Uralium Crystal Detector

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

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  • Year
  • 1924 ?
  • Category
  • Detector-Radio (Crystal or diode, without tubes/transistors)
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 368844
    • Brand: Unidyne

 Technical Specifications

  • Wave bands
  • - without
  • Material
  • Various materials
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Uralium Crystal Detector - Thorpe Brand Thorpe Radio
  • Shape
  • Miscellaneous shapes - described under notes.
  • Notes

  • Uralium was a proprietary natural crystal detector material marketed by Bower Electric Ltd. from late 1924. It was promoted as a high‑sensitivity crystal offering “loud and perfect reception over maximum ranges” and was sold in small boxed sets complete with a silver cat’s‑whisker. The product was widely distributed through Bower Electric’s London headquarters and regional agents in Bristol, Leeds, Stockport, Scotland, and Ireland.

    The crystal was advertised as possessing “remarkable sensitivity at every point,” and contemporary promotional material positioned it as a premium alternative to common galena detectors.

    Performance and Test Results
    A published test report from Popular Wireless Weekly evaluated Uralium and found it to be a reliable, high‑quality detector:

    “Well up to the standard… worthy of inclusion in the A.1 category.” “Slightly more stable in reflex circuits than a number of the galena types of crystal… very sensitive in straightforward crystal circuits.”

    The report also noted that Uralium was sold with a liberal replacement guarantee, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.

    Technical Characteristics

    • Type: Natural crystal detector
    • Use: Crystal radio receivers (straight and reflex circuits)
    • Sensitivity: High; stable in reflex circuits
    • Packaging: Boxed crystal with silver cat’s‑whisker
    • Price: 1s 6d (as advertised)

    Historical Notes
    Uralium was introduced during a period of intense competition among British wireless component suppliers. While not claimed to outperform all other crystals, it was consistently reviewed as a good all‑round detector suitable for both simple and more advanced circuits. Its broad distribution network and strong advertising presence made it one of Bower Electric’s most visible products during 1924–1925.

  • Mentioned in
  • -- Original prospect or advert (Popular Wireless & Wireless Review Nov 22, 1924, p.709)
  • Literature/Schematics (1)
  • -- Original prospect or advert (Popular Wireless Weekly, Oct 11, 1924, p.312)
  • Author
  • Model page created by Gary Cowans. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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