VOLUME 17            MAY 2000                NUMBER  5

RADIO MISCELLANEA -- MAY 2000

From Antique Radio Classified for May 2000
(Copyright 1996-2000 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

"Antique Radio Classified" invites its readers to contribute letters and information for inclusion in "Radio Miscellanea" and elsewhere in the magazine. "In The Marketplace" is based on information submitted by the businesses themselves. All topics should be of general interest and sent to A.R.C., P.O. Box 2, Carlisle, MA 01741. All material submitted should be verified for accuracy and may be edited for publication, which is not guaranteed. See the masthead for more details.

Stromberg-Carlson Mystery
Dear Editor:

In the 1930s, some Stromberg-Carlson radios had what they called "Carpinchoe" speakers. The edge support of the speaker cone is a ring of thin, flexible leather, which they called "Carpinchoe leather." I am intrigued by the name "Carpinchoe." If anyone out there knows the origin of this word, please let me know so I can sleep nights.

--Ted Rogers, Syracuse, IN

Global Connection via A.R.C
Dear Editor:

My most sincere thanks for your kindness in helping me in a totally unexpected situation -- I was unable to connect with a New Jersey collector. Repeatedly, the New Jersey operator claimed that the telephone number I had was nonexistent!

When I contacted your good selves, I received instant understanding and assistance, and all with kindness and courtesy. You turned an unbelievable situation into one of real harmony -- you don't get much of that these days. May your days be long and happy ones!

--John Holmes, Midland, Western Australia

Our staff member managed to get both parties on the line at the same time and acted as a go-between! Note, however, we do not give out telephone numbers. (Editor)

Seeks Collins Auto-Tune Info
Dear Editor:

For years, I worked for the RCA Service Company with former Navy electronics men. I remember hearing them mention admiringly a "Collins auto-tune." Does anyone know what that was and how it worked?

--Alton DuBois, Queensbury, NY

Fall of the U.S. Electronics Industry
Dear Editor:

Recently, I came across a book that I found very interesting. Some of your readers might find it so also.

The title is The Fall of the U.S. Consumer Electronics Industry by Philip J. Curtis, Quorum Books, Westport Conn., London 1994, ISBN 0-89930-880-5. The book is written from the perspective of Zenith and follows its eventually successful antitrust suit against RCA and its patent pool. The author also alleges that RCA deliberately reformed its patent pool in Japan, intentionally undermining the U. S.

Another point made by the author is the conscious refusal of successive American administrations to enforce the antidumping laws, eventually destroying our consumer electronics industry.

I don't know enough about the issues involved to make a judgement about the validity of the author's arguments, but it was certainly an interesting read.

--Larry Lisle, Rockford, IL

Battery Removal Warning
Dear Editor:

In going through some stuff in storage, I came upon an Army test set AN/PTM-3 that reminded me of my National Guard signal repairman days in 1953. To my immense chagrin, there were BA-30 batteries in the Automatic Electric EE-8-A field telephone that is part of the PTM-3. They, of course, were badly corroded. Moral: Take all batteries out of electric equipment not in use -- right now! This message should be printed on a regular basis.

--Donald Helgeson, Evanston, IL

Computerization -- A Mad Trend
Dear Editor:

I got my first computer in early 1999. I have had considerable trouble with it, since it had faulty software, logic board and modem, which had to be replaced. A lot of people like me get computers but cannot use them because of either malfunctions or the tedious process of learning how to use them.

So, I hope you do not give up the printed pages of A.R.C., or a lot of people will be shut out. Perhaps a grassroots movement of angry people will put the brakes on this mad trend of increasing computerization in this country.

--Walter L. Breville, Nalcrest, FL

A.R.C. -- The Interchange of Ideas
Dear Editor:

Wow! What a surprise it was to open my mailbox and find my Zenith on the front cover of A.R.C.!

This has indicated to me and fellow collectors that your commitment to providing an "interchange of ideas and information" is serious and appreciated. When I submitted the article and photos, I never dreamed the project would be considered suitable for the cover story.

Thanks again for such a fine publication. I hope my next submission will also be found suitable to share with fellow readers.

--Bob Snively, Richmond, IN

Better late than never in printing this letter from a year ago about Bob's February 1999 article! (Editor)

MHRBS Disbanded
Dear Editor:

On April 10, 1999, the Mississippi Historical Radio and Broadcasting Society (MHRBS) held its last meeting at which the members voted to dissolve the club and cease all activities. President Randy Guttery and Vice-President Bill Gerk proposed the dissolution of the club because participation had fallen to its lowest level in the club's history -- 16 dues paying members of which only 8 attended the April 10, 1999, annual meeting.

All assets of the MHRBS were transferred to the Alabama Historical Radio Society and its Don Kresge Memorial Antique Radio Museum.