Westminster RA-101A

DuMont Labs, Allen B., Inc.

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  • Year
  • 1946/1947
  • Category
  • Television- and Radio Receiver, perh. also + Rec. etc. (TV Radio)
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 111324
    • alternative name: Dumont Television & Radio

Click on the schematic thumbnail to request the schematic as a free document.

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Tubes
  • 44
  • Main principle
  • Superhet with RF-stage
  • Wave bands
  • Broadcast, more than 2 SW bands plus FM or UHF.
  • Details
  • Changer (Record changer)
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 117 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil) / Ø 15 inch = 38.1 cm
  • Power out
  • 8 W (unknown quality)
  • Material
  • Wooden case
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: Westminster RA-101A - DuMont Labs, Allen B., Inc.
  • Shape
  • Console with any shape - in general
  • Dimensions (WHD)
  • 64.5 x 38 x 26.25 inch / 1638 x 965 x 667 mm
  • Notes

  • The DuMont RA-101 family of "Telesets" (the term DuMont used for TVs) were perhaps the most expensive and elaborate TVs available in 1947-48.

    Combining very large screen sizes with high fidelity audio, AM/FM/SW radio, and a record changer, each set includs five separate chassis with 44 tubes for the AM/SW radio, TV/FM RF-IF, sweep, synchronization, and audio sections. The TV/FM tuner is a motorized version of the Mallory Inductuner (called an "Inputuner" by DuMont) for rapid tuning over a single continuous 44-216 MHz band (which includes TV Channel 1). The Inductuner is tuned by a triple roller inductor. A centering meter is provided as a tuning aid. The AM/SW tuner has 8 pushbuttons for preset stations, and covers five bands: Broadcast 540-1600 kHz, 49m 5.96-6.19 MHz, 31 m 9.1-10 MHz, 25 m 11.45-12.16 MHz, and 19 m 14.94-15.46 MHz.

    Versions with the -A suffix use a dangerous 60 Hz 4.4 kV transformer and a dual 2X2 voltage doubler to supply 12 kV DC to the CRT anode. A safer RF-type HV supply replaced this in the -B version. The RF supply uses a 6L6G RF oscillator and provides 17 kV DC to the CRT.

    Seven cabinet styles were available. The Hampshire and Westminster have a 20 inch screen with 20BP4 CRT and a unique motor-driven tilt mechanism that positions the CRT vertically within the cabinet when not in use, and tilts horizontal (through an opening provided by open doors on the front) for viewing when in use. The Hampshire and Westminster have 15-inch speaker and a Webster model 70 record changer (78 RPM).

    The Devonshire, Plymouth, Revere, and Sherwood cabinets have a 15-inch screen with a fixed 15AP4 CRT. These sets have a 12-inch speaker and a Webster model 56 changer.

    The "Custom" was an unusual model in its day -- designed for custom built-in installation. The five chassis in this model are mounted in a rack. The CRT is supported by a metal frame for in-wall mounting, and a wall-mountable speaker grill is used. Instructions were provided regarding wall hole sizes, etc.

    Several Westminster, Sherwood, and Custom sets are known to have survived; it is unknown whether any of the other versions can still be found today.

  • Net weight (2.2 lb = 1 kg)
  • 150 kg / 330 lb 6.3 oz (330.396 lb)
  • Price in first year of sale
  • 2,495.00 $
  • Source of data
  • - - Data from my own collection
  • Literature/Schematics (1)
  • Rider TV vol. 1, page 7
  • Author
  • Model page created by Thomas Albrecht. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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The model Westminster is part of the collections of the following members.

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