Posts by admin
Drake’s first ham product: 1A receiver
In 1957, R.L. Drake Company introduced its first amateur radio product, the Drake 1A receiver. This innovative receiver quickly gained popularity among amateur radio operators due to its advanced design and superior performance. The Drake 1A featured a compact, lightweight construction and utilized innovative circuit designs that provided excellent sensitivity and selectivity. Its introduction marked…
Read MoreFirst transatlantic telephone cable
On September 25, 1956, the first transatlantic telephone cable, known as TAT-1 (Transatlantic No. 1), was inaugurated. This monumental project, a collaboration between the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, laid a submarine telephone cable stretching approximately 3,500 miles between Scotland and Newfoundland. TAT-1 significantly enhanced international communication, enabling 36 simultaneous telephone calls and…
Read MoreYaesu founded
Yaesu, a well-known manufacturer of amateur radio equipment, was founded in 1956 by Sako Hasegawa in Tokyo, Japan. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable radios and transceivers for amateur radio enthusiasts. Yaesu’s innovative designs and advanced technology have made it a favorite among hams worldwide. Over the years, Yaesu has introduced…
Read MoreFirst Heathkit
In 1956, Heathkit introduced its first amateur radio kit, the Heathkit DX-100. This transmitter kit marked the beginning of Heathkit’s significant impact on the amateur radio community. Known for their affordable, high-quality electronic kits, Heathkit allowed amateur radio operators to build their own equipment, enhancing their technical skills and understanding of radio technology. The DX-100,…
Read MoreFirst production transistor receiver
In October 1954, the Regency TR-1 was introduced as the first commercially produced transistor radio. Developed by Regency Electronics in collaboration with Texas Instruments, the TR-1 revolutionized portable radio technology. Utilizing newly developed transistors instead of vacuum tubes, the TR-1 offered a compact, battery-powered design that made radio listening more convenient and accessible. This breakthrough…
Read MoreRadio Act of 1927 passed and Federal Radio Commission created
In 1927, the U.S. Congress passed the Radio Act of 1927, which led to the creation of the Federal Radio Commission (FRC). The Act was introduced to bring order and regulation to the increasingly chaotic and congested radio spectrum. The FRC was tasked with overseeing radio broadcasting and ensuring that frequencies were allocated efficiently and…
Read MoreICOM founded
In 1954, Icom Incorporated was founded in Osaka, Japan, by Tokuzo Inoue. Initially named Inoue Communications, the company began as a manufacturer of radio equipment and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative communication devices. Icom has since become a leading brand in the amateur radio industry, known for its wide range of transceivers,…
Read MorePhilco develops first high-frequency transistor
In 1953, Philco Corporation developed the first high-frequency transistor, known as the surface-barrier transistor. This innovation was a significant advancement in transistor technology, as it allowed for operation at much higher frequencies than previously possible. The surface-barrier transistor, designed by Herbert Mataré and Heinrich Welker, utilized a thin, precise barrier layer to achieve higher speed…
Read MoreAmateurs regain 160-meter band
In 1953, amateur radio operators regained access to the 160-meter band (1.8-2.0 MHz), also known as the “Top Band.” This frequency range had been restricted during World War II and was repurposed for LORAN (Long Range Navigation) systems. With the war over and technological advancements in navigation, the restrictions were lifted, allowing amateurs to once…
Read MoreW4AO and W3GKP hear echoes of their own 2-meter signal reflected from the Moon
In 1953, Ross Bateman, W4AO, and Bill Smith, W3GKP, achieved a significant milestone in amateur radio by successfully hearing the echoes of their own 2-meter signal reflected from the Moon. Operating from a station in Virginia, they conducted this groundbreaking experiment, demonstrating the feasibility of Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or “moonbounce” communication. This achievement marked the first…
Read More