Oh man, the wizard of the Vermont hobbit hole has really outdone himself this time. Michael Rainey, AA1TJ, has posted a very interesting report on his experiments with voice-powered radio. I was, of course, delighted that he went with DSB. Check it out: http://mjrainey.googlepages.com/elsilbo
I don't mean to seem like I'm taking any credit for this, but I did provide Michael some technical advice on how to increase power output:
Michael: Obviously the Italian elements in the project were of critical importance. Some of them may have escaped your attention. I note that an olive can was involved... For further progress I think you should consider working in some of the other substances that help keep Italy going: cappuccino, Nutela, and perhaps some vino bianco...
Another thing: While you are shouting, be sure to use the proper gesticulations. I recommend that you go Neapolitan here -- they are the best. I'd say that before each CQ, you should put yourself in a Neapolitan frame of mind: imagine that someone has bumped into your car and that you and the other guy are arguing about who is at fault. This should generate at least 20 mW!
In boca a lupo! 73
Bill
That's about the coolest thing I've seen in a long time.
ReplyDeleteNow that's VOX !
I wonder if incorporating technology deliberately designed to generate an electrical field without outside power source would be more powerful. Specifically the mics from WWII era sound powered phone systems "Decktalkers", "Big Cans" currently used on board Navy ships were designed to be non-dependent on electrical supply other than what was generated by voice.
ReplyDeleteThese balanced armature designed phone systems are coveted by Xtl radio nuts because of their sensitivity. Some of the better systems were designed by RCA, USI, Western Electric and Automatic Electric. See http://www.crystalradio.net/soundpowered/index.shtml for background.
73, Gil NN4CW
Nice project! Definitely something to bookmark and look at later.
ReplyDelete73
Chris, AB1TJ
No, soundpowered phones would not generate as much power. Also consider the diameter of the speaker cone as gathering audio power.
ReplyDeleteReflected light beam was a form of optical communication in the late 19th and early 20th century. It used no electrical power. Its power came from the sun. It was called heliograph or reflected light beam to a distant observer. Its communication was in the way of Morse code.
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