General Electric (GE) Model K-64 Cathedral Radio (1933)
The General Electric (GE) model K-64 (K64) is a two band 6-tube cathedral radio covering standard broadcast from 540-1500kc
and shortwave from 5.4-15.35mc. It has similar styling and uses the same chassis as the RCA model 121, which GE manufactured
for RCA. It was introduced in late-1933/early-1934 at a list price of $54.50.
In many ways this radio was ahead of its time in that it was one of the first to use a round "airplane" dial rather than the more
traditional "window-dial", such as seen on the GE model K-52 of the same year.
The controls are (left to right):- tone/on/off, volume, tuning (coarse and fine) and band-select. Note that the tone control features a
potentiometer and not a multi-point switch such as used by many of the other manufacturers of the day. This again would become
more or less standard in a few years. The tuning control consists of two stacked knobs, one used for fine and the other for coarse
adjustment. This is especially helpful for navigating the crowded shortwave band. The volume control matches the dual tuning knobs
in appearance but operates as a single unit. The tube line-up is 58 (RF amp), 2A7 (LO/mixer), 58 (IF amp), 2B7 (2nd det/AVC/1st
AF), 2A5 (AF power pentode) and 80 (rectifier).The schematic is found in Riders under RCA model 121.
The radio features a handle that presumably was originally intended for carrying it. I wouldn't trust it for that purpose today!
and shortwave from 5.4-15.35mc. It has similar styling and uses the same chassis as the RCA model 121, which GE manufactured
for RCA. It was introduced in late-1933/early-1934 at a list price of $54.50.
In many ways this radio was ahead of its time in that it was one of the first to use a round "airplane" dial rather than the more
traditional "window-dial", such as seen on the GE model K-52 of the same year.
The controls are (left to right):- tone/on/off, volume, tuning (coarse and fine) and band-select. Note that the tone control features a
potentiometer and not a multi-point switch such as used by many of the other manufacturers of the day. This again would become
more or less standard in a few years. The tuning control consists of two stacked knobs, one used for fine and the other for coarse
adjustment. This is especially helpful for navigating the crowded shortwave band. The volume control matches the dual tuning knobs
in appearance but operates as a single unit. The tube line-up is 58 (RF amp), 2A7 (LO/mixer), 58 (IF amp), 2B7 (2nd det/AVC/1st
AF), 2A5 (AF power pentode) and 80 (rectifier).The schematic is found in Riders under RCA model 121.
The radio features a handle that presumably was originally intended for carrying it. I wouldn't trust it for that purpose today!
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General Electric's new Mantel Clock Cabinet Model K64.
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| "a brand new portable selective all-wave set by General Electric at a price that can't be touched by modern radio value. It receives standard radio programs with amazing fidelity. It tunes in selected major foreign stations clearer and better, with less interference and noise. It also gets police calls, aircraft transmissions and amateur phone. A special feature is a new type tuning dial which simplifies tuning in all programs, either domestic or foreign" |