Draughting error has omitted the tap on the primary of the 2nd IF transformer necessary for the neutralizing capacitor to work. With separate oscillator, two IF stages and audio negative feedback from the speaker, it's quite a good radio. It'd be great if it had an RF preamp with ganged tuning.
I missed the tap on the second IF. But the first stage I think acts as both an RF amp and a mixer. The first 2N215 had me thrown for a minute, until I realized it's an AGC amplifier.
I only keep 2 old transistors around, my 8 transistor Zenith Royal 500D and my black Royce 7 transistor with the clear dial and the 'diamond' on the tuning string. Both still work, no new parts! Both given to me new.
Now just for one minute don't you want to see the return of shapes and designs like this. It's not as goofy as it is pure fun. Imagine how many of these were exposed to 1960's surf, sun, and sand? From the beaches of California & Florida to the beaches of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the garden of the gulf, Prince Edward Island. I imagine powerful 580 AM CJFX or equally powerful 630 AM CFCY blasting out of its little speaker. Feel free to add any Radio Stations you can think of. 🙂
I agree! CKLW in Windsor blasting out all over Detroit. WKNR Keener 13. Fun design, yes. By "goofy" I mean as seen through the eyes of the too-serious, the keepers of the "good design" rules. I like good design, of course, and other than the goofiness here (which I also like), I would say that this Zephyr could well be considered 'better' design than the much-vaunted Braun transistor radio I show in another video. For why, see that video.
@@collectornet The Braun is ok for your ski cabin of minimalist apartment but I agree the Zephyr is stylish and with the reverse painted clear plastic embellishment shouting 1960's, I know floats your boat. Best.
Perhaps the styling on this radio was inspired by Ford when they came out with the 1958 Edsel car; they wanted styling that would stand out from what the public was used to seeing. I was surprised at the circuitry on this radio, it's not the typical default standard 6 transistor circuit design that nearly all pocket transistor radios used from 1955 to 1980. The circuit uses a separate mixer and oscillator transistor, an AGC amp, and there is audio feedback from the audio output to the audio driver, which would smooth out the crossover distortion the push-pull audio output stage generates.
Very cool,,ive collected bout a dozen 50s and 60s pocket radios over the decades,,but learned more about in the last 24 hrs than in all the time ive had them,,thank u,,and are u the voice in "a christmas story" or a show where dad called his son "beachball"😜
@collectornet oh no I don't mean ai,,UR voice is one of a kind and obviously not ai,,have U done voice work and if so what,,and if u have not ,,u sure could
Why would you say this is an AI voice? I even have a label on the thumbnail pic that says "NOT AI." This is just me. I may sound like some guy on TV in a silly bow tie, but I am just a normal guy who hates ties. I wrote this script, shot or procured all the video and images from real sources, and talked the damned thing into a vintage RCA 77-DX microphone.
@@collectornetto me, not AI at all. You sound just superb, like a good old professor or an academic grand dad, and it's not the result of the quality RCA 77 DX microphone.. Just when I thought, I wouldn't be commenting this time. I found the Zephyr's design pretty goofy, though the color choices were cool. Unlike you, I'm a fan of neck ties with a good collection of them over the years since my school days, most of em with cool timeless designs.
What criticism? Did you even watch the video? I obviously love this radio and believe strongly in products being fun. The "misplaced criticism" here is yours.
I know. It's seems unwise, doesn't it? But what you don't understand is just who it is that picked the argument. YOU did. We video creators work hard to to make this content. It's so easy for viewers like you dump on them. You have no skin in the game, don't have to even watch the thing, but are so quick to judge. I watch videos myself, you know. I'm a TH-cam viewer just like you. Do I pick fights with the creators of those videos I watch? Of course not. I comment when I have something to ADD, not something take away.
It doesn’t look “goofy” to me at all. It’s great industrial design. Still looks great 64 years later.
Draughting error has omitted the tap on the primary of the 2nd IF transformer necessary for the neutralizing capacitor to work.
With separate oscillator, two IF stages and audio negative feedback from the speaker, it's quite a good radio. It'd be great if it had an RF preamp with ganged tuning.
I missed the tap on the second IF. But the first stage I think acts as both an RF amp and a mixer. The first 2N215 had me thrown for a minute, until I realized it's an AGC amplifier.
As the owner of a mint 1959 6TP-309 Toshiba I appreciate this radio and all the people who care for them. This one is beautiful!
I guess I have bad taste, but I think that's a very neat-looking radio. Oh, and (4:02) every transistor in that radio actually does something.
So do I!
Even a sad little handicapped transistor with a leg missing, bravely tackling the job of a diode, is "doing" something.
@@jamesplotkin4674 I've seen them do that, and I've even seen transistors soldered to the PCB and not connected to anything.
One great thing about Radios of that period is whimsical design. Something that is missing these days.
Whimsical, yes. Well put.
I only keep 2 old transistors around, my 8 transistor Zenith Royal 500D and my black Royce 7 transistor with the clear dial and the 'diamond' on the tuning string. Both still work, no new parts! Both given to me new.
I like them all
Now just for one minute don't you want to see the return of shapes and designs like this. It's not as goofy as it is pure fun. Imagine how many of these were exposed to 1960's surf, sun, and sand? From the beaches of California & Florida to the beaches of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the garden of the gulf, Prince Edward Island. I imagine powerful 580 AM CJFX or equally powerful 630 AM CFCY blasting out of its little speaker. Feel free to add any Radio Stations you can think of. 🙂
I agree! CKLW in Windsor blasting out all over Detroit. WKNR Keener 13. Fun design, yes. By "goofy" I mean as seen through the eyes of the too-serious, the keepers of the "good design" rules. I like good design, of course, and other than the goofiness here (which I also like), I would say that this Zephyr could well be considered 'better' design than the much-vaunted Braun transistor radio I show in another video. For why, see that video.
@@collectornet The Braun is ok for your ski cabin of minimalist apartment but I agree the Zephyr is stylish and with the reverse painted clear plastic embellishment shouting 1960's, I know floats your boat. Best.
5:07 That red/orange Global is cute indeed.
Perhaps the styling on this radio was inspired by Ford when they came out with the 1958 Edsel car; they wanted styling that would stand out from what the public was used to seeing.
I was surprised at the circuitry on this radio, it's not the typical default standard 6 transistor circuit design that nearly all pocket transistor radios used from 1955 to 1980. The circuit uses a separate mixer and oscillator transistor, an AGC amp, and there is audio feedback from the audio output to the audio driver, which would smooth out the crossover distortion the push-pull audio output stage generates.
I like it so I must be getting old 😮
Well, at least it's a nice color blue.
My grandmother owned one like it.
Very cool,,ive collected bout a dozen 50s and 60s pocket radios over the decades,,but learned more about in the last 24 hrs than in all the time ive had them,,thank u,,and are u the voice in "a christmas story" or a show where dad called his son "beachball"😜
Thanks. There are lots more videos on this channel and I hope you'll watch them! No, I am not those voices you mention.
@@collectornetAI voice model, no doubt?
No DOUBT? What does this mean? There is no AI involved in any of this. Not the script, not the narration, not any images or video.
@@collectornet Eric could be the AI voice...
@collectornet oh no I don't mean ai,,UR voice is one of a kind and obviously not ai,,have U done voice work and if so what,,and if u have not ,,u sure could
I don’t think it is any ‘sillier’ than most American cars of the time. 😳
You are exactly right. Did you enjoy the video?
@ Yes, really enjoyable - and informative 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
What AI voice is this? It sounds a lot like the guy on the CBS Sunday morning TV show. The guy with the silly bow tie.
Why would you say this is an AI voice? I even have a label on the thumbnail pic that says "NOT AI." This is just me. I may sound like some guy on TV in a silly bow tie, but I am just a normal guy who hates ties. I wrote this script, shot or procured all the video and images from real sources, and talked the damned thing into a vintage RCA 77-DX microphone.
@@collectornetto me, not AI at all. You sound just superb, like a good old professor or an academic grand dad, and it's not the result of the quality RCA 77 DX microphone.. Just when I thought, I wouldn't be commenting this time. I found the Zephyr's design pretty goofy, though the color choices were cool. Unlike you, I'm a fan of neck ties with a good collection of them over the years since my school days, most of em with cool timeless designs.
Oh yeah, I have a tie collection too! I just don't wear them. Mine are mostly '50s.
Hehe, grow up, it's real. This guy knows how to do great videos.
Looks fine to me, your criticism is misplaced
What criticism? Did you even watch the video? I obviously love this radio and believe strongly in products being fun. The "misplaced criticism" here is yours.
@collectornet do you actually want subscribers or not?...if yes don't pick arguments with us
I know. It's seems unwise, doesn't it? But what you don't understand is just who it is that picked the argument. YOU did. We video creators work hard to to make this content. It's so easy for viewers like you dump on them. You have no skin in the game, don't have to even watch the thing, but are so quick to judge. I watch videos myself, you know. I'm a TH-cam viewer just like you. Do I pick fights with the creators of those videos I watch? Of course not. I comment when I have something to ADD, not something take away.
@@collectornet blocked