Posted on 03/09/2024 4:57:46 PM PST by Steely Tom
This article shows that well before he invented FM, Armstrong was already the source of important breakthroughs in radio technology, which at the time was as new as quantum computing is today.
I learned today that the rotating-head video tape recorder, later to become the VCR, wouldn't have been possible if not for frequency modulation, for reasons that are subtle but also vital.
I greatly admire Edwin Armstrong, although he came to a tragic end.
bkmk
When the author refers to the “audion,” he is using the word that Lee De Forest used to describe his invention, which later was called the “vacuum triode,” or simply “triode.”
At the time this article was written, the word “triode” had not yet been coined.
Radio IS The Theater of the Mind.
Between the regenerative and superheterodyne receivers and FM, Armstrong’s inventions had greater impact than any other and likely will never be equaled.
While many households today do not even have one FM radio (2020 survey find 68% of all Americans have at least one radio in their home), we have been given a few over the years, and I use an old laptop with about 20,000 evangelical sermons and songs which broadcasts to the household 24/7 - with no commercials - over a cheap USB powered (legal 0.5 watt) FM transmitter at 87.5 (empty spot, which some radios do not go to, since FM broadcast in the United States starts at 88.0 MHz and ends at 108.0 MHz. Works quite well on the same floor, and outside to about 50 feet to a portable radio. Praise God.
“While many households today do not even have one FM radio (2020 survey find 68% of all Americans have at least one radio in their home)”
Wow, I find this shocking enough that I don’t believe this statistic.
a lot of phones have built in fm tuners that will work without cel service (at least mine do)
a lot of people have stereo systems or mini systems which probably have fm and am.
some people might even have cars which have fm tuners.
a lot of people might even listen to sports on a transistor radio.
maybe I just am biased cause I bought my first radio when I was around 6 or 7
I highly recommend this incredible, encyclopedic site covering every aspect of the history of radio technology and the business that grew up around it. You could spend the rest of your life browsing those pages and never see all of it.
https://www.worldradiohistory.com/index.htm
Bookmark
Radio is a sound salvation
Radio is cleaning up the nation
They say you better listen to the voice of reason
But they don’t give you any choice ‘cause they think that it’s treason
So you had better do as you are told
You better listen to the radio
Long time lover of the spark gap here. Have probably averaged close to 5 hours a day for 50 + years. All genres. Amateur, SWL, talk, old time entertainment. Even npr! One eyed pagan nearly never. Some radio of course now podcast etc.
The old mystery of the ether will be with me to my grave—no truer or loyal friend that rates second only in companionship to my wife and no others.
Cheers
Radios? Yes, who has them. I’ve got my Extra class amateur license and those radios but there are no AM or FM radios in my house.
Without the Fleming Valve, the Audion would never have existed. And without the Edison incandescent bulb, the Fleming Valve would never have existed.
I was just out in th acreage this afternoon making contacts with Japan, Ankorage, Idaho, Arizona and I decided to pack things up before I could log Austrailia in the logbook.
I was using a little Xiegu G-90 20watt transceiver with about 17 and a half feet of speaker wire run up a squib pole and six 1`7 foot radials on the ground.
Nice way to spend the afternoon here in the Gold Country of California. Japan is always a good bet in the afternoon and those cats are always good for the log book. They are a bit shocked when I tell them its just 20 watts and a bit of speaker wire....oh—did I neglect to mention the 4:1 balun? That is whay makes it all work.
Worked mostly 12m and 17m. Amazing—considering how it all began...
I often think of Armstrong, les paul and schockly. All brilliant. Two died in misery and one died happy. Two fought the system and one kept going to Gibson until they finally saw the light.
The cell phones have an FM receiver.
My stereo system has an FM receiver.
The car has AM and FM reception (and satellite).
I have several old Watchman pocket TV sets that do both AM (picture) and FM (audio). I also have a setup in the basement to generate the old NTSC signals. The TVs still work just fine.
Have a VHS tape recorder/player and cassette deck connected to the living room TV and stereo.
I’m a dinosaur.
Interesting article. I got interested in HAM radio recently. Passed my Technician, General and Extra licenses in the last month.
I have a QRP (low power) transceiver coming (https://www.ebay.com/itm/235128617053). Have to set up my antenna and some other things. Looking forward to making my first DX connection.
The old mystery of the ether will be with me to my grave—no truer or loyal friend that rates second only in companionship to my wife and no others.
Cheers
When I was young I spent hour after hour in front of our radio console to catch the next episode of my favorite radio show.
Now I spend my time in my Amateur Radio "Ham Shack" with my wife who is also licensed. Some things never change.
I never listen to radio in my house and I don't have any AM or FM radios inside my house. The closest is the one in my car in the garage. Driving is the only time I listen to radio. I could stream radio through my computer, but never do.
Wow, cool post!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.