Sferics - any information? - Videokarma.org TV - Video

FiftysTV · #1 08-08-2011, 06:39 PM

I just acquired a really interesting late 50's tube radio in good working condition - a Sferics SF-1.
I have attempted to obtain info. on the web but there is very little written about it and it appears few have been sold (on Ebay, etc.). I know it is from a small (short-lived) San Antonio radio co. and that it is a weather alert radio.
It doesn't even seem to be included in the large vintage radio collections chronicled on sites like radio attic and others - curious as to why.
If anyone has any info., please let me know.
Thanks.

Chad Hauris · #2 08-12-2011, 07:23 PM

I have one of these radios but I haven't got started repairing it yet. It looks like it has a circuit to try to detect lightning by the noise pulses it causes on AM radio. You tune the radio past 1600 khz and then view the noise intensity on a meter to calculate the intensity of lightning/storm activity. I will try and get to work on it soon and make a video of it for my youtube channel.

peverett · #3 08-12-2011, 09:48 PM

I am a member of the Texas Antique Radio Club. One of our members has written an article about these and other Texas radios.

See:http://www.gvtc.com/~edengel/TexRad.htm

At one of our meetings, a member brought one of the prototypes for this. It was in a pretty rough made case.

They did not make many of these, this is possibly why it is missing from the antique radio lists.

FiftysTV · #4 08-13-2011, 12:22 AM

Thank you for the responses.
I actually contacted the Texas Amateur Radio Club and I think the guy you were talking about (Carter). I have been waiting for a response from him.
The radio I have is actually in really good condition and is working well - it appears untouched or repaired in any way. I kind of like the design but would have preferred them use bakelite rather than the plastic. Good reception and sound.
Good luck on your repair. I look forward to seeing the video.
I have included a picture of my radio.

peverett · #5 08-13-2011, 02:15 PM

Actually it is the Texas Antique Radio Club. Carter Cook is the one who wrote the article. I do not think these were ever in a bakelite case. They were made to late.

Hope he can help!

zenith2134 · #6 08-13-2011, 04:03 PM

Way cool. I for one have never even heard of Sferics, nor have I ever seen a lightning detection system for the MW band.

Very nice.