RCA AR88 history / explained

The story and workings of RCA's receiver model AR88 and variants. Produced from the early 1940's to mid 1950's. Presented by Pieter Lamers PA2HDU. Video / film production by Theo Faber PA2THF. (Netherlands)

[@raulgongora2077]

Very interesting my friend for whole history of RCA radios

[@michaelclutton8446]

I was lucky, I managed to get an ARR8D while I was still at school, it started me in the amateur radio hobby. That was 50 years ago and I still own and use the same radio Regards Mike G4VQH

[@TheoFaber]

Thanks for the response Mike, greatings Theo / PA2THF

[@toddfowler9863]

I found this during a Google search of my Grandpop, Lester T. Fowler, who I believe is credited for the electronic design of the AR-88. I was just watching the show: The Machines That Built America, and it was an episode on RCA and television. I remembered that he worked for RCA for 40 years and started searching. I wish he and my father were still alive to ask questions! My father went to college in Japan because that's where RCA took my Grandfather for some years in the early 60s. I can't help but wonder what other important things my grandfather was part of, over a 40 year span.

[@TheoFaber]

Dear Todd.
Thanx for your reply. You can be very proud of your Grandfather. The AR-88 is a fine radio and still performing very well. Our interests as older technicians are the amazing designs and products, that came out of a period where electronics was in it’s infancy. They build things with components that where - to say the least - not high standard as now day’s. And still the product’s (kept with love operational) perform very well. I made this short docu with a friend (he’ s in the film) for a club of enthusiast that restore radio’s mostly from the period 40-50.

[@toddfowler9863]

@@TheoFaber Another search yielded a page of patents in his name from his time with RCA. I was just a tyke when I would spend the day tinkering with him in the basement of the apartment complex they lived through retirement, with no idea how brilliant he was. It's no wonder I'm a Designer myself - strong genes I suppose!

[@TheoFaber]

@@toddfowler9863 Possibly your genes? - I have several designs on YT - maybe of interest for you???

[@victorgoonetilleke5249]

I love the AR88 series and I started my carrier with a CR88B. hanks for lovely explanation.

[@mrsmith6316]

Hi Theo, I have 2 x AR88’s, 1 x AR88D and 1 x AR88LF (CGN ex RN). Also 2 matching speakers. I love listening to them

[@thra5herxb12s]

These radios were made very well, even today my 1943 LF still looks almost as it left the factory and still functions as it should.

[@TheScottytr6]

Thanks for this vid Theo. My first tube type shortwave radio was an RCA CR-91A that looked just like that radio in the middle. I got it in the late 70's. It was surplus from the Canadian Air Force. Sadly I sold it when I got my R-390A in the early 80's.

[@brianveitenheimer4492]

Thank you. I have a CR91A. Made in Montreal Canada. It was a 1957 Diversity receiver RCAF issue used during the Cold War and was refurbished professionally by an aeronautics firm in 1961. It’s a fabulous receiver and in incredible condition and a joy to operate.

[@ianhand5006]

All of the "bath tub" capacitors were leaky in my '88D. Interesting video, thanks fro sharing.

[@TheGolden_A]

Hey nice Video! Whats the music starting at 2:50? Thanks

[@TheoFaber]

It was specially composed for an other video of mine (steam / Sterling engines), so it's not on the net. Sorry for that... greetings; Theo.

[@currentphonograph1734]

I have RCA AR88 E for Echo with Bath. Cold. Army

[@user-uf7yq4ld3g]

1964 год. г. Одесса. Радиокружок.
UT5KII.

[@TheoFaber]

Wish I good reed this ... !?