Oleg Lobanov was born in a concentration camp in northern Russia, where from the age of 14, he crafted and adorned wooden boxes with straw to support his family due to his mother’s insufficient salary. His determination paved the way for a remarkable journey in engineering. He earned his degree in Automation and Telemechanics from the Krasnodar Polytechnic Institute, establishing himself as an accomplished electrical engineer. His career unfolded with significant contributions, starting at KhBK where he engaged with the ES-1022 computer, followed by impactful roles at the Measuring Instruments Factory. Oleg Lobanov holds the esteemed titles of Honored Inventor of the USSR and Labor Veteran, marking a career highlighted by three patented inventions and over a dozen pioneering innovations. Recognized as a senior engineer at both the Bureau of Engineers and the Polytechnic Institute, his stature surpassed that of many doctoral academics in his field. Oleg Lobanov’s inventive prowess spans a diverse spectrum of technological achievements. Notably, he revolutionized the field of voltage generation with a device that replaced an antiquated German invention, marking a significant leap in efficiency and reliability. His involvement was pivotal in enabling the Measuring Instruments Plant to manufacture generators, a feat that reshaped their capabilities.
In the realm of microwave technology, particularly in military applications—a domain he rarely discusses—Oleg contributed an innovative solution for measuring and controlling microwave signals, underscoring his versatility in complex and critical areas of engineering. Another milestone in his career was the development of the swipp generator, derived from his ingenious modification of a malfunctioning German oscillator circuit. This innovation found groundbreaking utility in acoustic measurements, showcasing Oleg’s knack for repurposing and optimizing existing technology for novel applications. During the 1970s, he studied and attempted to replicate radio measuring instruments of Hewlett-Packard, but was unsuccessful due to the USSR’s lack of suitable technology, materials, and resources, particularly in micro schemes. In Riga, at the thermometer and barometer factory, Oleg proposed the integration of several instruments into a unified weather station, showcasing his visionary approach to consolidating diverse technologies for practical applications. Although he received the documentation to participate in production, he was unable to find the time. After one year, they successfully completed the project without his direct involvement but with his consultation, demonstrating his visionary approach to consolidating disparate technologies for practical applications. His primary specialization lies in semiconductor circuitry, particularly analog amplifiers, generators, and multipliers, leveraging his expertise in transistors and microcircuits. His collaborations with Krasnodar Polytechnic University have been instrumental, building upon earlier achievements such as launching a laboratory measurement system at the Moscow Aviation Institute. Throughout his illustrious career, Oleg Lobanov’s ingenuity and technical acumen have left an indelible mark on the field of engineering, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering inventor and dedicated engineer. Oleg Lobanov’s journey into acoustic speaker technology began in 2004, culminating in his first patent for a speaker in 2014. His inventive spirit has since led to a diverse portfolio of patents, including two for efficient brakes, an agricultural printer, and five distinct speaker designs.
Currently, Oleg is focused on developing his sixth speaker iteration and an innovative acoustic system aimed at reducing power consumption while enhancing sound quality, aiming to achieve a unique quadraphonic effect rather than traditional stereo. Most of his creative endeavors unfold in his workshop, where he immerses himself in woodworking and the restoration of antique clocks and radios. His craftsmanship extends to crafting new horns for gramophones and even constructing gramophones entirely from scratch. Beyond his current projects, Oleg harbors aspirations that extend into the realm of aviation, notably contemplating a patent for a single-rotor helicopter—though he acknowledges that this concept has already been explored by others. Oleg Lobanov continues to push the boundaries of innovation, combining his passion for engineering with meticulous craftsmanship, leaving an enduring impact on both technology and traditional craftsmanship alike.