Auckland Radio 1920-1929

During the first six years of the 1920s, high levels of electrical noise continued to plague reception at Auckland Radio. Fortunately, Awanui Radio near Kaitaia was able to receive signals and transmit messages via landline telegraph to Auckland.

GH (or possibly GU?) Robins became manager during the early 1920s.¹

1920

1922

In 1922, Auckland Radio VLD operated on wavelengths of 300 and 600 metres.

1923

The wireless station was relocated to a room on the first floor of the CPO, adjoining the Telegraph Office.

1926

At 11.40pm on 10 June, Auckland Radio received a message from the Northern Steamship Company steamer Manaia, after the ship ran aground on Slipper Island off the Coromandel Peninsula. The steamer Ngapuhi was diverted to go to the aid of Manaia. The crew and all 55 passengers were rescued.

In late 1926, a new valve transmitter was installed at VLD and the Telefunken spark transmitter was retained as a backup.²

1927

Due to continuing problems with high levels of electrical noise in downtown Auckland, a remote receiver was established at the Avondale Post Office during November 1927, and this improved reception significantly for the operators at VLD.

From 1912 to 1938, the Avondale Post Office was located in the former Avondale Hotel, on the North corner of Great North Rd and Wingate St.

Some time later, the receiver was moved to Crown Hill, a few kilometres north of Milford.³

Approximate location of Crown Hill receiving station

1929

On 1 January, the callsign of Auckland Radio changed from VLD to ZLD, under the new worldwide callsign allocations agreed at the 1927 International Radiotelegraph Convention. (This was the second change in callsigns, as prior to 1913 there were Auckland – NZK, Awanui – NZA, Wellington – NZW and Bluff – unallocated.)

» 1930 – 1939

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Notes

1,2,3. Clarkson, TR. Reminiscences of Radio (Chapter VI)