Blastmaster's definitions

RC

A regenerative radio reciever built by Westinghouse in the early 1920's. The RC consisted of the RA (reciever) and DA (amplifier) units placed in one enclosure.

The Westinghouse RC was one of the first radios produced for home use.

by BlastMaster June 6, 2003

grid

The part of a vacuum tube that controls the electron flow. Often two posts with a wire wrapped around them to form a ladder-like structure.

Some tubes need a grid bias, and some don't.

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

the finger

The middle finger, often used in the phrase "giving the finger." This finger is used to make an offensive hand gesture when speech is inadequate.

That guy just gave me the finger!! *gun cocking*

by BlastMaster June 18, 2003

scope

Short for oscilloscope

The scope will help you find the source of that interference.

by BlastMaster January 28, 2004

TRF

Tuned Radio Frequency (see radio)

I have a TRF radio from 1925. It's difficult to use compared to what we use now.

by BlastMaster June 6, 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