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1950's Color Radios
1950's Color Radios
America wanted more than a black or white plastic table radio. The decade of the 1950's ushered in the color radio. Most were transformerless (AC/DC) " American Five "Tube radios. Clock radios were popular for the bedroom. Some radios had features like the a built in kitchen timer in Crosley Music Chef. Some clock radios had a calender giving day and month. The 1950's was also called the "Atomic Age" with radical styling.
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COLOR RADIOS
COLOR RADIOS
RCA 1X50 series (1954) RCA Victor Camden, NJ51=Dk Brwn 52= Ivory 53=Grn 54= Tan 55= Blue 56= Red 57= White
Top of chassis RC1104. Notice that 4 of the 5 vacuum tubes are the larger prewar AA5 octal tubes (50L6GT, 35Z5GT, 12SK7 and 12SQ7). I guess RCA still had a lot of prewar parts they had to get rid of. This is a good example of a prewar technology in a post war cabinet.
Restoration of the 1X51 (dark brown cabinet). This is RCA chassis
RC 1104. Unlike most table radios, this one has a special preformed chassis that completely mounts to the front of the radio cabinet. Similar to a unitized body chassis of an automobile.
RC 1104. Unlike most table radios, this one has a special preformed chassis that completely mounts to the front of the radio cabinet. Similar to a unitized body chassis of an automobile.
Crosley 11-102U "Bullseye" (1953) Crosley Radio, Cincinnati OH. Very popular with collectors, Unique cabinet with interesting dial pointer. Came in 6 colors, chartruse, green, red-orange, blue, black and white. A 5 tube AA5 radio.
BELOW a cleaned up chassis. I love that speaker with the name "CROSLEY" stamped on it. Notice the large tube in the shield on the right. They used a prewar octal 12SQ7GT instead of the 12AT6/12AV6 miniature. Service diagrams note that 12SQ7GT used in some models.
Capehart (Farnsworth) T30 (1953), Capehart-Farnsworth Radio Ft Wayne, IN. Came in 4 colors- green, burgundy, ivory and black. Unusual radio that features matching plastic back cover. AA5 tube radio.
Nice how Capehart has the antenna mounted to the plastic backi cover. Notice how clean the chassis layout is, top and bottom.
GE 400 (1953) General Electric, Syracuse NY. Feature Beam of Light Tuning for easy night identification. AA5 radio that came in ivory or maroon.
Rear of chassis. Notice the size of tube sockets.Originally the holes were cutout for octal based tubes. GE used 7 pin miniature sockets with an octal mounting footprint. Also the beam of light unit is attached to the tuning wheel. Used older style IF transformers.
Complete restoration underneath chassis.
Emerson 707 Series B: Sunburst - Emerson Radio New York NY. Compact AA5 table radio. Came in several colors, Maroon, White, Blue, Pink and Ivory. Can be considered a midget set being only 5" W X 6" H! Unlike most midget sets, this is a pretty good performer.
ABOVE and BELOW- compact but fairly neat layout!
Westinghouse H397T5Each part of the set is stacked on top of another!
Crosley 11-102U
Front view of chassis showing how the "bullseye" pointer and dial is laid out.
Zenith L515- Zenith color sets were painted on bakelite
More on Zenith Clock Radio
ABOVE: location of oscillator padder capacitors. The far right ones are upper and lower broadcast band adjust and the leftmost is the shortwave adjust.
BELOW: Tube glow with back cover on.
BELOW: Tube glow with back cover on.
Capehart T-30 Matching back cover (rare)
Capehart 2C59. I like how the clock and radio are on the same assembly. Notice the heat deflector mounted to the antenna backing.
GE 400
BEAM OF LIGHT TUNING
Emerson 707: Cool 1950's light pipe. Cute way to send on-light to front panel
Front panel power on light.
SNUG FIT!
PHILCO 53-702 Dial Light. Standard Broadcast on top and Special Services (Long Wave) on bottom.
RCA 8-C-5 Clock Radio (1958 / PRICE $34.95). RCA Victor Camden, NJ. AA5 Basic Clock Radio. Wake up to music only. Uses printed circuit (wire) board.
COLOR CLOCK RADIOS
COLOR CLOCK RADIOS
Westinghouse H397T5 Vertical Standing Clock radio. Standard AA5 radio.
Very unusual, molded bakelite chassis and cover bottom plate.
Zenith Clock Radio (similar to L515G but with shortwave band) 1953, Zenith Radio Corp Chicago. AA5 radio with Painted Bakelite with hidden SW band selector on the back. Unusual clock radio, with std brdcst / sw selection and no 1100 W appliance outlet.
On the back is the band selector. I have not seen any other model with this. The back cover is an overlay. Behind is the standard one with the antenna loop.
View of the top chassis. The vertical mounted coil is the shortwave oscillator. The white knob is the band selector. The black box on the right is the clock assembly.
ABOVE: Original wiring, Sprague Bumble Bee molded paper capacitor delight. BELOW: Removed all molded paper capacitors as the resin molds tend to crack exposing the capacitor to moisture
Sentinel 1U346 In a Rare Yellow. Sentinel Radio Corp Evanston, IL. Standard AA5 transformerless radio. Has nice etched numbers on the plastic.
Designed for the kitchen/dining room. Has 1100 W appliance outlet on back for the coffee percolator.
TIGHT FIT! The clock and radio are so close to each other, the power cables squeeze around the chassis. Plastic screw inserts were used throughout the radio. After a while the plastic would crack and the assemblies would come loose.
Capehart (Farnsworth) 2C59 Clock Radio (1956), Capehart-Farnsworth Radio Ft Wayne, IN. . Very nice looking typical 1950's style radio in a rare yellow. AA5 tube radio.
Clean and roomy under the chassis
Philco 53-702 (1953) Philco Radio Corp, Philadelphia PA. Multwave Clock Radio AM and Longwave Bands. Light Mocha color (Tan-Beige)
Band Select Switch on the rear of radio. Also have 1100 W outlet for connection to a coffee percolator. AA5 tube radio.
Chassis Views
Comes in many colors. Pink and maroon as shown here. Also seen them in grey, blue, black and white
1959 Rexall Drug Stores Super Plenamins (Vitamins) promotion entry blank to win one of these RCA 8-C series clock radios (probably white color).
Complete electronic restoration, including new IF transformer and tube sockets. When I got these radios, they were "real basket cases". RCA was still using paper capacitors while others started using ceramic disc and molded paper designs. These radios seem had a very tough life with numerous cabinet cracks and heat damage to plastic mounts along major circuit board damage due to past attempts to service the radio and heat damage cause by 50C5 and 35W4 tubes.
INTERESTING COLOR RADIOS from ARVIN
INTERESTING COLOR RADIOS from ARVIN
Noblitt Sparks Industries, Columbus OH)
Arvin 3561 (1956) TWIN SPEAKER with tuning and tone register setting in center. A transformerless 6 tube set, with tuned RF amplifier. The 12BA6 is replaced by two 6BJ6's (for RF amp and IF amp). The twin speaker and the sensitivity makes this a nice set to listen with comfort.
The mid 1950's saw the use of the printed circuit (wired) board replacing the handwired chassis. Printed circuit boards made a huge reduction in labor costs.
Dial light display. Stands out and nice light distribution.
Arvin 956T1 (1955) TWIN SPEAKER has nice tone register level in center with conventional AA5 design.
Arvin started using printed wired boards instead of hand wired chassis that year.
Dial light display.
1950's COMPACT MIDGET RADIOS
1950's COMPACT MIDGET RADIOS
Stylish radios with 4 or less tubes were being built, thanks to smaller tubes and the use of lightweight moldable styrene (polystyrene) plastics not only reduced the weight but allowed even a greater array of colors and patterns. Marbled look cabinets that had the appearance of catalin plastic sets of the late 1930's came into popularity. The 4 tube sets during the post war were mostly minmal superheterodyne radios, compared to TRF sets during the prewar times.
Typical tube complements of post war budget compact sets:
Superheterodyne with AVC12SA7, 12SQ7, 50L6GT and 35Z5GT (early versions)12BE6 or 12BA7(rare), 12AT6/12AV6, 50B5/50C5 and 35W4Superheterodyne with no AVC12AU6, 12AT6/12AV6, 50B5/50C5 and 35W4
Superheterodyne with AVC12SA7, 12SQ7, 50L6GT and 35Z5GT (early versions)12BE6 or 12BA7(rare), 12AT6/12AV6, 50B5/50C5 and 35W4Superheterodyne with no AVC12AU6, 12AT6/12AV6, 50B5/50C5 and 35W4
Tele-tone 196 or 197U updated (circa 1949-50). Four tube Superhetrodyne Compact Radio. (Tele-tone Radio Corp, New York)
Here a beautiful jade marble radio with a unique design. The electronic design of this radio was used by Tele-tone year after year first with a 12SA7 octal converter tube to the 12BE6 miniature version. Because of the lack of an IF tube like the 12BA6, the radio was not very sensitive. Tele-tone decided to replace the 12BE6 converter tube with a higher performing 12BA7 (usually used for FM sets). It was a cost saving move, as less parts were needed, better performance was obtained but still lack sensitivity. Radio weighs just over 2 pounds. Dimensions 8.5"WX5.5"HX3.5"D.
Back side showing chassis. Note the 12BA7 converter tube on the left. Another unique feature is that this radio used an aluminum chassis rather than the more common steel chassis.
Styrene cabinets can be translucent like catalin cabinets, as light can pass through it. Notice the thickness of the plastic compared to other plastic cabinets. Unfortunately styrene is more sensitive to heat and can deform quickly.
Arlington (Made by Tele-tone)- 1950? Arlington may be the store brand of Shuster or Gimbels. Similar to Tele-tone 135 chassis, Compact 5 tube single IF Radio. Uses AA5 tubes but replaces 2nd IF transformer with RC pass filter. Very good for local reception as the IF tube adds more sensitivity than the 4 tube autodyne radios. Has side mount loop antenna near tuning capacitor so when you tune your hand capacitance affects reception. The collectible value of these low priced sets, is the marble swirled styrene plastic cases.
ABOVE: Chassis removed from cabinet with tubes glowing. Notice the loop antenna on the left showing how small the aluminum chassis is. BELOW: Restored electronics. The paper capacitors were subjected to lot of heat and the wax melted away. Half the resistors were out of tolerance.
BELOW: Marbled plastic case that allowed light through like that Catalin radios on the prewar era. The plastis is very thin and lightweight, but deforms with heat. Most models have heat deformation near the power tubes.
Arvin 849T 4 Tube Superheterodyne Midget Clock Radio (1955). Arvin Industries (Noblitt Sparks) Columbus OH. Very compact and basic radio. Using only 4 tubes (12BE6, 12AV6, 35W4 and 50C5), no IF amplifier and only 1 IF transformer. Reception is fair without external antenna. Came in 3 colors, Beige, Bitter Lime and California Tan (which is shown here). Measures 9" X 5" X 5".
ABOVE: Volume control knob matches clock mode selector knob. Cool and Innovative, first time I ever seen this. Tuning is geared to vernier style, unusual for a budget midget set. BELOW: Inside the cabinet, withtubes glowing.
BELOW: Clock and radio on one chassis. Saves cost and assembly time. Arvin did a nice job maximizing.
No paper or molded capacitors. All ceramic capacitors and integrated couplate, making this a 1955 model. There is an 848T for 1954-55 year and no integrated couplate was used.
Sonora 650 4 Tube Superheterodyne Midget (Sonora Radio and TV Corp, New York) Measuring 8.5" W X 4.5" D X 5.25" HUses 12AU6, 12AV6, 50C5 and 35W4. No IF amplifier stage.
Sonora continued the use of bakelite cabinets and then painted the outside. Below is the back cover, as simple as I have ever seen one.
As bare bones as it could be. Unlike the Tele-tone above, the Sonora has NO chassis box. The radio parts are mounted and assembles on a piece of sheet metal roughly 4" square. Notice the ceramic couplate on the left. This is a thick film version of the integrated circuit. Several capacitors and resistors are wired on a ceramic substrate, with the wire leads to connect to the rest of the parts. The single IF Transformer is unshielded, making it prone to oscillation.
Arvin 540T (1951) 4 Tube Superheterodyne Radio ($18.95)Arvin (Formerly Noblitt Sparks, Columbus OH) during the post war used metal cabinets on their midget models. They came in six colors (cherry, flame, citron, avacado, pebble and white). Used prewar octal tubes, 12SA7GT, 12SQ7GT, 50L6GT and 35Z5GT
The scary part is that the cabinet is not isolated so one has a chance to get an dangerous electric shock under the right conditions. I installed a polarized plug and correctly wired the line cord to match the neutral and load connection to plug and wiring circuit.
Complete Electronic Restoration: ABOVE is the original as found and BELOW is finished restoration (new parts are placed in the old part forms where possible).
Temple G-419 4 Tube Radio. (1948) Templetone Radio Corp. Compact 4 Tube metal cabinet superhetrodyne (12SA7, 12SQ7, 35Z5GT and 50L6GT) Came in many colors. No IF amplifier section but does pull in stations easily after careful alignment.
Total restoration. Caps restuffed with new ones and resistors replaced that are out of tolerance. For a midget set with pre WW2 technology, not a bad performer in this class of radios.
ABOVE: Make the back shorter for ventalation. As simple as it can be!
Postwar European Radios
Postwar European Radios
1958 Grundig 97: "West" German (The COLD WAR ERA) made multiband ( AM/FM/SW ) radio for US export
German born Max Grundig got into radio marketing and radio manufacturing back in the 1930's. He's the German equivalent to Crosley, trying to provide radios to all levels of economic abilities. Unlike some of the big German multi level marketing companies like AE Siemens, Grundig generally stuck to electronics for consumer and hobbyist. After surviving WW2, Grundig expanded his market tapping into the post war boom. A lot of his sets were sold in US Military PXs and at duty free stores to help spread the Grundig name. Grundig took advantage of the cold war fears by aggressively marketing his multiband "Satellite" portable radios, for which he is widely remembered for. Grundig like many companies fell victim to the big conglomerates and was bought by Philips (a Dutch electronics multinational corporation). Shown here is a restored model 97. Notice the curves and controls reflecting European tastes at that time. This model features push button band and tone selection plus features a magic eye tube for tuning (popular in 1950's European sets).
Transformer Operated, Tall IF Cans are AM/FM units.
Tubes L-R: EM84 (Front upside down), EL84, EABC80, EF89, ECH81 and ECC85
Tubes L-R: EM84 (Front upside down), EL84, EABC80, EF89, ECH81 and ECC85
Ferguson 384U (1959) Transformerless or Universal Multiband Radio. Made by Thorn Electrical Industries LTD Middlesex- London, UK
Runs on 200 to 250 VAC. Unlike the Grundig above, this set uses series connected filaments plus dropping resistor to add up to 240 VAC. Features VHF band (UK version of FM 88-101 MHz), longwave and medium wave (UK version of Standard Broadcast Band 188-545 meters). Interesting setup, featuring VHF in megacycles but long and medium wave in wavelength nor meters.
Night view showing dial and UM81 magic eye tube.
RIGHT PHOTOS
Front Panel (Above RIGHT) Showing Magic Eye and Dialight
Top of Chassis >>>>>>>>
Back Side >>>>>>>>>SW and FM Antenna, Phono and EXT Speaker
Above: Grudig original underside of chassis- very compact and tight. Very small paper capacitors and precision resistors. Far left Siemens-Halske selenium bridge rectifier (compact), Electrolytic can on right- not much safety room for error. Restoring with new caps was definitely a challenge.
The Ferguson looks similar to the Grundig. I assume this was a popular style in Europe during this time period.
Made in Great Britain! The body and dot resistor on the right is the filament voltage drop resistor. The Black post is the main or line voltage selector 200-220 VAC or 230-250 VAC.
<<<< Chassis top layout:
Universal tubes used are:
UCC85 (26AQ8) FM RF/OSC, UCH81 (19D8) MIX/OSC, UF89 (12DA6) IF AMP, UM80 (19BR5) Sig Indicator, UABC80 (28AK8), Det/AMP and UL84 (45B5) Audio Amp.
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