Chapter 1263
450MHz Transistor Train Radio, Dissatisfied Locomotive and Rolling Stock Communication
As dusk fell, the setting sun cast a fiery red glow over the entire Factory 62.
Standing beside the railway, the construction site was bustling with activity and quite a sight to behold.
Li Aiguo was engrossed in his reading when the train behind him pulled up.
The dispatchers at the scene quickly arranged for people to unload the truck, and the driver, Zhang Dahua, jumped down from the driver's cab and ran over in a few steps.
It had been a long time since I'd seen her, and her waistline had widened considerably; at a glance, it was almost as big as her height.
"Patriot, I just saw a bonfire by the roadside, but I didn't stop. Why don't you report it and send someone to investigate?"
Zhang Dahua's voice was as loud as ever, and it made Li Aiguo's ears ring as soon as she opened her mouth.
Before Li Aiguo could respond, Huang Jing, who was standing next to him, spoke up first: "Master Zhang, we started that fire."
The train's axle bearing suddenly malfunctioned, and we were all extremely anxious, fearing we wouldn't be able to fix it and it would cause problems. Thankfully, my mentor stepped in just in time and managed to resolve the issue smoothly.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Dahua's smile froze on her face, and she felt a wave of fear wash over her.
Given the situation just now, even if she had been fully focused on the road ahead, she might not have been able to spot the potential hazard in front of her in time.
In the event of a collision, the driver of the car in front might be able to withstand the impact, but the car behind would likely be completely totaled.
She patted Li Aiguo on the shoulder forcefully: "You're something else, kid. Even though you've become a leader, you haven't lost your driving and car repair skills at all. You're still as good as ever."
I'll save two extra steamed buns for you tonight, to help you recover!
"Dahua, how many steamed buns do you eat in one meal now?" Li Aiguo asked curiously.
"Not many, not many, just seven or eight will be enough." Zhang Dahua rubbed her stomach.
Li Aiguo: "."
This is why key units like the Qianmen Locomotive Depot have guaranteed food supplies; other smaller units simply couldn't afford to support this "female Zhang Fei."
While the truck was being unloaded, Li Aiguo, seeing that everything was normal, used the phone to report the malfunction that had occurred during the journey, as required by regulations.
After learning the whole story, Section Chief Xing was also shocked and broke out in a cold sweat. Without delay, he immediately contacted the railway bureau to report the situation.
When Li Aiguo returned to the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, Section Chief Xing had already rushed over.
"Patriotism, thank you for your hard work! I have already reported the situation to the railway bureau."
The safety department has decided to give you, Huang Jing, and Lao Chen a verbal commendation.
"Thanks to your proper handling of the situation, a major risk was avoided. You deserve a lot of credit!"
Li Aiguo no longer values these honors, but Huang Jing and Chen Silu are different.
This praise will be of great help to their future promotion.
He quickly nodded and thanked him, "Thank you, Section Chief."
"Hey, if anyone should be thanking someone, it should be me. If it had been another driver today, something bad would probably have happened by now." Section Chief Xing took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it to Li Aiguo.
"Patriotism, what advice do you have for this kind of accident?"
The words had barely left his mouth when Section Chief Xing burst into laughter.
Trains are machines, and breakdowns are inevitable.
Furthermore, encountering severe weather is unavoidable.
Even if it were a comrade who came by special train, let alone Li Aiguo, there would be no way to stop him.
“Actually, I do have an idea, Section Chief. I want to build a radio that can be used on trains,” Li Aiguo said.
“Radio? That thing doesn’t work well. I’ve used it before. It was okay within the capital, but outside the capital, you couldn’t receive anything.” Section Chief Xing frowned.
"This is different from the previous one. It uses the 2N1143 transistor, 450MHz frequency, and narrowband frequency modulation, which has better anti-interference ability than amplitude modulation."
Section Chief Xing felt he couldn't understand it at all, but he did understand the two words "better than".
"Go for it, Aiguo! Go ahead and do it boldly. Whatever people or materials you need, the whole department will provide full support!"
Section Chief Xing's mood also became excited.
If a train radio station were actually developed, drivers would definitely be much safer on the road.
"We don't need any materials, but we might need the help of the Railway Technology Research Institute."
Li Aiguo calculated that, based on the manpower available at the Qianmen Locomotive Depot's workshop, they should be able to manage it.
There's just too much work to do right now, everyone's very busy.
"You handle this!" Section Chief Xing's strength is that when he encounters something he doesn't understand, he doesn't pretend to know it and is willing to delegate authority.
After Section Chief Xing left, Li Aiguo arranged for Chen Baiya to take over the shift. Anyway, Li Aiguo and his apprentice were working on the products in the studio together.
Li Aiguo did not assign Chen Baiya any tasks, but instead made her responsible for inspecting various workshops.
This kid has a sharp eye. He used to do very well at the steel rolling mill. Contact Li Aiguo again if you need anything.
Just as I was arranging the work, the security officer at the gate rushed over to report that someone was looking for me.
"Brother Liu." Li Aiguo greeted Liu Feng, the factory director, as he arrived at the door.
"Hey bro, I brought you something, don't mind it." Liu Feng drove up in a Jeep, a beat-up GAZ Jeep, and opened the trunk.
Li Aiguo saw Liu Feng take a sack off the GAZ jeep, open it, and throw it to Li Aiguo for a glance.
“These are all lamb bones, nothing fancy. These are from sheep raised by our factory, just slaughtered today. Liang Ladi said your wife hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I brought them to you,” Liu Feng said in a low voice.
Li Aiguo also knew about the machinery factory. Liu Feng, the factory director, lacked decisiveness but was extremely good at managing money. He had fenced off a piece of land outside the factory and raised dozens of pigs and sheep.
Actually, many factories do this nowadays, and it's not considered a violation of regulations.
Li Aiguo could tell at a glance that it was all bones, including some thicker bone marrow. This was a genuine free-range sheep, perfect for making soup.
"Thank you, Brother Liu."
"Brother, you're too kind. Our factory now helps repair excavators and train excavator repairmen, and the profits are much better than before." In the past two years, the machinery factory has been doing very well thanks to these businesses.
"Brother Liu, you're too kind. We're old friends. Just let me know if you need anything in the future," Li Aiguo said politely in return.
"By the way, our machinery factory just received an order to produce excavator parts for you. We plan to renovate the factory, and we'd like to use the excavators for a while," Liu Feng said.
“Okay, come find me then.” Li Aiguo nodded.
There are now a batch of excavators in the workshop of the Qianmen Locomotive Depot, which are used to help the locomotive depot or other units with emergency repairs, road repairs, building construction, and ditch digging.
Although the machine shop is responsible for maintenance, the excavator cannot be moved at all without the scheduling of the workshop.
Liu Feng left with a smile, and Li Aiguo picked up the sack, which weighed several dozen kilograms.
It was already past closing time, and Li Aiguo, considering he had to go to the Railway Technology Research Institute the next day, went home early.
It was dinnertime, and the courtyard was filled with the aroma of cooking.
The neighbors chatted idly in the yard, bowls and chopsticks in hand.
Li Aiguo greeted everyone with a smile as he walked towards the Intermediate People's Court.
As soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw Xu Damao standing there cursing Yi Zhonghai.
Xu Damao also has a sharp tongue. These past few days, he's been cursing the person who reported him in the compound, calling him a bastard and wishing him no descendants.
But they wouldn't name names, and Yi Zhonghai couldn't stop them, so he could only roll his eyes in frustration.
The residents in the compound were all happy to watch the spectacle, and some even cheered.
Li Aiguo ate some melon for a while, then went back inside.
Chen Xueru was busy at the stove when she saw him come in carrying a large burlap sack. She asked curiously, "What's in here?"
"It's bones, good heavens." Inside the sack, there were bones on top, two lamb legs and seven or eight pig trotters below, and a lot of meat on the bones, no wonder it was so heavy.
"Liu Feng's getting cunning too, tsk tsk."
"Are these things alright?" Chen Xueru asked, somewhat worried.
"It's nothing. These are all products made by the machinery factory itself. We'll just give Liu Feng a big red envelope when he gets married."
Li Aiguo sorted the items, giving one to Cao Wenzhi, one to the farmer, one to Chen Fangxuan, and one to Liu Guozhang, keeping the rest for himself.
Early the next morning.
Li Aiguo drove his large SUV to the Railway Technology Institute, and carrying a sack, went into Liu Guozhang's office.
"Teacher, your student has brought you a gift." The office door was wide open, and Li Aiguo's voice was loud.
Liu Guozhang nodded approvingly.
The more secretive you are, the more suspicious others will be. But the way Li Aiguo does things, others can't really say anything.
"Hey, what did you bring?" Liu Guozhang opened the sack and took a look.
"They were all gifts from others." Li Aiguo picked up a pack of white cigarettes from the table, took one out, and lit it.
Liu Guozhang nodded: "Lamb bones, lamb legs, pig trotters, these are all good stuff. This person is quite generous."
"Hehe." Li Aiguo chuckled, without revealing who gave it to him.
"Aiguo, do you still have any left?" Liu Guozhang put the sack aside, planning to take it home after get off work and have his wife stew it.
“Yes, teacher. Now that the gift has been given, it’s time for me to ask you for a favor.” Li Aiguo’s voice was still loud.
Liu Guozhang chuckled and looked at the student.
This student is not just a technical genius; he knows how to navigate the intricacies of government offices very well. He gives gifts openly and asks for favors honestly.
That's incredible!
"I knew you were bringing me a gift because you wanted something in return. Go ahead and say it."
"Teacher, please take a look at this." Li Aiguo handed over the plan he had prepared long ago.
Liu Guozhang was stunned after just one glance.
"A 450MHz transistor radio? What made you think of building this thing?"
"Teacher, yesterday afternoon, I was helping with the driving in the section." Li Aiguo explained the situation.
Liu Guozhang nodded: "The lack of a radio on the train is indeed a big problem. Our railway technology institute is currently developing open-line carrier communication, but the results are not very good. The person in charge of this project is..."
Although Liu Guozhang was the director of the institute, he was not directly in charge of communications.
He stood up, pulled out a list from the filing cabinet, and looked at it: "The locomotive and rolling stock communication research group is in charge of this project, and the group leader is Comrade Zhang Tianming."
Actually, research on railway communication technology in China has never stopped since liberation, and open-line carrier communication technology is one of them.
However, the disadvantages of open-wire carrier communication are too prominent. It is susceptible to weather and environmental factors, and its stability is extremely poor.
"When it rains, the dispatch phone gets choppy; when it's windy, the telegrams drop. This isn't communication; it's completely at the mercy of the weather! The Russians and the US have long since given up on this technology. Why is our research institute still stubbornly sticking to it?"
Li Aiguo spoke directly.
Liu Guozhang gave a wry smile and gave Li Aiguo a meaningful look: "Aiguo, this is the research institute."
A simple sentence encapsulates the helplessness involved. The research institute is not a one-man show; there are several deputy directors, senior experts with experience, performance targets from above, and a complex web of relationships.
Even though Liu Guozhang is the director, he cannot arbitrarily cut a research project that has been in the works for many years.
This is also the main reason why Li Aiguo has always disagreed with upgrading the studio.
A small temple attracts many evil spirits, and a shallow pond breeds many turtles. The higher the status, the more powerful the magistrates become.
Unlike now, I can do whatever I want, it's so much more enjoyable!
Liu Guozhang pondered for a moment and said, "Here's what we'll do: I'll personally take you to the Locomotive and Rolling Stock Communication Research Group and ask them to allocate a few technicians to assist you with your work."
Liu Guozhang was also aware of the role of the 450MHz transistor radio, and after informing the relevant leaders, he personally brought Li Aiguo to the locomotive and rolling stock communication research group.
This research group was not large within the Railway Technology Institute; about fifteen people sat in a spacious office.
The team leader, Zhang Tianming, is a Level 5 engineer, the two deputy team leaders are Level 6 engineers, and the rest are all Level 10 and Level 11 technicians.
These technicians are all quite old. It's not that they lack skill, but rather that for a long period after the founding of the People's Republic of China, promotion was strictly controlled, with far more applicants than available positions, and many of them had become "veterans" through the long wait.
As Liu Guozhang pushed open the door and entered with an unfamiliar face, the previously noisy office instantly fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned to him, their expressions varied.
Team leader Zhang Tianming's face immediately darkened.
Open-wire carrier communication is a project he spearheaded. Although it currently has shortcomings, he firmly believes that as long as he continues to improve it, he will be able to overcome the difficulties.
Now the institute suddenly wants to launch a new project. Isn't this a clear attempt to take away his power and resources?
But Liu Guozhang was, after all, a core member of the five-man subway team and held a transcendent position within the railway system.
No matter how unhappy Zhang Tianming was, he didn't dare to show it out in person. He could only sit silently in his chair without saying a word.
The two deputy team leaders exchanged a glance, a playful smile on their lips, clearly ready to watch the show.
Upon seeing Liu Guozhang enter, he merely gave a slight bow, a perfunctory gesture.
As for the other technicians, some looked grim, some were gloating, and a few were completely bewildered.
Liu Guozhang led Li Aiguo in, and seeing everyone looking up at him, he waved the document in his hand: "Comrades, the Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop is preparing to launch a new research project: a 450MHz train wireless dispatching radio."
Considering the close relationship between this project and railway signaling, the institute has decided to draw personnel from within your project team to assist.
Then he gave a brief introduction to the project, and after that, he said directly, "Comrade Li Aiguo is the person in charge. Now we need an engineer, Chen Dongfeng or Zhao Xingshan. Which of you is willing to cooperate?"
Upon hearing this, the two deputy team leaders immediately shook their heads vigorously, their eyes simultaneously drifting towards Zhang Tianming.
Zhang Tianming spoke first with a forced smile: "Director Liu, it's not that I don't want to release him."
As you know, research on open-wire carrier communication is currently at a crucial stage, and both Chen Dongfeng and Zhao Xingshan are carrying heavy responsibilities and simply cannot leave. Shouldn't we discuss this matter with Deputy Director Xie first?
The two deputy team leaders quickly chimed in, "Yes, Director, we've been working so hard for so long, and we're about to see results. If we withdraw now, wouldn't that be abandoning the project halfway through?"
"Don't worry, Director. Once we're done here, we'll go to support the Qianmen Locomotive Depot as soon as possible."
Liu Guozhang's brows furrowed instantly into a deep frown.
He hadn't expected to transfer Zhang Tianming, but he didn't expect that even the two deputy team leaders would dare to refuse him to his face.
After taking office, he consistently advocated "following the old rules and regulations."
It seems that by not making those "three fires," they were taken for a fool.
The atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment.
"Since the engineers are all very busy, a technician can also be used."
Just then, Li Aiguo laughed heartily and stepped forward to help his teacher out of the predicament.
His gaze swept over the technicians who were engrossed in their work, and he said loudly, "Our Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop needs three more technicians. Is there anyone willing to volunteer to work with me?"
The office was deathly silent.
450MHz line tuning is a new concept for most technicians. Chief Engineer Liu's explanation was rather simple, and most technicians didn't quite understand it.
The team leader and the two deputy team leaders are clearly resistant; they hesitate for a moment.
The reasons are complicated. Some are worried about not being able to do it, some are jealous, and some are worried about offending the team leader.
In short, I didn't react immediately.
Taking advantage of the break, the two young technicians stood up and said at the same time, "Team Leader Li, we are willing to work for you."
"My name is Zhang Ze, a level 10 technician."
"My name is Liang Tao, and I am a level 10 technician."
Li Aiguo didn't actually have high requirements for the technicians' skills; he just needed the research institute's equipment and someone to help collect data. He immediately made the decision: "Okay, it's the two of you. One more person left."
Before he could finish speaking, a voice came from the corner: "Team Leader Li, I'll take over."
Everyone turned to look, and there was Old Kong, the oldest technician in the research group.
At his age, he's still only a level 10 technician. He must have started working before the founding of the People's Republic of China, and he got there by accumulating seniority. His future is basically over, and he'll only be promoted to engineer if a miracle happens.
When Zhang Tianming saw Lao Kong step forward, he almost burst out laughing.
This old comrade has mediocre skills and usually only does odd jobs. Now he actually wants to get into high-tech radio? Isn't that utterly ridiculous?
Old Kong did indeed have this new idea. He wasn't very capable, but after decades of work, he had gained some experience and knew immediately that this 450MHz tuning system was a good thing.
Those who can achieve results, especially with national model workers personally taking the lead, can easily see the promising future ahead.
Although he now earns 108 yuan a month, his wife is a rural resident without a food ration book and is also frail and sickly. After giving birth to five children, she has been bedridden ever since.
The two had shared hardships before the liberation, and Old Kong never thought of abandoning his wife, so life was extremely difficult.
Now that such an opportunity has presented itself, we must seize it, even if it means taking a gamble.
One of the deputy team leaders spoke up: "Old Kong, with your limited skills, going to provide support would only make our team look bad."
They never show any mercy to honest people who have no future.
Upon hearing this, Lao Kong quickly said, "Team Leader Li, I know my skills are lacking."
But I'm familiar with all the radio factories in the country. I'm good at running errands, getting documents, and conducting basic experiments. You tell me where to go, and I'll do it; I definitely won't cause you any trouble.
Li Aiguo, standing to the side, understood perfectly that from a work perspective, they did indeed need a technician who could execute tasks precisely where instructed.
I'll help him this once, and I think he'll work even harder in his future research.
Li Aiguo warmly grasped Lao Kong's hand: "Oh my, with a veteran like you taking charge, our Qianmen Locomotive Depot workshop couldn't be happier."
Old Kong reached out and grasped Li Aiguo's hands, saying, "Thank you! Thank you!"
At this point, the remaining technicians finally realized what was happening.
Old Kong may not be technically skilled, but he has excellent judgment. Back then, he refused the Japanese's invitation and returned to the countryside with his wife, but now he is actively requesting to join.
Unfortunately, the opportunity was fleeting, and all the spots were already filled.
Liu Guozhang was very satisfied with Li Aiguo's decision: "Aiguo, keep it up! Don't embarrass your teacher, haha."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room changed their expressions. Director Liu, you should have said earlier that this was your student!
Only Zhang Tianming had a strange look on his face, and it was unclear what he was thinking.
"I guarantee I will complete the mission." Li Aiguo stood at attention.
Liu Guozhang, who was usually gentle and refined, was acting out of character this time.
Not only did he publicly acknowledge their mentor-apprentice relationship, but he also made the direct decision to allocate the institute's best laboratory to the 450MHz commissioning project team.
He also personally contacted the Zhu Zhou Institute and the Ji Chun Institute to assist in tackling the problem.
Deputy Director Xie originally wanted to put on a show, but after being scolded by Liu Guozhang, he slunk away and shut his mouth.
Back in his office, Deputy Director Xie grew increasingly angry and called Zhang Tianming over.
"Old Zhang, what do you think of this project that Director Liu's students are working on?"
Zhang Tianming understood immediately and quickly stepped forward, lowering his voice to say, "Director, don't worry."
"Even the big brother (referring to the tech giants) doesn't understand radio technology. How can these few self-taught novices possibly master it? I've already spoken with some of the key technical personnel, and nobody's optimistic about them."
Deputy Director Xie waved his hand, interrupting him: "I don't know about these underhanded tactics, and I don't want to know."
“Yes, yes, yes,” Zhang Tianming said, lowering his voice, “Director, if this project fails, then your opportunity will come.”
Liu Guozhang is currently focusing his work on the subway. There are already rumors that after the subway is completed, Liu Guozhang will be transferred to the Ministry of Railways to take charge of subway operations.
Deputy Director Xie has been a deputy director for many years. He couldn't win against Liu Guozhang back then, so this is a good opportunity for him to make a move.
It wasn't about driving Liu Guozhang away, but about friendly negotiations.
Hello, hello, everyone, that's how things are.
"Ahem, don't talk nonsense. I have great respect for Director Guozhang. As for you, you need to speed things up and try to fix the defects of open-wire carrier communication before Li Aiguo does. The ministry looks at results, understand?"
"Understood, understood, Director, I will absolutely not let you down," Zhang Tianming assured him, patting his chest.
When Liu Guozhang returned home, he was still thinking about the 450MHz commissioning project and picked up the materials Li Aiguo had given him.
"I don't know how Aiguo's brain works. He can design something so ingenious, but those guys still don't believe it."
The master's wife started stewing the lamb bones and said, "You don't even know how high your level of patriotism is. You've even managed to build a small airplane. Now I hear that small airplanes are being used for farming in the border areas. I think this is a talent."
“Yes, it’s talent. No wonder the higher-ups called Aiguo a genius. He can remember all kinds of knowledge after just one reading. I even think that if Aiguo were to do theoretical research, he might win the Nobel Prize.” The more Liu Guozhang looked at the materials, the more at ease he felt.
Perhaps this is a good opportunity to clean up the research lab.
"That's true." The master's wife threw two pieces of ginger into the pot to remove the fishy smell.
What Liu Guozhi didn't know was that Li Aiguo could win the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine if he wanted to.
Of course, the Peace Prize is out of the question.
It's just that Li Aiguo is not willing to do that now. He will wait until the time is right before trying to gain international recognition.
Li Aiguo's current focus is on stability; everything he does is designed for practical use.
Instead of just engaging in theory, winning numerous awards, but achieving little practical results.
Even the wind tunnel laboratory, Li Aiguo still felt was too much of an investment, and it was only built to develop transport aircraft.
Considering the amount of work he has on hand, Li Aiguo did not return to the courtyard house, but instead slept on the floor in his studio.
Li Aiguo's eyes widened as he looked at the low-frequency amplifier transistor that Lao Xia from the Red Star Computer Research Institute had sent.
"Hey, I think I can also get voice-activated lights working."
(End of this chapter)