McDonald Howl Arrester, circa 1926
Add to SetSummary
This "howl arrester" slipped over the top of a vacuum tube, preventing the high-pitched squawking and howling noises common among early home broadcast receivers. As incoming radio signals were amplified, any stray sounds were doubly distorted--this was especially an issue with TRF ("tuned radio frequency") receivers. The howl arrester guarded against these unpleasant sounds.
This "howl arrester" slipped over the top of a vacuum tube, preventing the high-pitched squawking and howling noises common among early home broadcast receivers. As incoming radio signals were amplified, any stray sounds were doubly distorted--this was especially an issue with TRF ("tuned radio frequency") receivers. The howl arrester guarded against these unpleasant sounds.
Artifact
Vacuum tube shield
Date Made
circa 1926
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, New York, New York
Creator Notes
Manufactured by Canadian company Scientific Products Canada, Limited for United States distribution by Spartan Electric Company, New York, New York.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
90.0.85.11
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Rubber (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 2.375 in (product package)
Width: 2.125 in (product package)
Length: 2.125 in (product package)
Height: 2.25 in (howl arrester)
Diameter: 2.125 in (howl arrester)
Inscriptions
product package, front and back: McDonald Howl Arrestor Clear Reception Assured Patent Pending product package, side: McDonald Howl Arrestor to be used on the following radio tubes: CX 301A UX 201A UV 201A and similar types. Distributed by Spartan Electric Corp. 350 West 34th Street New York product package, end: Effective Shielding of Radio Tubes Accomplished. Eliminates all Microphone Noises of Radio Reception Manufactured and Licensed by Scientific Products Canada, Limited Made in U.S.A. howl arrester: McDonald Tube Shield Pat Pend. [instruction sheet]
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