Lirpa VDRS
Dear Editor:
After reading about the new Lirpa VDRS (Vehicular Disc Reproduction System) in your April, 1978, issue, I decided to build a GT version of the VDRS myself. Using a Tyco drivetrain and body by Pickering, this model can boast a higher "Album Per Battery" life (APB) using the same titanium-oxide wet cell power source than the earlier models. Also, it is equipped with G-60x1/8" sponge rubber tires for maxi mum traction on even the dirtiest of records.
Enclosed you will find a snapshot of my VDRS-GT. The specs for my GT model are similar to the factory stock version except for frequency response (5 Hz to 50 kHz), pinwheel effect (reduced to -10, thanks to reduced weight), and output (12 watts per channel stereo, 7 3/4 watts mono). This unit works well with the standard Lirpa controller, and it will have to, since I haven't yet finished my own version.
I am currently working on a 78-rpm model and also on a 4-wheel drive model VDRS which will track even the most heavily warped records. Speaking for other readers of Audio, I wish Prof. I. Lirpa much success in all his endeavors.
John Huber; Newtown, Penna.
Intercontinental Communication
Dear Sir:
This is an S.O.S. to audio buffs in the Canadian province of Quebec. I would like to contact a resident who can tape French radio broadcasts on either open reel or cassette, although I would prefer that it be on open reel in four-track stereo.
To anyone interested in helping me fulfill this request, please contact me first by mail before any taping from radio is undertaken. As I am not French speaking, please write to me in either German or English.
Let me thank all the Quebec readers who will help me.
Frank Healy; Bei Knappe; 415 Krefeld, Hulser Str. 129-131 Germany
Mrs. Murphy's Mishap
Dear Kindly Editor:
One of the Gentle Readers, Mr. John Bane of Atlanta, Ga., has pointed out two mistakes in my recent article, Audio, August, pg. 47.
The constant in equation 19, 2.36x10^-4 should be 2.36x10^4, and the vent length in this example with a 7.6 cm diameter should be 14.0 cm (5.5 in.).
It seems that Mrs. Murphy has moved her Fudge Shoppe & Speaker Works from Indiana to Kansas. Do you know of any way to induce her to move back to New York? I'm sure she would be happier with Larry Zide at db Magazine.
W.J.J. Hoge Boy Wonder "Live" Rock
Dear Sir:
In answer to Michael Kiley's letter in your September, 1978, issue of Audio, can't understand how Mr. Kiley can say that "live" rock performances aren't live. Granted, rock musicians use many different electronic devices, but if you take away the musicians what do you have? Nothing but a lot of electronic gear in one place. The musician is still the creator of the sound, not the equipment. Mr. Kiley doesn't have to like rock music, but denying its existence and the talent of rock musicians is going a little too far.
-Bill Strateff Akron, Ohio
(Editor's Note: "Not live" in Mr. Kiley's usage means non-acoustic. E.P.)
Audio-Visual Helpmate
Dear Sir:
Apropos to your column on VTRing in the July, 1978, issue of Audio, per haps some of your readers can answer a pathetic cry for help from the far Pacific. A friend of mine in Manila is looking for opera and ballet recordings in the Betamax, V-matic, or VHS for mats to add to his personal collection.
He is hoping to find an enthusiast willing to correspond with him out in the "boondocks." Those interested should write to:
Jose Matti, No. 41 Alfonso XIII St., San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Any and all cooperation will be appreciated.
Odin Thaanum; San Diego, Cal.
NAPCO's Mary Claffey Wins ABP Circulation Award
Mary Claffey, Vice President and Director of Circulation at North American Publishing Company, Audio's parent company, has received the 1978 American Business Press National Circulation Career Award in recognition for her contributions to circulation and publishing. In 1958, when North American had only one publication, she was the entire circulation department-- as well as the bookkeeper, office manager, and telephone opera tor. Today she is responsible for administrating a department of 64 people which provides a complete circulation operation for 25 publications and newsletters, as well as direct-mail activity. Under Ms. Claffey's direction, the circulation operation was converted to a computerized system which has saved the company a considerable amount of time and money. In 1972 she presented the postal authorities in Washington with an innovation in the handling of controlled circulation permits.
(Source: Audio magazine, Nov. 1978 )
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