naturerecordists
[Top] [All Lists]

Re: the nature of parabolic reflectors

Subject: Re: the nature of parabolic reflectors
From: Walter Knapp <>
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 19:00:36 -0500
From: Klas Strandberg <>
> 
> Walt, you know that I basically agree with you on this topic "theory /
> experience". And I think there was a sometimes stupid discussion in the DAT
> vs. MD debate. Let us not bring this parabol discussion to that point! But
> here I think there is something else going on. I think there is a chance for
> new discoveries! That's important!

It would appear my opinions and speculations are not wanted. A year ago 
I was called dillusional because I maintained that the Telinga was, in 
my experience, providing gain and directionality even down at very low 
frequencies. This year I provide Sten's paper, which was one response to 
that. And, a year later and a lot more times recording with the Telinga 
and paying attention, I'm not one less bit dillusional. I've read Sten 
Wahlstrom's paper, and Swenson's, some time ago. I've evaluated both 
papers against the Telinga, which happens to be the parabolic I use.

It might be well to read Swenson's paper as well, and since I'm sure few 
have bothered to go and get it from any of the dozens of places it's 
available on the internet, I've used some more of my web space for that:
http://naturerecordist.home.mindspring.com/pat_mike.post.pdf
It's particularily worthwhile reading his summary and conclusions. 
Though, I think he's a pessimist with very little experience in nature 
recording.

I'm not near so hopeful for any new discoveries. Not unless people start 
thinking outside the small box they are in. And getting out and 
evaluating what they are saying while nature recording.

> You know I can get really tired of people discussing parabols and theory,
> mostly because it's just the same old prejudice and misunderstandings coming
> back over and over again anyway, - but here and now we have some people who
> want to find out things!

I happen to have things I want to find out too.

> Eric wants to experiment on how to measure a parabol, for example. Fine. I'm
> greatful. Even if he won't find The Truth, he will perhaps find good and bad
> ways to measure!?

I'm really looking forward to those measurements, particularily the 
polar patterns. One of the good things likely to come out of this. I've 
been planning to set up a sort of system to do some polar patterns, 
particularily for the Crown WSA Dish, but also the Telinga. And later my 
own designs, this is clearly not the forum to discuss those. But it's 
been slow going finding the time to mess with that. I'm very thankful 
for Eric wanting to do it. It will probably be this fall at the soonest 
before I can do any of that.

Frog season is here, I've three separate recording forays to do this 
coming week, to three entirely different parts of the state. If I don't 
wear down before the third. Plus I'm trying to get some mic testing of 
my own done.

Walt




________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

<Prev in Thread] Current Thread [Next in Thread>
Admin

The University of NSW School of Computer and Engineering takes no responsibility for the contents of this archive. It is purely a compilation of material sent by many people to the naturerecordists mailing list. It has not been checked for accuracy nor its content verified in any way. If you wish to get material removed from the archive or have other queries about the archive e-mail Andrew Taylor at this address: andrewt@cse.unsw.EDU.AU