Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This podcast is based on a paper written by Thomas J. Buzalski, the former chief transmitter engineer for NBC in New York. You can read his paper in the 1986 issue of the AWA Review here:
antiquewireless.org/homepage/awa-review-archive
The paper written from the unique vantage point of an engineer who worked closely with Major E. H. Armstrong on the early development of frequency modulation (FM), as an aural broadcasting service. Some qualities of Howard Armstrong as an engineer, inventor and human being are disclosed, not often found in print. His system of frequency modulation was in some respects a contradiction of accepted theory in that it achieved a reduction in noise level by using a channel having greater rather than smaller bandwidth. Armstrong was inclined frequently to say that one oft he difficulties in what he was doing was that people so often knew so many things that weren't so.
The development of Armstrong's system of FM stimulated work on information theory which provided a better understanding of fundamental communications principles which, in turn, has guided the design of today's complex systems.
This audio content was produced with AI.
Help us preserve the history of electronic communications by becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: antiquewireless.org/homepage/join-or-renew-membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
This podcast is based on a paper written by Thomas J. Buzalski, the former chief transmitter engineer for NBC in New York. You can read his paper in the 1986 issue of the AWA Review here:
antiquewireless.org/homepage/awa-review-archive
The paper written from the unique vantage point of an engineer who worked closely with Major E. H. Armstrong on the early development of frequency modulation (FM), as an aural broadcasting service. Some qualities of Howard Armstrong as an engineer, inventor and human being are disclosed, not often found in print. His system of frequency modulation was in some respects a contradiction of accepted theory in that it achieved a reduction in noise level by using a channel having greater rather than smaller bandwidth. Armstrong was inclined frequently to say that one oft he difficulties in what he was doing was that people so often knew so many things that weren't so.
The development of Armstrong's system of FM stimulated work on information theory which provided a better understanding of fundamental communications principles which, in turn, has guided the design of today's complex systems.
This audio content was produced with AI.
Help us preserve the history of electronic communications by becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: antiquewireless.org/homepage/join-or-renew-membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
