet-lead 7 inches by 1 inch and are curved to fit the shape of the tube. A sheet glass separator is placed between the plates to keep them from short-circuiting. These separators may be cut from old photographic plates. The cell should be placed in some kind of rack made of wood, but before putting them into position it is advisable to melt a little paraffin wax and immerse it in the open end of each tube to a depth of about half an inch, to prevent the acid electroylte from "creeping." When all the tubes, plates, and separators hare been assembled in the holder, fill each tube to within an inch of the top with a weak solution of sulphuric acid and distilled water, specific gravity 1.200. The battery is now ready for charging. It should be charged and discharged several times before being put in commission to "form" the positive plates. To make the rectifier get four pint jam jars and fill with a saturated solution of borax and distilled water. In each jar immerse two plates, one of sheet-lead and one of sheet-aluminium. These plates may be 3 inches by 1½ inch. The four cells are connected in series with one wire of the lighting mains, and then on to the accumulator battery. The other wire of the main passes through a 100 volt 16 c.p. lamp, and then on to the other pole of the battery. The charging rate with the lamp in series is about four amps. For the first charge it does not matter which way the battery is connected as both plates in it are alike. But after the first charge it will be noticed that one plate in each cell has turned a dark chocolate color. This is then the positive plate, and the terminals of the battery should be plainly marked, and always connected the same way, as in the first charging. A drop or two of kerosene put into each cell, both battery and rectifier, prevents undue evaporation of the electrolyte. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118881784 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17,065 New South Wales, Australia 25 February 1922 7 February 2025 2 National Library of Australia 1922 03 Maclurcan advises how to make a variable condensor, also an addendum on cheap "B" batteries THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for the Amateur. BY DOTDASH . . . A Condenser Hint Mr. Chas. Maclurcan gives a hint to experimenters:— When making or purchasing a variable air condenser for the receiving set, it is of utmost importance to know the minimum as well as the maximum capacity, and to choose an instrument with as low a minimum as possible. Now that honeycomb coils and other like forms of concentrated inductances have become so popular, a number of coils can be saved provided the tuning condensers have a large difference between maximum and minimum capacity. For example:— Take a condenser having a maximum capacity of .001 m.f. and a minimum of .0001 m.f., shunting a honeycomb coil of 30,000,000 cms. inductance. The circuit will tune from 3300 metres wavelength to 10,320 metres. If, however, a condenser having the same maximum capacity but a minimum of .00002 is used, then this same coil will tune from 1460 metres up to 10,320 metres. Therefore, when constructing a variable condenser make sure that the plates separate at least quarter inches when in the minimum position. Cheap "B" Batteries Mr. C. Maclurcan, Strathfield, writes: — in printing the description of the accumulator "B" battery in your last Saturday's issue there was a slight error. The charging rate should be point 4 amps, instead of 4 amps., as printed.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118860426 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17,071 New South Wales, Australia 4 March 1922 7 February 2025 2 National Library of Australia Maclurcan reports having received telephony from VIM Melbourne WIRELESS. TELEPHONE MESSAGE. Mr. Charles Maclurcan reports having received on Tuesday evening at his experimental wireless station at Strathfield an excellent speech transmitted from Melbourne Radio Station by wireless telephone. The voice was clear, and free from any distortion, and louder than that of the ordinary land telephone.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15992082 WIRELESS. The Sydney Morning Herald 26,263 New South Wales, Australia 9 March 1922 7 February 2025 9 National Library of Australia Maclurcan offers advice on transformer-coupled audio amplifiers THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News from Everywhere. . . . BY DOTDASH . . . Amplifier Hint Mr. Charles Maclurcan, Strathfield, writes:— "Many experimenters are frequently disappointed with results when they make their first attempts with transformer coupled audio-frequency amplifiers. Often they state that signals are not as loud as with a single valve. "Let them try the simple expedient of reversing the filament battery, which may result in a surprising increase in signal strength. Remember always to place the filament resistance in the positive lead, and join the negative lead to the negative side of the "B" or high-tension battery." http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118863733 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17,077 New South Wales, Australia 11 March 1922 7 February 2025 2 National Library of Australia As previous Melbourne Speaks to Sydney by Wireless. Mr. Charles Maclurcan received on Tuesday of last week, at his private wireless station, in the garage of his home at Strathfield, Sydney, an excellent speech transmitted from the Melbourne radio station by wireless telephone. The voice, he says, was clear and free from any distortion, and louder than heard through an ordinary telephone. Mr. Maclurcan, who is a vice-president of the New South Wales division of the Wireless Institute of Australia, is the only son of Mrs. Maclurcan of the Wentworth Hotel. Before the war his wireless installation (which he erected in 1910, when only a lad) was a familiar sight on the roof of the hotel. He recently directed a competition in wireless telephony among Sydney's young wireless enthusiasts and also provided some of the prizes awarded to successful competitors. Altogether, Mr. Maclurcan has a fine record of work in the interests of wireless telegraphy and wireless telephony.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147418769 WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAVYING & DOING Table Talk 1911 Victoria, Australia 16 March 1922 7 February 2025 10 National Library of Australia Maclurcan hears the test transmission of the AWA Wireless Concerts on longwave & provides a hint on telephony THE MAGIC SPARK. RADIO NEWS FOR AMATEURS. Programme for Wireless Concert. BY DOTDASH. Did you catch those mysterious musical notes on Saturday night? The wireless concerts have not actually started, but the first trial has been held, and was a complete success. The wave used was as stated in this column, 1100 metres — but it will not be used again. In fixing the 1100 metres, it was thought that such would make it impossible to interfere with traffic work, but there was a slight interference, and if you have adjusted your apparatus on those lines, just alter it to work on 1250. Some of the advanced experimenters had wonderful results on the trial, notwithstanding the date had been kept secret. They knew the wave metre, however, and stood by night after night ready to catch anything that may be going. It came on Saturday night. That the concerts are going to be a success is undoubted, and reports show that the full programme used on trial night was heard up to 150 miles away from the city. Here are the results and opinions of some of those who were lucky:— Mr. Leverrier, K.C.: Good; signals roared in, friends entertained and pleased, concert a great success. E. T. Vears, Katoomba: Caruso record exceptionally fine. F. Marsden, Waverley: The singing of Mr. Cotterill was fine and clear. C. Maclurcan, Strathfield: Great success. The next programme, to be sent out Wednesday, will be:— 7.30 p m — First item, Band Selection, by the Coldstream Guards Band. Song, "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," by Hubert Eisdel. Vocal selection by Benin Segna from Il Trovatore. Song by Mr. R. G. Cotterill, "Mary." Vocal selection by Challapine, "The Death of Boris." Vocal selection by Lee Slezak, from the opera, "Il Trovatore." Vocal selection by Signor Caruso from "La Boheme." Band selection by the Coldstream Guards Band. Interval of five minutes. Vocal selection by John McCormack from "La Boheme." Song by Morgan Kingston, "I Hear You Calling Me." Vocal selection by Signor Caruso from "Pagliacci." Song by Mr. R. Cotterill, "Mother Machree." Song by Morgan Kingston,"Parted." God Save the King. . . . Hint on Telephony Mr. Charles Maclurcan, Strathfield, gives a hint to those using valves to receive the wireless telephone concerts. In order to receive telephony without distortion it is essential that the valve should not be oscillating. At the same time, if the signals are at all weak, the coupling of the reaction, or "tickler" coil must be as tight as possible. In short, the valve should be "just not" oscillating. It is most important that there should be no so-called "overlap" in the reactance coupling. That is, supposing you begin with the coupling loose, and the valve not oscillating, now tighten the coupling slowly till oscillation starts. Note the position of the coil then slowly loosen the coupling again. It there be no "overlap" then oscillation will cease when the coil is in exactly the same position as it was when oscillation commenced. This condition is what you should aim at and can only be brought about by correct design of reactance coil and by skilful adjustment of both "A" and "B" battery. When you have the apparatus thus functioning correctly a very desirable addition is a very small, variable condenser (say, two fixed and two movable plates, connected across the reactance coil. This will give a much finer adjustment than can be obtained by altering the coupling alone. Addition of capacity is equivalent to tightening the coupling.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118871595 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17,089 New South Wales, Australia 25 March 1922 7 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia 1922 04 Maclurcan provides a hint on crystal detectors MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for Amateurs. . . . By DOT DASH . . . Crystal Detector Hints Mr. Charles Maclurcan (Strathfield) gives a few hints to crystal detector users:— Avoid as far as possible touching the crystal with the bare fingers. The greasy deposit from the hand detracts from its sensitiveness. A crystal that has apparently lost its sensitiveness may often be revived by scrubbing it thoroughly with an old tooth brush dipped in benzine. Many crystals function quite well without a local battery, nevertheless, the addition of such a battery and potentiometer increases the sensitiveness of practically all crystals. As it is extremely important that the current from the battery should flow in a certain direction, the connections to it should be reversed during the reception of signals to find the correct polarity. The same effect may be obtained by simply turning the crystal about in its holder and leaving it where loudest signals are obtained. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118860582 MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17,095 New South Wales, Australia 1 April 1922 7 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia Maclurcan provides advice on filament resistances; to talk to WIA NSW about RF amplifiers; broadcasts apparently his first concert MAGIC SPARK. Radio News Budget. . . . BY DOT DASH. . . . FILAMENT RESISTANCES Mr. Chas. Maclurcan gives experimenters a little advice on the subject of filament resistances:— The average valve filament resistance is far too large and bulky, also the resistance is usually much higher than is required. It is often noticeable that only the last few turns of the resistance are used. Why then make your resistance of 8 or 10 ohms resistance when 2 or 3 ohms is quite sufficient? A simple filament resistance can be made by winding about 30 turns of No. 22 bare Eureka wire on a straight piece of 5-16 inch fibre rod 1½ inch long, making contact by a sliding spring clip. The clip can be so shaped that it may be easily sprung off, thus acting as a switch as well. It is as well here to warn valve users against the practice of burning filaments too brightly. A very small increase in the current means a very large decrease in the life of the filament. With a given valve the higher the "B" battery voltage the brighter the filament has to be burned, in order that the valve shall function on the correct part of the curve. For instance it was found, with a V24 valve functioning as a low frequency amplifier, that with a plate Potential of 24volts, only 4 volts were required for the filament, whereas when the plate Potential was increased to 80 volts then slightly over 5 volts were required for the filament. The amplification was of course greater in the latter case. Many experimenters, when spoken to on the subject, seemed to think that the higher the plate voltage the lower the filament voltage. But it isn't so. INSTITUTE'S NEXT MEETING. On account of Anzac Day, the next meeting of the Wireless Institute of Australia, N.S.W. Division, will be held on Wednesday next, April 26, instead of the 25th, at Queen's Chambers, Dalley street, City. During the evening, a committee of associate members will be formed, to take on the task of drawing up a syllabus of elementary lectures for adoption by the council. Mr. Malcolm Perry will speak for ten minutes on the difference between experimental and commercial working of stations; and Mr. Chas. Maclurcan is to describe and explain a radio frequency amplifier. All members and associate members are advised that the club room at Queen's Chambers is now available for their use, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. The room has been furnished, and there is a temporary buzzer connected. AMATEUR SENDS A CONCERT. One of the most successful concerts of late was radiated on Wednesday night last by Mr. Chas. Maclurcan, from his up-to-date station at Strathfield. Having only just finished erecting a splendid transmitting aerial, Mr. Maclurcan was working with the Observatory to test its efficiency. A number of amateurs tuned up to the wave length, and enjoyed the speech and music. Scarcely had the current been switched off when Mr. Maclurcan's telephone began to ring, as several amateurs reported to him how they had received the concert. From all quarters came similar reports of good, clear speech and music.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118871520 MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17112 New South Wales, Australia 22 April 1922 7 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia Percy Sewell provides further comment on Maclurcan's earlier advice on filament resistances THE MAGIC SPARK. Amateur Radio News. . . . BY DOT DASH. . . . THOSE RHEOSTATS. Mr. P. Sewell has something to say:— Regarding what was said in last Saturday's column by Mr. Maclurcan on "Filament Rheostats," I would like to point out that a high resistance rheostat — that is, one of the order of 8 or 10 ohms — increases the life of valves. If the current is switched off while the filament is burning brightly the sudden big fall in temperature will crystalise the filament, when a slight jolt or jar will break it. But if first dulled right out the filament will remain in a good, pliable condition. It will interest many experimenters to know that, by placing a "bypass" condenser across 'phones and "B" battery, they can increase the strength of signals, and also bring in stations that could not be heard before. If using more than one valve, the condenser (which should be about .01 mfds. capacity) should be placed across the "B" battery, and primary of transformer connected to the detecting valve. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118868128 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17118 New South Wales, Australia 29 April 1922 7 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia 1922 05 Maclurcan's Sunday evening concerts transitioning to a regular routine THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for Amateurs. BY DOT DASH. . . . Mr. Chas. Maclurcan, of Strathfield, is now experimenting in telephony on Sunday evenings, when he works with the Observatory on a wavelength of 1400 metres. He is anxious to know how far his music and speech carries, and would be pleased to hear from anybody, ship operators especially, who hear it from any distance.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118870949 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17124 New South Wales, Australia 6 May 1922 7 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia Maclurcan's low power longwave tests with Sydney Observatory heard in Melbourne RADIO WONDER. Sydney Amateur's Feat. A WORLD'S RECORD. Those who have been following the recent progress in wireless telegraphy will be interested to learn that what is considered a world's record in low power transmission was achieved last night by Mr. Charles Maclurcan, the well-known experimenter, of Strathfield, Sydney. News has just been received from Mr. Joseph Reed, of Melbourne, that the signals which were being sent by Mr. Maclurcan while testing with the Sydney Observatory, were readably audible in the Victorian capital. The power used in this instance was 9 watts, barely sufficient power to light the tail-light of a motor car, and yet the signals were heard by several amateurs 450 miles distant. It is believed that this feat establishes a world record, and due praise should be given to Mr. Maclurcan for this valuable piece of scientific work. The results are doubly interesting in view of the fact that the apparatus used by Mr. Maclurcan was wholly designed and constructed by himself. For some years past we have read of the wonderful work done by the American radio amateurs, and it is gratifying to discover among us some one who has proved that Australia is able to keep her end up.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118863978 RADIO WONDER Evening News 17136 New South Wales, Australia 20 May 1922 7 February 2025 6 National Library of Australia Maclurcan's concerts still being well heard & promises to transmit dance music for the NSW Military Radio Association dance THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for Amateurs. BY DOT DASH. . . . MUSIC IN THE AIR. There was plenty of music in the air during the week, and those with the necessary apparatus were able to tap it on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. Some of the entertainments were broadcasted by Mr. Chas. Maclurcan, from his station at Strathfield, and very good entertainments they were from a radio point of view. This again calls to mind the ease with which settlers in the lonely parts of the bush can get entertainment. With comparatively cheap apparatus the concerts may be picked up in the backblocks, bringing the country folk in close touch with the outside world and giving them the entertainment that those in the bush now lack. Mr. L. V. G. Todd at Tamworth, was able to enjoy the music sent out by Mr. Maclurcan, who by the way, is only using 9 watts power. In a letter to the sender Mr. Todd said that when he first picked up the music he thought it was from Melbourne, till he heard a voice saying, "Chas. Maclurcan, Strathfield, speaking." The air line, Sydney to Tamworth, is about 200 miles, and as this was covered by Mr. Maclurcan's apparatus in daylight, the feat, taking into consideration the power used, must be something of a record. . . . FORTHCOMING RADIO DANCE. A meeting of the committee of the New South Wales Military Radio Association was held on Monday evening last at the Engineers' Depot. Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Fraser, D.S.O., presided. The progress of the radio dance arrangements was reported, and it was announced that Mr. Maclurcan had kindly consented to send out the dance music from his up-to-date station at Strathfield. The music records are to be lent by Pathephone, Limited. The radio music will be supplied for at least one hour during the dance (on Wednesday, June 7, at the Engineers' Hall, Moore Park-road). Tickets are obtainable from the secretary, Mr. O. F. Mingay, Telephone Test Room, G.P.O., 3s double, and 2s single. A committee was appointed to further inspect some radio gear for an up-to-date transmitting station for the club. This equipment will be installed as soon as possible. A special general meeting has been called for Monday week (May 20) in lieu of the ordinary meeting falling on King's Birthday. All members and intending members are specially asked to attend. The secretary wishes to convey to all members of the M.R. Association, and also the "Evening News," his appreciation and thanks for the work performed in making such a success of the wireless reporting of the recent Aerial Derby. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118863991 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17136 New South Wales, Australia 20 May 1922 8 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia Brief radio bio on Wallace Best mentions his success in Maclurcan's competition + more on Mac's dance music for NSW Military Radio Assoc. THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for Amateurs. . . . BY DOT DASH. Among the Sydney radio experimenters doing good work is Mr. Wallace G. Best, who has an up-to-date station at Rose Bay. He became interested in the science some years ago, and wisely tackled the theoretical side, and mastered it thoroughly. After conducting laboratory experiments, he graduated to a working set, and for some time used crystals with splendid results. Some months ago, when Mr. Chas. Maclurcan conducted a reception competition on behalf of the Wireless Institute. Mr. Best received the speech broadcasted from his station at Strathfield on a crystal. In his report on the results, Mr. Maclurcan said that Mr. Best's feat was deserving of special mention. Mr. Best has the interests of experimenters at heart, and with the object of helping the less advanced along he has undertaken the task of giving some of the elementary lectures of the series now being started by the institute. He is a committee-man of the Metropolitan Radio Club — the largest wireless body in New South Wales. DANCING TO RADIO MUSIC. If all goes well, Sydney people will soon have the unique opportunity of dancing to music played many miles away and intercepted by radio. This will be on Wednesday, June 7, when the N.S.W. Military Radio Association is holding a dance at the Engineers' Depot, Moore Park. The association has been granted permission by the authorities to carry out the stunt, and Mr Maclurcan has consented to send out the music from his station at Strathfield. At the receiving end a multi-valve set will be used to get plenty of amplification, and it is hoped that a magnavox can be secured for the evening. This will be the first time this has been done in Australia, by the way. Of course there will be a very material jazz orchestra in the hall in case of a breakdown, and to supply the music for some of the dances. There is to be a general meeting of the association at the Engineers' Depot on Monday, when an alteration in the constitution will be proposed, and several committee elected. With the object of purchasing gear for a modern transmitting station at headquarters, the committee of the association has opened an appeal for £20. Members are asked to loan anything they can afford toward the fund.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118871035 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17142 New South Wales, Australia 27 May 1922 8 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia More on Mac's dance music for NSW Military Radio Assoc. WIRELESS JAZZ. Radio-Engineers' Dance. TEST IN SYDNEY. Magnavox to be Used. In the near future we should hear less of the loneliness of the bush. Within the next few months it should be possible, by means of wireless telephony, for country folk 500 miles from the city and 50 miles from the nearest homestead to enjoy the latest music every evening. The members of the N.S.W. Military Radio Association are holding their annual dance next month. They are so enthusiastic that they will not get away from wireless for even one night. The dance will be held in the engineers' depot, Moore Park, and the music will come from Strathfield. For the first time in Australia, so the organisers say, a complete magnavox will be used. It has just arrived from New Zealand. At the residence of Mr. Maclurcan, in Strathfield, there is a Pathephone. Mr. Maclurcan is also the owner of an up-to-date wireless station. The music played by the Pathephone — some of it has not been heard in Australia — will be radiated into the air by Mr. Maclurcan's wireless set. The radio men will instal a wireless plant at the engineers' depot. The music will be received at the depot, and amplified by the magnavox. It will then be "hurled into the dance room," and gentlemen will be asked to select their partners. It is likely, too, that there will be a couple of songs. EFFECTIVE FOR 500 MILES. The music from the magnavox can be heard 300 yards from where the machine is situated. Mr. Maclurcan's set is what is known as a nine-watt instrument. Recently, music sent from his wireless at Strathfield was picked up in Melbourne — approximately 500 miles air line. When it is remembered that some of the instruments range to 500 "watts" there are almost unlimited possibilities ahead for wireless telephony. At the dance, music will be supplied by wireless for about an hour. Then a jazz band will come on the scene, and work till the early hours. Mr. O. F. Mingay, of the G.P.O., who is organising the test, is confident of its success. "Before long," he said, "we should be able to send weather intelligence, market reports, and even daily news items to our outback farmers by wireless telephony. Much will depend on how the instrument acquits itself on the night of the dance . . . Yes, we are keen on it, and we thought nothing could be more appropriate than to have a trial at our annual "hop." We are, as it were, combining business with pleasure, and we hope the result will be of some value to the community."http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223946330 WIRELESS JAZZ The Sun 3613 New South Wales, Australia 31 May 1922 8 February 2025 8 (FINAL EXTRA) National Library of Australia 1922 06 Maclurcan distances himself from any commercial connection WIRELESS JAZZ. Mr. Charles Maclurcan writes:— With reference to your article "Wireless Jazz" In last night's "Sun," I would be glad if you would correct a few statements which might be misleading. In the first place the music transmitted from my station has not been heard in Melbourne, but was heard by the "S. S. ---" off Gabo, about 300 miles. My telegraphic signals, however, were heard in Melbourne. I wish to emphatically state that I am not interested, nor have any likelihood of being interested, in any commercial aspect of wireless. My sole reason for assisting with the demonstration to be given at Moore Park is the desire, as an amateur, to help other amateurs for the sheer love of the subject itself. I am anxious to have those points made quite clear, because just now any misunderstanding in this connection might strain the friendly relationship existing between the commercial and amateur wireless men.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223948314 WIRELESS JAZZ The Sun 3614 New South Wales, Australia 1 June 1922 8 February 2025 6 (FINAL EXTRA) National Library of Australia Mrs Maclurcan is hon. treasurer of Dominican Old Girls SOCIETY'S WHIRL. . . . Dominicans' Dance. The committee of the Dominican Old Girls' dance, to be held at the Wentworth Cafe on Monday night, met at The Macquarie, Market-street, yester-day afternoon to make final arrangements for the function. Those who intend to be present are asked to reserve their tables as soon as possible. Mrs. C. Burfitt is president of the committee, Mrs. H. Daly and Mrs. A. J. Collins hon. secretaries, and Mrs. Charles Maclurcan hon. treasurer.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118854820 SOCIETY'S WHIRL Evening News 17147 New South Wales, Australia 2 June 1922 8 February 2025 11 National Library of Australia Dot Dash praises Maclurcan's work THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for Amateurs. GOOD WORK BY EXPERIMENTER. BY DOT DASH. Recognised by all as the leading experimenter in New South Wales — if not in Australia — Mr. Charles Maclurcan has been doing some wonderful work of late. His down-to-the-minute station at Strathfield is known to all experimenters, who are unanimous in their praise of the music radiated from it. Only a few days ago Mr. Maclurcan established what is thought to be a world's record for low power transmission. His continuous wave work from Strathfield was heard in Melbourne, good readable signals, and only nine watts was used. This power, by-the-way, is just about the strength used for the rear lamp of a motor car. But Mr. Maclurcan has gone one better. He was experimenting one night recently with the Sydney Observatory, using the same power and sending radio telephony. A day or so later he was informed that a steamer's operator had heard the music when his vessel was off Gabo, a distance of about 300 miles. It is generally recognised that a speech will carry by wireless only a third the distance that continuous wave telegraphy signals will, therefore Mr. Maclurcan should be able to do about 1000 miles on the low power! And there are still those who ask what the experimenter is doing for the science.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118849563 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17148 New South Wales, Australia 3 June 1922 8 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia Mr & Mrs Maclurcan attend Dominican Old Girls dance Dominican Old Girls. Ex-students of the Dominican Convent renewed acquaintance and revived memories with each other at a delightful dance held at the Wentworth Cafe last night. It was a dance chiefly of young matrons and girls and many pretty frocks were noticed. Pink and blue colorings predominated. Mrs. C. A. Burfitt, president of the dance committee, in a black satin and jet frock, entertained her sisters the Misses Marie and Kathleen Dooley, in frocks of blue and flame taffeta respectively. Miss Brandon, Miss Doolan, Mrs. Goodsell, the Misses Madge and Vivie Veron, Miss Ahern, Messrs. H. Johnson, T. and G. McMahon, Veron and McKenzie. The hon. secretary was Mrs. H. J. Daly, wife of Dr. Daly, who wore black taffeta and hand-made flowers, and the hon. treasurer, Mrs. Charles Maclurcan who was gowned in black satin and trails of flowers. Mr. Maclurcan was with her and her sister, Miss Kenna, wore a pretty frock of blue and brown shot taffeta. Miss Nell Johnson wore pink shot taffeta with vieux rose chaplet in her hair. Miss J. Nash was in henna tafetta, Miss Toincete Playoust in grey satin and silver lace, the Misses Watt in dainty pale blue frocks, Miss Jaques wearing apricot charmeuse and Miss Jean Hassall in a white net frilled frock beaded with pink roses.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118854240 Dominican Old Girls Evening News 17150 New South Wales, Australia 6 June 1922 8 February 2025 11 National Library of Australia Further detail of the NSW Military Radio Association dance RADIO DANCE. A JAZZING NOVELTY. The New South Wales Military Radio Association propose to introduce a novel jazzing feature at an entertainment to be provided for members of the association and their friends at the dance hall attached to the Engineers' Depot at Moore Park on Wednesday evening. Arrangements have been made to supply the music on a pathephone played at the residence of Mr. C. Maclurcan, at Strathfield, and this will be transmitted into the ether by a wireless transmitting set and received at the depot by a wireless receiving set. The electrical waves carrying the music will be amplified and presented to the dancers through the medium of a magnavox operated by Mr. Veech, a radio expert, loaned by the New Zealand Government to the Magnavox Company. Mr. C. F. Mingay, honorary secretary of the Military Radio Association, states that the association is endeavouring to raise funds for the establishment of an effective radio telegraphic and telephonic station at the Moore Park headquarters, where it is hoped to conduct a series of radio experiments, which will advance the science in regard to its use for commercial and social purposes, as well as for military operations. The association is rendering valuable aid to amateur students of wireless, and it is stated that there are quite a large number of private wireless installations in the metropolitan area and others scattered throughout the State. During the past week a wireless club was established at the Technical High School for the benefit of the students desirous of studying radiography.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16006184 RADIO DANCE. The Sydney Morning Herald 26,339 New South Wales, Australia 6 June 1922 8 February 2025 5 National Library of Australia Successful test of Maclurcan's station for NSW Military Radio Association dance JAZZING TO WIRELESS. ENTHUSIASTIC RADIO STUDENTS. Experimenting on Friday night in the transmission by wireless of dance music, Mr. C. Maclurcan, a member of the Military Radio Association, transmitted from Strathfield music that was picked up by a ship 420 miles away. The power used was not quite nine watts. The Military Radio Association, which is composed of enthusiastic Diggers and military trainees, and has the sanction of the Defence Department, has so perfected its means of transmission of music that it will on Wednesday evening hold a dance at the Engineers' Hall, Moore Park, the music for which will be played at Strathfield, seven miles away, transmitted by wireless, and then amplified and put tbrough a Magnarox. A test conducted last night resulted in the flooding of the hall with faultless music. The secretary of the association (Lieutenant O. F. Mingay) announces that there are vacancies in the association for more enthusiastic amateurs.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245740733 JAZZING TO WIRELESS The Daily Telegraph 13,438 New South Wales, Australia 6 June 1922 8 February 2025 6 National Library of Australia Despite all the prior publicity, Maclurcan's transmissions to the NSW Military Radio Association dance fails due to static RADIO ASSOCIATION'S DANCE. At the radio dance, which was organised by the New South Wales Military Radio Association, last night, it was unfortunately impossible for the committee and others to demonstrate the possibilities of the transmission of music by wireless telephony, owing to the extraordinary condition of the atmosphere. Violent electrical disturbances, known to wireless men as "X's," caused a variety of sounds in the receivers, and prevented the music being heard, under arrangements which had been made by Mr. C. Maclurcan, of Strathfield.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16006361 BADIO ASSOCIATION'S DANCE. The Sydney Morning Herald 26,341 New South Wales, Australia 8 June 1922 8 February 2025 10 National Library of Australia Wonderful photo of Maclurcan's wireless equipment at Strathfield (Start Photo Caption) THE APPARATUS AT STRATHFIELD This apparatus, all hand-made, is the work of Mr. Charles Maclurcan, and is installed in his home at Strathfield. Last week, when the atmospheric conditions were not adverse, sounds of the human voice and gramophone music, transmitted by wireless from Strathfield, were clearly heard at Mungindi, 400 miles away. The transmitting instrument, as shown in the bottom of the picture, is shaped like a telephone receiver. Inset is a portrait of Mr. Maclurcan. (End Photo Caption)http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245738806 THE APPARATUS AT STRATHFIELD The Daily Telegraph 13,440 New South Wales, Australia 8 June 1922 8 February 2025 5 National Library of Australia Another overview of matters associated with the NSW Military Radio Association dance. notes that Maclurcan's wireless experiments commenced 1908 WIRELESS MUSIC. DANCERS DISAPPOINTED. Tornado Takes a Hand. The dance music that was being transmitted by Wireless from Strathfield to the engineers' hall at Moore Park last evening was drowned by a tornado in the skies. Jazz enthusiasts who had crowded into the hall for the novelty of dancing to wireless music were disappointed. The radio experimenters were, however, not downcast. They had provided against every possibility that science could cope with, but the ether waves are sometimes so lashed into fury by electric conditions as to make wireless communication impossible. Last night was such a night. Scientists know so little of the nature of these electrical disturbances that they have named them X (i.e., the unknown quantity). Rehearsals of the wireless dance on Friday and Sunday last were pronounced successes. Atmospheric conditions were normal, and the music was transmitted by wireless faultlessly over the seven miles. The sender of last night's lost messages (Mr. Charles Maclurcan) has, during the past few weeks, had some pronounced successes in the transmission of the human voice and instrumental music by wireless. He is still waiting for some of the deep-sea vessels with which he has been in communication to come in with continuation of some of the longest distance messages. The steamer Dimboola has already confirmed every detail of voice messages, and songs, and orchestral music clearly transmitted over a distance of 300 odd miles. More remarkable still, voice messages and music transmitted by Mr. Maclurcan from his home at Strathfield have been clearly heard by Mr. Warden, of Mungindi, who has a receiving plant. The distance from Strathfield to Mungindi is over 400 miles across land, and it is much more difficult to communicate wireless across land than across water. The electric power used in the transmission of these messages was not more than that contained in an ordinary hand-electric flashlight. The whole of Mr. Maclurcan's plant was made by hand and erected by himself. His interest in wireless, which has been purely scientific and in no way commercial, commenced in 1908, and for many years he was the operator of the plant which stood on the roof of the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney. Mr. Maclurcan has so developed wireless knowledge that he is regarded as being among the foremost of Australia's experimenters. The Military Radio Association, which had arranged last night's experiment, is still hopeful of conducting the first wireless dance in Australia.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245738814 WIRELESS MUSIC The Daily Telegraph 13,440 New South Wales, Australia 8 June 1922 8 February 2025 5 National Library of Australia Maclurcan establishes a distance record GREAT RECORD. RADIO TRANSMISSION. SYDNEY MAN'S FEAT. AN OFFICIAL TEST. The world's record in low power Radio transmission is now firmly established to the credit of the well-known Sydney experimenter, Mr. Chas. Maclurcan. Wireless signals sent out by him on barely sufficient power to light the rear lamp of a motor car, were heard 705 miles north of Sydney. A few weeks ago, those interested in radio telegraphy were surprised to learn through the medium of the "Evening News," that a world's record had been established in low power transmission by Mr. Maclurcan, from his station at Strathfield. On that occasion he transmitted readable messages to Melbourne, using only 9 watts of current. Several reports have come to hand from amateurs in various parts of the country, showing that music transmitted by him has been heard as far as 400 miles inland. As the result of these several reports, it was thought advisable to carry out an official test with one of the steamers on the coast. In order to do this, the Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Limited, instructed Mr. Dixon, wireless operator of the Montoro, to listen for Mr. Maclurcan's signals. Mr. Dixon's report has now been received, and contains the following information:— At 10 p.m., June 1, Mr. Dixon heard the music and speech very clearly (strength 9). He was then about 112 miles from Sydney. On the following night, at 10 o'clock, the Montoro was 420 miles distant, and music and speech was quite easily heard (strength 6). Mr. Dixon sent a radio to Mr. Maclurcan to continue on Sunday night at 10 o'clock. The Montoro was now 705 miles north of Sydney, in the vicinity of Rockhampton, and, although the music was not heard, the telegraphic messages were easily readable (strength 6). The Power on this occasion was very carefully measured and found to be slightly less than that used in the original Melbourne test, being 8.7 watts. Throughout this test, the Amalgamated Wireless, Limited, took a keen interest in the experiments and demonstrated its desire to assist the bona fide amateur. Until very recently the American wireless amateur has taken the lead in low power transmission so we can feel justly proud that an Australian has been able to successfully contest this enviable position. Not only does such a phenomenal result call for very careful handling at the transmitting end, but also the greatest skill and care must be exercised by the receiver. Due credit must, therefore, be given to Mr. Dixon for having so handled his receiving set, which made possible this record. Mr. Dixon used only one valve (an Expanse B) which is entirely an Australian product, making the result all the more gratifying. (Start Photo Caption) Mr. Maclurcan. (End Photo Caption)http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118850757 GREAT RECORD Evening News 17153 New South Wales, Australia 9 June 1922 8 February 2025 6 National Library of Australia Maclurcan experiments withe the new tetrode valve THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News for Amateurs. BY DOT DASH. . . . NEW VALVES. A new valve put on the market within the last week or so by Amalgamated Wireless, Limited, is the "Q.X.," which has been designed to take the place of the old "Q" type. The new valve can be used as a radio frequency amplifier, although it was designed for a rectifier. Normally the filament takes five volts, though it will work equally as well on four or anything between. The plate requires 24 volts, but actual experiment has shown that the valve will take up to 100 volts. During the week Mr. Maclurcan tried out the new valve, and he is highly satisfied with it. He states that it is very stable in action. It is his intention to use two of the valves, one as a detector and the other as a radio frequency amplifier. The "Q.X." looks just like a "V24," but the grid is closer in mesh, and larger. Mr. Maclurcan is also testing a four-electrode valve, the latest thing out. It is supposed to give the same strength of signals as a three-valve set consisting of a detector, a radio frequency amplifier, and an audio frequency amplifier. This valve is about twice the size of a "V24", and has two grids, a plate, and a filament. . . . GOOD RECEPTION. Here is a good piece of work by a Sydney man. Using a three valve set of his own construction, he was able to hear Melbourne sending out music on the 2k.w. set. The experimenter was using a loop aerial in his room, and the music came in loud enough to be heard some feet away from the earphones. Mr. Maclurcan was at the time experimenting with the Sydney Observatory, and with only a slight adjustment the listener was able to take his choice of music and song.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118852122 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17160 New South Wales, Australia 17 June 1922 11 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia Reporting about Maclurcan's efforts reaches even to Albany, WA Woman's Realm. . . . There is great and increasing activity among radio amateurs on Sydney side. Apart from interesting themselves by lectures and the broadcasting of concerts and jazz music, they are bent on demonstrating to a public at present uniformed that they are by their experiments doing something for Australia. Thus it is that the New South Wales division of the Wireless Institute will presently hold a public meeting at which the audience will get initiated into the mysteries of magic sparks. Mr. Maclurcan, of Strathfield, is the operator who, with an outfit designed by himself, is able to send a message a thousand miles with about "one canary power" and amateurs drop the voice with awe as they speak of it. Mr. Maclurcan's success will certainly stimulate others. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250978786 Woman’s Realm. The Albany Despatch 5, 348 Western Australia 19 June 1922 11 February 2025 1 National Library of Australia Maclurcan's activities feature in an opinion piece surveying the history of wireless & future possibilities The Remarkable New Craze. Wireless Telephony. What it Will Mean to Australia. . . . Wireless telephoning and amplifying are done, but the real business of selling receiving apparatus does not start until someone commences a broadcasting service from a station. It will probably begin with the farmers subscribing for weather and other news, to which will be added by degrees general news and entertainment. Steamers are being spoken to off the coast. One has reported having heard voices, songs, and music 300 miles. A Strathfield (Sydney) operator, Mr. Charles Maclurcan, has been heard at Mungindi, over 400 miles away. Music for a dance was transmitted from Strathfield to a hall at Moore Park, seven miles, the sounds being amplified so as to be quite loud enough for dancing. The magnifier makes the ticking of a watch audible 200 feet away. All kinds of improvements are being perfected, some which render the troubles from electric disturbances very considerably less. The experiment at Moore Park was successful one night, but a failure on the night of the dance because of a "static," as the air trouble is called. All communication systems are liable to disturbance. Even the ordinary telegraph at times gets bad. Static is delaying the time when the broadcasting shall go on uninterrupted all the year round. It is at present only a tenth of the hindrance it was. The trouble is in the summer principally. . . . THE ownership of a transmission wireless telephone is a different matter, but what it will mean to the station-owners and others at long distances out can be easily foreseen. In the wide spaces of the Riverina, for instance, it may cost anything up to £1000 to install a telephone under the present system, and there is in addition to the ordinary cost endless trouble with the lines, ant-eaten poles, and so forth. "Assuming that there is some sort of power available," said Mr. Maclurcan, the Strathfield operator previously mentioned, "a transmission set such as I use can be constructed for about £100. I have been trying to prove to the community for a long time that low power is sufficient, provided everything is properly and efficiently made, and my power is less than one-seventh of the power required for the ordinary 50-candlepower lamp used for house lighting." http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169771478 The Remarkable New Craze Wireless Telephony Sydney Mail XXI, 534 New South Wales, Australia 21 June 1922 11 February 2025 37 National Library of Australia Maclurcan's Sunday night concerts well received in the country areas THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News and Notes. . . . BY DOT DASH. . . . GOOD COUNTRY WORK. Mr. Maclurcan has lately been giving country experimenters a chance to show what they can do in the way of radio telephony reception. It speaks well for both sender and receivers that splendid results have been obtained. Among those who have picked up the music and speech broadcasted from Strathfield are Messrs Shaw (Goondiwindi), Warden (Mungindi), Todd (Tamworth), Falkner (Orange), Channon (Inverell), and Nichols (Goulburn). Mr Warden's performances have been particularly fine. He is about 400 miles from the sending end, yet on a single valve he is able to hear every note of the music. So much has he enjoyed the novel entertainment that he wrote to Mr Maclurcan asking him to repeat certain of the items he liked best. For those who do not already know it, Mr. Maclurcan experiments regularly each Sunday night between 7.30 and 8.30 with the Sydney Observatory. His wave length is 1400 metres. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118859001 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17166 New South Wales, Australia 24 June 1922 11 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia 1922 07 The Western Suburbs Amateur Wireless Association passes a vote of thanks to Maclurcan for receiving delegations of their members at his wireless station THE MAGIC SPARK. Radio News and Notes. . . . BY DOT DASH . . . NEWS OF THE CLUBS. . . . THE WESTERN SUBURBS AMATEUR WIRELESS ASSOCIATION'S last two meetings have been devoted to the construction of apparatus. When the members last met they dealt with special business, including the club's transmitter and the forthcoming annual entertainment. Several experimenters brought along apparatus for display. A vote of thanks to Mr. Maclurcan was carried for his having entertained detachments of members at his station. Mr. Slight gave a talk on valve reception. At the next meeting Mr. Challenger will lecture on the control of vacuum tubes. The forthcoming public exhibition under the auspices of the Metropolitan Club is interesting members, several of whom are working on apparatus.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118851209 THE MAGIC SPARK Evening News 17172 New South Wales, Australia 1 July 1922 11 February 2025 7 National Library of Australia In a wonderful biography of 2LM's George Exton, it is mentioned that while visiting the observatory he listened to one of Maclurcan's concerts LISMORE EXPERIMENTER'S SUCCESS. CONCERTS FROM MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY. POWERFUL RADIO TELEGRAPH SET. PICTURES BY WIRELESS THE NEXT STEP. . . . . START WITH TELEPHONY. As Mr. Exton was one of the earliest experimenters in Australia to turn his atten-tion to wireless telegraphy, so he is one of the pioneers in the Commonwealth with wireless telephony. Of course his progress in this development of wireless was res??? easier by having such a complete and up to date installation for telegraphy, and the adaptation to the new science did not take so long as if a start had to be made at the very beginning. Last month Mr. Exton was entertained at the Observatory to to a concert transmitted by wireless from Mr. Maclurcan's, Strathfield, and a few days later Australectric, Sydney, transmitted a wireless concert at which he was entertained at Mr. Marsden's, Bellevue Hill. Concerts have also been transmitted from Melbourne which Mr. Exton has been able to receive on his set, at Lismore. For this he couples to the loud speaker. It may be mentioned that sound is transmitted in tone about as loud as that of a good gramophone.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93385464 WIRELESS TELEPHONY. 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