Zenith Royal 1000 Transoceanic |
Written by Bryce Ringwood |
The Zenith Royal 1000 Transoceanic is one in a longish line of Zenith Transoceanics. The first of this line of radios was the 7G05 “Trans-Ocean Clipper” introduced in 1942. This line of valve type radios remained in production, culminating with the 600 series in 1962. ![]() In 1958, the first transistorised Transoceanics were produced, beginning with the Royal 1000. The earliest of these sported an “all leather case”. In fact it is all metal, with a leather covering. In common with all early transoceanics, this radio has a “Wavemagnet” which can be detached and stuck on to a smooth surface using rubber suckers. The radio has a slide-rule dial and a roller attached to the 11-position waveband switch. The set is intended to be a world-traveller's broadcast receiver, and as such would have enhanced the well-heeled world traveller's luggage. (“Luggage”, indeed – this is a heavy (5.5kg) radio, with all its batteries included). The set cost USD 275 when first introduced - comparable with the price of a motor car of the period. The Royal 1000 is built like a valve radio. There are no printed circuits and each of the nine transistors sit in a socket. The other components are all valve-type, with the exception of the IF transformers. I think the “Wavemagnet” is what we would now call a “ferrite rod aerial”. The set also sported an absolutely enormous telescopic aerial. The case has a pocket which contains world reception tables. The batteries are 9 “D -size” , one of which was used for the dial lights. They are supposed to last 1000 hours – which is a long time. If you put modern alkaline batteries into the set, they will last far too long for safety – its best to put inexpensive batteries in and be sure to throw them away after 12 months. A few more transoceanics were to follow, culminating in the R7000 in 1979, but competition from Sony, who had a more advanced product, led to the end of production of these radios. The valve versions are highly prized collectors items. |