1962 Four Transistor “Half Pocket” Portable

1962MarRadioElec

Sixty years ago, this listener was probably the first on her block to own a transistor radio.  And she was almost certainly the owner of the smallest radio.  Smaller than a pocket set, this one was billed as a “half pocket” portable in the March 1962 issue of Radio Electronics.

The four transistor set measured only 1-11/16 x 1-1/2 x 11/16 inches, with a 2N345 serving as regenerative detector, with three 2N207’s amplifying the audio.  It was “about the size of a petite ladies’ cigarette lighter,” and smaller than some hearing aids.  It was said to pull in local stations with good volume and clarity, and required no external antenna or ground.

1962MarRadioElec3

1962MarRadioElec2