-
6 -
Use
of a makeshift counterpoise on our receiver also reduced the noise
level and pick-up of excessive noise from grounded circuits and
apparatus throughout town.
The
winter of 1924-25 found us rapidly becoming expert with commercial
procedure and accounting, which was now officially adopted; also
with such things as Imprest Accounts, Clothing and Equipment Ledgers,
Station Reports, Valve Reports, Engine Reports, Atmospheric Reports
etc etc. Lt. Taber also became quite familiar with the 150 miles
overland stage route to Mayo; he commuted between Dawson and mayo
quite often.
Nothing
of great moment or interest cropped up that winter except further
efforts were made to filter out and reduce the ever prevailing and
annoying local interferences. Attempts were also made quite often
to tune in on outside broadcasts, but the results were still very
discouraging. Then on May 13th 14th and 15th 1925 the Yukon River
went on the rampage following the break up of the ice and flooded
us out. At the height of the flood there was about 13;" of
water in the operating room, and 23" in the part of the building
housing our power plant. But as soon as danger of flood threatened
we had dismantled all equipment - Delco, M.G.S., battery bank, Transmitter
and Receiver - and lugged everything to the second floor of the
old, abandoned E.C.M.P. barracks nicely situated for just such an
emergency only 15 feet north of our station building. This move,
although strenuous and hectic, saved all vital gear, and we were
off the air no more than eight hours, and another six hours or so
when we moved everything back after the flood waters had receded
- and the sediment, junk and debris deposited in the station had
been cleared out, and minor repairs made. Meanwhile, most of our
wood pile and several empty oil drums floated away on the current
and joined the medley and welter of old cabins, boxes, dog kennels,
trees, cordwood and ice cakes which sailed majestically past us
for many ours.
In
June 1925 Sigmn. Routh was transferred back to Depot and Sigmn.
Ted Glynn replaced him. Sgt. Heath went "outside' end of July
to be married on Aug. 27th, and returned to Dawson with his bride
early in September. By this time a more substantial and carefully
designed counterpoise system had been erected to replace the temporary
arrangement found so effective and efficient some months previously.
Things
went along without unusual incident that winter. Of course we were
seldom free of minor difficulties and worries such as weak signals,
heavy local interference, temporary failures, engine and battery
troubles, and numerous other trials and tribulations encountered
and overcome as a matter of course and routine, and which in most
cases turned out to be valuable experiences to be used and utilized
to advantage later on. For instance, when our 150' single wire receiving
aerial collapsed, we didn't relish the idea of working outdoor in
40 below zero temperatures at the time to repair it, but hooked
the big 4 wire flat top to our receiver, with results that were
literally