This page contains is intended for those manufacturers where I only have one or perhaps two models to include. Once there is more than that, the manufacturer will get its own page. This is simply to avoid cluttering the website with pages that are only have one set.

Alba Superhet Five

Wavebands - MW, LW Valves - SP4, VP4, S4VB, MKT4, DW3 Date - 1932 Status - Contributed photo and description

The photo and description were provided by Nigel Hughes:

The Alba Superhet Five was released in 1932 and the version here is the radiogram, which contains the first type of Garrard autochanger. The valve line-up is: SP4 frequency changer, VP4 IF Amplifier, S4VB detector and AF amplifier, MKT4 audio output and DW3 rectifier.

The radio covers long and medium waves and is an early superhet having no Automatic Gain Control and using the SV4B as an Anode Bend Detector. Volume control is obtained by varying the bias on the VP4 and by attenuating the aerial input.

Full details of Nigel's restoration of this set are given in the Recent Repairs section.

Halcyon Battery Portable

Wavebands - MW, LW Valves - 215SG, PM1A, PM2HL, 220P Date - 1929 Status - Contributed photo and description

The photo and description were provided by Nigel Hughes:

Around 1929, several manufacturers produced four valve "suitcase" battery TRF portables, of which this Halcyon is one example. It uses a screen grid RF stage, and triode detector, AF amplifier and output stages with 2 Volt heaters. HT is 99 volts, with a 56 volt tapping for the screen grid. The aerial is a large frame aerial mounted in the lid. The lid also contains a 12" cone moving iron loudspeaker. Controls are separate tuning condensers for the Aerial and detector circuits, a variable condenser for "reaction" control on the detector and a wavechange switch marked "Long Waves", "Short Waves" and "Off". In 1929, what we call Medium Wave was called Short wave.

Full details of Nigel's restoration of this set are given in the Recent Repairs section.

Portadyne Jubilee AC Table Model

Wavebands - MW, LW Valves - U14, MKT4, MHD4, VP4, FC4 Date - 1935 Status - Contributed photo and description

Colin Carmichael provided the photograph and the following description:

I know nothing about this set. The only name I can find on it is on a paper label inside which says "Jubilee AC Table model". It is cheaply made, basic components are all on self supporting joints and the chassis is a thin piece of flimsy tin but it does the job.

I was surprised with the performance once it was restored. It has lots of volume, and is very sensitive and selective. The cabinet is well made but a bit dull.

After reading Colin's description I had a search through my Vintage Radio Service Data CD-ROMs and identified the set as a "Portadyne Jubilee Year". The service data was published in "The Broadcaster" in May 1935, which would suggest a release date of 1934 or 1935. King George V took to the throne in 1910 (according to Microsoft Encarta) so 1935 would have been his Silver Jubilee. It follows that this set was made to commemorate this, and would have been released in 1935.

RGD 34FM

Wavebands - MW, LW, VHF Valves - UCC55, UCH81, UF89, UABC80, UL84, UY85 Date - 1958 Status - Contributed photo and description

David Mouat provided the photograph and the following notes:

Standard 2 stage superhet, with series linked heater chain + dropper (AC/DC operation). I don't remember where I got this one.

Strad 10B

Wavebands - SW, MW, LW Valves - 14S7, 7B7, 7C6, 35L6GT, 35A5 Date - Late 1940s or early 1950s ? Status - Contributed photo and description

David Mouat provided the photograph and the following description:

Bakelite case, ivory knobs, 2 stage superhet (I think). Very slow to warm up, ran for 15 years in someones outdoor shed, switched on permanently, with no valve changes etc. Seems very old. Given to me free of charge with spare valves and tuner.

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