RCA Vacuum Tube Detector, Model AD 1527, 1921

01

Artifact Overview

Unlike modern radio stations, which transmit recognizable sounds, the first radio transmitters broadcast information by wireless telegraphy. Pulses of radio waves spelled out text messages in Morse code, reproduced as clicks in the operator's earphones, which would be transcribed. The radio detector indicated the presence of incoming radio signals. This version was built to withstand harsh marine conditions onboard ships.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Radio detector

Date Made

1921

Creator Notes

Manufactured by General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York, for distribution by Radio Corporation of America, headquartered in New York, New York.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

36.157.88

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Composition (Material)
Steel (Alloy)
Bakelite (TM)

Dimensions

Height: 9.25 in
Width: 5.5 in
Length: 5.5 in

Inscriptions

plaque: Detector Vacuum Tube Model AD 1527 Give Model When Ordering Parts Patented Apr.12, '10, Oct.22 '18, Dec.23 '19 M'F'D fro Radio Corporation of America by General Electric Co., U.S.A. N.P. 20462 knobs: GE dials: Plate Filament Phones