Previous : Radio Rentals 64

TESLA 308U "Talisman"

Next Page : Radio Rentals 208

  • Released in 1953
  • LW, MW and SW wavebands
  • 4 Valves (two UCH21's, UBL21, UY1N )
  • A.C. Mains
NOTES In 1946, Philips began manufacturing radios in Czechoslovakia. The sets used a 4-valve mains superhet concept they had developed in 1941, based on their 'loktal' valve design. The concept is characterised ny the use of two valves of the same type, with one as oscilator/mixer and and a second as I.F. amplifier/first audio stage. However the Philips factories were soon nationalised, the factories becoming part of the Tesla company. Tesla continued to use the 4-tube concept in various sets of which this Tesla 308U is probably the last. It was produced until 1958 and it is estimated that 1,000,000 were produced.

You can find out more about "The European 4-Tube Circuit" on Clement L. Goossens's site "Sound In It"

Tesla produced various different designs with the "Talsiman" name, but the 308U is the best looking of the bunch. Its a lovely looking set, but annoyingly is the first object that I've never been able to succesfully raytrace :-(

Follow this link for a site all about Czechoslovakian radios and TV's.
SERVICE DATA I downloaded the Czechoslovakian service manual, along with an English translation of the alignment procedure, from PastTimesRadio.
CURRENT STATE Clean and tidy but yet to be fired up.
WHERE FOUND NVCF for £75
Interior view [18K]
Insides not as cramped as some other sets !UCH21UCH21UBL21UY1N
  UBL21 Loktal Valve [6K]
'Loktal' Valve

Page copyright ©
J.Evans 2000-2003
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO
THE EARLY 50's RADIO GALLERY
Last updated
13th April 2003