Description
Don Preist's biographical and research files, drawing plans, and testing reports for his innovative work with transmitter
tubes and klystrons with Eimac Inc. and Varian Associates.
Background
Donald Harold Preist, born in England in 1916, first became associated with various aspects of radar development in the late
1930s when conducting early experiments on the detection of ships and the development of high-power ground radar transmitters.
During the early part of the Second World War, Preist served as a flight lieutenant in the British Royal Air Force Volunteer
Reserve and took part in the raid of Bruneval, France where a complete German radar installation was captured and analyzed
by Preist for military intelligence purposes. In 1946, Preist became an Electronic Research Engineer with Eitel-McCullough
Inc. (Eimac) in San Bruno, California, an early leading manufacturer of conventional radio tubes and microwave transmitter
tubes that were used worldwide in radio and radar detectors.
Extent
10 Linear Feet
(18 manuscript boxes; 1 carton; 1 flat box; 12 map-folders)
Restrictions
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Availability
Open for research, with the exception of born-digital materials, which are closed until processed. Note that material must
be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use. Audiovisual materials are not available in original format, and
must be reformatted to a digital use copy.