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Sparton Model 617 Tombstone Radio (1936/1937)
The Sparton model 617 is from that other, less well known line of
Sparks-Withington mirror radios, where the mirror forms the cen-
tral component of the dial rather than of the cabinet. The dial,
known as the Sparton Photochromatic Dial, is shown in close-up
for the 617 below; it debuted in June of 1936 on at least a dozen
Sparton models new for the 1937 sales season. The 617, which
originally listed at $49.95, was the smallest of several tombstone
radios in the line-up that used the same basic cabinet style.
The 617 is a 6-tube ac-powered superhet covering standard
broadcast from 535-1615kc, shortwave 1 from 1565-5800kc and
shortwave 2 from 5.7-17.5mc. The tube line-up is 6K7G (RF amp),
6A8G (mixer/LO), 6K7G (IF amp), 6Q7G (2nd det/AVC/1st AF),
6F6G (power amp) and 5Y3G (rectifier). The set uses an 8" loud-
speaker. The schematic may be found here. Interesting features
Sparks-Withington mirror radios, where the mirror forms the cen-
tral component of the dial rather than of the cabinet. The dial,
known as the Sparton Photochromatic Dial, is shown in close-up
for the 617 below; it debuted in June of 1936 on at least a dozen
Sparton models new for the 1937 sales season. The 617, which
originally listed at $49.95, was the smallest of several tombstone
radios in the line-up that used the same basic cabinet style.
The 617 is a 6-tube ac-powered superhet covering standard
broadcast from 535-1615kc, shortwave 1 from 1565-5800kc and
shortwave 2 from 5.7-17.5mc. The tube line-up is 6K7G (RF amp),
6A8G (mixer/LO), 6K7G (IF amp), 6Q7G (2nd det/AVC/1st AF),
6F6G (power amp) and 5Y3G (rectifier). The set uses an 8" loud-
speaker. The schematic may be found here. Interesting features
| Ths SPARTON Photochromatic Dial |
| "The Sparton Photochromatic dial is like nothing you have ever seen before, a new and exclusive development. Its figures and scales are photographed with crystal legibility on crystal clear glass. Its colorings which indicate the different bands and frequency divisions are applied to the reverse side of this transparent glass dial and thus are transmitted through it in their true and brilliant tints. Photography gives absolutely true definition. All lines of the unusual design are clean cut, and indicative of refinement throughout. When not in use and, therefore, not illuminated, the ensemble of the dial blends perfectly with the beauty of the cabinet. Sparton Photochromatic dials cannot warp nor distort. Kilocycle scales remain accurate under all conditions. A tastefully proportioned escutcheon gives added distinction to Radio's most beautiful tuning dial..." |
Beautiful - colorful - unique - clearly readable.
Enjoy foreign reception... ideal table model in walnut
include the use of separate RF &
oscillator transformers for each of
the three bands and an unusual
push-pull diode 2nd detector.
oscillator transformers for each of
the three bands and an unusual
push-pull diode 2nd detector.
| Six tubes - All Wave Full sensitivity, Selectivity and Tone. Photochromatic Band Expansion Dial. Walnut finish. Height 181/2 inches, Width 121/2 inches, Depth 91/4 inches (sizes approximate). |
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