From Vacuum Tubes to Transistors
Radio Product Lines
Page 1
The Zenith Trans-Oceanic
The Zenith Trans-Oceanic
The ORIGINAL Trans-Oceanic 7G005 (Not Mine- TOO BAD!)
Eugene McDonald founded Zenith in the early 1920's (originally Chicago Radio Labs). He had always had an interest in portables because he wanted to take a radio along with him on his boating trips. Because of this McDonald demanded quality and practical operation. Zenith under McDonald made quality radios for those who were willing to get more than just a radio that works. As vacuum tubes became better suited for portable applications in the late 1930's, McDonald wanted a radio that he could carry around while sailing in his yacht the Mitzpah on Lake Michigan. In 1940 Zenith successfully launched the 5G401 Universal 3-way AM portable. McDonald now wanted a shortwave so he can tune in the world. Battery tubes were barely able to handle shortwave frequencies (6-18 MHz). In 1941 Zenith succeeded in the first multiband portable radio called the Trans-Oceanic (the 7G605 Clipper). It met McDonald's sailing requirements which included electronic band spread tuning for ease in reception. After WW2 the Trans-Oceanic became a symbol of quality world band portables for those who were willing to pay the price for the best. Trans-Oceanics used the latest trends in materials and electronics. Until the rise of Asian built lower price analog and digital multiband radios, Zenith held on until the mid- 70's when Sony outdid them with the ICF-2001 / 2010 which marked the end of the Trans-Oceanic family.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Best Trans-Oceanic Tube Portable and the Last: The L600 (1954-55)
The L600 design continued until 1962 (as the model B600).
The L600 design continued until 1962 (as the model B600).
The first transistorized multiband portable and Trans-Oceanic Zenith Royal 1000 (1957) with companion Zeniths first FM/AM Portable Royal 2000 Trans-Symphony (1960).
As printed circuit assemblies were becoming the standard, Zenith continued to handwire the chassis and mount transistors in sockets.
As printed circuit assemblies were becoming the standard, Zenith continued to handwire the chassis and mount transistors in sockets.
Inside the World's first transistor portable multiband radio
Multiband Zenith SPINOFF
Compare Zenith D7000Y with a more basic but typical but very good multiband Zenith Inter-Oceanic R94, Chassis 11NT44Z8, introduced in 1966.
An 11 Transistor Radio
R94 BandsFrequency Modulation: 88-108 KHz (FM)Standard Broadcast: 550-1600 KHz (AM)Weather Marine: 1.6-3.8 MHz (SW)Weather Marine & Amateur: 3.8-8.8 MHz (SW)Shortwave Broadcast: 9-18 MHz (SW)
The last REAL Trans-Oceanic and by many the BEST D7000Y (1972).
As 18 Transistor Radio
As 18 Transistor Radio
Zenith D7000Y (Chassis 500MDR70) FM, BC, LW, 7xSW and tunable VHF weather band. (Price $300 (1972)). Has tone control, Wide and Narrow band IF select, BFO for SSB/CW and Tuning/Battery Meter. Features turret band selector and dial light. AC/DC operation. << FRONT
Zenith made one more the R7000. However if deviated from all other past models by not using electronic bandspread, resorted to PC boards, used IC's and started importing components. The R7000 went from 1979-81.
<< WITH COVER ON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return to Vacuum Tube and Transistor Home: Vacuum Tubes and Transistors HOME
Return to PHOTO Index: PHOTO COLLECTION INDEX
GO BACK TO >>> HEARING AIDS BEFORE 1960
NEXT PAGE >>> RADIO FAMILY PAGE 2