NBC CHIMES GIVEN AUDIENCE TRIAL

Reprinted from Radio World
(October 1, 1932)

The National Broadcasting Company chimes, which for years have kept the network in synchronous step, have changed their tone.

An automatic electrical device, sending out a modulated, even tone at a constant level, replaced the familiar hand-struck chimes on all programs emanating from the NBC New York studios.

Purpose of Chimes

The contrivance, invented by Captain Richard H. Ranger designer of the pipeless organ and the bell-less carillon, has been installed in the main control room of the NBC Building in New York. If the trial period proves its operation practical and its precise notes pleasing to the public, it will be adopted as permanent equipment at the New York Studios and also installed in the main control rooms of NBC Studios in all other cities.

The purpose of the chimes, which previously have been rung by the announcer striking one of the small hand sets with which each studio is equipped, is to synchronize local station identification announcements, and to serve as a cue to engineers at relay points all over the country to switch various branches of the networks on or off as the programs change each fifteen minutes.

Automatic Adjustment

For some time technicians have been seeking some automatic instrument which would insure a more constant level than could be obtained when different announcers were to produce the three notes on different instruments.

The device itself is based on the old-fashioned music box. Actually, there are no chimes, only electrically created notes. A revolving drum with properly spaced pins, striking against a series of metal reeds, tuned to the chime pitch, produces electric vibrations which are picked and amplified.



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