Polski (PL) 
English (United Kingdom) 
International Meeting of Vintage Radio Enthusiasts and Collectors
"Radio-Union Radio Receiver Factory"
Warsaw, October 20, 2013
Prepared by: Grzegorz "gsmok" Makarewicz,
Unlike the last meeting, the one I'm describing here not only wasn't late, but I arrived early to take a few photos before the scheduled lectures began. Also unlike the last meeting, this time I received an identification tag 😄. So, even before the proceedings began, I could consider my participation very fruitful 😊. This was, of course, just a joke to cover up my confusion at not recognizing a few of my colleagues from the TRIODA Forum at the meeting 😟.
I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for any awkwardness that has already occurred, and for any that will likely arise at future Meetings. The truth is, I've simply had trouble recognizing faces since childhood, and that's where my social difficulties stem from. But let's get back to the topic of description. The organizers have established the following program for the Meeting:
- 10:00 Welcoming guests
- 10:30 Trioda Society - upcoming plans
(Mr. Mariusz Matejczyk) - 10:45 Radio station in Raszyn - history
(presentation by Mr. Andrzej Jasiecki) - 11:30 Radio-Union Radio Receiver Factory
(presentation by Mr. Hieronim Krauze) - 12:15 Lunch
- 13:00 The evolution of radio as an element of applied art - from the living room to the traditional pocket
(lecture by Mr. Piotr Paszkowski) - 14:30 Collectible exchange forum combined with a mini-stock exchange.
Apart from some deviations from the start time, all schedule items were completed.
Participants arrived well before the meeting was scheduled to begin. From the outset, attendance was expected to be large.
A permanent element of the hall's sound system is an Elektrit receiver.
Of course, I walked over right away and was mesmerized for the umpteenth time by the view of the interior and exterior 🤨. Below, of course, we see the interior.
I wasn't the only one who was attracted to the Elektrit. Someone was constantly moving around nearby, fiddling with something. Perhaps it was the owner – if so, he's withdrawing his comment about the unjustified fiddling.
The meeting's opening date approaches. The speakers nervously pace near the projector. On the screen is a "test pattern," the introductory slide to the presentation about Radio Station Raszyn. Next to the projector are two posters...
... leaving no doubt as to the main theme of the Meeting.
And so it began. The Meeting Chairman, at first timidly, then increasingly loudly, tried to call the room to order. Following an old cinematic tradition, the "basketball team members," the most ardent retro radio enthusiasts, immediately took their seats at the front of the room, effectively blocking my view. When I turn left, they turn left as a group; when I turn right, they turn right too. And always as a group. Did they collude or something?
Despite being asked to take their seats for several minutes, the other participants continued to chatter along the walls. I stood up briefly to take this photo, and I think my action confused the Chairman, as it looked like I was trying to join in with the unruly "wall chatterers."
Finally, it worked ☺️. A silence fell, and Mr. Andrzej Jasiecki's presentation on the history of the Raszyn Radio Station began. Was it interesting? Absolutely. Just a few parameters: two 200-meter-high antenna masts and a 280-meter-long horizontal antenna. There was plenty to hear and see. The speaker, professionally associated with the Raszyn Radio Station, presented a wealth of photos and interesting facts. Did you know that after World War II, the radio station was rebuilt and a new single antenna mast was made from the parts of two destroyed antenna masts? It was shorter than either of the pre-war antenna masts (about 180 meters), but it served its purpose. An interesting element of the presentation was a documentary film showing the grand opening of the rebuilt radio station. Everything took place with pomp and circumstance and with the participation of the highest state authorities.
The next speaker, Mr. Hieronim Krauze, spoke about the Radio-Union Radio Receiver Factory. Unfortunately, little information about this company's products has survived. The best example is the "unknown type" markings on the radio receivers included in the exhibition accompanying the Meeting. The presentation was therefore rather modest, but as we know, "Solomon can't pour from empty." It's difficult to talk about something without any data—only politicians can do that. Regardless, design-wise (and I'm referring to the last lecture), Radio-Union radios look excellent. They were originally intended exclusively for a wealthier clientele.
Following a presentation on Radio-Union products, Mr. Marek Gaszyński (Vice President of the Polish YMCA) addressed the audience and appealed for help in establishing a Jazz Museum. For those interested, here's the website address: www.muzeumjazzu.pl.
Lunch break. The more hungry hurriedly headed to the adjacent banquet room, the more thirsty clung to the drinks table placed near the door in the council chamber, and the more talkative huddled against the walls, continuing their discussions. I remained alone in the center of the room, suppressing my hunger, thirst, and chatter, and took the photo below. And who will appreciate this dedication?
After the break, Mr. Piotr Paszkowski began his lecture. I can confidently describe the speaker's approach to the evolution of radio as an element of applied art as AMAZING. I must admit, feeling lazy after drinking tea, I wasn't expecting such a riveting presentation. It was one of the best lectures I've ever heard as a seasoned lecturer. GORGEOUS 😀. In short, the lecture began with a chronology of events and inventions that led to the development of the radio industry over the decades. This was followed by an interesting theory on the evolution of radio receivers – from devices designed solely for their practical purposes, to true works of art designed by renowned industrial designers who set the trends for everyday objects. Radios were initially small, then grew to the size of furniture, only to be miniaturized in subsequent decades. All the trends presented were richly illustrated with photographs of radio receivers from the speaker's private collection.
Returning home, I was delighted to be able to share many details of the lecture in this report. The materials on the released CD were to be the basis. And, a nasty surprise – the organizer didn't include any presentations or even the most modest materials. For that, he deserves a thumbs up 🤪. Reports from the field (i.e., the TRIODA Forum) indicate that such materials may be made available. In the meantime, I can only thank the speaker for the wonderful lecture and disagree with the speaker that the KOS radio is beautiful. To me, it's, to put it mildly, ugly 😬. I have a blue one and try not to look at it unnecessarily. As for the other opinions – I won't argue.
The end of the presentation was a bit sad, as it was a photo of the last model of a radio receiver produced in Poland, probably in 1992 (I write probably because I am not sure if I remembered the production date correctly and I cannot verify it due to the mentioned lack of materials).
And finally, it's time for the photo gallery. Below, I present a set of photographs of Radio-Union radios included in the exhibition accompanying the Meeting.
A reaction-type radio, manufactured around 1935/1936. Unfortunately, the type is unknown. It is part of the collection of Mr. Eugeniusz Szczygieł.
A scale with an octagonal shape, very characteristic of Radio-Union products.
View of the interior and construction details.
The speaker is in very good cosmetic condition. Unfortunately, I don't know about its electrical parameters.
Another reaction-type radio receiver, manufactured around 1935/1936. Type unknown. An exhibit from the collection of Mr. Eugeniusz Szczygieł.
Characteristic scale.
A flap covering the speaker outlet.
Rear view. It's a shame the mesh cover hasn't survived.
A superheterodyne radio receiver, manufactured in 1937/1938. The exhibit was kindly provided by Mr. Henryk Berezowski.
Superheterodyne radio receiver. Model 64B, manufactured around 1938. The exhibit was kindly provided by Mr. Henryk Berezowski.
Superheterodyne radio receiver. LUX model, manufactured in 1937/1938. The exhibit was kindly provided by Mr. Eugeniusz Szczygieł.
A superheterodyne radio receiver. Model 63Z, manufactured in 1937/1938. The exhibit was kindly provided by Mr. Mariusz Matejczyk.
A superheterodyne radio receiver. Model 21Z, manufactured in 1937/1938. The exhibit was kindly provided by Mr. Eugeniusz Szczygieł.
Finally, a few photos from the mini market. Here are a few tables completely stocked with items...
... and interesting radios.
And here are the radios from the mini exchange.
An interesting functional and decorative element.
One of the most sought-after vacuum tube testers on the market is the P-508. Next to it are a number of tubes that, I understand, have been tested using the tester.
On a separate table, one could see the results of work related to the production of "knob-like" elements. This is a very interesting source of parts that can fill the gaps in many a valuable radio. For those interested, the website address is: www.retrortv.com.
In summary, the meeting was very interesting. Those who missed it should regret it. The next meeting is planned for May of next year.
Grzegorz "gsmok" Makarewicz,