“M.P.A.” Wireless Ltd.
Radio Works; High Road Cheswick W4 (1926)
Show rooms; 62 Conduit Street, London W1 (1926- 1930)

M.P.A. Wireless (1930) Ltd.
62 Conduit Street, London W1 (1936)

Brand: Ethatrope

M.P.A. Wireless: Innovation & User-friendliness (1926-1943)

Emerging in 1926, M.P.A. Wireless carved a niche with their user-friendly "Multi Programme Automatic" (MPA) design, a single knob controlling station selection and volume. Their radios, like the "Super Five" with its novel frame aerial, garnered praise for sensitivity and design.

Beyond radios, they explored loudspeakers (1928) and portable solutions like the Octroda radio-gramophone. Their ambition shone in the Ethatrope cinema model (1929) with dual turntables and moving-coil speakers.

Despite financial struggles in 1930, they reappeared as M.P.A. Wireless (1930) Ltd., continuing innovation. The 1930 M.P.A. Ethatrope radio showcased their commitment to user-centricity with a single knob for multiple controls.

Unfortunately, financial troubles resurfaced in the late 1930s, leading to their final liquidation in 1943.

M.P.A. Wireless: A Flourishing, Struggling, and Innovative Chapter in Radio History (1926-1943)

Emerging in the bustling radio scene of 1926, M.P.A. Wireless Ltd. carved a unique niche with their "Multi Programme Automatic" (MPA) design. This innovative concept, embodied in a single knob controlling station selection and volume, offered unprecedented user-friendliness, setting them apart in a rapidly evolving market.

Their early creations, like the Super Five receiver with its novel frame aerial, garnered attention at prestigious exhibitions like Olympia. Publications like Wireless World praised their sensitivity and design features, particularly the "increasingly high, with a very good signal/noise ratio" of the 1926 radio tuner.[1]

But M.P.A. wasn't just about radios. They ventured into loudspeakers like their 1928 centre-adjusting cone model, lauded for its "bright and clean" sound. Also manufacturing transformers, chokes, and battery eliminators. [2]

Recognizing the changing landscape, they embraced portability with the Octroda radio-gramophone, a compact offering for music lovers on the go.
Their ambition truly shone through in the early 1929 introduction of the Ethatrope cinema electric gramophone. This innovative model, designed as a desk for operators to create unique "effects," boasted dual turntables and mains-controlled operation, catering to professional and entertainment needs. It even featured four moving-coil loudspeakers in the larger model, showcasing their commitment to powerful and immersive sound. Two versions selling at 200 & 250 gns. [3]

Despite their promising start, financial difficulties struck in 1930, leading to their initial liquidation. However, the entrepreneurial spirit persisted. Soon after, they reappeared as M.P.A. Wireless (1930) Ltd., continuing to produce similar products with the same level of ingenuity.[4]

The 1932 M.P.A. Ethatrope radio further emphasized their commitment to user-centricity. This model showcased a single knob for station selection, volume, and even reaction adjustment, significantly simplifying the listening experience. Their commitment to user comfort and enjoyment was evident in such innovations.

Unfortunately, fate dealt another blow in the late 1930s. Financial troubles resurfaced, ultimately leading to their final liquidation in March 1943. While the reasons remain unclear, their story is intertwined with the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the early radio industry. [5]

M.P.A. Wireless's story isn't just about success and failure; it's a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, the ever-evolving nature of technology, and the enduring pursuit of better listening experiences. Although their time in the spotlight was brief, their contributions to the early radio landscape, including the groundbreaking Ethatrope cinema electric gramophone, remain etched in its history.

[1] Wireless World Sep 15, 1926, Page 383.
[2] Wireless World Oct 2, 1929, Page Ad 14.
[3] Wireless World Mar 6, 1929, Page 251.
[4] London Gazette Apr 11, 1930, Page 2389.
[5] London Gazette Mar 16, 1943, Page 1266