One hundred years ago this month, the May 1925 issue of QST contained this feature discussing methods that hams could use to send and receive facsimile images. Synchronization was the big issue, but the magazine pointed out that every home contained a device capable of rotating at a fairly precise speed of 78 RPM. The article showed how the family phonograph could be geared to the fax machine, and the exact speed could be adjusted to match the sending station.

A number of sample images are included, showing that the technology was within the grasp of most hams of the time. You can view the cover and full article at the PDF above.

Eighty-five years ago this month, the May 1940 issue of Radio Service Dealer provided this handy stroboscope for testing the speed of record players.

The included instructions explained how to place it on a piece of cardboard, or an old record. If a record was used, it was critical to make sure the hole was exactly in the center. Then, it was placed on the platter, and illuminated with a neon bulb powered by 60 Hz. At exactly 33-1/3 RPM, the outer segments would remain stationary, and at 78.26 RPM, the inner ones would do the same. If the speed were too fast or too slow, the segments would appear to move forward or backward.

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The excitement is palpable in this image from the cover of the March 1955 issue of Practical Wireless. It looks like they’re simply listening to a record on their radiogram (what we would call a radio-phono on this side of the Pond). But one of them actually built the set according to plans in the magazine.

The set was said to be a selective and sensitive station getter, and had a tolerably high standard of reproduction for both the wireless and the gramophone. The March issue started the construction plans for the eight-tube set, to be continued in the April issue.

Seventy years ago this month, this couple made the cover of Popular Electronics, January 1955, by putting the finishing touches on their Hi-Fi system.

The issue of the magazine carried a number of articles that would be helpful to them, and noted that the Hi-Fi fan was at heart a hobbyist. That could mean a music lover, someone who simply enjoys good reproduction, or building the equipment.

The painting was by  Leo R. Summers.

Eighty-five years ago, this young woman is enjoying some musical entertainment at the beach, thanks to her General Electric model HB-408 portable radio-phono.  The set featured a mechanical record player, which could play two ten-inch records on a single crank.  The electronics consisted of four tubes (1A7G, 1N5G, 1H5G, and 1Q5G), powered by one 1.5 volt A battery and two 45 volt B batteries.  It featured a four-inch speaker.  She had no trouble getting it to the beach, as it was a featherweight 19.5 pounds.

The picture appeared in the December 1939 issue of National Radio News.

Seventy years ago, this homemaker was able to prepare her family’s holiday meal while she was entertained by high-fidelity music, thanks to this portable sound system mounted on a household teacart. The photo was provided by Regency, and the equipment consisted of the Regency HF -150 high- fidelity amplifier, the Webcor “Diskchanger,” and the Jensen “Duette” reproducer.

The photo appeared on the cover of Radio News, December 1954, and the magazine noted that eagle-eyed readers might notice the lack of interconnecting cables.  This was explained by the possibility that she didn’t want to finish hooking it up until dinner was on the table.

Eighty-five years ago, the gentleman shown here spinning the records put his entrepreneurial skills as well as his tech savvy to work with this portable sound system he designed. He is one Fred Dingman, who authored two construction articles about how to build the sound system in the November and December 1939 issues of Popular Mechanics.

He reported that the investment was only about $25, as all parts are inexpensive, and he built the enclosures himself. The finished circuit put out 10 watts of undistorted sound to two 12-inch speakers, meaning that he could provide adequate volume for small halls or outdoors. It was designed as an inexpensive substitute for small dance orchestras, and he had no difficulty obtaining engagements for fraternity and sorority parties, dancing clubs, or lawn gatherings in a middle west university town.

At a reasonable rate, he provided the equipment, operator, and records. For those wishing to follow in his footsteps, the magazine could provide a complete set of blueprints.  The system could also accommodate a microphone.