Crystal Detector Set No. 1

Thorpe (Brand) Thorpe Radio Valve Co / Bower Electric Ltd.; London

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  • Year
  • 1922
  • Category
  • Detector-Radio (Crystal or diode, without tubes/transistors)
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 76840
    • Brand: Unidyne

 Technical Specifications

  • Main principle
  • Crystal or Solid State Detector
  • Power type and voltage
  • No Power needed
  • Loudspeaker
  • - For headphones or amp.
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Crystal Detector Set No. 1 - Thorpe Brand Thorpe Radio
  • Notes

  • The No. 1 Crystal Detector Set was introduced by Bower Electric Ltd. in late 1922, coinciding with the start of BBC broadcasting. It was advertised as suitable for receiving all broadcast transmissions within a 20–30-mile range and carried Postmaster General type approval (Reg. No. 126). The set was sold as an affordable, entry‑level receiver for new listeners during the first months of licensed broadcasting.

    The design is a simple crystal detector receiver, requiring an external aerial and earth. It was offered either as a basic detector unit or as a complete outfit including high‑resistance headphones and aerial equipment.

    Technical Features

    • Receiver type: Crystal detector set
    • Detector: Fixed crystal with cat’s‑whisker
    • Reception range: Approx. 20–30 miles (as advertised)
    • Power: No batteries required
    • Accessories (optional):
      • 4,000‑ohm British‑made headphones
      • 100 ft of 7/22 stranded aerial wire
      • 2 aerial insulators

    Pricing (as advertised, December 1922)

    • Crystal Detector Set: 35s.
    • Broadcasting royalty: 7s. 6d.
    • Headphones (4,000 Ω): 60s. + royalty
    • Aerial equipment: 4s. extra
    • Complete outfit: £3 3s 0d + 7s. 6d royalty

    Historical Notes
    This model is one of the earliest documented products of Bower Electric Ltd., appearing immediately after the start of British broadcasting in November 1922. The company promoted itself as a supplier of complete wireless outfits and accessories, encouraging new listeners to equip themselves for the BBC’s newly established service.

     

  • Price in first year of sale
  • 3.15 £
  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert (Amateur Wireless Dec 9, 1922, p.629.)
  • Literature/Schematics (1)
  • -- Original prospect or advert (Popular Wireless Weekly Mar 3, 1923, p. 56.)

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