Go back to the past and be a schoolboy

Chapter 258 Using funds from the United States for research and development

In Sijiu City, in the Academy of Sciences, after a short reminiscence, Cheng Nuo called everyone from the Academy of Applied Engineering to a meeting.

"What, a radio contract worth 20 pounds?! Comrade Dean, did you say the wrong number?"

Although Nikola Tesla is nominally the dean of the Academy of Applied Engineering, but where there is Cheng Nuo, the dean of the Academy of Sciences, out of respect, these people prefer to directly call Cheng Nuo the dean.

But now, after hearing Cheng Nuo's quotation for the radio contract, he was still taken aback, and the excited people stood up and asked directly.

"Comrade Dean, that's 20 pounds. Are we really going to fight for this order?"

Cheng Nuo didn't answer in a hurry. He picked up the tea on the table next to him and slowly sipped it. After everyone digested the news in a hurry, he put down the teacup and turned his attention to Tesla.

Obviously, Cheng Nuo wanted to hear the opinion of the dean of the Institute of Applied Engineering first.

"As early as the 60s, the Englishman Maxwell proposed the electromagnetic wave equation, which theoretically predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves." Surprisingly, when Tesla stood up to state his views, he was speaking fluent Chinese.

But thinking about it carefully, it was unexpected and reasonable.

With his personal language talent, he has been in China for such a long time, and he plans to develop for a long time. Naturally, learning a new language cannot be measured by ordinary people.

Seeing that everyone was attracted by his words, Tesla secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then said: "In 23, the 1887rd year after the electromagnetic field wave equation was proposed, the German Hertz detected electromagnetic waves in an experiment. Determination of its propagation speed confirmed Maxwell's electromagnetic wave theory.

Since then, electromagnetic waves have been applied to communication links. For example, Marconi from Italy and Popov from Maoxiong Kingdom made radio wave transmitting and receiving devices, and gradually expanded the communication distance of radio waves. 'The Father of Radio'. "

Internationally, the identification of the "Father of Radio" is controversial, and some ideological disputes are mixed in it.

Among them, Popov from Maozi developed the first practical radio receiver in 1894 and presented his invention at the Physics Branch of Petersburg Scientists the following year.

Then another year later, Popov used his own radio transceiver to successfully perform a wireless transmission of Morse code. This was the first wireless telegram in human history, and it was therefore recognized by Mao Zi as " Father of Radio".

At the same time, Marconi successfully developed radio communication equipment on the basis of predecessors' inventions, realized the transmission and reception of long-distance radio waves, and successfully applied for a patent for "the method of transmitting signals by means of electric pulses".

Later, Marconi further improved communication equipment and antennas, realized the first international wireless signal transmission from France to England, made radio waves cross the Atlantic Ocean, created the era of human radio communication, and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1909 for this prize.

It is a pity that the two sides seem to start from the same starting line and have achieved good results one after another. It is a pity that Popov's lifespan is too short, and coupled with the special background of the times, the gap continues to widen. In a special period, they became red and blue. attacking weapon.

Seeing that the background was almost introduced, Cheng Nuo stood up and said in a deep voice, "Mr. Tesla is very good, but what I want to add here is that I don't know much about the Popov style in China, but Marconi The spark wireless telegraph was introduced in the Beiyang Fleet, and this will be our next main opponent."

Shi Jin, one of the key members of the Academy of Engineering, couldn't help saying: "Where did you start talking about this? Is it related to the 20 pounds? If so..."

"What would happen if this is the case?" Seeing his friend whom he hadn't seen for a long time, the corners of Cheng Nuo's mouth could not help but rise: "Shouldn't it be too little, and look down on the 20 pounds, right? It just fits the old saying, don't you?" Wait three days with admiration!"

"Let's say it first, this is what you, the dean, said, and it has nothing to do with me." Shi Jin shook his head quickly, still muttering: "20 pounds, that's really a lot of money Money, if we can really get it, then our college will not only have funds for mass production of bicycles,
You can also study some agricultural machinery along the way, fulfilling Guo Shouchun's wish. He stays in the fields all day, and the calluses on his hands are getting thicker, which really makes you feel distressed. "

Hearing this, Cheng Nuo really wanted to directly make a decision to allocate a large amount of funds to tractor research, but due to reality, he was afraid that if he made the promise now, he would not be able to fulfill it in the future, which would make these comrades even more disappointed.

Either you are short of money, or you are on the road to lack of money, it is difficult.

Cheng Nuo sighed in his heart, and then said: "Let me just say it clearly, the Beiyang government is going to sign a radio station contract worth 20 pounds with the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, and we are going to cut off this contract... "

Before the words fell, there was another commotion in the conference room, talking about the possibility of operating this matter.

Even if they don't approve of the Beiyang government very much, but in the face of this kind of thing, there are obviously more people who are eager to try, and the main direction of the discussion is how to make a breakthrough.

Just as everyone was in full swing, one hand was raised up alone, and then followed suit.

They are Wu Yulin, one of Cheng Nuo's friends, and Tesla, the head of the Institute of Applied Engineering.

After getting permission, Wu Yulin stood up and said sharply: "Comrade Dean, this pie worth 20 pounds looks very attractive, but in fact its filling, that is, the 20 pounds, is not necessarily the same. Can I get the full amount? Otherwise, I won’t be in arrears with the wages of the faculty and staff of Peking University next door.”

Tesla also added later: "Whether it is at home or abroad, the number of times I have dealt with public officials from various countries is not small. 20 pounds will definitely not be as simple as we imagined, and even empty-handed white wolves will definitely have it." possible."

After pouring cold water several times, the scene immediately fell silent, and everyone was staring at Cong Cheng Nuo, hoping to hear an answer to this question from him, telling them that their worries were unnecessary.

Looking at the crowd, Cheng Nuo shook his head: "I'm sorry, even if the Beiyang government signs a contract with a foreigner, it is essentially an advance contract."

As soon as these words came out, the disappointment on the faces of the crowd could not be concealed. They had stayed in the Forty-Nine City all day, and they knew all too well what kind of people those people were. Contracts, it is also difficult to get paid normally from the public.

Arrears are the norm, and non-arrears are news.

Cheng Nuo had expected this for a long time, and before the negative emotions fermented, he quickly added: "In a short period of time, another incident happened in the public office, which is also related to the communication project, that is, Beiyang just signed a contract worth 1000 million yuan with the Japanese. Yen’s expansion of the telephone loan contract, if two things are fulfilled at the same time, do you know what it means?"

Shi Jin stood up and answered directly: "It means that we are dominated by foreigners in the field of national communications!"

"This point is very correct, and it is also a key point for us people to pay attention to." Cheng Nuo motioned his friend to sit down, and Cheng Nuo said generously: "If... what I'm talking about is that if one day, we have another armed conflict with these big powers , the enemy who holds the lifeline of our communication will directly cut it off.

At that time, soldiers will not receive orders, officers will not be able to issue instructions, and they will become headless flies running around on the battlefield, so how will we win this war?This issue needs our careful consideration! "

After the words went on, everyone was speechless, but judging from their expressions, they obviously listened to the words.

No one wants to hand over their own lifeline to others, and this person obviously has bad intentions.

However, Cheng Nuo was also afraid that his words would be too heavy, which would completely break the hearts of the comrades below, and then continued: "Of course, although 20 pounds is relatively empty, it will definitely not let us make a trip in vain. More or less it can be exchanged for some benefits, the key lies in how we operate."

Shi Jin nodded, patted his chest and expressed his opinion: "Don't worry, we have long been accustomed to these things. If we are knocked down like this, our classmates have no reason to come back after studying all the way. It is this indomitable spirit that fights." Resilience, old Wu, are you right?"

"Although Lao Shi usually speaks incoherently, what he said today is absolutely reasonable. I agree with both hands." In order to match what he said, Wu Yulin directly raised his hands: "I believe this is not my personal opinion, but the whole The opinion of the majority of comrades in the Faculty of Applied Engineering."

Tesla was silent for a moment, and finally stood up and said seriously: "First, I express my support; second, there are no technical problems; finally, I think we can win!"

After saying this, he sat back directly.

The people below were stunned for a moment, and then immediately burst into warm applause, among which Cheng Nuo's hands clapped the loudest.

In the second half of the meeting, Cheng Nuo led everyone to discuss some details, and after dividing the work at the same time, let everyone adjourn the meeting.

Just as Tesla was about to pack his things and prepare to leave, he was stopped by Cheng Nuo, who seemed to have something to explain.

Seeing the two whispering, Shi Jin made a special trip to wait until the last person left, and carefully closed the door. Unexpectedly, as soon as he left the door, he was bumped into by his friend Wu Yulin.

"Oh, I'm going, old Wu, what are you doing? This scared me a lot. What are you doing? If you don't hurry home and accompany your sister-in-law, you should be blamed." Shi Jin covered his chest and scolded road.

"Hey, I'm happy to be blamed. It proves that someone cares about us, unlike someone who didn't even turn on the lights when we went back." Seeing that the anger on his friend's face was getting worse and worse, Wu Yulin hurriedly changed the subject in a timely manner. Cut it off, winked at the door and said, "Hey, did you hear anything?"

Shi Jin snorted coldly: "I'm not the kind of person who eavesdrops on the wall, but then again, there is a high probability that they discussed technical issues. I didn't see that the work was divided during the meeting just now, but the specific technical direction was not mentioned at all. , I reckon Zhiyuan hasn't made up his mind yet."

Wu Yulin nodded: "What you said is also reasonable. I guess there will be a specific technical plan after the discussion."

It's a pity that although the two are members of the Institute of Applied Engineering, they know little about radio. They communicated head-to-head, and they didn't have a clear idea, so they were a little discouraged.

"I remember that we read an article in "Shiwubao" before we went abroad. There was something about 'radio sound' in it. I wonder if you still have an impression?" Wu Yulin frowned, thinking hard: "At that time, we They are still being circulated to each other, but now I can’t think of anything.”

"At that time, I was still very impressed. Several students decided to choose radio directly when they were going to apply for majors." Shi Jin scratched the back of his head habitually, and said, "It seems that radio is also called an 'indescribable art'. There should be such a thing. ?”

"Yes, yes, there is such a thing." Recalling the past at the time, Wu Yulin sighed: "It is said that women are afraid of marrying the wrong man, and men are afraid of entering the wrong profession. If I had learned radio, I guess it must be different now. gone."

Shi Jin quickly waved his hands and said: "What's the use of talking about this now, we have two tasks right now, one is to make the bicycles in our hands better, so that there will be no major mistakes in mass production in the future, and the other is to follow Tes Pulling Mr. by my side, learning these radio knowledge, I always feel that I can combine it with the car.”

Affected by these words, Wu Yulin also thoughtfully said: "Hiss~ Looking at it carefully, it seems that there is a certain possibility. The radio is really a good thing. Why didn't we find it earlier?"

"Let's move forward, don't let Zhiyuan push the door and come out while we are talking, that would be too embarrassing." Shi Jin pointed forward, signaling to leave this place: "This is not just about you, actually People generally don’t have much contact with it online, and as far as I know, it’s only the Gu’s house in the French Concession that has this thing.”

Wu Yulin narrowed his eyes slightly: "Speaking of which, I have some impressions. It seems that starting from today, the Gu family house can receive news from France, Germany and the United States."

Shi Jin said: "Isn't that right? News about the progress of the war in Europe can be transmitted directly to the country through Gujiazhai radio station. It used to take four to five days or even longer to transmit news from Reuters to the country through submarine cables. Now it is the first Time will get it."

Historically, because Gu’s house had a radio, many newspapers and periodicals in Shanghai created a column called “French Radio” to report special news about the war in Europe.

Having said that, the two of them looked at each other at the same time, and there was emotion in their eyes.

"Do it?"

"Why not?"

"Well, we'll just wait for Mr. Tesla to come out, and we'll have to learn this ability even if we die."

……

Inside the house, Cheng Nuo knew nothing about the situation outside, and was still preparing to pour water for Mr. Tesla.

"Would you like plain water or tea?" Cheng Nuo deliberately asked, considering the differences in their living habits, "If it's plain water, I still have cold ones here."

"Thank you, I prefer hot tea now." Mr. Tesla gave his answer without any hesitation: "The me now has already said goodbye to me before, and I like the state here very much. "

Cheng Nuo was a little surprised, but more joy followed, and it was easier to say later: "That's right, Mr. Tesla, I want you to go back... no, to the United States one trip."

Tesla took the tea, puzzled and said: "This is my home now, why should I go to the United States, aren't you going to want me?"

"No, no, no, I think you misunderstood." Cheng Nuo hurriedly sat next to him and explained, "Although we can't get all of the 20 pounds, and the discount is huge, what I want to talk about is all of our money." Technology can be reflected in commercial value, such as the current radio technology."

Tesla's tone was slightly slower, but he was still a little nervous: "Can you be more specific?"

Cheng Nuo explained: "The appearance of the vacuum triode played an important role in the detection, amplification and other links, which directly promoted the maturity of radio science and technology. Now the radio industry has developed and grown in Europe and the United States. For example, our current competitor, the British horse Kony Corporation,
At the same time, there are Bell Corporation of the United States and Siemens Corporation of Germany, etc., all of which are important radio equipment manufacturing units in the world, and this industry is about to usher in a climax of development. We cannot miss this precious opportunity, but after much deliberation , and only you are the most suitable. "

Think about the American electrical industry that disappointed me. Although Tesla did not directly object, he did not clearly promise: "What do I need to do?"

Cheng Nuo said with a smile: "It's actually very simple. I want you to cooperate with our old partner Westinghouse Electric, the company that sells our patents, to develop radio resources, apply for patents, and then exchange patents to realize our interests. maximization."

With the invention and development of radio technology, radio stations came into being. The so-called radio station refers to a communication organization that provides sound broadcast programs and services to citizens through atmospheric electromagnetic waves. It was originally an experimental amateur radio station. appearing in form.

The United States is still the vanguard in this regard. The California Engineering and Radio Academy began to broadcast scheduled programs once a week, with music and news content. This can be said to be the prototype of radio stations, followed by many cities in Europe and the United States. Similar amateur radio stations.

But until this year, that is, 1918, there was no real commercial radio station in the world.

This business opportunity happened to be captured by Cheng Nuo, who took advantage of the process of grabbing orders to develop radio technology as much as possible.

Isn't the domestic soil unsupportive, so go directly to the United States to do it well.

"The U.S. mid-term elections are coming up, and their government needs some means to give him a platform and canvass for him. At this time, if the radio station we have appeared out of thin air can pry a hole from here, then the work in the future will be much easier." Cheng Nuo said earnestly. road.

Tesla was a little moved, but still had some doubts: "This matter is not that simple. If you want to be the first to eat crabs, you must take some risks."

Cheng Nuo said sternly: "It's natural, the trial production program needs a license from the US Department of Commerce, and ordinary people can't get in touch with that level, so I thought of you."

Tesla hesitated for a moment, then said decisively: "Okay, I'll make a good plan when I get back."

"That's hard work for you, I'm waiting for your good news." Cheng Nuo's face suddenly turned into a flower, and he said: "There is an old saying in China that goes, 'Wealth and wealth do not return home, it is like walking in brocade clothes at night', although we We can’t talk about getting rich right now, but I believe that after this battle, those people will definitely impress them!”

Of course, Cheng Nuo didn't say anything else, that is, to use the country of Mi as a guinea pig, to accumulate a certain amount of technology and experience before returning to China to use it.

For example, radio technology, our country is vast and abundant, and radio transceivers have different powers, from 5 watts, 15 watts, 50 watts to 100 watts, 250 watts, 500 watts, 1000 watts, etc. How to replace the battery according to different scenarios is a problem.

Another example is the production of radio equipment. It is not impossible for the Academy of High-Performance Production to produce high-performance film, but the problem lies in the shortcomings of transceiver equipment, which are bulky and unsuitable for transportation. It is better to use the money of the United States directly for research and development.

Another example is the setting of radio programs. Since modern times, China has been repeatedly humiliated by foreign powers. One of the problems is that the people are in a state of disunity. How to gather the will of the people and generate a powerful force to save the country and strengthen the people is worth thinking about.

The rapid popularization of radio is enough to undertake the historical mission entrusted by the times. At the same time, it can also spread all kinds of scientific knowledge across the country through sound, so as to cultivate more aspiring compatriots.

Of course, all of this depends on the key step below.

Seeing that Tesla agreed to come down, Cheng Nuo was secretly grateful, and at the same time, he took out a document from the table beside him and handed it over: "Mr. Tesla, take a look at this first."

Tesla took the document and asked curiously, "What is this?"

Cheng Nuo said with a smile: "This is the technical issue that we will focus on when we go to the United States. I have listed [-] items. You can carefully consider them when you go back."

Tesla nodded, and opened the file, which listed: "High-frequency radio wave measurement, vacuum tube research, radio wave emission research, audible frequency radio wave research, directional antenna research, radio wave standard frequency formulation, etc."

While Tesla was viewing the document, Cheng Nuo continued: "To be more specific, we can investigate the latest foreign radio products, large-scale foreign equipment and engineering problems that can be researched, and the production situation of radio products of various manufacturers. Wait, it's up to you to adapt."

The overall policy is still the general direction of "emphasizing both theory and practice".

After accumulating enough knowledge, Cheng Nuo was still going to collect and compile it, and then teach it to domestic universities, and continue to walk along the road of "industry-university-research". The importance of talents has been highlighted.

Moreover, many materials used in radio experiments, including the chip control equipment used in some new radio stations, are basically imported from abroad, which is not conducive to national security, and also affects the independent development of domestic scientific research.

In the final analysis, you still have to be independent.

It's just that at the same time, they are doing things with other people's money.

(End of this chapter)