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Click for
Page 2 of the August
2015 homepage archives.
 A nice mixture of the classic and the sybaritic
describes some of the projects designed and built by Mike Starcher (KB4YJ), owner
of The
Old Radio Builder website. He has both a "Vintage Homebrew" area and a "Modern
Homebrew" area, as well as "Restorations" on vintage equipment - you'll appreciate
the photo at the top of the page if you've seen the inside of some barn or garage
finds. There's even a page of tips for how to take really nice photos of your components
and hardware. Some of Mike's projects feature a nicely crafted mahogany base onto
which is mounted wafer type variable capacitors, vacuum tube bases, hand-wound coils,
transformers, resistors, and a nicely painted black front panel with vintage dials.
Structures are left open to showcase the craftsman-like handiwork that includes
carefully ...
 In no way do I advocate going back to the
'old ways' for manufacturing electronic components, but I do admire and like to
give credit to the people who used to perform the tedious procedure of
building vacuum tubes, hand-wire chassis assemblies, circuit boards,
etc. The process required being able to sit or stand at the same work station and
perform the same range of operations day after day, often for years on end. Of course
at the time, automation processes were not what they are today and machinery needed
to be driven by mechanical means using motors, solenoids, and limit switches. That
made employing people more financially rewarding than using a machine. You can find
details on the algorithms and methodology for designing those contraptions in older
engineering handbooks. It is an amazing sight to to tour a WWII vintage battleship
and look at the hardware that
...
12 W Linear
Amplifier Module
Triad-RF-Systems-800-2500MHz-12W-Linear-Amplifier-8-13-2015.htm" >
 This wideband GaAs
linear amplifier module is capable of supporting
any signal type and modulation format, including but not limited to 3-4G telecom,
WLAN, OFDM, DVB, and CW/AM/FM. Due to several state-of-the-art circuits, this unit
is highly immune from damage due to any out of spec DC voltage conditions that may
be applied. Its rugged construction guarantees fault-free operation in the most
extreme environments Triad-RF-Systems-800-2500MHz-12W-Linear-Amplifier-8-13-2015.htm" >
...
The Skin Effect Talking Lightbeam
 Modulating a light beam for secure communications
was not a new concept is 1939 when Gerald Mosteller invented his device, but doing
so with inexpensive equipment, using 'outside-the-box' thinking, was new. Exploiting
the relatively recently discovered physical phenomenon of 'skin effect,' his system
used a specific range of frequencies to modulate the filament of a standard flashlight
type incandescent light bulb that could effect temperature changes - and therefore
intensity changes - rapidly and of significant amplitude to transmit information
in the audio frequency range. Mr. Mosteller's contraption evolved as the result
of a college thesis project. There does not exist a plethora of modern-day
modulated light communications systems using incandescent bulbs
as the source, so it is safe to assume insurmountable physical and/or financial
obstacles
...
Once Again on RF Cafe!
 I am now set up to once again host
private advertising
in the form of graphical banners in all page borders, and as textual Highlighted
Ads on the Parts Vendor
pages. If your company is interested in reaching RF Cafe's very diverse and extensive
range of visitors, please review my
Advertising Information
page. Plans are available starting at $40 per month for an appearance on four vendor
pages ...
as an RF Cafe
Advertiser !
Centric RF
is a company offering from stock various RF and Microwave coaxial components, including
Attenuators, Adapters, Cable Assemblies, Terminations, Power Dividers, and more.
They believe in offering high performance parts from stock at a reasonable cost.
Their parts operate in the frequency ranges of 0-110 GHz, and at power levels
from 0.5-500 watts. "Order today, ship today!" BTW, the proprietor of Centric RF
is the former owner of a major RF component distributor company who decided to do
it all over again from the ground up, so you'll be in good hands.
 In 1938, Bell Telephone Laboratories, Western
Electric Company, United Air Lines, and Boeing worked together to developed the
first practical
microwave radio altimeter for use in commercial aircraft. This
is not a radar unit in that the distance is not determined solely by emitting a
signal and measuring the time taken to the target (the ground
in this case) and back again. Rather, the radio altimeter relies on a heterodyned
beat frequency generated between a reference signal and that of the transmitted
and received ground-directed signal. Author Washburn does a nice job explaining
the process, so I needn't add to it. It is interesting to note the statement about
the 500 MHz used being the "highest frequency ever to be used for practical
purposes"
...
3D Printed Evidence
at Trial
 IMS ExpertServices periodically sends me e-mails
that highlight recent key court cases that can significantly affect the effectiveness
of expert testimony. This article by Annie Dike, writing for
IMS ExpertServices, writes about a very unique
and creative application
 in courtrooms
for the newfangled 3D printers: creating objects that jurors in patent infringement
and product liability litigation proceedings can hold in their hands and examine
when considering a verdict. Her example includes creating exact
(or nearly so) copies of both the original and the
contested versions of an invention in order to highlight the similarities or differences,
depending on whether you are a defendant or a plaintiff, of the two designs. This
could be a great strategy for you or your
...
QML Certification
Peregrine-Semiconductor-Awarded-QML-Certification-8-11-2015.htm" >
 Peregrine Semiconductor Corp., founder of RF
SOI (silicon on insulator) and pioneer of advanced
RF solutions, announces that it has been awarded qualified manufacturers list
(QML) certification, class Q
(military) and V (space).
After a thorough evaluation, Peregrine demonstrated to the Defense Logistics Agency
(DLA) Land and Maritime that it fully complies with
MIL-PRF-38535, the performance specification used by the Department of Defense for
monolithic integrated circuits that operate in severe environments. "This is a giant
step forward for Peregrine's high reliability products and demonstrates our continued
commitment to serving the aerospace and defense market—an industry we have served
for over 15 years," says Duncan Pilgrim Peregrine-Semiconductor-Awarded-QML-Certification-8-11-2015.htm" >
...
Surface Mount Components
If you work with surface mount components, you know how challenging it can be
positioning and holding them while soldering and unsoldering. Having a good pair
of tweezers can make the difference between a good experience and a disaster. These
two types of tweezers can definitely make you life better, and they're very inexpensive.
 The set of
six black tweezers have various tip shapes that
are non-magnetic and have an anti-static finish.
 The
white-tipped tweezer uses ceramic material that
can stand soldering type temperatures without transferring the heat to your fingers.
At less than $5 each, you can outfit your home and work labs with quality tweezers
and still have money left over to donate to RF Cafe ;-)
 I am still looking in old electronics magazines
for an ad featuring my
1941 Crosley model 03CB console radio, but thus far with no luck.
What makes the model special is that it was probably one of the last new radios
sold prior to the shift of material usage to military equipment in World War II.
In fact, not long ago I found this brief news piece in a 1942 edition of Radio-Craft:
"Crosley Scraps 1943 Line for Military Radios" reporting on how
Crosley was converting its production line to support military
...
 These
posters
from some well-known companies in the microwaves and RF realm are available free
to qualified persons. Supplies are limited on most of these, so if you want one,
you had better move quickly. There are many other posters available that can be
downloaded and printed, but I believe the ones here get mailed to you. There was
a time when many companies offered free posters and/or
cardboard calculators, but now they have been largely obsoleted
by online resources and smartphone apps
...
& Books for August
2015
 The
free whitepapers,
pamphlets, books, magazines, and chapter examples listed here are a small sample
of a lot of new items that are offered for FREE through TradePub. The publishers
make them available to qualifying people as a promotional campaign for their full
line of offerings. Note: I earn a few pennies (literally)
when you download one of these or the many other pubs available, so please help
yourself ...
w/VSS and LabVIEW
Signal Processing
NI-AWR-White-Paper-Co-Simulation-VSS-LabVIEW-8-10-2015.htm" >  NI (formerly AWR Corporation)
announces a new NI-AWR-White-Paper-Co-Simulation-VSS-LabVIEW-8-10-2015.htm" >
NI AWR Design Environment™ white paper that describes how Visual System Simulator™
(VSS) system design software and LabVIEW can co-simulate,
enabling system designers to better analyze, optimize, and verify complex RF systems
inclusive of DSP blocks. "Co-Simulation with Visual System Simulator and LabVIEW for Enhanced
Signal Processing" can be downloaded on the NI AWR website.
Notable Quote: Dr. Ben Carson
 "I'm the only one who has removed half a brain,
but if you went to Washington, you'd think someone beat me to it." -
Dr. Ben Carson, pediatric neurosurgeon and presidential
candidate. Hearing this audio clip on the news caused me to laugh out loud
(I can't stand watching political debates). My detestation
for the vast majority of politicians of every stripe makes me believe there is truth
in what was said - figuratively and literally. For the record, this is not an endorsement,
just recognition of someone who evidently despises status quo politics as much as
I do ...
 Here in one short editorial article, Hugo
Gernsback outlines the application of shortwaves in 'the next war' to maintain wireless
surveillance of the airspace over towns and cities via what is essentially radar,
to detonate explosive devices by means of a powerful 'special combination impulse,'
and long-distance wireless communications via radios 'so small that one man can
easily carry it.' This might seem rather moot in today's world, but in 1935 it required
a certain amount of knowledge of wireless communications and a vision regarding
its potential. In my readings of a great many early- to mid-20th-century technical
articles on electronics, aeronautics, physics, etc., it is interesting to notice
how authors of the pre-WWII era referred to
...
Electromechanical RF
Switches
Pasternack-Multi-Market-Electromechanical-Switches-8-10-2015.htm" >
 Pasternack, a leading manufacturer and supplier
of RF, microwave and millimeter wave products, introduces a large portfolio of in-stock
general purpose multi-market coaxial packaged electromechanical
switches for RF, microwave and millimeter wave applications. These new electromechanical
switches are uniquely qualified for use in numerous applications including military
communications, radar, commercial and military aviation, SATCOM, test & instrumentation,
medical equipment and others. Pasternack's newest electromechanical switches consist
of 134 connectorized designs that are guaranteed for 1 million life cycles. These
new general purpose switches complement Pasternack's existing Pasternack-Multi-Market-Electromechanical-Switches-8-10-2015.htm" >
...
 This is the second of a two-part series discussing
the propagation of shortwaves, the first part having appeared in the previous edition
of
Short Wave Craft. Keep in mind that at the time of the writing,
no instrumented sounding rockets had been sent into the upper atmosphere for empirical
measurements, so the author's conjectures being inaccurate are forgivable. Mr. Meyer's
supposition that there are "cosmically-located network of conductive lines" that
influence seasonal propagation as the earth moves through them during its revolution
around the sun is actually not an unreasonable theory for its era. It certainly
is no more outlandish than a modern-day celebrated astrophysical genius proposing
a series of vibrating 'strings' in an 11-dimensional
...
Crossword Puzzle for
August 9, 2015
 This week's
crossword puzzle, as with all RF Cafe puzzles, uses only words
pertaining to engineering, science, mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, astronomy,
etc. You will never find a reference to some obscure geological feature or city,
or be asked to recall the name of some numbnut movie star or fashion designer. Enjoy!
...
 If you think government bureaucracies meddling
in the affairs of private business is a relatively new phenomenon, think again.
Elected and unelected persons and agencies have since the inception of control over
the populace made it their business to dictate which pursuits of technology are
sanctioned and which are not. Often, the motivation lies in who within those bureaucracies
stands to benefit monetarily from the decision. In this story lamenting the painfully
and, in the author's opinion, unnecessarily long time experienced in bringing
commercial broadcast television to the marketplace - in 1935.
One of the primary stumbling blocks was the FCC preventing companies from televising
paid commercials during programs because, in the FCC's view, picture quality was
not good enough to serve advertisers' interests. In this story lamenting the painfully
...
Motovox, Kennedy, &
RCA-Victor
 Nowadays a Web search will quite often get
you what you need thanks to people (like me) who go
to the trouble of making the information available. The stuff doesn't just magically
appear or get posted by benevolent governmental entities. These Radio Service Data
Sheets are for the
RCA-Victor Radiola Model M-30 Automotive Radio Set, the
Kennedy Superheterodyne Short-Wave Converter Radio, and the
Motovox Models 10A All-Electric and 10E Battery-Operated "Moto-Tetradynes."
You're welcome.
RFMW Intros Low PIM High Power Flange Attenuator
RFMW-Low-PIM-High-Power-Flange-Attenuator-8-6-2015.htm" >
 RFMW announces design and sales support for low
passive inter-modulation (PIM) RFMW-Low-PIM-High-Power-Flange-Attenuator-8-6-2015.htm" >
attenuators from EMC Technology. When comparing the new 33P7024 (100 Watt)
series to standard attenuators the difference is typically ≥ 10 dBc. The
33P702403.00F offers 3dB of attenuation while
the 33P702430.00F offers 30 dB attenuation. Designed
for demanding infrastructure applications, both EMC's 33P702403.00F and 33P702430.00F
operate to 2.7 GHz with a maximum VSWR of 1.30:1. Featuring a tab
...
SynthNV RF Generator
/ Network Analyzer
 In this short video, Saelig's Tech Support
Manager Al MacRobbie introduces the features of Windfreak Technologies'
SynthNV module, a versatile 34.4 MHz - 4.4 GHz
USB powered and programmed RF signal generator / RF power detector. A lot of these
USB synthesizers and various types of test equipment are becoming available, and
this is a great way to get a look at the multitude of features they offer along
with small size and relatively low cost
...
VME RTD/Resistance
Input Module
Highland-Technology-16-Channel-VME-RTD-Resistance-Input-Module-8-5-2015.htm" >
 Highland
Technology announces the latest release in its line of VME test and measurement
modules, the V410 RTD/resistance Input Module. The V410 features
16 independent channels configurable for 2-wire, 3-wire, and 4-wire resistance measurement
and capable of measuring from 1 ohm to 3 megohms. This makes the V410 suitable for
100-ohm and 1000-ohm RTDs, thermistors, and other resistive sensors. It can also
read Highland-Technology-16-Channel-VME-RTD-Resistance-Input-Module-8-5-2015.htm" >
cryogenic diodes. Look-up tables are included for 100 and 1000 ohm, 385 and 392
platinum RTDs. The built-in self-test reports both internal errors and wiring faults.
Any channel of the V410 may be switched to a front-panel D9 test connector for in-crate
Highland-Technology-16-Channel-VME-RTD-Resistance-Input-Module-8-5-2015.htm" >
...
Using Baluns and Ununs
 Understanding, Building, and Using Baluns and
Ununs, by Jerry Sevick. Dr. Sevick, W2FMI, is widely known in amateur radio
circles for his work with transmission line transformers, baluns and ununs. This
successor to the popular and authoritative Baluns and Ununs includes a
great deal of new tutorial material, and also includes new designs not in the previous
book, along with crystal clear explanations of how and why they work.
 If you have been searching for a do-it-yourself
VLF loop antenna that can be resonated from approximately 14 to
25 kHz, then look no more. This article from a 1963 edition of Electronics
World presents a relatively simple to build job that reportedly provides excellent
reception. At these frequencies a wavelength is measured in miles, which makes even
a simple dipole antenna impractical, so the multi-turn loop is the only alternative.
It is the same principle that allows the little ferrite-core antenna inside your
AM radio to work so well when the shortest wavelength in the commercial AM broadcast
band is nearly 600 feet
...
System
MIS4 Universal Test System
Saelig-Multiple-Instrument-System-MIS4-Universal-Test-System-7-29-2015.htm" >
 Saelig Company has introduced the
ABI Electronics' Multiple Instrument Station MIS4, an all-in-one
testing tool that provides all commonly required test instruments in one compact
programmable hardware module, mounted in a compact case or installed in a PC drive
bay. Controlled by ABI's sophisticated SYSTEM 8 Ultimate PC software with a simple
yet programmable operator interface, the Saelig-Multiple-Instrument-System-MIS4-Universal-Test-System-7-29-2015.htm" >
MIS4 combines eight laboratory instruments: a 3-channel 350 MHz digital storage
oscilloscope with sophisticated triggering options and automatic measurements; a
1.1 GHz frequency counter and three 350 MHz counters; a 14-bit dual-channel
Saelig-Multiple-Instrument-System-MIS4-Universal-Test-System-7-29-2015.htm" >
...
Selector Mobile App
Keysight-Software-Selector-Mobile-App-8-4-2015.htm" >
Keysight offers 230+ measurement applications
based on innovative algorithms and up-to-date standards-based capabilities. Use
our new mobile app to easily search by application / technology or instrument, and
select the perfect standalone or embedded test and measurement software for your
application. Then help us make this new app better for you. Try it and tell us about
your experience. We'll incorporate your feedback and suggestions into the next revision
Keysight-Software-Selector-Mobile-App-8-4-2015.htm" > ...
Safety in Servicing
 It's time to gather 'round for another story
about fictional radio service shop owner
Mac McGregor and his trusted sidekick technician, Barney. In this
episode, an errantly wired bypass capacitor on a chassis from one of the old AC/DC
radio sets caused Mac to get a 300-volt wakeup call when his hand brushed against
it. After explaining the situation to Barney and apprising him of the danger it
poses to an owner who unwittingly sticks his/her hand into the back of the cabinet,
Mac lists a few other common dangers to watch for. Radios that ran on either AC
or DC power were very common back in the early days because there were homes and
businesses that had both type systems wired in to the premises - in part due to
the famous battle between Thomas Edison's preferred DC electrical distribution system
and Nikola Tesla's preferred AC electrical distribution system. Another reason for
DC compatibility was that prior to the
Rural Electrification Act of 1936, many
...
a Software Developer
 The Software Developer reports directly to the
VP of Engineering, Director of Engineering, or Deputy Director of Engineering. The
Software Developer works closely with the Engineering technical teams and with Program
Management to design, develop, and support software solutions. The Software Developer
applies sound engineering principles to the design, development, and documentation
of systems, software and products. The Software Developer ensures all work carried
out is in compliance with company design, quality, and process standards. Essential
Functions: Develops software solutions by studying information needs; conferring
with users; studying systems flow, data usage and ...
Notable Quote: David Hilbert
 "Although infinity is needed in mathematics,
it occurs nowhere in the physical universe." -
David Hilbert, mathematician, quoted in
Nature.
Software, Improves
Pass Rate
NI-AWR-Durban-University-Technology-Adopts-Software-8-3-2015.htm" >
 NI (formerly AWR Corporation) announces
that the South African Durban University of Technology (DUT)
has adopted NI AWR Design
Environment™ for its RF design course. Expecting a steep learning curve and
a semester-long migration period, Prof. Stuart MacPherson was pleasantly surprised
with the software's ease of use and support, enabling him to completely transition
to the new tool even before the semester began. "Implementing NI AWR software in
the DUT RF design curriculum has resulted in the academic level of the course being
advanced and the pass rate being improved," said Prof. MacPherson, associate director
at NI-AWR-Durban-University-Technology-Adopts-Software-8-3-2015.htm" > ...
the July 2015
Book Drawing !!!
 Michael M., of Charlotte, NC, is the
lucky winner of the July Engineering Book Drawing. Michael wisely seelcted
Control Components Using Si,GaAs, and GaN Technologies,
by Inder J. Bahl (Graciously provided by
Artech
House). Each month I randomly select one or two people from my e-mail
inbox to receive a free (including shipping), brand
new engineering book - usually valued well over $100. I have given away 120 books
since 2008.
Its 1st Newsletter Edition
Triad-RF-Systems-Newsletter-8-3-2015.htm" >
 Triad RF Systems has published its first-ever
Triad-RF-Systems-Newsletter-8-3-2015.htm" >company newsletter. Two new amplifier
products are highlighted, and an announcement of their planned appearance at the
MILCOM 2015 trade show are among the newsworthy items. Triad RF Systems also has
a LinkedIn page titled
UAV Data Links that you are encouraged to join
Triad-RF-Systems-Newsletter-8-3-2015.htm" ...
 Here is a handy-dandy baker's dozen worth
of 'kinks,' otherwise known as
tricks, shortcuts, or clever ideas, that could prove useful while
working in the lab at work or in your shop at home. One suggestion is to place a
sheet of tracing paper over your schematic while wiring a circuit and draw each
connection as it is completed, rather than mark up the original drawing. That was
definitely good for a time when making a spare copy of a magazine page or assembly
instruction from a kit was not as simple a matter as it is today
...
Getting Light in
Their Chambers
 What I like most about this adventure of
Sherlock Ohms is not so much the problem itself
and its resolution, but the comments from readers. Opposing philosophies and attitudes
are very stark, ranging from seizing an opportunity to slam management's approach
to a problem to actually defending issues unalterable contractual test method compliance
, etc. There is also an interesting discussion from the chemistry aspect of the
dilemma. It is definitely worth a couple minutes of your time
...
GaAs IC SPDT
Absorptive Switch
Skyworks-DC-8-GHz-GaAs-SPDT-Absorptive-Switch-7-31-2015.htm" >
 Through its Isolink subsidiary, Skyworks introduces
a low-loss, high performance wideband DC to 8 GHz hermetic GaAs IC single-pole,
double-throw (SPDT) absorptive switch. The
ISO13286 is ideal for high reliability space,
satellite, and defense applications. The device performs with 50 dB isolation at 4
GHz and low loss of 1.5 dB at 4 GHz. Testing is available to the screening requirements
of MIL-PRF-38535 Class B and S, in addition to the required QCI. The ISO13286 die
is produced with Skyworks' GaAs pHEMT process that has shown Skyworks-DC-8-GHz-GaAs-SPDT-Absorptive-Switch-7-31-2015.htm" >
...
Semiconductor as a New Sponsor!
Peregrine
Semiconductor, a Murata company, is a leading fabless provider of high-performance,
radio frequency integrated circuits, or RFICs. The company's solutions leverage
UltraCMOS® technology, a patented, advanced form of silicon on insulator (SOI) that
enables the design, manufacture and integration of multiple RF, analog and digital
functions onto a single chip. Advancing the performance of RF SOI since 1988, Peregrine
today delivers the monolithic integration and superior performance necessary to
solve the RF market's biggest challenges. Peregrine's initial advertising effort
is promoting is
employment
opportunities.
Engineering Magazines & Editors Crossword Puzzle
 This week's
crossword puzzle has the theme of electronics and engineering
magazines and their editors. I have to plead guilty at not knowing who the editor-in-chief
(EiC) of many of the publications were. After so often reading the names of the
many authors and technical editors and contributing editors, etc., getting printed
every month, keeping track is difficult. You should recognize all the magazine names
since they are our industry's primary publications. Apologies to Microwaves &
RF magazine (Nancy K. Friedrich, EiC), and to High Frequency Electronics
(Scott Spencer, EiC), for not including them in the puzzle. The fact is, though,
that the more words I insert at the outset, the more difficult it is
...
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