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History of the manufacturer  

Etón Corp, Lextronix Inc (Grundig); Redwood City / Menlo Park / Palo Alto, CA

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Name: Etón Corp, Lextronix Inc (Grundig); Redwood City / Menlo Park / Palo Alto, CA    (USA)  
Abbreviation: eton
Products: Model types
Summary:

Lextronix Inc.
3520 Haven Ave, Unit L, Redwood City, CA 94063 (1987)
PO Box 2307, Menlo Park, CA 94026 (1989)

Etón Corporation
1015 Corporation Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (1999)

Etón offers a range of radios, often with both the Grundig and Eton names on them, however, sometimes only the Grundig name is boldly visible on the product, while packaging reveals the Etón name and information. Often, a version branded Grundig and one branded Etón or Lextronix exists.

Etón usually markets these radios as their "Grundig Line" (see the Eton Grundig AN200). Some products are marketed as the "Grundig Edition" (see the Eton Mini Grundig Edition).

Eton also produces emergency radios with the American Red Cross branding (for example, see Eton American Red Cross FR-300).

Founded: 1986
Production: 1986 -
History:

Eton was incorporated in 1986 as Lextronix, Inc. In 1987, Grundig franchised Lextronic as exclusive distributor. They planned to offer a US Grundig video line designed by Frogdesign, Campbell, CA as a high-end upscale product line, and an audio line with models imported from Grundig in Germany. The TV line was experimental, according to a Grundig spokesman in Berlin. TV sets had been made in the USA under license previously.

In 1990, Lextronix stopped carrying Grundig video products and focused on short-wave radios solely.

Since 1999, Etón also offered products under their own name.

After the Grundig bankruptcy in 2003, they announced they would continue to sell Grundig-branded shortwave radios in Nother America and fulfill all obligations to customers.

In 2005, Etón "resurrects" the planned Grundig Satellite 900 (a model that never was released) under the name of Etón E1-XM, with technical help from R.L. Drake. The E1-XM was made in India and Drake was to handle repairs for the set.

They registered the Lextronix trademark in 2005, but the mark got abandoned in Feb 2008 for lack of use.

History according to the etoncorp.com website (date 2007, edited):

1986: Etón (then known as Lextronix) incorporates as the exclusive licensee of Grundig in North America. They offer televisions, radios, VCRs and more from European brand.

1989: The Satellit 650 and the Satellit 500, both portable shortwave radios, are launched.

1990: The Traveller II, an AM/FM/shortwave radio with access to five shortwave bands, is launched.

Early 1990s: Etón makes a strategic decision and decides to focus solely on Grundig shortwave radios. Grundig by Etón [allegedly] controls 65 percent of the American shortwave market.

1993: The Satellit 700, another member of the portable Satellit line, is launched. Etón also launches the Grundig Yacht Boy 400, a small AM/FM/shortwave radio at an entry-level price point.

1996: The first product of our partnership with FA Porsche, the Grundig G2000A, is launched.

1999: We rebrand ourselves as Etón, and begin to offer a product line to complement our Grundig shortwave imports. One of our first Etón products is a curvaceous clock radio.

2002: Etón’s emergency radio launches. This self-powered radio operates with a few cranks of the handle, so consumers no longer need to rely on batteries or electricity for power.

2005: Etón begins to form strategic partnerships with other well-respected brands. This year, we create alliances with XM satellite radio, SIRIUS satellite radio, and the American Red Cross.

2006: Apple and Etón partner to create accessories for the Apple iPod. Etón combines its technological know-how and distinctive style to design accessories that complement the iPod and advance its functionality.

2007: New Porsche Design by Etón products are scheduled to launch.

Note: the Grundig trademark was never registered by Etón nor Lextronix. As of 2017, the following owners have or had registrations in the USA:

  • Grundig Multimedia AG, Switzerland (live)
  • Grundig Multimedia BV, The Netherlands (live)
  • Modern Creation Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Luxembourg (live)
  • Grundig AG, Germany (live, last owner Grundig Multimedia BV)
  • Grundig Electric Corp., New York (dead, abandoned March 18, 1986)
  • Grundig Radio-Werke GmbH, Germany (dead, mutliple ancient designs)

This manufacturer was suggested by Luis Bauza-Amoros.


Some models:
Country Year Name 1st Tube Notes
USA  99 Satellite Radio E1 - XM   Eton E1 covers 100 kHz - 30 MHz in AM,SSB and also 76 - 90 and 87 - 108 MHz FM. Fully mi... 
USA  12 Grundig Satellit 750   Satellit 750 empfängt AM in verschiedenen Wellenbereichen von 100 kHz bis 29.999 kHz. F... 
USA  ? American Red Cross FR-300   Etón American Red Cross FR-300 is an all-in-one radio with battery, dynamo crank or AC ada... 
USA  07 Lextronix Deluxe S350DL   Wave range: MW: 530 - 1710  kHz. SW: 2,3 - 27,410 MHz. FM:  87,5 - 108 ... 
USA  06 Lextronix Emergency Radio FR-250   Notfall-Radio mit Akku, Batterie und Kurbelbetrieb. Der eingebaute Accu kann über ein... 
USA  09 Clock world receiver M400   SW1: 5,9-10 MHz SW2: 11,65-18 MHZ Also available as Grundig Mini 400 Assemble... 
USA  13 Grundig AN-200 Antenna Loop   The Etón Grundig AN-200 is a loop antenna for the AM broadcast band. The antenna is tuneab... 
USA  08 Grundig Edition Mini   The Etón Mini Grundig Edition is a small portable receiver, covering 520 to 1710 kHz (AM),... 
USA  03 Lextronix Hi Sensitivity 5-Band AM/FM/SW BCL Receiver S350   Lextronix Portable AM/FM/SW 1-3 BCL Receiver Model S350. Padded carry strap, pullout ante... 
USA  10 Grundig AM/FM Shortwave Radio GS350DL   MW: 530 - 1710  kHz. SW: 2,3 - 27,410 MHz. FM:  87,5 - 108 MHz. Made by/for... 
USA  03/04 Grundig 10 Bands World Receiver G1000A   Grundig G1000A is a 10-band World Receiver covering the wave bands: FM = 88 - 108 M... 
USA  09 Grundig Traveler II Digital G8   Shortwave coverage is: 3190-3450, 3850-4050, 4700-5100, 5700-6300, 7080-7600, 9200-10000, ... 

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