
( Brand: Atwater Kent ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: AR-19 ), ( Model: AK 4066 BREADBOARD AND AMPLION AR-19 HORN SPEAKER ), ( Part Type: Radio Tube Horn ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Atwater Kent AR-19 1923 Breadboard Radio is an intriguing and historically significant piece of early electronic technology. This radio, manufactured by the Atwater Kent Company, is a prime example of the dragon's horn amplifier design that was popular during the early days of radio broadcasting. The AR-19 model is particularly noteworthy due to its use of rainbow tubes in the amplifier section.
The rainbow tubes, also known as multi-colored or seven-color thermionic valves, are a series of vacuum tubes that emit light in addition to amplifying the audio signal. These tubes, which were introduced around 1920, were a popular novelty item in early radios. Each tube emits a different color of light, creating a visually captivating display as the radio operates. The colors range from red to violet, forming a spectrum that resembles a rainbow when viewed in the proper lighting conditions.
The AR-19 1923 Breadboard Radio is housed in a wooden cabinet, which not only provides structural support but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the device. The cabinet has a vintage look, with its flat-paneled design, beveled edges, and decorative accents that add to the retro charm of the radio. The control panel, located on the front of the cabinet, houses the tuning dial and a few other essential controls, allowing the user to adjust the station settings and volume levels as needed.
Inside the radio, the breadboard construction is evident. Breadboarding is an early method of building electronic circuits, where components are temporarily mounted on a framework of insulating material. This construction method was popular during the early days of radio technology due to its flexibility and ease of use. It allowed radio engineers to quickly prototype and test various circuit designs without the need for permanent soldering or other complex assembly techniques.
The AR-19 1923 Breadboard Radio's amplifier section utilizes a set of rainbow tubes, which are connected to various other components on the breadboard. These tubes amplify the audio signal from the radio's receiver, allowing the sound to be projected through the dragon's horn loudspeaker. The dragon's horn, a large, curved horn-shaped horn speaker, is an iconic design from the early days of radio technology. It was named for its distinctive shape, which resembles the horn of a dragon. This design was popular due to its ability to produce rich, full-bodied sound, making it a favorite among early radio enthusiasts.
The Atwater Kent AR-19 1923 Breadboard Radio is a unique and captivating piece of radio history. Its combination of rainbow tubes, dragon's horn speaker, and vintage wooden cabinet make it an eye-catching and entertaining addition to any collection of antique electronics. Whether you are a radio historian, a vintage technology enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of early electronic design, this radio is sure to impress and delight.
The Atwater Kent AR-19 1923 Breadboard Radio with Rainbow Tubes and Dragon Horn Amplifier is a vintage radio that has gained popularity among collectors and hobbyists due to its unique design and historical significance. Here are some pros and cons to consider before making a purchase:
Pros:1. Historical Significance: The Atwater Kent AR-19 is a piece of radio history. It was produced during the early days of radio broadcasting and represents a significant period in the evolution of this technology.
2. Unique Design: The dragon horn amplifier and rainbow tubes give this radio a distinctive look that is sure to draw attention.
3. Quality Components: The use of high-quality components, such as rainbow tubes and a dragon horn amplifier, can result in excellent sound quality.
4. Educational Value: Restoring and operating a vintage radio like the Atwater Kent AR-19 can be a rewarding educational experience.
5. Collectible Value: Vintage radios, especially those in good working condition, can be valuable collectibles.
Cons:1. Complexity: Restoring and operating a vintage radio like the Atwater Kent AR-19 can be a complex and time-consuming process.
2. Expense: The cost of acquiring the radio, restoring it, and obtaining replacement parts can add up quickly.
3. Availability of Parts: Some parts for vintage radios, especially hard-to-find items like rainbow tubes and dragon horn amplifiers, can be difficult to locate.
4. Power Consumption: Vintage radios, especially those with high-power amplifiers like the dragon horn, can consume significant amounts of electricity.
5. Size and Weight: The Atwater Kent AR-19 is a large and heavy radio, which can make it difficult to transport or find a suitable location for display.
Conclusion:The Atwater Kent AR-19 1923 Breadboard Radio with Rainbow Tubes and Dragon Horn Amplifier is an intriguing and historically significant piece of radio technology. However, its complexity, expense, and size make it a purchase best suited for dedicated hobbyists and collectors. Those who are willing to invest the time, money, and effort into restoring this vintage radio will be rewarded with a unique and high-quality listening experience, as well as a valuable addition to their collection.
Recommendation:If you are a hobbyist or collector with a strong interest in vintage radio technology and a willingness to invest the time, money, and effort into restoring the Atwater Kent AR-19, then this radio is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more practical and affordable radio for everyday use, there are many modern alternatives that may be more suitable for your needs.
If you wish to operate the pair, you'll need a good regulated DC power supply such as an ARBEIII, long wire outdoor antenna approximately 120 feet long 15 off ground, and some experience at helm of 1920s battery radio. The rainbow tubes that are included the same being used with radio in video I've posted above. Offered here as a pair are an Atwater Kent model 7 breadboard radio with complete set of good brass base, tipped rainbow tubes and striated rosewood spruce Amplion Dragon horn speaker. I've been selling and shipping them for more than 25 years.
If you'd prefer a brass base, tipped 1 detector tube, let me know and I'll swap it out for one of the rainbow tubes when I ship. Both components are beautiful, both working, and completely original, with no restoration, repairs anomalies just scattered artifacts of wear consistent age authenticity.