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| In the days when wireless sets were very expensive to buy, but not actually very
complex, it made sense to build your own set from components bought in your local radio shop, using a circuit
from one of the weekly wireless magazines. This is one of those home constructed sets. These things are always
hard to date, but there are clues. The dial on the front was not introduced until 1928. The circuit used is
quite interesting too. It doesn't have an R.F. amplifier using a screened-grid valve, so that points to a date
somewhen before 1931, because by 1931, SG valves were all the rage. On the other hand, it's a more ambitious
circuit with detector, low frequency amplifier, and RC coupling to the output valve. RC coupling would make me
think it's unlikely to be much before 1929, because before that, transformer coupling was universal. We'll
probably never know the date for sure, but it's a very well put together little thing. The cabinet was bought
as an empty box, so you've been spared someone's amateur woodwork efforts. The components are all there and
seem to have been good quality in the first place. The only thing missing was one terminal nut from the little
row of terminals inside the set where the wires to the batteries connect up. I've found one which fits the
thread but it isn't the same shape. The main moan with this set is the front panel. It is made of the usual
Ebonite and has the usual problems. It has a crack on the right hand side which is a couple of inches long.
It's not too noticeable, but it's there. It has a few scratches on it. But worse, it should be shiny dark brown,
and it's neither shiny nor dark brown. You can get reproduction panel material, and if I was restoring this set,
I would. However, if you want to keep it original, it's still good for its age. This stuff seems to decompose
all too readily. Otherwise, this is a very nice little set which is very much worth restoring. It's not going to be too hard to work it either because it's only got the one tuned circuit. Without an RF amplifier, it won't get very weak stations, but I'm always surprised how many stations one can pick up with a simple regenerative detector like this one, and you'll certainly have plenty of audio frequency amplification, so even quite weak signals should give loudspeaker results. On the subject of loudspeakers, this set was obviously designed for good audio performance and I think it would give pretty good results if you connect it to an early paper-cone loudspeaker of some sort. Obviously it will drive a horn, but the horn might not deliver the full sound quality of this set.
Size: 20cm High, 50cm Wide, 29cm Deep. Just email me if you want this one!
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