The radio was not invented by one person.
Instead, the radio has continuously improved throughout the past few centuries to become what it is today. Starting with the founding of the Earth's conducting layer by Carl Friedrich in 1839, radio has a long and drama-filled history. One may not think radio conduction may be drama-filled, however, new inventions that took over old ones created quite a stir at many times. Though there were many people involved in the overall product of the radio, three of the main "founding fathers" are Lee de Forest, David Sarnoff and Edwin Howard Armstrong.
Instead, the radio has continuously improved throughout the past few centuries to become what it is today. Starting with the founding of the Earth's conducting layer by Carl Friedrich in 1839, radio has a long and drama-filled history. One may not think radio conduction may be drama-filled, however, new inventions that took over old ones created quite a stir at many times. Though there were many people involved in the overall product of the radio, three of the main "founding fathers" are Lee de Forest, David Sarnoff and Edwin Howard Armstrong.
Armstrong seems to have created the most commotion.
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| Edwin Howard Armst |
A Columbia University graduate and professor, Armstrong tested FM (frequency modulation) waves versus the already existing AM waves in 1934. From the top of the Empire State Building, Armstrong sent FM waves to a friend on Long Island. As the waves came in, the AM waves produced static and the FM waves were clear. Armstrong patented his invention, and began to look into further tests so that he could put FM radio in the market.
As one would expect, a new invention that large created much tension that eventually led to destruction (and success).
David Sarnoff, the head of RCA was threatened my Armstrong's new invention. Previously, RCA was making a huge fortune from "radio music boxes" produced by AM radio sets; FM radio would jeopardize this. Sarnoff did everything in his power to stop Armstrong. Sarnoff encouraged RCA and federal regulators to block Armstrong from continuing his tests; Sarnoff even tried to steal the FM patent.
David Sarnoff, the head of RCA was threatened my Armstrong's new invention. Previously, RCA was making a huge fortune from "radio music boxes" produced by AM radio sets; FM radio would jeopardize this. Sarnoff did everything in his power to stop Armstrong. Sarnoff encouraged RCA and federal regulators to block Armstrong from continuing his tests; Sarnoff even tried to steal the FM patent.
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| Edwin Howard Armstrong Suicide Article (1954) |
After continuously trying to fight back, and bringing the issue to court, Armstrong committed suicide. Armstrong was broke, was having issues with his wife, and must have felt virtually worthless. Ironically, though, as with many famous people it seems, his fame came soon after his death. His immense success left his widowed wife rich and the Armstrong Foundation in a much better place than it had been.
Although Edwin Howard Armstrong did not live to see his incredible success, he was one of the main creators of the radio as it is today.
I found Alexandra’s ePortfolio post to be very interesting from the beginning! I thought her title, “Edwin Howard Armstrong was Led to Death by the Radio,” was an eye-capturing and attractive title. If anyone were scanning over it, it would grab his or her attention. The opening paragraph set up the main topic of discussion for Alexandra’s blog. Contrary to popular belief, Alexandra makes an interesting point to discuss briefly that there were many contributors of the invention of the radio. The opening sentence was very straightforward, but it sets up the introduction to her main idea, Edwin Howard Armstrong, nicely. I might have chosen a different word than “drama-filled,” however, when describing the history of the radio, such as “controversial.” Alexandra explains the invention of FM radio by Armstrong and his conflict with RCA. The paragraph about Edwin Howard Armstrong’s invention of FM radio is concise and to the point. It might have helped her blog to include more information on Armstrong’s life leading up to his death. His suicide was introduced very abruptly and it would be interesting for her readers to learn more about the events leading up to his tragic death. I would’ve liked to read more details of his struggles in court with RCA and how it contributed to his committing of suicide. The layout and order of paragraphs were effective in explaining Armstrong’s lifework. After clicking on the blog post, I did notice immediately one sentence that stuck out and was separated from the first paragraph where it belonged. When posting to the ePortfolio, it’s important to remember to proofread and make sure that everything in your post is formatted correctly and neatly. This adds to the attractiveness and aesthetics of your blog. I liked Alexandra’s picture choices. That adds to the appeal of your blog and more pictures provide more information. The links were also effective and informative. They provided more background information to support the topic of the invention of the radio. I thought the timeline link was a good touch to the blog because it supported the idea that there were many contributors of the radio and it’s been a work in process for many years. As a whole, I liked Alexandra’s blog and thought her topic of discussion was very fascinating. Many readers would not know who Edwin Howard Armstrong even was and this blog gives a brief and to-the-point biography of his life and contributions to the radio. That being said, I think more details would have added to the blog. Again, I would’ve liked to read more details about the controversy with RCA or Armstrong’s personal life and what led him to create the FM radio. Overall, I really liked Alexandra’s ePortfolio post and found it interesting and enjoyable to read.
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