Solarized Transistorized Ham Radio Communications System.

Here is my 1956 National Science Fair project on display at the competition at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

It took a great deal of research to come up with the oscillator transmitter circuit and the one-transistor receiver circuit for my project. Some of my first “engineering trade studies” resulted because of the limited availability (and cost) of the new solid-state (transistor) devices just coming on the market. I was fortunate to have a network of ham radio operators around the state helping me with technical advice, and scouring electronics stores in Florida’s bigger cities like Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando. I also had a transport advantage – I didn’t have to wait for each unique device to be packed and shipped. I had a rail pass so I could ride the train to Miami, Tampa or Jax and back the same day.

Here are some of the work papers and notes I found in my files.

I am grateful for the encouragement and support of my parents, of their enduring faith and trust.