HomeBREW & Non-Factory
Originally featured in a 1920s issue of the Newark Sunday Call, this receiver design relied on the Atwater Kent Variocoupler and Variable Condenser but was never officially authorized (or recommended by the company). The "DX" design utilizes a specific form of regeneration technically called "Variable Coupling Tickler Feedback." This circuit differed from the modified No. 3975 (which used a Variometer) by connecting a Variable Condenser across the primary coil and the aerial-ground circuit. There are known variants of this model with a single detector unit, or with TA Detector and single stage amplifier (as shown) or a TA with Detector, two-stage amplifier.
In addition to the examples on this page, be sure to visit DX Sets Continued featuring the wonderful sets from the Don Sturzenbecher collection.
DX
REINHARD BROS
Beginning in 1922, Reinhard Brothers (a Minneapolis distributor) began assembling early receiver sets. These units actually predated Atwater Kent’s entry into factory production. Reinhard built these sets using official Atwater Kent parts mounted on thick, premium Bakelite sheets. It is widely believed that Reinhard's success proved the market viability of pre-assembled sets to Arthur Atwater Kent, prompting him to launch his own factory line. The example featured here is the only known surviving, all-original Reinhard set. (An additional Reinhard No. 3975 reproduction is featured here).
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie
In the early 1920s, radio was primarily the domain of the enthusiast. Before the introduction of factory-assembled models, Atwater Kent fueled this exploding market by selling individual high-grade components directly to the public. This section features the unique receivers born from that era: sets built by third-party companies and individual hobbyists using official AK parts. These 'non-factory' and 'homebrew' creations offer a fascinating glimpse into the dawn of broadcasting, showcasing the hands-on spirit that defined the technology’s earliest adopters. While not factory produced, they are every bit as part of the fascinating story of the Atwater Kent Breadboards.
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie
Image Courtesy of Grant Kornberg, Technogallerie