Print this page Radio Days
J.M. Syken
Course Outline
Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1940s/50s/60s, we will examine the history and development of Radio. We will examine the importance of radio for bringing information and entertainment to the public and its role in civil defense and/or emergencies.
Furthermore, we will examine the technologies that made commercial radio possible including the functions of vacuum tubes, microphones, oscillators etc. We will also examine the principles of sound waves and their sources and how they are turned into electronic impulses. We will also examine the fundamental differences between AM vs. FM radio broadcasts.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand/appreciate the origins of radio and it’s role in American life, culture etc;
- Understand/appreciate the radio industry and the roles of the various people involved that made it possible;
- Understand/appreciate the origins and functions of sound waves and their sources;
- Understand/appreciate the critical role of vacuum tube technology in making commercial radio possible and their various function (i.e. rectify, amplify etc.);
- Understand/appreciate the method by which audio waves are joined with a carrier wave for broadcast purposes; and
- Understand/appreciate why an FM broadcast is less affected by electronic/atmospheric disturbances than an AM broadcast.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the development, innovations, technologies etc. of the radio industry.
Course Introduction
The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;
- Part 1 – Industry Overview
- Part 2 - Riding the Wave
- Part 3 – Understanding Vacuum Tubes
- Part 4 – Radio Principles
- Part 5 – AM vs. FM
Part 1 examines the origins of radio broadcasting, industry importance organization and the tangential development of television from radio broadcasting/technologies. Part 2 examines the origin of sound waves and their sources. Part 3 examines the various functions of vacuum tubes and their relation/importance to radio transmission/receiving. Part 4 examines the principles of radio broadcasting and Part 5 examines the differences and reasons why FM broadcasts are clearer than AM broadcasts.
Course Content
Part 1 – Industry Overview;
TITLE: On the Air (1937)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/OntheAir1937
DURATION: 09:55
TITLE: Radio and Television (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Radioand1940
DURATION: 10:31
TITLE: Hear and Now (ca.1958)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/HearandN1958
DURATION: 18:04
Part 2 – Riding the Wave;
TITLE: Sound Waves and Their Sources (ca.1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/SoundWavesAn
DURATION: 10:17
Part 3 – Understanding Vacuum Tubes;
TITLE: Electronics at Work (1943)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0438_Electronics_at_Work
DURATION: 21:14
Part 4 – Radio Principles;
TITLE: Sending Radio Messages (Principles of Radio – Part 1) (1943)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0919_Sending_Radio_Messages_Principles_of_Radio_Part_1_00_34_34_00
DURATION: 10:27
Part 5 – AM vs. FM;
TITLE: Frequency Modulation – Part 1 – Basic Principles (1964)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.28398
DURATION: 28:36
Course Summary
It was the Golden Age of Radio – the period between the two world wars when radio was “the new thing.” It had the power to come into our homes, offices, factories and even our cars to inform and entertain. At first, when radio consoles started to make their appearance in the living rooms and parlors of American homes, people referred to these contraptions as “talking furniture.” Some considered radio a type of black magic; how could sound be transmitted through the ether without a wire? Radio spawned television and in post-WWII America radio would be eclipsed by TV, but there was something missing. Radio allowed people to tune in and turn on their imagination in a way that TV never could. In a very real sense, radio was the means by which the entire world could communicate instantaneously and make disparate people and places a little closer to home.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Radio
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
