ROBERTS R300 BLUE BLACK RETRO TRANSISTOR RADIO
This is a rare example of a classic Roberts R300 portable transistor radio from the early sixties. The radio has been cleaned and serviced and is in fully working condition. Please see detailed photos to judge condition for yourself. The case is finished in dark blue leatherette – an iconic design for Roberts copied in their slightly larger Revival R550 series. Front grille is very good and top dial is very clear with MW and LW stations colour coded – see photo. The handle is excellent and all brass work is bright. Volume, Tuning and MW/LW/Off knobs are original with brass caps and two have slight cracks but does not affect operation. The dark blue / black leatherette case is good condition with a few scuffs on top and back as shown. Inside the case is clean with no corrosion to the battery compartment. This model has a rotating turntable base for optimum reception.
Sound quality is very clear with decent volume from the Mullard OC81D and OC81 output transistors. Receives MW & LW via built in aerial which is very sensitive – picks up over 20 stations on MW here in the south east. Operates from a 9v PP9 battery (not included but available from Wilkinson for £3.50). Size – approx: 22cm wide, 14cm high, 10cm deep. Weighs in at 1.8Kg. Serial number 50176.
Overall a very desirable classic Roberts transistor radio.
23/08/2021 at 3:49 pm
is this available for sale? and if so what is the price?
24/08/2021 at 4:02 pm
Unfortunately this radio has been sold. I do have several R300s for restoration. As you may know the R200 and R300 suffer from failures in the AF117 transistors that were used in the RF stages. If you are looking for a fully working example check these transistors have been replaced. AF117 has 4 wires and the screen may have been cut in an attempt to get it to work. This is usually a short term fix as the fault can reoccur so is best replaced with an alternative germanium transistor.
29/12/2021 at 9:23 pm
Hi,
We have a couple of the R300 radios similar to this one and I just wondered if they were supposed to have a telescopic aerial like the later models? I have looked at various photos of these models and have never seen an actual aerial, only a hole at the back where I supposed the aerial would have fitted, so just thought I would ask. The radios pick up a signal but only just, so thought if I could find an old aerial it would boost the signal.
Many thanks
Rowan
30/12/2021 at 12:10 pm
The rear socket allows an external car aerial to be plugged in so could boost reception. You could try a 3 metre length of wire attached to the inner centre socket on the rear to see if it improves the signal. Telescopic aerials for MW and LW really need to be much longer than those suited for higher frequency FM. AFAIK the R300 never had a telescopic aerial as standard – the internal ferrite aerial is better suited. If signals are weak I suspect the AF117 transistors need replacing unless you are located in a position where there’s poor signal strength. Hope this helps, Rick