On The Fly

In this episode - The Car Radio . . . It's possible that your next new car won't have the option to switch between AM and FM radio. Many automakers are now choosing to exclude AM radio from their latest models. Among them, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Tesla have either already removed or plan to remove AM radio from at least some electric models. Ford is going even further, reports the Detroit Free Press, and ditching AM in all new cars – gas or electric. Auto manufacturers typically cite electromagnetic interference as the reason for removing the radios from E.V.s. Electric motors can interfere with AM radio frequencies, making it sound staticky over the airwaves. Is that a valid excuse? Let's look at the historical development of the car radio. In 1929, William Lear and Elmer Wavering drove their girlfriends to a scenic spot overlooking the Mississippi River in Quincy, Illinois, to admire the sunset. The story has it one of the women suggested that music would make ...

In this episode - HollywoodLand . . . If you've had the pleasure of visiting Los Angeles (L.A.), you surely wouldn't have missed the Hollywood sign - it has been a testament to the film industry for almost a century. It stands tall on Mount Lee, in Griffith Park  (50-foot-tall letters),   and is considered the iconic location for a photo-op in the City of Angels. The Hollywood sign represents fame, fortune, and glamour people aspire to achieve in the entertainment industry. However, some lesser-known facts about this famous landmark might surprise you. It's worth noting that the Hollywood Sign was originally created as a marketing tactic for a real estate project. In 1923, Harry Chandler, an investor in the Hollywoodland housing development, shelled out $21,000 to erect a billboard on Mount Lee. The sign was unique because it was illuminated at night by 4,000 20-watt light bulbs, making it a true marvel of electric advertising. The lights were timed so that the words ...

In this episode - In Solar Time . . . We are thrilled to present a unique surprise for this week's podcast. We have composed a special tribute to Cenergy's V-Team in the form of original lyrics to the iconic Beatles song "When I'm 64".   One of Cenergy’s engineering team members is Vietnam’s Doan Vo (Dr. Vo). Dr. Vo - as we call him - is the team lead for Cenergy’s Electrical Engineering Operations. We want to thank the V-Team for their unwavering commitment and assistance to the US team. Your diligent efforts are truly appreciated. In Solar Time When I get older, losing my mind many years from now. Will you still be estimating power lines? Calculating modules in Solar time. If I'd been shocked at quarter to four would you close the door (circuit)?   Will you still teach me? Will you still reach me? When I'm eighty-four. You'll be older too. And if you say the word I could just phone you. I could be handy, changing the fuse. When your power’s gone. Cal...

In this episode - Electronic Waste . . . Last week we examined the resurgence of the LP record. What prompted that episode was visiting our local record shop to see about replacing a turntable cartridge. Well, after a bit of experimentation, I discovered it wasn't my turntable at fault. The problem was with my Harman/Kardon integrated stereo amplifier. While playing records, one channel cut out, switching to mono; both channels played. My first thought was, "I'd had this amplifier for over 40 years; maybe it's time to replace it" - until I started looking at the price of a new comparable amplifier. I suppose there's a market on eBay where you can pick up something similar, but why get a used replacement that may develop other unknown issues? Also, buying a new unit meant the old one would end up on a massive pile of electronic waste that seems to multiply exponentially in today's throw-away culture. The integrated stereo amplifier remains popular for audi...