Toot-a-Loop-Radio R-72 (R72, R-72S)

The Panasonic R-72 (R72) was probably exclusively built by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Japan for different brands and makers in other countries/markets. The only differences between such versions are stickers for customizing the unit. See for instance the Citizen Radio R-720 for Citizen Electronics C0., Ltd. Japan.

The R-72 was at least available in red, orange, yellow, blue and white. The material for R-72 is ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer). Frequency Range is 525 - 1605 kHz = 571 - 187 m.

The novelty radio "Toot-a-Loop" R72 was designed to be wrapped around the wrist. It is shaped like a donut with the hole off center. If twisted the two halfs of the radio pivot and form an "S"-shape. One side of the radio has a grille for the speaker. There is also a jack for a mono earplug. The R72 has to be twisted into the "S" position in order to be tuned, but the volume control is on the outer side of the radio and can be adjusted regardless of whether the radio is twisted, open or closed.

Transistor listing applies for model R72S only!

Powering: 1 x 9V (6F22) for model R72, 2 x 1.5V (AA) for model R72S

For R72 with OTL output stage, refer to Philips 20RL012 with LW only.
See also Citizen R-720 and National Panasonic Toot-a-Loop RF-72 with FM only. Similar to Hemisfon TRP-408.

We are not yet sure about the production years. It still has been made in 1972 - we have 1969 for the starting year (design). Who has adverts or other reliable information about the production dates of this model?