Just received four earlier transistor radios - Videokarma.org TV - Video

radiotvnut · #1 03-20-2010, 02:51 PM

Got these four off ebay.

The first one is a GE model P808G from around '62. This one uses a magnetic speaker and a "modular" chassis. As in, there are individual circuit modules that solder on to one large PC board. Years ago, I had a look alike GE that used a standard speaker and a regular chassis. It was a decent performer; but, I've heard that these magnetic speaker models are not near as good. When tested, it's totally dead.

The second one is a Philco model T67GP from around '63. This one was made in Japan by what looks like Toshiba. This radio runs on a regular 9 volt battery and has earphone and external power jacks. This one actually works.

The third one is an RCA 8-BT-7J from '56. This one takes a large, round 9 volt battery. When tested, it receives some stations at the high end of the dial; but, nothing else. Am I correct in that this was RCA's first transistor radio?

The fourth one is an Olympic model 666 from 1959. This one is made in Japan and also uses a large round 9V battery. This one only produces static. Also, the back cover does not stay on well.

jr_tech · #2 03-20-2010, 06:29 PM

GREAT FINDS!

"Am I correct in that this was RCA's first transistor radio?"

I think the RCA 7-BT-9J was first:

http://transistorhistory.50webs.com/rca1st.html

jr

radiotvnut · #3 03-21-2010, 03:13 PM

My RCA and the Olympic both use a large round 9V battery. The RCA radio calls for an RCA VS-300 and the olympic calls for a ray-o-vac 1600. I know I could just wire a modern 9V snap connector in it's place; but, would like to use the original battery if it exist and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

jr_tech · #4 03-21-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

My RCA and the Olympic both use a large round 9V battery. The RCA radio calls for an RCA VS-300 and the olympic calls for a ray-o-vac 1600. I know I could just wire a modern 9V snap connector in it's place; but, would like to use the original battery if it exist and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

NEDA #1600, Eveready #226, RCA #VS300A, BrightStar #0918, Sears #6418 are all the same battery... I have not seen one in recent times... I just use standard 9V battery on my RCA 7-BT-9J.

jr

radiotvnut · #5 03-21-2010, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the information!

I just found this 226 lithium on the Internet.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-226l-ex...m-battery.html

jr_tech · #6 03-21-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiotvnut

Thanks for the information!

I just found this 226 lithium on the Internet.

http://www.batterymart.com/p-226l-ex...m-battery.html

Nice! ... It would be cool to print up a replica of the old red and black RCA label to wrap around that puppy!

jr

radiotvnut · #7 03-21-2010, 06:59 PM

I wonder how long a lithium battery would last in that RCA or Olympic radio.

jr_tech · #8 03-21-2010, 10:05 PM

Too bad they don't give a ma hour rating for the battery...

I could not find one for the original battery either, since it was dependent on the way the battery is used.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eveready #226 Estimated Hours Service at 70 degrees F.
(@ 2 hour/day use, cutoff voltage=4.8 volts, 6.0 Volts)
@ 5ma (1800 ohm load)------150 hours, 130 hours
@ 7ma (1300 ohm load)-------117 hours, 98 hours
@11.5 ma (780 ohm load)------68 hours, 57 hours
@16 ma (560 ohm load)---------44 hours, 33 hours
jr