Transistor Radios Around the World

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Before '54 --- North America --- Western Europe --- Japan and Pacific --- East Bloc and USSR


1961 Decca Debonette TP50

Small leatherette-covered portable
8 7/8 x 5 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches / 225 x 146 x 57 mm
2-band MW/LW, six transistors (Mullard, OC44, 2x OC45, 2x OC81, OC81D, +OA70 diode)
Superheterodyne circuit, vernier tuning
Two 9-volt batteries
Manufactured by Decca, London

Such a memorable and eccentric-looking radio, one of my very favorite designs — I like to call it the "Mr. Potato Head" of transistor radios for the way in which all the elements look to have been stuck here-and-there on the cabinet face. It’s a slim and smallish portable with a very appealing textured leatherette cabinet covering.

Another great thing about this radio is that the vernier tuning is just so smooth to the touch! The 2-band tuning dial is calibrated in meters, and both bands display a number of broadcasters by name at their spots on the dial.


Decca Debonette TP50

1961 Decca Debonette TP50


Decca Debonette TP50

back face of cabinet


Decca Debonette TP50

chassis — click on the photo for a larger image


Decca Debonette TP50

from Supplement to Wireless & Electrical Trader, 8 September 1962, p.1


Decca Debonette TP50

from Supplement to Wireless & Electrical Trader, 8 September 1962, p.2

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