| History: |
Early Years & Products (1928-1929): Burgoyne Wireless was manufacturing radio receivers by at least June 1928. Their product line in 1928 included: - Transportable de Luxe: A five-valve set with two aperiodic H.F. stages, detector, two transformer-coupled L.F. stages, reaction on the frame aerial, and a Mullard loudspeaker. It used a 124-volt H.T. battery and a 2-volt accumulator. [1]
- Pentode Portable: A five-valve set with two aperiodic H.F. triodes, grid detector, R.C.-coupled first L.F. stage, transformer-coupled second stage to a pentode. It had one-dial tuning and volume control via a reaction condenser. [1]
- Model A Portable: A five-valve set with two aperiodic H.F. stages, detector, R.C.-coupled first L.F. stage, transformer-coupled second stage, and direct coupling to the loudspeaker. [1]
By September 1929, at the Olympia exhibition, they were showcasing: - Pentode Model: Their standard portable receiver, a "straight five" with two triode H.F. stages, valve detector, and two L.F. stages with a pentode output. It featured a Burgoyne loudspeaker, high-grade components, and low H.T. battery consumption. A rejector circuit for cutting out local stations was optional. It was housed in a genuine hide case. [2]
- Screened Four Deluxe: A new four-valve model with a screen-grid H.F. amplifier, detector valve, resistance-coupled L.F. stage, and transformer to pentode output. It had dual tuning condensers with quick and slow motion controls, reaction and potentiometer volume controls, and a three-position wave range switch. It used a new loudspeaker and included a calibration chart showing settings for over sixty stations. The case was dark blue crocodile hide with nickel-plated fittings, and polished walnut panels and grille.
- A mains-operated four-valve set using indirectly heated valves. [2]
Financial Troubles and Reorganization (1930): - In March 1930, Burgoyne Wireless, Ltd. went into liquidation. The company had liabilities of £4,121 and net assets of £1,636, resulting in a deficiency of £2,485. [3]
- The company had been formed in December 1928, taking over the business of Burgoyne Manufacturing Co., Ltd. [3]
- Fordhams, Ltd. held a debenture and had appointed a receiver in October 1928 and also held 4,000 shares in Burgoyne Wireless, Ltd. [3]
- There had been a trading loss of £5,418 since the company's incorporation. [3]
- A new company, Burgoyne Wireless (1930), Ltd., was registered in May 1930 with a capital of £500. Its objectives were to manufacture and deal in radio components and receivers. [4]
- The directors of Burgoyne Wireless (1930), Ltd. were A. Lee and S. Gootnick. [4]
Mid-1930s Products and Focus (1935-1937): - By August 1935, Burgoyne Wireless (1930), Ltd. was exhibiting at Olympia, focusing on receivers designed to mitigate interference from the high-powered Droitwich station, especially for the Midlands area. Their receivers covered A.C., Universal, and Battery operation, ranging from simple circuits to radiograms. [5]
- In 1935, Samuel Gootnick was the Director of purchases and production, and Arthur Lee was the Director and Secretary. [6]
- By September 1936, Burgoyne Wireless was showcasing all-wave receivers, including superhets and a "straight" three-valve battery set with a vibrator for H.T. supply. Their superhet used an intermediate frequency of 473 kc/s.
- In February 1937, they introduced the "Dragonette," a five-valve superhet for A.C. mains with automatic volume control, Litz wound coils, a three-color "neon style" tuning dial, variable tone control, and a 2.25-watt output. It was housed in a walnut cabinet. [7]
Company Demise: Burgoyne Wireless (1930), Ltd. was struck off the company register in 1949.[8] [1] Wireless World Jun 5, 1929, Page 386.
[2] Wireless World Sep 25, 1929, Page 317.
[3] London Gazette Mar 11, 1930, Page 594.
[4] Electrical Review Jun 6, 1930, Page 1070.
[5] Practical & Amateur Wireless Aug 24, 1935, Page 659.
[6] Broadcaster Trade annual 1935, Pages 40 & 45.
[7] Popular Wireless Feb 20, 1937, Page 642.
[8] London Gazette Jan 25, 1949, Page 452. |
