Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 128 Panda Brand Transistor Radio (Seeking monthly votes!)

Compared to East Germany, it's clear that Latin American consumers are more willing to buy products from China.

This is not only because products from Japan, West Germany, and America are too expensive for them, but also because they are all third-world countries.

After all, China held a certain degree of authority over interpretation of scriptures at that time, especially in Latin America, where its influence was enormous.

This influence can translate into some advantages in trade.

A trade representative from Latin America came to the booth. Speaking with an accent, he said, "Our country is at war and needs some radios. Would your radios be suitable for Latin America?"

Li Mingyuan explained, "Our radios are simple in design, easy to repair, affordable, and have long battery life, making them suitable for areas with unstable power supply."

The other party excitedly said, "This is exactly what we need! Radios from Japan and West Germany are too expensive and difficult to repair. Could you provide samples?"

Li Mingyuan said, "I'm sorry, we can't provide a sample at the moment. If you want to know more, you can only listen to it on the spot."

Trade representatives from Latin America and Africa showed great interest.

On the same day, they signed an order for 1,000 units.

Eastern European countries may question Chinese products and want to wait and see, but Latin American countries will not; they will place orders directly.

Regardless of your product, I'll place an order for 1,000 units first.

The next day, a Polish distributor named Jan Kowalski came to the booth.

He expressed skepticism about Chinese electronics: "Can China's transistor technology compare to Japan's? What about the quality?"

Li Hongbo's confident response, translated by Li Mingyuan, reached the other party's ears: "Our transistor leakage current is controlled within 5 microamps, and the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 38 decibels."

We don't have silicon transistor radios right now, but neither does Japan.

Our products offer much better value for money than those from Japan.

Kowalski frowned after listening to the product: "The sound quality is good, but the bass isn't full enough. Your products seem to have poor temperature stability, don't they?"

Li Hongbo responded, "No, we added a temperature compensation circuit. If you place an order, you can test it to your heart's content."

Kowalski was skeptical, saying he would give a serious evaluation when he got back.

Because of the war in 1950, America completely prohibited trade between America Company and China through the Export Control Act and the Anti-Enemy Trade Act.

These two laws even prohibit allies from engaging in direct trade with China.

Therefore, those who come to inquire are either from Third World countries or Eastern European countries.

Even so, thanks to its excellent quality and low price, China still secured a number of orders.

Buyers from Eastern European countries, from East Germany to Poland and Czechoslovakia, generally adopted a cautious yet optimistic attitude.

People are really lacking in good electronic products.

The lack was so great that products like Spidola became a part of the memories of a generation in Eastern Europe.

The emergence of the Panda brand radio in China undoubtedly gave them another option.

"Old Zhang, how's our order going?" Li Hongbo inquired.

Zhang Zhigang calculated: "To be precise, it should be 9000 units!"
The total came to $18, which is an unprecedented improvement.

Moreover, most of these finalized purchasers only bought one or two hundred units, with only one purchaser ordering a thousand units at once.

They should buy a small amount first to see how stable and long-lasting our product really is.

If it goes well, we will gradually increase the purchase quantity.

But this is already a very good start!

I never imagined that our electronics would be sold to Germany.

Li Hongbo felt that all the sleepless nights he had spent at the Panzhihua training base, all the sweat and effort he had put in, had paid off and were all worthwhile.

For China, being able to sell it is already a historic step.

"Good evening, listeners! This is China National Radio. We are now broadcasting the news."

At the recently concluded Leipzig Spring Trade Fair, my country's foreign trade workers and scientific and technological personnel, with their high patriotism and tireless efforts, once again showcased the brilliant achievements of China's industrial development to the world. It is reported that during the ten-day fair, my country's independently developed Panda brand transistor radio was widely welcomed by merchants from various countries, with a total of 9,000 units sold. This achievement not only earned valuable foreign exchange earnings for the country but also marks a new milestone for my country's electronics industry.

The "Panda" brand transistor radio is the culmination of the self-reliance and hard work of Chinese scientists. It is small in size, has excellent performance, and is entirely manufactured using domestic technology.

In Shenhai's staff dormitory, Liu Guodong and Xiao Fang heard this on the radio, and Liu Guodong frowned:

"I remember that the director of Shenhai Radio Factory had always wanted to get the Panda brand and make Panda brand radios. They succeeded."
That's impressive; they made a big fuss without making a sound.

"No, I'll have to ask Lao Xu."

Liu Guodong got up, preparing to ride his bicycle to the radio factory to find Lao Xu.

Xiaofang asked, "It's so late, can't we go tomorrow?"

As Liu Guodong put on his clothes, he waved his hand and said, "No, this is great news. They sold nine thousand units in Leipzig. We have to celebrate properly."

Maybe they're celebrating in their factory dormitory. If I go now, I can still make it in time.

When he arrived at the radio factory's dormitory, he knocked on the door: "Old Xu, are you there?"

Old Xu opened the door and glanced at him: "Old Liu, what brings you here?"

Liu Guodong said, "I heard on the radio that Panda brand radios are very popular in Leipzig, and I thought you guys are pretty good, so I came to ask you about it."

What's so special about your Panda brand radios this time that makes them sell to foreigners?

I've never heard of any factory selling its products overseas before. I was even thinking of seeing if I could buy one from you and replace your Red Star.

Old Xu first invited him in, and when Liu Guodong walked in and saw that there were signs of tidying up everywhere, he was immediately shocked: "Old Xu, where are you moving to?"

Old Xu gestured for him to sit down and then sighed, "Sigh, we didn't even make that Panda brand."

It was made by the Yanjing Radio Factory.

We're moving southwest; the entire factory has to move.

"what?"

Both Shenhai Radio Factory and Jinling Radio Factory have always wanted to revive the Panda brand.

In 50, the radios manufactured by Jinling Radio Factory were called Panda brand, but they were later renamed Red Star.

The name "Panda" was chosen by the citizens of Nanjing. A designer named Zhang Yunlin suggested "Panda," and the factory gave the decision-making power for naming the new product to the citizens. The factory displayed the prototype in the window of the Jinling Xinjiekou Department Store and announced over a dozen names for the citizens to choose from; "Panda" ultimately received the most votes.

Shenhai Radio Factory wanted to enter the Nanjing and even the entire Jiangsu Province market, so it had been trying to change its name. In addition, Panda cigarettes were produced by Shenhai.

"If the higher-ups require it, we have to move."

You know Panda brand, right? It was just broadcast on the radio. It's made by Yanjing Radio. They say it's no worse than Japanese or German products, and it uses transistors.

"Although I don't know what a transistor is, it's definitely much better than the vacuum tubes used in today's radios. The factory calls it next-generation technology," Old Xu said.

Liu Guodong looked puzzled: "I remember you mentioned transistors to me before. You said that transistors and vacuum tubes each have their own advantages and disadvantages."

How come transistors are considered the next-generation technology now?

Old Xu smiled wryly: "Yes, but the experts at the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have already given a definition: transistors are better than vacuum tubes."

Therefore, a complete shift to transistor production is necessary.

After listening, Liu Guodong asked again: "Just because transistors are the next generation of technology?"
So you were eliminated by the Yanjing Radio Factory and then transferred to the southwest?
"From now on, Yanjing will be in charge of transistor research and development, while you'll be responsible for producing vacuum tubes? Producing products using outdated technology?"

In the eyes of Shanghai residents, even Beijing is inferior to Shanghai! Not to mention the Southwest, going to the Southwest is like being exiled.

Old Xu said with a wry smile, "Yanjing has already moved. All institutions and enterprises related to radio and semiconductors across the country have to move to the southwest."

The person who came to our factory this time was a representative from the Yanjing factory. He said they took the lead and the entire factory had already moved to the southwest last month.

Experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were also heading southwest, and the Panda Radio was created under their guidance.

In short, when the Panda is released, you can buy one and try it out; you definitely won't be disappointed.

Upon hearing that the Yanjing Radio Factory had been relocated, Liu Guodong was speechless. Although the locals might think that Shenhai was better, they didn't think that Yanjing had to move or that Shenhai had special privileges.

"Okay, take care. So, you guys will be integrated into one factory in the future?" Liu Guodong asked curiously.

"I don't know, I have no idea what the situation is right now." Old Xu looked somewhat frustrated.

After the products were delivered, the first person to receive the Panda brand radio was not a consumer in Eastern Europe, but Adolf Ibit, the designer of Spidola, from the VEF radio factory in Latvia.

The sleek transistor radio immediately caught his eye.

Once the radio started playing, the sound was clear and full, comparable to high-end products from Neon and America. This made Ibit frown slightly, a look of inquiry on his face.

He reached out and slowly turned the volume knob to test the sound performance.

Volkov, standing nearby, leaned closer to examine the radio's casing and structure closely. His initial suspicion turned to surprise, and his pupils dilated slightly.

When the radio emitted a clear sound, the two exchanged a brief glance.

As Ebit pursed his lips slightly, he crossed his arms, clearly feeling the pressure.

Volkov, the chief engineer at the VEF radio factory, pointed to the radio and whispered, "Look at this, our 'friend' seems to have done something remarkable."

As Volkov unpacked the plastic casing, he examined the device's circuitry with a scrutinizing gaze and said:

"The circuitry is ingenious; there are several features I hadn't even thought of using. I think that's why their sound quality can rival top-tier Western products."

Ibitt agreed, saying, "I must admit, I didn't expect East Germany to fail to put pressure on Spidola, but I felt it with products from China."

Volkov adjusted the tuning knob and pondered, "Hmm, they're progressing too fast."

I find it hard to believe that this and the Red Star brand radio both come from the same country.

Ibit speculated, "The Chinese side must have optimized the circuit design and redesigned some new components to achieve this effect."

After listening attentively for a moment, Volkov said, "It's even better than I expected. No wonder many East German trading companies wanted to lower the price of Spidola. They used some advanced technology, which is at least considered advanced by our side."

Ibit added, "That's right, the manufacturing quality is very high. It's not a simple imitation; they have their own innovations."

He continued, "While our Spidola still has advantages in some areas, China is indeed a strong competitor."

Volkov shook his head and retorted, "No, we no longer have the advantage."

The reason East Germany continued to import Spidola was that the quality of Chinese products had not yet been fully verified.

"Once their product is proven, that's when Spidola will be finished."

Ibit refused to admit it: "Impossible, we have our own advantages too."

“For example?” Volkov asked.

"For example, our design is much better than that of China's pandas," Ibbit said.

Volkov said thoughtfully, "Yes, but that's about it."

(The actual retail version of the Panda brand radio from China had a redesigned version compared to the exhibition version. The panda emblem was removed, and the panda element was incorporated through the color scheme of the body.)
"We have fallen behind technologically," Volkov emphasized.

"We need to seek technical support from the Zelenograd Microelectronics Center to tell them that we've fallen behind," said Ibit.

Petrov agreed: "We should inform Zelenograd as soon as possible!"

If VEF's reaction upon receiving the Panda brand radio was that they didn't have time, the reaction of the Zelenograd microelectronics center upon receiving the sample was one of shock.

In Zelenograd's lab, the engineers responsible for transistor research and development were examining a piece of Chinese transistor that had been peeled off.

Alexander, the director in charge of semiconductors, frowned as he examined the sample with a magnifying glass:

"Natalia, what did your instrument detect?"

Natalia flipped through the test records, a hint of surprise in her voice:
"China's germanium transistors have a precision of more than 5N, which has exceeded our precision measurement limit."

Here, the number of Ns refers to the total number of 9s in 99.9999%. If it is 99.99%, then it is 4N.

For germanium transistors, the Soviet Union and Russia mainly measured the resistivity of the crystal through resistivity measurement to indirectly estimate the impurity concentration.

However, due to limitations in probe quality and environmental control, coupled with the small size of the transistors, their measurement error can exceed 10%.

Therefore, spectral analysis is generally used, mainly with equipment from East German Zeiss.

However, the sensitivity limit for this type of device is 5N.

"I can only determine that the purity of transistor raw materials in China has reached 5N or higher, but I cannot be sure whether it is 5.5N or 6N, which is the same as America's most advanced level."

Alexander was completely baffled: "The Americans have accumulated technical expertise and can achieve 6N. After all, they started earlier than us, which I can completely understand."

But the Chinese are still using the technology we gave them. How did they manage to surpass us in terms of precision in just a few years?
I was always confident that America had more equipment and funding than us, but our scientists and engineers were just as good. We just needed time and resources.

But how did those damned Chinese manage to do that?

Natalia calmly analyzed, "I examined their crystal structure under a microscope, and it shows a similar structure to our process."

They probably still used the stoves we built for them to produce the fuel.

Therefore, they must have optimized their purification process, and they probably also knew about the impact of the environment on crystal purity.

Our furnace temperature fluctuates too much, and we don't control the airborne dust very well. They most likely improved the vacuum system and filtration devices, but I'm not sure what other process improvements they made.

The Russians are getting a taste of the helplessness the Americans will face sixty years from now.

Despite developing its own semiconductor technology, its own subsidiary Intel has gradually fallen behind in this field. With the same equipment and blueprints, the engineers in America just can't compete with the engineers on the island.

Another engineer at the Zelenograd lab, Victor, speculated:

"Director Alexander, I think they've improved the dopant ratio and diffusion process. Is it possible for us to buy the process from them?"

Alexander glared at Viktor:
This is an admission that the Zelenograd Microelectronics Center is inadequate!
We cannot let the Ministry of Electronics Industry down. China was just lucky to have improved its technology. We can buy more of their radios to replicate their technology.

We'll catch up eventually.

Falling behind is not terrible; what is terrible is losing confidence.

This germanium crystal is a result of the Chinese people, but we have our own wisdom and determination. Natalia, you are in charge of improving the purification process; Victor, you go and study their structure, but don't forget the discipline of secrecy.

Tomorrow I will report to the Ministry of Electronics Industry; we need to negotiate for a larger budget.

Alexander thought the Chinese were just lucky.

The Panda brand radio was blocked within the Soviet bloc, and America and Japan had no way of getting their hands on it.

But it's not surprising that they got it; Bell Labs had already achieved the purification of 6N germanium crystals long ago. Only the Russians would make a fuss about it.

If Alexander were to apply to China to purchase this technology through the Ministry of Electronics Industry, China would likely realize immediately that the Russians had not acquired any alien technology related to semiconductors.

The small technological shock that China brought to the Soviet Union has already spread from missiles to the semiconductor field.

In June, the so-called Panda brand transistor radio, which was highly anticipated by the Chinese people, was officially sold in China, but most people could not buy it.

　I'm asking for monthly votes! I've been writing two chapters a day lately, each with 5,000 words, which adds up to 10,000 words a day!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)