Tag Archives: radio

The Man-from-Mars Radio Hat (1949)

Posted on December 11, 2007 by Joel Johnson

From the cover story of the 1949 issue of Radio-Electronics (formerly Radio-Craft) about the latest in portable audio technology, the Radio Hat. Power is supplied by a tiny 8-ounce battery pack that fits into a pocket and connects to the … Continue reading →

In Which I Melt Down Over the Troika AM/FM Radio

Posted on November 28, 2007 by Joel Johnson

It is taking an act of will not to purchase this gorgeous AM/FM radio from German design haus Troika. It plucks every connective cord that resonates between my design lobe and my wallet—a smattering of silver knobs, a giant exposed … Continue reading →

Wooden Radio from Scrap Ebony

Posted on November 23, 2007 by Joel Johnson

This wooden radio, designed by Indonesian designer Singgih S. Kartono, is made from the scrap lumber generated from the production of Java ebony. It’s only 18 centimeters wide and quite lovely. I don’t listen to radio, really, but I would … Continue reading →

Solar-Powered Radio from the ’50s

Posted on November 20, 2007 by Joel Johnson

Modern Mechanix, astute as always, asks this question about this solar-powered radio from 1956, said to operate in the dark for up to eight months without recharging: “If they have a battery that powers the radio for eight months why … Continue reading →

1955 Huffy Radio Bike

Posted on October 4, 2007 by Joel Johnson

Image: kayakbiker First released in 1955, the Huffy Radio Bike featured a real, working AM radio inside its body, powered by batteries held in a rear rack carrier, with signals received by an antenna wired inside the frame. From a … Continue reading →

Modular “Mother” Radio from 1948

Posted on September 27, 2007 by Joel Johnson

There’s a little bit of everything in this scan from a 1948 Popular Science article, whether you’re a fan of user-serviceable modular electronics or just misogynist condescension. Titled “Mother Could Fix This Radio,” it shows off the first production model … Continue reading →

Radioshift: Time-Shifting Software for Streaming and Terrestrial Radio

Posted on September 25, 2007 by Joel Johnson

“Radioshift” is a Mac-only audio recording tool that works like a DVR for both streaming internet radio stations and—with the addition of the $50 Griffin Radio Shark—AM/FM over-the-air stations. I do most of my radio listening via podcasts, but since … Continue reading →