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HMV early radiograms

Posted: Thu May 10, 2018 5:05 pm
by condenser
When did British HMV start making radiograms? The firm made a prototype Lumiere diaphragm and crystal/two valve radio in 1924 (Proudfoot - His Master's Gramophone, Catalogue of EMI Collection and other sources) though the radio technology seems rather dated for that year, but apparently nothing else until the Model 520 that appears in their 1930 machine catalogue. Was there really a 5 year gap in their production of radiograms? Does anyone know of models between 1925 and 1930, or have catalogues in that date range that show any?

HMVs first electrical players (but not radiograms), Model 551, appeared around 1929-1930, along with the big Model 600, but was there anything else? I am trying to establish who made the first radio-gramophone combination, and when. First I suppose we need to define 'radiogram'. Victor produced cabinets with acoustic gramophones in and a space where an RCA Radiola or similar could be fitted (for the 1924-25 season) but this doesn't really qualify as a radiogram! Brunswick started advertising the Panatrope in late 1925, with built-in electronics from RCA, which obviously does qualify. But where were the Brits?

Thank you to anyone who can help.

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 8:40 am
by epigramophone
HMV entered the radiogram market by acquiring the Marconiphone domestic radio manufacturing concern in 1929.

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Fri May 11, 2018 1:13 pm
by condenser
So, having made the first prototype, they really did nothing for 5 years? Interesting.

Thanks for your response.

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 10:52 pm
by Vinrage_mania
Are there any 551 or 600 machines in collections .....funny the amp has a family resemblence to the US AP series “tomcat” amps as pictured on radiomuseun.org

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Sat May 12, 2018 11:36 pm
by condenser
I have a 551.

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 12:43 am
by Vinrage_mania
Ohh pictures would be awesome especially the electronics and speaker

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 4:05 am
by soundgen
Vinrage_mania wrote:Ohh pictures would be awesome especially the electronics and speaker

Check a previous thread

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 11&t=22683

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 4:08 am
by soundgen
Radio Museum has details of the 600

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/rca_concert_600.html

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 4:37 am
by soundgen
Model 551. Exhibit at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Odd speed control for such a late machine ? :?

Re: HMV early radiograms

Posted: Thu May 17, 2018 5:59 pm
by condenser
I am posting a couple of illustrations from the original handbook - doesn't show the loudspeaker very well, but does show the turntable etc. The speed control is correct on the Scottish one. The machines were fitted with the No. 7 "Soundbox" originally, as can be seen in the first picture. Will post pictures of my machines (I have 2 of them) later.
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