Internet Resources

Here are a few of perhaps thousands of vintage electronics links living on the Internet. Do you have a site of your own you would like me to add? Let me know and I'll check it out. Perhaps we could even link-back to each other.

BTW: The words in RED text on this page contains links.

Hobby Sites & Collections

Antique Radios

Founded by Alan Voorhees in 1995, this is perhaps the granddaddy of radio collectors' sites. Here you will find forums, resource lists, feature articles, photo galleries, information about local radio clubs, links to old radio programs, and much more. A tremendous amount of work has gone into this site, and it shows. Visitors are encouraged to participate, provide content, and support it with donations. This "Collectors Resource"  is a must visit on any webpage hunt. Both tube and solid state radios are discussed.

MidcenturyRadios

An impressive site created by Camil Moujaber. It provides a collectors-eye view of early tube and transistor radios. There is some info on homebrew stuff here, tape recorders, kit radios, and, even some info about Lebanon.

Joe Haupt's flickr Page

A tasty collection of nicely photographed transistor radios, sprinkled with a few advertisements from back in the day. Appears to be Joe's collection, but I do not know this for sure.  Joe also has a pinterest board here.

Gary's Radios

Another skilled and knowledgeable collector, Gary Ball shares his love of our hobby.  It's a solid-state-only site, and an impressive, time-consuming effort. Lots of tips, techniques and history to be gleaned from Gary. He sells radios on his site as well.

Don Pies' Regency TR-1 Transistor Radio History

A well-done and comprehensive site that Don says is "all about [the Regency TR-1] and the people who built it." The site features "a gallery of TR-1 images, includes resource references, highlights some of the radio's quirky anecdotal moments in history..."

Crack a beer, pull up a chair and plan to spend a while scrolling and clicking. Good stuff!

RADIOJACKALLEN

Jack Allen is an amazing hobbyist and his website is an incredible resource for electronics enthusiasts. Be sure to check out his info on vintage Zenith and other collectible sets. There is also information about contemporary radios, reducing radio noise, accessories and much more. He supports his site with Amazon links that give him a small referral fee whenever you use them.

Educational Sites

radiomuseum.org

This is a "must-visit" if you are a radio enthusiast. It is a virtual museum, community gathering spot and a very complete reference source that continues to grow daily. After using it to learn more about your collection, you will likely find yourself wanting to contribute to the site as well. The site's team makes it easy for you to do just that. It just might be the biggest collection of information about transistor and tube radios you will ever encounter. It contains an enormous collection of photos, schematics, restoration tips and more.

101science.com/transistor.htm

101science.com is a wonderful, free science "portal" that has links to more than 20,000 science sites. Topics include electronics, chemistry, biology, physics, math, astronomy, electronics, and much more. Many of the links lead to pages with additional links which lead to even more. It's a great rainy day getaway. This link will take you to the Transistors section of the site.

TECHLAB.COM

Techlab bills itself as "A technical library for the hobbyist and electronics experimenter." It is all of that and more. Tons of project ideas, schematics and nostalgia to be found here. Another virtual place to get lost in for hours. There are links to other enthusiasts' projects as well.

History Research Sites

UNITED STATES EARLY RADIO HISTORY

Contains articles and extracts about early radio and related technologies, concentrating on the United States in the period from 1897 to 1927 Curaited by Thomas H. White. A nice "old school" site about even older school technology. Thoughtfully organized and informative!

DigiBarn Computer Museum

Vintage computer information and photos, for sure, but cool transistor radio articles too, like this one about what is arguable the first commercial transistor radio. And no, it's not a Regency...

Jack Ward's Transistor Museum

You will be hard-pressed to find anyone who knows more about early solid state components than Jack Ward. His site is a national treasure. He collects vintage transistors and provides incredibly detailed knowledge about their heritage, specifications and more. It's a must-visit!

There's a nice little "Roadmap" here and a great technology timeline here.

Smithsonian Lemelson Center for the Study of Innovation

We can't move on without mentioning the "Vatican" of knowledge. Lots to see at the Smith. Start by searching for "Transistors". 

Club Sites

Colorado Radio Collectors Antique Radio Club

Claims to be "the CRC is the only antique radio club in the Rocky Mountain region, and includes members from all over Colorado and adjoining states." Both tube and transistor enthusiasts here. Plenty of tips and techniques.

Manufacturer's Sites

Emerson

'Interesting history of a respected force in the vintage electronics world.

Hitachi

An active site with current happenings as well as cool historical pieces and videos. Check it out.

More to come!

1 Comment

  1. Thanks for including a link to my transistor radio collection on Flickr.com. I still have all of the transistor radios pictured and continue to add to the collection from time-to-time. I also upload the photos to Pinterest.com.

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