[R-390] New R-390 Anti-Static Headphones from Helena Rubinstein

[John KA1XC]

Just in off the Telex........

Helena Rubinstein Inc, in a second bold attempt to diversify into the
electronic communications market, has accepted a government contract to
manufacture specialized anti-static headphones for the R-390 and other
receiving equipment in use by the US armed forces.

The headphones are of ultra-efficient design using high flux Samarium Cobalt
magnets and 600 ohm transducer coils. The frame consists of a light weight
titanium web integrated into a Kevlar body, to which are attached up to 12
metallized-Kevlar conducting "spikes" per earpiece which intercept any
strong E-fields in the receiving environment quietly diverting them to
ground via the connecting cable before they can reach static discharge
potentials. The new headphones are currently undergoing acceptance tests in
Iraq, where the frequent sandstorms and low humidity cause havoc with
sensitive receiving equipment.

Helena Rubinstein Marketing V.P. Mark Q. Hendersquelch, an avid SWL
listener, is given credit for the invention of the new headphones. According
to Mr. Hendersquelch "Well, one cold dry winter morning I was listening to
the boys on 3885 KC  with my Motorola SN1 R-390A when I noticed a squirrel
gnawing on the feedline entering the shack window. Enraged, I grabbed a
piece of 2x4 that was handy, pounded a few spikes through one end, and ran
out the door to dispatch the destructive critter to its maker. Well,
unfortunately it got away, but when I got back into the shack I noticed that
in flailing the spikes through the air the local QRN level had decreased
dramatically, and so I began experimenting and finally came up with the
design we have today. I've also noticed that for some reason the wife
doesn't bother me at all when I'm listening to the radio with the new
headphones on."

Also under development and shown with the headphones is an optional bear
pendant auxiliary counterpoise ground and good luck charm. Shown here is
Helvetica Rubinstein, the grand daughter of the company founder, wearing the
new headphones:

http://img103.exs.cx/img103/4066/headphones7ur.jpg



73,
John
KA1XC