Michael E. Valdez

During my life, I had opportunity for learning many different things. The purpose of this page is to put the knowledge I have accumulated, in a way that can be used by others. Buried in my head this knowledge has little value. If you need explanations or clarifications, I would be happy to provide them by email.

I hope that you are not offended by my opinions and thoughts. You can find them in what I call Essays and Fiction. Essays are short, single topic writings. Fiction are longer, more complex material, normally including elements of fiction, to make them more interesting. Fiction is a good way to present ideas, because it permits to include two or several characters discussing the ideas, like in the Dialogs of Plato or in the writings of Galileo.

The bulk of this page is formed by links to scientific or technical work in many different areas. They have been classified, as best as possible, in the areas of astronomy, computers, radio astronomy, conference papers, monographs and textbooks. This last group contains the lectures notes of many of the courses I taught in the universities. I am sorry, but many interesting courses were taught before computers were available and I lost my notes in my many travels.

Thank you for visiting my page and I hope you enjoy it and get some benefit from it.

Warning

I am a scientist, by mutation, not by education. The Ph.D. did not make me a scientist. I was a scientists since I was very young, because of my way of thinking. Since few people are scientists, or know about science, it is necessary to insert this warning.
The content of my Essays and Fiction are the result of years of analysis, study and understanding of the subjects; that is, of scientific inquire. The reader not familiar with scientific inquire must be warned that this activity is quite special, and not too common. Most persons look at a topic trying to find confirmation of his own ideas. A person doing scientific inquire, does not try to confirm or disprove a theory or an idea. Such a person looks for the truth, in the most unbiased way. That person never expects a particular result, but accepts what he finds. This creates the problem for some readers, of finding results that contradict his beliefs or ideas. For this reason, I warn the reader that my Essays and Fiction contain the results I found and that they are presented without any regard or respect for sacred ideas, whether of scientific, political, social, or religious nature.
If you might be offended reading opinions that contradict yours, you should not read my Essays and Fiction. If you read them, you do not have any right to complain, because nobody forced you to read them and you were warned.

A Parable 2008. A short parable about science, money, and human nature.
Out of Africa 2008. A short story making fun of the theory explaining how humans populated Earth.
On the Duality of Light 2007 It is currently accepted that light behaves simultaneously as a particle and as a wave. It is the purpose of this paper to demonstrate that such duality does not exist.
On the Origins of Man 2007 The Out of Africa Hypothesis for the origins of man on earth, is analyzed and found to have too many assumptions and unanswered questions. Two other alternative hypotheses, the Angels Hypothesis and the Extraterrestrials Hypothesis, are analyzed and also found defective. A new hypothesis is presented that solves the problems found in the previous three.
Ruminations about Science 2007 While driving, walking, waiting, or before going to sleep, the mind wanders and produces interesting thoughts. Many times these thoughts are about science. The topics are not that important or extended as to justify a paper or essay. The purpose of this paper is to collect some of those thoughts to have them in writing, so they might benefit others.
On the Meaning of Words in Science 2007 Words have meaning that depends on their context. The purpose of this paper is to put together the normal definitions of some critical words used in science, as well as to include some comments about their common use, to clarify the consequences of their meaning.
On the Foundations of the Theory of Relativity 2007 The reason for this paper is that all investigators use their brain to do their analyses; thus, they are susceptible to the procedures the brain uses to work. A person never sees what actually happens in front of him; he only sees what he thinks happens in front of him. The same is true with all other senses. Similarly, when a person considers that a theory, hypothesis, or idea is valid, he never questions the foundamental ideas on which the theory, hypothesis, or idea is built upon. This is more important, the stronger the person believes the theory, hypothesis, or idea is valid. The purpose of this paper is to question the foundations of the theory of relativity. In this case, there is another important factor: the foundations of the theory of relativity seem to be very simple, obvious, self explanatory, and easy to repeat. The faults of those foundations are not easy to detect. It is not easy to see if a building has faulty beams. The results of the Michelson-Morley experiment are also analyzed.
On the Foundations of the Big Bang 2007 The purpose of this paper is not to convince those who believe in the big bang hypotheis, because that is not possible; but to present an analysis of the big bang for the benefit of persons with an open mind. Researchers are susceptible to the procedures the brain uses to work. A person never sees what happens in front of him; but what he thinks happens in front of him. The same is true with all other senses. A person never questions the fundamental ideas on which a theory, hypothesis, or idea is built upon, when he believes that the theory, hypothesis, or idea is true. This paper studies the origins of the big bang hypothesis, the initial controversy, and the current developments, because they represent a very clear example of the current state of cosmology.
Dialogs about Science 2003 This work has the form of fiction. As such, the purpose is to entertain. From another point of view, the purpose of this work is to discuss many scientific and social issues that cannot be discussed in scientific papers. For this reason, the form of this work is similar to the Dialogs of Plato or the works of Galileo. They used the form of a conversation between several persons, because it permitted Plato and Galileo to present several points of view of an issue and to discuss the merits and the flaws of these points of view. This cannot be done in the normal format of a scientific paper or essay. In order to satisfy both purposes, the form has been changed. The Dialogs of Plato and the works of Galileo are between scholars. The dialogs in this work are between two very different personalities. One is a young professor at a university; the other is a young girl, who is his neighbor. In order to make the discussion more interesting and entertaining, some elements of romance and everyday life have been included. It should be clarified, that this work has been written only for the enjoyment and entertainment of the author, without any idea of making it public. This, naturally, gives complete freedom to express ideas. If this work is ever made public, it will rise many eyebrows. Some of the ideas expressed in this work will probably shock many readers and outrage others.
The Brain 2003 Having the author been a professor for most of his life, he became interested in the workings of the brain, how the students learn, how a teacher talks, and how the communication could be improved. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of this observations. Many examples are provided to support the observations. The conclusions obtained from these observations might surprise some readers.
Making Fun of WMAP 2003 Some time ago, I was reading a book and there was a mention of the important results from the COBE satellite. I became curious and reread those results. Then, I went to the results from the MAP satellite. I was remembering all the delays in the announcement of the results. When they finally came out, I was very much impressed by the high accuracy of the results. I went back to their web site and I was surprised to find that no announcement has been made after the first one. I could not avoid my mind from giving a funny twist to the situation. Here is the result. I hope nobody gets offended and take it like it is: a joke.
On Engineering Education 2003 The purpose of this paper is to talk about teaching to engineering students. The author has been a design engineer, a professor of engineering or a researcher all his life. He has accumulated some knowledge about the matter he wants to share with the readers. There is another essay in this web page about the observations made by the author on the workings of the brain.
On Computers and the Handicapped 2002 I cannot start without a comment on the word "handicapped". It hurts me to use it but common language does not have one that has the proper meaning. Some times the word "disabled" is used for the same purpose, but in my opinion is worst. The purpose of this talk is to analyze this concept.
On Artificial Intelligence 1990 Artificial Intelligence is one of the most important topics of all the fields related to computers. Although it seems that everybody understands what Artificial Intelligence is, as far as I know, nobody has come up with a definition of Artificial Intelligence we can dissect, analyze and be happy with it.
On the Process of Learning 1985 Learning is a very important activity for all of us. It is not limited to those who plan to go to a university. If you are interested on dealing drugs, you better learn the rules of the trade fast or you will end up death. The same if you want to get in the football team in High School. If you do not learn the rules of the game you will not make it. When you start working, each place has rules you better learn, or you will not stay long. But, although we learn since we are born, there are certain conditions for learning that not everybody knows. They have to be learned.

Design of a Space Habitat 2006 In the form of the transcripts from a class at an unspecified university, the topic of the design of a space habitat is developed. The design of the space habitat is presented as a class project. The students are supposed to determine all the parameters and the characteristics of the habitat. The Professor, whom we call Dr. Johnson, takes the duty of seeing that the design characteristics the students adopt are logical. He also gives them the information they need for making the decisions. The design the students develop might not seem conventional, because it differs in many aspects from what is currently considered a design of a space habitat. During the discussions in class, all the justification for each of the design decisions is given, as well as the way the students reach those decisions.
Detecting Extrasolar Civilizations 2006 The search for radio signals from extrasolar transmissions have been going on for quite a number of years with negative results. One of the possibilities of such searches is to detect the leakage from radio transmissions in other worlds outside the Solar System. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the possibility of such detection with current technology.
On Extraterrestrial Civilizations 2003 Since time immemorial, man has wondered on the idea of other beings in the universe. This is the question of being alone in the universe. This is the question of being the only intelligent species in the universe. The point seems to be that, deep inside the mind, man considers illogical that the conditions on Earth are unique. It seems illogical that given the billions of stars only in our galaxy, man is a unique phenomenon. It seems illogical that given the billions of years the galaxy has existed, man is a unique phenomenon.
On Space Colonization 2001 The purpose of this paper is to study the design of space habitats that are practical and feasible. It includes analyses of the reason for a space habitat, as opposed to planet colonies. It also includes analyses of existing designs and a detailed analysis of one proposed design.
On Science Fiction 2000 The term Science Fiction is used in book catalogs to include different types of books. This paper analyses the real meaning of this term.
On Space Exploration 1999 This paper presents my thoughts about the development of space and a comparison with the development of other means of transportation.
On Computers, Space and Society 1988 We are living through a sociological transformation that must be called the computer revolution: The computer has invaded and transformed our lives in a way that has never been experienced before. Although a large number of articles have been written in all kinds of magazines and papers, and innumerable programs have been produced for television, it seems as if very few people realize the consequences of this revolution. The purpose of this paper is to analyze these consequences and consider some possible solutions.
On Extraterrestrial Communication 1984 The results from the studies with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite reported at the Baltimore meeting of the American Astronomical Society in June this year indicate that at least 40 stars within 75 light-years from the Earth have solid material around them. Although the resolution of IRAS is not as high as needed to define the question of planets, it seems that the presence of solid material around the stars is the norm more than the exception, as previously considered. If the solid material detected by IRAS does not represent planets, it might represent planets in formation. In any case, it seems logical to expect that, as this type of research continues with more sensitive equipment, the conclusion will be that many if not all stars, have planets.

A-Frame for Supporting a Dish Antenna The parabolic reflector is one of the most interesting antennas for radio astronomy, not only for its efficiency but for its reduced reception from unwanted directions. One of the problems with a dish antenna is that its form does not permit to develop a mount that is easy to build and light weight. The cost of the mount is many times larger than the cost of the dish, for the same quality In general, the dish must be supported from its back and the axis of rotation must be behind the antenna. This requires a complicated structure and a heavy counter weight to balance the antenna. Making a dual axes movement is rather complicated because of the same reasons: both axes must be behind the antenna requiring heavy counter weights.
Armchair Radio Astronomy (from "Radio Astronomy for Beginners.") The original text in the book is far too long for publication in the Journal. What follows is a summary made by the author, trying to keep us much information as possible. The emphasis has been put on the description of the project and on the results which can be obtained. All construction details have been eliminated because they constitute the bulk of the text in the book. The readers can perform these experiments using the equipment they have.
An Astronomical Calculator A computer program to simplify the most common computations made by amateur radio astronomers, and some not too common.
The Beginner Amateur Beginner is a label that you apply to yourself or that others apply to you as a consequence of the way you behave. How long you will carry that label and how long you are considered a beginner by others depends only on how much time and effort you are willing to spend on learning the foundations of your hobby.
Cable Interference and SETI The experiences of the author with interference from cable television in his radio telescope are analyzed and its consequences studied. Since cable is spreading very fast across the nation, it is considered that these experiences apply equally well to other amateurs working in suburban locations. A computer program to find all possible offending signals in superheterodine receivers, is also presented.
A Cheap Scanner as Radio Astronomy Tool One very common problem for radio astronomy amateurs is the lack of equipment to calibrate their units. This article presents one solution that, although not of a great precision, produces results that are better than not having any calibration.
A Computer As A Recording Device A computer has many advantages as a recording device in amateur Radio Astronomy. The records are permanent. It is easy to make copies. You can change the format. It is easy to analyze the observations. The computer includes all pertinent data for future reference. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how these functions are performed. <>An observation without date and time is useless. Most computers can keep an accurate time. Some might loose or gain time. There is a shareware program for the PC and compatibles that corrects the clock every time you run the program. The use of this program assures a good time, within seconds per week. The name of the program is CLCKWORK, V 4.8, June 1992, written by Pavel Otavsky, 26 Barberry Hill, Woodstock, VE 05091-1269. The registration fee is $ 15. If your Bulletin Board does not have the program, I can send you a copy. Send the registration fee to the author.
A Computer Installation for Radio Astronomy The limitations of the observatories of amateur radio astronomers are analyzed as well as the reasons for these limitations. A solution is proposed to enhance the capabilities of the observatory of a serious radio astronomer by the addition of one of the modern, state-of-the-art personal computers that have appear in the market at a very reasonable price. Some of the possible applications are analyzed to prove the point. None of these applications were possible before, with a computer under thousand dollars.
Computers and Radio Astronomy This paper describes the possible uses of computers for diginal signal processing in Radio Astronomy, as well as their limitations. Filtering, frerquency analysis, and pseudo correlation are treated in detail using examples prepared with a computer.
Data Transfer in Amateur Radio Astronomy During last year's Symposium, we were permitted to use the 40 ft radio telescope at NRAO. Chuck Forster took data with his McIntosh computer and later he sent two of the records to me, to test the possibility of transferring data between amateurs. This paper presents, rather late, the results at this end of the transfer.
A DC Processor The purpose of this Application Note is to analyze the DC Processor, its design and construction.
The Design of Radio Telescopes In a previous article, the design of a radio telescope was described in a qualitative way. This article describes the proper procedure for performing that design, using mathematics.
Digital Filters This is a very simplified analysis of digital filters, covering mostly the application of the filters, what they do, and how to select one. Members interested in the theory are advised to refer to more advanced books.
Digital Recording of Radio Astronomical Data This paper presents a proposal for the recording of radio astronomical observations in digital form. The terms used are those familiar to computer users.
Echoes From blue Bank The euphoria of the celebration of our 10th anniversary has not gone from my mind when I sit to write this short note to report the completion of one of the achievements of the meeting.
An Economical Tone Generator for Frequency Response Calibration of Magnetic Tape Recorders Specifications for a tone generator for the calibration of audio tape recorders to record radio astrometric data. This generator employs the XR 2206 I.C. which is available from Radio Shack and other stores.
Floppy Almanac The Floppy Almanac is a program for MS-DOS based computers which reproduces the data contained in the major sections of the Astronomical, Air, and Nautical Almanacs to full precision. The time span of each edition of the Floppy Almanac is 400 days: one calendar year plus about two weeks overlap into each of the adjacent years.
GEMINI This paper presents the details of design, possible variations, and procedures for the use of a computer interface that permits reading the output from two telescopes exactly at the same time. Such an interface permits simultaneous observations of a source at two frequencies to determine frequency dispersion of the signals, or with two telescopes pointing at different sources, to observe correlation between them. It is also possible to separate signals that originate on the Earth from those from space. This interface has many other uses that will come to mind as the user gets familiar with its operation.
How Strong Is It? This paper presents a simple method to estimate the deflection the transit of a source will produce in your output device.
The National Amateur Radio Astronomy Observatory I consider that the idea of creating a National Amateur Radio Astronomy Observatory, with the emphasis on National is a very good idea whose time has come. Not that we will or could start construction next Monday, but the time has come to start thinking about it, talking about it, and planing what we want. This process will take several years if we want to have something we will be proud of.
Novice Corner: Starting Have you ever wanted to try your hand at Radio Astronomy but considered it too difficult? Do you want to find out if Radio Astronomy is for you without spending a lot of money? I will show you an easy way to do it. All this without spending any money
Post Detector Processor for SETI, Part 1 Preliminary Analyses The purpose of this article is to present the preliminary analyses for the design of a post detector processor for SETI work that is within the capabilities of SARA members. Future articles will design the different parts.
Post Detector Processor for SETI, Part 2: Software Solution This article presents the analysis of a post detector processor for SETI work based on software; that is, the characteristics of speed are relaxed to permit it to be solved by a personal computer.
Post Detector Processor for SETI, Part 3: Some Results This paper presents some results obtained with the procedure described in Part Two of this work, published in the June 1990 issue of RADIO ASTRONOMY. Some other uses of this software are also analyzed.
A Radio Astronomical Observatory This paper analyzes the design and construction details of an amateur radio astronomical telescope built by the author. The equipment characteristics are given and the problems encountered during its construction as well as their solutions are described in detail. The results of the preliminary observations presented in the text, are very encouraging.
A Remote A/D Converter and RS232 Transmitter The circuit and design considerations for a remote A/D converter and RS232 transmitter are presented. This unit is very well suited for use by radio astronomers to store data from the radio telescope into a computer. The computer program set the rate at which the samples are taken without complex communication between units.
The SARA Radio Astronomy Observatory In two opportunities I have written in RADIO ASTRONOMY about the possible observatory for the use of SARA member. Since the topic is again of interest, and it will probably be discussed in the June meeting, I wish to put my two cents of ideas, so you have something to chew.
Searching for Pulses Talk Delivered at the SARA Meeting in NRAO. This is a condensation of a paper on the subject to be published on RADIO ASTRONOMY, the Journal of the Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers.
Searching for Pulses Searching for pulses has fascinated SARA members for many years. This paper presents an analysis of the problems in finding pulses and some solutions.
Separating Extraterrestrial Signals from Terrestrial Interference Chuck Forster presented a very interested paper during the 1992 SARA Convention in blue Bank, WV. This work analyzes the procedure described in that paper and tests its results.
A Station Analysis Computer Program This program permits you to verify the operation of your station by giving you the theoretical voltages at the diode and at the recorder output. It also gives you the theoretical increase in output voltage when you replace your antenna with a 50 Ohm
Suggestions for Recording Radio Astronomical Data These recommendations are a first step to develop some form of a standard procedure for recording data for S. A. R. A. members.
Testing an Amateur Radio Telescope I have been asked many times questions about telescopes. One question that is always missing is how do I know the telescope is working. Many amateurs, especially novices, do not want to show the result of their observations, simply because they are afraid to be told they mean nothing. When I have said this, the amateur got mad at me and I never hear from him again. The purpose of this article is to put together some simple procedures to assure your telescope is working and that you will not be embarrassed showing your observations.
Thoughts on Extraterrestrial Communications The results from the studies with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite reported at the Baltimore meeting of the American Astronomical Society in June this year indicate that at least 40 stars within 75 light-years from the Earth have solid material around them. Although the resolution of IRAS is not as high as needed to define the question of planets, it seems that the presence of solid material around the stars is the norm more than the exception, as previously considered. If the solid material detected by IRAS does not represent planets, it might represent planets in formation. In any case, it seems logical to expect that, as this type of research continues with more sensitive equipment, the conclusion will be that many if not all stars, have planets.
Chapter 9 Computers in Radio Astronomy of Microwave Radio Astronomy, by Jeffrey M. Lichtman, N.Y., 1984. This Chapter describes the possible uses of computers for diginal signal processing in Radio Astronomy, as well as their limitations. Filtering, frerquency analysis, and pseudo correlation are treated in detail using examples prepared with a computer.

And Now What? Many years ago I was in Chile. How I got there is a long story and not related to this one. In that time, I was a very active amateur astronomer in Lima, Peru, where I was living. During an International Conference in amateur astronomy in Lima, I met the Director of the Institute of Physics and Astronomy, from the Catholic University in Chile. When I passed through Santiago, Chile, as a tourist, I went to visit him. My visit to Chile coincided with the visit from Dr. Hynek. He was trying to develop the chain of Moonwatch stations throughout the world, to observe the satellite the United States was hoping to put in orbit. My friend the professor, got me involved in the meetings with Dr. Hynek and, before I knew what was happening, I was appointed associate professors of physics at his university and associate astronomer of the observatory.
Pairs of Binaries List of pairs of stars, ordered by separation, for testing purposes
Cleaning a Mirror The Meridian September 2003, page 3. One of the problems every amateur faces some time or another, is dirt on his mirror. This is more common in Newtonian telescopes. This is even worst in telescopes that are in an observatory. Dust, bugs and even mice, find their way to the surface of the mirror. Another problem is moving the telescope after a long period of disuse. The dust collected on the tube can be moved to the mirror. So, the problem of cleaning a mirror will appear, sooner or later. You can hear or read wild ideas about what to do. Persons who know will tell you the best rule for cleaning a mirror: Don't!
Collimation The purpose of collimation is to make the optical axes of all the parts of a telescope coincide. This does not mean only the objective, but the tube, the secondary mirror if any, the star diagonal if any, and the eyepiece and its holder. Every telescope needs to be collimated. Refractors and Smith-Cassegrain follow the same ideas presented here, although the details are different. This paper presents in detail, the collimation of newtonian telescopes.
Finding North There are three basic ways to point a telescope to an object in the sky; they are, star hopping, setting circles and go-to. Star hopping is based on the ability of the observer, so it will not be considered here. The accuracy of setting circles and go-to depend very much on the accuracy with which the telescope is pointed north. This paper describes a simple procedure for finding true north. This procedure is useful when observing from the pads at our observatory, as well as in any other permanent observing location, like the home of the observer.
Floppy Almanac The Floppy Almanac is a program for MS-DOS based computers which reproduces the data contained in the major sections of the Astronomical, Air, and Nautical Almanacs to full precision. The time span of each edition of the Floppy Almanac is 400 days: one calendar year plus about two weeks overlap into each of the adjacent years.
Limiting Magnitude The limiting magnitude is one of the many values included in the specifications of a telescope. A telescope user should understand what is the meaning of this term to obtain maximum use from his telescope. The purpose of this paper is to clarify this meaning.
Masking a Telescope There is the widespread idea that reducing the effective diameter of a telescope with a mask improves the image. This is supported very much when talking about observation of the Sun, the Moon or the planets. It is indicated that the Sun, the Moon and the planets have a very high luminosity and a large aperture is not required. Naturally, this considers only the light gathering capabilities of a telescope. The high f/ratio is always mentioned as an advantage, without a definite justification. The lack of diffraction from the secondary mirror is also mentioned as an advantage. The purpose of this paper is to analyze these ideas and to see what real consequences putting a mask will have in the quality of the image produced by the telescope.
Resolving Power There is the widespread idea that reducing the effective diameter of a telescope with a mask improves the image. This is supported very much when talking about observation of the Sun, the Moon or the planets. It is indicated that the Sun, the Moon and the planets have a very high luminosity and a large aperture is not required. Naturally, this considers only the light gathering capabilities of a telescope. The high f/ratio is always mentioned as an advantage, without a definite justification. The lack of diffraction from the secondary mirror is also mentioned as an advantage. The purpose of this paper is to analyze these ideas and to see what real consequences putting a mask will have in the quality of the image produced by the telescope.
Telescope Computations QCAS Talk March 15, 2004. A telescope is not a toy. A telescope is an instrument. Every instrument has characteristics and limitations. In order to use properly any instrument, you need to know its characteristics and its limitations. Some limitations come from the characteristics of the instrument, like the resolution of a telescope. Others come from defects of its manufacture, like the diagonal of a newtonian being too small. Others come from defects of operation, like using the wrong eyepiece with a telescope. Some limitations can be corrected, others can be used. If you know the limitations of your instrument, you avoid frustrations and obtain better results.
Using a Telescope Quad Cities Astronomical Society Talk Feb 16, 2004. There is a tendency today to make everything into an appliance. Everything requires minimum knowledge to be used. Any child can use a television set or a microwave oven. Any child can use a computer and take pictures like a professional. The cars need less and less knowledge from their owners. Pretty soon any child will be able to sit in a car and tell it to drive him home. The point is that they are trying to make all of us into idiots; witness the fantastic success of all those Idiot Guides and books for dummies. You have from Windows for Dummies to Quantum Mechanics for Dummies. Telescopes have not avoided that trend. Today, telescopes are automatic. Any child can set up a telescope, and by pushing buttons, look at a galaxy several million light years away or a planet, a few light minutes away, without understanding the difference. It is my contention that it is much better to understand what you do and enjoy the results in the best possible way.
Using the SDSS Survey Page The Sloan Digital Sky Survey is a project supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and others. The SDSS uses a dedicated, 2.5-meter telescope on Apache Point, NM, equipped with two powerful special-purpose instruments. The 120-megapixel camera can image 1.5 square degrees of sky at a time, about eight times the area of the full moon.

Teaching Computer Design Using Simulation The purpose of computer engineering education is to teach the students how to design computers. The problem is that the design of a general purpose device like a computer is full of small details that are meaningful only in the context of a particular design. The course then develops into a long list of special cases or gloss over the subject without entering into details. Either case, the student looses interest and learns very little. This paper presents a different approach to this problem that can have application in many other fields. The problem of design is broken into a series of steps where the design is first studied as a whole and then with some added detail. The process continues adding details until the unit is designed. This is the well known top-down procedure. The innovative idea described in this paper is the use of computer simulation as the fundamental tool for teaching design. The student learns first to simulate devices as a whole to study the specifications and to add details, one at a time, until the design is ready.
The Importance of Speech in Man-Machine Communications The history of computers is not that old that we cannot remember how it all started. Some time back, computers were expensive, large, limited in capabilities. Only very highly trained persons were permitted to operate a computer. At the same time, it was a privilege to have access to a computer and only when there was very good reason to do it, a person could submit a program to a computer. Computer users then accepted any restrictions that were placed on the use of the computer, restrictions in the form of the well known job control cards. Normally, it took longer to learn to use the job control cards needed for a specific problem, than to solve the problem itself.
A Neuronal Computer Architecture A proposal for the Archetecture and caracteristics for computer using neuronal cells.
A Proposal for Building a Co-Processor for Non-Numeric Logical Operations This is a proposal for a study to develop a hardware module or co-processor for inference operations which will simplify and speed up the solution of non numerical logical problems with a computer. The study would be made at the Computer Research Laboratory, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida.
Backing Up Your Computer One of the most important operations when using a computer is to backup your files. This protects against accidental deletion of a file, or damaging a file while editing it. The problem is that backup is not a simple operation. Now that large hard disks are common, it can take more than one hour. This article presents a simple procedure to backup your work every time you turn the computer off. It takes only a few seconds and it can be included in an automatic turn off procedure.
Hard Disk Backup, Why and How Backing up a hard disk is an operation we postpone as much as possible, but it is something we should learn to do and do it regularly. The main reason most of us do not back up our hard disk as often as we should is that the process of back up using the DOS command or any of the existing programs is too complex and too time consuming. We regret our negligence when we run into a problem.
Expert Advice I have received some expert advice from my grandchildren that I think you will find interesting.
Computers for Dummies In recent times there has been an important change in the advertising industry. If you watch television for more than a few minutes, if you read a magazine, if you scan a catalog, you are bombarded by commercials of the following type:
LINUX The purpose of this article is to give you a quick idea of what is LINUX and to analyze if LINUX is for you.
The Importance of Scripts Presentation at the QCCS BBS SIG February 15, 1996. Scripts are text files that tell a program what to do, whether at initialization or during certain operations. Scripts are not used too much in DOS and this creates many problems and complexities. Scripts are very popular in other operating systems. UNIX and LINUX use scripts extensively for installation and initialization as well as for normal operation. The purpose of this paper is to present to DOS users the advantages of using scripts, especially in communications, where these advantages are very important.
Modems The August 1995 issue of QBits carries an article "Computers for Dummies", where I concluded that computers are not for dummies, that the use of computers requires knowledge and some level of understanding. This article is something like a follow up, prompted by the rash of comments in our BBS about problems with modems. The May 1996 issue of QBits carries an article "RPI Modem Furor", that pertains very much to this topic.
Multitasking The purpose of this article is to clarify, or confuse even more, the use of the word multitasking.
The Computer Speed The single most important characteristic of a computer is its speed. A computer with a high speed costs more than one with a lower speed. This paper shows that the actual speed of a computer depends not only on the hardware, but on the organization and maintenance of the computer.
FORTH The Editor is resident in this version of FORTH. It's commands can be invoked at any moment, even when no screen is being displayed; the commands affect the screen that is currently active. The Editor works with the content of the area of memory called DAREA which is assigned the top 1 K of the available memory. After a COLD, screen -1 is active.
Keeping a Log of Computer Operation It is interesting to keep a log of your computer. It is not too difficult to do it. This article explains how to develop the files required to maintain a log. This log shows when your computer was turned on and off. The technique also works with other functions of the computer.
Tech Tips If you worry about coffee or coke spilling on your keyboard, or that Florida bugs must get in between the keys, you need a cover. Such a cover must let you see the keys, type normally, and be good looking.
My Problems with Procomm 2.0 I had been working with Procomm Test Drive for a few months, and I liked it very much. The program seems well written, scripts are easy to write, and the price is very reasonable. The only deficiency I found in Procomm Test Drive was that it does not accept Zmodem. Since I consider Zmodem the best advance in communications since the invention of the modem, it was something that I wanted. The solutions to add Zmodem to Procomm Test Drive seem to me like putting a car on top of a truck, so it can go to the farm.
Computers and the Handicapped I cannot start without a comment on the word "handicapped". It hurts me to use it but common language does not have one that has the proper meaning. Some times the word "disabled" is used for the same purpose, but in my opinion is worst.
QCS-SRCH This program is NOT shareware, nor freeware. This program has been written for the exclusive use of the members of the Quadcities Computer Society. This program cannot be sold. This program cannot be copied, except for the use of other member of the Quadcities Computer Society. None of the characteristics, procedures, or appearance of the program can be copied onto other programs.

Computer Monitoring of Electric Power Systems. PhD Thesis 1972. This thesis develops a new procedure for monitoring electric power systems in real time using the propagation of knowledge. The system of equations for an electric power system is a very sparce matrix. The proposed procedure of propagation of knowledge permits to conver the system of equations into a sequence of equations where each equation has one more variable than the preceeding ones;, thur, it can be solved in sequence.
A New Procedure for Synthesis of Control Systems. MS Thesis 1968. A procedure is proposed to design control system starting from the desired characteristics and working backwards to the parameters of the system.
Estudio de las Conditions de Dise×o de un Equipo Radioelectrico para una Estacion de Aficionado (in Spanish) Engineering Thesis 1961. The characteristics of the equipment for an amateur radio station are analized in detail to extract the requirements of design. This thesis includes the study of transmitter, receiver and antenna.
Batch File Programming A short course in the science and art of programming batch files.
Collecting Water from Fog Report on the investigation on the possibilities to collect water from the fog on the desert above Antofagasta, Chile.
Computations for Radio Astronomy A collection of programs for the most common and not too common operations of the amateru radio astronomer.
Construction Techniques Explanation of the technoques for bilding digital systems using wire wrap.
Design of Computer Interfaces Lecture notes for the course given by the author at the Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Design of Computers Using Simulation Lecture notes for the course given by the author at the Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Design of Computers Using Bit-Slice Lecture notes for the course given by the author at the Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Design of a Space Habitat In the form of the transcripts from a class at an unspecified university, the topic of the design of a space habitat is developed. The design of the space habitat is presented as a class project. The students are supposed to determine all the parameters and the characteristics of the habitat. The Professor, whom we call Dr. Johnson, takes the duty of seeing that the design characteristics the students adopt are logical. He also gives them the information they need for making the decisions. The design the students develop might not seem conventional, because it differs in many aspects from what is currently considered a design of a space habitat. During the discussions in class, all the justification for each of the design decisions is given, as well as the way the students reach those decisions.
FIG FORTH Editor Tect editor developed for the FIG FORTH operating system.
Input and Output Ports Lecture notes for the course given by the author at the Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Linux Tutorial A tutorial given by the author to the members of the Quad Cities Computer Society while he was the Linux SIG chairman.
Measurements and Errors English translation of the lecture notes of the short course on the subject given by the author at the Universidad the Norte, antofagasta, Chile.
Radio Astronomy for Beginner A text book of radio astronomy intended for beginners.
The Telescope English translation of the text book of the design and builfing of telescopes prepared for the Telescope Building Shop while at the Catholic University, Santiago, Chile.
Understanding DOS Text book on the subject of understanding, using, and programming using the DOS operating system.
Understanding C Text book on the subject of understanding, programming, and using the C programming language.
Using Computers A text book on the use of computers for beginners.
The Analysis of Electric Power Systems 1974 The material presented in this work constitutes the results of extensive research made by the author while preparing his Ph. D. thesis and Comprehensive Examination.
Graph Theory for Electric Power Engineers 1971 This work ha three parts: The firs part, sections 1, 2, and 3, is a presentation of the basic principles of graph theory in a form to support the rest of the study. The second part, section 4, introduces a matrix representation of a graph and develops the necessary tools. The thid part, section 5, presents the idea of a network and its characteristics, tying directly graph theory with the analysis of electric power systems. The problems of network analysis, load flow studies, short ciruit and transient analysis are studied in detail with a general formulation in mathematical terms.
Electromechanical Energy Conversion 1976 Lecture notes from the course given by the author in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the California State University, Long Beach.
Fisica (in Spanish) 1962 Lecture notes of the course given by the author at the Universidad del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile. This course presented the topic of Physics in a different arrangement the improved the understanding and appreciation of physics by the students.

A Displacement Measuring Device with 3 Micron Resolution This paper describes the characteristics of a device designed by the author to measure displacements with a resolution of three microns. Given the characteristics of the problem for which the device was originally designed (measuring plant growth) the unit is non-invasive, totally automatic and with very high reliability. In its original form, the unit is computer controlled and the computer simultaneously controls the measurements, performs the reduction of the measurements and continuously repositions the plant to continue with the process. Measurements where made once every ten seconds but longer or shorter intervals are possible depending in the number of measurements and the computations that are necessary.
An Elementary Processor for Neural Network Computers This paper presents and analysis of currently available analog neuron model and develops an elementary processor as a neuron like element in a digital system. The elementary processors are composed of digital cells which are the most primitive element in a digital system. A network of digital cells can be used to implement any digital logic functions and the elementary processor will be systematic organization of the digital cells. One of the interesting characteristics found in the elementary processors is the capability of developing control structures such as the IF/THEN structure. The other interesting property is the generality of the elementary processors in which any arbitrary logic function can be realized.
The Robotic Precision Tracking of Episodic Plant Growth Description and characteristics of a computer unit to monitor plant growth using digital video.
Use of Computers in Engineering Education A paper describing the possible use in computer to enhance engineering education.
A Generalized Procedure for Optical Recognition of Alphabetical Characters A paper based on a student MS thesis on the recognition of hand writen characters by scanning and analysis, presented by the student.
A New Technique for Minimization of Switching Functions A paper based on a student MS thesis on the minimization of switching functions, presented by the student.
Teaching Computer Engineering with Large Classes Paper written with a teaching assistant about his experiences teaching large classes of engineering students.
Teaching Computer Design Using Simulation The purpose of computer engineering education is to teach the students how to design computers. The problem is that the design of a general purpose device like a computer is full of small details that are meaningful only in the context of a particular design. The course then develops into a long list of special cases or gloss over the subject without entering into details. Either case, the student looses interest and learns very little.
A New Procedure for Recognizing Handwritten and Typewritten Alphabetical Characters A paper based on a student MS thesis on the recognition of hand writen characters by scanning and analysis, presented by the student.
Computers and Radio Astronomy This paper describes the possible uses of computers for digital signal processing in Radio Astronomy, as well as their limitations. Filtering, frequency analysis and pseudo correlation are treated in detail using examples prepared with a computer.
An Educational Microcomputer Network Proposal to develop a network of microcomputers for teaching purposes.
The Importance of Speech in Man-Machine Communications Paper presented at the Florida Academy of Sciences, Boca Raton, March 31, 1984. The history of computers is not that old that we cannot remember how it all started. Some time back, computers were expensive, large, limited in capabilities. Only very highly trained persons were permitted to operate a computer. At the same time, it was a privilege to have access to a computer and only when there was very good reason to do it, a person could submit a program to a computer. Computer users then accepted any restrictions that were placed on the use of the computer, restrictions in the form of the well known job control cards. Normally, it took longer to learn to use the job control cards needed for a specific problem, than to solve the problem itself.
Adding Voice to a Computer The possibilities and advantages of adding voice to a computer are studied.
A Microcomputer Controlled Skin Conductivity Monitor with Applications to Medical Diagnosis Design and operation of an instrument to measure the skin conductivity with application to medical diagnosis, using the acupuncture point on the fingers.
A Spoken Language for Computers Proposal to develop a language that can be spoken by computers.
Planetary Correlates of Terrestrial Magnetic Disturbances Analysis of the terrestrial magnetic disturbances and their correlation to the location of the planets.
Controlling a Wind Generator for Increased Efficiency A procedure to enhance the efficiency of wind generators with a specially designed controller.
Development and Evaluation of a Microprocessor System for Enhancement of Precise Gravity Values Collected for Earthquake Prediction Description of a computer controlled device and its program to control a gravimeter for earthquake prediction.
Improving Wind Generator Efficiency An analytical procedure to increase the efficiency of a wind generator.
Waveform Analysis using Zero-Crossing Detection with Application to Speech Processing A procedure of analysis of the speech waveform by zero crossing towards speech recognition.