The Vacuum Tube Diode
January 7, 2026 • EPISODE 292
What invention helped spark the age of electronics? In this episode of Science LIVE, Dr. Roger Billings and the Protégés break down the vacuum tube diode—one of the earliest electronic components that made controlling the flow of electrons possible. Learn how this simple device works, why it was so important in early radios and computers, and how it laid the groundwork for modern electronic technology. Join us for a clear, engaging look at a key milestone in the history of electronics.
About DrB
Dr. Roger Billings is a visionary innovator whose work has touched the lives of millions of students and transformed the landscape of education. Widely known as “DrB” to the countless kids who benefit from his groundbreaking Acellus learning system, Dr. Billings has dedicated his life to advancing education through technology.
As part of DrB’s lifelong commitment to supporting education, Science LIVE was launched as a way to “give back” by mentoring students in conjunction with the Roger Billings Scholarship Program.
Read more about DrB »
About the Roger Billings Scholarship Program »
I like both of them
Caleb has my vote
Caleb
that was like the perfect dap up
David easy
david is cool
So much cool info. David and Caleb got so much interesting things to share with us. Im happy to learn all of that. Thank you for teaching about Edison Effect.
david has a way of speaking that i’m interested in hearing what he has to say.
Both!
I pick David but I love both of them. Happy 2026 everyone!!!
David for sure!!
caleb won my vote in the first 30 seconds!
I don’t really know who to pick David or Caleb. But if I had to pick I would pick David.
I love the film chemistry between them. David is really chill and good at explaining and Caleb is very silly! I love them both! Please keep them both!!
David
Caleb
David
Wonderful live!!!!
“I like them both!”
(Typed by mom)
David for the win!
I like David!
David is the best
I think that Caleb is good at making the science fun to learn
We need BOTH proteges!!!! I vote for David & Caleb! They can work together to help us understand in a fun way. Good luck guys!!!!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂
I would definitely sign up for a course taught by Caleb!
David!
Calebbbb
Calebbb or both david and Caleb!
I’m gonna go with Caleb but both of them are really cool. So happy lives are back.
Who all votes 🗳️ for David comment on mine so I can know you chose David.
I chose david
Caleb 100% has my vote!
I think it’s awesome that he has a grandson that wants to be an actor someday! What a fun and exciting career to want to pursue.
Thank you for introducing for son and grandson to us today. They seem cool.
Haha! This is great. I think they are a great TEAM
I voted David because I have a electric guitar!
Caleb has my vote. #1 !!
What do people use Morse code for today? And I vote for David
i think both David and Caleb should both do it because they both did well explaining their jobs and their hobbies
David is the best
Great chemistry between David and Caleb. I vote keep them both.
They’re both so fun! I think it’s fair if they both participate.
I agree with you 100%.
why carbon filament for the lightbulb?
this is so amazing!
Claire Centerville Tn. Thank you for the video
Happy new years!
I found this insanely cool! Thank you Dr. Roger Billings.
I like both of them!
Very cool!
Caleb should audition for Flynn Rider in the Tangled Remake!!!
OH MY GOSH YOUR RIGHT. LOL!
Where did Edison get this idea from?
CALEB IS LOOKING SO GOOD
Hi you two!
This was very interesting to watch, keep up the amazing work; have an amazing day! 🙂
I vote for David billings because he knows how to work with a team .
I like Daveid the best.
I would choose Caleb because I myself am not much of a scientist but i do enjoy learning about it. Also I have been writing music and singing since i was a baby. And he is really funny.
hi from Nova Scotia. Thats so cool that caleb and david are both related to R
Comment I like the video of Caleb.
david
My vote is for David.
david
It is really cool your son and grandson are following in your footsteps. I like the fact you took your grandson to buy his first guitar to inspire him to follow his dreams and goals
I like Caleb
Very nice presentation. They’ll do just fine.
Caleb gets my vote!
WOW! That’s so cool meeting Dr. Roger Billing’s Son and Favorite* Grandson!
David should be selected
david
I enjoyed watching today.
david
Still voting both!
l like the second one
Comment * David is so funny!
CALEB IS THE BEST GRANDSON!!!!111!!1!!!1!!!!
I think both of them should do it
David
Nice to meet you guys!~
I didn’t know they were related to you!
David is chill
Happy New Year!
I love sports too!
hi
Hello there!
You guys have come so far
todays science live is interesting
Caleb
So happy to have the lives back!
Thank you for the video tonight.
today is the day
Saying GOOD evening from Oregon
David!
Thanks
I choose David
Hiii
David
Caleb here canidate2 yes.
I think what Caleb does is really cool! I like the green screen effects.
love the lives
Hi from texas
I really like Caleb so he got my vote 👍
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break! Happy to be back watching science lives.
David
Kaleb should audition to be Flynn Rider for Disney and the Tangled Remake!
I vote for Caleb
Does this mean that David is Caleb’s dad?
i vote David!!!! he’s hilarious and i like recording.
I play guitar too! Number 2!
I love them keep them because I love dave’s story!!!
I really like Caleb he’s so creative and I think he’d be perfect with all his tallents
Calab!
I have a question for David
What does it mean to you when you play the guitar?
I like them both.
Both!
Caleb and David
funny!!
I like calab
David is so fun! Can’t wait for next week.
Yes 👍to both of them.
i like caleb 🙂
How do I get one of those guitars?
I love Acellus
I love David and Caleb and listening to them
So excited
lol so funny
Hi from WV, David I like to hunt too!
GUYS I LOVE CALEB HE SEEMS SO FUNNY! im keepng him lol
Both! David and Caleb!
David!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David
Oh this is hard to choose now not fair both are awesome
we love David
Wow they are both great and have their own strengths!
caleb
Lol i like david, he is funny
I love science live i love learning about hydrogen
It’s so cool how there related
I vote both of them
Caleb has your sense of humor haha.
Wow david
Yessssssss
def Caleb
Thank for this live!
David is so silly I love hlm
this is hilarious!!
wow , they are so cool !!!
thats is crazy that they all are related
I agree. I feel like caleb probably could act really well hes pretty funny
DAVID IS AWESOME!!!
yessss vote him!!!!
Hi from TN, i really like the morse code.
Great live
I like hunting to and sports
Yes,these two canids are the ones
Hi!! David so funny
Mackenzee logged in.
I love david!
David is funny 🤣🤭
Hello
Hello
Hello from Florida.
Hi from tucumcari
David
Hello from Kentucky!
How is David billings
Hey! From NY!
I like the personal stories from david and caleb
this was an awsome live.
yeasss
Happy New Year! I love sports too!
It’s nice to meet y’all!
Hurray for David
So excited Science Live is back!
I have a question for David
What is your favorite part about hunting?
Really good episode, enjoyed a lot.
Hello from Springfield MO!
I approve of caleb
Is David Billings Roger Billings son?
hello from Alabama! my favorite part is Ar51
hi I love history and science
Hello I’m Sa’nyla from North Carolina
David billngs
Hi, from North Texas! Perfect weather here today!
i love hunting
Never mind I like both