Tesla was another nemesis of Edison. He developed A/C current as an
alternative to Edison's safer, but less efficient, and more problematic DC
systems.
Tesla, a native Serb, developed the idea of stepping up voltages to very high
levels for transmission, and then stepping them down again for domestic use.
Edison thought this was very dangerous. Remember, this was all brand new
technology at the time, technology we now take for granted.
Edison's system required huge cables that carried lower voltages, at high
amperages. Tesla's system was just the opposite. Transmission of power over
long distances was also much harder with Edison's D/C system. Look at the
battery cables on your car, which carry 12 volts, and then look at the cord on
a
small household appliance which operates at 120 volts to get an idea of the
difference.
This battle was waged as an all-out war between the backers of the
Tesla/Westinghouse companies, and the Edison companies. Edison's people
resorted to
tactics that would probably land them in jail today. Edison's men assembled
galleries of reporters, shoved stray dogs they'd bought from the neighborhood
children out on to a large metal plate, and then "hit the juice." The
resulting paroxysms of the dying animals, and malodorous smell of burning fur
gave
more than one observer doubts about the safety of the Tesla/Westinghouse
system, because if one of the step-down transformers shorted out, an
unsuspecting
homeowner could reach to turn on a light bulb, and become one himself.
Edison lost out, and the A/C systems we now take for granted covered the
country. However, true to form, Edison clung stubbornly to his DC system, and
some parts of the Edison Phonograph Works still used D/C power until they were
shut down in 1929.
As for Steve Medved, he is a wonderfully knowledgeable and helpful person.
He is a true enthusiast who likes sharing information as much as he enjoys
acquiring it. I am sure that if a reproducer can be made to sing, he is the
one
to help it find its voice.
Randy
