Vacuum tubes, with a side order of steampunk We talk about vacuum tubes, how they work and how they made radio and telephone work so much better. We also spend some time talking about the very first computer programmer, the mother of steam punk, and enchantress of number—Ada Lovelace. Here are a couple of videos about crystal radios. Crystal Radio Sets from 1920s & 1930s crystal radio Here’s an article about how to build a crystal radio. The Complete Guide on How to Build a Crystal Radio—Plus How They Work Here’s something about using compressed air as an audio amplifier. The Short but Loud Story of Compressed-Air Amplification Here are a couple of things about Charles Babbage and his never quite built mechanical computing machines. Charles Babbage :The Babbage Engine Here’s an article about the first computer programmer and, according to your hosts, the mother of steampunk-- Ada Lovelace. Ada Lovelace - Life, Facts & Computer Program And here are a couple of videos about vacuum tubes, and how they work. How Vacuum Tubes Work How A Tube Works