REL Signal – Czechoslovak Valve Radio from the Late 1940s

EL Signal – Czechoslovak Valve Radio from the Late 1940s
REL Signal

The REL Signal is a post-war Czechoslovak table radio built by REL, Electrum, Brno around 1947/1948. It represents the early years after the Second World War, when radio production in Central Europe was slowly returning to civilian domestic receivers. Shortly afterwards, the manufacturer became part of the nationalised Tesla structure, which makes this set an interesting example from the transition period between private pre-war radio production and post-war state-controlled industry.

Technically, the Signal is a classic AM superheterodyne receiver with long wave, medium wave and two short-wave ranges. The set uses a five-valve line-up, commonly listed as ECH21, ECH21, EBL21, AZ11 and EM11, although other valve combinations were apparently used in some examples. The tuning indicator gives the receiver the characteristic appearance of a better post-war domestic radio.

The wooden cabinet, glass dial and relatively large loudspeaker make the REL Signal a solid and attractive household radio of its period. Compared with many compact bakelite sets, it has a more traditional furniture-like appearance, typical of radios that were intended to be visible objects in the living room rather than purely technical appliances.

Condition as Acquired

This REL Signal is currently preserved in unrestored, as acquired condition.

No restoration work has yet been carried out, the radio has not been cosmetically refinished and no attempt has been made to modernise its internal appearance.

Technical Overview

  • Manufacturer: REL, Electrum, Brno
  • Model: Signal
  • Country: Czechoslovakia
  • Year: approx. 1947/1948
  • Type: AM superheterodyne table receiver
  • Wavebands: Long Wave, Medium Wave, 2 × Short Wave
  • Intermediate frequency: 468 kHz
  • Valve line-up: ECH21, ECH21, EBL21, AZ11, EM11
  • Power supply: AC mains, 110–240 V
  • Cabinet: Wooden table cabinet
  • Loudspeaker: Permanent-magnet dynamic loudspeaker
  • Output power: approx. 2.6 W

Circuit Diagram

REL Signal Schematic
REL Signal Schematic

References

Pictures

EL Signal – Czechoslovak Valve Radio from the Late 1940s: rear view
REL Signal rear view
EL Signal – Czechoslovak Valve Radio from the Late 1940s: inside view
REL Signal inside view