Real-time through-wall imaging using an ultrawideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO phased array radar system

The 3 images shown above are of a moving 1" diameter sphere passing a fixed 1" diameter sphere imaged in real-time using the S-band UWB MIMO radar system. The author of that real-time imaging algorithm is Tyler S. Ralston who based it on his dissertation work.

This project was a combination of both mine and Tyler's dissertation. We have published one IEEE conference paper on it so far and there are plans to publish more as additional results are made.

A real-time radar video of a human swinging a metal pole around (in range vs. cross range) can be seen here if you scroll down to the bottom.

N6QW's Shirt Pocket Sized 20M QRP SSB Transceiver.wmv

Restoring then hacking an Emerson model 888 Pioneer transistor radio

From top to bottom photos: removing then replacing all electrolytics and the one paper capacitor. Also sprayed some tuner cleaner in the volume potentiometer. The radio now works just like new!

Tyler S. Ralston's website on imaging, applying radar techniques to pathology research

My colleague Tyler S. Ralston has posted a website of his pathology research. This includes real-time imagery of the insides of small animals and skin samples using SAR techniques in concert with coherent lasers.

Shown above is one of the coherent laser systems and an image of a tadpole heart, which you can see beating in real-time here.

Tyler is a great guy to work with and we have had lots of fun developing radar imaging systems, will post some of that shortly.

Restoring then hacking an Emerson model 888 Pioneer transistor radio

Recently I purchased this old Emerson model 888 Pioneer transistor radio built in 1957. It has 8 transistors, 4 for the RF and 4 for the audio circuitry. It uses a transformer coupled audio phase splitter and audio output for a total of 2 audio transformers. It does not use negative feedback in its amplifier. For these reasons (and the fact that it uses early transistors) this radio will have a unique sound compared to modern audio devices.

My plan is to restore it to original working order by re-capping all electrolytics and paper caps, then hack it so that i can play my ipod through it but also still be able to use the radio.

I will do this by using the ear phone output jack on the side as an input, where the radio AF out to the audio amplifier circuitry will be interrupted when an audio source is plugged in. No case modifications will be necessary.

Stay tuned...

Restoration Completed! the 1956 Jefferson Electric Golden Hour Electric Clock completed

Restoration completed. I have tested the clock for some time now and it continues to work reliably.

Next step: I will place this retro clock in the window at my office and pretend i am a 1950's executive!

I have posted a youtube video of this clock and explanation of how it works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kj3r6jP7L4

I have also made a website documenting its restoration with links to informative sites and parts suppliers.

radios acquired at RADIO XLII

Found some real beauties at Radio XLII this weekend. Shown above are the photos.

I'm planning to modify one of these early transistor radios to work with the ipod. The Emerson 888 is working just fine so i might give that one a try first.

Interestingly enough, the Emerson 'Vanguard' has a rocket on the front, this is very endearing and maybe i will use this one for the ipod instead.

Replaced the old gear motor on the 1956 Jefferson Electric Golden Hour clock

Had to replace the old motor. Apparently one of the gears was stripped inside of the gear assembly. It looks like the gear assembly itself was once repaired at some point in the past.

Fortunately timesavers.com stocks replacement motors for this clock.

Soon i will have a vintage electric clock in my office...

Twitter

I've opened a Twitter account, so if you are interested in vacuum tubes, radar systems, and the other stuff discussed here then please sign up to follow.

I'm not sure what to use it for yet, but i think it will evolve over time just like this blog.

History of the SAGE system, Semi-Automatic Ground Environment Air Defense System

Interested in cold war history? Read this fascinating article on the development of the SAGE national air defense system posted by Lincoln Laboratory.

Radar sensors integrated with computer systems and information centers, all of this developed in the 1950's.

Jefferson Electric Golden Hour Electric Clock from 1956, re-gluing the glass crystal

The glass crystal was un-glued from the gear ring so i had to use some epoxy to glue it back on as shown above, again following instructions (as close as i could).

The result was a solid bond between the gear ring and the glass. Hopefully i will get another 50 years out of this clock when it is done.

TM 9-1575, an excellent manual on watch and clock repair

http://www.90thidpg.us/Reference/Manuals/TM%209-1575.pdf

Jefferson Electric Golden Hour Electric Clock restoration, cleaning the hour hand gear assembly

Now that the MIT IAP radar course is complete i can get back to restoring my 1956 retro electric clock.

Shown above: Removing, then cleaning, and re-assembling the hour hand gear assembly per the instructions on Roger Russell's site.

Website posted on the MIT IAP radar course, capturing all student websites and other info

I setup a website for the IAP radar course to post links to all student groups, provide the course abstract, and show some of the results from the course. Be sure to check it out to see what the student groups were able to accomplish in 3 short weeks.

Later this winter or early spring we hope to publish everything on the MIT opencoursware site.

Stay tuned...

Other notable student radar sets built as part of the IAP '11 radar course

Gustavo's blog has some great examples of each radar experiment for the IAP radar course and the real-time GUI written to run his radar system (many of these include demo videos):

Time Doppler Experiment

Time Doppler with cars (video here)

Range Time (video demo here)

Improved Range Time (video demo here)

SAR Imaging

More SAR Imaging

RADIO XLII An Indoor Old Radio Flea Market in Westford MA, Feb 20

Here it is, the biggest antique radio swap meet in new england, coming up on Feb 20!

For more info please download the flyer.

RADIO XLII

An Indoor Old Radio Flea Market

Biggest Show on the East Coast 5 Same Giant Location Last Year: 546 Attendees 5 53 Exhibitors 5 83 Tables

Sunday, February 20, 2011 — 8:00 AM to 12:00 NOON

Registration begins for all at 7:30 AM $12 admission (spouse & children free) – Exhibitors see below.

Westford Regency Inn — Regency Room — Westford, Mass.

(I-495 at Exit 32 — directions below)

Refreshments will be available.