A while back, when we used to mail our listeners a monthly program guide, I would write articles covering a wide variety of engineering related topics. They covered everything from technical topics (always written in layman’s terms) to the day to day life behind the scenes at a radio station. I would often answer questions from listeners, and I often received comments from our listeners stating that the articles were informative, understandable, and often, humorous. As time went on, the age of electronic communication and the internet made the printed program guides obsolete. I concentrated my efforts on developing the station’s web site, but aside from an occasional explanation about some type of weather phenomenon causing interference to reception, I discontinued my monthly column.
At the encouragement of listeners and coworkers, and particularly my wife Ellen, who says that it is about time I did something useful with all of the vintage electronics (a.k.a. junque) that I have lying about, I have decided to pick up the keyboard once again. So, until I run out of interesting things to say about vintage radio I will be writing this monthly series. Each month we will explore some aspect of vintage radio. The subjects will range widely from the radio sets themselves to the people and technology that made it all possible. I’ll cover collecting, dating, and restoring these relics of yesteryear. Each month with also feature a different vintage set with information about its place in the development of the electronic age. Some of the sets featured will be from my own collection, others will not. As in the past, questions and comments are always welcome.
Pictured above is a 1931 Philco model 90 cathederal style radio and a 1949 Zenith Porthole mini console TV.
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