History of the manufacturer
Mulgaphone; Perth, Western Australia
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| Name: | Mulgaphone; Perth, Western Australia (AUS) | |||
| Abbreviation: | mulga | |||
| Products: | Model types | |||
| Summary: |
Mulgaphone; Perth, Western Australia The Mulgaphone wireless was introduced by Westralian Farmers Limited in 1924. It was a means by which farmers could listen in to radio station 6WF which was established in Perth by the company. “Mulga” is Australian slang for “the bush” or “Outback”. |
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| Founded: | 1924 | |||
| Closed: | 1929 | |||
| Production: | 1924 - 1929 | |||
| Documents about this manufacturer/brand |
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| History: |
The Mulgaphone sets were assembled and tested by Mr. Wally Coxon. He was probably Western Australia's leading radio engineer at that time. He also played a key role in the establishment of 6WF which officially opened on June 4 1924. The initial batch of Mulgaphones were 'sealed sets' with fixed coils and a tuning condenser that gave limited coverage of the radio spectrum. Their reception was centred on 6WF, the sole local station whose wavelength was 1250 m. The transmitter for 6WF was located on the Westralian Farmers Limited building in Wellington Street Perth with the studios in the top floor of that building. Within the first month of operation the sealed set system was abandoned by the government and the Mulgaphones were re-designed, first with tapped internal coils and then with plug-in coils (usually 'basket weave' or 'honeycomb' type). This made it possible to tune to other wavelengths in the range 250 - 2000 m. Often eastern states stations could be received at night.
Mulgaphones could be purchased in a number of different forms. A Mulgaphone amplifier could also be purchased in order to use a horn speaker with the receiver instead of headphones. A 'short wave' Mulgaphone was also marketed in 1928 for the reception of 6WF transmissions on 104.5 metres. It is likely that the last Mulgaphones were manufactured in 1929. It is estimated that about 1200 Mulgaphones were manufactured in Western Australia.
A full catalogue of Mulgaphones is still being prepared. However the following sets are known to have been produced. • Early 2 valve 'sealed set' with fixed coils and limited tuning. • 2 valve set with internal tapped coils (factory modified 'sealed set'). • 2 valve set with 3 plug-in coils (Model RD). • 3 valve set with 3 plug-in coils (Model RRD). 3 valve set with 3 plug-in coils and attached 2 valve amplifier in same cabinet (Model RRDAA). • De Luxe Combination cabinet with amplifier (Model RDAA), with space provided in lower cabinet for loud speaker which may also be used externally. • Short-wave set with 3 valves and internal plug-in coils.
Known models in the Junior series (cabinet dimensions 250 x 210 x 165 mm) • Crystal set with two plug-in coils. • 2 valve set with three plug-in coils (Model RD Junior). • 1 valve set with 3 plug-in coils. • 1 valve, crystal detector with 2 plug-in coils (supplied as parts-only to State School Boys). • 2 valve amplifier in separate box for 1 and 2 above. Mulgaphone model name definition. As mentioned in the Mulgaphone catalogue, July 1, 1926. "C" = Crystal Detector "R" = valve that amplifies radio frequencies "D" = detector valve "A" = audio amplifier valve For example;
Information from “Encyclopaedia of Western Australian Wirelesses and Gramophones."
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This manufacturer was suggested by Gary Cowans.
Some models:
| Country | Year | Name | 1st Tube | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | 26 | 5-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Type RRDAA | DE3 | 5-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet This model comprised a two valve audio section in the u... |
| AUS | 25 | Mulgaphone Junior Crystal Set | Crystal Set advertised in the Perth edition of the "Daily News" newspaper, 20 April 1925. | |
| AUS | 24–26 | 4-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Type RDAA | DE3 | 4 - Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Covered the band 150 to 1200kHz. Radio incorporate... |
| AUS | 26/26 | 2-Valve Receiver in Oak Box Type RD Junior | DE3 | 2-Valve Receiver in Oak Box. Covered the band 150 to 1200kHz. Price With 300ft. Aer... |
| AUS | 26/26 | 2-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Type RD | DE3 | 2-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet. Radio incorporates a two valve regenerative radio whic... |
| AUS | 26 | 2-Valve Amplifier in Oak Cabinet Type AA | DE3 | 2-Valve Amplifier in Oak Cabinet This amplifier is supplied in a cabinet made to fit on... |
| AUS | 26 | Crystal & 2-Valve Amplifier in Oak Box Type CAA | DE3 | Crystal & 2-Valve Amplifier in Oak Box Price With 300ft. Aerial Wire, 6 ... |
| AUS | 26 | 2-Valve Amplifier in Oak Box Type AA | DE3 | 2-Valve Amplifier in Oak Box Price with 2, DE3 Valves, batteries and Sparta loudsp... |
| AUS | 26 | 2-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Type DA | DE3 | 2-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Price With 300ft. Aerial Wire, 6 Insulators, 1 Lead-in... |
| AUS | 26 | 3-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Type RDA | DE3 | 3-Valve Receiver in Oak Cabinet Price With 300ft. Aerial Wire, 6 Insulators, 1 Lead-in... |
| AUS | 26 | Crystal Receiver in Oak Box Type C | Crystal Receiver in Oak Box Price Without accessories; £3/2/6 Or with 30... | |
| AUS | 26 | 1-Valve Amplifier in Oak Box Type A | DE3 | 1-Valve Amplifier in Oak Box This Amplifier can be addded to a Crystal Receiver to incr... |
[rmxhdet-en]
Further details for this manufacturer by the members (rmfiorg):
Mulgaphone July 1, 1926 Catalogue, Page 1 of 4. Complements of Richard Rennie.
Mulgaphone July 1, 1926 Catalogue, Page 2 of 4. Complements of Richard Rennie.
Mulgaphone July 1, 1926 Catalogue, Page 3 of 4. Complements of Richard Rennie.
Mulgaphone July 1, 1926 Catalogue, Page 4 of 4. Complements of Richard Rennie.
Logo 1924
Advertisement from the "Listening Post" December 17, 1926
From the “Sunday Times,(WA), April 6, 1924
Explanation on the codes used to describe Mulgaphone models from the Daily News (WA), 12 May 1927, page 5.
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