Hacker Radio Ltd.
Norrey's Drive, Cox Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire (1966 - 1977)

Founded by the Hacker brothers, Hacker Radio Ltd. enjoyed initial success with innovative transistor radios before financial troubles led to multiple acquisitions and eventual closure.

Dynatron, founded by the Hacker brothers in 1927, was renowned for its high-valve, high-fidelity radios and televisions. Alongside Dynatron, they briefly explored the luxury market with Keates-Hacker Co. Ltd., crafting bespoke receivers. However, this venture was short-lived due to challenging pre-war conditions. In 1941, the brothers bought out the other directors and rebooted the company as Hacker Radio Ltd., but it remained dormant until 1960.

Dissatisfied with their roles at Ekco, which had acquired Dynatron in 1954, the brothers revived Hacker Radio Ltd. in September 1959, drawing in some former Dynatron staff. By January 1960, they were up and running, with the popular Hearld, a 7-transistor portable receiver, released in April.[1][2]

This innovative little device boasted an impressive 8x5in loudspeaker, a 1-watt push-pull output, and versatile features like three-position tone control and sockets for external aerials and microphones (even functioning as a baby alarm)! [3]

Hacker Radio continued to impress, showcasing a range of products at the 1961 National Television and Radio Show. These included an FM-only receiver with three IF stages, a 7-watt push-pull output, and adjustable local station markers, alongside transistor portables, record players, and radiograms featuring large speakers and 1-watt push-pull outputs. The Herald receiver stood out with its unique treble tone control and microphone input for baby alarm or pickup functionality. [4]

Their first year's turnover reached £60,000, doubling annually for the next few years. An example of their continued innovation emerged in 1964 with the RP 30, a stylish upgrade to the Herald series while retaining all its technical prowess. The RP 31SW, another new model, brought shortwave band coverage (16.5-50 meters) along with eleven transistors and impressive sensitivity. [5]

A significant milestone arrived in December 1973 when Hacker Radio Ltd. was granted the prestigious title of "By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen," repeated in 1974, 1975, and 1976. [6]

Unfortunately, financial difficulties soon followed. In 1975, the company reluctantly accepted an offer from Mr. McGhee, leading to restructuring and liquidation of a subsidiary. Despite the Hacker brothers remaining as consultants and Arthur Hacker's son John becoming Managing Director, cost-cutting measures by the new management proved insufficient. By May 1977, receivers were called in. [7]

Cabillion, a company formed to manage the sale of assets, ultimately sold them to Pullamflex, who then relaunched under Hacker Sound Ltd. again with the brothers acting as consultants.
This venture, however, was short-lived and eventually acquired by Motoradio, who moved operations to Bournemouth before a fire ended the company's life. [7]

[1] Wireless World Feb 1966, Page 70.
[2] Wireless World Mar 1960, Page 147.
[3] Wireless World Sep 1960, Page 442.
[4] Wireless World Sep 1961, Page 466.
[5] Wireless World Sep 1964, Page 443.
[6] London Gazette Dec 28, 1973, Page Sup. 48.
[7] Hacker Radio, Dixon-Nutall/Bussey, Geoffrey/Gordon (1993) ISBN 0-9522197-0-0.