[BC] 1950s' transistor radios pointed to more tech changes

[RichardBJohnson at comcast.net]

I once wanted to connect one of those AC/DC radios to an outside antenna for improved reception. Unfortunately, if the plug was inserted the "wrong" way, the antenna became charged with 120 volts. Therefore, I grounded the radio chassis to a good solid water-pipe ground and connected up only the "hot" AC wire to the plug. That way, the radio would work only if it was plugged in the correct way. I thought I had come up with a brilliant solution --until my father disconnected the wire from the water pipe. I still remember the shriek and feel the pain of the subsequent whipping.

Cheers,
Richard B. Johnson
Book: http://www.AbominableFirebug.com/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Dunsmoor" <mrfixit at min.midco.net>

    I took the wires from a cut off extension cord, and peeled back all but
one strand, plugged it in and scratched the two wire strands together to see
if it would spark.... From down the hall came dad's voice "what's going on
down there"? And of course, the obligatory "nothing".

    All good educational experiences.

Dave Dunsmoor