1947 One Tube Matchbox Radio

1947OctPS1Seventy years ago this month, the October 1947 issue of Popular Science carried the plans for this simple one-tube receiver mounted on a chassis the size of a matchbox.

The set used few parts beyond the 1S4 tube. Tuning was accomplished by a 175-500 pF trimmer capacitor. The article noted that the small capacitor might not cover the full broadcast band, but suggested small plug-in coils to extend the range.

The set required a 1.5 volt battery for the filament, in addition to a B battery, which could be as low as 4.5 volts.

 

1947OctPS2



6 thoughts on “1947 One Tube Matchbox Radio

  1. James

    This is for ” clem.law “: I have all the parts and would be glad to send them to you, in exchange, you pay the shipping. I’m 73 years old, to which, 67 of those years as a Ham radio operator. I remember those days when I would have loved to have the parts for such a project, but my Mother raised me and my Sister on less than $ 25.00 a week, so there was no money. Most of the projects I built, was from old radio and TV parts that were given to me by a local TV Repair shop. One day while sifting through a newly acquired pile, I found a chassis of a battery operated radio, and lowe and behold, there was the 1S4. I immediately started a new project, and to my surprise, it worked. I spent several nights listening to stations all over the world, when I should have been doing my homework…. So, to make a long story short, if you still want the parts, just let me know. My E-Mail is: j.searcy65@gmail.co — Take care and have a wonderful life. Jim WA5WRE

  2. clem.law@usa.net Post author

    Thanks for the generous offer! It was actually John who was looking for the parts. I’ll send an e-mail to both of you.

  3. John Magda

    Hi Clem
    I sent an email to Rick plus the plans for the one tube radio also telling Rick of the parts I wanted, I have not received any word back for some time now. I still want the parts, a 1t4 tube, a tube socket ,also an earphone for crystal radio. please let me know if he is still available to sell me the parts.
    Thanks
    John Magda

  4. clem.law@usa.net Post author

    I don’t know about how else to contact him, but the parts should be available. I couldn’t find the 1S4 from the article, but this post seems to indicate that you can substitute a 1T4:

    https://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=72378

    You can order the 1T4 here:

    https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/1t4df91-pentode-remote-cut

    And I think this is the socket:

    https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/socket-7-pin-miniature-ceramic-aluminum-shield

    The crystal earphone is available on Amazon, and there’s a link on my crystal set parts page:

    http://onetuberadio.com/2014/07/14/where-to-get-crystal-set-parts/

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