Computer owners can tap into Tesla's theories

Bulletin board helps students

Computer owners interested in getting the lowdown on high-voltage pioneer Nikola Tesla and his engineering theories now can log onto the Theoretical Electromagnetic Studies and Learning Association's (TESLA) Bulletin Board Service.

Tesla, who died in 1943, was the electrical engineer who invented alternating current. In 1899, he spent eight months in Colorado Springs experimenting with man-made lightning bolts and the use of the earth to conduct electricity.

The city of Leadville, The Leadville Coalition and Colorado Mountain College donated funds to purchase the hardware. The college — which is using the bulletin board to help students learn telecommunication skills — is providing the phone lines, say systems co-operator Toby Grotz.

In addition to offering such standard services as message exchanges, sports and health information and software downloading, the TESLA board provides a forum for the exchange of information regarding Tesla's research into high voltage and the wireless transmission of electrical power.

Board participants are a mix of people, “from the backyard inventor to scientist types and formal engineers,” Grotz says.

Grotz hopes to expand the bulletin board to include a computer-aided design (CAD) section that will allow users to review interactive software that simulates Tesla coils and other devices.

To log onto the TESLA bulletin board, call 486-2775 with a 300, 1200 or 2400-baud modem. The system operates with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and no parity.
For more information, call 486-0133.