Guide to Don Preist Papers M1411
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
2022
Green Library
557 Escondido Mall
Stanford 94305-6064
specialcollections@stanford.edu
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Don Preist papers
source:
Preist, Ruth C. Talcott
Identifier/Call Number: M1411
Physical Description:
10 Linear Feet
(18 manuscript boxes; 1 carton; 1 flat box; 12 map-folders)
Physical Description:
0.00072 gigabyte(s)
1 3.5" floppy disk
Date (inclusive): 1934-2002
Date (bulk): 1949-1991
Abstract: 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.
Conditions Governing Access
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.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was given by the estate of Ruth Preist to Stanford University, Special Collections in September, 2003.
Biographical / Historical
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.
At Eimac, Preist lead the development of the company's line of external cavity high power amplifier klystrons and was responsible
for the design of the first super-power klystron for the X626 Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Radar (BMEWS). During
this same period, Preist's future wife, Ruth M. Carlson Talcott was a Project Engineer at Eimac. From 1951-1962, Talcott
participated in several vacuum tube development projects, specializing in their chemical aspects, and was associated with
Eimac's ceramic envelope tube development since its inception. Talcott received a patent for her invention of the electron
tube comprising of beryllium oxide ceramic, and shared additional patents with her fellow Eimac engineers, including Preist.
After Eimac merged with Varian Associates in 1965, Preist continued his innovative work with klystrons, and during the early
1980s, Preist and Varian engineer program manager, Merrald Shrader invented the company's trademarked Klystrode tube, an efficient
transmitter for ultra-high frequency television. The application of this transmitter allowed a television station to broadcast
to a larger area with greater picture clarity and consistency. In 1990, Preist and Shrader won individual primetime Emmy
awards for Outstanding Achievement in the engineering division for the Varian Klystrode.
Preist held patents in both the United States and United Kingdom, and was an admitted fellow of the Institute of Electrical
Engineers of Great Britain and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in acknowledgement for his contributions towards
klystron development and for extending the limits on power and frequency in communications and radar. Preist retired from
Varian in 1992, and continued in consulting work with English Electric Valve (EEV), an energy company based in the United
Kingdom. Preist passed away in 2002, and Talcott followed in 2003.
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], Don Preist papers (M1411). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford Libraries,
Stanford, Calif.
Scope and Contents
The Don Preist papers consist of professional and personal files created and maintained by Donald Harold Preist (1916-2002),
and pertain to his involvement with innovative research and development for transmitter tubes and klystron beams while he
was a lead engineer with the Eimac and Varian Associates companies. Materials in the collection include technical reports
and drawings; inter-office memos; research notes and calculations; correspondence; and photographs.
Conditions Governing Use
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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Science -- History.
Electronic industries -- California
Radar transmitters
Radar -- history
Klystrons.
Preist, Ruth C. Talcott
Eimac (firm)
Eitel-McCullough, Inc.
Varian Associates. Eimac Division
Series 1. Biographic Files
1934-1999
Scope and Contents
Materials pertaining to Preist's personal life and professional career including correspondence, photographs, and miscellany.
The series also contains audio-visual and computer media; interview notes related to Preist's historical research on the Eimac
company; and writings about his work in radar technology during World War 2 for the British Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.
Box 1, folder 1
Early career documents, 1939-1946 and 1956-1958
Box 1, folder 2
Technical Performance of the "Gee" Navigation Radio System by Preist, D., 1946-09
Box 1, folder 3
Donald Preist memoir, 1997
Box 1, folder 4
World War II recollections collected by Preist, 1982-1990, incl.
Box 1, folder 5
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. membership business, 1970-1975, incl.
Box 1, folder 6
"Fascinating Tubes" by Preist, D., IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices journal, 1984-11
Box 1, folder 7
Seminar on the History of Radar Development to 1945, Institution of Electrical Engineers London UK, 1985
Box 1, folder 8
Writings and reflections by Preist, 1979-1997, incl.
Box 1, folder 9
Biographical miscellany for Talcott, Ruth C.
Box 2, folder 1
Preist feedback on Electronic Engineers Handbook, 1994
Box 2, folder 2
Preist declaration statement for Comark, 1995-06
Box 2, folder 3
Preist's talk on Ed Ginzton, 1971-05-25
Box 2, folder 4
Eimac history, clippings and notes
Box 2, folder 5
Eimac anniversary booklet, 50 Years of Excellence, 1934-1984
Box 2, folder 6
Transcript copy of interview with Bill Eitel, 1974
Box 2, folder 7
Preist interview notes with Jack McCullough, 1995
Box 2, folder 8
Correspondence regarding Eimac history, 1991-1997
Box 2, folder 9
Correspondence regarding Eimac history, 1996 January to 1996 July
Box 2, folder 10
Correspondence between Preist and Loring, Marshall, 1996-1997, incl.
Box 2, folder 11
Correspondence, various, 1943-1946, incl.
Box 2, folder 12
Correspondence, various, 1982-1999, incl.
Box 2, folder 13
Correspondence between Preist and Abraham, Wayne, 1985-1990, incl.
Box 2, folder 14
Correspondence between Preist and Badger, George, 1982-1996, incl.
Box 2, folder 15
International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems, Vol. 4, Number 4. 1993 December
Box 2, folder 16
The Resonator by S.G. McNees, Collins Radio Company, 1953 March
Box 3, folder 1
Correspondence received from Brown, Hank, 1996-1999, incl.
Box 3, folder 2
Correspondence received from Bryant, John, 1989
Box 3, folder 3
Correspondence from Dowd, Brother Patrick, F.S.C., 1997
Scope and Contents
Folder contents include a 3.5 inch floppy diskette.
Box 3, folder 4
Correspondence between Preist and Goldfinger, Art regarding UHF test results, 1982-1990
Box 3, folder 5
Correspondence between Preist and Ritzenthaler, Jean regarding early transmitter tubes, 1997-1999
Box 3, folder 6
Correspondence received from Symons, Robert, 1994 and 1999
Box 3, folder 7
Correspondence received from Truefitt, Edward, 1979-1982, incl.
Box 3, folder 8
Correspondence with colleagues, 1985, 1992, and 1994, incl.
Box 3, folder 9
The Story of Eimac .. First 50 years, 1996
Physical Description: Hardbound volume.
Box 3, folder 10
Company publication: Eimac, 1934-1978
Material Specific Details: Hard cover; multiple pages missing
Box 3, folder 11
"Power Tube Follies", Microwave Vacuum conference, 1998 May 3
Scope and Contents
Folder content is a single VHS video cassette.
Box 3, folder 12
"Interview of Loring, Marshall and Sena, Ed. Photograph identifications", no date
Scope and Contents
Folder content is a single audio cassette tape. Ed Senna was an official photographer for Eimac.
Series 2. Research Files
1950-1994
1973-1989
Scope and Contents
This series includes Preist's research files and notes on the early development of the klystrode tube; and published research
and reports Don co-authored with his wife, Ruth Talcott Preist. Also included are original technical drawings by Preist and
his notes and calculations.
Box 4, folder 1-2
Research publications authored by Preist, 1950 to 1984
Box 4, folder 3
Research publications authored by Preist, 1949-1963; 1982-1991, incl.
Box 4, folder 4
Technical notes, arc lamp, 1964-1968, incl.
Box 4, folder 5
Transmission of Electric Power at 60Hz Using Electron Beams by Preist, 1973 January
Box 4, folder 6
Papers written on improved design of inductive output tubes (IOT) and klystrodes by Preist, 1985 April and 1995 March
Box 4, folder 7
Patent disclosure by Preist, 1982 December 12
Box 4, folder 8
"A High Power Klystrode with Potential of Space Application" by Preist, 1991
Box 4, folder 9
Papers co-authored by Preist and Talcott, 1959-1963, incl.
Box 4, folder 10
Patents Preist and Talcott held with Eimac, 1966
Box 5, folder 1
Preist notes on window studies, 1960
Material Specific Details: Hardcover volume.
Box 5, folder 2
Preist lab notebook, 1960-1961
Material Specific Details: Hardcover volume.
Box 5, folder 3
Research notes, 1973-1981, incl.
Box 5, folder 6
Research notes, 1984-1987, incl.
Box 5, folder 7
Research notes, 1990-1994, incl.
Box 5, folder 8
Technical drawings by Preist, undated
Box 6, folder 3
Grid filament module, 1975
Box 6, folder 8
Klystrode model X2252, 1986
Box 7, folder 1
Klystrode General Topics, 1987
Box 7, folder 2
Klystrode General Technology, 1988
Box 7, folder 3
Klystrode model X2252x, 1987
Box 7, folder 4
Philips Cathodes and Th-W Cathodes, 1989
Box 7, folder 5
Work for ThermoTrex Corporation, San Diego, 1994
Box 7, folder 7
Special tests on klystrodes of interest
Box 8, folder 1-2
Klystrode model X2259, 1988-1989, incl.
Box 8, folder 3-8
Miscellaneous research notes, 1980s-1990s
Series 3. Business Files
1960-2002
Scope and Contents
This series contains business correspondence, reports, technical drawings and related research materials on Klystrode development
and testing and the Ultra High Frequency television transmission 850 MHz project. Most of the records were created during
Preist's career with Eimac-Varian and Varian Associates and include monthly activity reports on research and development testing,
inter-office memos of meetings, and preliminary design concepts for input cavities. Research communications between Preist
and colleagues he consulted for his work with the English Electric Valve (EEV) company are also included in this series.
Box 9, folder 1
Notes and materials on klystrode development history
Box 9, folder 2
Notebook, "Eitel-McCullough Book of Ideas", 1935-1946
Box 9, folder 3
Eimac inter-office memos, 1951 October and 1957-1960, incl.
Box 9, folder 4
Future Prospects for High Power VHF Generator (technical paper) by Priest, 1948
Box 9, folder 5
Notes on UHF Circuits for the Eimac Tetrode (technical paper) by Preist, 1949 August
Box 9, folder 6
Modulations (AM) with klystrodes, 1953-1956, incl.
Box 9, folder 7
Ceramics Dialetrics Materials, 1959-1968; 1990
Box 9, folder 8
Eimac engineer reports, 1958
Box 9, folder 9
Eimac lab and research reports by Talcott, Ruth, 1951-1954
Box 9, folder 10
Eimac research reports and papers by Talcott, Ruth, 1953-1955
Box 9, folder 11
Eimac interim report: X582 Klystron Output Activity by Talcott, Ruth, 1959-01-15
Box 9, folder 12
Eimac Special Studies Unit Technical Reports by Preist and Talcott, 1959
Box 9, folder 13
Heating of Output Windows of Microwave Tubes by Electron Bombardment (technical report) by Preist and Talcott, 1960 August
Box 10, folder 1-2
Eimac: Klystron Engineering Design Manual, 1961 September 27
Box 10, folder 4
Eimac publications, 1957-1962
Box 10, folder 5
Varian Associates Klystron Design Manual, 1961
Box 10, folder 6
Varian chronology, 1948-1969, compiled by Oral History Associates, 1989 September 6
Box 10, folder 7
Varian inter-office memos between Preist and Herdman, B., 1968-1969
Box 10, folder 8
Varian inter-office memos, 1981-1990, incl.
Box 11, folder 1
Varian Chalk River Meeting, 1991 August 22
map-folder 20
Chalk River Meeting engineer drawings, 1990
General
Oversize materials removed from Box 11 ff 1: Chalk River Meeting, 1991 August 22.
Box 11, folder 2
Varian inter-office memos with technical reports, 1982-1983
Box 11, folder 3
Varian inter-office memos with technical reports, 1984-1989
Box 11, folder 4
Interoffice memo reports by Merrald Shrader, 1988-1991, incl.
Box 11, folder 5
Varian research and development management communications, 1967
Box 11, folder 6
Varian management communications, 1988 October to 1990 July
Box 11, folder 7
Varian management communications, 1990 August to 1991 July
Box 11, folder 8
Bill payments for materials for Klystrode X2252, 1986
Box 11, folder 9
Notes on finance and research and development, undated
Box 12, folder 1
Varian Associates Magazine, 1975
Box 12, folder 2
Varian klystrode published data, 1980s to 1990s
Box 12, folder 3
Varian annual reports, 1985
Box 12, folder 4
Gridded Gun for Klystrodes report by Preist, 1964 September
Box 12, folder 5
Research on Microwave Multipactor by Hayes, R. and Preist, 1964 September
Box 12, folder 6
Eimac report: Multipactor in Klystrodes, 1964
Box 12, folder 8
Eimac report: Development of Metal-Ceramic Arc Lamps [...], 1968
Box 12, folder 9
Eimac-Varian technical memo: Improved Gridded High Power [...], 1968
Box 12, folder 10
Eimac-Varian technical memo: Design approach for a 10,000 Ampere [...], 1969 July
Box 12, folder 11
Eimac-Varian technical memo: [...] Measurement of Particle Size Distribution, 1970 December
Box 12, folder 12
Eimac-Varian report: Transmission of Electric Power [...], 1973 January
Box 12, folder 13
Eimac-Varian report: Design of Large Gridded Electron Power Tubes [...], 1975 May
Box 13, folder 1
Eimac-Varian report: Study of RF Sources for a Proton Linac, 1977 August
Box 13, folder 2
Varian Report: Recent Advances in Twystron [...], 1964
Box 13, folder 3
Varian report: New Development in Sputter Ion Pump Configurations, 1975 October
Box 13, folder 4
Varian report: Gridded Gun Desgn Alternatives [...], 1977 October
Box 13, folder 5
Varian report: Tyler Circuit Efficiency Study, 1979 May
Box 13, folder 6
Varian report: 10 KW L-Band Amp Tubes [...] by Preist, D. et. al., 1992 January
Box 13, folder 7
Varian report: Review of Outgassing results, undated
Box 13, folder 8
Communications Transitor Corporation (Varian) technical reports, 1977
Box 13, folder 9
Klystrons for Present and Future [...] by McCune, E.W., undated
Box 13, folder 10
Biased Gap Klystron Study by Enstoff, Michael, 1964 July
Box 13, folder 11
The Constant Efficiency Amplifier, a Progress Report, by Litton Electron Devices Division, 1998
Box 13, folder 12
Generator for Producing High Concentrations of Small Ions, 1964
Box 13, folder 13
Electron Gun Breakdown presentation by Staprans, Armand. High Voltage Workshop, Monterey, CA, 1985
Box 13, folder 14
Preist's research notes on air ions, 1970
Box 13, folder 15
Air ions reference materials, 1975
Box 13, folder 16
Air ions research, effects on biology
Box 13, folder 17
Final Summary Report on Special Electron Bombardment Heater to Operate in Sodium, 1967 February 18
map-folder 21
Engineer drawings from Report on Electron Bombardment Heater, 1965-1967
Processing Information
Oversize materials removed from Box 13 ff 17: Final Summary Report on Special Electron Bombardment Heater to Operate in Sodium,
1967 February 18.
Box 13, folder 18
Electron Bombardment Heaters, 1970
Box 13, folder 19
Proposal for high Voltage Switch Tubes, 1975
map-folder 22
Plans from Proposal for High Voltage Switch Tubes, 1973-1975
Processing Information
Oversize materials removed from Box 13 ff 19: Proposal for High Voltage Switch Tubes, 1975
Box 13, folder 20
Varian Monthly Activity Reports, 1979-1986, incl.
map-folder 23
Research and testing output readings from Varian Monthly Activity Reports, 1979-1986
Processing Information
Oversize materials removed from Box 13 ff 20: Varian Monthly Activity Reports, 1979-1986.
Box 14, folder 2
Switch tube calculations, 1984 and 1988
Box 14, folder 3
Tube processing, 1987-1991, incl.
Box 14, folder 4
Klystron window failures, 1989
Box 14, folder 5
Cathode gun testing, 1990-1991
Box 14, folder 6
Window calculations, 1990-1992
Box 14, folder 7
C.R.N.L. Klystrode test data, 1991-1992
Box 14, folder 8
Multipactor calculations and research, 1992
Box 14, folder 9
TTC Spares, 1994 May to 1994 June
Box 14, folder 10
TTC Spares, 1994 August to 1994 November
Box 14, folder 11
IOT and SPICE plans, 1995-1996
Box 14, folder 12
Klystrode cavity calculations, 1980-1984, incl.
Box 17, folder 4
Readouts of Klystrode cavity calculations, 1980-1984
Processing Information
Oversize materials removed from Box 14 ff 12: Klystrode Cavity Calculations, 1980-1984
Box 15, folder 1
Notes between Preist and O'Loughlin, Cian on multipactor, 1996
Box 15, folder 2
EEV: Klystron crisis, 1995 May
Box 15, folder 3
EEV: Electron dynamics in the collectors of Klystrons and IOT's by A.H. Pickering 1997 July
Box 15, folder 4
EEV: Research communications with Bohlen, 1992-1993
Box 15, folder 5
EEV: Research communications with Crompton and Clayworth, 1994-1996, incl.
Box 15, folder 6
EEV: Research communications with Dobbs, Richard, 1994, incl.
Box 15, folder 7
EEV: Research communications with Jensen, Morten, 1999
Box 15, folder 8
EEV: Research communications with O'Loughlin, C., 1994-1996, incl.
Box 15, folder 9
EEV: Research communications with Przbyla, 1997 July
Box 15, folder 10-11
EEV: Research communications with Przbyla on Inductive Output Tubes, 1997
Box 16, folder 1
EEV: Research communications with Wilcox, David, 1993-1994
Box 16, folder 2
EEV: Research communications with Wilcox, 1994-1998, incl.
Box 16, folder 3
EEV: Research communications with Wilcox and Przbyla, 1998
Box 16, folder 4
Research communications with "J.S.P.", 1997
Box 16, folder 5
Research communications, various, 1994-1996
Box 16, folder 6
Research communications with Thermotrex, 1989-1994, incl.
Box 17, folder 1
Drawings for resonators, 1994 and 1995
Box 17, folder 2
Iotrode gun sketches, calculations, drawings, 1981-1986
Box 17, folder 3
Sketches of Experimental Test Vehicle 795, Sapphire Window testing, 1995
Box 17, folder 5
Brazing testing readings, 1977
Box 17, folder 6
Output readings 1966, 1980, 1990, undated
Box 17, folder 7
850 MHz Klystron drawings S-Band II, III, and IV, 1989
map-folder 18
UHF-TV Klystrode drawings, 1986-1991
map-folder 19
UHF Klystrode drawings, 1986-1991
map-folder 24
Drawings for 2KDW250PA, 1990-1992
map-folder 25
Polyflon and design concept drawing for IOT by Preist, 1993-1994
map-folder 26
IOT drawings by Priest and Gloria Loften (sp.?), 1981 and 1999
map-folder 27
"L.N. Cold Trap P 1007" plans, 1960
map-folder 28
Frequency output readings, 1956-1958, and 1990; and unidentified drawings, undated
map-folder 29
Varian Reference Library copy set drawings, 1989 June
Box 32
Glass presentation slides: Analysis of Profits for Eimac Tubes, 1953-1964
Box 32
I-beam output reading, 1985
Physical Description: A paper scroll measuring approximately 24 feet in length and 6.5 inches high.
Series 4. Photographs and Artifacts
1939-1998
1951-1970
Scope and Contents
This series is predominately comprised of photographs, including those of Don and Ruth Preist, early Eimac employees, and
Eimac-Varian products. Additional photographs are technical in nature such as readings from oscillator screens. The series
also includes an artifact model of the klystron X626 and Eimac company logo printing plate.
Box 30, folder 1
Klystron X2251 assembled, 1987
Box 30, folder 3
Klystron X2251 with engineers, 1982-1983
Box 30, folder 4
X2209 anode assembly, 1977
Box 30, folder 9
X2209 HV switch regulator
Box 30, folder 10
X2170 assembly with engineers, undated
Box 30, folder 13
Preist with Shrader and Klystrode, 1980s
Box 30, folder 14
SDI tube with Preist and Shrader, 1988
Box 30, folder 15
IOT 3-2 and HAEFF tube with Preist, 1981
Box 31, folder 1
Eimac and Varian plants, 1959
Box 31, folder 3
Eimac Anniversary book photographs
Box 31, folder 4
Emmy award party for Don and Merrald, 1989
Box 31, folder 5
Varian Associates reunion party, 1990
Box 31, folder 6
Vintage Eimac transmitting tubes, 1998
Box 31, folder 7
Photographs of Donald Preist, 1939 and 1970s to 1990s, incl.
Box 31, folder 8
Early Eimac equipment, 1949-1951
General
Includes photographs of Stanford klystron and "Push Pull 4X150GS 350-550 MC built for ARCO by Goldginger and Preist about
1951"
Box 31, folder 9
Eimac San Bruno facility and employees, 1950s
Box 31, folder 10
Eimac klystron and engineers, 1950s
Box 31, folder 11
Eimac klystrons, 1954-1955
Box 31, folder 12
Eimac X600 parts and tests, 1955-1956
Box 31, folder 13
Eimac X626 amplifier and engineers, 1957-1958
Box 31, folder 14
Micro photos of punctures in Stanford Linear Accelerator window, 1961 April
Box 31, folder 15
First gridded gun successful in klystron, 1964
Box 31, folder 16
Concepts and experiments, 1970s to 1980s
General
Folder includes drawings and related documents.
Box 31, folder 17
Equipment and employees, 1970s to 1980s
Box 31, folder 18
Preist and Shrader, 1970s to 1990
Box 31, folder 19
Frequency readings, 1971, 1972, and 1978
Box 31, folder 20
Window testing, 1984 and 1985
Box 31, folder 22
Polyflon test readings, 1988
Box 31, folder 23
Driver and stub tests, 1989 February 3
Box 31, folder 25
"Grid of Klystrode which leaked", undated
Box 31, folder 26
Output readings, outdated
Box 31, folder 27
Color transparencies, radar structures, 1950s
Box 31, folder 28
Unidentified and undated photographs
Box 32
Klystron artifact model, undated
Physical Description: Label attached reads, "Model of X626. BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System Radar) Klystron. C.W. Loring 2003-10-10"
(Eimac released the X626 Klystron in 1957).
Box 32
Eimac company logo silver printing plate, 1950s
