Occasionally, the radio art produces a true visionary who is many years ahead of his time. For example, most amateurs are familiar with the groundbreaking work of Larsen E. Rapp, WIOU.
Another similar visionary appeared on the pages of Radio Craft, in the magazine’s April 1944 issue. There, Mohammed Ulysses Fips writes of the Radium Radio receiver. The set was so powerful that it required but a single tube to achieve loudspeaker volume. But the most revolutionary aspect of the set was the fact that it required no power source. Since the radium in the tube emitted radiation for thousands of years, no further power supply was necessary. And because of the power of the tube, very few other components, such as capacitors or resistors, were required. Some of Fips’ designs are shown here. As you can see, one incorporates an alarm clock feature and an ad blocker.
As might be expected, Fips proved a threat to various commercial interests, such as the Big Radio Companies, the Big Tube Companies, and the Big Battery Companies. Fips faced persecution and even kidnapping. In fact, his pet aardvark had also been kidnapped by one of the Big Radio Companies. Because of the threats, Fips decided to publish his ideas rather than attempt to personally profit from them.
For those wishing to duplicate Fips’ work, the schematic is shown below. I haven’t been able to locate the required RA-RA 4-1 tube, although like anything, I assume they show up on eBay occasionally.
This ad for the Radio Trading Company, 100A Park Place, New York, appeared 85 years ago this month in the April 1934 issue of Short Wave Craft. The top transmitter put out 15-30 watts, depending on tubes used, and retailed for $5.94. This price included a set of coils for 160 meters, but did not include tubes. Coils for other bands were also available. The accompanying power supply sold for $7.98, but did not include the rectifier tube.