Harold Cox, who by this time was the

POST- WAR MODELS Technical Director of the Eddystone

Radio section of Stratton’s, which, it
must always be remembered,

F
irst of all a word about prices. In manufactured more powder compacts
1940 the British government and fancy goods than radios!
introduced a new indirect tax to In the early 1960s a new system of
help pay for the War. It was called numbering started, to run in parallel with
‘Purchase Tax’ and was levied on the this traditional nomenclature. It was the
trade price of items deemed to be two-letter prefix of which the first was
‘consumer goods’, not clothes, food, or always ‘E’ (for ‘Eddystone’) and the
Eddystone components. second was a type designator, viz:
The actual rate was determined by the EA – Amateur
Chancellor of the Exchequer and varied EB – Broadcast
according to the needs of the economy. EC – Communication
After the war it was continued until 1973, EM – Marine
and was used as an economic regulator EP – Panadaptor (not strictly a receiver)
which varied according to the ‘luxury EY – Yachtsman
rating’ of the goods.
In the late ‘thirties a ‘traditional’ dating
In 1946 Stratton’s claimed that their system was incorporated into the serial
Eddystone receivers were not ‘consumer numbers of Eddystone receivers.
goods’. The Revenue authorities Starting from 1923, it was a simple ‘letter
begged to differ and rated them as per year’ which repeated every 26 years
domestic receivers. plus a ‘letter per month’ which utilised
Stratton’s then claimed that the first twelve letters of the alphabet.
‘communication’ receivers were not The earliest sets extant, c.1926-7, to
domestic receivers and left out the wit four Eddystone Twins and three
loudspeakers (which their first post-war Atlantic Twos, have no serials whatever,
cabinet had been designed to take). so I think this starting date of 1923 is
The tax-man ignored them. wishful thinking. Serials of the 1930’s
After two years of debate the Revenue don’t fit this rule until 1939.
finally gave in, but determined that the In theory there was a special order to
criterion would be the presence or this code; up to 1948 the month came
absence of a BFO! The tax varied first and from 1949 the year came first.
between 30% and 60% of trade price
This was fine, but in practice it seems
until VAT replaced PT (which started at
the job of punching out the serial plates
8% of retail price across the board, but is
was given to the newest apprentice who
currently 17.5%). ♠
was never quite sure which way round
he should be doing it and didn’t like to
Secondly, a word about nomenclature. ask!
At some time in the very late ‘thirties all So there seem to be as many errors as
Stratton’s radio products were given an correct codes. But with a bit of luck,
‘S’ number. This stood for ‘Specification’ using the date spread of production
(not ‘Stratton’, as has been suggested). given within as a guide, you will probably
The actual sequence of these numbers be able to get the right answer. The
is very erratic. In general terms the exceptions seem to be these of the Type
numbers get greater with the passage of EC models (above), most of which have
time, but not always so. The allocation the prefix omitted.
of these numbers is usually credited to
 Other exceptions to the rule are the
prefixes ‘DD’ and ‘PP’, which refer to the
set being a development or pre-
production model. The serial will always
be very low (like PP0002).
These sets were not sold but raffled off
to employees. They may or may not be
something like the final product! But
they do turn up.
Dating Code for Eddystones (see text) Type S.556 / S.556B 1946
A – 1923 A – 1949 A – Jan EDDYSTONE TYPE S.556: 1946, First
B – 1924 B – 1950 B – Feb post-war model. De-luxe tea-planters’
broadcast receiver. AC mains. 10 octal
C – 1925 C – 1951 C – Mar valves; 2 RF; 2 IF (450 kc/s); magic eye
D – 1926 D – 1952 D – Apr tuning, 75Ω input. Twin built-in 3”
speakers. 580kc/s - 30.5mc/s Price £37
E – 1927 E – 1953 E – May
(plus purchase tax in UK) Rare
F – 1928 F – 1954 F – Jun
S.556B: As above but with internal 6 volt
G – 1929 G – 1955 G – July vibro-pack in place of the AC psu. (It is
H – 1930 H – 1956 H – Aug wrongly called the model ‘566’ in the 556
handbook). It was intended for use with
I – 1931 I – 1957 I – Sept a 6-volt accumulator and petrol
J – 1932 J – 1958 J – Oct generator for charging. Very rare. ♠
K – 1933 K – 1959 K – Nov
L – 1934 L – 1960 L – Dec
M – 1935 M – 1961
N – 1936 N – 1962
O – 1937 O – 1963
P – 1938 P – 1964
Q – 1939 Q – 1965
R – 1940 R – 1966 ♠
S – 1941 S – 1967
Type S.504 1946
T – 1942 T – 1968
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.504: 1946. First
U – 1943 U – 1969
post-war communication receiver, based
V – 1944 V – 1970 on S.556 but without speakers and with
W – 1945 W – 1971 S-meter, BFO. Dual-gate Xtal filter,
Noise limiter. 75 ohm input.
X – 1946 X – 1972
Same coil-box and frequency coverage
Y – 1947 Y – 1973 as S.556, AC mains. Rare. ♠
Z – 1948 Z – 1974 NOTE: Most Eddystone ‘half-moon
dial’ sets have provision for a 400Ω
balanced feeder or end-fed aerial. In

2
the case of using the latter, a special 1947-1949. Price started at £42 (plus
shorting link must be in place ♠ UK PT) then dropped to £27 10s
(became tax-exempt in 1948, as did all
sets with a BFO). Optional separate
speaker and S-meter. Aimed at the
radio-amateur/SWL market. Common.

Type S.640 1947

EDDYSTONE TYPE S.680: A famous

communication receiver which had a
false start. The model (below) was
exhibited at the 1947 Radiolympia Show
and hailed as the successor to the S.504
(ibid.), using the latest range of miniature
valves.

Type S659 / 659B

EDDYSTONE TYPE S.659: 1947-8. Tea
planters’ set. 8 octal valves; AC mains,
1 RF; 1 IF (450kc/s) 4 bands, 520kc/s-
30mc/s; magic eye, noise limiter (switch
at rear); built-in speaker but offered with
huge baffle speaker. Very rare.
Prototype Model S.680 – 1947
S.659B: as S.659 but with built-in 6-volt
vibropack instead of AC. Very rare. Unfortunately it ran a little too warm (it
was using the cabinet and mains
NOTA BENE: TUNING DIALS MADE transformer of the 640, which itself only
FOR THE S.659 WERE LATER USED just managed to keep cool enough). So
FOR THE MUCH MORE COMMON it went back to the drawing board for a
TYPE S.670. THIS OFTEN LEADS TO couple of years and re-appeared in 1949
CONFUSION. SEE UNDER S.670. as the ‘New 680’. This has caused a
little confusion as factory references
called this the 680/2, but it was never
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.640: 1947. HF marketed as such.
communications receiver; 1.7 – 31mc/s;
9 octal valves; electrical bandspread. EDDYSTONE S.680 (aka S.680/2):
AC mains; 1 RF; 2 IF (1,600kc/s); BFO, 1949-1951. Noticeable differences from
xtal filter, 4,000 manufactured from the previous photo show a deeper
3
cabinet and cooling louvres, together
with phone jack at LHS of case.
Stratton’s most serious post-war product
yet.

Type S.670 (The Seafarers’ Radio)

1948-54
‘New’ Type S.680 (aka S.680/2)
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.670; This was
15 valves (all miniatures except PSU). the first of a very successful series of
AC mains; 30mc/s to 480kc/s. Two RF, broadcast receivers targeted at ships’
two IF (450kc/s), BFO, Xtal filter, push- officers and first-class passengers; they
pull output, variable selectivity, external became known as ‘cabin sets’.
speaker (option), noise limiter, S-meter.
Available for rack mounting. Auxiliary In fact, the first batches were reserved
bandspread dial gives 7 ft. 6 ins. per for Export Only (in common with many
range. Price £85. Rare. other ‘luxury goods’) at this time of post-
S.680/2A: special model for NZBC with war shortage of ‘hard’ currency. (See
different connectors at rear. ♠ also S.670A and S.670C). Stratton’s
north-eastern agent, Alf Willings of West
Hartlepool had suggested that such a
market existed. Most ships’ power
supplies were 110v DC and the only sets
available for such voltages were
American midgets. These had no hash
filter in the power lead nor did they have
arrangements for a low-interference
aerial. There would be a market for a
decent general coverage set, he said,
Type S.680X 1951-61 and there was.
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.680X: a direct 7 miniature B8A valves + metal rectifier;
successor to the Type 680/2 (above). AC/DC mains 110-250v. 1 RF; 1 IF
Commonly incorrectly reported as being (450kc/s) Push-pull output, built-in 6½”
a Xtal filter version of the Type S.680 speaker. 4 bands, 520kc/s-30mc/s.
(almost certainly inspired by the 1948-54. Price £37 10s. (plus P. Tax if
S.358/S.358X, where it IS the difference sold inland) Common.
– but both S.680 & S.680X have Xtal
filters, and neither have a product NOTA BENE: Most S.670 sets were
detector – as has been previously built using calibrated dial glasses
reported). The obvious difference is the originally made for the rare model
front panel, which follows the 750 with S.659 and were so labelled. To
32 ft of band-spread in place of the 7 ft 6 compound the confusion the top left
inches on the 680/2. The only circuit of the dial back-plate carried the
difference is in the frequency changer legend ‘MARINE RECEIVER 659/670’
valve. Price ranged from £106 to £125. in the same place that the S.659 had a
Production run 1,562. Common. ♠ magic eye. Beware!
4
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.670A (1954-62), The main differences were the new-style
direct successor to the ‘marine cabin cabinet, a built-in brute-force mains filter
receiver’ type 670 (above) but with and two extra wavebands, now covering
several changes. New ‘slide-rule’ 150-350kc/s and 500kc/s – 30mc/s.
cabinet. 6 valves plus metal rectifier. 1962-64. 400-plus manufactured. Rare
Single-ended output stage. Magic eye
Eddystone 670C/1, as above but
tuning indicator. 110-250 volts AC/DC. 1
badged as Marconi ‘Elettra’ – alias
R.F., 1 I.F. (450kc/s) Four bands: 150- MIMCO 2232B 400 known to have
380kc/s; 540-1500kc/s; 5.8-30mc/s. It is been manufactured 1963-67. Very rare.
also listed in company records as the
Type S.883. I can find no reason for this
so far! Also it is believed that the TYPE
881/1/2/3 cabin tuner was a version of
this set; 750 produced.

Eddystone S.670C/1
Badged as Marconi Elettra
Eddystone Type S.670A Other versions of the 670A & 670C have
been badged as MIMCO models, but
3,275 models were produced. It is
details are hazy as the service
remarkably rare for such a production
information has not been found in
run. Price £49. NB: versions of this
Eddystone Archives.
model exist under the Marconi (MIMCO
2232A) badge. This may include some EDDYSTONE EM34 was also a member
of the above production. Most examples of the marine cabin 670C family but
are likely to have ended up in the ship- using the ‘new’ nomenclature. Audio
breakers yards. output was 10 watts and it is believed to
have been used as a Public Address
EDDYSTONE TYPE 670C The final
driver (i.e. ships’ “Tannoy”). It was
version of this successful line of marine
badged as the MIMCO 3873A, (also
cabin sets. Slight circuit alterations but
named ‘Elettra’). 100 were known to
otherwise very similar to the 670A
have been manufactured in 1965.
(above).
The whole 670-series was eminent over
a twenty-year period and was probably
the world’s most successful ‘universal‘
AC/DC 110-250v general coverage
broadcast receiver. It is, however,
probably responsible for getting the
marque a poor name among those who
believed these were the only sets the
company built! But they were just as
well constructed as the professional
models costing three or four times the
Eddystone Type 670C
price and looking very similar. ♠

5
 speaker S.791 £16 18s. Six volt
accumulator, 102 ampere hour, 40 hours
listening time; (price on application!) ♠

Eddystone Type S.710 (1949)

EDDYSTONE TYPE S.710, was the
only post-war set to use a pre-war
type of name! It was marketed as the
‘All World Six’: General coverage tea- Type S.720 ‘Yachtsman’ (1950)
planters’ broadcast receiver. Built-in 6v
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.720
DC vibropack; 1 RF; 1 IF (450kc/s); 4
‘Yachtsman’ designed for use on cabin
bands 480kc/s - 30.6mc/s; internal 6½”
cruisers and yachts.7valves; 1 RF, 1 IF
speaker, 1949. Price £39. Production
(127kc/s), BFO, built-in speaker, internal
run: 270 models. Very rare.
12v vibropack – option for 24 volt
NOTA BENE:- Some of these models adaptor. 3 bands. Coverage 80-620
also used dial glasses from the S.659, metres (3750-480kc/s) and 900-2,300
but had the name ‘All World’ Six’ in metres (130-330kc/s). Special attention
the top left corner. devoted to the reception of ‘Consol’
navigational signal with maximum
intelligibility. Price started at £48 6s 8d
then fell to £43 10s. Production run 100
models. Very rare. ♠

Eddystone Type S.710/1

EDDYSTONE TYPE S.710/1 – S.791
Combination for Communal Listening Type S.740 (1950-1954)
This was a standard Type S.710 fitted
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.740: General
with a special output transformer and
coverage communications receiver AC
supplied with a Voigt pressure drive
Mains 110-250v. 8 valves; 1 RF, 1 IF
speaker. Speaker length 54”, dia 24”,
(450kc/s), BFO, external speaker,
weight 16 lbs. This was suitable for a
provision for plug-in S-meter; (both
large number of people grouped indoors
optional; see page 55 et seq.).
or out to hear broadcasts from distant or
local stations. It was an export special 4 bands: 30.6mc/s to 1.4mc/s and 205
and it is doubtful if any survive. Price of Metres to 620 Metres. Production run,
S.710/1, £49 10s. Pressure drive 900 sets. Price £32 10s. Rare. ♠
6
 Dependency of Aden on the Persian
Gulf. They were selling lots of the very
successful 670 ‘cabin’ broadcast
receivers and suggested that a similar
set but with a BFO for SWLs would be a
good seller. And so the 840 was
created. The whole series (840A/840C
– ibid.) ran for 15 years and was a great
success. 7 valves; 1 RF; 1 IF (450kc/s)
BFO; AC/DC 110-250v (work anywhere!)
Type S.750 1950-58
4 bands, 480kc/s-30mc/s. £45. 501
EDDYSTONE TYPE 750: Stratton’s first manufactured. Rare. ♠
true double conversion communication
(Bill Cooke, GØION, Chief Engineer at
receiver and also the company’s first Eddystone throughout the period of
‘slide-rule’ set which gave a linear these simpler valve sets, once told me
logging-scale of 32 ft. Using 11 valves it that they were the company’s bread and
had 1 R.F. stage, a tuneable converter butter. If it weren’t for the 670-series
to the first I.F. of 1620kc/s, straight into a and 840-series they would have been
fixed frequency changer with a second stuck for work between big specialist
I.F. of 85kc/s and variable selectiviy, orders.)
followed by BFO, N/L and O/P stage.
AC mains. 32 – 1.7mc/s and 1465-
480kc/s. Introduced at £49 10s. it
reached £75 by the time it ceased. Prod
run 2054. Quite rare (considering its
production run).
TYPE 750/1 As 750 but for 110v 25~
only. Prod run 79, c.1955.
TYPE 750/2 as 750 badged for Marconi Type S.840A 1954-61
as HR100, for use in coastal stations.
Manufactured in two versions (diff- EDDYSTONE TYPE S.840A Successor
erence not known), Edition ‘A’, 105 the 840 (above), built into the ‘new’ type
produced; Edition ‘B’, 545 produced. ♠ slide-rule case with 32 feet of logging
scale. Exactly the same circuit and
specification. Price £49. 2,000
manufactured. Quite rare (considering
its production run.)

Type S.840 1953-4

EDDYSTONE TYPE S.840: ‘Economy’ Type S.840C 1961-68
communications receiver suggested by EDDYSTONE TYPE S.840C Successor
Stratton’s agent in the British to the 840A (above) built into the new-

7
‘60s style cabinet. Virtually the same 730/6; 50 built in 1959. 730/7; 1959;
circuit but with the addition of a ‘magic nothing known. 730/8; 50 built in 1959.
eye’ tuning indicator and linear scale 730/10; 1962; nothing known. ♠
device. This involved extra ‘padding’
capacitors (among other things) and it
was necessary to have five bands to THE EDDYSTONE 770 Family
cover the same waverange. 1961-68 of VHF and UHF receivers
Price £58 increasing to £68. 3,500 This famous family was originally
known to have been manufactured by proposed after the start of the Korean
1965. Common. ♠ War (1950-53) when the Ministry of
Defence required wide coverage VHF
surveillance receivers.
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.730 Series: A
large family of professional The original specification was for a set
communication receivers, based on the covering 20-250Mc/s. Stratton proposed
680X. 15 valves; 2 R.F.; 2 I.F. this as the S.770M, which got as far as
(450kc/s), BFO, IF cathode follower the 1951 Radiolympia, where it is
output, variable I.F. selectivity, xtal filter, described as a double superhet. It failed
xtal calibrator, adjustable scale, noise to work when the tuning-gang went into
limiter, S-meter, audio filter (for CW), self-resonance at around 200Mc/s. After
fully tropicalised. much further research the following
models appeared:
Started with 730 in 1953 (prototype only
made); followed by a run of 25 730/1. EDDYSTONE TYPE S.770R VHF Com-
Then the 730/1a (1954-8; production munication receiver. 1953-63.
runs of 317) for the Diplomatic Wireless
Service (some of which could be
dismantled for the diplomatic bag).
730/2 in 1955 (Stratton’s version of /1a –
40 built). 730/3 in 1956 (Stratton’s
version with switched xtal channels).

Type S.770R 1953-63

19 valves; 3 diodes; 6-band turret, 19-
165Mc/s,1 RF; 4 IF (5.2Mc/s) BFO; S-
meter, Modes:- AM-CW-NBFM-WBFM.
(RAF Type R213.) 14 versions with
minor differences. Price £250 .
Type S.730/4 with Production run: 2,250. Common.
detachable rack-mounts
730/4 (1956-c.62) (without the switched
xtal channels) was ordered by the
Ministry of Defence in large quantities
and is by far the most common model. It
has provision for use with external power
sources in the absence of mains supply.
Price £230. Common.
Type S.770U
8
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.770U; UHF Com- EDDYSTONE TYPE S.770R Mk II;
munication receiver; 1955-63. 150- exactly the same as the S.770R but in a
500Mc/s. Double superhet; 15 valves, 6- new cabinet and with the addition of a
band turret tuner; 1 RF; 2 IF (50Mc/s); 2 xtal calibrator; scale adjustor,
IF (5.2Mc/s) AM/FM; 10 versions with panadaptor output and linear dial bar (to
minor differences. £250-£300. Common. even out the read-out). 12 variants with
minor differences. Production run not
certain but seems to have been short (a
hundred or two). Rare
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.770U MkII:
exactly the same as the S.770U but in a
different case and with the addition of a
xtal calibrator; scale adjustor;
panadaptor output, linear dial bar (to
even out the read-out) and push-pull
audio output. Many (slight) variants.
Type S.770S 1961 version Production run approx 1,100. Medium
rare. ♠
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.770S; UHF Com-
munication Receiver; 500-1000Mc/s,
cavity-tuned double superhet.

Type S.770U MkII 1964-69

EDDYSTONE TYPE S.700 known as
Type S.770S 1962 version the IMR.54: Ships’ main communication
receiver. 1952. The International Marine
Radio Company (IMRC), a subsidiary of
30 valves plus 10 germanium diodes STC (part of ITT) supplied many
and 8 silicon rectifiers. First IF tunable shipping lines (Including the famous
150-170Mc/s; 2nd IF 46.5Mc/s. Xtal ‘Cunard’) with radio communications.
calibrator. AM; WBFM; Pulse. Weight of
table model 99 lbs. Production run: 100
models. Rare.

Stratton-built IMR.54 still on

RMS ‘Queen Mary’ at Long Beach CA
(Photograph by Nate Brightman K6OSC)
Type S.770R MkII 1963-69
9
In 1952 the installations of the ‘30s were kc/s) and two pre-set MW stations for
still in use and badly in need of renewal. BBC Home and Light programmes. Low
The company approached Stratton and level output for HiFi amplifier.
arranged for them to design and
manufacture a replacement receiver. It
was to be designated the IMR.54 and
would be an exact physical replacement
for the pre-war IMR.42.
The result of this liaison was
recognisably Eddystone, but 50% larger.
It had 12 valves, 10 bands, switched
IFTs for two frequencies and full
coverage from 15Kc/s to 31Mc/s without
a gap! 110v AC/DC. Used on RMS
‘Queen Mary’ etc. Production run 205. Eddystone Type 820 FM Tuner
After this, Stratton & IMRC fell out over Supplied without case for custom
the contract price. IMRC took back all mounting in HiFi console. Production
the jigs, etc., produced (at their expense) run 1,000. Price £38. Medium rare.
by Stratton’s and started to make their
own! These can easily be recognised by The tuning drive of all these ‘small’
having a flat steel front panel (no fluting). Eddystones is based on the famous
All rare. ♠ catalogue No. 898 dial sold as a DIY
item for serious constructors.
ALSO badged as Mimco Type 2294A –
THE SMALL VALVED 9 produced. Four produced with xtal
control for Rediffusion. ♠
EDDYSTONES EDDYSTONE TYPE S.870 Broadcast
general coverage, 1956-59. Marketed
In 1955 Stratton’s brought out their first for ocean liner passenger cabins and
post-war ‘small’ set. In fact it was not a cult domestic. Universal AC/DC 110-
short-wave set but an FM tuner. The 250v. 5 valves (FC-IF-DET-LF-RECT)
BBC had decided upon using Band II four bands: 150-380kc/s and 540kc/s-
wide-band FM for the new ‘hi-fi’ service 18mc/s. IF 465kc/s. Built-in speaker;
(after extensive tests of FM versus AM brute force mains filter. Production run
on 3 metres.) 3,010. Price £34 16s. Medium rare
It was based on a small (11 inch wide) (considering the production run)
diecast front panel, in family style with
the normal slide-rule sets of the period
(which were 17 ins wide). This was
followed by a variety of other sets using
the same format. They were actually
smaller than the famous transistor family
(12 ins wide) of the ‘60s and ‘70s – the
EC10 and its derivatives.
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.820 1955-58.
Broadcast HiFi FM mono tuner. 8
Eddystone Type S.870
valves. 87.5-100mc/s plus one pre-set
LW channel (for BBC Droitwich ‘Light EDDYSTONE TYPE 870A 1960-66.
Programme’ Tx on 1500 metres - 200 Identical with the above model but with 5
10
wavebands, extending the short-wave It is recorded that by February 1958 a
coverage to 24mc/s Production run total of 100 models of all varieties had
4,050. Price £32 2s. Again, medium been produced. (No individual records)
rare – considering the production run. All extremely rare. Most production for
Military Inteligence. ♠

Eddystone Type S.870A Eddystone Type S.901

EDDYSTONE Type S.890. 1956/7 VHF EDDYSTONE TYPE S.901 1958
radio microphone receiver for the BBC. Radiosonde AM receiver; single band
Single band; AM/FM with wide-range 27-28.8Mc/s. For receiving signals from
Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) to high-altitude meteorological radiosonde
cope with drift in radio mic. 70-90 Mc/s. balloons. AC mains; six valves: RF-FC-
10 valves; RF-FC-IF-IF-LIM-DIS-AFC- IF-DET-OP-RECT. Did not proceed past
AF-OP-RECT. AC mains. Production the prototype stage. ♠
run: 39
S.890/1 as above but 100-120Mc/s. END OF EDDYSTONE
Production run: 12 ‘SMALL VALVE RECEIVERS’
Both the above are extremely rare.
EDDYSTONE Type S.930-Series. Very
similar to the S.890 (above), used for EDDYSTONE Type S.909, 1958, marine
radio-microphones and intelligence- communication receiver. Designed for
gathering (bugging). the Swedish Merchant Marine. Two
band (1.6-4.7Mc/s) plus fixed switched
crystal controlled channel on maritime
distress frequency of 2182kc/s. AC/DC
110-250v. AM and MCW only. Single
conversion superhet with switchable
crystal gate (IF-465kc/s, bandwidth
10kc/s or 5kc/s at 20dB down). 7valves
plus metal rectifier. 1 RF; 2 IF. Built-in
speaker. Production run: 100.
Eddystone Type S.930/12
Available in many frequency ranges;
the following are known:
930 70-90Mc/s; ~/1 100-120Mc/s;
~/2 85-102Mc/s; ~/3 110-130Mc/s;
~/4 as 930 plus filter;
~/5 as ~/1 plus filter;
~/6 27-28Mc/s; ~/7 90-110Mc/s;
~/8 80-96Mc/s; ~/10 60-76Mc/s; Eddystone S.909-Series
~/11 80-100Mc/s; ~/12 45-55Mc/s.
11
EDDYSTONE Type S.909A (1959-63): Production run: not stated but included
As above but with optional external in the numbers given for 888A (see
HT/LT source connectors. Production below). Uncommon.
run 225.
EDDYSTONE Type S.909A/1 (1959):
As above but no internal power supply.
Production run: 25
EDDYSTONE Type S.909A/2 (1963):
As above but with transistorised 24-volt
power unit built-in. Production run 50.
EDDYSTONE Type S.909A/3 (1966):
As Type S.909A/2 but in new style Eddystone Type S.888
cabinet, like Type S.670C (ibid.)
EDDYSTONE Type S.888A. 1957-61
Production run: 50. All above are very
As above, but includes product detector
rare in UK. ♠
for SSB (12 valves – some of which are
different from the S.888 but do the same
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.910, 1957, job!) Price £110; production run 550
communications receiver. No details (this includes the S.888 above). Medium
other than the factory blueprint (BP) rare. NB: some Models S.888A have
register, which lists the model. It does been found to have dial plates bearing
not seem to have passed the prototype the Type No S.888. Always check the
stage but was undoubtedly the serial plate to be sure. ♠
forerunner of the 910/1. A very blurred
photograph of it shows it to have 5
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.850/2, c.1961/2
wavebands. This was used (presumably
VLF/LF communication receiver used for
in error) in an American Marconi advert
maritime and submarine com-
for the HR101 in 1962 (see below).
munications and surveillance.
EDDYSTONE TYPE S.910/1, c.1961/2
marine communications Rx. I believe
this set to have been sold only badged
as the Marconi HR101. Double superhet
with interpolation tuning of first IF stage.
Very similar in operation to the 830-
series (ibid.) but in general appearance
much like the 730-series (ibid.) No
picture is to hand. 16 valves, 6 bands;
coverage 1.5-30Mc/s and 375-525kc/s.
First IF 1350-1450kc/s; second IF 85
kc/s. Production run 200. Very rare ♠
Eddystone Type S.850/2
EDDYSTONE Type S.888. 1956-7. 11 valves; 6 wavebands, 10kc/s-
Amateur bands communication receiver. 600kc/s. AM/CW. AC mains. 1 RF-FC-2
AM/CW. Double superhet based on IF (720 kc/s)-AM Det-CW Det-NL-BFO-
S.750 (ibid.). 11 valves, AC mains, AF-OP. Variable bandwidth, 2 xtal
160-80-40-20-15-10 metre bands. gates, S-meter. CW audio filter.
AM/CW. 1RF; 2 FC (first IF 1620kc/s), 1 Production run: 100. Very rare.
IF (85kc/s); variable bandwidth, audio
EDDYSTONE Type S.850/4, 1965/72.
CW filter, xtal calibrator. Price £100.
Same as above but in new style case
12
and with crystal control on eight spot changes but same general setup. 23
frequencies. Production run: 200. Price valves plus diode HT rectifiers. New
(1972) £312. Very rare. case. Wt 99 lbs. Production run 600.
Medium rare.

Eddystone Type S.850/4

Eddystone Type S.880/2
♠
EDDYSTONE type S.880/3; 1964/67, as
above but badged as Marconi H2301
EDDYSTONE Type S.880, 1959-61. and with crystal controlled SSB BFO
High stability communication receiver. oscillator. Production run; 300. Rare
AC mains; 0.5-30.5Mc/s in 30 switched EDDYSTONE Type S.880/4, 1966.
ranges. Double-conversion superhet GCHG version of S.880/2. Production
with crystal controlled first LO and run; 25. Very rare. ♠
tunable first IF. Second IF 500kc/s.
Permeability variable tuning.
EDDYSTONE S.830-Series 1962-73. A
large family of successful HF/MF general
coverage double superhets with tunable
first and second local oscillators. First IF
1,250-1,450kHz. Second IF 100kHz.
AM/CW/SSB. Resetable to within 1 kHz
on all frequencies without external
calibrator. Every refinement (the jewel in
the crown!) AC mains; 15 valves, 4
diodes, 9 bands, 300kHz -- 30MHz
Eddystone Type S.880
(Except for the 830/4 – Canadian* model
AM/CW/SSB. 21 valves plus 4 silicon 120-560kHz and 1.5-30MHz). The last
diode HT rectifiers. Variable bandwidth valve set to be manufactured (21st
plus crystal gate. Crystal calibrator. January 1973); price range £275-£442.
Every facility. Resetting accuracy within
1,000 cycles at all frequencies.
Production run not revealed. Specially
developed for government intelligence
agencies for radiation from oscillators to
be undetectable outside the room of
operation. Weight 95 lbs. Price £350.
Rare
EDDYSTONE Type S.880/2. 1962/5
New version of above with some circuit
Eddystone S.830 Series
13
Production runs: -
830 – 200 (1962)
830/2 – 200 (1963);
830/4 – 415 (1965-7) (Canadian* model
see above)
830/6 – 3 (1966);
830/7 – 950 up to the end of 1967 (it
remained in prod for another 5 years)
830/9 – 67 (1965/6) (synthesised
oscillator input). Eddystone Type EA12
830/11 – badged as STC.
830/12 – badged as Hagenuk selectivity; AM/CW/SSB, cascode front
(Germany) quantity not known; end; 2 RF, 2 IF (100kHz). Internal
wavebands as 830/4. speaker; very deluxe. Price £178.
Production run: 350 up to Dec 1967 (it
The model 830/7 is common in the UK, continued for a further two years). A
the rest are rare or very rare. The 830/4 little scarce due to steady demand, but
is regularly reported in North America. ♠ all that were made are in private
hands!♠
EDDYSTONE Type S.950, dated 8/8/74
in the Blue Print (BP) Register but this is
an anachronism! A crystal controlled EDDYSTONE Type 940. 1962/70.
single conversion single channel 9-valve General coverage HF/MF com-
superhet receiver for AM signals in the munication receiver. AC mains. 13
VHF band 110-130MHz. Intended for valves. 5 bands, 480kHz – 30MHz.
Air Traffic Control use it was produced Cascode front end, 2 RF, 2 IF
seven years after the first appearance of (450kHz); crystal filter, S-meter, variable
the S.990R (ibid.) transistorised VHF selectivity. Price £106 (1962) - £153
receiver. It is just possible that it was (1969). Production run by Dec 1967:
produced to fill a Ministry requirement 1,500 (continued in production for
for an atom-proof receiver. Cascode another 3 years). Common.
RF-FC-3 x IF (10.7MHz crystal filter) –
germanium det – amplified AGC – line
monitor and OP. Rack mounting panel
3½ ins deep; AC mains, remote control.
Six examples were produced and sent
to Belfast for evaluation. They were
never heard of again. Keep watching! 0

EDDYSTONE Type EA12, 1964-69.

Amateur bands only communication Eddystone Type S.940
receiver based on the 830 series but (This set was developed in a short time
with crystal controlled first oscillator and to fill a gap in the market between the
tunable second. (1st IF = 1.1-1.7MHz). Type 840C (c.£50) and the Type 830
Nine bands each of 600kHz (160-80-40- (c.£300). It became very popular world-
20-15-4 x 10metres). wide with well-heeled SWLs)
AC mains; 13 valves, silicon diode HT EDDYSTONE Type 940 variants: there
rectifiers; large S-meter; slot filter; is an ongoing debate about other
crystal filter; audio CW filter; variable version of the 940. Such as 940HF (?);
14
940/1 (with xtal channels); 940/2 Needless to say, the build quality was
(fighting vehicle version); 940/3 (H.M. far too good for the cut-throat
Coastguard version). All I can say is
that the Eddystone factory Blue Print
(BP) Register has an entry dated
23/10/62 (BP 1035) described as
“Crystal control for ‘940’; theoretical
circuit mods [see BP 1131]”. BP1131 is
dated 16/6/64 and is described as
“Calibrator Unit – LP2806 Circuit
diagram.” Nothing very exciting there.
The factory production run list has only
one entry (apart from the one listed
above). It is: - “940/2, as 940 with 50Ω
and 600Ω (outputs) and NO mains
transformer or HT components. QTY 6
date 2/69.” This equates reasonably
with the ‘fighting vehicle’ requirement
and is confirmed by Bill Cooke (who
designed it) and told me a small quantity Stratton Portable 1961
was ordered by the Ministry of Defence competition of the mail-order market.
for evaluation, but nothing came of it. Three sets were constructed. They
I think it is safe to say, that as with ANY were raffled off amongst those involved
model of an Eddystone receiver, with the development. But you never
oddballs are bound to turn up from time know; one day . . . But it gave
to time which are quite outside the Eddystone’s their first experience of
normal production runs. ♠ solid state design. ♠

STRATTON PORTABLE, All-band EDDYSTONE Type S.960, 1962. The

transistor radio of 1961. Strictly company’s first solid state general
speaking this was not an “Eddystone”, coverage communication receiver.
but as it was developed in Stratton’s Virtually a model S.940 (ibid.) with
Eddystone laboratory it is worthy of a transistors in place of valves. Six
mention. switched ranges; 500kc/s to 30Mc/s.
Internal 12 volt battery and internal
The Laughton family, owners of Stratton speaker.
and its Eddysone Radio division before
the sale to Marconi in 1965, had family
connections with the John Myers mail
order company.
Transistor radios were new and it was
thought that an opening might exist.
The radio covered Long, Medium and
Short waves up to 30MHz as well as
VHF/FM. It was built into a diecast box
with ferrite rod aerial in a plastic handle
and rabbits’ ears for HF/VHF.
Eddystone S.960

15
Twelve transistors and seven diodes. Ten transistors. Five bands: 550kc/s-
One RF stage, three IFs (465kc/s, 30Mc/s. BFO, CW audio filter, speaker,
bandbass xtal filter). The performance (IF = 465kc/s). £53. Production run:
was inferior to its parent S.940 and after 6,020. Common.
two years’ production it was dropped.
EDDYSTONE Type EC10 Mk II,
By this time the EC10 (ibid.) had 1967/77. As above plus S-meter, RIT
entered production and overtaken it. (fine tuning knob) and standby switch.
Production run: 150. Price c.£150. Production run not listed, but known to
Very rare. ♠ have reached 100 a week for long
THE COMPACT TRANSISTOR periods; say 10,000. Common.
EDDYSTONES
After the false start (but invaluable
experience) with the above two
models Eddystone launched into
their most successful ever sets (in
terms of sales), the EC10-series.
They continued the style of the valved
‘slide rule’ receivers but only 12 inches
wide, with built-in 9-volt battery pack
(optional mains PSU available) and
speaker. They were an instant success,
being very ‘dinky’ and attractive. The Eddystone Type EC10 Mk II
performance was not up to that of the
valved sets but they received rave EDDYSTONE Type EC10A2-series;
notices in the radio press. The early (previously known as Type EC10A/2).
germanium transistors depreciate in A series of marine receivers based on
performance after the 30 or 40 years the EC10 but with the following
which have now passed and this has differences: 13 transistors; 5 bands:
given them a worse reputation than they 300-550kc/s; 1.5-30Mc/s, plus a fixed
deserve. They DO need to be crystal-controlled 2182 kc/s call and
considered in this context, but are still distress channel. IF = 720kc/s. 12 or 24
perfectly good for AM broadcast Dxing. volt operation. 600Ω output.
EDDYSTONE Type EC10, 1963/69.
General coverage communication
receiver. AM/CW. Battery pack or
optional AC power supply.

Eddystone Type EC10A2/1

Eddystone Type EC10 Three versions were available:

EC10A2/1, bench mounting; EC10A2/2,
16
19” rack mounting with forward-facing Number 5820-99-523-7337 Fairly
speaker. EC10A2/3, 19” rack mounting common.
with extra speaker for ship’s intercom.
1966-77. All very rare.

Eddystone Type EC10A2/3

EDDYSTONE Type EB35, 1965/70.

Broadcast general coverage AM/FM.
Eddystone Type EB35 Mk II & II/S
Battery pack or optional AC mains
power supply. 13 transistors, 6 bands: EDDYSTONE Type EB35 Mk II/S, 1970
150-350kc/s, 550kc/s – 22mc/s, 88- As Mk II but with FM stereo decoder for
108Mc/s. (IFs 465 & 10.7), speaker. feeding HiFi amplifier. 20 transistors.
Later models had extra FM IF stage Rare.
(making 14 transistors). Very
fashionable in the ‘Swinging Sixties’:
H.R.H The Prince of Wales had one EDDYSTONE Type EB35 MK III
fitted in his car by Webb’s Radio “Statesman” 1976/80. AM/FM
(Stratton’s retail outlet). Production run broadcast set. Same general spec as
2,100 by January 1967. Price £55. EB35 but completely new circuit using
Fairly common. silicon transistors, FETs and ICs.
Switchable Automatic Frequency
Control (AFC). Rare.
EDDYSTONE Type EB35A. As EB35
but VHF band is 155-175Mc/s marine
inshore Narrow Band FM (NBFM). Very
rare.

Eddystone Type EB35 Mk III

EDDYSTONE Type EB36, 1966/69.

Broadcast receiver, 9 transistors; as
Eddystone EB35 EB35 but without VHF/FM band. Price
£54 5s 7d. Rare.
EDDYSTONE EB35 Mk II, 1970.
Broadcast AM/FM, same as later model EDDYSTONE Type EB36A, 1969.
EB35 but re-styled case. NATO Stock Special version of EB36 intended for
professional monitoring purposes.
17
 Eddystone type EB36
Eddystone Type EY11 – prototype
Primarily in world-wide news collection
agencies. (Press news broadcast The early model (above) was,
monitors). Narrow IF bandwidth with incredibly, an inch narrower than the
piezo-electric ceramic filter. 600Ω line rest of the “small solid-staters”. Its
output. Supplied with AC power unit frequency coverage is 150kc/s – 6Mc/s
with the option of 12 or 24 volt units or in 4 bands, with facility for Consol
battery-pack. Very rare. navigation (a form of MF hyperbolic
global positioning using a stopwatch
EDDYSTONE Type EB36 Mk II 1970. and counting the pips). It also had DF
As EB36 but new case and circuit. Very loop facilities.
rare.
♠

EDDYSTONE Type EB37, 1971/2. As

EB36. Marketed for ships’ cabin use
and as a short wave tuner for HiFi
setups (becoming fashionable round
about this time.) Price £97. Rare,
Eddystone EY11 – later version
The ‘rally’ version is much more akin to
the EC10 Mk II and has the look of a
production model, but it has no serial
plate. Facilities are similar but the
frequency coverage is 150-550kc/s and
1.5-18mc/s in five bands. Probably
unique (until . . . ) ♠

All these “small transistors” are

Eddystone Type EB37 fitted with the same ‘slab’ battery
pack which takes 6 x D cells (large; we
used to call them HP2). The optional
EDDYSTONE Type EY11, c. 1968 AC psu replaced this. It was the S.924,
Yachtsman’s navigational receiver. This a simple zenner regulated unit with
set is a bit of an enigma, because it was positive earth. NB The EB35 Mk III has
originally thought that it never negative earth and uses the S.924A
proceeded beyond the prototype stage, psu. Both these units are rare. ♠
but then one appeared at a rally!
18
Two unusual Eddystone ‘radios’ are A PAUSE FOR THOUGHT.
the Noise Measuring sets made to Although the sequence of
MPT and Home Office designs and descriptions is by no means in strict
marketed under licence from the Post date order it does follow the years to a
Office. degree. I think we have reached a point
EDDYSTONE Noise Measuring Set where a review of events is appropriate.
No 31A. 1971. Solid state VHF portable
The change from thermionics to solid
interference tracer and measurer. state took place over a decade (1962-
73). During this period both valve
techniques as well as transistor practice
advanced with haste. In 1965 the
parent company Stratton, itself owned
by the Laughton family, sold the
Eddystone part of the business to
Marconi, itself part of English Electric,
soon to be acquired by GEC.
The most immediate effect was a
review of the business side of things,
culminating in a general 20% rise in
prices! Apart from a new Logo there
was very little obvious change in outlook
Noise Measuring Set 31A except for the closure of the famous
Webb’s Radio, wholly owned by Stratton
Consider it to be a combination of
and not wanted by Marconi. Imhoff was
receiver, 1dB step attenuator (110dB
appointed the main London retail outlet.
range) and high accuracy RF Voltmeter.
Coverage 31-250MHz in three ranges By the early ‘70s competition from
(using 3 tuners). Internal rechargeable the Far East was looming and the
batteries & charger. Price (1972) decision was made to withdraw from the
£660. Medium rare. ♠ ‘High Street’ market and concentrate on
purely professional equipment.
This, again, was not an overnight
EDDYSTONE Noise Measuring Set
change. The EB35 Mk III was still in the
No 40A c.1975. Solid state HF portable
1980 catalogue. So was the EC958/12,
noise tracer and measurer.
75-transistor, 70-IC Independent Side-
band supermodel in the £ thousands
plus price range.
In the 1971 catalogue the 830 valve
series was next to the 1830
transistorised replacement, of virtually
identical (but slightly better!)
performance.
As the ‘seventies progressed through
to the ‘eighties Britain (and much of the
Noise Measuring Set 40A rest of the world) was plagued with
inflation, the like of which had never
Generally similar to the 31A (above) in
been experienced within these shores.
principal but covering the frequency
This was reflected in the price of
range 130kHz to 33MHz. Rare. ♠
Eddystone radios and prices of sets with
19
long production runs were seen to rise to order. Civil Aviation Authority No
as never before. For instance, the 10D/CA/5967, NATO Number
EC958 started at around £750 in 1969 5820/99/199/2527. Used for Air Traffic
and by the end of its run in 1980 was Control, Coastguards, etc.
over £3,000. An optional bench cabinet
costing £18 in 1972 had reached £60 by
1981. The S.990R VHF receiver
checked in at £325 in 1969, reaching
£1700 by 1980. Prices, therefore,
cease to have much relevant value
unless they are compared year for year.
Also the availability of ‘recent’ sets is
a questionable matter. Although some
Eddystone Model S.990R (later
sets are disposed of through trade
version)
auctions I hear that more and more are
being consigned to the skip as HF radio Variants are 990R/1 and 990R/2, very
stations (e.g. former Post Office coastal minor changes. Price in 1969 £325.
stations) are being dismantled. (1972) £466. (1980) £1,700. Fairly
common.
We continue with our description of
Eddystone receivers, having covered EDDYSTONE Model S.990S. UHF
the last valve and simple solid state sets communication receiver, 1968-78. First
and move into complex sets intended UHF transistorised receiver, 42
only for the professional. Having said transistors, frequency coverage 230-
that, some were sold to well-heeled 870MHz in two bands. AC mains or
SWLs and amateurs. ♠ 12Vdc. Tuning meter; loud speaker.
Crystal calibrator and scale adjuster.
EDDYSTONE Model S.990R VHF
I.F. 36.5MHz. bandwidths 1MHz on FM;
communication receiver, 1967-1981.
1MHz or 6MHz on AM. NATO Number:
This, the first transistorised VHF set was
5820/99/199/2528. Medium rare. Price
an instant success and had a long life.
(1972) £466
VARIANT S.990T for television
monitoring. (very rare)

Eddystone Model S.990R (early)

Single superhet; 38 transistors; IF
10.7MHz. AM/CW/FM; frequency range Eddystone Model S.990S and S.990T
27-240MHz in four bands. AC mains or
12 V.DC. Provision for 8 fixed crystal
controlled channels. Crystal calibrator EDDYSTONE Model EC958 series. A
and scale adjuster. very large and successful range. The
EC958 was the company’s first high
Speaker, tuning meter, IF selectivity stability solid state receiver and was by
30kHz and 200Khz as standard, others far the most complicated set undertaken

20
by that time (late ‘60s). It was designed EC958/4 As 958 with military
by Don Ford, a brilliant Stratton specification.
engineer who sadly died young. EC958/5 Marine version badged as
The mechanical tuning system was Marconi ‘Nebula’.
more complicated than a clock and had EC958/D was badged as Debeg
over 100 parts. All models had a fully- (Germany).
tuned front end turret with interpolation
frequency setting (i.e. two knobs, one EC958/H was badged as Hagenuk
for coarse, the other for fine). It could (Germany).
be re-set within a few Hz then locked. A
triple superhet, it covered 10 kHz –
30MHz in 10 bands. It is considered by
some aficionados to be the finest set the
company ever built.

Eddystone Model EC958/7E

EDDYSTONE Model EC958/7E New
version, 1973-83, with digital kHz
readout (readout to 1Hz with accuracy
of >4Hz). 48 transistors, 53 diodes and
42 ICs. Also badged as the Marconi
Eddystone Model EC958 rack
H2311.
mounting
EC958/12 As EC958/7E but with added
The various models ran from 1969 to
independent sideband facility. 1974-84.
1984. During this period the prices
75 transistors; 99 diodes and 70 ICs . . .
started at £750 and finished at around
£6000 (EC958/12). It was an era of
high inflation. Specific models may be
rare, but a little patience will locate one
version or another.
EC958 The basic model of 1969-73: 41
transistors; 46 diodes and 12 ICs. The
frequency display was optical back-
projection (reminiscent of the Murphy A-
104 of 1946). Early models had the Eddystone Model EC958/12
wrap-around desk-cabinet like the one
shown on the early 990R (ibid.), but No doubt there will be other models, but
later ones were rack-mount with they will all be versions of the main
optional desk cabinet (as shown). Price three pictured here. ♠
(1972) £1.137 (plus VAT).
EC958/1 As 958 but with special SSB EDDYSTONE Model 1830-series.
filter. 1971/7 General purpose HF/MF solid-
EC958/2 As 958 but with special CW state replacement for the valved 830-
filter. series (ibid.)
EC958/3 As 958 but with specifications A medium-cost range of high-grade
for the Canadian government. receivers for general applications in the
21
band 120 kHz to 31MHz. All versions The EC964/4 has 12 channels in band
(at least 8) are based on the 1830/1 1.6-30MHz and will also work off 24V
(below) which was UK MPT-approved DC direct.
as a reserve receiver for CW, MCW & The EC964/7 (c.1980) is a single
AM for maritime installation. AC mains channel low cost SSB receiver intended
or 12 or 24 volt DC. Analogue dial for fixed frequency terminals. Crystal
(rotating drum). 10 crystal positions controlled on any on specified channel
above 1.5 MHz (some models were in the range 1.6-27.5MHz. Also
available with 50 crystal channels). available on any spot frequency 400-
1971-74. £566-£644 plus case. 535kHz. Price (1972) c.£400; price
Medium rare. (c.1980) c.£1k

Eddystone Model EC964/7

Eddystone Model 1830/1 on optional

speaker plinth. EDDYSTONE Model 1670 (c.1980) A
thirty-channel synthesised marine
receiver covering the range 1.6-4.2MHz,
EDDYSTONE Model EC964-series. in addition to 2182kHz. Dual conversion
1971>. A range of high performance with first IF of 1400kHz and second IF
AM/SSB crystal controlled 100 kHz. AC mains supply. Reception
communication receivers, intended for mode to order. (USB-LSB)
use by unskilled operators. All are
powered by AC mains or 12/24V DC via
external converter.

Eddystone Model 1670

EDDYSTONE Model 1000-series. A

family of low-cost general coverage
Eddystone Model EC964/1 receivers, all single conversion,
The EC964/1 has 28 channels in band analogue scale (rotating), tuning meter,
1.6-4.5MHz, plus 24 channels in marine AC mains, 12v internal Deac battery
allocations 4.0-27.5MHz. (Ch 1 set to (NiCad) with charger.
2182kHz). Price (1972) £857 Model 1000: 1971-74, AM/CW/SSB;
The EC964/3 has 28 channels in band coverage 550 kHz to 30MHz. S-meter,
1.6-4.5MHz (Ch 1 set to 2182kHz). twin mini-speakers. 12 transistors, 2
ICs, 22 diodes. (Looks the same as
1001 – below – but without xtal selector

22
switch beneath tuning meter). Price Single conversion; IF 720kHz with
(1972) £234. selectable bandwidths. Variable BFO
and tuning meter. Power sources as
1002. Price in 1972: £312
The 1004 was also badged for Redifon,
ITT, Hagenuk and Marconi (Sentinel),
with or without the ten crystal channels.

Eddystone Model 1001

EDDYSTONE model 1001. 1972-4. Eddystone Model 1004
Exactly as Model 1000 but with the
addition of ten crystal-controlled spot
frequencies in the bands 1.6-30MHz. 14 EDDYSTONE Model 1630/1. 1981.
transistors, 2 ICs, 22 diodes. (Power
“Watchkeeper”. One of the company’s
source as 1002). Price (1972) £256.
more curious sets was this single
EDDYSTONE Model 1002. 1972-7. channel marine radio. Designed
Professional-grade broadcast receiver specifically for maritime use as a Radio-
with provision for stereo FM reception in Telephone Distress Frequency Watch
the VHF band 88-108MHz and AM in Receiver covering the frequency
the bands 150-350kHz and 550kz – 30 2128kHz, in compliance with TSC267
MHz. Single conversion, IF 465kHz. and also MPT1204/1 (Climatic and
and 10.7MHz. Tuning meter, AC mains durability Testing of Marine Radio
plus charger for internal NiCad. Or 12V Equipment). Modes of reception are A”,
DC external source. 18 transistors, 4 A2H, A3 and A3H. Power supply AC
ICs, 23 diodes. Used by HM Forces as mains or 24 V DC. Bulkhead fitting,
‘comforts’ set. Price (1972) £273. about 10” wide by 6” high.

Eddystone Model 1002

EDDYSTONE Model 1004 1972-81.
Marine approved reserve receiver; rack “The Watchkeeper”
mounting, large single speaker, Eddystone Marine Model 1630/1
CW/AM/SSB. Seven ranges covering
150-535kHz and 1.6-30MHz. Integral EDDYSTONE Model 1635 1983; single
pre-tuned crystal controlled converter to channel (2182kHz) Another
provide instant selection of 2182kHz watchkeeping receiver. The use of
International Distress and calling digital integrated circuitry provides the
channel for emergency watchkeeping at logic to interrogate all received signals
sea. Ten crystal controlled channels. and to automatically operate the Mute
23
when an alarm signal is received. EDDYSTONE Model 1590. C.1980
Power supply AC mains or 12-32V DC. Similar to 1570 but without the FM band
and with 19” rack-mount panel.
Provision for 12 crystal positions for
super-high stability operation.

Eddystone Model 1590

EDDYSTONE Model 1837-series.
1977-83. A large family of general
purpose and maritime High Stability
double conversion receivers. Frequency
coverage 100kHz-31MHz in 9 bands.
Eddystone Marine Model 1635 Power supply; AC mains or 12/24V DC
with inverter. Many minor variations in
facility but all cover AM/CW/SSB and
EDDYSTONE Model 1570. c.1980. A have six-digit electronic display and
low-cost general purpose AM/FM- tuning meter. Variable IF bandwidth.
CW/SSB receiver. Model variants Rack-mounting (cabinet option).
covered the requirements of both 1837/1S is badged as the Marconi
professional and semi-professional Pacific. Prices (1980) in the £2.5k
users. region. Medium rare.

Model 1837/1 (in desk cabinet)

Eddystone 1570 – early model
Digital frequency scale; coverage 150-
350kHz, 580kHz – 30MHz, 88-108MHz
FM. S-meter, Speaker, product detector.
AC mains, 12V DC, optional internal
rechargeable sealed lead-acid battery.
Telescopic whip aerial. 17” wide. Price
£600 in 1981
Model 1837/3 (in desk cabinet)

EDDYSTONE Model 1838-series.

1976-84. A family of high stability HF
receivers intended for maritime
telephony applications in the range 1.6-
Eddystone 1570 – later model
24
31MHz. Very closely related to the 1990R/2-S. As 1990R/1-S except
1837 (above). Variations of mode frequency coverage is 25-500MHz
coverage: 1838/1 – AM & USB; 1838/2 1975/79.
– AM, CW & USB (LSB on CW); 1838/3 1990R/3-X As 1990R/2-X , 1975/84
– AM,CW & USB (LSB on CW) on a Price (c.1982) £4223.
frequency coverage of 100kHz to
31MHz. Appearance is the same as the 1990R/3-S. As 1990R/2-S, 1975/84.
1837 series (above). Price range (1972) Price (c.1982) £5855.
c.£600, (1980) c.£2k. Medium rare. ♠ 1990S. 440-1000MHz, continuously
tuned, with Marconi Synchroniser fitted.
AM/FM/Pulse. 1978/84. Price (c.1982)
EDDYSTONE 1990-series. 1975/84
£5961. ♠
A series of professional-grade general
purpose VHF/UHF communication and
laboratory receivers (all look-alike). EDDYSTONE EC1680-series (1982).
A look-alike family of low-cost compact
marine receivers. Single conversion
superhets (IF=1400 kHz) with power
requirements to suit customer.
Standard set is AC mains or 24V DC.
Eddystone model 1990R/2-X
EDDYSTONE Model 1990R/1-X.
1975/84. 25-235MHz, variable tuning
with 36” metal ‘film scale’ roll, plus ten
crystal channels. Speaker, tuning
meter, calibrator and scale adjuster.
Eddystone Marine Model EC1680/3
Wide/narrow IF. AM/CW/FM/Pulse.
Rack-mounting, optional desk cabinet. EC1680/1 Single channel at 500kHz.
AC mains or 12V DC. Price (c.1982) Alternative frequency in the range 400-
£3614. 535kHz could be provided to customer
requirements. Modes CW/MCW.
1990R/1-S. As above except Marconi
Synchroniser fitted in lieu of crystal EC1680/2 Seven channels between
selector, allowing continuous selection 400-535kHz. Modes CW/MCW/FSK.
of one channel in increments of 100Hz. EC1680/3 Single channel in the range
1975-84. Price (c.1982) £5855. 1.6-30MHz. Modes: AM/USB (LSB, CW
or FSK to order).
EC1680/4 Two channels in the range
1.6-30MHz. Modes AM/USB (LSB, CW
or FSK to order). c.1980 ♠

Eddystone Model 1990R/2-S (in desk

cabinet)
1990R/2-X. As 1990R/1-X except
frequency coverage is 25-500MHz. Eddystone Marine Model 2004 (1984)
1975/79. Tunes 400-535kHz, IF 262kHz. Modes
CW/MCW. AC 110-250V or 24V DC ♠
25
EDDYSTONE Model 1964. 10 channel Model 1650/10 (1989) Independent
compact low-cost marine receiver of Sideband (ISB) receiver. AM, USB,
great versatility. Many versions offering LSB, CW, ISB.
a mix of channels and modes from MF
to 27.5MHz. (1981)

Eddystone Marine Model 1964

EDDYSTONE Model 1650-series. The Eddystone Model 1650/10 ISB

company’s first microprocessor-
controlled general coverage com-
munication receiver. Introduced in 1984 EDDYSTONE Model 1995. The
and having many variants, all look-alike. company’s first microprocessor-
controlled VHF/UHF communication
receiver. Suitable for surveillance,
monitoring, re-broadcasting, point-to-
point and laboratory use. (1984).

Eddystone model 1650-series

Sealed membrane front panel.
Frequency coverage 10kHz to 30MHZ
in 5Hz steps. 99-channel memory, any
number scannable. Keyboard entry or Eddystone Model 1995 VHF/UHF
knob tuning. Any segment of spectrum Double conversion; first IF 515MHz,
sweepable. Built-in motor-tuned pre- second IF 10.7MHz. modes: AM, FM,
selector option. Double conversion: first USB, LSB, CW, FSK, TELEX, PULSE.
IF 46.205MHz, second IF 1.4MHz. AC Choice of 7 IF bandwidths. Frequency: -
mains or 24V DC. Prices c.£3.5k.
1995/1 20MHz to 470MHz
Model 1650/1 AM, CW, USB.
1995/2 20 MHz to 1100MHz ♠
Model 1650/2 AM, CW, USB, LSB
EDDYSTONE Model 1810 VHF tactical
Model 1650/3 AM, CW, USB, LSB, ISB military receiver. (1990) 20 to 88MHz.
Model 1650/6 Special GCHQ remote Modes: NBFM (AM option). 11-16v DC.
control/direct entry model, (no tuning 99 channel memory, scanning facility.
knob), limited facilities. (1988)
Model 1650/8 VLF model 10 kHz to 160
Khz; built in test equipment (BITE).
(1988-2001). Submarine communicat-
ions.
Model 1650/9 AM, USB, LSB, CW,
NBFM or FSK option. (1990-95)
Model 1650/9H High performance
version. (1990-95) Eddystone Model 1810
26
 EDDYSTONE “ORION” mode 100/300mA; transmit: 12A for
average voice.
SSB HF TRANSCEIVERS
A range of mobile “go anywhere” HF
radio-telephones introduced in 1984.
Intended for use in areas of poor
infrastructure. Also adaptable as base
stations. Built-in speaker. Tuning meter.
Power output of all models on SSB =
p.e.p. 150 watts.

“Orion 5500” military RxTx

“ORION” Model 5600 Base Station.

(1991) Intended for use with a
comprehensive range of ancillary units
to provide Telex and Voice facilities.
Modes: USB standard (LSB option),
FSK +/- 85 Hz at 50, 75 or 100 Bauds.
With modem additional facilities are
ARQ, FEC and SELFEC. Power output
on FSK; 60 watts.

“Orion 5000” mobile TxRx

“ORION” Model 5000. Eight-channels;
frequency coverage 2 to 16MHz. Power
supply 13.8V DC. USB standard, LSB
optional. Base station has built-in AC
mains psu.
“Orion 5600/3” base station

“ORION” Model 5700 Marine

Transceiver. (1988).

“Orion 5000” base station

“ORION” Model 5500. Six-channel

ruggedised military transceiver.
Frequency range 2-16MHz. Power Intended for marine or base use by
supply 13.8V DC. Consumption: receive Patrol Craft, Fishing Boats, Rescue
launches, Supply vessels, Customs

27
craft or any marine authority requiring resolution. Digital baseband signal
reliable medium to long range processing and speech compression.
communications. Coverage 1.6-16MHz; Features BITE (Built In Test Equipment)
6 channels. A radio-telephone alarm for rapid fault identification. Supply
generator is provided on the 2182kHz 13.6V DC. AC power pack option.
distress frequency. USB standard, LSB The “Orion 7000” was the last
optional. Power requirement: 13.6V DC. Eddystone transceiver to be
(24 V DC, also AC mains, as an option). manufactured in Birmingham.
Price c. £1.3k ♠

EDDYSTONE Model 6100 VLF/HF

Channelised Receiver (1997)
Frequency coverage 1600kHz to 30MHz
standard with 10Hz resolution. 10kHz
“ORION” Model 5600 Compact
to 30MHz /F option. Local keypad entry
FSK/Voice System. (1989).
or remote control.
Operating on 8 channels over 2-16MHz
Modes: AM, USB, LSB, CW, ISB (/3
a heavy duty AC power supply permits
variant), FSK (/K variant). Dual
continuous FSK operation with standby
conversion, first IF 45MHz, second IF
DC supply.
1.4MHz. 99 channel storage, automatic
The modem allows interfacing with a scanning. Built In Test Equipment
wide variety of teleprinters. Intended for (BITE). Rack mounted (optional desk
use by Police, Government cabinet).
departments, Survey teams, Relief
The memory has an integral lithium
organisations, engineering contractors,
battery which retains all information for
shipping companies and any group
a total period of approximately ten years
requiring reliable long-distance
with power removed. ♠
communication.

EDDYSTONE Model 6200 VLF/HF

Receiver. (1994-2002)
“ORION” Model 7000. (1996-2002) Virtually the same as the model 6100
(above) but with frequency selection
Frequency range 1.6-30MHz transmit, also by spin knob in 10Hz increments.
10kHz – 30MHz receive. Power output Price c.£2.5k. This was the last
100 watts all modes. (USB, LSB, CW, Eddystone receiver manufactured in
AM). Digital display, 10Hz frequency Birmingham. ♠
28
 PANORAMIC DISPLAY
UNITS
Panoramic display units are specialised
oscilloscopes intended to be used with
certain Eddystone receivers (and some
others) to examine the signals present
within the bandwidth of the set’s
intermediate frequency and hence to
analyse the sideband content whilst also
listening to the transmission.
They are more of a laboratory
instrument than an aid to reception, but
brief details are given for those
members wishing to play with them!
They were first introduced into the range
Panoramic receiver EPR26
c.1963 with two models; one for use
with the MF/HF receiver type 830 (it Similar to the EPR 27 (above) but using
would also work with the EA12), and the the S.770R MkII receiver (later versions
other for the 770R Mk II for VHF. also used the S.770U Mk II UHF
receiver with a suitable IF Converter
Type 939) together with the EP17R
Panoramic Display Unit. In this case
the wobbulator facility was used at 5.2
and 10.7 Mc/s. ♠

Panoramic Display Unit EP14

Frequency coverage (intermediate
frequencies) 5.2 Mc/s (1 Mc/s
bandwidth) and tunable 6.2-60 Mc/s.
Panoramic Receiver EPR27
This consisted of the model S.830 type
receiver together with a plinth
Loudspeaker Unit Type S.906. Above is
mounted an EP20 Panoramic Display
Unit. This unit serves a dual purpose in
that it can also be used as a wobbulator
for visual alignmement of standard IF
channels of 100kc/s, 470kc/s etc. The Panoramic Display Unit EP15
whole equipment will provide a useful
display on signals of less than 0.5µV. Coverage 100 kc/s (30 kc/s bandwidth)
and tunable 400 to 800 kc/s. (c.1965)♠
29
 frequency variable from 1.5kHz to
15kHz. Price (c.1980) c.£1.6k.
MODEL EP1061B/1. Input frequency
21.4MHz. Sweep frequency variable
from 20kHz to 10MHz. Price same.
MODEL EP1061B/2. Input frequency
21.4MHz. Sweep frequency 20kHz to
2MHz. Also features a switch-selectable
Panoramic Display Unit
fast sweep range from 0.5 secs to 0.01
Series EP961
secs. Price (c.1980) c.£1.8k ♠
Introduced in the early seventies the
EP961 range was the first to use solid
state circuitry. Although primarily EDOMETER TEST INSTRUMENT
intended as ancillaries for use with
standard receivers, their sensitivity is Catalogue No S.902 (1965)
sufficiently high to allow use with direct A versatile transistorised instrument
aerial connection in many applications. which functions as a dip oscillator,
Provision is made for connecting a pen signal generator, absorption wavemeter,
recorder. Screen size 10 x 6cm with log AF tone generator and AM modulation
or linear scaling. Power supply 100- monitor.
250V AC or 12V DC.
EP961A Frequency coverage 50kHz to
800kHz. Sensitivity for 1cm deflection
10µV. Resolution 200Hz.
EP961B Frequency coverage 500kHz
to 36.5MHz. Sensitivity for 1cm
deflection 25µV. Resolution 6kHz. price
(1972) £1049. ♠

Panoramic Display Unit Seven plug-in miniature coils.

Series EP1061 Frequency coverage 390 kc/s to 115
Introduced in the mid-seventies these Mc/s. Powered by 9v. PP3 battery.
transistorised display units were S.902 Mk I was supplied in cardboard
designed as ancillaries for use with box and is usually minus coils. V. Rare.
standard receivers of the period. They
S.902 Mk II was supplied in beautiful
provided high-resolution linear or log
mahogany case, as well as of improved
displays on a screen 10 x 6cm. Power
circuitry. Price (1969) £27 10s. Rare.
supply 110-250V AC.
(but usually complete). ♠
MODEL EP1061A/1. Input frequency
switched 100kHz or 1.4MHz. Sweep
30
 RECEIVER
ACCESSORIES
As well as producing a wide range of
components for the home-brewer
Eddystone produced accessories for
their own receivers.
Some of these have actually been
‘badged’ other makes. The first item
was almost certainly the moving-iron
horn loudspeaker advertised to go with
the Eddystone ‘TWIN’ in 1926.
Although bearing the Lighthouse logo in TYPE 774 Mounting Blocks (1946-61)
the form of a transfer, it was probably
For lifting the front of the receiver to give
one of the many BTH models of the
a more convenient operating position.
period.
Die-cast aluminium, finished ripple
Things really got under way in 1946, black. (other colours with other
which was when the company became numbers) Price (1954) 11s 6d per pair.
a serious contender in the ‘class’ (As rare as hens’ teeth!) ♠
market. The die-casting, in which
Eddystone were particularly successful,
was used to the full extent.

TYPE 906 Plinth speaker (earlier)

TYPE 989 Plinth speaker (later)

These two very similar models tilt the
receiver in the same manner as the
Loudspeaker Model 688 (1946-61)
blocks (above), Extra controls may be
7” diameter housing with 5” speaker positioned beside the elliptical speaker
unit, 2.5 ohms, black ripple with chrome (3 ohms). Price of 989 (c.1980) £30.
feet (other finishes available with other Very rare, but easily replicated by a
numbers). Price (1954) £3 3s 3d. handyman with plywood. ♠
Production run 5,500+ These are quite
rare.
The Mounting Blocks (top) are designed
A 5” diameter version, Model 652,
to suit best the sets in the style of the
with 3.5” speaker was also produced for
S.640 and S.680X. The Plinths are
a short period. Price £1 17s 6d in 1949.
designed for the later models (S.940
These are extremely rare.
and after) ♠
0

31
 Model 899 Speaker
Catalogue 1419 Pillow Speaker
General-purpose loudspeaker unit in
drawn steel case. Oyster hammer or A flat , smooth bakelite grille, approx. 4”
two-tone grey (/F). 7” square with 5” dia. by 1” thick. “When slipped under a
3Ω speaker. C.1964 Very rare. ♠ pillow, speech and music can be heard
clearly by a resting person but will not
be audible to other occupants of the
room.” C.1950. Price £3 14s 3d
including matching transformer, flex and
plug. Advertised on the back of the
instruction manual for the Model 670.
Extremely rare. ♠

Model 669 Signal Strength Meter

This was produced specifically for
Eddystone Models S.640, 740, 750, 888
and 888A. These sets have an octal
socket ready to receive the plug on the
Meter. It is not suitable for other sets
(e.g. 670/840) which do not have built-in
tuning meters. The movement has a
200 µA full scale deflection and is
calibrated in “S” units and decibels
above S9 on the basis of a 4db increase Vibrator Power Unit Model 687
in carrier strength for each “S” point Designed to operate specific Eddystone
(This is rather optimistic by modern receivers from a six-volt accumulator. It
standards which allow 6db per “S” point consists of a transformer, non-
– this is easily remedied by shunting the synchronous vibrator, 6X5G rectifier and
meter!) Manufactured c.1946/60. Price the necessary filtering to prevent R.F.
£5 15s 6d. Very rare. ♠ interference. Smoothing is not included
as the components in the set provide
32
this. Suitable for the S.640 and S.740, c.1948-55. Looking sufficiently like a
c.1947-57. Price in 1949: £7 10s 6d. model 669 S-meter, this AM modulation
1954: £13 5s Very rare. meter is likely to be mistaken for one,
Vibrator Model 687/1 basically similar especially if it has lost its aerial and
coils. Covering the (then) 6 bands from
to 687 above, but adapted for use with
Top to Ten, it operates by plugging the
the Models 750, 888 and 888A, which
appropriate coil into the back and
have balanced heaters. Price in 1954:
adjusting the telescopic pick-up until the
£13 16s 6d. Very rare. ♠
meter reading coincides with a special
mark on the dial. On switching over it
then indicates modulation percentage
directly. This is a passive device using
two germanium diodes and can also be
used as a field strength meter and AM
phone monitor. Price in 1949: £8 15s,
in 1954: £10 6s 6d. Very rare. ♠

Model 689 Semi-automatic Speed

Key Model 689 c.1949-54
A futuristic ‘bug’ key which failed to
draw hams away from the traditional
American ‘open’ bug key. Its history is
surrounded by controversy and I don’t
intend to open the debate here! It has
been well aired in ‘Morsum Magnificat’
magazine. Needless to say it is now in
great demand and fetching silly prices!
Price in 1949 £3 17s 6d, ’54: £4 5s 3d.
Very rare. ♠

Absorption Wavemeter Model 696

Housed in a standard diecast metal box
this handy device uses eight miniature
plug-in coils to give continuous
coverage from 200 kc/s to 150 Mc/s.
Two coil-stands are included to take
coils not in use and individual hand-
calibrated charts are supplied in a
containing tube. The movement is
200µA and a germanium crystal is used.
The later model 696/1 was supplied
with nine coils and covered the
frequency range 200 kc/s to 200 Mc/s.
Modulation Level Indicator Model 678 Price in 1954: £13 10s 6d. Very rare. ♠
33
 Eddystone Active Aerial Type LP3382
1975. Price unknown (still searching for
an advert!). Combined aerial and
Model 732 Mains Filter aperiodic amplifier for use with any
EDDYSTONE Model 732 Mains Filter receiver having a low-impedance aerial
input connection. It provides a useful
C.1948-58. Designed specially to voltage step-up over the range 10 kHz
reduce interference on board ship to 30 MHz. Internal PP3 battery or
where the sparking at the dynamo external supply (9-15V DC). The
commutator was notoriously ‘dirty’. amplifier and battery are contained in a
Intended especially for the model 670 diecast metal box and a 21.5” telescopic
and 670A but suitable for all the earlier rod is fitted (missing on the picture!).
models with the non-polarised Uses one Field Effect Transistor
connector shown. Price in 1954: £2 15s. (2N3819), one amplifier (BC214) and
Rare. ♠ one emitter-follower (BF594).
Very rare. ♠

Crystal Calibrator Model 690

c.1949. Fitted into a diecast box (4½” x
3½” x 3”) and operates from 210/230V
AC mains. The circuit uses ‘a miniature
valve’ (unspecified). Harmonics from
the 100 kc/s oscillator are usable up to
30 Mc/s and those from the 1000 kc/s ♠♠♠♠♠♠
oscillator up to 60 Mc/s. 0.01%
tolerance. Price £12. Very rare. ♠

34