 
	********************************************************
                      ------   # NOTE #   -------
SEE INFO SECTION AT END OF THIS DIGEST FOR UNSUBSCRIBE AND OTHER INFORMATION. 
		====  INFO SECTION UPDATED 8/19/95  ====
	********************************************************

	    [removed]   Volume 95 : Issue 477


Articles in this issue of [removed]:

	 Pre-war broadcasts
	 how I copy cassettes
	 OTR Theatre council? (fwd)
	 Re: copying with dubbing decks
	 WANTED: DE-MAGNITIZER
	 Re: Fwd: [removed] Digest V95 #476
	 The Voice of a Newcomer
	 Re: Cassette Dubbing Decks

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 95 12:03 EST
From: Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Pre-war broadcasts
Message-Id: <m0tW4gm-000Jc2C@[removed]>

>I have a number of pre-war and war-time BBC recordings (also some forces 
>broadcasting ones) which I'm happy to swap and can discuss details if 
>people e-mail me direct.
>

This reminds me if anyone ever finds an opportunity to visit the town of
Chester in the UK, there is a great little museum there that is set up 
with lots of antique radios, radio broadcasts, and with displays evoking
the wartime era.  

Can't recall the exact address though I might have it around here somewhere.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jim Widner                      INTERNET: jwidner@[removed]
Dayton, OH                      WWW: [removed]
COMPUSERVE: 74566,3041          AOL: JimWidner  
                          

                                                 

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 15:37:27 -0500 (EST)
From: Randy Minnehan <rminneha@[removed]>
To: otr@[removed]
Subject: how I copy cassettes
Message-ID: <[removed]@acme>

Hello [removed]

   To  respond to Mike Hamm's questions regarding dubbing tapes and his
findings of not being happy with "hi-speed" [removed] I too have found
the same problems that you have mentioned, and I too would like to find a
machine that will provide copies nearly as good as the master.

   After searching for a long while, I have given up my search for such an
ideal machine.  I currently use a Technics single deck cassette recorder
to play my master tapes into a three-head JVC single deck machine on which
copies are made.  All the copies I make are in real time, which is a pain,
but my copies are [removed] the quality of my master.  No audible loss
whatsoever.  There are times (*very* rarely) when I'll use my JVC graphic
equalizer to clean up background hiss and/or noise, and the quality of the
copies will then be *better* than the master, but this requires a slight
touch and experience not to remove too much, and I only do this when I
really have to.

   I'll put the quality of my copies up against anyones.  I use this same
equipment in recording my show THE TIME MACHINE on Yesterday USA, on which
I am a dj. I have many times been applauded for the quality of my show on
YUSA, and I take great pride in this, because I try my best to give the
YUSA listeners the best technical quality I can.  I'll let you digest
readers in on a little [removed] my Technics machine I use for playing my
master is one that purchased at a garage sale a few years ago for $5, and
my JVC three-head I use for recording I bought used from a guy for $40.
And it's continuing to do the job, and do it well!

   As long as you keep the heads clean and the units demagnetized, most
machines should give you years of long life.  The biggest problem I've
found in trading with others, mainly from here on the digest, is the lack
of recording experience in duplicating tapes.  These new machines with
automatic recording levels are to be avoided in my book, and I think that
is the majour problem with newer double unit cassette decks, the lack of
control.  The recording level of your copy must be as high as possible
without over [removed] this means your recording level should be
spilling over in to the red zone (if you have lights) or to in the + dBs
(if you have a metre) for the highs of the overall programme.  Not too
much or you over modulate.  Don't be afraid of the red, but don't max it
out. Another problem people have is by recording a mono otr programme into
a stereo copy. 

   Also, others here will explain technically why, but you must make
your output into mono form to record well on to both channels of your
copy. Use a "Y" adapter for this. Watch these two things, and you too will be
producing high quality copies.  But remember too, your copies are only as
good as your master for the most part, so start with the highest quality
master as you can, or at least tell the person you're trading with if the
quality is questionable.

   I know Mike was asking about dual cassette machines, but in my opinion,
even though like I said, real time recording is a pain, the quality
produced out weights the time loss.

   One other [removed] don't use cheapo brand cassette tape.  It might be
fine upon first listening and it helps your pocketbook, you'll pay later,
so do yourself a favor and spend a few extra cents and buy a name brand
tape. I use TDK-D in my YUSA work, and TDK-D and Maxell URs in my trading
a personal storage, but don't trade with someone and cut corners on the
quality of the tape. The person you trade with may not say anything to you
about it, but they most likely won't trade with you a second time.

   I know we have a lot of new comers to the digest (welcome!), and I hope
all this might help someone out.

   Today is my birthday, and I'm [removed] well, let's make it 39 (again!).
Finally Jack and I have something in common, and it makes me feel old just
to say that!  Oh [removed]

   Best wishes to everyone for the new year!  Happy 1996!  I hope Ohio
State whips Tenn. down in Orlando!  Go Bucks!  Best regards, everyone!

--------------------------------------------------
|Randy Minnehan - rminneha@[removed]|
--------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 16:28:07 -0600 (CST)
From: Charlie D Matkin <cdm01@[removed]>
To: otr@[removed]
Subject: OTR Theatre council? (fwd)
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

Please post this in the appropriate spot. Thanks.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 16:19:12 -0600 (CST)
From: Charlie D Matkin <cdm01@[removed]>
To: daniel@[removed]
Subject: OTR Theatre council?

I read with interest your comments in an October digest I just was given 
by a friend. Do you have a list of other similar groups which are 
producing either re-creations or "new" oldtime radio shows. I know of 
only a few and was very glad to hear about you folks in Atlanta. We could 
use some helpful suggestions regarding distribution, funding, etc. Are 
you non-profit, as we are? Do you have corporate sponsorship? What is 
your broadcast venue. I have many more questions, both for you and any 
others on the internet who would like to have a dialogue on the subject. 
Have a Happy New [removed] and as we say: "Stay Radio Active!!!"
	Charlie Matkin (504) 282-6404 Phone/FAX
	NEW ORLEANS RADIO THEATRE, INC.
	[removed] BOX 24184 
	New Orleans, LA 70184-4184

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 17:37:17 -0500
From: Jblackie@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: copying with dubbing decks
Message-ID: <951230173716_81207193@[removed]>

In a message dated 95-12-30 13:01:28 EST, Mike Hamm writes:

>  I don't think *any* of these machines
>can make a copy that is close to the master in sound quality.  Maybe
>I'm wrong, but I think this machine is the workhorse of the common
>OTR collector.  You can buy one of these machines for as little as 
>$100, and with a membership in NARA or RHAC, you can build as large 
>a collection of OTR as you want.  But what about the quality of that
>collection?  What about trading with someone that makes your copy 
>with one of these machines?  If you have one of these decks and can't 
>tell the difference between the master and the copy, please let me
>know the brand name. 

Mike, you're right.  I'd LOVE to have the best quality, but if I can't, I'll
take what I can get at a price that won't equal the purchase of a new home.
 I like Edward Hopper's paintings, but I have to be satisfied with the best
print I can get, instead.  Should I NEVER get a print, NEVER enjoy the little
pleasures I receive from seeing it on my wall?  Sure, an art dealer wouldn't
buy it from me, but that's not what I want it for.

Likewise, if I hear noises from a trader that sounds like someone too fussy
for what I managed to collect for my own listening pleasure, I warn him/her
in advance.  But what are the alternatives for those of us who haven't won
the lottery?  {shrug}  I'd LOVE masters of my favorite shows, [removed]

Keep smiling

Jim

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 23:26:29 -0500
From: SeptSev@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: WANTED: DE-MAGNITIZER
Message-ID: <951230232628_81346288@[removed]>

Hello Friends:
Does anyone know of a source for a head demagnitizer for reel to reel? My old
one has vanished, and Radio Shack no longer sells them.
Regards to all:
[removed] Bray

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 21:08:01 -0800
From: AndyBlatt@[removed]
To: Platecap@[removed]
cc: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Fwd: [removed] Digest V95 #476
Message-ID: <951230210800_21387180@[removed]>

Thank You Bob for your enthusiastic welcome.  Bob and I go way back
(1975-1976) and except for myself and a few others, Bob Burnham is about the
only person still active in the hobby who was active when he introduced me to
oldtime radio.  In fact, I have been involved since about 1975-1976, so this
year will mark my 20th year.
I have been to all the Newark FOTR conventions and a couple Cincinnati ones.
 Every time you figure interest or involvement has peaked, there is always a
new twist:  the internet; digital recording (or preservation) and I believe
there is computer software to record, preserve and equalize oldtime radio via
or through a computer.
Bob has regularly mentioned the internet and what I was missing by not being
involved, but with an outdated and unexpoandable PC, I was not able to
partake in the discussion.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 30 Dec 1995 22:18:57 -0800 (PST)
From: Nancy L Feldman <nfeldman@[removed]>
To: OTR Digest <OTR@[removed]>
Subject: The Voice of a Newcomer
Message-id: <[removed]@[removed]>

Hello,

Sixteen years ago a young girl who was tired of hearing the same pop
hits over and over again flipped through the AM stations looking for
something different to listen to.  She brought the dial to a halt as she
heard the all-too-recognizable sound of a squeaky door.  An hour later,
buried under her blankets, she had survived her first episode of Mystery
Theater.

That girl was me.  I was twelve years old, and I lived in the San
Francisco Bay Area.  I had stumbled upon KSFO, an AM station that played
two hours of old-time radio every night, seven days a week.

I loved it!  Already an avid reader, and somewhat disdainful of most TV
programs, those old-time radio shows allowed me to let my imagination
run wild.  I didn't have to conform to someone's predetermined image of
that creeping horror, and I could let Speed Gibson be as cute as I
wanted him to be.

Over the years I have collected OTR off and on, but lost all of my
collection in a move a few years ago.  The moral of that story is to
never trust someone else when you ask:  "Did you get everything."

Anyhow, I want to get back into collecting, and I'm wondering if
anyone's willing to help.  I've joined SPERDVAC, but haven't ordered
anything yet.  If anyone can help, drop me a line off the list, and
we'll talk.  Alas, I've got almost nothing to offer in return except a
few episodes of Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater, a recent attempt at
producing radio shows.

Here are just a few of the series I am interested in.  Most of these I
listened to on KSFO, but I'd love to have the entire collection of them.
They include:

The Shadow
Inner Sanctum
Lights Out
Dimension X/X-1
Alien Worlds (1970's production, I think)
Mystery Theater (both [removed] Marshall and Tamara Grimes episodes)
Speed Gibson (15-minute episodes, lots of 'em I think, KSFO didn't have
      all of them, if I remember correctly)

Can anyone help?  (BTW, yes, I enjoyed other things, like Escape and the
Green Hornet, but the above list contains my favorites.  I'd like other
things along these lines as well.)

Nancy

PS:  Happy New Year to everyone!

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 31 Dec 1995 11:01:55 -0500
From: fisherf@[removed] (Francis Fisher)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Cassette Dubbing Decks
Message-Id: <m0tWQ7x-000YLbC@[removed]>

Mike Hamm wrote:

>A few days ago I submitted a post about dubbing decks and the quality 
>of copies they make.
-- snip --
>If you have [a $100] cassette deck and can't 
>tell the difference between the master and the copy, please let me
>know the brand name.         


Mike, the liklihood that you'd be satisfied with the $100 deck is small. You
need to take additional steps. Here's what's happening: The deck is only one
part of a working system. The tape is the other and it has to match the
deck. These two items, when working in lock step, make for a system where
you can't tell the difference between master and copy (which is the ultimate
goal). 

Going about achieving the goal isn't impossible with inexpensive equipment
given that the worst case high frequency response you'll encounter is around
7500 cps (if your pgm wasn't recorded somewhere down the network line, in
which case it's 5000 tops and riddled with differential phase distortion).

Step 1. Adopt a commonly available tape that you think will be around for
some time. Buy this brand and model to the exclusion of whatever else is
available. (Note that 3M and Ampex are going out of the biz.) Step 2. Locate
someone who can 'set up' a tape machine; find someone who can adjust bias,
equalization, level and someone who has alignment tape for cassette. Step 3.
Take a fresh tape and your new deck to the person and ask him to set up your
deck for flat response to 7500 cycles at 10 dB below zero. Step 4. Be
prepared to pay about $100 because the person will have to invest maybe
three-four hours in the project. That's it.

As to Step 2, locating someone, you'd might try a large broadcast facility
near you. The chief engineer there will have the knowledge -- to at least
steer you on to the right person.  As to the timing of all this, you'd best
hurry because virtually everyone in the business is moving to digital as
quickly as possible and the needed skills to do your set up work will be
difficult to find. 

Any $100 deck is probably fine, as are $500 decks. I bought a bank of ten
$79 namebrand close outs from a mail order house that have been great. Go
through the above steps and I think you'll be pleased.

Francis
_______________________________________
Francis Fisher (fisherf@[removed])
Director of Engineering
WV Public Radio

------------------------------

    


    ****  END OF ARTICLE SECTION - INFORMATION BOILERPLATE FOLLOWS ****

1) Contacting the list administrator.
2) Unsubscribing from this list
3) Receive a DIGEST READING TIPS file
4) AIRWAVES web page
5) Shareware Notice 
6) Redistribution of [removed]

1)  The [removed] maintainer can be reached at EDITOR@[removed]

2) To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send email to
[removed]@[removed] and place the word UNSUBSCRIBE
alone on the Subject: line of your request.  The body of
request mail is ignored by the server.  If you are unable to
unsubscribe using this method, and you are SURE you are doing
everything right, then (and only then) contact the administrator
(wdp@[removed]) for assistance.  Please send along the headers of
any problem mail for diagnostics.  

	* PLEASE Never send unsub messages to the list! *

3) If reading email digests like this one is difficult or time
consuming,  write for a file called *The Fine Art Of Reading and
Replying To Email Digests*  It contains tips on scanning digests and
making replies easier and more concise.  To recieve this file, send
email to digest-tips@[removed] and use the subject line of *Digest
Tips*.  

4) AIRWAVES  maintains a very busy web page containing many media-related 
links and files. Our URL is:  [removed]~rrb/

5) [removed] is brought to you as shareware.  Net 
connectivity and other expenses are paid out of personal funds of the
list maintainer.  If this list is of value to you, please support it
by sending in whatever amount you can afford, to help defray costs.
Suggested amount is [removed] a year (less than [removed] a month), but any
amount (more or less) is fine. This is a free-will donation and nobody
will be removed from the list because they cannot, or choose not to,
pay.

Our mailing address is PO Box 8746 Springfield Mo 65801. Make any
checks out to William Pfeiffer. 

6) If you are redistributing [removed] in any form, you must
contact the list owner for permission.  Generally permission is given,
free of charge, for non-commercial electronic distribution.
Commercial distribution rights are available under very reasonable
terms.



---- 
End of [removed] Digest V95 Issue #477

