Hands Across the Ether
~ vintage radio collection ~

Contents:

Quick Reference Table:

Enduring Association with Radio:

When I was a youth in the mid 1960s, my maternal grandparents owned a late 1940s to early 1950s RCA Victor radio-phonograph console. The top of the console cabinet was divided into two hinged sections. When the right side of the top was raised, it revealed the AM/FM radio tuner section with dark Bakelite tuning knobs. Under the larger, left hand section, the turntable controls were accessible. The famous RCA logo with the dog (Nipper) listening to "His Master's Voice" was on the inside of the phono cover. I remember spending numerous afternoons and some early evenings sitting on the dining room floor listening to various types of music and admiring the colorful record labels in their collection. I would focus my gaze on the loudspeaker and the small orange-red pilot lamp at the base of the console as the music drifted up through the rooms of the house. I do have a photograph of this set, but I need to unearth it from the archives.

In our own home, we had a circa 1956 RCA "Orthophonic" (model SHF-8) phonograph. It had a contemporary dark wood cabinet, and was supported by thin, tapered, metal legs which were fashionable in the decorative arts such as interior and furniture design (see photo below). The legs were removable, so it could also be converted to a table-top model. That system was in service until 1972 when we got a Denon AM/FM (stereo) tuner/phonograph. I am not sure what happened to the RCA Orthophonic set. Household favorites played on the RCA system included The Village Stompers (Dixieland Jazz), Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, to name only a few. I have since inherited all of those 12 inch vinyl LP ("long playing") gems, and believe they have stood the test of time rather well. The Village Stompers albums are still in excellent condition, and sound great, but I am getting ahead of myself.

RCA "Orthophonic" (model SHF-8) phonograph (no radio)
Photos Courtesy: Susan Manning / December 6, 2006

I started to realize that I had a growing personal interest in radio, music, and recorded sound in 1968 when I was 8 years old. It began to take shape when my mother drove me to "Jay's Record Ranch" (long gone) in Henrietta, NY to buy my first 45 RPM vinyl record. It was the Beatles "Hey Jude" (B side: "Revolution"). The tune was hugely popular at the time, and through tight Top 40 play list rotation during the nine weeks it spent at the number one position in the U.S. charts, it became permanently engraved in my mind. That day was to me what the "Big Bang" was to the universe. It was a moment in time which marked the beginning of an enduring, ever expanding appreciation for music, as well as buying, collecting, and trading recordings, making audio tapes, radio announcing, and having a general interest in and technical understanding of audio and radio communications equipment.

Sometime in the late 1960s, I was introduced to a local radio personality named Nick Nickson. As I recall, Nick was an outgoing, charismatic guy with a thunderous baritone voice that was a natural for radio. He also happened to be a business friend of my grandfather's, and so I was invited to visit the WBBF (AM 950 kHz) studios, where he worked, in downtown Rochester. WBBF was a very popular Top 40 hit music station at the time and it was exciting to see the station from the inside. As a souvenir of my visit, I was given the promotional LP (12 inch vinyl) album, "Past Powers" which featured some of their most popular tunes. I memorized that record, and the tour of the station left quite an impression on me. A year or two later, I was also given a follow up album called, "WBBF 22 Golden Oldies" and I still have both of them in my collection. I later learned that Nick was one of the charter employees of WBBF, and I also found a photo of him (on the Internet) interviewing Elvis Presley.

Around 1970-1971, I became fascinated by cassette tape recorders, in part because I had a school mate who lived nearby that shared my interest in recorded sound. The first portable cassette tape recorder we fooled around with was a Channel Master model "6305A" ³ which was a small, durable AC/DC unit. We spent many an afternoon calling local radio stations [WBBF 950 kHz (AM) was certainly one of them] making spontaneous requests and trying to win prizes while recording the moment to play back and enjoy at a later time. About a week later, we would record over the old tape with our next project.

I discovered that when people listen to their own voice recorded for the first time, they may be surprised by what they hear. Experimenting with tape recorders made me develop an opinion of what a good radio announcer should sound like. As I listened to myself (and others) on those early tapes, I began to modify my own speaking style so that I was comfortable hearing the voice played back. This experimentation period proved to be essential later on, when I hosted my own broadcast radio programs.

When I was about 11 or 12 years old, I got my own portable cassette tape recorder with an integrated AM/FM radio. The brand may have been Lloyds, but the model number is lost to history. I remember it had a black plastic body and an imitation wood-grain speaker grille. I would sequester myself in the basement to paint and draw while listening to my favorite stations. One of them was WCMF 96.5 MHz (FM). This points out one of the great features of radio, which is that it allows one to perform other activities while listening. The station had a slightly "underground" format in 1974 and sounded quite different (less corporate) from the last time I scanned the FM dial. It also included a broader, more eclectic musical mix than one generally hears on any given station today. In general, the radio programming was more flexible back then, and still included more than one culture per station, unlike today's state of affairs where big business management and program directors (who may be far removed from the station and the listener community) seem to make programming decisions based on faulty assumptions, or marketing research that the listeners have an extremely limited range of musical tastes. For me, a good radio station would be able to play classical, jazz, news-traffic-weather, funk, heavy metal, folk, sea shanties, klezmer, blues, gospel, grunge, rhythm & blues, polka, bluegrass, rock, fusion, oldies, world, soul, alternative, reggae and ethnic all in one day, but I digress.

Let me rewind to 1974 and WCMF again. The disk jockeys seemed very real to me because another wonderful thing about radio is that it enables the listener to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. If someone is telling a story on radio, and ten people hear it, the story will be visualized in at least ten different ways. The DJs that I remember at WCMF from that period are Bernie Kimble, Suzanne King, and Roger McCall (a.k.a. "Unkle Roger"). Roger would normally work the late-night "graveyard" shift and quite often play complete album sides or even entire albums. To a large extent, the music play-list and formatting was left up to the individual announcers which gave the programs (and the station) a unique personality and provided the listener with more variation. For an example of what can happen when a station does not have enough program direction, search the Internet for WSAY 1370 kHz (AM) sometime. Anyway, one particular album Roger McCall played that I remember is Edgar Winter's "Entrance" (1969 / Epic AL34858). One entire album side is devoted to a collection of jazz, rock, funk and R&B compositions strung together to make one interesting larger piece. Bernie Kimble had the weekday show during the afternoon. He was a good announcer, and every Friday afternoon at 3:00 he would play John Hartford's "Boogie" (...hey babe, ya wanna boogie...). One could set their watch to it and it also signified that the end of the school week (and/or work week) was approaching. Suzanne King had a lovely voice, and as I recall, she favored the folk-rock end of the spectrum and many of the British bands of the day. I developed an abstract, imaginary idea of what she, and the other jockeys might look like based on their distinctive and intriguing voices.

A couple of years later when I was 16, I took a driver's education course through my high school. I persuaded our instructor, Mrs. Oehlbeck, to let me take the students (in the school's brand new 1976 dark blue Pontiac LeMans four-door sedan) to WCMF so that I could see the studio and meet Suzanne King. The station was located at 129 Leighton Avenue across from East High School at the time. It was a really big moment for me. I guess for lack of interest, nobody else came up to the studio, which suited me just fine. I rang the downstairs buzzer and she let me in. I seem to recall there were about twenty five steps up to the floor where the offices and studios were located. When I got to the top, she greeted me in a casual and friendly way. Then she continued to do her show while I took a quick look around the studio and the rest of the station. Of course at that time, they were still playing 12 inch vinyl LPs. It would be almost fifteen more years before CDs replaced vinyl in the studio. During that visit, I also met Roger McCall who was hauling stacks of records around the station. It was interesting to meet these people in person because they did not appear anything like I had envisioned them! This is partly why radio is such an engaging medium. It naturally invites the listener to use their visual imagination.

In 1978, my first car (a 1968 Oldsmobile Delmont 88 convertible with a 455 cubic inch engine) was equipped with an AM-only radio, so I went out and installed an "AM to FM converter" so that I could listen to the FM stations that were becoming the "stations of choice" for me. I recall feeling quite technically savvy about doing that! The next car I drove was a 1969 Chevrolet Malibu and it sported a bumper sticker which read, "Radio in Rochester Insults My Intelligence". I think the source of the sticker was The Record Archive (1394 Mount Hope Avenue) which has since moved to East Avenue.

It was also during this period (November 20, 1978 to be exact), that I bought my first "serious" audio system, the main component of which was a 20 watt per channel Harman/Kardon "hk 340" AM/FM stereo receiver. About a year earlier, I looked at the Harman/Kardon "hk 330c" receiver (an earlier model) but by the time I saved up enough, the hk 330c had been dropped from the Harman/Kardon program, so I got the newer "hk 340" instead. The system also included the small Advent speakers known as the "Advent 1" loudspeakers. The tab for the "hk 340" and the pair of "Advent 1" speakers came to $431.21. Incidentally, Advent was a company started by Henry Kloss, originally of Acoustic Research and KLH fame. I have provided more detail about Henry Kloss along with the overview of the Tivoli "Model One" radio. In order to spin the 12" vinyl records, I also purchased a Dual "504" belt-drive turntable for $199.02 the day after the Harman/Kardon receiver - November 21, 1978. I bought the "hk 340" receiver and "Advent 1" speakers at The Sound Chamber which was located in a plaza at 2584 Ridge Road West, just west of Long Pond Road. I learned that a store's "lifetime warranty" was only good for the lifetime of the store and not the length of time I owned the equipment. When they went out of business a few years later, the warranty vaporized along with them. Finally, to complete the system, a Pioneer "CTF-500" stereo cassette recorder was purchased at "Sounds Great" (Jefferson Road) on January 13, 1979 for $145.52. As of this writing (August 16, 2006), the Harman/Kardon receiver and Advent 1 loudspeakers and Dual 504 turntable are still in service as a system, although I have been through several cassette tape recorders, and now, there is also a remote controlled 5 disk CD changer. The Harman/Kardon has never needed any repairs, with the exception of the occasional application of contact cleaner on the "function" knob. The system has served me well through five moves. The Advent 1 cabinets have picked up a few small scuffs, but still perform to my satisfaction. The woofers were replaced around 1999 when I discovered the foam suspension material had disintegrated. I went to a local store called The Speaker Place (in the same plaza where Jay's Record Ranch once stood) that had the correct size OEM (original equipment manufacturer) woofers in stock.

This photo was taken in July of 1981 and features my Harman/Kardon "hk 340" AM/FM stereo receiver with the Dual "504" belt-drive turntable, and a Pioneer "CTF-500" stereo cassette recorder with the "Advent 1" loudspeakers. The RCA radio-phonograph console at the extreme left of the photo was handed down from my grandparents. I believe the desk (on the right) may have originally been part of a radio set. The space in the center is too small for a chair, but it could have accommodated a floor loudspeaker. I have seen similar desks which still had the radio and speaker. Anyone with more information on this type of desk, or the RCA console is encouraged to contact me.

Harman/Kardon hk 340 update / 11-mar-2007:
The Harman/Kardon hk 340 needed a signal strength meter lamp. There are five identical "fuse lamps" which illuminate the tuning dial and meter. Lamp (original specifications): 8V, 300 mA, fuse type, incandescent, 1.2" long (30 mm) 0.25" Ø.The bulbs, known as "fuse lamps", look like Type 3AG fuses and are socketed in fuse holders. I bought a set of eight replacement lamps (8V, 250 mA) from Vintage Electronics via eBay. http://www.vintage-electronics.net Price was $0.75 per lamp. Shipping was reasonable ($4.15). Total was $10.15.

Harman/Kardon hk 340 update / 15-mar-2007:
The Harman/Kardon hk 340's signal strength meter stopped working about 10 years ago, so I finally began to investigate. I will disconnect the meter and apply a small current to the two pins of the meter to see if it is faulty. If the problem is with the meter, then no further troubleshooting will be needed. I have located a source for a good meter from another hk 340. I borrowed a Smiths d.c. millivolt source Type 5100 (England) for this job. Most meters have a 50, 100 or 150 µA movement. The Smiths power source is in millivolts. With a 1500 ohm resistor in series connected to the output, set the vernier to zero and the coarse millivolt control to the 10 millivolt range. The meter should move a little. From that point, increase the coarse setting in steps (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mV) while watching the meter. At about 50 millivolts I should see between 1/3 and full scale deflection depending on what the meter is is rated for. No need to peg the meter at full scale. If it will move to half scale, it is OK. Starting low and working up is the key to not destroying the meter with and overcurrent surge.

Radio Shows at WRUR (88.5 FM) and WITR (89.7 FM):

For eleven weeks in 1981, I hosted the first of two distinctly different college radio programs. The FCC issued my "Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit" (for broadcast radio) on June 12, 1981 because I was hosting a classical music show (Beethoven, Mozart, Ravel, etc.) on Saturdays (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) at WRUR 88.5 MHz (FM) at the University of Rochester. At that time, the format at WRUR featured classical music all weekend long. My first radio show was around May 16 and it repeated every Saturday for eleven weeks.

On Friday night July 31, 1981 I flew with Charlie Sample (an acquaintance from work) in his Piper Cherokee four-seater to Fall River, Massachusetts. The plan was to spend Friday night on his rental property and then fly to Nantucket Island on Saturday morning. We returned home late Sunday with a load of fresh seafood for the guys back in the electronic shop. With all the excitement around making travel plans on such short notice, my responsibilities at the radio station completely slipped my mind! So, I had to call the FM program director from Massachusetts on Saturday morning to explain the situation. He was a tiresome, condescending character with an appalling effected radio voice. I think he was trying to sound like Edward R. Murrow, but the result was more akin to a bullfrog in a pickle jar. Anyway, he said something like, "I can not find anyone on such short notice, so you will have to do your show today". It was with some trepidation that I told him where I was, and that it would be impossible for me to get back in time to do the show. The following week, I arrived at the studio with a stack of records from my personal collection and rang the outside buzzer. He came to the door himself (usually it was another DJ) and informed me that my time slot was now being filled by someone else. The fall semester was about to begin, so it worked out pretty well for me, but I always thought it was unfortunate (for my devoted listeners) that the gig ended so abruptly.

This was the entrance to the WRUR 88.5 MHz (FM) studios at the University of Rochester. Photo was taken by myself in July, 1981 (aged 21 years). Overall, working at WRUR was both technically, and musically enlightening. It gave me the on-air and studio experience that I was seeking, and I became more familiar with classical music. Most of the shows were planned about 30 minutes before the show began by pulling records from the vault. Regrettably, I did not take any photos inside the WRUR studios, or make any recordings of the show.

Nine years later (from 1990 - 1995), I hosted a jazz music program at WITR 89.7 MHz (FM) at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The station format was all jazz from 6:00 PM until midnight each Sunday night. I should also mention that I recorded most of my WITR shows on cassette tape while at the studio.

Self-portrait made in the WITR (89.7 MHz) studio (January, 1991) while hosting a weekly jazz program on Sunday nights. The mixing console in the photo was relatively new at the time. My involvement with WITR lasted from 1990 to 1995. The WITR station motto was, "Modern Music and More", so it is interesting to note that it was during this period that I met my future wife, who was hosting an "alternative" music show on Wednesday nights.

Also note Shel Silverstein's 1959 album, "Hairy Jazz" (Elektra EKL 7176). The liner notes for Hairy Jazz were written by Jean Shepherd (July 26, 1921 - October 16, 1999 / formerly K2ORS). At that time, Jean Shepherd was virtually unknown outside New York City.

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I have a degree in electronic technology, and for about seven years, worked at a large factory fabricating, repairing, and maintaining electronic & computer equipment both on the bench and in the field. By the time I began studying the subject (c. 1984), vacuum tubes were only briefly mentioned in the textbooks, as a historical footnote. Silicon microchips were being used as the building blocks in electronic designs. So, until I became interested in vacuum tube radios, I never really studied vacuum tubes, or radio theory, as such.

Developing Interest in Vintage Radios:

Somewhere along the way, I developed an interest in "older" (c. 1953-1974) European multi-band short-wave radios, so between 2003-2004, I began watching swap meets, garage sales, and on-line auctions in hopes of finding one of those illusive and intriguing sets. I will confess that the impetus for my interest in European radio styling of the 1950s may have been kindled by the magazine advertisements for the Grundig "Classic 960" (50th anniversary reproduction) radio. I searched the Internet to find out what people thought of it, and discovered that when compared to the original, it was not very well respected, and anyone with a genuine interest in old radios would be better served by finding a true survivor from the past.

When I look at these old radios, I don't just see an antique sitting on a shelf gathering dust. Rather, I glimpse a piece of history, culture, style, artistry, electronics, engineering, technology and mechanical craftsmanship all combined into one entity. That is even before it gets switched on! One sad thing is that most of the factories that produced some of the famous German and European radio sets no longer exist. AEG, Blaupunkt, Braun, Emud, Graetz, Grundig, Imperial, Kaiser, Kuba, Lowe Opta, Nordmende, Philips (Holland), SABA, Schaub-Lorenz, Siemens, Telefunken, Tonfunk, Wega, and who knows how many others are all gone. Grundig, Telefunken and Blaupunkt are still producing radios today, but not in Germany. The craftsmanship and technology has changed and the manufacturing takes place in other parts of the world. As an example, in 2006, Grundig was a mere coordination center of overseas manufacturing and assembly facilities. Nothing much was left, except the brand name and its sales network.^{1 2}

The digital readout radios of today are nice to have because if the frequency of a particular short-wave station was difficult to locate on an analog tuning dial, the digital readout removes the guesswork from the equation. One only has to enter the frequency into the radio keypad to receive the station. On the other hand, something essential is lost with these new sets by eliminating the need to visually scan the dial for stations. With digital radio tuners (both at home and in late model automobiles) the tendency is to save one's favorite stations into memory and never bother to "scan the dial" for new stations. When I use a short-wave radio with digital tuning readout, I loose that visceral sense of "where I am" on the dial. So, I still prefer the old style tuning bar on the horizontal face plate so that I can visually know where I am in the spectrum. I hereby request that a manufacturer produce a modern digital tuner with an interface to the old style face plate and tuning bar. Grundig, are you listening? Note that the Sangean PR D2V "Q" AM/FM tabletop clock radio features an illuminated LCD readout with both digital, and analog style ("slide rule") tuning. Bravo Sangean!

AWA (Antique Wireless Association):

I joined the AWA (Antique Wireless Association) on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 primarily so that I could take part in the swap meet being held at the Thruway Marriot hotel. The swap meet began on the opening day of the (43rd annual) AWA Annual Conference. AWA membership dues were $20, while it cost another $28 to gain access to the outdoor parking lot where the swap meet was happening. My first visit to the AWA Museum was Sunday, August 22, 2004 during an open house for the AWA Conference. In addition to the great collection of early radios, television sets and other electronic communication equipment, the 1 kilo-watt spark-gap generator was one of the most memorable things there.

AWA (Antique Wireless Association) Electronic Communication Museum in Bloomfield, New York [(August 11, 2007 / 13:45 (UTC -4)] with my 1966 Mercedes-Benz Type 250S sedan in the driveway. This was the first day I volunteered as a guide at the AWA Museum.

In 2007, I was doing a "leisurely" restoration on a 1958-1959 Grundig 2066 PX radio and e-mailed the AWA Museum curator, Ed Gable (K2MP) who said I could test some tubes at their facility. I live close by, so on Saturday July 28, I paid them a visit, and one of the docents, Roy (W3RLW) showed me how to use the tube tester. Since I was already a member of the AWA, it was suggested I visit the Annex (about 3 miles from the Museum) to meet some other members and perhaps even work on the radio. I took the advice, and on Tuesday August 7, 2007 skipped work, and dropped in on the legendary Annex.

Every Tuesday there is a "gathering of the faithful" at the Annex where AWA members perform various activities, and do a bit of socializing. Initially, I received some technical advice about my Grundig "2066 PX" radio, and then a group of us went out for lunch. I was also asked to staff the AWA Museum on Saturday August 11 from 2-4 PM. Of course, I gladly accepted the offer. I also accepted the offer to staff the Museum on Thursday August 23, 2007 from 7-9 PM during the upcoming annual AWA Conference open house.

During my first shift as an AWA Electronic Communication Museum docent, I was teamed up with AWA veteran, Ron (W2FUI) who made it an informative experience. The scope and depth of vintage radio knowledge in the AWA is truly amazing. Anyway, we had approximately fifteen visitors, ranging from about 10 years old, up to about 70+ years of age. I shared some of my knowledge of early radio history with them, and they taught me a few things too.

For the remainder of the "official" 2007 season, I volunteered two more times at the Museum. Once for the AWA Conference "open house" on Thursday, August 23 (7-9 PM) and again on the last day the Museum was open for the season. Sunday, September 30 (2-5 PM) was the last day, and one visitor took a photo of me behind the counter of the "Replica 1925 Radio Store".

On Sunday November 11, 2007, I gave private tour to approximately 20 members of the "Western New York Chapter of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association" (2:30-3:30PM). Although the official AWA Museum season was over, I conducted another private tour (to about 20 members of one family) on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 23, 2007 (11:00-12:00).

2008 AWA Museum Guide and Volunteer Schedule. See: Events

Workbench:

Here is my radio repair workbench (November, 2004) with a 1961 Grundig "2440U" AM/FM/SW radio in the process of having a bad power resistor and two paper capacitors replaced. I rescued this radio at the Kutztown, Pennsylvania vintage radio swap meet on September 18, 2004. View the Grundig 2440U Restoration for more information. I also made a minor repair last week (November, 2004) to my Grundig "Satellit International 400" but the "2440U" was the first antique tube radio I opened up down here. It was satisfying to find the problems and be able to repair them.

The Bakelite VOM (volt-ohm-milliameter) in the photo is a Triplett model "630 APL" with input impedance of 20,000 ohms per Vdc and 5,000 ohms per Vac. A beautiful classic in its own right, the Triplett 630 milliameter takes a D cell and a 30V Eveready Type 413 cell. The 30V cell is also known as a NEDA 210, and looks like an oversized 9 volt transistor radio battery. The Triplett Model 630 analog multimeter was in continuous production for over a half century, but it may not be the best choice for working on vacuum tube radios. With the low input impedance of 20,000 ohms per Vdc and 5,000 ohms per Vac it may act as a voltage divider and load the circuit under test and throw off the measurement. A better choice for vintage radio work might be a VTVM (vacuum tube volt meter). The input impedance on VTVMs is typically around 10 M ohms per volt, and thus less likely to load the test circuit. Popular VTVM models were made by Heathkit, Eico, RCA, and Hewlett-Packard. See Equipment for more information.

In late 2005, I got a Sears Craftsman "82139" DMM (digital multimeter) to check the values of the paper capacitors in a Grundig tube radio. An added benefit was that it also had a much higher input impedance than the Triplett VOM. The input impedance on the Craftsman "82139" meter was 7.5 M ohms per Vdc and Vac, so it made a much better tool to use with vacuum tube radios. Cost was about $25 in 2006. It takes two AA cells.

In November 2004, I was able to get an HP 606A signal generator (U.S.A. Army surplus) for $25 plus freight (another $13). It needed a little work to get the switches and dials working smoothly. I was un able to verify and measure the HP 606A until October 29, 2006 when I got a B&K (B+K) Precision Model 1460 oscilloscope.

I found a Stancor model GIS-1000 isolation transformer (1000VA / 8 Amps out) for $25, and a Powerstat 10A variable transformer (Variac style). The variable transformer is powerful enough to drive the 8A Stancor isolation transformer.

In October 2005, I was given an untested TV-10B/U tube tester (U.S.A. Navy surplus). Missing the bias fuse and fuse cover. Need to investigate.

See Equipment for more information on the workshop and test equipment.

Zenith (Chicago, Illinois, USA / circa 1959) Model "B511-B"
Serial number: Z-50519

This Type B511-B Zenith is a small tube radio that has been in my family since new. It receives only AM broadcasts, and probably dates from the late 1950s. It was used in the basement of my family home from the early 1960s up until about 1980. I always considered it to be just an old, uninteresting radio, but somehow managed to take ownership of it around 1980. After all this time, it has finally become a classic. It still works well, with no restoration work done on it as yet. The body is made of plastic. Note the wear around the volume control. A true survivor!

Zenith "G730"

Zenith "G730" (Chicago, Illinois, USA / circa 1959)

This Zenith G730 AM/FM tube radio was performing in the summer sunshine outside an antique barn near Lake George, NY on August 6, 2003. The place was "Lonergan's Red Barn Antiques" on Route 9N, 3 miles south of Ticonderoga, New York. I think he was asking $70, but I got it for $50. It was in excellent condition in and out. Only needed a little elbow grease on the wood cabinet to bring it up to snuff. This was the first vintage tube radio that I added to my collection. Once it was home, it seemed like a good value, so I began to look at other old radios. 

Since buying the G730, I have seen quite a few of them. While visiting a used book store in Philadelphia ("The Book Trader" at 7 N 2nd Street on September 20, 2006) I noticed one playing classical music amongst all the books and clutter. They also show up in radio flea markets occasionally. There are wide variations in the cabinet wood finish. Most of the other examples I have seen are dark brown in color.

Grundig "2066 PX"

Grundig (West Germany) "2066 PX"

Years manufactured: 1958-1959
Valve (tube) line up: ECC85, ECH81, EF89, EABC80, EL84, EM84
The EM84 (6FG6) Magic Eye tuning tube is available from Radio Daze for $6.50.

Tuning range:
Broadcast (AM): 510 - 1620 kHz
Short Wave: 5.9 - 16 MHz
Frequency Modulated (FM): 88 - 108 MHz

Tuning dial pilot lamp (one required) is Type 40, 6.3v, 150mA (0.15A) miniature screw base, cylindrical bulb, clear glass. The pilot lamps are typically sold in packages of 10 at vintage radio swap meets and by the usual on-line sources. See Links.

I purchased the "2066 PX" on August 18, 2004 at the AWA conference swap meet in Rochester, NY. It works fairly well. The seller (Phil Clayton of Syracuse, NY) was asking $125, but after getting familiar with the details and plugging it into an outlet in a vacant conference room in the hotel, I offered him $75 and he accepted it. It was quite dusty inside but it seemed to be completely functional. The volume dial was almost impossible to turn, but after applying some light oil on the volume potentiometer shaft, it worked much better.I cleaned it up inside and out and it looks great. The performance is not quite up to original specification, but I may replace some components (capacitors) to see if I can make the set sound a little bit better. Note that PX is also known to mean Post Exchange (store) in the US military. Some Grundig radios were sold in the US military exchanges (the PX "post exchange" for US Army personnel) The items sold through the exchange could be identified with the model number followed by the suffix PX.

1. Grundig 2066 PX schematic (.pdf file / German)

2. Grundig 2066 PX schematic (.jpg file / with English translations)

The version of the schematic with English translations was courtesy: Hans M. Knoll, of radiomuseum.org on 06-sep-2005.

Detail of the layout drawing portion of the schematic.

Sam's PhotoFact packages are not available for the Grundig 2066 PX (per Dave Cantelon of Just Radios / 14-aug-2005).

Refer to the Glossary for some notes about reading German schematics.

Grundig "2066 PX"

I was not able to pick up any SW stations on the radio until I plugged a long (almost 2 meters) length of #18 AWG wire fitted with a 4 mm "banana plug" into the single external antenna jack on the back of the set. Note that the two FM antenna (8 ohm style) jacks, the single external antenna jack and the single ground jack are all 4 mm Ø (diameter) (close to a #8 screw size in the USA). The banana plugs were a perfect fit for the external (SW) antenna jack. I began restoring the radio in September 2005 and it took until August 2007 to get it back to its former glory. View the Grundig 2066 PX restoration page.

Grundig "Majestic 7061W/3D"

Grundig (West Germany) "Majestic 7061W/3D" console

Years manufactured: 1955-1956
Valve (tube) line up: EC92, ECH81, EF89, EABC80, EL84, EM85
Grundig Majestic 7061W/3D Magic Eye tuning tube = EM85
Tuning dial pilot lamp (one required) is Type 40, 6.3v, 150mA (0.15A) miniature screw base, cylindrical bulb, clear glass.

The pilot lamps are typically sold in packages of 10 at vintage radio swap meets and by the usual on-line sources. See Links.

Tuning range:
Broadcast (AM): 510 - 1620 kHz
Short Wave: 5.9 - 16 MHz
Frequency Modulated (FM): 88 - 108 MHz

Price: 595 DM (German Deutsche Marks). Original American price not yet known.
weight: 30 kg / 1058.2 oz (~66 lbs).
width: 24.62" depth: 15.75" height: 32.375"
3 loudspeakers
Grundig 7061W/3D schematic

Refer to the Glossary for some notes about reading German schematics.

This Grundig console was also at the AWA swap meet on August 18, 2004 and was going for $100. I paid full price because I thought it was in both good cosmetic and working condition. I had seen console sets like this on eBay, but never thought I would actually own one. Well, now I do. It really sounds nice. I just need to find some old polka records to play on the turntable. It was a top of the line set manufactured in West Germany for the American market. One of the key differences between radios made for German domestic duty and the ones produced for export (to markets such as the U.S.A.) is that the original European FM band (VHF or UKW for "Ultra Kurz-Welle") was from 87.5 to 100 megacycles (MHz). In the mid 1960s this was expanded to 104 MHz and then sometime in the late 1970s to early 1980s was expanded even further to the current 108 megacycles. The portion of the band between 100 and 108 was used for Police radios (the French police in particular). For this reason, I understand that in Germany (perhaps other European countries as well) it was illegal to sell FM radios that could pick up the full FM broadcast spectrum. At the same time in the USA, the FM band went from 87.5 MHz up to 108 MHz. Again, the German radios made for export included the extra cycles in the FM spectrum, radios made for domestic usage (inside Germany) did not.

The gentleman selling the Grundig 7061W/3D console radio was former McIntosh® audio engineer, Richard Modafferi of Vestal, NY (Richard's web site is: www.audioclassics.com). Note that Vestal is near Binghampton. After I got the console home, it worked perfectly for about 24 hours before it unexpectedly quit. The tubes (including the tuning eye) and tuning face plate were lighting up, so it was getting power, but I could not tune to any stations on any band. So, I e-mailed Richard to see if he had any suggestions, but before he could respond, I cleaned and re-seated the tubes and it began to work fine again. The automobile trip home from the AWA swap meet may have caused one or more tubes to wiggle loose. Another thing that might have contributed to this anomaly is that the piano key selector switches may have been a little dirty and hence been caught in between the various bands. One time since then, I found that by pressing the piano key selector switches very slowly, the circuitry can be engaged as it is supposed to be.

Richard Modafferi later replied,
"If the "magic tuning eye" tube is dark, it would appear to be a B+ power supply failure. The radio uses a selenium rectifier which may have died. I can send you a replacement (McIntosh silicon bridge). If you are able, test for B+ voltage in the chassis. You say "tuning eye does not move" which I could interpret as, it lights, but no movement. If the eye lights green in radio mode (it goes out in phono mode), then B+ and the rectifier are OK. Try the record player. If this works, the B+ and audio are OK. Then there is RF failure. The most likely cause is a bad converter or IF tube. Do these light? The converter is ECH81, IF is EF89. Detector, EABC80, is OK if phono works. If not, then everything will not work. Check if all these tubes light and are seated correctly in their sockets. The radio worked here for about 15 years next to my workbench, although I played it not too often. Rather, I used my stereo or old mono audio system on the other end of the room. The Grundig originally belonged to my brother-in-law's father. When he died, the radio went to my sister. When they retired (circa 1985) I got the radio. A neighbor down the street had a radio shop, retired from it, but had basement full of N.O.S. stuff, including a Grundig replacement phono cartridge, which I put into the radio you now have. The radio may benefit from a full set of new tubes. The output tube you referred to earlier as 6BQ5 is the same as European EL84. 6BQ5 is the American clone for the EL84. The EABC80 has an American clone 6T8. The American clone for the EF89is 6DA6, for ECH81 it is 6AJ8. The FM converter tube is American 6AB4."

The "A" voltage is the filament voltage, "B" voltage is the plate-cathode potential and "C" voltage is the grid or "screen" voltage. The grid is what controls the flow of electrons from the cathode to the plate. If the grid is negatively biased, it can reduce the flow from the cathode to the plate. The B+ voltage is measured with all tubes in the sockets and with the radio operating, as voltages are derived from a bleeder-decoupling system. B+ voltages from this system are dependent on all tubes in the sockets and with the radio operating. If you remove a tube, the load on the system changes, and voltages on other tubes will be wrong. Typical voltages in this radio would be about +250 on plate and screen (grid) of the EL84/6BQ5 audio output tube, and lesser voltages on the others. Measure from tube electrode to ground. On the Grundig 7061W/3D console the chassis would need to be removed from cabinet to do this. On smaller table cabinets, the typical German radio has a removable plate on the bottom of the cabinet so you can make these tests without removing radio from cabinet.

Grundig "Majestic 7061W/3D" console

The Grundig 7061W/3D is an AM/FM/SW console with a phonograph for 33, 45 and 78 RPM records. The model was made for export to the USA. It also has a N.O.S. (New Old Stock) Grundig replacement phono cartridge. The audio is rich, with full bass and treble controls, and the SW (short wave) frequencies are easy to pick up.

Cleaning and polishing the wood cabinet of the Grundig Majestic 7061W/3D:

When I first got the Grundig 7061W/3D console home, I cleaned and detailed the exterior as best I could. It was looking real sharp. However, after looking at the cabinet for several more days, I decided it needed to be cleaned and polished a little further. Note that the cabinet probably has a lacquer finish. First, to remove what may have been candle wax drippings, I applied linseed oil to loosen the debris. Then after letting it sit for 5 minutes, I used my fingernail to scrape those spots, which seemed to cover most of the cabinet top. I then used "rottenstone" (a powdered form of weathered and decomposed siliceous limestone used for polishing) and paraffin oil, as the cabinet top also had some fine scuffs, swirls and light scratches from what appears to be 50 years of normal usage. Unfortunately, there was also evidence of what appeared to be two cigarette burns in the wood. I first sprinkled some rottenstone powder on the top of the cabinet and then poured out a little bit of paraffin oil to go along with it. I mixed this into a slurry, and used a cotton cloth to hand rub it into the areas needing the most attention first. Once I was confident this was working, I also used a variable speed electric sander (set to the lowest speed) fitted with a buffing pad to go over the entire surface (with the slurry of rottenstone and paraffin oil) to put the finishing touch on it. Then, I wiped it all down with a clean rag and used buffer's polish to bring out the shine. The combination of the rottenstone and paraffin oil removed the small swirls and scuffs as I had hoped, but of course, the mixture did nothing for the two cigarette burns and the scratches which penetrated the lacquer surface. I bought the rottenstone, paraffin oil, buffer's polish and the Dewalt electric sander at Woodcraft in Henrietta Plaza on Jefferson Road (August 23, 2004).

Notes for future reference:

1. To remove the remaining fine scratches in the lacquer finish, another very thin coat of lacquer may be needed.
2. Shellac may be applied and removed numerous times if desired, but polyurethane should be considered a permanent finish when it involves the cabinetry such as an old radio. Therefore, polyurethane is not recommended for use on radio cabinets.

Updates:

1. Ordered new EM85 "magic eye" tube from tubesandmore.com / $36.70 / 09-sep-2005.

Panasonic "RF 680 D"

Panasonic (Japan) "RF 680 D"

The Panasonic RF 680 D is a portable AC/DC AM/FM transistor radio, but I do not have the AC transformer for it. DC power comes from (4) 1.5V AA batteries. This compact radio was left behind when one of my wife's co-workers at the University of Rochester retired, circa 1999. I would guess that the radio dates from the mid 1970s. It works well but the AM-FM selector switch on the back of the set can be tricky to get on one band or the other. The correct placement of the switch is actually somewhere between the two settings, so I have to play around with it. What it boils down to is that the switch contacts are probably due for a cleaning. The red push button on the speaker grille is for dial illumination. This radio is quite good for AM DX-ing (long distance listening) with very clear reception and very little background noise.

Blaupunkt "Frankfurt" AM/FM/LW (push buttons labeled: "U" (FM),"M" (AM), and "L" (long wave). This is the original tube radio installed in my 1957 Mercedes-Benz Type 190 sedan. The cabinet is made of Bakelite. The radio works well, and keeping the tube radio tuned on one station while driving a 50 year old vehicle is not as difficult as it sounds. View the Mercedes-Benz Ponton Radio page.

General Electric "IC" (?)



General Electric (USA) AM/FM radio (monaural) and cassette player
Made in Japan (c. 1976)

Received this radio as a Christmas gift in 1976. Here is a Polaroid (model SX-70) snapshot of myself that Christmas morning (aged 16 years) fiddling with the tuning dial. I got quite a bit of use out of this radio and cassette player through the late 1980s. I brought it on vacations, and it also made it through five moves. I remember carrying it along the beach on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1977.

It has a black plastic body with a brushed aluminum handle and trim. Telescoping and rotating antenna. The knobs for tuning (vertical slide-rule tuning dial), volume, tone-control are all located on the right side of the unit. The cassette deck is on the front. The combination switch for Record / Play / Stop / Fast-Forward / Rewind is located on the top of the radio. Has a jack for an external microphone on the left side. AC/DC power.

Between 1992 and 2005 the radio was stored in the attic. When I was writing this article, I went up to take a closer look and noticed that General Electric did not give it a model designation. On the front is printed, "FM / AM Radio Cassette - Automatic Level Control". Also, "Three-Way Power" and, "IC". The "IC" may be the closest thing to a model designator since it is printed in a bold font. This was my only portable radio between 1976 and when it was put into semi-retirement around 1989. When I retrieved it from the attic in 2005 and plugged it into the AC mains, it still worked, but the controls were a bit scratchy. I applied some contact cleaner and lubricant to the switches and it sounded like it did twenty nine years earlier. In other words, not the best radio in the world, but not the worst either.

Ross model 2776 (multi-band, c. 1970s). Black vinyl case, AC/DC, Very good condition with just a small dent on the metal speaker grille. I bought this from a co-worker around 1999 for $20. It needed a new antenna (he was using a coat hanger as an antenna), and knob insert, which I found on a similar model at a garage sale. The FM band reception works well, but the AM reception is quite poor.

I bought the Grundig "Satellit International 400" dual conversion radio (made in Portugal 1986-1989) on May 22, 1989 from Rowe Photographic in Rochester, NY. The price was $399 (plus tax) which was (and still is) a lot of money for a radio. It might have been one of the first radios designed for the public to feature digital PLL tuning and a digital readout. Less expensive radios did not begin to include these features for another ten years. Digital tuning readout is nice because the desired frequency is simply entered with the keypad. One negative thing about the digital readout is that one tends to loose the sense of where they are within the band spectrum. The old-fashioned "slide rule" tuning dial allows the listener to "see" where they are in the band. The Satellit International 400 also has a frequency scan mode and a thumbwheel tuner on the right side. The radio is surprisingly heavy (about 5 lbs.) for its size. Note that the Satellit "Professional 400" (not made for export) only covered up to 26.1 MHz. Back in 1989, the top of the Grundig line was the "Satellit 650" which seemed to be more radio than I was looking for at the time. Search the Internet for photos, and you will see that the Satellit 650 is about three times the size of the "Satellit 400". I have been very pleased with the Satellit International 400 and it still gets a fair bit of use.

Notes:

1. Dual Conversion: A type of receiver that converts the incoming frequency through two intermediate stages. This offers higher gain and tends to eliminate the type of interference known as "image". With high-precision components, it also allows the receiver to be much more precise (selective) in selecting the incoming channel it accepts. This is what helps the receiver to be very narrow-band. Also known as a "Double Superheterodyne" receiver.

2. When changing the three "AA" clock and station memory batteries, leave the AC power plugged in. Otherwise, the station memory and clock times will be lost.

3. Update / 20-apr-2005: I replaced the antenna. The antenna fits the Satellit 400, 500, 700 models from 1986-1996. I purchased a new antenna from German eBay (ebay.de). Price was €28 EUR plus €10 EUR for shipping. The total (€38 EUR) converted to just less than $50 USD. Bought from "Norbert" (postine ]at[ gmx.de). The www.ebay.de.com description was: "Teleskopantenne Grundig Satellit 400,500,700.

4. Here is a link showing the various Satellit antennas. The web page states that the Satellit 400 takes "Type F" antenna.
   http://www.classic-worldband.com/pages/info/projects/parts_info/antennas/sat_ant_inf.htm

5. Update / 18-apr-2006:
   External antenna connection: The external antenna jack for the Satellit International 400 is a "PAL" (also known as: "KOK") type connector. It is commonly used for TV antenna connections in Europe but is unusual in North America. Radio Shack sells a PAL to F adapter. PAL connectors can be purchased on eBay (plastic body) or from MCM Electronics (metal body) for those who want to make their own antenna cables. Universal Radio has a very nice adapter consisting of a in-line SO-239 (female) connector and female PAL (KOK) connector joined with 10 inches of coaxial cable. This permits using the common PL-259 (male) connector and the short length of cable takes the strain off the antenna jack. Universal Radio part number: 1052. Universal Radio is selling the part as an accessory to the Eton E1 radio (originally announced as the Grundig Satellit 900).
   References:
   http://universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/0101.html
   http://universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/1052.jpg
   
   I ordered the antenna connection cable from Universal Radio on 18-aug-2006. Price was $7.95 plus shipping. Received: 21-apr-2006.

Aug 23, 2006 12:45 / My review (KC2OQG) of the Grundig "Satellit International 400" on www.eHam.net
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6082

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Grundig "Mini World 100 PE"

Grundig (West Germany) "Mini World 100 PE"

Tuning Range:
AM = 530 kHz - 1710 kHz (broadcast)
FM = 88 MHz - 108 MHz (broadcast)
SW1 = 49m (5950 to 6250 kHz broadcast)
SW2 = 41m (7100 to 7300 kHz broadcast)
SW3 = 31m (9500 to 9900 kHz broadcast)
SW4 = 25m (11650 to 11975 kHz broadcast)
SW5 = 19m (15100 to 15600 kHz broadcast)
SW6 = 16m (17550 to 17900 kHz broadcast)

I bought the Grundig "Mini World 100 PE" world-band radio on December 21, 2001 at Staples office supply store on Jefferson Road for $29.95 (plus tax). Its primary use was to replace the Becker "Europa" (AM/FM stereo cassette) in my 1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D while it was being exchanged for a rebuilt unit from Becker of North America. This Chinese-made Grundig is nice for the size and price, with decent sensitivity. It picks up distant and/or low power stations fairly well with the antenna fully raised and pointed in the right direction. However; there can be ghost images of strong signals at various locations in the FM band. It has acceptable sound quality considering its small size. It fits nicely into a pocket or briefcase, and for this reason, I take it with me when I travel. It has FM stereo when used in conjunction with stereo ear buds (included). It features a five element telescopic antenna measuring 370 mm (14.57 inches). It has an LED tuning indicator for stereo signals, a removable belt clip, and a soft black leatherette carrying pouch. The tuner is the slide-rule type, not digital. Powered by two AA batteries (included). The package also included a useful short-wave listener's guide. Overall, the Grundig "Mini World 100 PE" is a handsome, miniature radio that performs reasonably well considering its price and size. I can not objectively comment on its durability, because I tend to be very careful with my radios.

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Kutztown, Pennsylvania / September, 2004

The next two radios (Realistic "Globester4", and Grundig "2440U") were part of my haul from Kutztown, Pennsylvania on Saturday, September 18, 2004. The unfortunate part about the Kutztown swap meet was that the northern remnants of Hurricane Ivan were passing through, and it was extremely wet with 35 mph winds. Fortunately, the show was under a pavilion. Even so, the wind was blowing so hard that people and tables in the center of the pavilion were getting wet. Not a good situation for old radios, electronics, books and literature. Anyway, I was able to find a couple of bargains. I did make it back to the Kutztown meet in September, 2005 (and 2006) and it was much warmer and drier both years. Did not make the trek in 2007.

Realistic "Globester4"

Realistic (Radio Shack / Japan) "Globester 4" (also: "Astronaut 4") transistor, word band radio

Tuning range Globester 4:
Frequency Modulated (FM): 88 - 108 MHz
Broadcast (AM): 540 - 1620 kHz
Marine Band: 1.6 - 4.5 MHz
Short Wave: 4.5 - 12 MHz

Regardless of any preconceived notions of the Radio Shack "Realistic" line of products, this portable world band radio is really quite respectable. Judging from the style, I presume it was made in Japan for Radio Shack in the late 1960s to early 1970s. It is in very good original condition, although I gave it a good detailing (cleaning) as soon as I got back from the Kutztown swap meet. There are still tiny specs of paint on the vinyl case that would not come out. Reception is excellent on all bands and it picks up distant AM and SW stations easily. This robust little radio was designed to be a close personal companion, not a boom box. It sounds pretty nice when twiddling with the tuning dial to explore the various bands. It does not perform as well when trying to fill a large space with sound, such as when sitting by a pool, or when washing a car. I got it for the nominal fee of $15. The styling is classic for the late 1960s to early 1970s time-frame. The case is finished in black vinyl with a carry handle. It has chrome accent strips and metal speaker grille. The tuning dial background is black with an orange slide rule indicator. The face plate tuning scale is printed in the following colors: FM = orange, AM = yellow, MB = green, SW = blue. It also has a "log scale" printed in white at the top of the face plate.

Recently (April 2, 2005) I did some AM (Medium Wave) DX-ing and easily picked up Washington, D.C., Boston, New York City, Connecticut, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Chicago. All in one night! From western NY state, that is quite reasonable reception. I have also listened to Radio CBC "Sunday Edition" on 9515 kHz from 13:00-16:00 UTC. I need to start a DX log to keep track of which distant stations I pick up.

Features:

• AC/DC operation switch (uses 4 "C" size batteries).
• Telescoping antenna. Extends 30½" . Tilts and rotates.
• Headset / Earphone jack: 3.5 mm Ø (roughly 1/8" diameter). *
• External Antenna jack: 2.5 mmØ (roughly 3/32" diameter). **
• Tone control knob.
• Fine-tuning dial for both SW and MB bands.

When this radio was made (in Japan) there were two standard jack sizes: 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm. The 3.5 mm is roughly the same as a 1/8", and the 2.5 mm roughly corresponds to 3/32".

* Radio Shack "Stereo-to-Mono Adapter" (part number 274-368) enables the use of a stereo headset with the monaural output jack allowing the mono signal to be sent to both channels of the headset.

** Radio Shack refers to the 3/32" jack size as "sub-mini". The Radio Shack part number for the correct 3/32" connector is: 274-290 (phone plug / red / 2 conductor / fits 3/32" mono jack / comes in a package of 2). A wire can be soldered to the center terminal of the connector to be used as an external short-wave antenna. Use shrink tubing around center terminal after soldering.

Update / March 7, 2005:
The sound quality of the Realistic Globester4 degraded quite suddenly in February, 2005. So I ordered a replacement speaker from Mouser Electronics (See Links). Price was $3.96 plus shipping. Mouser part number: 25SP035. Speaker is 3.5" Ø, 8 ohm, 0.8 W. The original speaker (a Pioneer) was rated for 1 W. Mouser had a .pdf file which illustrated the dimensions and this one looks like it will fit well. I replaced the speaker on March 12, 2005 and it fixed the distortion problem. The speaker from Mouser was exactly as their on-line .pdf file illustrated and fit perfectly into the tight space of the radio.

Update / March 17, 2005:
After replacing the speaker, the tuning dial squeaked a little bit. I discovered that the tuning dial string was rubbing against the insulating foam behind the speaker (which I replaced due to the original foam disintegrating). I cut the foam down to size and the tuning dial was silent again.

Realistic "Astronaut 4"

Update / April 6, 2007:
I learned that this radio is also known as the Realistic "Astronaut 4".The Astronaut 4 is identical in appearance to the Globester 4. However, the short-wave tuning range is significantly different (4-22 MHz). The Astronaut 4 appears in the 1976 Radio Shack catalog. Price was originally $49.95 in 1976.

Tuning range for the "Astronaut 4" version of this radio:
Frequency Modulated (FM): 88 - 108 MHz
Broadcast (AM): 535 - 1605 kHz
SW1: 4.0 - 12 MHz
SW2: 12 - 22 MHz

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Grundig "2440U"

Grundig (West Germany) "2440U"

Years manufactured: 1961-1962
Serial number: 1322604668
Valve (tube) line up: ECC85, ECH81, EF89, EABC80, EL84, EM87
3 loudspeakers: 1 large, 2 small. All behind front grille

Tuning range:
Broadcast (AM): 510 - 1620 kHz
Short Wave: 5.9 - 16 MHz
Frequency Modulated (FM): 88 - 108 MHz

The Grundig 2440U is the second radio I found at the Kutztown, Pennsylvania swap meet (September 18, 2004). This admirable little beauty set me back $25. Having been built for the 1961-1962 season, the Grundig 2440U tuning dial still bears the CD (civil defense) symbols for the AM band, which were required until 1963. Conelrad, in case you have forgotten, was the emergency radio broadcast system that was supposed to provide civil defense instructions in case of a nuclear attack by tuning to 640 or 1240 on your AM radio dial. As if your local radio station would still be broadcasting after they dropped the big one.

The schematic and "PhotoFact Folder" (Howard W. Sams Company / June 1965) for the Type 2440U was available from "Just Radios". The Sam's PhotoFact Folder includes the English schematic, annotated layout photos with part numbers indicated, and a complete parts list. The cost of the package was $5.00.

Refer to the Glossary for some notes about reading German schematics.

View the Grundig 2440U Restoration Page.

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Tivoli "Model One"

Tivoli "Model One" AM/FM (mono) table radio
Designed by Henry Kloss

This small, classically (retro) styled, monaural, analog radio was originally released in 2000 as the first product sold by Tivoli Audio of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Allegedly, Henry Kloss came out of retirement in the 1990s to design this handsome, uncluttered unit. As of October 16, 2004 it retailed for $99 USD. I found a local Tivoli Audio agent ("Soundworks" on Monroe Avenue) through the Tivoli web site. It is surprisingly heavy for its size, and appears to be well constructed. This particular example has the Classic Walnut (M1CLA) wood veneer cabinet and off-white faceplate. It also comes in other wood (both veneer and solid wood) and color combinations such as Hunter Maple (M1GRN) and Cobalt Cherry (M1BLU). The green pilot lamp on the front indicates the power is on and the yellow tuning lamp varies in intensity depending on signal strength - a modern "magic eye" tuning indicator! The tuning dial has a 5:1 ratio so that stations can be tuned with greater accuracy. The first test I give any radio after bringing it home is to hear how well it picks up the low power college and community stations on the left end of the FM dial. The "Model One" pulls them in without any problems. I used the external wire antenna that was provided with the radio. In the first two hours that I listened to the set, I was very impressed by its ability to pick up these marginal FM signals. I imagine it must be a common desire among radio listeners, who live well outside metro areas, to want the benefits of cultural and eclectic programming that certain low power community and university stations can provide. The radio "must not realize it is small" because the undistorted amplification of these marginal FM signals was quite good. It is interesting that no external tone adjustments have been provided. As someone who listens primarily to jazz and classical music, I found the fixed tonal quality of the speaker to be quite acceptable. When tuned to modern "progressive / alternative" stations, the bass response was also good.

My older Grundig tube radios have varying degrees of success picking up the weaker FM stations. The Grundig "Satellit International 400" digital radio picks up these weaker signals without any difficulty whatsoever, but the sound is not as good as the Tivoli "Model One". So, I will use the "Model One" to do my "alternative listening" while the local Public Radio station goes on their tedious pledge drives. That is, of course, after I make my pledge of support.

As I wrote this overview, I had the Tivoli "Model One" radio tuned to a 3,000 Watt college station during a classical music program and had the volume turned up about ¼ of the way. I am located about 30 miles from the station's transmitter. The radio is sitting on a shelf behind, and slightly above me in an 11'x14' room. During one of the louder selections, it was really filling the room with sound. As I looked over my shoulder at the radio, I was reminded of how small (slightly larger than a brick) it actually is. The sound seemed to be coming from a much larger enclosure. Quite sensational! From what I have read, the "Model One" uses the same technology which allows cell phones to produce clear audio even with weak RF signals.

According to Tivoli, the designers of the Model One used GaAs MES-FET technology to increase both sensitivity and selectivity. Sensitivity is the radio's ability to pick up weak distant stations. Selectivity is the radio's ability to reject signals that are close to the desired frequency. As far as what GaAs MES-FET means, I can tell you by looking at the Periodic Table of Elements that "Ga" is Gallium and "As" is Arsenic. Further, "MES" stands for Metal Semiconductor and, "FET" is a Field Effect Transistor. Referring to an electrical engineering glossary, I found this definition for GaAs MES-FET: Gallium Arsenide Metal-Semiconductor-Field-Effect-Transistor: A transistor, built with gallium arsenide semiconductor material, with a conducting channel positioned between a source and drain-contact region. Search the Internet for more information, applications, and trade-offs regarding the use of this technology. Further discussion is beyond the scope of this page.

Update: July 15, 2006: After nearly two years of using the Model One, the radio still looks, sounds and feels like new. I have not used it to listen to that many AM stations, but it does pick them up when I want to focus on the broadcast band programming. Also note that the price has risen to $119. An increase of $20 in less than two years. The Platinum Series (solid wood cabinet instead of veneer) sells for $199 as of July, 2006.

Update: January 10, 2007: I bought a new Tivoli Model One as a gift in December, 2006 and the combination switch for "OFF/FM/AM" also included a new postion for "AUX" to select auxiliary input. My original Model One did not include the AUX position (see photo).

A bit of history about the designer of the Tivoli "Model One" table radio: In 1954, Henry Kloss dropped out of MIT to start Acoustic Research (AR) in Cambridge, Massachusetts where he and Edgar Villchur developed and had a lot of success with the first acoustic-suspension (sealed cabinet) speaker, the Type "AR-1". It was relatively smaller than what was in use at the time, and cost only 1/3 the price of other contemporary high end speakers. The AR-1 speaker paved the way for high fidelity audio for the masses. Later, at KLH a company he formed in 1957 with partners Low and Hofmann, he designed the famous KLH "Model Eight" (c. 1960) which was a tabletop FM-only high fidelity tube radio and the "Model Eleven", the first compact portable stereo. Another interesting radio designed by Henry Kloss is the Advent "400" (FM mono only). He designed that while at Advent, a company that he formed in 1967. The Advent company became famous for their loudspeakers but it was initially set up so that Mr. Kloss could pioneer the development of projection television. Curiously, the Braun Type "SK22U" tube radio (late 1950s to early 1960s) may have had some influence on Henry Kloss' work simply based on its pure, functional, minimal exterior styling. There is also currently a Tivoli "Model Two" which looks almost exactly like the "Model One" but has an extra cabinet for the second stereo speaker. Henry Kloss was born in 1929 and died in 2002 at the age of 72. According to Kloss, the quality of many radio receivers had declined because people did not think in terms of buying something that would last them twenty years. "It's the times. Things are so cheap that I will buy it, and if I like it, then okay. If I don't like it, I can always get another one. There is no consideration given to a purchase that would be satisfactory for use over a long period of time. People are not asking for good radios. There is no demand for such because people do not know you can get them," he said. Incidentally, Henry Kloss drove a Mercedes-Benz diesel, which he bought new, 17 years prior (c. 1985) to his death. More references to Henry Kloss can be found on the AR-2a loudspeaker restoration page.

Update / August 1, 2005:
Ordered a new AC power cord directly from Tivoli Audio for $5.00. Dealt with the Customer Service Manager, Brian Lewandowski to make the transaction. My power cord became damaged due to my negligence.

Brian M. Lewandowski
Customer Service Manager
Tivoli Audio
451 D Street, Suite 902
Boston, MA 02210
t: +1 (877) 297.9479 x102
f: +1 (617) 428.0088
Brian Lewandowski
blewandowski]at[ tivoliaudio.com

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Grundig "Transistor 1005 Automatic"

Grundig "Transistor 1005 Automatic" ("Concert-Boy Automatic 210")
Years manufactured: 1970-1972
Fürth / Bayern, Germany

I bought this radio from an eBay auction on March 6, 2005. The "buy now" price was $169 plus $15 for shipping. Probably a bit more than it was worth, but the seller assured me it was complete and in good working order. He was right. I was attracted to the period styling, with lashings of chrome and brightwork, along with the black sides and handle. This was a popular style from the late 1960s through the 1970s. This may be one of the last Grundig radios actually manufactured inside Germany. I am not sure when Grundig production shifted to other countries (Portugal, Great Britain, Austria) but my guess is that it was by the mid-1970s.

The seller included a color photo copy of the Operating Instructions manual. If you know where I can find a hard copy of the original manual, please contact me. Note that the Service Manual is available from the "Manual Man" (See Links).

Tuning range / Bands / Features:

• LW (145-400 kHz), AM (510-1620 kHz), SW1 (5.9-6.2 MHz), SW2 (6.1-16 MHz), FM (87.5-108 MHz).
• Double extension telescoping antenna; tilts and rotates. Raise it with the lower knob to 31½" for FM reception. For SW, raise it by the upper knob to its full length of 45½".
• Illuminated tuning dial with sliding dial markers for station designation.
• Bass, treble and SW fine tuning rotary controls and AFC switch for locking in those FM stations.
• Phono button for playback of external source through rear panel jack.
• Battery test button and meter. Battery case holds six D cells.
• Rear panel jacks for external antennas and earphone/speaker.
• Rear panel earphone jack is 3.5 mm Ø (DIN 45318) (1/8" Ø).
• Measures approx. 14"W x 8¼"H x 4¼"D.
• Weight: 10 lb 1 oz.
• Build date: 1970.
• Build location: Grundig - Werke GmbH - 8510 Fürth / Bayern - Kurgartenstr 37.
• In Grundig's "Satellit" series it most closely resembles the "Satellit 210" which was made from 1969-71.

The European version of this model is called, "Concert-Boy Automatic N210" and only differs in appearance on the faceplace with the labels being in German instead of English. Here is a link to a few photos of the European version: http://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_modell.cfm?model_id=28197

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General Electric "T128H"

General Electric (USA) "T128H" AM/FM

I found this radio at a garage sale in May, 2005 for the price of $1.00. Wood cabinet, cloth speaker grille. AC only with FM antenna jacks at rear. Decent reception and sound quality. It needed a complete cleaning and detailing. I used "rottenstone" on the wood cabinet (rottenstone is a powdered form of weathered and decomposed siliceous limestone used for polishing) and paraffin oil, as it had some fine scuffs, swirls and paint from what appears to be 30 year's worth of normal usage.

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Grundig "Classic 960"

Grundig "Classic 960 / 50th Anniversary Edition" (2nd edition)

Tuning range / Features:
AUX: Auxiliary
FM (Frequency Modulated): 88.0 - 108 MHz
SW2 (short-wave): 12 - 22 MHz
SW1 (short-wave): 4.5 - 12 MHz
MW (AM): 530 - 1710 kHz

This retro style radio features a dark wood cabinet with brass colored accents and five ivory colored (piano style) push buttons for AUX (auxiliary inputs), FM, SW2, SW1 and MW (AM). It has a multi-purpose "on-off-volume" switch and knobs for bass, treble, and frequency tuning. There is one large (102 mm 8 ohm 5W) speaker in the front covered by a period grille cloth design and also a speaker (102 mm 4 ohm 5W) on both sides of the cabinet behind the same style grille cloth. The front grille also has two brass labels affixed to it. One says, "HI-FI Sound" and the other says, "960". The back of the radio is made of the traditional particleboard, which includes model designation, technical specifications and serial numbers. Curiously, the back of this solid-state radio also includes a series of holes for heat dissipation, as if it were using vacuum tubes. When I first looked through the holes there appeared to be the faint glow of tubes, but it was only the tuning dial lamp. At the bottom, there are two RCA connector AUX inputs marked "R" (red) for right channel and "L" (white) for left channel (for CD or tape player, records or VCR). An FM/SW ANT. input (for the external FM/SW antenna wire, which is provided), an ANT. selector switch (toggles between "AM ANT." and "FM/SW ANT.") and screw terminals for both GND. and ANT. connections. The dimensions of the radio are: 15.25" L x 6.5" W x 11.25" H. The weight is: 4.2kg. Even though the top of the tuning dial says, "Grundig Germany", this radio was made in China.

This is the radio responsible for raising my awareness of older European style radios several years ago. After I saw the Grundig Classic 960 advertised in catalogs, I began looking online to see what other European AM/FM/SW radios from this bygone era were like. Prior to seeing this style, I was primarily familiar with the ubiquitous American brands such as Zenith, GE, RCA Victor, and the like. The online technical reviews for the first edition of the Classic 960 were only marginal to fair, but the second edition, released in March of 2002, was reported to be technically improved. So, after several years of reading reviews and debating the pros and cons of ownership, I finally bought the updated version of the 50th anniversary edition AM/FM/SW table top radio from the famous Grundig company. Purchased at The Source By Circuit City in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, July 26, 2005. The price was $149.00 CAD plus Canadian taxes (the base price worked out to $126 USD with 0.85% exchange rate). The package includes a useful beginner's short-wave listening/reference guide, an owner's manual and a retractable external FM/SW wire antenna (10 meters long).

There are several ways to visually distinguish the first and second editions of the Classic 960 from each other. Click on this link and examine the lower portion of the tuning faceplate. The first edition included rectangular blocks with country names (located between the treble and bass tuning knobs). On the 2nd edition (the one I purchased) the same area features horizontal lines with no text. The speaker grille cloth pattern is slightly different as well. There are fewer dark threads in the pattern of the 2nd edition (see the link). Also note the position of the "HI-FI Sound" label on the grille cloth. On the first edition, it is lower and farther to the right than the second edition which has it affixed very close to the top left of the grille cloth. Another way to tell them apart is by the original box (if available). The first edition came in a white box with pale green accents, an illustration of the radio, and a portrait of an urbane young woman in the style of mid-1950s advertisements. The 2nd edition box is black and features a photograph of the radio as well as photo of a bearded man in a black tuxedo holding an orchestra conductor's baton. The box that my radio came in (the 2nd edition) says, "2518 02/03" which suggests that it left the factory in February, 2003. The "2518" is probably an internal factory code, not a specific serial number. There are two serial numbers on the back of the radio. Both editions came with the retractable external FM/SW wire antenna (10 meters long), the owner's manual and the short-wave listening/reference guide.

The reception is not quite as bad as some of the online technical reviews seemed to suggest, although I have radios that can pick up distant FM stations (75 miles away) that this radio does not seem able to pull in. With the external antenna, the reception of these distant and/or low powered FM stations is only marginal and sporadic. Night time AM DX-ing was interesting in Ontario, Canada. I was able to pull in most stations from the Georgian Bay region while I was staying in Bracebridge, Ontario. Bracebridge is part of the Georgian Bay region itself, so this would be expected. Some of the stronger stations in Canada seem to be run by the CBC (eg. CBC1 and CBC2) and they were easy to pick up. I also picked up WHAM (50 kW from across Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY) with no problem. Other than a simple one night test to see if the radio was basically functional, I did not attempt to tune any more distant stations.

The sound quality of the Classic 960 is unfortunately not as good as the old Grundig units. The bass response is not as deep and full as on the original models. Even with a wood cabinet, the sound quality (when tuned to FM stations) is average at best. They probably should have used a better speaker. The tuning dial action was reported to have been improved in the second edition, and I can report that tuning into short-wave stations with the Grundig Classic 960 (2nd edition) is no more difficult than with old vacuum tube short-wave radios. However, I found that once I tuned in a station, I did not find it necessary to repeatedly fiddle with the dial to keep the signal clear. The short-wave beginner's guide (provided) goes into some detail about how to tune short-wave stations. The guide suggests tuning very slowly and deliberately to grab the signal.

Useful enhancements might include a light to indicate a stereo signal and a signal strength indicator similar to the old "magic eye" tuning tubes. The numbers on the tuning faceplate are painted and thus, the tuning dial lamp can not illuminate the numbers at night. This must have been an oversight. Photographs of the faceplate will mask this because the numbers are painted gold and thus appear to be illuminated from behind. On my radio, the front of the cabinet has raised bumps where (presumably) nails or tacks were used from inside the cabinet. This amounts to a quality control problem. The bumps are smoothed over and painted as the rest of the cabinet, but are quite noticeable in direct light. If the radio is kept out of direct light (as it probably should be) they will not be noticeable at all. At this late date, several years after the initial release of the Grundig Classic 960, I doubt there will be a 3rd edition to make up for these shortcomings and quality issues. Grundig made a nice effort to create the Classic 960 but I wish they would have gone a bit further by making it an audiophile's radio. I will close this review by saying that it was a fun moment to open up a brand new "old" Grundig radio from the box. Imagine how thrilling it must have been to bring home a new vacuum tube radio in the 1950s and 1960s. Overall, the Grundig Classic 960 looks great on the shelf but it only performs as an average radio should.

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Telefunken "Bajazzo Sport"

In Germany, this style of radio is known as a kofferradio ("suitcase" radio) because of its small size and portability. By today's standards it seems heavy (2.8 kg / more than 6 lbs), but back in 1964, it represented the latest in modern styling, portability and high quality. At that time in Germany (and other European countries), automobiles did not usually include radios. This Telefunken radio was designed with some features, which allow it to function as a car radio using the 12 V car battery as a source of power. The car's exterior antenna could also be plugged into the radio. The "automobile" (graphic symbol) push button enables the radio to run on 12 Vdc. It also may have been capable of being inserted into a mounting bracket under the dashboard of the car. However, the exterior of the radio suggests that its primary function was to serve as a hand carried portable radio because it is finished in relatively delicate vinyl with chrome accents. If the radio were to be hard mounted into an under-the-dashboard bracket, some damage may occur to this finish. Thus, it may have been placed on the passenger seat or in the passenger foot-well while it was plugged into the 12V and the antenna of the car. If any readers have original documentation facts for this radio which clearly identifies how it was to be used in a car, please contact me.

High quality portable transistor radio, which was designed to also be used in an automobile.

Tuning range / Features:
KW (short-wave) 6 - 12 MHz
MW (AM) 520 - 1600 kHz
UKW (FM) 88 - 108 MHz
Kanal (Channel) 5 - 55

• "AUS" (On / Off / Volume) knob.
• Separate "UKW" (Ultra Kurtz Welle) (FM) tuning knob.
• Separate "M-K" (Mittel Kurtz) (Medium short-wave) (AM and short-wave) tuning knob.
• "KLANG" knob (tone adjustment).
• "UKW" push button switch.
• "MW" push button switch.
• "KW" push button switch.
• Automobile (graphic symbol) push button switch (12 Vdc automobile power input).
• Arrow or Envelope (graphic symbol) push button switch (AFC / Automatic Frequency Control for FM ).
• 12 Vdc input jack on lower left of radio body.
• Antenna input jack on lower left of radio body.
  
• Telescoping antenna. Extends 26½". Tilts and rotates.
• Weight: 2.8 kg (98.8 oz = 6.18 lbs).
• Powered by (6) 1.5V C-size cells or 12 Vdc (automobile).
• The handle pivots to support the radio at a low angle, which affords a convenient view of the tuning dial.

Thanks to the members of www.radiomuseum.org for the information about the AFC and automobile push buttons. More detail on the Telefunken "Bajazzo Sport" here: http://www.radiomuseum.org/r/telefunken_bajazzo_sport_3591k.html

I found this modest looking radio at the annual AWA swap meet on Wednesday, August 24, 2005. Its size and understated Teutonic styling belies its most excellent performance. It looked undistinguished sitting amongst the other radios on the table but I noticed it because it played wonderfully and strong, which is remarkable for its age and a true testament to the quality of its design and construction.

The tuning dial is annotated with German designations for its various controls because this particular radio was built for the German domestic market (not for export) and somehow found its way to these shores. What impressed me (after an obliging vendor loaned me 6 C-size batteries) was that it was able to receive a French speaking AM station from Montreal, Canada - some 250 miles away, as the crow flies - loud and clear at 10:30 in the morning (conditions were clear and sunny). Also, the reception of a low powered FM college station was clear and strong without having to raise the antenna at all. A friendly fellow by the name of Paul Hyman (of German heritage, from Johnstown, PA) was behind the vendor's table and said that the Telefunken "Bajazzo Sport" is quite common on the German eBay online auction site (www.ebay.de). Sure enough, when I searched www.ebay.de, there were 6 different Bajazzo radios being auctioned at the same time. He also informed me that there was a more "de luxe" model of the Bajazzo radio which features separate bass and treble controls and a few more bells and whistles. I later verified that the Telefunken "Bajazzo de luxe" (also a portable transistor model) includes a few more features as well as being enclosed in a teak wood case. In 1967 the "de luxe" model sold for $125 in the USA. Another model from the same series, the Bajazzo "TS 201", also features a teak wood case. There is also a similar model called the "Banjo".

During its first year of production (1964), the original price for the Bajazzo Sport was 399 Deutschmarks (according to radiomuseum.org). That was a lot of money. I paid $35 for the radio and all it needed was a little detail cleaning and a fresh set of batteries. I could also factor in the "price of admission" to the swap meet. AWA membership is $20 and the AWA conference registration fee (at the door) was $28. I missed the chance to pre-register, which would have knocked $6.00 off the registration fee. Several weeks prior to the conference, I sent an email to the club asking about the early registration fee and whether or not it applied to vendors only, or included general admission to the entire conference and/or the swap meet, but my message went un-answered. So this radio actually cost me $83 if I want to think of it that way. I am not including the day off from work, the price of diesel fuel to drive 30 miles to and from the conference and the $5.00 I spent on lunch.

Update / July 29, 2006:
I received a very nice e-mail from Steve Birch of London, England, regarding his own Telefunken "Bajazzo Sport" radio.
"I still own the radio (Telefunken Bajazzo Sport) that my dad won in a raffle in 1964 when I was 7, living in Germany, with my mum and soldier dad. It is in excellent condition apart from missing the top of the (slightly bent) aerial, and the small plastic inserts that protected the three side sockets. I realize, having glanced through your site, that there was of course no way we could have ever afforded to buy one. The original price (399 Deutschmarks) is four times what my mum paid for the car she bought (for my dad as a surprise on his return from a longish military exercise). From memory, the radio used to sit on the floor, in the foot well of my mum's seat in firstly, our old Ford Prefect (registration no NU 92 B - isn't it amazing what sticks in your memory from childhood?) and then in the same place in our Ford Anglia, when it was ever used in the car. The car aerial lead would stretch that far, but I don't recall a power connection and assume it was running on batteries. I never knew of one to be fitted to a car. We also used it for camping trips and it used to attract a lot of attention from German campers, but I never knew why at the time. 399 marks was more than a month's wages for a lot of people back then. I also remember the only time any of us saw another Bajazzo Sport in England. It was in a TV advertisement for DIY (Do It Yourself) equipment (I think) and it was sitting on a garden table playing away while somebody painted their house or fence, something like that. I should also mention that I have never seen a similar radio in real life outside of Germany."

More about the AWA swap meet and conference on August 24, 2005:
I also found a couple of interesting books at the AWA Book Fair which was part of the annual conference and swap meet. One was "Seizing the Enigma" (David Kahn / 1991), the story of cracking the German U-Boat code during World War II. The other book was "Prime Time" (Alexander Kendrick / 1969), the life story of Edward R. Murrow.

I also attended the 2:00 (14:00 or 18:00 UTC!) lecture by Bart Lee (KV6LEE) about a radio experiment that is coming up in December, 2006 to verify (as much as possible) if it was really possible and probable for Mr. Marconi to have heard what he claims in December, 1901 in Newfoundland. Factors such as the time of day and the frequency of 833 kHz (in the middle of the broadcast band) has cast a shadow of doubt on what Mr. Marconi could have actually heard. On the other hand, Bart Lee thinks that other parameters may have been quite favorable for Marconi such as the winter solstice and the sun spot cycle as well as the terminator line (the cutoff point for sunlight at a given point on earth at a given time). The sun spot cycle was at an 11 year low in December of 1901. At the time, they did not know about ionospheric "skip" either. Well, the sun spot cycle will be at its lowest point again in December, 2006 and so there are a number of people and radio clubs who intend to find out if a CW beacon signal at 833 kHz (Marconi's original frequency) originating from England can in fact be heard in Newfoundland or in other places, if at all. Search for the Poldhu Radio Club's web site for more information. Also see this article by Bart Lee: http://www.californiahistoricalradio.com/photos53.html

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Telefunken "Opus 7"



Telefunken (West Germany) "Opus 7" Superheterodyne Hi-Fi System
Years manufactured: 1956-1957
Model 2 - "modern cabinet, dark walnut, highly polished, dark dial, light buttons"

The term "modern" (above, for Model 2) refers to the fact that "Model 3" (simply a cabinet variation) used an earlier cabinet design. Model 1 also had a modern cabinet, but featured a blond finish, green dial and light buttons.

Valve (tube) lineup: ECC85, ECH81, EF89, EF89, EABC80, EC92, EL84, EL84, EM80 (magic eye)

Tuning range / Features:
AM: 515 - 1620 kHz
FM: 88 - 108 MHz
SW: 5.9 - 18.5 MHz (50.8 - 16.2 m)
Separate bass and treble control
Rotary ferrite rod antenna for AM
Separate tuning controls for AM and FM/SW
Size: 25.5" x 16.5" x 11"
Weight: 15.8 kg (34.8 lbs)

Highly polished dark walnut cabinet
"Selectovox" (pre-set tone modulation) push buttons for Intim, Bass, Orchest., Jazz, Solo
6-speaker system: 2 perm. dyn. bass 8.5", 2 perm. dyn 4", 2 electrostatic tweeters 2.8"
2 dial lamps 7V/0.3A (per owner's manual). Probably a Type 40 bulb?

Made by Telefunken for the 1956-1957 season. The original 1957 price was $299 in the USA. I found this beautiful example when I visited Ross Hochstrasser's radio and clock repair shop in Whitman, Massachusetts on September 1, 2005. He had already done the overhaul, replacing old capacitors and the selenium rectifier, etc. and planned to keep it for himself, but he eventually agreed to sell it to me. I paid him $500.00. He included an original owner's manual, an original schematic (enclosed in an envelope inside the back of the radio) and a photocopy of the numerous Telefunken service sheets and parts list (NLA from Telefunken of course). He also put a new EM80 "magic eye" tuning tube in it before I left the shop. Meeting Ross was very informative and inspirational for me as he graciously spent almost 5 hours discussing various aspects of collecting and restoring old European radio sets. I tried to absorb as much information as I could during that time, as well as took some brief notes. I guess expected my visit to last 30 minutes or maybe an hour at best. He was very generous with his time and knowledge for the purpose of keeping these old radios alive.

The radio plays strong and sensitivity and selectivity both seem to be quite good. The sound quality is as good as it gets with radios like these. The "Selectovox" (preset push buttons) enable the listener to tailor the sound to the type of music they are listening to. The EM80 tuning eye tube glows very brightly.

Refer to the Glossary for some notes about reading German schematics.

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Realistic "Patrolman-CB8"

Realistic (Radio Shack) "Patrolman-CB8"
8 band portable AC/DC radio
Catalog number 12-763

Coverage:
AM - Standard Broadcast (520 - 1620 kHz)
SW - Short Wave Broadcast Band (6 - 18 MHz)
CB - Citizen's Band (26.965 - 27,405 MHz)
VHF LO - Public Service Band (30 - 50 MHz)
FM - Standard FM Band (88 - 108 MHz)
VHF AIR - Aeronautical Services Band (108 - 136 MHz)
VHF HI - Public Service Band (144 - 174 MHz)
UHF - Public Service Band (450 - 512 MHz)

Classic 1970s styling. Only needed a cosmetic detailing. Works well on AC. Have not verified DC operation. Included the original Owner's Manual (excellent condition).

DC operation: 4 C-cells.
AC operation 110 Vac mains.

Features two tuning dial lights and a signal strength meter! Separate antennas for UHF and FM. Internal AM antenna.

Purchased at Winterfest (amateur radio ham fest) in Horseheads, NY.
Date: February 25, 2006
Price: $20.00

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Realistic "DX-160 Solid State Communications Receiver"

This photo includes several radios. The centerpiece is a Realistic (Radio Shack / Japan) "DX-160 Solid State Communications Receiver" with original, model "SP 150 Communications Speaker". Also shown (on top of the DX-160) is the Electra "Bearcat III" 8-channel crystal controlled scanner. The removable power cord of the Bearcat III uses a 4-pin "Jones" plug. I got the Bearcat III scanner for $2.00 (mint condition) at the AWA (Antique Wireless Association) Spring Meet at the Bloomfield elementary school on May 5, 2007. A Grundig "Mini World 100 PE" is leaning against the DX-160. In the larger photo (click photo above) there is also a Radio Shack "PRO-2014" 50-channel programmable scanner. Photo: January 20, 2008.

The DX-160 was made in Japan (1975-1980) for Radio Shack by General Research of Electronics, Inc. (GRE). 1976 Radio Shack Catalog advertisement for the DX-160.

Tuning Range:
Range A = 150 - 400 kHz (coverage gap between 400 kHz - 535 kHz)
Range B = 535 - 1600 kHz
Range C = 1.55 - 4.5 MHz
Range D = 4.5 - 13 MHz
Range E = 13 - 30 MHz
Log scale = 0 - 100

Modes: AM or SSB/CW (adjustable BFO pitch for SSB)

Features: ¼" headphone jack, ¼" remote speaker jack, standby switch (mutes audio output, but keeps power and dial lights on), fast/slow AVC selector switch, RF gain, antenna trimmer, BFO pitch control. Adjustable band spread (left hand meter in photo). Can be powered by 12 Vdc or 120 Vac. The combination switch for power (on/off) and volume is labeled, "AF Gain". Has a signal strength meter calibrated in "S units" (right hand meter in photo). Has 1 IC, 5 FETs, and 6 Transistors. Original price in 1975 was $160.

Purchased the DX-160 on eBay / 18-may-2006 / Arrived 02-jun-2006 from Tennessee / $66 + $20 freight. Both the radio and speaker were in "less pristine" condition than I was hoping for. They were completely functional and intact, but the gray metal enclosures were scuffed up a bit. The audio is "communications quality" (similar to a police scanner). High fidelity was not a feature of many SW radios. They were only made to listen to the broadcast coverage bands. The DX-160 is quite common today (June 2006) and there are several being sold on eBay at any given point in time. Wait for one which includes the speaker, and original owner's manual. Sometimes, well maintained examples also include the original box. Be prepared to scrape a little extra coin together for those.

One of the reasons I was interested in this radio was the retro styling. I like the look of radios from this era and remember when they were new. I also admire the quality of vintage SW radios made for Radio Shack. They may not be the absolute best, but for the price they seem to have a fair amount of value. Note that the owner's manual and service manual are both readily available on-line in .pdf form.

With a 30 foot random wire antenna (#20 AWG), the sensitivity is adequate. It is a decent short wave radio with stylish retro looks for those wishing to get familiar with the ham bands and international short wave broadcasts.

On February 23, 2008 I picked up a DX-150 (1969 - 1971) at the 27th annual Elmira Winter Hamfest. Price was $45 but it needs some work, as there are "birdies" (heterodyning) up and down the AM (BC) band. The DX-150 has 30 semiconductors.

DX-150 / DX-160 References and Resources:

• Yahoo! Group for DX series: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/realisticdx
• DX-150 Service Manual: http://www.decodesystems.com/dx150.html
• DX-150B Service Manual: http://www.signalharbor.com/dx150.html
• Mike Crabtree's "Lowbander" repairs: http://www.lowbander.com

Telefunken "Jubilate de Luxe" Type 5461 W

Telefunken (West Germany) "Jubilate de Luxe" Type 5461 W
Years manufactured: 1963
Serial number: 699115

Valve (tube) line up: ECC85, EABC80, ECH81, EL95, EF89, EM84
Magic Eye tuning tube = EM84 (6FG6/EM84).

AM/FM/SW table-top radio with push buttons and Type EM84 "magic eye" tuning strength indicator. Wood cabinet, plastic controls, glass faceplate, illuminated by one (slightly off center) Type 40 bulb.

Tuning dial pilot lamp (one required) is Type 40, 6.3v, 150mA (0.15A) miniature screw base, cylindrical bulb, clear glass. The pilot lamps are typically sold in packages of 10 at vintage radio swap meets and by the usual on-line sources. See Links.

Purchased at the Batavia Hamfest on July 29, 2006. Located on Route 98 about ½ mile south of Alexander, NY. Price was $40.00. This turned out to be a 100% original radio that appears to have never been opened. Cabinet and controls are in excellent condition. Plays quite well, and smells good when it plays too! It must be all that dust heating up inside. It is amazing that this 43 year old radio is in such good condition. I was lucky to find it.

General Electric "Superadio III"

General Electric "Superadio III" Model 7-2887
Date / Factory Code: 5610 RA
Photo: January 6, 2007 (less than two weeks out of the box)

Tuning Range:
AM: 540 - 1700 kHz
FM: 88 - 108 MHz

technical data and sales copy

The GE "Superadio III" is a portable, solid-state, analog, AM/FM, monaural radio, with above average AM reception, slide-rule tuning, and unconsciously outdated 1980s styling. It is a cult favorite among AM band DXers (long distance listeners) because the performance is high and the price is low. Even so, it gets mixed reviews (Internet chat groups) because some owners have reported quality control issues. There are some useful on-line support networks, and technical web pages to aid the Superadio III owner, should questions or problems arise. Grove Enterprises (Monitoring Times) sells it for $54.95 (down from $59 six months ago) and once in a while, an eBay vendor will present the radio brand new, and in the box for $32, so it pays to shop around.

This GE Superadio III was purchased by my wife on September 13, 2006 at the hardware store in Old Forge, New York and given to me on December 25, 2006. My initial impression was that it appeared to be well constructed and "substantial", especially with the six "D" cells installed. In addition to its reputation for good AM reception (due in part to the internal, 200 mm, ferrite rod antenna), I also found it to be quite attractive because of its traditional, somewhat outdated styling. Happy to report that it passed the AM/FM "weak station test", but the act of tuning was more akin to an analog short-wave receiver, meaning, the tuning dial had to be turned back and forth with a certain amount of finesse to capture both the weak stations, and stations close to each other. The audio quality is acceptable, and there are separate bass and treble adjustments so it can be tailored to each listener and/or type of programming. Overall, the GE Superadio III seems like a good, traditional AM/FM radio for the money, with the ability to receive distant AM stations with relative ease. My only complaint was that it had very minor, yet perma