When were transistors first used in radios?
1954
Following the invention of the transistor in 1947—which revolutionized the field of consumer electronics by introducing small but powerful, convenient hand-held devices—the Regency TR-1 was released in 1954 becoming the first commercial transistor radio.
Are old transistor radios worth anything?
Today pocket transistor radios manufactured in the 1950s are very collectable. Some models are highly sought after by collectors and regularly sell for hundreds of dollars. It is not uncommon to find a transistor radio at a yard sale for $4 or $5 and sell it the next week for several hundred dollars.
How did a transistor radio work?
The function of transistors in radios is straightforward. Sounds are recorded through a microphone and turned into electrical signals. Those signals travel through a circuit, and the transistor amplifies the signal, which is subsequently much louder when it reaches a speaker.
When did small transistor radios come out?
The Regency TR-1 hit stores on October 18, 1954. It received AM stations and sold for $50, the equivalent of more than $400 today. Although a limited number of portable radios using vacuum tubes had been available, the TR-1 immediately transformed the state of consumer radio technology.
What was the radio like in the 1950s?
Radio, which had been America’s favorite form of at-home amusement, declined in importance in the 1950s. Variety, comedy, and dramatic shows left the airwaves for TV. Radio increasingly focused on news, talk shows, and sports broadcasting.
How many transistors were in the first radio?
four transistors
Work began in earnest in the spring of 1954, and this first Regency transistor radio was in stores for the Christmas season later that year. The Regency model TR-1 contained four transistors.
What type of circuit is used in a radio?
A self-oscillating circuit consists of a vacuum tube or transistor, a tuned circuit, and some form of positive feedback (energy fed from the output back to the input in such a way as to increase the input).
Do radios still have transistors?
A: “Transistor radio” is an obsolete term now, carried over from when having transistors rather than tubes made small radios possible. It has come to be analogous to a portable, battery-powered radio, so while I will be making some recommendations, they likely will have integrated circuits, rather than transistors.
How much did the first transistor radio cost?
Jointly produced by Texas Instruments and TV accessory manufacturer IDEA (Industrial Development Engineering Associates) Corp, the TR-1 was the first consumer device to employ transistors. It was announced on October 18, 1954, and went on sale November 1 at a price of $49.95 (less battery).
Why was FM radio important in the 1960s?
During the 1960s FM radio became the fastest-growing segment of the broadcast business in the United States.
How many radio stations were there in the 1950s?
Offering little original programming for the few expensive receivers available (and thus attracting little advertising income), the service saw hundreds of outlets leave the air. By the mid-1950s, FM service had shrunk to slightly more than 500 stations.
Who invented the transistor radio in 1950?
Building on war-time research, John Bardeen and Walter Brattain, working with group leader William Shockley, developed a device they called a transistor. The first laboratory demonstration took place on 23 December 1947. Bell publicly announced the new invention on 30 June 1948.
What are the three circuits of the simplest radio receiver?
In the simplest type of radio receiver, called a tuned radio frequency (TRF) receiver, the three functions above are performed consecutively: (1) the mix of radio signals from the antenna is filtered to extract the signal of the desired transmitter; (2) this oscillating voltage is sent through a radio frequency (RF) …
When was the first transistor radio made?
Made in Japan: Transistor Radios of the 1950s and 1960s. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0-8118-0271-X. Michael F. Wolff: “The secret six-month project. Why Texas Instruments decided to put the first transistor radio on the market by Christmas 1954 and how it was accomplished.” IEEE Spectrum, December 1985, pages 64–69
What is the oldest pocket radio with 6 transistors?
UNIVERSAL Pocket AM Radio; 6 Transistor w/Case – PTR-62B Japan Vintage works! Vintage Sony 8-Transistor Radio, Model TR-84, 8 transistor, Made in Japan, Circa 1959. Rich coral color. National Panasonic AM Transistor Radio. Model R-130, circa 1965.
How did transistor radios change popular music listening habits?
The pocket size of transistor radios sparked a change in popular music listening habits, allowing people to listen to music anywhere they went.
What kind of AM radio has a 6 transistor?
Mellow-Tone AM 6 Transistor Radio, with case. Restored and Working! UNIVERSAL Pocket AM Radio; 6 Transistor w/Case – PTR-62B Japan Vintage works! Vintage Sony 8-Transistor Radio, Model TR-84, 8 transistor, Made in Japan, Circa 1959.