An Interview with Alan Yates - Recondite Radiation Raconteur

The Amp Hour · 23 Aug 2011 · 1h 08m · Episode 57

What this episode covers

Alan Yates, a software engineer at Netcom and amateur radio operator (VK2ZAY), discusses his diverse maker hobbies, including pyrotechnics, radiation detection, and building electronics with the 555 timer. He details his work on a 555-based adding machine and spectrum analyzer, his transition from web software to hardware R&D, and his views on the Australian electronics industry. The conversation also covers the technical aspects of fractal antennas, radiation detection using photodiodes and ion chambers, and the current state of ham radio.

Mentioned

Companies
Netcom, HP, Goodwill Instec, Heathkit
Chips
555 timer, photodiode, 2N4117A
Tools
fractal antenna
Also
ion chamber

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