Closely linked with the question of cable communication is the problem of establishing wireless communication with foreign countries. In this connection the recent severance of relations with Germany resulting in a scarcity of materials and high prices greatly retarded the installation of an improved wireless system with the outside world. But on October 15, 1919, the government of the Republic of Venezuela decided to call for bids for the construction of a wireless telegraph station in the neighborhood of Caracas, the capital of the Republic.
The geographical situation of Caracas is as follows: Latitude North 10°-30'-24". Longitude 4°-25'-4" West of the Meridian of Greenwich. Its altitude above the sea level is 922 meters and its distance from the Caribbean Sea 10 kilometers. Caracas is separated from the coast by a branch of the Andes Mountains which, in that part nearest to the city, are 1,800 meters above sea level.
The technical conditions of the plant are:
(1) The station must be of sufficient capacity to communicate with similar stations in Europe and the United States of America.
(2) The station shall contain a plant for the emission of loud voices and another plant for the emission of subdued voices intended for communicating with wireless stations not yet equipped with the system of loud waves.
(3) The necessary electric power will be furnished by a private concern in the shape of 190 volt, 50 cycle, 3 phase, alternating current as used in Caracas.
(4) Furthermore, the installation shall include a set of reserve motors.
The bids must contain:
(1) The general plan of the plant and the necessary detailed plans and cuts drawn on a convenient scale.
(2) A general description of the apparatus.