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RadioFest 2023 MELBOURNE, SEPTEMBER 16-17 – CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF BROADCAST RADIO The Historical Radio Society of Australia (HRSA) is staging Australia’s largest vintage radio exhibition in Melbourne on September 16th & 17th this year. By Kevin Poulter T he exhibition includes displays of rare radios and accessories, plus the sale and auction of highly collectable vintage radios. RadioFest is held every two to three years, rotating between Canberra and Melbourne. Members travel from all over Australia for the best historical radio event in years. This year, it’s being held in Melbourne. It is a fantastic opportunity to see over one thousand restored or restorable radios from all eras, including early last-century crystal sets, to radios and televisions made up until the 1980s. Some of the radios at the show are rarely seen in public, with stunning designs and technology, or are believed to be so rare that they may be the only ones in existence. For example, we have seen a sealed set from 1923. Then there’s the universally admired green AWA Bakelite radio, 66 Silicon Chip nicknamed the “Empire State”. Where and when RadioFest will be held in the Southern Community Centre at 27 Rupert Drive, Mulgrave Victoria, on Friday September 15th (setting up), Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th. Members can access all days, sales, auctions and the dinner. The general public is invited to the exhibition between 10am and 3pm on Sunday September 17th. Taking part in all activities If you would like an ‘access all areas’ membership, including the ability to purchase at sales or the auction, the annual fee is just $50. That price includes a subscription to the quarterly Radio Waves magazine. See the www.hrsa.org.au website for more details on HRSA membership, RadioFest and the Radio Waves magazine. 100 years of radio This QR code will lead your mobile phone to the RadioFest Web pages, or visit www.hrsa.org.au Australia's electronics magazine RadioFest 2023 coincides with the Australian centenary of broadcast radio (100 years since the first radio broadcast in the country). siliconchip.com.au Radio Waves magazine includes “how-to” features on restoring radios to top working condition and near-new appearance. There are also many pages with parts for sale and advertising restoration services. It’s interesting to note that the date of the first licensed public broadcast was misreported many times. So radio historians, including this author, had to research original newspaper stories and advertising before, during and after 1923 to determine the actual date. It was confirmed as November 23rd 1923, followed by commercial broadcasting (with advertising) the following year. About the HRSA The Historical Radio Society of Australia (HRSA) is one of the largest vintage radio organisations in the world, with nearly 1200 members in various states and regions, including ex-pats overseas. Members share a passion for collecting and restoring radios, mainly Australian. However, many early radios sold here in the 1920s were from overseas, like Atwater Kent radios, imported from the USA but built for Australian mains power and reception specifications. HRSA groups have monthly meetings in major areas like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. The non-profit group has been dedicated to Australia’s radio heritage since the HRSA’s founding in 1982. The aim is to bring together individuals who share an interest in preserving and collecting vintage radios, broadcasting equipment, military radios, TVs, radiograms and related items. The society’s members include radio enthusiasts, historians, collectors and individuals with a great interest in early radio. There are over 30,000 AM radios in HRSA members’ collections. wiring looms, transistors, circuit manuals and much more. A circuit service assists members in finding the circuit they want, from thousands of circuits, within the HRSA and other sources like online. Member-to-member trading is encouraged in the magazine’s “yellow pages” classifieds, auctions and at monthly meetings. The radios offered by members for sale range from those which have been restored to others awaiting your expertise to bring an old original radio up to display standard, even fully operational. You don’t need to be a technician – members can learn many techniques along the way. Radio Waves magazine The HRSA publishes a regular magazine called “Radio Waves” that features articles, stories, and news related to radio history and preservation. The magazine provides a platform for members to contribute their research, experiences, and discoveries. Learn vintage restoration techniques and fascinating radio history in the quarterly colour magazine. See you at RadioFest 2023 Come and join us to see more than 60 tables of radios and meet members who will share their knowledge, display their collections, and engage in discussions about radio history. This event provides opportunities for networking, learning, acquiring radios and exchanging information among SC members. Two radios of the hundreds to be seen at RadioFest 2023. The green AWA “Empire State” (left) is highly collectable and most collectors want to have at least one Astor “Mickey Mouse” (above). Resources Members have access to 50,000 valves, plus other parts like 1920s siliconchip.com.au This world-class magazine is typically 68 pages and includes 20 “yellow pages” of member advertisements and announcements. Silicon Chip also publishes restoration stories from HRSA members in most issues, again to impart knowledge and encourage restorations. Overall, the HRSA plays a crucial role in preserving Australia’s radio heritage, fostering a sense of community among radio enthusiasts, and promoting the understanding and appreciation of radio history in Australia and overseas. Australia's electronics magazine August 2023  67