Contact
Back Next Home

 Atwater Kent
Breadboard Receivers

 


Crystal Set
1923


Atwater Kent never sold a completely assembled crystal set. The set shown above was assembled from individual components marketed by the company in the early 1920's.


Model 1
1922

The Model 3925 (also known as the Model 1) was introduced late in 1922 and consisted of a tuner, detector, and 1 stage amplifier. In order to avoid payment of patent fees for use of a regenerative circuit the unit was sold without the middle variometer installed. Kent sold the variometer as a separate item (frequently in the same advertisement as the radio, although its real function was never mentioned) and when installed by the user it provided additional RF signal boost through regeneration.

To see an example of an Atwater Kent breadboard ad with the variometer sold as a separate item, click here.
 


Model 2
1922


Model 2
Homebrew

Kent offered an additional stage of audio amplification with the 3-tube Model 3945 (also known as the Model 2.) It was shipped about the same time as the Model 1.
 


Model 3
(3955)
1923

In the Model 3955, Atwater Kent's designers separated the detector tube in order to produce a clearer signal, free of interference from the audio amplifier.


Model 3955
(1923)

This version of the 3955 includes an RF amplification stage instead of a variometer.  This improved sensitivity without making the set regenerative.



Model 3975 (SOLD)
1923
(Reproduction board)


Model 6
(4052)
1923

In order to increase sensitivity, Atwater Kent added an RF amplifier to the existing "Open Receiving Set Model 3945" to create the Model 6.


Model 4066
1923

Introduced in early 1923, the 4066 added another stage of RF amplification, eliminating the need for a regenerative circuit.


Model 5
1923

About 9 months later the Model 5 appeared. Virtually identical electrically to the 4066, it is one of the first examples of a "compact" design. Unfortunately the unit didn't perform well and was discontinued. The Atwater Kent Model 5 is quite rare and is highly prized by vintage radio collectors.


Model 9
1923

The Model 9 was introduced shortly after the Model 5, returning to a single stage of RF amplification, but with a second variometer.


Model 4660 ("9C")
1924

 


Model 4445
1923

The Model 4445 is a version of the Model 9 using terminal posts instead of a battery cable.
 


Model 10
Radiodyne
1923

The Radiodyne was introduced in the fall of 1923, employed two stages of RF amplification and was the first successful AK radio employing condenser tuning (The Model 8, introduced at the same time as the Model 5 also used a single tuning condenser, but it did not sell well). The Radiodyne was built in order to capitalize on the popularity of the new 3-dial, 5-tube TRF Neutrodyne radios such as the FADA 160 and Freed Eisemann NR-5. Unfortunately the "Radiodyne" trademark was already held by Western Coil, so Atwater Kent was forced to discontinue the unit. The Radiodyne is distinguished by its green tuning condenser cans and the "Radiodyne" label on the transformer tops.


Model 10A
1924

The Model 10A was introduced to replace the Radiodyne. It can be distinguished from the other Model 10's by its vertical RFcoils, the presence of a separate potentiometer located between the first and second stage, and the lack of a switch on the first RF coil.


Model 10B
1924

The Model 10B is recognized by the orthogonal (sideways mount) RF coils, the presence of a separate potentiometer located between the first and second stage, and the presence of a switch on the first RF coil.

 


Model 10C
1924

The 10C also has orthogonal (sideways mount) RF coils, but the separate potentiometer has been removed. and the board is somewhat shorter.

 


Model 12
1924

In early 1924 Atwater Kent added an additional stage of amplification to the Model 10 to create the 6-tube Model 12, the last of the "breadboard" line (well, almost the last. About the same time they also shipped the 9C, essentially the same set as the Model 9 but with condensers in place of the variometers.)

 

Note: For an in-depth look at Atwater Kent and many other radio manufacturers of the 1920's, see "Radio Manufacturers of the 1920's" by Alan Douglas. This great three volume set can be purchased online through Antique Radio Classified.

 

Contact
Back Next Home