The Eve of Opening of Commercial Broadcasting
1949-50

 -Dismissal of Radio Industry by depression. End of TRF Radio-

In 1949, strong monetary squeeze executed to curb vicious inflation.
This monetary squeeze named “Dodge Line” from the name of special envoy Mr. Joseph Dodge.
Inflation was controlled but Japanese economy got into deflation.
Then extreme recession days came. Many companies bankrupted.
However, prices was stabilized and Japanese economy started reconstruction.

Growth of radio industry and listeners stopped.
From 1949 to 50, Production of radio set reduced by half. Depression attacked small manufacturers that had weak finances.

The commercial broadcasting was sure to start in 1950.
2 or 3 commercial stations would add to NHK and AFRS stations at the city.
TRF and regenerative radios that were prevailed in Japan did not have enough selectivity to receive many stations.
The production of TRF radio was falling down rapidly.
In 1949, 270,000 TRF radios produced. Next year the production decreased into 11,724.
The super heterodyne set kept constant production in spite of depression.
At the beginning of 1950, 31 radio manufacturers existed. After 5 month, Only 17 manufacturers remained.
The share of top 5 manufacturers increased to 72%.

Many venture companies started after war bankrupted.
The big businesses that changed their business into peacetime industries separated their radio division.
They went back to their own business.
Oki Electric and Iwasaki Tsusinki withdrew from radio industry.
Akatsuki Musen affiliated with Canon Camera was dissolved in 1949.
Kobe Kogyo and Nippon Alpha Electric affiliated by Anritsu kept production of radio.
Hitachi Ltd. also withdrew from radio industry. They returned to radio industry after 1955.
Yamanaka, Mitaka, Nanao etc the old manufacturers from pre war kept their business.

Japanese radio industry was faced with difficult days.


NOTICE:
Gothic is latest updates.
Japanese terms or company names that is untranslatable are shown in spelled in Italics.
When not mentioned specially, all prices are original retail price.

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Super Heterodyne Receiver


Japanese terms or company names that is untranslatable are shown in Italics.
When not mentioned specially, all prices are retail price.

NEC RA-300X 6 tubes 2 Band Super Heterodyne Nippon Electric Co., Ltd. 1949
HARP Model unknown 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Teikoku Musen K.K. 1949
OKI Model S-2 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Oki Electric Co., Ltd. 1950  JPY 7,300
Pearl Model R-106 7 tubes 3 band Super Heterodyne  Nippon Radio Ind. Co., Ltd. 1949 (Link to other file)
Million Model 5SR-1
 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  CIAM. Co., Ltd. 1949  (Link to other file)
Clarion Model unknown 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Teikoku Dempa Co., Ltd.. 1949 ?

Aria Model DS-53B 5 tubes Super Heterodyne , Mitaka Denki Co., Ltd.1950  JPY 14,000
Nanaola Model 5R-71 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Nanao Radio Co.,Ltd. 1950-53  Wholesale JPY 6,900(1952)

General Model5S-10 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Yaou Radio MFG. Co., Ltd.. 1949
General Model8A-1 3 band All Wave 7 tubes with Magic Eye  Yaou Radio MFG. Co., Ltd.. 1949-52  Wholesale JPY 19,350-26,100

National Model NM-2 RC-57W Regenerative 4 tubes Super Heterodyne Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950  Wholesale JPY 3,500 
National Model 5S-19 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950  JPY 10,300
National Model 5S-16A RC-56 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950-51  JPY 14,000
National Model US-1?0 RC-62W 5 tubes Super Heterodyne Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950

Sharp Model 5S-28 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1949 JPY 12,250
Sharp Model 5R-55 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1950  JPY  7,750
Sharp Model unknown 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1950 ?

Victor Model 5RS-4 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Victor Co., of Japan 1950  JPY 9,980
Victor Model 5RS-6B 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Victor Co., of Japan 1950
Victor Model 5AW-30 Consoke type 2 Band 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Victor Co., of Japan 1950  JPY 31,000

Transformer-less 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  mfr: unknown 1949 ?  

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TRF Receiver


Clarion Model unknown 4 tubes TRF Teikoku Dempa Co., Ltd.. 1949 ?
TEN Silver Star Model DR-5  5 tubes TRF Kawanishi Kikai Seisakusho Ltd. 1949

Sharp Model 5H-12 5 tubes TRF Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1949
Sharp Model 5A-30 5 tubes TRF Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1949-50  Wholesale JPY 5,700

Hermes Model M-45 4 tubes TRF  The Osaka Musen Co., Ltd. 1949
Hermes Model M-4 4 tubes TRF The Osaka Musen Co., Ltd. 1948-50

National Model 5D-115 5 tubes TRF Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Wireless MFG. Dept. 1949
National Model 5D-113 5 tubes TRF Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950

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Super Heterodyne Receiver


NEC Model RA-300X 6 tubes 2 Band Nippon Electric Co., Ltd. 1949  

  

  Fuse holders were installed behind name plate.

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80, Electro-dynamic Speaker (6.5")

NEC restarted production of radio set from 1946.
This set equipped dual stage I.F. amplifier to extend gain in short wave listening.
RA-300 series had 4 types of variations. Type X was last model of this series.
NEC manufactured own radio parts include tubes.
This system realized the production of high quality radio.
However, the cost of NEC radio was no mach for other big business of radio industry.
Later, the radio division of NEC was transferred to New Nippon Electric Co., Ltd.

Appeard on the magazine "Musen to Jikken"(The Radio Experimenter's Magagine) 05/1949 published by Seibundo-Shinkosha (Model RA-300A)
NEC Magazine 05/1949 published by NEC (Model RA-300B)

(Collection No. 11023)

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HARP Model unknown 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Teikoku Musen K.K. (1949)

  

  

TUBES: 6C6-6D6-6C6-42-80HK, Electro-dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Small manufacturer’s super heterodyne set. Details of manufacturer were unknown.
The circuit and construction of this model was strange.
Coils and I.F.T. were custom made parts.
However, design and layout of chassis lacked technical inevitably.
A dream of engineer did not succeed.

This example keeps very good condition. (Probably dead stock)

(Collection No. 11397)

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OKI Model S-2 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Oki Electric Co., Ltd. 1950

  

 

TUBES: 6WC5-6C6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-12F, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

OKI Electric was big business of telecommunication equipment and one of oldest Japanese radio manufacturers.
OKI faded out from radio industry in 1920’s and returned in 1946.
They continued production of home radio set until 1953 or 54.
This model was manufactured from 1949.
Some variation existed on this model and changed into model 5S3 in 1951.

(Collection No. 11545)

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Aria Model DS-53B 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Mitaka Denki Co., Ltd. 1950

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80, Electro-dynamic Speaker (6.5")

This model manufactured by Mitaka electric that was one of the old manufacturers from pre war.
Model DS-53B was minor changed from model DS-53 put on the market in 1948.
The band was extended from 550-1500kc to 535-1600kc.
The design of cabinet kept original except knobs and dial.
This model continued production until 1953 (Model name was changed into model 53).
Model DS-53 was well-designed model, then this mode kept own life for a long time.
However, the long life showed manufacturer’s poor ability of development.

Appeared on Radio Gijyutu (Radio-Craft Monthly) magazine 12/1950 published by Kagaku-sha

(Collection No. 11331)

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General Model 5S-10 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Yaou Radio MFG. Co., Ltd.. 1949  

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80BK, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Yaou’s small sized super heterodyne set.
This was not plastic cabinet. Material was magnesium alloy.
Model 5S-10 was BC band only. But original model 5A-3 was all wave for export.

Knobs, speaker and back cover were missing.

(Collection No. 11801)

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General Model 8A-1 3 band All Wave 7 tubes with Magic Eye  Yaou Radio MFG. Co., Ltd. 1949-52  Wholesale JPY 19,350

  

  

TUBES: 6D6-6WC5-6D6-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80-6E5, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (8")

Yaou’s hi-end 3 band all wave set. It had large cabinet, RF stage and dual stage of I.F.
This model continued sales until 1952. Wholesale price was changed into JPY 26,100 in 1952.

 The finish of cabinet is fear condition.

(Collection No. 11355)

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Nanaola Model 5R-71 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Nanao Radio Co.,Ltd. 1950-53  Wholesale JPY 6,900

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80BK, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Nanao Radio was one of the leading companies of Japanese radio industry from pre war.
This was their popular model and reviced model of 5R-70A (1949).
Model 5R-71 was changed receiving band from 550-1500kc to 535-1680kc.
In 1952, Nanao Radio was separated 2 companies by internal discord.
New company Nanao Musen took over this model from continued Nanao Radio.
Brand name was changed from Nanaola into Nanao and added suffix “-A”.
Model 5R-71A was sold until 1953.

Appeared on Radio Gijyutu (Radio-Craft Monthly) magazine 04/1950 published by Kagaku-sha

(Collection No. 11370)

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National Model NM-2 type RC-57W Regenerative 4 tubes Super Heterodyne, Matsushita Electric Ind. Co., Ltd. 1950 Wholesale JPY 3,500

  

  
  Chassis on top (left) and bottom side (right)
 

TUBES:6WC5-6C6-6ZP1-12F, Magnetic Speaker (8", Paper Framed)

This model was low-end model of Matsushita’s 1950 catalogue.
This was revised model of TRF set Model NM-2 type RC-53 (1949 model).
Circuit was regenerative 4 tubes super heterodyne with tickler control.

At the beginning of commercial broadcasting, listeners and manufacturer demand selectivity for radio set.
However, super heterodyne set was expensive.
This model was planed as cheapest super heterodyne to replacement of old TRF set.
Selectivity was enough but sensitivity was lower than TRF set.
Cabinet and speaker were similar to TRF set.

Coils and I.F.T. for this set was sold as “National Super Converter No.1765-K” to modified old TRF set into super heterodyne.

This model was changed into model NS-3 in 1951.
Model NS-3 was also 4 tube super heterodyne.
From 1953, the cost of super heterodyne reduced, then 4 tube regenerative super heterodyne set did not manufactured.
Regenerative super heterodyne was temporality model in a transitional stage.

(Collection No. 11238)

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National Model 5S-19 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950  JPY 10,300

  

 

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-12F, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Matsushita’s low cost super heterodyne.
Conventional cabinet design and refined chassis.

The condition of cabinet was fear.

(Collection No. 11344)

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National Model 5S-16A type RC-56 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (1950-51) JPY 14,000

  

 

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

This model was middle class super heterodyne set of Matsushita’s range.
The construction of chassis was suitable for mass production.
Matsushita had an advantages of technical ability over other small manufacturer.
This model was revised model of 5S-16.

Appeared on Radio Gijyutu (Radio-Craft Monthly) magazine 12/1949 published by Kagaku-sha (Model 5S-16)

(Collection No. 11443)

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National Model US-1?0 RC-62W  5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950

  

 

 Matsushita’s 1950 new model. The wave band of this model was extended from 550-1500kc into 535-1605kc. This model was designed for starting commercial broadcasting.

The condition of chassis was fear. Speaker broken.
Lower speaker fixing screw was unoriginal. Rectifier tube was missing. We installed 80BK.

(Collection No.11877)

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Sharp Model 5S-28 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd.  1949 JPY 12,250

  

 

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-42-80, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Hayakawa's medium class superheterodyne set. Rounded cabinet with vertical dial was trend at that time.

(Collection No.11521)

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Sharp Model 5R-55 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1950  JPY 7,750

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-12F, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Sharp’s small super heterodyne set.
Wooden cabinet was painted pastel green like a plastic cabinet.
The leakage of lighting from a gap in an edge of tuning knob worked as dial indicator.
The variation model 5R-75 that was finished by oil and stain existed.

The cloth was faded color. Original color was equal to the cabinet.

(Collection No.11118)

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Sharp Model unknown 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1950 ?

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-12F, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Sharp’s low cost super heterodyne set.
This model was variation model of 5R-55.

This example was modified into 2 band all wave set.

(Collection No. 11214)

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Victor Model 5RS-4 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Victor Co., of Japan 1950

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-80HK, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Victor’s 1950 new model that was low cost super heterodyne with loop antenna.
I.F. was changed from 463kc into new 455kc.
The design of front panel was equal to 1940’s model 5A-10.
The depth of cabinet was different from original. This cabinet was not old stock.
The reason for diversion of old design was unknown.

Knobs were unoriginal.

Appeard on the magazine "Musen to Jikken"(The Radio Experimenter's Magagine) 08/1950 published by Seibundo-Shinkosha (Model RA-300A)

(Collection No. 11301)

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Victor Model 5RS-6B 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  Victor Co., of Japan  1950

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-80HK, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (6.5")

Victor’s 1950 new model that was low cost super heterodyne with loop antenna.
Chassis was similar to Model 5RS-4.

Loop antenna was broken.

(Collection No. 11215)

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Clarion Model unknown 5 tubes Super Heterodyne Teikoku Dempa Co., Ltd..  1949 ?

  

TUBES: 6WC5-6D6-6ZDH3A-6ZP1-12F  6.5"Electro-dynamic Speaker(Nanaola Model 650)

Clarion's super heterodyne set. TRF set with similar cabinet existed.
Call signs in late 1940’s was indicated on the dial.

Back cover and one of the knobs were missing.

(Collection No. 11839)

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Transformer-less 5 tubes Super Heterodyne  mfr: unknown 1949 ?

  

 
  Loop antenna installed inside cabinet.

TUBES: 12WC5A-12YV1A-12ZDH3A-12ZP1A-36ZK2, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (Coral)

This small home brew set used Toshiba’s early transformer-less tubes, “Home Super Series”.
Speaker was Japanese early oval cone type by Fukuyo Onkyo (Coral).
Chassis was too large to this cabinet.
Loop antenna was installed in the top of cabinet.

(Collection No. 11739)

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TRF Receiver


Clarion Model unknown 4 tubes TRF Teikoku Dempa Co., Ltd.. 1949 ?

  

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-42-12F, Permanent Dynamic Speaker (NOBLE, 6.5")

Clarion’s high grade TRF set with permanent dynamic speaker.
Cabinet was similar to their super heterodyne set.

(Collection No. 11663)

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TEN Silver Star Model DR-5 5 tubes TRF Kawanishi Kikai Seisakusho Ltd. 1949

  

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-76-6ZP1-12F , Permanent Dynamic Speaker (TEN-Rola, 6.5")

TEN was the brand of Kawanishi Kikai. They were manufacturer of air plane and tubes until 1945.
This was latest TRF model of Kawanishi. Kawanishi changed into Kobe Kogyo.

(Collection No. 11358)

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Sharp Model 5H-12  5 tubes TRF Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1949

  

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-76-6ZP1-12F , Permanent Dynamic Speaker (5")

This was Sharp’s high grade TRF set with high gain audio stages and dynamic speaker.
The chassis was designed from 4 tubes set.
Detector tube installed beside power transformer.
It would create some problems.

Appeared on Radio Gijyutu (Radio-Craft Monthly) magazine 11/1949 published by Kagaku-sha (Model 5H-16)

(Collection No. 11311)

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Sharp Model 5A-30 5 tubes TRF Hayakawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. 1949-50 Wholesale JPY 5,700

  

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-76-42-80BK , Permanent Dynamic Speaker (Sharp Model PD-67)

This was Sharp’s high grade TRF set with high gain audio stages.
Speaker and cabinet were similar to super heterodyne set.
This was one of the latest Japanese TRF sets.

(Collection No. 11371)

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Hermes Model M-45 4 tubes TRF The Osaka Musen Co., Ltd. 1949 ?  Passed No.57

  

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-6ZP1-12F , Permanent Dynamic Speaker (NOBLE, 5")

Hermes was well known as the brand of high grade set at pre war.
However, their ability as the manufacturer of hi-end set was lost by war.
This was their post war model of TRF set with small dynamic speaker.
The design and quality was poor.
They continued their business until 1955.

(Collection No. 11376)

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Hermes Model M-4 4 tubes TRF   The Osaka Musen Co., Ltd. 1948-50  Passed No.57

  

 

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-76-6ZP1-12F , Magnetic Speaker (8", Paper Framed)

This model was low end TRF set with magnetic speaker.
Cabinet and chassis were similar to Model M-45 except design of dial.

This model was continued production until 1950.
This was one of the latest model of Japanese TRF set.

(Collection No. 11230)

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National Model 5D-115 5 tubes TRF Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Wireless MFG. Dept. 1949  

  

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-76-6ZP1-12F , Permanent Dynamic Speaker

This was one of the latest Matsushita’s TRF sets.
And this was high grade TRF set with high gain audio stages and dynamic speaker

This set was modified into super heterodyne set only several years after sold .

(Collection No. 11382)

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National Model 5D-113 5 tubes TRF Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 1950

  

  
  Early Matsushita made tube(UZ-6C6)

TUBES: 6D6-6C6-76-6ZP1-12F , Permanent Dynamic Speaker (National Model NPD-65, 6.5")

This was one of the latest Matsushita’s TRF sets.
And this was high grade TRF set with high gain audio stages and dynamic speaker.
The model 5D-113 was revised set of model 5D-115.
This set used early Matsushita made tubes.
The call signs indicated on dial were NHK and AFRS only.
The call signs of commercial broadcasting did not indicted.

The knob (right side) is unoriginal. 6C6 used instead of 6D6.

(Collection No. 11695)

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