net!dialip186
Subject: FAQ: Old Time Radio (OTR)
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 96 04:48:46 GMT
Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions
          (and their answers) about nostalgic (old-time, 'golden age')
          radio programs.
X-Newsreader: News Xpress Version 1.0 Beta #4

Posting-Frequency: monthly





            Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) File for OTR
                            Old-Time Radio
           (FAQ Edited by Lou Genco (lgenco@old-time.com))

                    Last Modified: Thu  03-21-1996
                        ---------------------

Copies of this FAQ are distributed monthly to rec.answers,
rec.radio.info, rec.broadcasting, rec.antiques.radio+phono and other
newsgroups; and are on file at bloom-picayune.mit.edu in the file:
/pub/usenet-by-group/news.answers/radio/old-time-faq.

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

                          Table of contents:

Q1. What is "OTR"?
Q2. You haven't mentioned OTR music, why not?
Q3. Where can I buy recordings of old radio shows?
Q4. Which vendors have (lower prices) (higher quality) (faster
    response)?
Q5. Are OTR shows rebroadcast?  If so, where and when?
Q6. I remember a great show called (x).  When was it aired?
Q7. Are there any books about OTR?
Q8. Does anybody trade tapes of OTR shows?
Q9. What's this stuff about Copyright?
Q10. How can I get my local radio station to broadcast OTR
    programming?
Q11. I have some old transcriptions and tapes, how can I make them
    sound better?
Q12. Are there any OTR clubs near me?
Q13. I have some OTR tapes of the same program, but their dates are
    different.  Why?
Q14. Is there anywhere I can get a complete listing of all the
    episodes in a serial?
Q15. Is there anywhere I can get a written synopsis of the themes of
    OTR programs?
Q16. Is there a World Wide Web page (URL) or FTP address that I can
    access for more info?
Q17. Is there an email newsletter on OTR? How do I subscribe to it?
Q18. Can I get archived copies of old issues of the OTR Digest?
Q19. What is the best way to archive OTR programs?
Q20. My old reels squeak.  Why does this happen, and can I fix it?
Q21. Where can I find more information about antique radios?
Q22. What is the best radio / antenna to get distant OTR stations?
Q23. Is there a group for modern radio drama ("new-time radio")?
Q24. I have only email access to the Net.  Can I still get the files at
    your FTP site?
Q25. Your Digest and WWW pages only deal with Old Time Radio.  Where
    can I get similar information about early TV?
Q26. I have never heard "Old Time Radio".  Can I get an audio sample
    via Internet?
Q27. I have lots of loose OTR cassettes filling my drawers.  Is there
    a better way to store these things?
Q28. All this new software is a bit difficult for me to use, as I am 
    blind.  Can you give me any assistance on how to access your page?

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

Q1. What is "OTR"?

A1. OTR is an acronym for "Old Time Radio", a term loosely
    applied to radio programs broadcast from the dawn of broadcasting
    to the early 1960's.  Alternate names are "radio nostalgia",
    "golden age radio", etc.  Usually this applies to radio drama,
    mystery stories, comedy and adventures.


Q2. You haven't mentioned OTR music, why not?

A2. There was a good deal of "big band" and other music broadcast
    during this era.  For some reason, there seems to be more current
    interest in the dramas rather than in the music.  You will find
    much more discussion about this topic in alt.music.big-band.
    There is also an Old Time Music on the Radio WWW page (apparently
    for Bluegrass music).


Q3. Where can I buy recordings of old radio shows?

A3. There are several individuals and companies willing to sell tapes
    of OTR programs.  A partial list can be obtained from my OTR WWW
    site.


Q4. Which vendors have (lower prices) (higher quality) (faster
    response)?

A4. Prices, quality and service differ somewhat among all vendors.
    Check with other subscribers to the OTR Digest to learn of
    their experiences, then check with potential vendors.

    A comparitive price chart, listing many vendors, is available at
    http://www.old-time.com.

    Audio quality is an important consideration when purchasing
    recorded tapes. As yet, there is no "standardized" description of
    sound quality.  Jim Widner and other OTR collectors have suggested
    various metrics to describe the quality of OTR recordings.
    Discussion of these standardized descriptors is summarized at
    http://www.old-time.com


Q5. Are OTR shows rebroadcast?  If so, where and when?

A5. Yes, several AM and FM radio stations, satellite feeds and a
    shortwave station rebroadcast OTR.  Check my OTR WWW page
    for current info.  If you learn of other sources, leave a note!

    For AM listening, try the new National Radio Club's _AM Radio Log,
    16th Edition: Complete Listing of U.S. and Canada AM Radio
    Stations_ (Mannsville, N.Y.: NRC, 1994).  All AM stations carrying
    things like "Old Time Radio" are listed with the format code NOS
    (Nostalgia), and there are lots of other codes.  [Order from NRC
    Publications, Box 164, Mannsville NY 13661-0164 USA.  Price is:
    $22.95 post paid]

    For FM listening, try Bruce F. Elving's _FM Atlas_ (Esko,
    MN: FM Atlas Pub., 1993). Alongside lists, this has _maps_ of your
    area and its stations as well.  [Order from Bruce Elving, PO Box
    336, Esko MN 55733-0336.  Price Range: $11.00 + approx $1.00 s/h]

    The M Street Radio Directory, M Street at +1 615 865 1525 voice,
    or +1 615 865-2598 fax. The address is M Street Corp., P.O.Box
    1479 Madison, TN 37116-1479 Price is $44.95 plus S&H



Q6. I remember a great show called (x).  When was it aired?

A6. Check with subscribers to OTR Digest, or look through the
    program databases (WWW or FTP).  Also see answer A14 below.
    Please do NOT send requests to -me- to name or find specific
    programs for you.


Q7. Are there any books about OTR?

A7. Yes, there are many books related to OTR.  See my WWW page or
    for a list of some of them.

   Jim Widner and Everett L. Slosman left this address for a bookstore
   specializing in OTR books:

   Rainy Day Books
   P.O. Box 775, Rt 119
   Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
   (603)585-3448

   Bob Crump reminded us that most good used book stores will do a
   nationwide search for a title, if given enough time.  Henry Brugsch
   <henry@g0gku.demon.co.uk> related a good experience with the
   following on-line bookstore:

   Acorn Books           acornbks@netcom.com


Q8. Does anybody trade tapes of OTR shows?

A8. Yes.  Check with subscribers to the OTR Digest.  My WWW page
    has a database of private traders as well.  Leave a note in the
    OTR Digest if you want to trade, or send email to me if you
    want your library to be listed in the on-line database.


Q9. What's this stuff about Copyright?

A9. The copyrights on most OTR shows have expired.  Several copyrights
    have been renewed.  Examples of the latter include The Shadow 
    (Conde Nast) and some of Arch Oboler's productions.  See my WWW
    site for the latest "common sense" and legal citations.


Q10. How can I get my local radio station to broadcast OTR
    programming?

A10. Call the station and tell them of the many people who like to
    listen to OTR.  Suggest this programming will increase
    listenership and help buy things from their advertisers.

    Shawn Fulper-Smith (shawnf@cc1.uca.edu), a managing
    director of a non-commercial station, tells us: "The
    days of radio being ruled by the artisians is over, and
    for some time now it has been in the hands of people who
    only look at the bottom line, so to reach them you must
    talk through public radio pledges, or through sponsors
    on commercial stations."

    Local stations may be able to redistribute OTR available
    via satellite downlink.  Ask the station managers to check
    with either:
    ..
    ..Collectors Radio Network (The Radio Vault)
    ..1-800-739-7900

                Yesterday USA (YUSA)
                (214) 690-3636
                YUSAOTR@aol.com


Q11. I have some old transcriptions and tapes, how can I make them
    sound better?

A11.  You might try using a good equalizer and/or digital signal
   processing (DSP) unit between the playback and recording devices.
   Some people have mentioned that the Radio Shack DSP unit does a
   fair job. There are also other, more expensive DSP units available
   from Ham radio stores and audio stores.  Some subscribers have
   attested to the efficacy of the Timewave brand of DSP units.

   Randy Riddle (Rriddle@aol.com) left this information:

       There's a firm that sells archival quality turntables
       and sound processing units that can dramatically
       improve old recordings. Their sound processing unit
       runs around $300.

        Audio 78 Archival Supplies
        PO Box 187
        San Anselmo, CA 94979
        415-457-7878


   Henry Brugsch <henry@g0gku.demon.co.uk> left this information about
   Digital Audio Format (DAT):

      The dat-heads mailing list maintain an archive of all
      their material at the following site:
      ftp.atd.ucar.edu.  Log on with the usual anonymous
      then, your routine password. head on over to
      /pub/dat-heads/ You will find a wealth of info up
      there. All the digests to the current day, and mike
      faqs, as well as market postings on equipment. Highly
      recommendable for anyone to get their feet wet in this
      media. Happy taping.


From: hhoward@mindspring.com (Henry Howard)

        For cassette machines (and reel to reels for that matter)
        occasionally take a "Y" cord and connect the output of
        your cassette player to both "sides" of the "Y". Plug the
        combined side of the "Y" into your stereo.  If the sound
        is mush(ier) than what you hear normally, you have a head
        alignment problem (assuming that the tape you are
        listening to was properly aligned.)


From: Ron_B._Hare@livewire.com (Ron B. Hare)

        Dolby HX on the recording deck makes an audible
        difference. Other audio optimization features are of
        negligible value for OTR. Dolby HX also requires no
        playback decoder.



Q12. Are there any OTR clubs near me?

A12. Check the club listings in my WWW page, and
   leave a note in the OTR Digest asking about local clubs for
   your area.  Send me email if you want your club listed.


Q13. I have some OTR tapes of the same program, but their dates are
    different.  Why?

A13.  Sometimes broadcasts are dated according to their original
    broadcast date, and sometimes according to a date on which they
    have been rebroadcast.  For instance, the Armed Forces Radio
    Service rebroadcast many Mutual Radio transcriptions at a later
    date. Your tape may be of one of these later dates.  Alternately,
    somebody might have made a mis-typopgoof.

    Finally, some shows -were- broadcast more than once, and sometimes
    on different programs!  For instance, a few Suspense shows were
    re-scripted / re-cast for Escape.  You might also find
    similarities between certain SF shows as done on X Minus 1 and
    Dimension X.


Q14. Is there any place where I can get a complete listing of all the
     episodes in a particular program serial?

A14.  Some of the OTR Digest subscribers have contributed Program
    Logs for several well-known series.  The logs are available at my
    WWW site.  While you are there, check the online libraries;
    some collectors have very complete collections of various serials,
    and they are listed by name or date in their listings.  I am
    currently compiling a database of contributed catalogs and
    libraries, which will eventually contain most of the
    readily-available programs for popular OTR series.  At present,
    the database exceeds 90,000 records, and is searchable with your
    WWW browser.

    The "logs and publications" entry in my WWW page gives names and
    addresses of several vendors of these items.  (Thanks to
    RadioJoe5@aol.com (Joe Coleman)). There is also a Netscape table
    of logs and log sources at http://www.old-time.com

    Jay Hickerson maintains several logs and lists, as well as -Hello
    Again-, an OTR newsletter.  Jay is the author of -The Ultimate
    History of Network Radio Programming and Guide to All Circulating
    Shows- (last supplemented in Oct 95).  Jay's address is:

        Jay Hickerson         JayHick@aol.com
        Box 4321
        Hamden, CT  06514
        (203) 248-2887        FAX (203) 281-1322


Q15. Is there any place where I can get a written synopsis of the
    themes of OTR programs?

A15.  Again, some vendors include this information with their
     catalogs.  If you would like to contribute your interpretations
     of the themes, send them to the OTR Digest for inclusion in
     one of our databases.

     Jim Widner and others have contributed some synopses / introductions
     to various programs.  They are on file at his site and mine.

     Many of the local and national OTR clubs maintain informational
     libraries with this material.


Q16. Is there a World Wide Web page (URL) or FTP address that I can
    access for more information?

A16. Yes, there is a growing number of WWW sites, as well as FTP sites
    and a Gopher.  Each site contains different information, so you
    might want to visit them all.  The sites listed below are good
    places to start, since the major OTR WWW pages have links or
    pointers to each other.  If you learn of any others, I'd
    appreciate your informing me via email!

     (1) My site:

         World Wide Web URL:
             http://www.old-time.com


     (2) AIRWAVES E-Publishing's Site (courtesy of Bill Pfeiffer):

         FTP:
              Anonymous FTP to radio.aiss.uiuc.edu,
              directory: pub/AIRWAVES/OTR

         GOPHER:
              gopher radio.aiss.uiuc.edu 7070
               (select "OTR")

         World Wide Web URL:
              http://radio.aiss.uiuc.edu/~rrb


Q17. Is there an email newsletter on OTR? How do I subscribe to it?

A17.  Yes.  The Internet OTR Digest is a freely available electronic
    newsletter, mailed every night to subscribers.  Traffic has
    increased considerably, and the digest is usually mailed more than
    once a day!

    To subscribe, send email
        To: old.time.radio-request@airwaves.com
        Subject: SUBSCRIBE

     To unsubscribe, send email
        To: old.time.radio-request@airwaves.com
        Subject: UNSUBSCRIBE

     (The body of the message is ignored in both cases)

    NOTE: Do NOT use this address to send articles to the Digest! Use
    old.time.radio@airwaves.com instead.
.

Q18. Can I get archived copies of old issues of the OTR Digest?

A18. Yes.  The OTR Digests and Index are updated three times a week,
    and are accessible via:
    
    FTP:       radio.aiss.uiuc.edu (directory /pub/AIRWAVES/OTR/ )
    GOPHER     radio.aiss.uiuc.edu 7070 (select OTR)
    Web        http://radio.aiss.uiuc.edu/~airwaves/history.html#archive

    Readers with a WWW browser can access a "smart" archive program.
    This program can sort and display old OTR articles by author,
    subject, thread or date submitted.  Just the thing to use when you
    want to catch up on a discussion thread, without plowing through a
    lot of extraneous material.  To access this service, point your
    browser at: http://radio.aiss.uiuc.edu/~rrb/online.html


Q19. What is the best way to archive OTR programs?

A19. The most popular way seemed to be reel-reel tapes, using each of
    the four tracks to record monophonically.  Modern reel machines
    are in the > $2000 range, and used open reel machines are becoming
    harder to find.  
    
    Purists claim open reel tapes are best stored "tails out", in 
    which the tape is played (not fast-forwarded) onto the takeup 
    reel.  This method of storage makes "print through" of the 
    magnetic sound image a little less noticeable because the
    "echo" will come before the louder sound that caused it, and be
    somewhat masked by the louder sound.

    Cassettes are generally fine for portability / ease of use /
    exchange, but they suffer from several problems when used as a
    long-term storage medium. These problems include "overwinding" and
    splitting of the tape at the leader.  Because of their thinner
    track width and slower speed (1 7/8 IPS), the density of the
    information is greater than with wider and faster (3 3/4 IPS) reel
    tapes.  This may lead to a greater loss of signal (particularly
    high-frequencies)  over time.

    The Hi-Fi VHS tape is gaining in popularity because of its
    six-hour storage capability and relatively robust mechanical
    construction.  "Hi-Fi" decks need no video signal to synch the
    systems, and can thus record audio without an accompanying video
    signal.  One T-120 Stereo Hi-Fi VHS cassette can easily hold 12
    hours of OTR audio (recorded monophonically on the right and left
    channels independently).  If the linear track can be accessed
    independently, this will add six more hours of recording time.

    Some subscribers have mentioned Talking Book tape recorders as a
    possible archival method.  These recorders operate at 15/16 ips
    (half the speed of a standard cassette recorder), and can operate
    in 4-track mode, thus giving up to 6 hours of play time on a
    standard 90 minute cassette.  As yet, we have no info on long-term
    longevity of these recordings.

    Don Coco (djc@crl.com) left the following information about
    sources for Talking Book type equipment:

        The American Printing House For The Blind 1839 Frankfort
        Ave. Louisville, Kentucky 40206 Tel. (502) 895-2405 Sells
        Braille and recorded books, 4 track recorders which
        record at 15/16 IPS, and other products of interested to
        Visually Impaired persons. Price of 4 track recorder
        around $175

        I.R.T.I.
        1411 West El Camino Real
        Mountainview, Ca. 94040
        Tel. (415) 961-3161 or (800) 322-4784
        Sells all including Radio's, TV's with SAP, Reading Machines,
        Computers ETC.

    Conrad Trautmann (CONRADTRAUT@delphi.com) left this note in
    response to a query about finding used reel-reel machines:

       You can also call Harris/Allied used equipment division at
       1-800-622-0022 or call Radio World magazine at
       703-998-7600 for subscription information. Radio World is
       an industry trade and has used equipment listings in the
       classifieds once a month.

       (Jim Blackie [jblackie@aol.com] indicates that the
       Harris/Allied number has changed to: 1-800-300-0733.)


    Richard Novak (rnovak@ix.netcom.com) wrote this informative note
    on using Hi-Fi VHS as an archival medium:.

        To clear up any misunderstandings concerning VHS HiFi machines
        and their ability to record audio, I offer the following..

        It should be understood that what distinguishes a HiFi
        machine from a linear machine is that the audio track is
        recorded helically (diagonally) on the tape along with the
        video track. On linear machines the audio is recorded at the
        upper edge of the tape (and a control track at the lower
        edge, if anyone wonders what the extra head is for.)

        On a HiFi VHS the audio is not recorded as an analog signal
        as would be the case with linear recording. Instead the
        analog audio signal frequency-modulates a carrier which is
        then recorded between the video tracks. A duplicate signal
        is also recorded linearly to maintain compatibilty with
        linear VCRs. The FM signal recorded on the HiFi track should
        not be confused with FM radio broadcasts. One of my
        customers thought the FM switch on his HiFi was for
        recording FM from the radio.  Today's machines no longer use
        the label "FM", instead use "HiFi". Less confusing.

        The sound recorded from FM radio broadcasts (or any other
        source) onto HiFi VCRs is virtually indistinguishable from
        the source. The material can be dubbed to cassette with no
        generation loss.

        There is no difference in audio quality using either six
        hour or two hour mode.

        It is true that at slower speeds the diagonal tracks are
        closer together. This does degrade the video signal as
        anyone knows who has compared six hour video with two hour
        video. But does not degrade the FM carrier with the audio
        track.
.
        The tape writing speed of the audio track in HiFi mode is
        the same regardless of linear speed. This is because the
        head speed remains constant and is independent of the linear
        tape speed.

        Worked it out once and it is around seven meters per second.
        Whatever it is, it's a whole bunch faster than 7 1/2 inches
        per second.  If anyone really wants to know the writing
        speed, it is the circumference of the upper cylinder (or
        video head) multiplied by the rotational speed which is 30
        revolutions per second, or 1800 revolutions per minute. (Two
        heads 180 degrees apart at thirty rps results in 60 frames
        per second.)

        Who cares how it works.. The point is that VHS HiFi is the
        best and cheapest medium around for recording masters. But
        not for archiving.  Most experts still agree that reel to
        reel is the best and most reliable method of archiving.
        (Sticky shed syndrome from the 70s notwithstanding.)

From: ErikS74342@aol.com

        I'm using a brand-new dubbing Sony deck that has given me
        terrific results over the last three months. (Sony
        TC-WR565, about $200 at Circuit City). It's a dual-motor
        model, with precise LED volume meters and tape counters.
        It is one step below Sony's best dubbing deck, which
        offered few additional features for an additional $70. I
        wouldn't recommend Sony's entry-level models, which skimp
        on the details.  This deck automatically encodes tapes
        with Dolby HX.

        This particular deck comes with a pitch control that can
        be used to correct pitch problems with master tapes -- a
        godsend when working with too-fast reel-to-reel source
        copies. (Sony also offers the TC-WR465, without the pitch
        control, for about $20 less. Believe me, it's worth the
        price.)

        To reset volume levels and correct other deficiencies
        with master tapes -- yes, you need a second cassette deck
        and a graphic equalizer.

Although Bob Burnham does not like dubbing (two-well) cassette
decks for producing highest-quality cassette tapes, he does have
a few recommendations:

        One of the BEST dubbing decks (if you must use one) is
        made by Denon.  Both sides can record at the same time
        and both sides have pitch control, and both sides have
        separate output jacks for connecting to other
        equipment.... almost like TWO <click> TWO <click> TWO
        DECKS in one.  Tascam (Teac's pro division) also recently
        introduced their model 303 double deck. If it's anything
        like the 202 MKII, it's probably not worth it. You pay a
        high price for the name, but still basically consumer
        grade inside and lots of plastic.  Denon is better.

        I mentioned Kingdom Tapes in Mansfield, PA as a good
        source for cassette copiers, and equipment servicing.
        All the duplicators I have in use today came from this
        company.  They have all the major brands (plus their own
        house brand), also tape decks, blank cassettes, etc.
        Great service (same day usually available).  They'll beat
        anyone's price on cassette dubbers. 800-788-1122.  Fax is
        717-662-3875.

        Bob Burnham / BRC Productions / P.O. Box 2645 / Livonia,
        MI 48151 platecap@gatecom.com / platecap@eworld.com




Q20. My old reels squeak.  Why does this happen, and can I fix it?

A20. There are at least two causes for "squeaky reels" on a reel-reel
       tape recorder.  (1) The tape edge may be rubbing against the
       rim of a distorted take-up reel, or (2) the oxide may be
       sticking to your erase (or other) heads.  If the former, the
       least frustrating alternative is probably a new take-up reel.
       If the latter, Fred Korb left this note:

           If you have any squeaky reels that you would like to
           recover, I will be glad to send you more information
           on how to do it. Just send me a stamped self addressed
           # 10 envelope and I will respond. Send your request
           to: Fred Korb, c/o Oldtime Radio Collectors and
           Traders Society, 725 Cardigan Court, Naperville,
           Illinois 60565-1202. I am willing to help you preserve
           the sounds of radio days gone by.

     [Editor's note:  Fred's method consists of a kit by which a
     lubricating film can be automatically applied to the tape as it
     is played.  I tried it.  Although temporary, it does indeed work!
     I'd recommend it for those squeaky tapes that you wish to
     re-record onto newer reels.]


   Richard Fish <lodeston@bluemarble.net> also left this helpful info
   about an alternative method:

       HYRDROLYZATION is the culprit.  The tape material -- the
       backing, or the binder compound used to stick the magnetic
       particles to the plastic backing -- has absorbed water
       from the air.  The water molecules actually make the tape
       expand a bit, so it doesn't fit the machined tape-guides
       properly anymore; and they can interfere with the
       lubrication impregnated into the tape; and it is theorized
       they can even interfere with the polished smoothness of
       the tape surface.

       WHY SOME TAPES AND NOT OTHERS?  It depends on the
       formulation of the plastic backing and binder.  In the
       mid-70's, both 3M (Scotch) and Ampex, the two major tape
       manufacturers, started experimenting with their formulas.
       They thought they were introducing major improvements,
       but instead created a tape much more prone to
       hydrolization than anything had ever been. The problem
       did not show up for years, and the formulas did not get
       corrected until sometime in the mid-80's. Theoretically
       any tape could get hydrolyzed over a long period of time,
       especially if stored in a high-humidity situation, but in
       practice most squeaky tapes were made (roughly speaking)
       between 1975 and 1985.

       WHAT'S THE FIX?  Tom Lopez at ZBS (the most prolific and
       entreprenurially successful producer of radio drama in
       the US today) gave me his formula and I've done it many
       times now and it works:

       Bake the tapes in a convection oven for 8 hours at 130
       degrees Fahrenheit.  It is entirely possible to bake a
       tape twice if the first time doesn't do the trick. You
       get about a three-week "window", sez Tom, before the tape
       starts to re-absorb water.  So the best deal is to bake
       the tape and immediately make a copy.  But if you forget
       to do it and it re-hydrolyzes, you can bake it again.


Q21. Where can I find more information about antique radios?

A21. An excellent place for discussions about antique radios,
   phonographs and accessories is the rec.antiques.radio+phono
   newsgroup, created by Bill Robie.  A pointer to his FAQ may also be 
   found at http://www.old-time.com.  Basically, r.a.r+p

         - Is a *discussion* group, rather than a sales group (see r.a.m)
         - Focusses on radios, phonos, and related materials made
..before the 60s
         - Avoids "ham" radio gear (the Boat Anchors group
..covers that)
         - Has a -very- comprehensive FAQ that new folks should read


    Several museum sites are available at my WWW page.  The WWW
    site, "The Bellingham Antique Radio Museum" is also available
    directly via URL http://www.pacificrim.net:80/~radio/   This site
    contains info and GIFs on old radio hardware, as well as
    soundclips of OTR show intros.

    The University of Maryland also has a WWW site entitled "Broadcast
    Pioneers' Library".  This is an excellent resource for the serious
    / professional researcher.  It can be accessed through my WWW
    site, or directly via the URL:
    http://www.itd.umd.edu/UMCP_Libraries/BPL/bpintro.html

    Additional sites with pictures of old radios or other hardware
    resources may also be found at http://www.old-time.com


Q22. What is the best radio / antenna to get distant OTR stations?

A22. Several readers have been acclaiming the GE SuperRadio III as an
   excellent choice for picking up distant AM stations that carry OTR
   programming.  Although the tuning dial has notoriously poor
   calibration, the sensitivity and selectivity seem superior to other
   radios.  A SuperRadio FAQ is available via http://www.old-time.com

   David Moisan maintains a text FAQ for the GE Super Radio at
   ftp://ftp.shore.net/members/dmoisan/faqs/gesr_faq.txt
   he also has a hypertext formatted FAQ at
   http://www.shore.net/~dmoisan/faqs/superradio/gesr_faq.html

   -Some- readers have had good success with the Select-A-Tenna
   antenna advertised in several magazines, and the Grove Catalog.
   The S-A-T seems to be rather directional, and may eliminate
   off-axis interference.

   Ham Radio magazines sometimes carry information about small loop
   antennas for AM DX-ing.  Dan Hughes <dhughes@prairienet.org> left
   this note:

       Several years ago one of the electronic magazines ran
       plans with dimensions and number of turns, etc to build
       one of these antennas.  I have built several and I'm no
       mechanic.  If you (or anyone else reading this) would
       like a copy of the article and plans, drop me a stamped,
       self-addressed envelope:

        Dan Hughes
        WPCD, Parkland College
        2400 West Bradley Ave
        Champaign IL 61821


    If you are interested in AM Broadcast Band reception, and
    technical artlcles related thereto, send a SASE to the following
    address for their product catalog:

        National Radio Club
        Publications Center
        PO Box 164
        Mannsville, NY  13667-0164


Q23. Is there a group for modern radio drama ("new-time radio")?

A23. There are several USENET groups whose charters include modern
    drama. Check  the lists on your local Internet provider to see
    which are available to you. Here is a list of some of the WWW
    pages for radio drama (more may be found at http://www.old-time.com):

    Atlanta Radio Theatre Company:  http://www.webamerica.com/artc
    ZBS Media                       http://www.zbs.org/zbs.html
    LodesTone Productions
                http://www.bluemarble.net/~lodeston/lode.html
    Midwest Radio Theatre Workshop?
                http://www.thoughtport.com/tpa/non/mrtw

    There is also a  mailing list for folks interested in current 
    radio drama:    

.Send email to: majordomo@world.std.com
.Subject:[blank]
.text: subscribe radiodrama


Q24. I have only email access to the Net.  Can I still get the files at
    your WWW site?

A24.  Maybe. WWW pages can be retrieved by email.  Get the following file
    for more information:

                Accessing The Internet By E-Mail
          Doctor Bob's Guide to Offline Internet Access

    This document is now available from several automated mail servers.
    To get the latest edition, send e-mail to one of the addresses below.

    To: mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu (for US, Canada & South America)
    Enter only this line in the BODY of the note:
    send usenet/news.answers/internet-services/access-via-email

    To: mailbase@mailbase.ac.uk (for Europe, Asia, etc.)
    Enter only this line in the BODY of the note:
    send lis-iis e-access-inet.txt


    Since the OTR FAQ is an "official" FAQ, a copy of it is stored at
    MIT, and is available from the MIT mailserver.  For more info on
    how to get files by email from MIT, send a message
     TO: mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu
     SUBJECT: [blank]
     BODY:
          help
          end


Q25. Your Digest and WWW pages only deal with Old Time Radio.  Where
    can I get similar information about early TV?

A25. The OTR Digest and OTR WWW Pages are purposely self-constrained
    to OTR topics.  Folks interested in early TV shows might be
    interested in this note from Kathy O'Connell
    (oconnell@pobox.upenn.edu):

        Let me announce a brand new TV list!!!  A woman
        named Linda has just started a list devoted to
        50's-60's Television. You can contact her at
        LEEKNIGHTS@delphi.com  I signed on immediately, and
        it's a wonderful place to meet other people
        interested in this subject.  Very much like the OTR
        list, but for television!!!


Q26. I have never heard "Old Time Radio".  Can I get an audio sample
    via Internet?

A26. Yes, if you have a suitable WWW browser and sound card.  Connect
     to any of the WWW sites mentioned above, and follow the pointers
     to their audio clips and / or soundbytes.  Most of the soundbytes
     can be downloaded, and played on your computer's sound card.


Q27. I have lots of loose OTR cassettes filling my drawers.  Is there
    a better way to store these things?

A27.  Collectors with lots of cassettes seem to use just about
    everything from "underbed cardboard storage boxes" to old soft
    drink cases.  If you want your collection to have a more
    "professional" look, here is a note from Ron_B._Hare@livewire.com
    (Ron B. Hare)

        You almost need to buy cassette albums from
        specialty suppliers. Radio Shack used to carry a
        small line of these and charged too much. We are in
        the recording studio business, and receive catalogs
        from several sources. The one one I like best has
        some of the lowest prices and unhesitatingly deals
        with individuals and will take your credit card
        number over the phone for instant shipment (in
        contrast to some who require account setup, purchase
        orders, prepayment, cash and other nuisances).

        Polyline Corporation
        1233 Rand Road
        Des Plaines IL 60016
        (708) 390-7744
        FAX (708) 390-9886

    or, their West Coast branch (where I got mine)
        PolyWest Corporation
        16018 Adelante Street, Unit C
        Irwindale CA 91702
        (818) 969-8555
        FAX (818) 969-2267

        They have two catalogs: one for audio and one for
        video. Cassette albums are available in a large
        number of different styles, sizes and capacities.
        The 8-cassette albums I use are CPCN.4+4M/WHT in
        white and CPCN.4+4M/RBLU in royal blue. Outside
        dimensions are 9 7/8 x 7 x 1 1/4 wide, so they fit
        well on a bookshelf. This model also seems to cost
        less per cassette than any of the other models,
        though logic might lead you to the conclusion that
        the larger capacity ones would cost less.

        I paid $2.11 each plus tax and shipping for my
        latest batch (November 1995). The minimum economical
        order is 40 albums. You can order smaller
        quantities, but the price is $4.68 EACH. Check with
        Polyline before ordering. The prices change
        frequently.


Q28. All this new software is a bit difficult for me to use, as I am 
    blind.  Can you give me any assistance on how to read your page?

A28.  Yes.  Although my WWW page is best viewed with Netscape, I also 
    have a text-only menu that might be easier on your reader.
    Use the URL  http://www.old-time.com/txtindx.html

    There are many blind OTR collectors who might be able to help you
    as well.  Two experts in OTR as a hobby and Internet / computers
    are: Henry Brugsch <henry@g0gku.demon.co.uk> and Ronald Staley
    <rstaley@netcom.com>.  One or the other would be able to help you
    use your computer and reader to access my pages or maintain your
    OTR collection.


