Aladdin 5

Aladdin (Brand) Ascroft & Palfreyman / Aladdin Radio Co. Pty. Ltd.; Melbourne, VIC

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  • Year
  • 1925 ?
  • Category
  • Broadcast Receiver - or past WW2 Tuner
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 370903

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Tubes
  • 5
  • Main principle
  • TRF with regeneration; 2 AF stage(s)
  • Tuned circuits
  • 3 AM circuit(s)
  • Wave bands
  • Broadcast only (MW).
  • Power type and voltage
  • Storage and/or dry batteries / 6 & 22½ & 90 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • - This model requires external speaker(s).
  • Material
  • Wooden case
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Aladdin 5 - Aladdin Brand Ascroft & 
  • Shape
  • Tablemodel, Box - most often with Lid (NOT slant panel).
  • Notes

  • The Aladdin 5 was advertised in the Bacchus Marsh Express (Victoria) on 12 September 1925 as a “high-class instrument with wonderful range.” Its distinctive feature was a patented switching device that eliminated the need to change coils when tuning across different stations. The receiver employed two wave switches — 150–600 (up position) and 600–1400 (down position) — allowing seamless band selection.

    The set was designed for operation on a 100‑foot aerial, 45 feet high, and was tested under those conditions. It used standard 201A tubes throughout for best performance. The instruction sheet specifies battery arrangements and tuning procedure, emphasizing careful adjustment of filament rheostats and plate voltage for optimum reception.

    Wavebands
    The set covers two medium‑wave ranges:

    • 150–600 metres
    • 600–1400 metres

    These ranges are selected by two front‑panel switches marked 150–600 (up position) and 600–1400 (down position). This arrangement allowed users to tune the entire MW band without physically swapping coils — a convenience feature uncommon in Australian sets of the mid‑1920s.

    Circuit and Valves
    The Aladdin 5 is a five‑valve TRF receiver with a regenerative detector. The recommended valve lineup is five 201A triodes, typical for Australian battery sets of the period.

    Power Supply
    The set operates from external batteries:

    • 6 V filament supply
    • 22½ V detector plate
    • 90 V plate supply for RF and audio stages

    Cabinet and Controls
    The receiver is housed in a polished wooden cabinet with a hinged lid. Inside the lid is an instruction plaque and a printed dial chart.

    Front‑panel controls include:

    • Three large tuning dials
    • Two band‑switch levers (150–600 and 600–1400)
    • Filament rheostat
    • “Stabilizer” control
    • Headphone jack

    Operating Notes
    The manufacturer recommended a 100‑foot aerial, approximately 45 feet high, for best performance. The instruction sheet provides guidance on filament adjustment, plate voltage selection, and tuning procedure.

  • Price in first year of sale
  • 45.00 AUS £
  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert (Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.) Sep 12, 1925 p.3.)
  • Author
  • Model page created by Gary Cowans. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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