Emerson Model 415 Bakelite Table Radio (1934)
The Emerson 415 is a very ornate standard-broadcast receiver featuring a 4-tube Tuned-Radio-Frequency
(TRF) chassis. The tube line-up is 6D6 (RF amp), 6C6 (2nd detector), 38 (audio amp) and 1-V (rectifier). Early
production used the alternate tube complement:- 78 (RF amp), 77 (2nd detector), 38 (af amp), 1-V (rectifier). A
special high-impedance permanent magnet moving armature type loudspeaker was used. The radio could
originally be purchased for around $17.95.
This was one of several models to use this cabinet style in the 1933 and 1934 seasons. The first was model 20A
(1933), which used Emerson's 4-tube G-4 TRF chassis (also used on the model 25A). The following season saw
the introduction of models 415 (as here) and 420. Some of the 20A and 25A production and all the 420 models
featured a 7-pin receptacle at the rear for connection to one of two optional Emerson accessories, intended to
allow the set to be used in automobiles, motorboats and in homes/farms not wired for electricity. The first
accessory was referred to as their 6V Type-B eliminator, which connected the set to a 6V storage battery. The
second was the 32V Type-B eliminator for connection to a 32V DC farm supply. In either case, when the radio was
so configured Emerson recommended that the 117V line cord and plug be removed (presumably by a service
technician, rather than it being cut off by the owner!). When no adaptor plug was inserted the set would operate
from the 117V AC/DC line (assuming the line cord was still present!). Model 415 had no accessory socket and
operated just from the 117V ac/dc line. The circular outline at the center-right of the moulded rear panel in the
photo below shows where the adaptor socket is located on the other models.
Models 415 and 420 (when operated from 117V) used a resistance line cord in the filament circuit. This was a
change from the earlier 20A/25A, which employed a chassis mounted resistor (see model 25A page). Emerson
had acknowledged heat build-up problems with the earlier arrangement and thus introduced the line cord as a
means of removing the heat source from within the very compact cabinet.
The schematic can be found on-line at NostalgiaAir.
(TRF) chassis. The tube line-up is 6D6 (RF amp), 6C6 (2nd detector), 38 (audio amp) and 1-V (rectifier). Early
production used the alternate tube complement:- 78 (RF amp), 77 (2nd detector), 38 (af amp), 1-V (rectifier). A
special high-impedance permanent magnet moving armature type loudspeaker was used. The radio could
originally be purchased for around $17.95.
This was one of several models to use this cabinet style in the 1933 and 1934 seasons. The first was model 20A
(1933), which used Emerson's 4-tube G-4 TRF chassis (also used on the model 25A). The following season saw
the introduction of models 415 (as here) and 420. Some of the 20A and 25A production and all the 420 models
featured a 7-pin receptacle at the rear for connection to one of two optional Emerson accessories, intended to
allow the set to be used in automobiles, motorboats and in homes/farms not wired for electricity. The first
accessory was referred to as their 6V Type-B eliminator, which connected the set to a 6V storage battery. The
second was the 32V Type-B eliminator for connection to a 32V DC farm supply. In either case, when the radio was
so configured Emerson recommended that the 117V line cord and plug be removed (presumably by a service
technician, rather than it being cut off by the owner!). When no adaptor plug was inserted the set would operate
from the 117V AC/DC line (assuming the line cord was still present!). Model 415 had no accessory socket and
operated just from the 117V ac/dc line. The circular outline at the center-right of the moulded rear panel in the
photo below shows where the adaptor socket is located on the other models.
Models 415 and 420 (when operated from 117V) used a resistance line cord in the filament circuit. This was a
change from the earlier 20A/25A, which employed a chassis mounted resistor (see model 25A page). Emerson
had acknowledged heat build-up problems with the earlier arrangement and thus introduced the line cord as a
means of removing the heat source from within the very compact cabinet.
The schematic can be found on-line at NostalgiaAir.
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