On Jul 4, 7:39*am, "Gisle Vanem" wrote:
Please folks, tell us about what radio got you into DX-ing. I.e.
which radio was the first "fix". The one that made you pursue DX-ing?

Here is a picture of my first, named "Radionette Combi Star":
*http://www.nnrm.net/Teknisk%20info/R...0CombiStar.htm

Some technical data (translated from the above):

* Year of build: 1960 * * (by Radionette A/S, *Oslo, Norway)
* Transistors: * 2x OC71, 2x OC604 (germanium with long legs).
* Frequency bands: LW, MW, 1.6 - 3.3 MHz ("fishery-band" on our lingo since
* * *fishermen used it to "phone" home) and SW 49m - 19m bands (continuously).
* Price in 1960: NOK 590,- (approx. 90 US$ then).
* Power alternatives: 110V, 130V, 150V, 210V, 230V or 7.5V battery pack..
* # produced: unknown.

Variants in the750001-751600 series had Garrard record-player. While the 755001 had a
Star record-player (45 RPM). The first model which came in 1958 had a mix of germanium
transistors and tubes.

I remember it had an internal loop antenna hidden around the inside rim
of the wooden chassis. So the MW reception and null-effect (figure-of-8) was
rather good. It had exactly the same colour as in the picture above (but available
several others). It was sturdy built and had a good speaker. Since it also had a battery
pack, I could even take it to the beach and play my 45 RPM records.

I remember my first good DX on this radio; Radio Australia (ABC) on the 25m band. As a
12 year old, I couldn't really believe my ears. Got it from my step-mother after she got tired
of it. And since FM was long common then (1970), she had no use for it. So, that was some
tales of my first radio-love.

--gv

Old Zenith Floor Model Radio
in the late 1950s
http://www.tuberadioland.com/images/...0-s-669_9_.gif