10 Dec
2000
10 Dec
'00
8:45 p.m.
-----Original Message-----
From: ajp166 <ajp166(a)bellatlantic.net>
To: Classic Computers <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Date: Sunday, December 10, 2000 9:44 PM
Subject: Re: Professors worry that engineering students don't tinker
From: Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
(regenerative
> >-tony (who grew up holding a acrewdriver,
built his first radio 28
years
>> >ago. For the UK people, the semiconductors were an OC45 >> >RF/AF stage), 2 OC71s (AF stages) and a
couple of OA81 diodes. That
>> >should identify it. And who's probably fiddled with more pieces of
>> >machinery and electronics than an entire graduating engineering
class
has
at
>at
most universities...)
You know, I am a little concerned that not one UK member of this list
recognises that radio circuit. I thought just about everybody built it some point...
Actually it's more unique to the UK than here in the usa. The common
transistor radios here were the very simple 2 transistor reflex and the
standard
six transistor superhet.
I'm likely one of the few here that has built the AA5 (all American 5) 5
tube AM superhet that was common, later transistor designs and IC
based systems. Most of my efforts were in generatiing RF power
and measuring it. the thing that keep my interest is the intersection
of communications (radio) and computers.
Building and analysing already built machines is a great exercise and
creative
instigator.
Allison