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RCA VICTOR RADIO IMAGES PORTABLE
The BP-10 was also much more compact than the bulky suit case size portable radio RCA sold in 1939 (see Figure 3.) In addition to its small size it had a novel feature that enhanced its ability to be carried in a pocket or purse.
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Although the Sonora Candid radio used the RCA miniature tubes, Sonora made little effort to reduce the size to much less than radios using full size tubes.11 The BP-10 was the first truly personal portable radio designed to be carried by one person in a coat pocket or purse, but definitely a large pocket or purse.12 It was only a quarter pound lighter than the Sonora Candid, but much smaller overall. Many months prior to the Sonora radio introduction a prototype BP-10 was publicly demonstrated at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair.9 Fair goers were enthusiastic about the radio, but formal introduction was delayed until June 1940.10 It’s possible, that because of Fair goer enthusiasm, RCA delayed introduction to allow increased production in anticipation of higher demand.Įven if Sonora can be credited with beating RCA to the market with their miniature tube radio, Sonora cannot be credited with producing a truly personal radio. The Knight Model B10506 Essentially Identical to the Sonora Candid RadioĪctually, the BP-10 radio was ready for test marketing very early in 1940. It’s apparent from a Lord & Thomas merchandising plan that the BP-10 was in existence by at least March 14, 1940.8 RCA was simply taking some time to develop a block buster merchandising campaign that Sonora couldn’t hope to match.įigure 2. Sonora’s Candid is often credited with beating RCA’s introduction of the RCA BP-10 radio by a few months even though Sonora’s miniature tubes came from RCA.7 But RCA had years to work with their new tubes on the BP-10 design prior to the Sonora introduction. Sonora Inc., a small radio manufacturer, introduced their “Candid” miniature tube radio in April 1940.6 Sonora also supplied an identical radio to Allied Radio, which sold it under their Knight brand as the B10506. In 19 other radio manufacturers produced portable radios using RCA’s new miniature tubes. The BP-10 radio was introduced nationally in the summer of 1940 and was produced continuously until civilian radio production ceased for the duration of WWII (April 1942).4 The radio was a runaway sensation with over 200,000 sold.5 Few radio models were as well received by the public and as well documented by the manufacturer.įigure 1.
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In 1938 the RCA began the development of low power miniature tubes with the specific intention of producing a truly personal portable radio.3 The result was the RCA BP-10. One missing technological item to make a hand held portable radio practical was a set of compact low power vacuum tubes. Consequently, by 1937 not a single major radio manufacturer offered a battery powered portable radio. Most attempts failed in the market place because the necessary technology simply didn’t exist. Although there was obviously a demand for portable entertainment, the early “portable radios” didn’t satisfy it. Since the 1920s many attempts had been made to produce and sell a truly portable radio.
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No one had figured out how to reliably spin a record while walking along.1 But, they were only designed to be carried from place to place. But, most were as large as a suitcase, heavy, and only nominally portable.
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Yes, there were “portable radios” as far back as the early 1920s. That was the year the Radio Corporation of America, better known as RCA, introduced the first mass produced personal portable radio. RCA Victor 1R81 front.Before there were iPods, Game Boys, or even transistor radios the dream of personal portable entertainment was just that, a dream, until 1940. I purchased NOS tubes for them and am waiting on the delivery of tuning dial cord.Ĭrosley 56TN front.jpg I am new to vintage radio restoration! I have a Crosley 56TN and RCA Victor 1R81 which will be my first attempts at restoration. I would highly recommend starting with a common '40s five-tube set and then graduating to the 811K. If this is your first venture into electronic restoration, the 811K may be a little ambitious for a first project. I bought a vintage Dumont Oscilloscope Model 208-B this afternoon. If I do, I am going to rely on all of you for restoration help! 1, 1939, the announcements of VE and VJ Days, the bombing at Pearl Harbor. I can't thank all of you enough for your fantastic insight and information! Imagine the broadcasts that emanated from that radio being from 1938.War of the World's, the beginning of WWII with Germany's invasion of Poland at 6am on Sep.