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History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Walter Francis Maxwell Howden/Notes

1858 01
Birth notice for Max's uncle Walter William Howden "BIRTHS. . . . On the 16th inst., at Williamstown, Mrs. F. W. Howden, of a son."

1859 06
Birth notice for Max's aunt Laura Gertrude Howden (passed age 1yo) "BIRTHS. . . . On the 23rd inst., at Williamstown, Mrs. F. W. Howden, of a daughter."

1860 11
Death notice for Max's aunt Laura Gertrude Howden (passed age 1yo) "DEATHS. . . . On the 11th inst., at Williamstown, Laura Gertrude, infant daughter of F. W. Howden, Esq. On the 11th inst., at Williamstown, Laura Gertrude, the beloved daughter of Francis and Laura Howden, aged one year and five months."

1861 02
Birth notice for Max's uncle Francis Furlong Howden "BIRTHS. . . . On the 8th inst., at Williamstown, Mrs. F. W. Howden of a son."

1863 07
Birth notice for Max's aunt Agnes Marion Helena Howden (passed age 21yo) "BIRTHS. . . . HOWDEN.– On the 1st inst., at Williamstown, Mrs. F. W. Howden of a daughter."

1865 12
Birth notice for Max's father Thomas Montague (or Montagu) Howden "BIRTHS. . . . HOWDEN.— On the 22nd inst., at Faerme-lea, Williamstown, Mrs. F. W. Howden of a son."

1869 06
Birth notice for Max's aunt Elsie Laura Amelia Howden (passed age 14yo) "BIRTHS. HOWDEN.-On the 20th inst., at Williamstown, Mrs. F. W. Howden of a daughter."

1875 07
Max's grandfather Francis Welsh Howden gives evidence as receiver of duties in the Customs Department in a matter involving importation of indecent photographs "IMPORTATION OF INDECENT PHOTOGRAPHS. In the District Court yesterday, before Messrs. Call, P.M., and King, J.P., Louis Binda, a merchant carrying on business in Flinders-street as an importer of haberdashery and fancy goods, was proceeded against on an information charging him with importing 96 indecent photographs. Mr. C. A. Smyth, instructed by Mr. Gurner, Crown solicitor, conducted the prosecution. Mr. Wrixon appeared for the defence. Mr. Smyth said the proceedings were taken under section 34 and 165 of the Customs Act 1857. The former particularised the objects which were prohibited, and the latter section provided that 'every person who shall be concerned in importing or bringing into the colony or exporting therefrom any prohibited goods, or any goods the exportation of which is restricted, contrary to such prohibition or restriction, and whether the same be shipped or unshipped or not, and every person who shall ship or unship, or assist or be otherwise concerned in shipping or unshipping any goods which are prohibited, or any goods which are restricted and exported and imported contrary to such restriction, shall in each case forfeit treble the value of the goods, or a penalty of £100, at the election of the Commissioner.' The defendant imported three cases of goods in the ship Northumberland. One of these shipped to a firm in Adelaide, where it was forfeited by the Customs authorities for containing indecent photographs. The information was forwarded to the Melbourne Customs, and the two other cases were discovered in the defendant's office. In each case four dozen indecent photographs were found. Mr. Wrixon said that as the evidence in each case was exactly similar, he was willing to take both cases at the same time. Mr. Smyth said he preferred to take the cases separately. The following witnesses were examined:— Francis Welsh Howden, receiver of duties in the Customs department, stated,— The entry produced was passed on the 21st May by Messrs. Mullaly and Byrne, Customs agents, for Messrs. Binda and Co. The entry is for three cases of meerschaum pipes. The marks on the cases are B & C in a diamond, the numbers are 6,501, 6,502, 6,503. To Mr. Wrixon.— All goods of this description are examined to see if they are free of duty. It was not my duty to examine the goods. I merely passed the entry for the agents."

1875 08
Max's paternal grandfather again in court giving evidence in a complex matter of love, deception and perjury "LOVE AND LITIGATION. In the Supreme Court on the 6th inst., before Mr. Justice Stephen and a special jury of twelve, was commenced the action of Hall v. Blackett, which was taken by John Augustus Marchant Hall against Thomas Morley Blacken, a chemist at Williamstown, for having procured plaintiff to be bound over to keep the peace towards a daughter of the defendant's. The defendant pleaded 'Not guilty.' Dr. Madden for plaintiff; Mr. Higinbottom and Mr. Wrixon for defendant. It appeared that the following letter was found in a Bible in Miss Blackett's pew on the evening of Sunday, 11th April last:— 'Sunday night,— 4-4-75. — Dear Ada — I address you as, but I do not see you act as such. I would like to know the reason why. It seems very strange to me that every time I ask you for an answer to the notes I put in your book, instead of receiving an answer from you that I received each of those notes. I enclose the envelopes to you, if you can recognise the writing. If you did not write them yourself, you have told someone to do it for you, or else you have told them that I put notes in your book, for no one else knows but yourself, because the doors of the church are not open when I put them in, so you need not try to make a fool of me. I have made up my mind to this — if I don't get you myself, no one else on this earth will get you. I hope you will be careful, and mind how you treat me. I can only die once, and I love you so that I will lay down my life for you. If you are so foolish to listen to other people, it will be the worst day's work you ever done in your life, after telling me you had no objections to my company. Now, be careful, and don't tell anyone of my transactions with you. I have done all in my power for you, and that you know, and everybody has put me down as a fool, but I have made up my mind to have satisfaction at any cost. I can only die once, and I won't allow anyone to have the laugh at me; and I have heard from very good authority that it is your own words to the Messrs. Downes and others (I don't know how many), after this manner: 'If I see him coming one way, I go another' — which I have had ocular demonstration, for you have insulted me more than once when I wanted to speak to you. Give me an answer, and don't tell others to write to me. I saw you flashing your ring one Sunday at church, so I know you have something to do with these envelopes. I only got them when I gave them a note. I won't be annoyed any longer. Good nature is only a nickname for a fool, as I have found with you. Why did you not speak to me the other morning down at the dock, when you were with the Miss Perrins? It shows how much you care for me, or else you would not only have spoken to me, but would have introduced me to Miss Perrin, and asked me to come for a walk with you, and not let you go by yourself,. . . . Francis Welsh Howden, receiver of duties at the Customs, and residing at Williamstown.— I was at the church in the early part of April — I think the 11th. I was in the church a few minutes before service commenced. My pew is next behind Mr. Blackett's. I saw Hall in his father's pew, about on a level with the Blackett's — perhaps a little in front of it. I saw Hall put what I supposed to be a letter or note in either a prayer-book or a bible, in his own pew, and then he crossed over to Blackett's pew, and left it there. The book was very similar to the one produced. The book was put where the younger Miss Blackett afterwards took her seat. He then returned to his own pew, sat down, put his hand to his face, and I saw him glance through his fingers towards the young ladies when they came in. After the ladies came in, Hall continued to look at them. Miss. Edith Blackett eventually took up the book, and took out the note I had seen Hall put in it. I thought she conveyed it to her sister, but I am not sure. I am sure the elder sister knew she had got something, as a look of intelligence passed between them. The plaintiff, Poole, Hughes, and Hall's cousin were brought into court and the witness was asked to point out which of them he had seen go to Blackett's pew, and he immediately pointed out the plaintiff. Dr. Madden said he did not intend to go any further with the case. Mr. Higinbotham then claimed a verdict for the defendant. His Honour said he quite agreed with Dr. Madden; at the same time he regretted very much that the case should ever have been brought into court. After some conversation as to whether there should be a nonsuit or a verdict for the defendant, His Honour addressed the jury, remarking that after what had occurred it was unnecessary to trespass long on their time. At the same time he did not think that even now the case had been cleared up. There had been a great deal of perjury somewhere about the case arising out of an exceedingly reprehensible trick played upon this young lady in the church. It was only due to Dr. Madden to say that he had acted as he (the learned judge) would have done. He had had a very difficult case to deal with. It was his duty to do full justice to his client, to make the most of the case, and to elicit all the facts in his client's favour. He had discharged that duty very well, but it was quite obvious he had not been truly instructed as to the facts of the case. Dr. Madden had adopted a very proper course in stopping where he did. The verdict ought to be for the defendant. The jury then gave a verdict for the defendant. His Honour then said that he had a very painful duty to discharge, and one which he was very unwilling to exercise. But he did feel that he ought to commit both the plaintiff and the witness Poole for perjury. His principal reason for committing Poole was that witness's own handwriting. It was quite consistent that Poole wrote the letter as deposed to by Hughes, and that the plaintiff put it into the bible. So far as he (the learned judge) could compare the writings, the letter was written by Poole, and not by the plaintiff. As to the plaintiff, the perjury he committed was in swearing that he did not put the letter in the book, in which he was distinctly contradicted by two witnesses. Bail would be allowed as to each of the two (Hall and Poole) in two sureties of £50 each. Hall and Poole were taken to gaol by the sheriff, but Hall was subsequently released on bail."

1923 01
Max's local newspaper reports on a proposed demonstration of wireless telephony, Max certainly the operator "NEWS IN BRIEF. . . . A demonstration of wireless telephony will be given in the Vermont Hall on Monday evening, January 15, by special permission of the controller of wireless."

1923 03
Max in a list of newly granted transmitting licences for Victoria "PROGRESS IN WIRELESS. . . . Amateur Transmitters. The following is an additional list of licensed experimental transmitting stations of Victorian amateurs. The first list of transmitters was published in 'The Argus' of January 11. Further lists will be published as new licenses are issued:— 3BM, H. K. Love, Ferncroft avenue, East Malvern; 3BQ, W. F. M. Howden, Hill street, Box Hill; 3BY, H. Holst, Bambra road, Caulfield. 3DB, W. O. Hobart-Duff, Westgarth street, East Melbourne; 3HJ, H. D. Johnstone, Boundary road, Surrey Hills; 3LQ, W. R. Downing, Warrnambool; 3LW, C. Hiam, Carlisle street, St. Kilda; 3MC, S. M. Newman, Mont Albert road, Canterbury; 3OK, W. H. Conry, Irvine avenue, Armadale."

1923 05
Howden succeeds in being heard in Hobart by Watty and others in the Melbourne-Hobart tests '''Low Power Tests. Victorian Amateur's Performance''' Although it is only a few months since the Melbourne experimenters commenced transmission in earnest, some almost record breaking results have already been obtained. Now that the winter months are approaching, it is expected that even greater distances on reduced power will be achieved. A series of tests with C.W. on a wave length of 400 metres was organised by Mr. R. A. Hull with Mr. W. T. Watkins of Hobart, Tasmania, seven stations in all taking part in the tests. Each station was to have been limited to five watts plate input, but as some of the stations showed hardly any radiation on that input, it was decided to extend the power to eight watts. As some of the inputs were not measured at all, it was not definitely known what the plate inputs were, but they were probably not more than 12 watts. However, Mr. Newman's plate input was measured accurately on standard meters, and on one occasion was as low as 3.8 watts, the highest reading being 4.4 watts. On this plate input his radiation was 600 milliamps with a tuned counterpoise. The radiation of the other stations varied from 400 to 800 milliamps. So as to make the tests of a more official nature, each station was allotted a four-letter code word which was used in place of the call letters of the station, so that the receiving operator did not know what was transmitting. In addition, each station sent a sentence of ten words which was different for each night's transmission.
 * STAN-SURE — 3AM — Mr. G. S. Dohrmann and Mr. Dixon.
 * GOAT-GAME — 3BD — Mr. E. H. Cox.
 * JUMP-EAST — 3BM — Mr. H. K. Love.
 * LONG-BEER — 3BQ — Mr. W. F. M. Howden.
 * HIGH-DIAL — 3BY — Mr. H. Holst.
 * FORD-WORD — 3JU — Mr. R. A. Hull.
 * MORE-MOON — 3MC — Mr. S. M. Newman.

The tests commenced at the conclusion of the ocean forecast transmitted by the Melbourne Radio Station at 9 o'clock, and each station continued its transmission for exactly ten minutes. The results of these tests were very satisfactory, all seven stations being heard in Hobart, and at least four had their ten-word sentence copied correctly. Although no telephony was arranged for in the tests, Mr. Watkins and several other amateurs copied some of the telephone conversation between 3BY, 3JU, and 3MC before and after the tests on several occasions. This is now almost a nightly occurrence in spite of the fact that the operators in Hobart are only using single valve receivers. Although the tests were intended for Hobart, Mr. C. D. Maclurcan and Mr. J. H. A. Pike, both of Sydney, also heard the C.W. test signals and were successful in copying the whole sentence of Mr. Newman's transmission and heard the code words of four other stations. Encouraged by the success of the Hobart tests, the seven stations concerned arranged for a similar test with Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart amateurs, on much the same lines as the Tasmanian tests, except that each station finished up with a few "Hullo's" on telephony. These tests were even more successful, as not only were the C.W. signals copied in all three cities, but faint speech was also heard, and it is reasonable to suppose that good speech would have been received had the receiving stations used a stage of high frequency amplification. The outstanding feature of the tests was that Mr. Newman (3MC — MORE" in the first test and "MOON" in the second) was only using an ordinary Marconi-Osram receiving R type Valve with 550 volts on the plate, the plate current being 7-8 milliamps, which is about 3.8-4.4 watts. This is less than half the power of any other station. In spite of this, Mr. Newman's signals were received equal in strength to the other stations at Hobart (360 miles) and much stronger at Sydney (460 miles); even stronger signals were received at Adelaide (400 miles). Mr. Snoswell of Adelaide reports that "MOON'S" C.W. could be heard 8-10 feet from the Receivers. This is possibly accounted for by the directional effect of the inverted L Aerial which Mr. Newman uses, the maximum radiation being towards the west and minimum to the south.

Max hears 14 USA amateurs in a single night during the Trans-Pacific Tests "ITEMS OF INTEREST. . . . Trans-Pacific Wireless Tests. The attempts of Melbourne experimenters to receive signals from amateur wireless stations in America continue to be successful. Mr. M. Howden, of Box Hill, heard 14 stations on Monday night, and would probably have heard others had it not been for strong local interference. Other experimenters have also received signals from the American stations. The tests will be continued until the end of the month. Amateurs possessing transmitters are requested to refrain from transmitting until 9 o'clock each evening during the test period."

1923 06
Photograph of Max's equipment in the Melbourne Argus "(Start Photo Caption) REMARKABLE WIRELESS ACHIEVEMENT. What is believed to be a world record in the reception of long-distance wireless messages has been established by Mr. Max Howden, president of the Box Hill Radio Club on his home-made set here depicted. This week messages from stations more than 10,000 miles away were distinctly heard on very much lower power than is used by coastal wireless stations, the range of which is only about 400 miles.(End Photo Caption)"

1923 07
Max presented with a salad bowl by Box Hill Radio Club at a club function attended by many dignitaries, following his success in the Trans-Pacific Tests "BOX HILL RADIO CLUB. TRANS-PACIFIC TESTS. SUCCESS OF MR. MAXWELL HOWDEN. A most enjoyable evening was spent in connection with the Radio Club, when members and visitors assembled to congratulate Mr. Maxwell Howden respecting his recent success in the Trans-Pacific tests. The record shows that quite a unique distinction was gained, and it is creditable to find that Box Hill is taking such a prominent part in this absorbing and interesting direction. Mr. H. K. Love, president of the Wireless Institute, and organiser of the test, said that the log submitted by Mr. Howden was far more complete than any other log, and that the results Mr. Howden had obtained were a credit to him as an experimenter. Mr. J. Malone, Commonwealth Controller of Wireless, in speaking of the work done by the experimenters, said that the new regulations dealing with broadcasting were in course of preparation, and would be made public shortly. The position to arise from these regulations had been causing many people, and particularly the experimenter, considerable anxiety, and this had often brought them into contact. However, in the preparation of the regulations every endeavor had been made to safeguard the interest of all parties, including the experimenter. The experimenters should not, and would not, be hampered. They should be encouraged in every legitimate way. Mr. Howden's accomplishment had considerable commercial interest, and his set was without a doubt the most efficient receiver in the world. In presenting Mr. Howden with a salad bowl on behalf of the club, Mr. Malone said that he had always wished to meet the members of the B.H.R.C., and it gave him great pleasure to do so on this particular evening. He then congratulated Mr. Howden on his success. Messrs. Boyd and O. J. Nielsen also spoke. The president of Nunawading Shire (Cr. Young) referred to the honor Mr. Howden had brought to Box Hill, and predicted that this centre in the near future would receive its fair share of honors. Mr. E. W. Greenwood, M.L.A., said he intended to give every one in his constituency a receiving set, so as to be in touch with them right to the booth. Musical items were then given by Mrs. Beattie and friends, also wireless music from Mr. Beattie, and from Mr. Court, of East Melbourne. It is worthy of note that of 23 stations, Mr. Howden logged 22, missing one only."

1923 08
Max gives a talk on the construction of shortwave receivers at general meeting of WIA Vic "NEW REGULATIONS EXPLAINED. The keen interest taken in wireless telegraphy was indicated by the large attendance at the general meeting of the Wireless Institute, held at the Rialto on Tuesday evening. Mr. H. K. Love presided. The chairman said the institute embraced the greater number of the clubs formed throughout Victoria. It had been said that the institute did not safeguard the interests of experimenters at the wire-less conference, but he denied that such was the case. The experimenters were exactly in the same position as they were before the conference, and that was all they required. Mr. J. Malone, controller of wireless, explained the regulations. He said that no wireless station or business could be carried on legally unless it was in accordance with the regulations. What they would be mainly interested in was the section dealing with experimental licences, which was set out in the form of application, containing instructions and specimen forms. The Postmaster-General was anxious to protect the interests of experimenters, as he realised that they had done a lot to-wards the success of wireless. It was also the intention of the Government to do everything possible to encourage and protect the experimenters, and the conditions which now obtained would not be altered. Until those practising regular broadcasting could show that amateur broadcasting was interfering with them the authorities did not propose to stop it. (Applause.) When the new regulations came into force properly as soon as they found any cases of illegal use of wireless stations they would not hesitate to put the law into force. As a general rule the licensees must be British subjects, and licences issued to aliens would be subject to approval by the defence authorities. The wave-lengths to be used by experimenters were of 100 and 250 metres. There was nothing to prevent a longer wave-length being granted in special cases. The limit was now 410 metres, but they would be able to give longer wave lengths when applicants could show there was reason for it. (Applause.) Mr. Selby, of Malvern, who was said to have experimented with wireless in 1895 was made an honorary member of the institute. Mr. Selby, in recounting his experiences, said events had shown that he was not quite such a lunatic as he was thought to be at the time. Mr. M. Howden, of Box Hill, who recently established world's records in the reception of messages from long distances on very low power and short wavelengths, gave a lecture on the construction of shortwave receivers. One of the messages was from America on a wavelength of 200 metres. It was announced that the prizes given by Amalgamated Wireless and other firms had been allotted between Mr. Howden and Station 3JU."

1923 09
Max hearing new American stations "WIRELESS. Notes for Amateurs. By 'Electron' . . . CLUB NOTES. A general meeting of the Wireless Institute of Australia (Victorian Division) was held at the University on Tuesday evening. Over 100 members were present. In a lecture on 'Atomic Structure' Mr E. O. Hercus outlined the history of the atomic and electronic theory, pointing out that one of the most important eras in physics was from 1897 onwards. He then gave a series of demonstrations with varied apparatus showing ionisation effects. At the conclusion of the lecture the audience were permitted to view the ionisation in a helium tube through a spectroscope. Mr H. K. Love, the president of the institute, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Hercus, who responded briefly. Mr Love stated that this was the first of a series of lectures to be given by the University staff. A lecture by Professor Laby would be given on October on 'Electricity from Hot Bodies.' The annual dinner of the Victorian division of the Wireless Institute will be held at Sargents' on October 11, at 7.30 p.m. The St. Kilda section will meet on October 2. A lecture on 'Vacuum Tubes' will be given by Mr Court. A well-attended meeting was held by the Essendon Radio Club at the Regent street hall, Ascot Vale, where the apparatus of the club is installed. An interesting demonstration of telephony was given. Mr Chaffer operated his 4-valve set effectively, and reception, although marred by atmospherics, was generally good. A comprehensive syllabus of lectures has been arranged, and at the next meeting on October 4. Mr T. P. Court will lecture on 'Radio-frequency Amplification.' Essendon Club is making good progress. Intending members should apply to Mr J. W. Jacobs, hon. secretary, 40 Munro street, Ascot Vale. Mr Ross Hull reports encouraging results, despite adverse atmospheric conditions, in his reduction of power tests with Sydney experimenters. He has been successful, as also has Mr M. Howden, in picking up new American experimental stations, which augurs well for the official tests next month."

1923 11
Max again at the top of the list in the second Trans-Pacific Tests with 75 stations heard "THE WEEK'S NEWS. TRANS-PACIFIC TEST. Very encouraging results are reported up to date in the Trans-Pacific Test, 135 stations having been logged so far. Mr. Howden, of Box Hill, has officially received 75; Messrs. Hull and Love, Malvern, 57; Mr. Holland, Essendon, who uses only two valves, 30; and Mr. Cox, Brighton, has been successful in receiving 6KA on a loop aerial. This last is a wonderful feat, and would have been considered impossible a few months ago. The receiving test will close shortly, and Mr. Love would like all logs to be for-warded to him as soon as possible, as the results of the reception test will form the subject matter of the messages to be sent from Australian stations. A highly interesting lecture on 'Electricity from Hot Bodies' was delivered by Professor Laby to members of the Victorian Division on Tuesday evening. Professor Laby traced the development of the vacuum tube from a laboratory instrument to a commercial device. The lecture was illustrated throughout by appropriate practical demonstrations. The next lecture of this series will be de-livered by Dr. Love on November 27. The subject is 'Wave Motion.' A meeting of the Coburg branch of the institute will be held tonight at the residence of Mr Hellier, 75 Reynard street, Coburg. A lecture and practical demonstration will be given."

Max again leads Australia in the second Trans-Pacific Tests with 102 identified Americans "THE WEEK'S NEWS. A meeting of the St. Kilda branch was held in the Town Hall, when a lecture on 'Vacuum Valves' was delivered by Mr T. P. Court. Mr Short, secretary, stated that he had been informed that rooms would be made available for this branch by Mr Manders at the corner of Barkly and Acland streets, and the next general meeting would probably be held there on November 29. Buzzer classes held by an experienced operator would be commenced immediately, and members desiring to join should communicate with the honorary secretary. At the meeting of the Essendon branch Mr Stewart was elected honorary radio-inspector for the Essendon district. The club is holding a social and dance in the Regent street hall to provide funds for the installation of apparatus. A feature of the entertainment will be the reception of radio music. Tickets may be obtained from Mr C. D. Elder or members. The secretary's address is: Mr J. C. Outhred, 14 McCally street, Ascot Vale. The Coburg Radio Club, which has been recently organised, will hold its meetings in future at the Town Hall, Bell street. All radio enthusiasts in this district are requested to communicate with Mr S. R. Symons, 57 Glenlyon road, East Brunswick. The results of the Trans-Pacific test show that Victoria leads by far in the number of stations logged. The figures are Victoria 238, Now South Wales 17 (returns incomplete), Tasmania 12, and New Zealand 140. Mr Howden again leads in Victoria with 102 identified stations. Messrs Hull and Lowe (sic, Love) 71, and Mr J. Holland 34. As several leading New Zealand amateurs have intimated their willingness to link up with Australia, negotiations are being carried on with a view to an amalgamation of Australian and New Zealand experimenters, the title to be The Wireless Institute of Australasia. Mr H. K. Love, the Victorian, president, has written to England with a view to arranging that a message shall be sent by experimenters in that country to American amateurs for relaying to Australia. It has been suggested that a message from the King should be sent in this manner. Fairly reliable communication can be maintained from American amateur stations to Australia, and, provided the trans-Atlantic stage can be carried out, there is no reason why such a message should not be successfully received in Australia."

Possible first report of 3BQ being heard in USA "WIRELESS INTERESTS. Transpacific Tests. A report has been received by Mr. Maxwell Howden, of Box Hill, from the operator of an American transmitting station in Illinois stating that, while 'listening in' late on the night of October 15, he heard a station whose call sign was 3BQ (the call of Mr. Howden's station) in operation. While there is a station having this call both in Canada and the United States, the report received by Mr. Howden states that the signals were thought to be too faint to come from the American stations, and it was believed that they were from Mr. Howden. At that time Mr. Howden was testing with a transmitter which he subsequently used during the transmitting period of the Transpacific tests; but he has no exact record of transmission on that date. Unfortunately, no code words which might provide definite identification have been received by the American station. However, as the power of Mr. Howden's station is equal to that of many of the American stations which have been heard in Australia, there is reason to believe that the signals were actually from Mr. Howden's station. If this were the case, it would be the first occasion on which either an Australian experimental or commercial station has been heard in America."

As previous, correctly, the Herald is more cautious "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . THE WEEK'S NEWS. An extraordinary meeting of the Divisional Council of the Wireless Institute will be held on Tuesday, December 4, when several important measures will be dealt with. It is essential that all club delegates attend on this occasion. The next general meeting of the Institute will take place on Tuesday, December 11, at the Rialto. To avoid clashing, the Malvern club meeting will be held on December 10, when a lecture will be delivered by Mr Court. Mr J. Malone, the chief manager of wireless, has notified wireless clubs throughout the Commonwealth that federation has become necessary and in future the department will treat only with a federal body. The Victorian Division has undertaken the necessary organisation, and already encouraging replies have been received from other divisions, New South Wales Division is anticipating a little trouble as it is a registered company, but leading members of that division when in Melbourne recently stated that they were very much in favor of federation. News has reached Mr Howden that a station 3BQ has been heard in America. This is the call of Mr Howden's station, but as there is also a station of similar call in America, further details of the reception must be received before this record can be regarded as authentic. The Collingwood Section of the Wireless Institute meets fortnightly on Thursdays, at the Collingwood Town Hall. The last meeting was devoted to a general discussion arising out of a request from the Wireless Institute regarding the nomination of an inspector for the district. This was followed by the formulation of a definite plan of operation for the coming year, which will witness great developments in the popularising of wireless work. It was arranged that one of the members who has just recently returned after several years in America, should speak on the subject, 'Some Aspects of Wireless Broadcasting in America' tonight. The Secretary of the Club is G. A. Corbett, 282 Hoddle street, who will be glad to hear from those interested in experimental wireless."

1923 12
2CM clearly appreciates ZL comment that his signals stronger than 3BQ, Sydney vs Melbourne rivalry? "SPARKS FROM RADIOLAND. . . . 2CM Heard in West Australia. Advice received in Sydney recently adds still further to the laurels of 2CM (Mr. Chas. Maclurcan) as a long-distance transmitter. Firstly, a New Zealand experimenter reports that while 'listening in' in the recent transmission tests between Australia and America he heard signals from 2CM (using a power of 80 watts), stronger than those from the Victorian station 2BQ (sic, 3BQ) using 500 watts. Next a West Australian experimenter, writing from the backblocks, reports that he has received Mr. Maclurcan's Sunday night telephony tests. When it is considered that these signals travel across land for a distance of about 2000 miles, it must be admitted that the performance is a remarkable one."

Max tentatively hears an English station "MESSAGE FROM ENGLAND. FAINT WIRELESS SIGNALS HEARD. Tests with South Africa Proposed. The attempt to receive messages from Mr. Coursey's experimental wireless station in England was continued early on Monday morning by Melbourne experimenters but no signals have been heard which can be positively attributed to the English station. Shortly after 3 o'clock Mr. M. Howden of Box Hill, heard one station working which was probably the English station, but, unfortunately, atmospherics were very strong, and the weak signals could not be read. Several receiving valves in Melbourne could be heard also, and these were causing interference. New Zealand experimenters are listening for the English stations but no reports have been received from them yet. Two-way transmission and reception tests probably will be carried out between Australia and South Africa early in May, when working conditions will have improved considerably. Arrangements for conducting the tests are being made. It will be advisable for Melbourne experimenters to work about 3 o'clock in the morning, which will correspond to early evening in South Africa. Several Melbourne transmitting stations are preparing already, and excellent results are being obtained on interstate tests. In one case signals from a Melbourne experimental station have been reported to have been audible in all parts of a room in Hobart. A single valve receiver only was used for the reception. The same station is said by several Sydney experimenters to be as strong in Sydney as a number of the Sydney amateur stations. Two New Zealand stations are obtaining excellent results, and they have been asked to take part in the coming South African test. Experimenters in Australia are hampered in their work by being unable to obtain transmitting apparatus suitable for long-distance transmitting work."

1924 01
Max assists by providing receiving equipment for a concert at Vermont to listen to Nilsen's experimental station "VERMONT. WIRELESS CONCERTS. A wireless concert was held on Wednesday, December 12th, in the Vermont Hall in aid of the Vermont Advertising Fund. Mr. Max. Howden, of Box Hill, received the items, which were transmitted by Messrs. O. J. Nilsen and Co., of Melbourne. The 'atmospherics' were exceedingly bad, owing to a thunder storm, and interfered with the clarity of the reception of the concert. This was regretted, as Messrs. Nilsen and Co. provided some excellent items. However, to those interested in the subject of wireless telephony, the concert was of much value. Early this year Mr. Howden hopes to be able to select a better night, when he will give a free demonstration, and there is no doubt that the opportunity will be taken by many to increase their knowledge of this wonderful and absorbing subject. At the conclusion of the programme a hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to Mr. Howden, and Messrs. Nilsen and Co., for their generosity in receiving and transmitting the concert respectively, free of charge, for the benefit of the fund."

Max delivers a lecture to WIA Malvern on "Shortwave Reception" "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . THE WEEK'S NEWS. The Malvern Radio Club held a well-attended meeting in the A.N.A. Hall, Prahran, on Tuesday evening, when Mr Max Howden (the winner of the Trans-Pacific Tests) delivered a lecture on 'Short-Wave Reception.' Nominations of candidates for office in the forthcoming year were received during the evening. At a well attended meeting held at Nyah West, it was decided to form a Nyah section of the Wireless Institute. Dr. M. L. Coutts was elected president, and Mr B. Hungerford, secretary. This is the first country club to be formed, and all present showed keen interest. Two interesting lectures were given by Mr Outhroid (secretary of the Essendon Section Wireless), and Mr Lusty, of Surrey Hills."

Max to be requested to repeat his lecture on "Shortwave Reception" to WIA Essendon "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . THE WEEK'S NEWS. The Essendon Radio Club held its half-yearly election of officers on Thursday last. The new officers are: President, Mr A. Kelly; vice-president, Messrs. Gilbert and Rivers; secretary, Mr J. C. Outhred; treasurer, Mr E. Chaffer; committee, Messrs. Black, M. Chaffer, Evans, Forde, Gibson, and Osborne. The secretary reported that he had assisted in the creation of a new section at Nyah West, and appealed to all members to help this country club. It was decided to ask Mr M. Howden to deliver a lecture on 'Short Wave Reception' at the next meeting of the Essendon Club on January 24. It is hoped that there will be a record attendance at this meeting. The Divisional Council of the Wireless Institute met on Tuesday night, Mr Love being in the chair. Matters relating to federation were discussed and several notices of motion were given with regard to alteration of the existing constitution. It was decided to hold an exhibition of experimental and other radio apparatus at an early date, and a special committee was instructed to carry out the organisation. Mr Hull (St. Kilda) was appointed to handle the business of the Radio Relay League. About fifteen delegates were present at the meeting. The Hawthorn and District Club met on the 9th inst., when a lecture was delivered by Mr Rodgers on the 'Neutrodyne Circuit.' This club desires to obtain the services of lecturers to complete the bi-annual syllabus. The club meets at the New Grandstand at the Glenferrie Oval every Wednesday at 8 p.m. The Malvern Club transmitter is now in full swing. A new aerial will be erected on Saturday, next by a working bee. Reports on transmissions will be greatly appreciated. (Call sign 3LM)."

Max appointed one of five honorary radio inspectors for Melbourne (Box Hill district) "PROGRESS IN WIRELESS. By METRE. . . . Radio Clubs. Satisfactory progress was shown in the report of the president (Mr. R. P. Whalley) at the first half yearly meeting of the Brighton Wireless Club on January 10. Though the club has been in existence for only eight months, it has a membership of 89, and apparatus worth about £40 in the club's room. Gross receipts for the period since the formation of the club have amounted to £79, while the term was finished with a credit balance in the bank of £10. The election of of office bearers of the Canterbury Wireless Club will be held at a meeting of the club at the Canterbury Bowling Club rooms tonight. Later an exhibition of an automatic code transmitter for teaching purposes will be held. At the meeting of the Essendon club tonight, Mr. M. Howden will deliver a lecture on shortwave reception. At the election of office-bearers held on January 10, Mr. A. Kelly was elected president of the club, and Messrs. Gilbert and Rivers vice-presidents Mr. J. C. Outhred was re-elected to the position of hon. secretary. Honorary Radio Inspectors. Five honorary radio inspectors have been appointed by the Postmaster-General's department to examine experimental wireless stations to see that the terms of experimental licenses are observed. Each club has nominated one member to act as radio inspector for the club's district, and it is understood that other nominations are to be considered. The inspectors so far appointed are Messrs. J. Masters (Armadale), M. Howden (Box Hill), R. W. Bryson (Kew), Rogers (Hawthorn), and Payne and Watts (Geelong)."

Max actually lectures to WIA Essendon on "Radio-Frequency Amplification" "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . THE WEEK'S NEWS. A general meeting of the Victorian Division of the Wireless Institute was held at the Rialto on Tuesday evening. The attendance was poor. Colonel Olden, president of the Tasmanian Division, was present, and set out the views of his division clearly. He pledged the full support of Tasmania to the Victorian Division, and regretted that New South Wales was the only State at present out of the Federation. Mr H. K. Love (president), then addressed the meeting, and stressed the necessity for more genuine experimenting by members, in view of future broadcasting. Making his official report on the second Trans-Pacific Test, he stated that a clear world's record had been established in receiving amateur signals over a distance of 11,000 miles. The last meeting of the Essendon club was entirely devoted to a lecture by Mr M. Howden on 'Radio-Frequency Amplification.' He dealt with all phases of this subject, and explained to his audience that his results were accomplished with the simplest form of apparatus, and that much of his success was due to close attention to the smallest details. The club has secured a room at the rear of the Regent street hall, and will instal receiving gear shortly. The installation of a transmitter will be proceeded with as quickly as possible. Mr T. P. Court will deliver a lecture on 'Tuning' at the next meeting on February 7. The Hawthorn and District Club met on January 23, when office-bearers were nominated for the forthcoming year. A lecture was delivered on the design of power transformers by Mr Hodson. The club meets every Wednesday, at 8 p.m. at the new grandstand, Glenferrie Oval."

1924 02
Max delivers a lecture on "Shortwave Reception" to WIA Essendon, elected president Canterbury Radio Club "PROGRESS IN WIRELESS. By METRE. . . . Wireless Clubs. Arrangements are being made by the Brighton Radio Club to provide a simple lecture on wire-less communication for students of the Brighton Technical School. The club's transmitter is frequently in operation, and a proposal has been made that the club should conduct trips into the country to which portable instruments may be taken. Disaster befel the transmitter of the Malvern club on Sunday night when the aerial used for the transmitter was struck by lightning. The apparatus was damaged, and the secretary (Mr. J. B. Masters) narrowly escaped injury. An important meeting of the club will be held on Tuesday. At the last meeting of the Essendon club Mr. Max Howden delivered a lecture on short wave reception. Mr. T. P. Court will lecture at a meeting of the club tonight. At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Radio Club on January 24 Mr. Max Howden was elected President, Messrs. Gibbons and Grove vice-presidents, Mr. J. C. Falkoner secretary and treasurer, and Mr. A. Vanselow assistant secretary."

1924 03
Max to lecture on "Shortwave Reception" at next meeting of WIA Ivanhoe "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . THE WEEK'S NEWS. A meeting of the Hawthorn and District Radio Club was held at the club rooms, Glenferrie Oval, on Wednesday, February 27, when Mr T. P. Court delivered a lecture on 'Radio-Frequency Amplification,' Mr A. Rogers was nominated for the presidency, vice Mr Cusack, resigned, and as this was the sole nomination, Mr Rogers will in due course be declared elected. The date of the demonstration of the club's receiving apparatus has been put forward in order that the gear may be thoroughly tested. This meeting was well attended, and the club is progressing well along very sensible lines. The next general meeting of the Ivanhoe Section will be held in the Ivanhoe Rifle Range next Tuesday, at 8 p.m. Mr Max Howden will lecture on 'Short Wave Reception,' and all interested in wireless, whether club members or not, are invited to attend. Intending members should communicate with the hon. secretary. Mr R. D. Ridoutt, 124 Marshall street, Ivanhoe. Mr G. A. Taylor, of Sydney, who was chairman of the broadcast conference in May last, has requested the Postmaster-General to convene another conference, with a view to abolishing the provision in the regulations in regard to sealing broadcast receivers to one wavelength only. In a letter sent to the Wireless Development Association, Victoria, Mr Taylor says that sealed sets will never meet with the approval of the public, and, as nine months have elapsed since the conference sat, the 'sealed set' scheme has had a fair trial, and has proved unsatisfactory to all parties. As the associations throughout the Commonwealth are in accord on this point, the Victorian body is now requesting the Government to convene a fresh conference of licensed wireless dealers, broadcast companies and experimental organisations, with a view to amending the regulations, so that the interests of the public as well as those of commercial concerns will be more fully conserved by the licensing of receivers capable of receiving broadcast and other transmissions from all over the world, on all wavelengths. A new commercial wireless association has recently been formed in Melbourne among licensed dealers. The following officers have been appointed: President, Mr Holloway; vice-president, Mr Arguello; secretary, Mr C. L. Lewis; treasurer, Mr J. W. Derham; committee, Messrs Norris, Sweeney, Brown, and Cameron."

As previous, Max delivers the lecture on "Shortwave Reception" to WIA Ivanhoe "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . CLUB NOTES AND NEWS. A meeting of the divisional council of the institute will be held at the Rialto, Collins street, on March 19. As office-bearers for the ensuing year will be elected, all delegates are requested to attend. An interesting demonstration was given by the Malvern section of the institute at the Flower Show in the Malvern Town Hall. Cr. Waters, the Mayor, officially opened the show by wireless, his speech being transmitted to the Town Hall from the station of Mr H. K. Love. The Mayor's speech was reproduced on a loudspeaker, and was clearly heard. During the afternoon and evening musical items were received from several experimental stations. These were reproduced in a side room, so that a charge could be made for entrance. Quite a substantial amount was thus realised for the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital appeal. A meeting of the Ivanhoe section was held on Tuesday. Eight new members were enrolled. During the evening Mr M. Howden lectured on 'Short Wave Reception.' The next meeting will be held in the Ivanhoe Hall, in the form of an exhibition and demonstration, on April 8. Tickets may be obtained from Mr R. D. Ridoutt, 124 Marshall street, Ivanhoe. A highly successful concert was held by the Coburg Radio Club in the Coburg Town Hall last Thursday in aid of club funds. During the interval a wireless concert was transmitted from station 3FH, Toorak, and reproduced on the platform through a loudspeaker. The music, which was remarkably pure, was clearly audible all over the large hall. The receiving apparatus was operated by its constructor Mr Harry Griffiths, a leading member of the club."

Max elected a vice-president of the WIA Vic "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . CLUB NOTES AND NEWS. Much general business was conducted at the last meeting of the State council of the institute, held on March 19. The following State officers were elected for the ensuing half-year:— President, Mr H. K. Love; vice-presidents, Messrs R. A. Hull and M. Howden; organising secretary, Mr B. J. Masters; general secretary, Mr T. P. Court; general treasurer, Mr D. Short; Victorian delegates to Federal council, Messrs Love and Masters. At the last meeting of the Malvern section an interesting address was delivered by Mr Hubbard, who is attached to the Special Service Squadron. He explained the experimental position in England and expressed his willingness to help in any international experiments. On Saturday a field day will be held, and useful data will be obtained from various weekend parties of experimenters operating portable stations. Mr Backous will lecture on transformer design at the next meeting of this club on April 3. Failing to secure a lecturer at its last meeting on March 20, the Essendon club held a business meeting. It was decided to hold a social and dance on April 4, and a field day on Easter Monday. A technical committee was formed to conduct the club room and arrange for experimenters. The next meeting of the club, on April 3, will be devoted to a demonstration and exhibition of homemade apparatus. Short lecturettes will be delivered by members. The South Yarra and Toorak district section of the Wireless Institute of Australia held its fortnightly meeting at the A.N.A. Hall, South Yarra, on Monday. The permanent club rooms will be occupied on Monday next. The new room is situated on the second floor of the Centreway, Chapel street, Prahran, and will be open every night. General meetings will be held every second Monday."

1924 04
Apparent clear confirmation in Brisbane newspaper that Max heard WJAZ Chicago, amid controversy as to misidentifications with VLW testing, this report appears suppressed in Melbourne "WIRELESS BROADCASTING. MELBOURNE HEARS CHICAGO. MELBOURNE, April 2. Conclusive proof has been produced that the concert broadcasted by the 'Chicago Tribune' on Sunday night was heard in Melbourne. Mr. Maxwell Howden has an experimental station at Box Hill, which is one of the best equipped in Australia. He has sent Mr. J. H. Myers, representing the 'Tribune' in Australia, his log, identifying the items, and giving the times at which they were received. Cablegrams received by Mr. Myers confirm the times in the log."

As previous, detailed report in the Argus on the WJAZ test does not mention Max "PROGRESS IN WIRELESS. By METRE. Chicago Telephony Test. Though not an unqualified success the Trans-Pacific radio telephony test between Chicago and Australia has served to demonstrate the possibilities of long distance wireless telephony. It is unfortunate that weather conditions were so unfavourable during the test period. The failure of any Australian station to receive the call of the the Chicago station may be largely attributed to the static interference. It is equally to be regretted that there should be so many obviously local 'carriers' or harmonics in the neighbourhood of the wave used for the test and doubtless the attention paid to these waves occupied a great deal of the time which should have been solely devoted to making records of the transmission from WJAZ. A peculiar feature of the test was the attention paid to signals heard after 10 o'clock. It should be obvious to all that owing to the break of dawn in America the signals would fade out at about this time at the latest. In this connection it is interesting to note that in the reception of broadcasting stations, even on the Pacific coast of the United States, best results have been obtained by New Zealand experimenters just about nightfall, while even before sunset the stations have sometimes been heard. It must also be remembered that the time difference between America and New Zealand is an hour and a half less than that between Australia and America. For the last nine months it has been a common occurrence for New Zealand experimenters to receive American broadcasting stations, and in the better equipped stations the signals are frequently heard hundreds of feet from loud speakers. Similar success has been obtained by South Africans in the reception of transmissions from the London station 2LO. Unfortunately Australia is badly situated geographically for reception from both London and America, and only for a very brief time each day can the signals cover the whole distance from one or the other country in complete darkness. There is good reason to believe in view of the success in the test from Chicago that the London broadcasting station could be heard in the eastern portion of Australia for about an hour before dawn every morning."

As previous, a similar review in the Melbourne Herald, casting doubt on all reported receptions "Wireless. Notes for Amateurs. . . . THE WEEK'S NEWS. The recent attempt by station WJAZ Chicago to communicate by telephone with Australia does not appear to have been very successful. Many experimenters heard voices and music on about 450 metres, but owing to atmospherics identification was impossible. Again the Melbourne or other commercial radiophone was sending on 800 (circa) metres and the first harmonic of this wave deceived a good many listeners as items from a newspaper were read. There is also a broadcasting station in Sydney sending music and news items nightly on or about 400 metres, and it has been proved that some of the signals alleged to have emanated from WJAZ originated in Sydney. Some of the most experienced experimenters were very dubious about having received the signals, and as the best shortwave apparatus is undoubtedly operated by non-professionals who specialise in this class of reception it has to be assumed that Chicago must increase the power considerably before definite results can be attained. At a meeting of wireless experimenters in the Albert Park, Port Melbourne and South Melbourne districts held in the St. Silas Sunday School, Albert Park, it was decided to form a Radio Club, and affiliation with the Wireless Institute was formally granted by the State Council of that body. Office-bearers have been elected and the club has been put on a sound basis. All radio enthusiasts in the districts mentioned should communicate with the club hon. secretary, Mr W. G. Griffin, 141 Napier street, South Melbourne."

As previous, another report in the Melbourne "Farmers' Advocate" "OUR WIRELESS LOG. (By 'Aerial'). WIRELESS FROM CHICAGO. HEARD IN AUSTRALIA. W.J.A.Z.'s MUSIC. On the occasion of opening one of the newest and most powerful broadcasting stations on Sunday night a special programme of Australian and New Zealand lectures and music was chosen, including greetings from leading Australians. W.J.A.Z. was the station opened, and it is owned by the Chicago 'Tribune.' Extremely unfavorable receiving conditions prevailed over the eastern part of Australia on Sunday evening, but, in spite of this, what is believed to have been part of the programme was picked up by H.M.S. Hood at Hobart, while in Melbourne music from W.J.A.Z. was picked up. Considerable trouble in picking up the Americans was caused by harmonics from telephony stations in Australia and New Zealand, as numbers of these signals could be heard in the close neighborhood of the wave lengths used by the Americans. The wave lengths used were 448 metres and 370 metres. Officials of the Domain wireless station stated that, owing to the bad atmospheric conditions in Melbourne, the tests had been seriously affected. Fortunately, so many extracts from one of the speeches — a reference to the natural resources of Australia — broadcast on behalf of the American Naval Department, have been heard, that it was possible to send a cable message to Chicago and identify parts of the broadcasted programme. A cable message was received on Tuesday confirming the transmission of many items received in Victoria and N.S.W., on Sunday night. IN OTHER STATES. Sydney wireless enthusiasts devoted Sunday evening to careful listening in an endeavor to pick up some of the Chicago messages. Some met with success, some didn't. At Hobart the wireless operator on H.M.S. Hood reported that conditions there were very bad for radio reception. At 16 minutes to 8 o'clock he heard what he thought was a man singing for about 10 seconds, but this was all. If American stations using a power of 1½ kilowatts can successfully transmit to Australia, what should Australia be able to do with the 5 kilowatt station that is being erected by Amalgamated Wireless Company at Braybrook?"

As previous, an NZ report explains some faulty logs "WIRELESS MISTAKE. Wellington Mistaken for Chicago. WELLINGTON (N.Z.). Tuesday.— Details in a message from Sydney today regarding what Mr Kempey believed was part of the Chicago broadcast programme on March 30 show that what he heard was a radiophone test from the Wellington station, V.L.W., on Tinakori Hill. It was part of a speech by Mr Massey, Prime Minister, on Imperial interests in the Pacific, and the words, 'Every day in every way we are getting better and better,' were the officials' enthusiastic slogan over the success of tests. New Zealand amateurs heard the same test, and thought it was Sir George Fenwick, a Dunedin newspaper proprietor, speaking at Chicago."

Max involved in organising tests with Trans-Pacific, South Africa and Ceylon "PROGRESS IN WIRELESS. By METRE. Forthcoming Tests. Final arrangements have been made for holding tests with South Africa in June. The tests will begin on the morning of June 2 at 2 o'clock, and the Australasian trans-mitting period will be continued until the morning of June 15. The hours of working will be from 2 o'clock until 5 o'clock each morning, Melbourne time. This will correspond to the period 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in South Africa. A schedule of transmission will be arranged, but stations not included in the schedule may join in at any time during the test. Mr. M. Howden has been in communication by letter with experimenters, in Ceylon and it is hoped to arrange a test shortly. According to information received, experimental wireless in Ceylon is in the same position now as it was in Australia 12 months ago, but some good work has already been done. News has been received that several of the English experimenters who have recently been successful in transmitting across the Atlantic in short waves desire to arrange a test with Australia on 100 metres. In view of recent successes in work on the 100 metre wave, there is reason to believe that a test in this wave may be more successful than one on 200 metres."

1924 05
Max displays his receiving set at the WIA Radio Exhibition "PROGRESS OF WIRELESS. An Instructive Exhibition. FINE DISPLAY BY AMATEURS. Although rapid strides have been made in wireless telegraphy and telephony in many countries, and while some thousands of Australians possess more than a passing knowledge of the new science, it remained for an amateur body to give the first public wireless exhibition in Victoria. This is being held in the Melbourne Town Hall. It was opened yesterday, and will be continued till Monday evening next. The Victorian division of the Wireless Institute of Australia is deserving of praise for launching the venture, which is two-fold in nature — the education of the public in wireless matters, and the raising of money for the provision of a laboratory for experimental work. The absence of such a necessary adjunct is severely felt. The Institute was founded in 1910, when an earnest band of investigators who had for some years been carrying out experiments joined forces, and has progressed steadily since, there now being 23 branches. In the early days of the institution to transmit a slowly keyed Morse message for ten miles was a triumph, and even to hear a message an achievement. Today, with the crudest of apparatus, the human voice can he transmitted across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand with the utmost ease, but messages have been sent and received over very much greater distances. The results of two trans-Pacific tests held last year drew public attention in a greater measure to the possibilities of the new science. The receipt of messages from amateur stations on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States, over a distance conservatively estimated at 11,000 miles, which amateur operators in Australia claim has been done, has fired the public imagination, and a large addition to the membership of the Institute, which now numbers about 10,000 — of which upwards of 2,000 are resident in Victoria — may be looked for. The exhibition reveals in an astonishing manner the progress made by Victorian enthusiasts. In the centre of the hall is a large exhibit, the work of licensed amateurs, which ranges from simply constructed aerials to high powered and intricate sending and receiving valve sets. One interesting exhibit is the receiving set owned by Mr. Max Howden, of Box Hill, by means of which, it is stated, the first message was received in Australia from an American amateur station over a distance of 6000 to 00 miles. A radio of one transmitter, exhibited by Mr. H. W. Maddick, of Elsternwick, through which communications have been easily made to South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, is another contrivance that claims attention. There are many such, and to most of the exhibits an interesting history is attached. A simple patent, designed to facilitate the teaching of the Morse code, the invention of Mr. Sneyd Smith, and known as the Sneyd Morse teacher, is another feature. It promises to mark a big step forward in the inculcation of instruction in State schools alone in the well known system. It is astonishing to learn that the delicate instruments and apparatus are very largely the product of home workshops. The commercial houses interested in electrical and radio apparatus, have joined forces with the institute, and there are 15 or 16 displays by various firms that serve to illustrate the progress of the new science. Mr. Francis, M.P., at the instance of Mr. H. K. Love (president of the branch), declared the exhibition open, referring to the excellent work accomplished by the institute. It was pleasing to see the interest taken in wireless by the young men. The exhibition was just what was wanted to educate the public, and help them realise the possibilities of the new science. He was astonished at the comprehensiveness of the displays, which augured well for the future of wireless in Victoria. Amid applause he declared the exhibition open. In moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Francis, Mr. Snowball, M.P., referred eulogistically to the work of wireless enthusiasts in Victoria, with particular reference to the Brighton branch of the institute. Mr. Francis, at the instance of Mr. Chick, of the Associated Radio Co., presented a wireless receiving set, suitably encased, to Alfred Hospital. The gift was acknowledged by Messrs. Fooks (vice-president of the institution), and Wilkins. Archdeacon Hindley, in happy vein, referred to the future possibilities of wireless. After the ceremonies a concert was given on the set, which it is claimed holds a world's record for receiving a message over a long distance. Three sessions will be held daily, at which concerts will be given by Associated Radio Co. new system telephones and Messrs. O. J. Nilsen and D. Connelly, an amateur. Arrangements have been carried out largely by Messrs. T. P. Court, hon. general secretary, and B. J. Masters hon. general organising secretary, to whom much credit is due. On Monday night at the closing session an address will be Minister of Railways (Mr. Eggleston). The State Convention of the Institute will be held on Thursday evening, and the Federal Convention on Friday evening."

3BQ heard in Launceston by the aspirant B class 7BN operated by Arthur Smith "LOCAL DOINGS. 7BN (Messrs Wills and Co's experimental transmitter) seems to have been working overtime and to some effect lately on C.W. and I.C.W. The following are the States and stations that BN has been successful in establishing communication with and speaks well for the operator, Mr Arthur Smith: TASMANIA. 7AA W.T. Watkins, Hobart; 7BK T.A.C. Preston, Queenstown; and 7AG J. C. Milne, Gretna. NEW SOUTH WALES. 2LO L. N. Schultz, Lane Cove; 2YI P. S. Nolan, Double Bay; 2ZZ C. P. Smith, Cremorne; 2BK M. Leverier, Sydney; and 2DS R. R. Davis, Vaucluse. VICTORIA. 3BD E. H. Cox, Terang; 3BQ W. F. M. Howden, St. Kilda; 3HH F. H. Maughan, Surrey Hills; 3BH C. R. Whitelaw, Mooroolbark; 3JH and 3JW R. A. Hull, Sandringham. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 5AH P. L. Williamson, Adelaide; 5DP Mr Anderson, Adelaide. WESTERN AUSTRALIA. Mr Smethurst, Perth. NEW ZEALAND. 4AA Mr Bell, Palmerston South."

1924 07
3BQ heard in Brisbane by 4AN "WIRELESS NOTES AND NEWS. By 'ANODE.' . . . ITEMS ABOUT AMATEURS. Amateur station 4AN reports having heard the following amateur stations be-tween 19th May and July 14th:— Queensland.— 4CK and 4EG (both Toowoomba). New South Wales.— 2BB, 2BK, 2CI, 2CL, 2CM, 2CR, 2DS, 2GR, 2GC, 2GF, 2HM, 2IJ, 2KC, 2LO, 2MD, 2OI, 2UW, 2YA, 2YG, 2YI, 2ZN, 2ZR, 2ZZ, 2IX. Victoria.— 3BD, 3BH, 3BM, 3BQ, 3HH, 3LM, 3OT. America.— 6ARS, 6AVJ, 9ZT. The latter station is approximately 7500 miles from Brisbane. The circuit used is one stage of radio frequency (tuned anode) detector, and one stage of audio-frequency."

1924 08
3BQ heard in Brisbane by the future 4RB "WIRELESS NOTES AND NEWS. By 'ANODE.' . . . ITEMS ABOUT AMATEURS. The following is a list of the stations heard by Mr. R. J. Browne (Toowong) recently:— Queensland: 4EG. New South Wales: 2AR, 2BB, 2BF, 2BM, 2CX, 2DH, 2DK, 2ED, 2GC, 2OI, and in daylight, 2BL, 2BM, 2YG. Victoria: 3CK, 3BQ, 3DB, 3EP, 3GB, 3GQ, 3JS, 3LM, 3TM. South Australia: 5BF, 5WJ. Tasmania: 7AB. New Zealand: 1AO, 2AB, 2AE, 2AR, 2AW, 2BB, 2CB, 2XA, 3AD, 3AL, 4AD, 4AE, 4AG, 4AK, 4AP, 4AR, 2YK. United States of America: 5AJ, 6AUJ, 6CK, 6GT. Mr. Browne also states that the American Station 6CGW may be heard every Sunday, be-tween 6 p.m. and 8.30 p.m., calling CQ (New Zealand) and 2CM (Australia)."

1924 09
Max gives a lecture to the Sunshine Radio Club "Sunshine Radio Club. There was a good attendance of members of the above club at a lecture given last night by Mr. Maxwell Howden, of Experimental Radio Station, 3 B.Q., Box Hill. Mr. Howden, who was introduced to the meeting by Mr. J. H. Jackson, vice-president of the club, is the holder of a world's record for long distance reception on short waves, having won the Trans-Pacific tests twice in succession. The lecturer pointed out the best kinds of conductors, insulators and aerials to use and also gave a few words of advice on tuning for short wave reception and answered numerous questions. The lecture was very instructive and was thoroughly enjoyed by members. A hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer was proposed by Mr. Clemson and carried by acclamation. Farmer's Broadcasting Station Sydney, 2 F.C., and the Associated Radio Co., Melbourne, were then tuned in on a set constructed by Mr. Jackson. The music from Sydney came with sufficient volume to fill the room and could be heard in the street. The members then adjourned to Mrs. Clancy's dining room where a well served supper was enjoyed. The club is holding a demonstration in St. Mark's hall on the 18th September which will be free to all those who attended the last demonstration, and ticket holders are asked to make application to Messrs. Jackson, Clemson and Brand."

Launceston journalist reports reception of 3BD and 3BQ operating duplex "DEVONPORT NOTES. . . . 3BD. I have received, a letter from Mr. Cox, of Elsternwick, Victoria (3BD), thanking me for my report on his Duplex telephony with 3BQ and states that the set he used was of the 'junk' type. The input was about 7 watts and he was using the ordinary form of grid modulation. His aerial is 90 feet high. At the time he was radiating .8 of an amp. He was using the ordinary 3 coil Meissener circuit. Mr. Cox wishes me to notify all amateurs in Launceston and country districts that he will be testing on 'phone every Sunday night from 9.15 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. and would be glad to receive reports from any-one that hears him stating weather conditions, etc., at time of reception."

Max burns out a magnetic modulator "AROUND THE AMATEURS. H. W. Maddick, Spray-street, El-wood, Victoria (3EF), has struck oil with his fone transmitter, a lone 5-watt 'tron, radiating 200 milliamps, and has worked all and sundry in New South Wales on a two-way fone. He has lately purchased a 120-watt Phillips, to which he is going to hook a 2000-volt H.T. source and a modulation transformer, and then start modulating. If his strength increases in proportion — Oh, Lord! 3XF and 3BP (J. H. Hood, 6 Alexander-street, St. Kilda) has also been indulging in some DX fone. 3DX (J. R. Van Booth, Wattletree-road, East Malvern) whose call should create all sorts of aspirations, occasionally opens up for an hour or so and then closes up for a month. 3BM (H. K. Love, East Malvern) and 3BQ (W. F. M. Howden, Box Hill), who lately did sport a magnetic modulator, from which dense clouds of smoke oozed when he put 3 amps of aerial current through it, has been raking in the good DX. 3FM (R. C. DeCrespigny, Middle Brighton) has been heard occasionally. 3AP (R. D. Morris, Caulfield) still goes across the border. 3GI (F. G. Cresswell, East Kew) is still on the air. It is not true that he uses an arc, however strong the inclinations of past years may be, and 3GB (M. A. Glover, Camberwell) is also doing well. 3OT and 3TM still manage to get some fun out of this world of woe, and 3XO is another who occasionally lets us know he is alive. 3QW, who used to do very well with an Ediswan receiving tube in his ether burner, has not been heard lately, but can't be far away."

1924 11
Detailed report by Melbourne Argus journalist on the first successful two-way communication between 3BQ and 6AHP - the day after the feat! 6AHP = William L. Williams, 923 N. Gordon St., Pomona, California, U.S.A. per Dept Commerce list of 1924 "TRANS-OCEANIC WIRELESS. AUSTRALIA TO AMERICA. MESSAGES EXCHANGED. Notable Achievement. For the first time in history wireless messages were exchanged between Australia and America last night. The achievement was conducted between amateur stations in each continent, and follows closely on the opening of trans-Pacific communication by Mr. F. D. Bell, the New Zealand wireless experimenter. So far no commercial stations have succeeded in exchanging messages across the Pacific. The Australian amateur taking part in the test was Mr. F. W. M. Howden of Box Hill, whose experimental station 3BQ, has been heard in every part of Australasia and for nearly 5,000 miles into the Pacific by means of the amateur station erected by Mr. J. Orbell, of New Zealand, on the steamship Port Curtis in which Mr. Orbell recently travelled to England. The American experimenter was Mr. Williams, of Tomona (sic, Pomona), California, the call of his station being 6AHP. Mr. Howden commenced transmitting at 7 o'clock yesterday evening, sending out a general call, using a wave length of 86 metres and a power of about 120 watts. The aerial current used was .9 of an ampere. On 'changing over' to his receiver he heard 6AHP answering his call, and immediately established communication. The wavelength used by the American station was about 75 metres, but no particulars regarding the power or radiation used are available. Communication was maintained for about 40 minutes, but as soon as it became dark interference from 'static' became so bad that Mr. Howden lost 6AHP's signals. Arrangements have been made for further tests. Mr. Howden was the most successful amateur in the first trans-Pacific reception tests which were held in May of last year and he succeeded in logging the calls of 23 American amateur stations. Since then he has heard considerably more than 100 different American amateur stations, including stations from every part of North America and one from the Argentine. The latest type of coupled short wave transmitting circuit and a special short wave transmitting aerial, supported by two 80ft wooden masts are used at 3BQ, and the receiver consists of a detector and one stage of audio frequency amplification. It has been found impracticable to use the radio frequency amplifier, which has given excellent results on waves of more than 150 metres, for the short waves now used. It is certain that a similar type of receiver was used at 6AHP. It is exactly a year since the first at-tempt was made by Australian amateurs to transmit messages to America, and during the last nine months the Australian stations 2CM and 3BD have each been heard at a number of different American amateur stations, some of which were more than 8,000 miles from Australia, but, in spite of many attempts, two-way communication was not established until last night. The test last night is another instance of the superiority of short waves over longer ones for long-distance work, and it is certain that with the same power the test could not have been carried out on waves of more than 150 metres. Four Australian stations are now engaged in an endeavour to establish direct two-way communication with England, and it is thought probable that this will be effected in a few weeks."

Another report from the Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney Sun, several additional details "TWO-WAY WIRELESS. Australia and U.S.A. EXCHANGES FOR 40 MINUTES. MELBOURNE, Tuesday. Last night F. M. W. Howden made wireless history by exchanging messages in Morse code with W. Williams, an experimenter, at Tomona (sic, Pomona), California, This was the first occasion on which two-way wireless communication had been established between Australia and America. Howden, who is a well-known experimenter, said today that he had arranged a test with an experimenter at Gisborne, N.Z., for 7.15 p.m. At 7 p.m. he went to the shack where his apparatus is installed, and sent out a general call. In a few minutes he heard the American answering him, sending at between 12 and 15 words a minute. Williams sent greetings to all Australian amateurs, and briefly described the set he was using. Howden reciprocated the message of greeting, described his set, and arranged with Williams for another try-out tonight. Howdon said that the American transmitted moderately well, and the messages were exchanged for 40 minutes. Howden kept his appointment with the man at Gisborne, who, with several other New Zealanders, heard both sides of the Australian-American conversation. Howden's station call is 3BQ. He used a wavelength of 86 metres and a power of 120 watts. The American used a wavelength of 75 metres."

The following night 3BQ not only re-establishes contact with 6AHP but also 6CGO, Glen A. Litten in Orange, California, per Dept Commerce list of 1924 "RADIO TO AMERICA. Melbourne Amateur Again Connects Up. Mr Max Howden, the successful Melbourne wireless amateur, of Hill street, Box Hill, again bridged the 8000 miles between Melbourne and California last night, using a double valve receiver and transmitting on a single valve. About 7.15 p.m., using Morse code, he got into touch with the station. (6 A.H.P.) he had picked up the previous evening. He found, however, that a station using the call 6 C.G.O. (160 watts, on 73 metres) reached him more strongly, and soon established communication with the latter station. Mr Litten, of 6 C.G.O., and Mr Howden were in communication for over an hour, from about 7 p.m. to 8.15 p.m., when Mr Howden shut off to listen in on the Melbourne broadcasting programme. Mr Litten reported that he could plainly hear the Australian messages, though the static in Melbourne was not too favorable for the receipt of the American calls. Mr Max Howden is the first Australian amateur to effect two-way communication between America and Australia."

As previous, further report in the Melbourne Herald with further details "TALKING TO AMERICA. Australian Amateur's Record in Wireless. To Mr. F. W. M. Howden, of the firm of Howden Bros., motor engineers, Box Hill, who is the first amateur wireless operator in Australia to exchange two-way wireless messages with any station in America, will resume his experiments at 6 o'clock tonight. 'I did not start out with the object of picking up America,' said Mr. Howden this morning. 'Last night, at 7 o'clock, I sent out a general call, and was very much surprised to receive a reply from a Mr. W. Williams, Tomona (sic, Pomona), California, his call number being 6HHP (sic, 6AHP). 'Conditions for wireless communication could not have been worse, and at 7.45 I lost the American signals. At the outset, however, I made arrangements with Mr. Williams to conduct further experiments tonight at 6 o'clock. By starting earlier we hope to avoid the statics. Our conversation was entirely about wireless matters.' Mr. Howden worked, on a wave length of 86 metres, and a power of 120 watts. The aerial current used was .9 of an ampere. The American station used a wave length of 75 metres, but other particulars of his set could not be obtained."

Max exchanges two way signals with W1SF in Boston, Massachusetts (QSL held by SSD on behalf of NFSA) "WIRELESS FEAT. Melbourne to Boston. Mr Max Howden, of Box Hill (3BQ) added to his wireless records last night by exchanging signals with an American amateur station in Boston, Massachusetts (1SF). Owing to bad atmospheric conditions touch was held only for a quarter of an hour, but arrangements were made to test again on Friday and Saturday evenings. Mr Howden also exchanged signals with Mr Litten, of Temona (sic, Pomona), California (6AHP). Many other stations answered Mr Howden's calls, but he was unable to receive their signals continuously owing to interference. Calls were noted from Texas, Maine, Vermont and Ohio. A strange fact noted was the entire absence of New Zealand signals, which Mr Howden attributes to the peculiar atmospheric conditions obtaining. The power used in the test was 120 watts, radiation 1.2 amperes, and the wavelength 8½ (sic) metres. The Americans worked on wavelengths between 70 and 80 metres."

1927 12
Lovely article summarising Max's life to 1927, accompanied by a wonderful caricature "Prominent Personalities. Written by C. R. Bradish. MAX HOWDEN, A RADIO PIONEER. Illustrated by L. F. REYNOLDS. WHY Max Howden allowed a good part of his countenance to retire behind a mass of foliage to give zest to the suspicion that he was either learning painting under Max Meldrum or Bolshevism under Zinobiffsky is, of course, his own affair, but the probable explanation is that he was too busy to shave. When a comparative infant in his early twenties cheerfully stays up late, not for the pastimes that keep most of us out of bed, but for the business of experimenting in wireless, shaving is frequently superfluous and may even become a serious interruption to the scientific purposes of life. Anyhow, Max, christened Maxwell by his parents in his baptism, has allowed his beard to grow and is so content with the innovation that he can gaze without any noticeable increase of pulse on the prettiest shaving soap advertisements and all those other subtly-worded communiques offering miraculous safety razors for immaterial prices. Max Howden is an uncommon young man. To the average listener-in who takes his evening fill of talk on beet growing or fowl-raising interspersed with orchestral selections from the works of Professor Whizzbang, the name of Howden is little known, but to the scattered world of experimentalists he is one of the Columbuses of the ether, a fellow of infinite worth and enterprise. What he has done will go down in the records to remind us of an unflinching pioneering spirit in the face of all sorts of difficulties and discouragements. Remember that he took up the problem of long-distance wireless when it was being cradled in the lap of officialdom. Apparatus was crude and expensive, and other conditions governing research were not attractive. At the beginning Max Howden was allowed to experiment under Permit No. 19 issued by the Navy Office. He was keen, and he possessed a patience and perseverance that nothing could affect. At first he employed a double slide tuner and crystal detector and started to pick up the ships and Australian coastal stations — then considered something like an invigorating mental adventure, though it is hardly ten years ago. Howden, a practised reader of Morse, heard the calls going back and forward for several months, all the while developing his apparatus, but never assuaging his consuming thirst for experiment. Soon he was listening to the messages thrown into the void by the V.L.A. station in New Zealand, and with this awoke the ambition to have the whole world of wireless audible and build a machine that would leap oceans and establish two way communication. In 1920 a boon of great price came into his hands. The first shipment of valves, a mean half-dozen in all, was landed in Melbourne, and he was lucky to get one. It may interest the present-day amateur to learn that those valves were 65/ each, which will give some idea of the high cost of wireless to a moderate pocket. With the single valve installed Howden's range of reception was vastly increased. Though he is now hardened to the sensations of discovery and achievement, he can still recall the thrill when he distinctly heard JOC (Japan) on a wave length of 600 metres. After that exploit several other high-powered stations studding the globe practically became next-door neighbors. Among them was POZ, of Nauen, Germany, celebrated be fore and during the war; FL, attached to the Eiffel Tower, Paris; YL, at Lyons, in the South of France; MUU, of Carnarvon, Wales; and NAA, of Arlington, America. By this time Howden was hard at it. To him wireless had attained the proportions of a fashionable vice. Whilst other young men were wearing their feet sore in the company of syncopated dirges, or were sitting up late trying to make four aces grow where one grew before he was among his instruments, experimenting with R valves, Muirhead Amplifying valves and what not, and losing sleep with the stoicism popularly associated with scientific work. Hereabouts he built his own audio frequency transformer to use additional amplication and received his first transmitting licence, he first practising on a wave length of 400 to 440 metres. Shortly after the Government kept that wave length exclusively for commercial purposes, and amateurs were then only permitted to play with a wave length not exceeding 250 metres. That did not deter Master Howden. As he proved afterwards, no arbitrary rules about wave lengths could keep a resourceful expert isolated from the world abroad. As a matter of fact, just about the height of the first trans-Pacific tests his own specially designed simplex receiver picked up 23 American amateur stations on a 200-metre wavelength, which was an unprecedented patch of purple in the history of wireless experiment in this country. Thereafter he settled down to experiments in transmission, and he and others, including the brilliant Maclurcan, of Sydney, collectively developed shortwave apparatus. His first great success, after infinite endeavor, was to signal through to California. This happened on November 2, 1924, with a wave length of only 87 metres, and Howden's elation in the circumstances can be imagined. Two nights later 1SF (Boston) reported that a message from Howden had leapt the Pacific and the American continent and had been picked up intact. But an even finer triumph was to follow. A little after five in the morning of November 13, the same year, Mr Simmonds, a clever English amateur, officially known as G2OD, heard his call, and in a few seconds he was talking to Simmonds — which was the first two-way wireless communication between England and Australia. That is not the full story of his work, but it must suffice. It indicates in some measure the temperament of the man and the cool, relentless striving that has won him his position in this strange new science. A curious man, this, with a face paled by long vigils and with eyes lighted by the fanaticism of one who has dedicated a life to a passion. The technics of wireless slip off his tongue as glibly as the prayers of a Buddhist monk, and I doubt if he has in recent years ever mentioned any other subject with animation. He has that strange gift of concentration on one thing which marks men of high talent."

1931 10
Fisk acknowledges the work of the early wireless pioneers including Howden "HOUSE-TO-HOUSE RADIO. House-to-house intercommunication by means of radio was predicted as a possible outcome of developments from the micro rays — those below ten metres — by Mr. E. T. Fisk, managing director of Amalgamated Wireless, at the official opening of the inter-State conference of the Wireless Institute at Sydney this week. These short waves, he said, afforded an almost unlimited number of communication channels. Mr. Fisk paid a tribute to the work of the early experimenters in Australia, particularly Messrs. C. P. Bartholomew, C. Maclurcan, J. Pike and Max Howden, and of later years by J. Reed, J. Davis and S. Newman."


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History of video games/Platforms/HYDRA Game Development Kit

Introduction
The HYDRA Game Development Kit is a home video game console introduced in 2006. In this era the HYDRA Game Development Kit stands out as a unique outlier of gaming technology in general, and especially in the field of educational game consoles of this time, which tended to use much weaker microcontrollers.

Development
The HYDRA Game Development Kit is the culmination of the work of two notable entities, André LaMothe who designed the system, and Parallax who designed the Propeller processor. Prior to his work on the HYDRA, André LaMothe was a noted early indie developer and author of educational books, as well as the designer for the XGameStation. Parallax was founded in 1987 and became an early pioneer of educational programming tools.

Like it's predecessor the XGameStation, the HYDRA Game Development Kit is primarily an educational system, designed to help developers understand how hardware and software interact on a lower level the one would typically see used in the game development paradigm of the time.

Launch
Released on November 17th, 2006 the system was sold for $199,, $250, and also for 199.99 GBP.

Legacy
Documentation for the HYDRA on Parallax's website was last updated on September 20th, 2012.

While the Hydra being one of the first major products to use the Propeller chip, the legacy of the chip would go beyond that of the console. In August 2014 the design for the Parallax Propeller P8X32A processor was made open source, though this was separate from the HYDRA hardware. The Parallax Propeller 1 itself was succeeded by the Parallax Propeller 2 in November 2020.

André Lamothe would later serve as a hardware evangelist for the Intellivision Amico in 2018, as well as designing the controllers for that console.

Technology
Compared to other consoles of the period, the HYDRA Game Development Kit had a highly unorthodox computer, using the then newly released Parallax Propeller microcontroller as the core of the system. Furthermore the HYDRA follows a minimalist approach when it comes to hardware. Therefore it is more appropriate to compare the technology used in the HYDRA development kit to other educational computers and consoles of the era, instead of consoles designed for the mass market.

The Propeller used in the HYDRA is clocked at 80 megahertz. Each cog of the Propeller has a performance of 20 MIPS for a total maximum performance of 160 MIPS in parallel applications. Compared to typical microcontrollers of the era, which were mainly meant to be used in simple embedded applications and lacked a need for serious performance, the Propeller was considered quite performant. Since the console lacks dedicated support processors such as a GPU, the Propeller in the Hydra must dedicate its cores to tasks that would otherwise be handled by specialty hardware. While this impacts performance, it does have an advantage as the programmer only needs to know the one processor well to get the most out of the system.

The system has 32 kilobytes of static RAM. Removable storage devices contain 128 kilobytes of EEPROM. While these sizes are paltry for a console of the time, they were quite massive compared to typical sizes seen on microcontroller based educational computers of the time. For example the educational microcontroller board Arduino Diecimila was relatively popular at the time as an educational tool, and had only 1 kilobyte of SRAM and 16 kilobytes of storage. These constraints would perhaps help encourage creative and efficient programming by the user, enhancing the educational value of the system.

The console outputs at a resolution of 640 pixels by 480 pixels, a resolution used by NTSC standard definition televisions. 256 colors are supported.

The system takes electricity from a 9 volt DC power supply. This is fairly typical of educational microcontroller boards of the time.

The console has two controller ports for using NES controllers.

Games
Unlike most game consoles, the HYDRA was typically used to play games made by the user rather than commercial titles. Around the time the system launched, the HYDRA supported games written in Hydra TinyBASIC, Spin, and Parallax Propeller Assembly language.

The Hydra is preloaded with a clone of the game Asteroids.

External Resources

 * Official Website (Archived)
 * Gamasutra interview with André LaMothe about the system.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


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History of video games/Platforms/XGameStation

Introduction
The XGameStation was a series of simple hobbyist consoles intended to help encourage game development education.

Development
The system began development as a handheld console known as NanoGear, before becoming a home console.

Launch
The original system was slated to launch on December 12th, 2003. The original kit cost around $200 and was well received well by programmers.

At the end of 2004 the XGS Development contest was held.

The XGameStation Mini cost $130. The system was covered in a companion book Design Your Own Video Game Console by André LaMothe.

The XGameStation Pico launched around 2005 and cost $60.

Legacy
The system was succeeded by the HYDRA Game Development Kit in November of 2006, though interest in the XGameStation continued following this. Notably, that same month on November 1st, 2006 the Game Institute began a course on development which used the XGameStation as a platform. Additionally the XGS PIC and the XGS AVR were released around 2009.

Technology
Components used between models of the XGameStation vary considerably. It is one of the few consoles to use multiple unrelated processor architectures between models.

XGS AVR 8-Bit
This system is based on the Atmel MEGA AVR 644 8-bit microcontroller, capable of 28 MIPS of performance.

XGS PIC 16 bit
This system is based on the PIC24HJ256GP206 16-bit microcontroller, capable of 40 MIPS of performance.

XGS Micro Edition
This system is based on the Ubicom SX52 8-bit microcontroller, capable of 80 MIPS of performance.

XGS Pico Edition
Two versions of the XGS Pico Edition were made. The system is based on the Ubicom SX28 8-bit microcontroller, capable of 80 MIPS of performance. The Pico edition was compatible with Atari 2600 gamepads.

Read More
There is a WikiBook on Deving The XGameStation.

External Resources

 * Official Website in 2003 (Archived)