Aldo, List The scarf was probably either a muffler for the mobile operator to keep him warm, a sock to stop interview-ees from spitting all over the sensitive microphone transducer, or as suggested a form of windscreen to eliminate wind noise during a stationary recording session. My guess is that the mobile equipment was only mobile, to get out to interview to capture the racing moments as close to real time as possible and recording for later radio transmission. The 1931 era was pre mobile radio and the idea of mobile broadcasting I think is unlikely, (In the 70's I worked in AM/FM for a Toronto based radio station, but hey anyone else want to take a stab at this one).
Wayne Jolly (Where Microphones wear socks not scarves) Toronto (But come to think of it maybe they should wear scarves in the winter) Canada ( and it's way to damn cold to ride up here without either !!!!!!
> Pic of the Day
> 22 Feb 05
> "Radio Pélissier"
>
> http://www.wooljersey.com/
>
> Tour de France, 1931. Stage 16, Gap-Grenoble. After the finish, Charles
> Pélissier (right) speaks before the microphone of "Intran-Match", while
> André Luducq (left) watches. From "Match l'Intran" No.254, 21 July 1931.
>
> I assume the (scarf?) around the microphone frame is used to keep the wind
> noise down when the vehicle is moving. They are probably recording
> interviews, or could they transmit from here to the radio truck, then on
> to the full-size transmitters? Any vintage radio technicians out there?
> Gotta love the radio man dressed like a bomber crewman!
>
> Aldo Ross
> Blue Ball, Ohio