W9XG Experimental TV

Early computing takes its roots from many different disciplines, including experimental radio and television. The first experimental television station in Indiana was operated by Purdue University under the call sign W9XG, with an FCC license granted in June 1930. The experimental television station began broadcasting in 1931 and ceased operations in 1939. From the Early Television Museum, W9XG broadcasted 60-line mechanical images on the 2.1-2.2 mHz band using 1500 watts of power.

As noted by Steve McVoy from the Early Television Museum, he intended to purchase a receiver that was built at Purdue and used to receive the W9XG signal during this era. In an article by Bob Kriebel in the local newspaper, Steve arranged to purchase the receiver from former professor and inventor Roscoe George. While on loan to Purdue, the receiver turned up missing. The receiver, built by Professor George, has never been found.

Professor George was an early television inventor and professor of electrical engineering. In addition to establishing W9XG as the first experimental television station in Indiana, he published numerous articles and received over 30 patents. He retired in 1965. Professor George passed away in 1975, and was laid to rest in West Lafayette near the Purdue campus.