BlastMaster's definitions

nipple

A small metal tube protruding from the breech of a muzzle loading firearm, used to hold a percussion cap so that it may be struck by the hammer and ignite the powder.

Place a cap on the nipple and draw the hammer back, aim, and fire.

by BlastMaster June 12, 2003

si

Short for "System International." Also known as the Metric System.

The SI system makes more sense than the English system. It should be officially adopted by the US, but we Americans are too lazy for change.

by BlastMaster June 12, 2003

regenerative

see radio
A type of radio circuit that amplifies by feeding the output signal back into the input (regenerating) in such a manner that the signal is strenghtened.

If you improperly adjust the feedback on a regenerative receiver, it becomes a transmitter and will mess up the neighbors' radios!

by BlastMaster June 16, 2003

regenerate

See regenerative or radio

by BlastMaster June 16, 2003

alt codes

A series of numbers on the numpad that when typed while holding the ALT-key will produce a symbol not normally found on the keyboard.

Some examples of alt codes:
Alt+0215 = ×
Alt+0153 = ™
Alt+789 = §
Alt+0134 = †

by BlastMaster June 16, 2003

bias

A negative voltage applied to the grid of a vacuum tube in order to assist the alteration of the flow of electrons from the cathode to the plate.

the bias used for the 201A tube is 4.5 volts when the plate is at 90 volts.

by BlastMaster June 16, 2003

Plate

The anode in a vacuum tube; the surface to which electrons are attracted.

If you use the 201A tube as an amplifier, you should give it a plate voltage of 90 volts.

by BlastMaster June 16, 2003