pilot: 203 (X203) - different models?

Dear All,

In Classic Gallery I found some more information about Pilot 203.

Classic Gallery says that  Pilot X203 is the original one. At the beginning this model had no chrome trims (friezes). http://classicradiogallery.com/radiopages/pilotx203.html

About Pilot 203, Classic Gallery says that it is an export model which has no stationized call letters and has different knobs.http://classicradiogallery.com/radiopages/pilot203.html

I think that, at last, these two differences are enough to identify these two different models

I hope this information can help.

Best Regards

Mário Coelho

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Hi Mario,

Rider's has them both:  the 203/205 are designated "Sold in the Eurpean Areas only" and feature a 76 detector and a 43 amplifier, whereas the "domestic" X203/X205 employ a 75 detector and a 25L6 amp.

Regards
Mark

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Dear Mark,

Thanks for your tip.

Nevertheless we already have seen a picture of a 203 model label (an evidence) that there is a Pilot 203 which has a  75 tube instead of a 76 tube version. It is not a guess. It exists.

 Maybe it is a variant from the original design ,not foreseen by Riders.

Coming back to the main basis:

Now, looking at Pilot X203 picture we can see also that the front view of the cabinet ,where knobs are placed, is not plane as  Pilot 203 is.

So, also the cabinets are  different in this two models.

I also add a picture of a X203 seen in a Brasilien site (wodden cabinet radio).

http://www.bn.com.br/radios-antigos/america1.htm

Best Regards

Mário Coelho

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Hi Mario,

I did't notice that you had already started to sort things together with Konrad on the 203. So the Rider's information I gave was superfluous, and I'll rather not engage further.

Sorry that I cannot add to your request, except maybe one little thought: the inexistence of chrome applications on the cabinet does not necessarily mean that there hadn't been any in the first place.

Best regards
Mark

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Hi Mark,

One can't see chrome applications in the original Classic radio Gallery X203 picture. There aren't also any holes visible in front side of the cabinet. So they aren't missing.

The chrome applications in Pilot 203 are fixed on the cabinet by mean of several wire pins welded inside of the friezes, which cross those holes in the cabinet  front side  fixed bending them inside .

Regards

Mário Coelho

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Maybe I can clear up some confusion here,

 

1.  Pilot sets with the metal trim, (gold or chrome) were additional cost sets, they came both ways.

2.  Model numbers with X were improved versions over the numbers without the x, there were also B and F suffixes which dictated the market they were sold.

3. For instance, the model 203 is the US version, with long wave its called 205.  The improved version is x203, long wave version is x205.  The long wave versions were usually only sold in the British/European Market.

Many Pilot models are not documented, many documented models are not seen.  The company has many mysteries.  Good sets, and very good performers for the price.

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