ROBERTS R200 GREEN RETRO TRANSISTOR RADIO
This is a very nice example of a classic Roberts R200 portable transistor radio from the early sixties. The radio has been restored, cleaned and serviced and is in fully working condition. Please see detailed photos to judge condition for yourself. The case is finished in green leatherette – an iconic design for Roberts copied in their Revival series. Front grille is very good with only very minor dings. Top dial is clear with MW and LW stations colour coded but there are a few light scratches to the perspex and the station dial where the pointer has rubbed – see photo. The replacement handle is excellent and all brass work is bright. Volume, Tuning and MW/LW/Off knobs are original but not with brass caps. The green leatherette case is excellent condition with minor marking where the handle rubs the case. 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. 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 an external 9v (pin negative) mains adapter (not supplied) or a 9v PP9 battery (not included but available from Wilkinson for £3.50). Size – approx: 22cm wide, 14cm high, 10cm deep. Weighs in at 1.7Kg. Serial number 115560.
Overall a very desirable classic Roberts transistor radio.
21/09/2015 at 7:58 pm
Hello!
Just few weeks ago I have repaired “RobertsR200” radio with serial number 164338 printed od the back facit.
I changed all electrolytic condensers (but leaved old plastic cases) and 2 HF transistors (I had only OC170 and OC169). Radio is activ excelent!
Greetings from Mikolaj Botta (Poland)
22/09/2015 at 7:47 am
Hi Mikolaj
Thanks for your feedback and suggestion of the OC169 as a replacement for the AF series germanium transistor that usually fails.
The OC169 and OC170 were a better quality device intended for higher frequency SW radio but of course work well at LW/MW frequency. In fact Clive Sinclair a UK designer in the 60s / 70s wrote a book – Transistor circuit manual number 4 that mentions the OC169.
Good to hear another radio saved!
09/11/2021 at 4:40 pm
Hello there I am new to the Roberts R200, could you tell me wherabouts the aerial is please. I have an R250 myself. Is it inside the radio?
Many thanks
10/11/2021 at 8:20 pm
Hi Amanda, the aerial is inside the R200 – it’s the round dark grey bar that runs along the base of the cabinet – see the photo of the open radio in the post. There’s also a car radio socket on the back at the top. You can connect a length of wire to improve reception. The R200 receives long and medium wave bands so does not have a telescopic aerial like the R250 FM radios use. The internal ferrite aerial works well but the radio may need rotating to increase volume – it’s why Roberts fitted the turntable on the base.
10/02/2023 at 5:26 pm
Hi. I have been searching for a red R200 to replace my mother’s, which was stolen after a party years ago. Just come across this page. If you’ve any idea where I might look (ebay hasn’t panned out) I’d be grateful. Thanks
12/02/2023 at 10:29 pm
Depends if you are looking for a replacement R200 that will actually work as a radio, or just for display. There are always several examples available on eBay for under £30 or Etsy for a little more , but are unlikely to function without a service. A service may be as simple as some switch cleaner on the wave change switch contacts and volume control. Some sellers do refurbish the older Roberts models – the description will say if the radio is fully working condition and these will typically cost over £50. If you need a working replacement you could try eBay again or Etsy or an antique / collectibles emporium and take it to a repair cafe. You can try a local search for repair cafes in your area. Cosmetically, the case can be cleaned with mild detergent and toothbrush and the control knobs removed and soaked to brush away the years of grime. The brass brights may come loose and can be glued back in place or replacement found from eBay. All Roberts radios from that era have a serial number so it’s worth making a note in case you loose one again as it’s possible to trace using the number. Good luck, it’s possible you will find one.