Rangemaster, Little Nipper J4-17 Ch= J4
His Master's Voice (HMV, H.M.V.), EMI (Australia) Ltd.; Sydney, NSW
- Country
- Australia
- Manufacturer / Brand
- His Master's Voice (HMV, H.M.V.), EMI (Australia) Ltd.; Sydney, NSW
- Year
- 1961–1966
- Category
- Broadcast Receiver - or past WW2 Tuner
- Radiomuseum.org ID
- 159229
Front view of Dark Green model
Close-up of Car Aerial Socket
Case rear with no Car Aerial socket.
Front view
Click on the schematic thumbnail to request the schematic as a free document.
- Number of Transistors
- 7
- Main principle
- Superhet with RF-stage; ZF/IF 455 kHz; 2 AF stage(s)
- Tuned circuits
- 7 AM circuit(s)
- Wave bands
- Broadcast only (MW).
- Power type and voltage
- Dry Batteries / 9 Volt
- Loudspeaker
- Permanent Magnet Dynamic (PDyn) Loudspeaker (moving coil) / Ø 5 inch = 12.7 cm
- Material
- Plastics (no bakelite or catalin)
- from Radiomuseum.org
- Model: Rangemaster, Little Nipper J4-17 Ch= J4 - His Master's Voice HMV, H.M.V.
- Shape
- Portable set > 8 inch (also usable without mains)
- Dimensions (WHD)
- 12 x 6.5 x 4.375 inch / 305 x 165 x 111 mm
- Notes
-
His Master's Voice Model J4-17 "Range-Master"
Battery operated broadcast cordless/portable radio having seven transistors and two diodes. Cabinet with "fold-away" handle of moulded Cycolac (a new pliable material which the manufacturer claims is unbreakable), in two-tone colours of white with red, grey, pink or blue.
Features: Ferrite rod aerial; provision for external aerial and earth. Frequency range 540-1600 kC/s (kHz). Operates from one Eveready Type 276P (9V) battery; consumption at zero audio output, 11 mA, 50 mW output 30mA; expected average operational life of 400 hours is claimed for battery. Speaker: special 5"; peak audio output ½W from Class AB push-pull output stage. New design IF transformers.
Controls: volume, on-off/tone. Straight-line dial scale with all Australian stations; dial light operated by push-button switch.
Easily serviced by removing two screws and back to expose printed circuits and components. (FROM MINGAY'S PRICE SERVICE)
The early versions are marked "HMV Transistor" on the handle with later versions marked "HMV Rangemaster". Both use the J4-17 chassis. Later radios have a socket for a Car Antenna. Serial numbers ranging from 00454 to above 32614 indicate an extended production run.
- Net weight (2.2 lb = 1 kg)
- 2.8 kg / 6 lb 2.7 oz (6.167 lb)
- Price in first year of sale
- 30.45 AUS £
- Mentioned in
- Mingay's Price Service (Aug 1961 to Feb 1966.)
- Literature/Schematics (1)
- -- Original-techn. papers. (HMV Service Manual for Chassis Type J4)
- Literature/Schematics (2)
- J.R. Publications Transistor Radio Service Handbook (Group 4, 24/5/1961, Page H12.)
- Literature/Schematics (3)
- J.R. Publications Transistor Radio Service Handbook (A Series Handbook, Page H34.)
- Literature/Schematics (4)
- Aug 1961 to Feb 1966.
- Author
- Model page created by a member from A. See "Data change" for further contributors.
- Other Models
-
Here you find 586 models, 405 with images and 283 with schematics for wireless sets etc. In French: TSF for Télégraphie sans fil.
All listed radios etc. from His Master's Voice (HMV, H.M.V.), EMI (Australia) Ltd.; Sydney, NSW
Collections
The model Rangemaster, Little Nipper is part of the collections of the following members.
Forum contributions about this model: His Master's Voice: Rangemaster, Little Nipper J4-17 Ch= J4
Threads: 2 | Posts: 2
One of my many examples of this model (J4-17 chassis No. 00454) has on the handle the word TRANSISTOR where the later radios have RANGEMASTER (or TOWNSMAN (J6-19 chassis) for the 6 transistor look-alike). See the photo below which is also on the second page of the model.
Attachments
Brian Wilson, 13.Feb.13
I have found a very early example of this radio but it does not bear the Rangemaster designation. The handle has H.M.V. (including the full stops) Transistor. The Chassis Number is 00454. I have posted photos up to the Rangemaster model as it has the J4-17 chassis.
Attachments
- Early J4-17 case (133 KB)
Brian Wilson, 23.Jan.13