Alternating Current

 Rogers' First AC Tube

The Alternating Current Tube -The first great contribution to Radio progress in Canada! (Rogers)

 During the 1920s, radios were powered by "Direct Current" (DC).   A and B batteries were awkward to handle, left acid stains on rugs, and caused a background "hum" which, when activated, would cause interference when sounds were transmitted through the radio speaker.

After years of dedicated research and bold experimentation on the part of his family, 24-year old Canadian inventor Edward S. Rogers created his 15S, the world’s first Alternating Current Simple Rectifier Tube. The invention permitted the heater in a radio tube to operate from 110-volt household electric light sockets rather than being powered by large batteries.  In addition, it allowed the home wiring system to act as a signal conduit thus eliminating the need for aerials.

The AC tube also removes the background "hum" caused by Direct Current batteries, giving listeners a clearer sound from the speakers. This innovative tube contains a better insulator which Mr. Rogers successfully developed that electro-magnetically and electrically shields the input and output circuits of the tube from the heater and all but eliminates the AC hum itself.

During his early work, skeptics said "It can’t be done." Rogers’ groundbreaking achievement proved "It CAN be done."

Articles
Rogers Recollections -- A Chronicle of Excellence and Achievement

Biography -- The Life of Edward Samuel Rogers Sr. (1900 - 1939)

Web Sites
"Canada's Radio Hero", E.S. Rogers Sr.