Note
QST, Jun 1946, p. 4.
Lafayette catalog number 88 (1947), p. 100. (says up to 43 MHz)
QST, Jan 1950 p. 105. (S-38A, so 1949)
QST, Aug 1950 p. 73. (S-38B)
QST, Oct 1952, p. 4. (S-38C)
QST, Nov 1954, p. 118. (S-38D)
QST, Dec 1957, p. 161. (S-38E)
The initial Hallicrafters S-38 was a significant product for its time. Post-war America saw a burgeoning interest in electronics and shortwave listening, and Hallicrafters aimed to capture this market with an economical yet capable receiver. Priced at a modest $39.50, it offered features typically found in more expensive models.
A key factor in its widespread appeal was its industrial design. The cabinet for the S-38, along with its immediate successors (S-38A, B, and C), was famously designed by the renowned French-American industrial designer Raymond Loewy (probably better known for his steam locomotives of the 1930s and 40s. Loewy's influence is evident in the distinctive Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, particularly the iconic dual semi-circular tuning dials – a large main tuning dial on the left and a smaller, bandspread dial on the right. This visual signature made the S-38 immediately recognizable and aesthetically pleasing.
The S-38 (original) was a transformerless, six-tube superheterodyne receiver. The rest of these series used a circuit often referred to as an "All-American Five" with a few enhancements.
Notable features for an entry-level set included:
Four Bands: Covering the standard AM broadcast band (.54 to 1.65 MHz) and three shortwave bands, extending up to 30 MHz (later models up to 32 MHz).
Electrical Bandspread: A separate tuning dial provided fine-tuning within a selected shortwave band, making it easier to pinpoint stations and amateur radio signals.
Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL): A useful feature for reducing static and impulse noise.
Headphone Terminals: For private listening.
Standby Switch: Allowed for quick switching between receive and standby modes, particularly useful when paired with a transmitter for amateur radio operation.
Variable BFO: The original S-38 uniquely featured a variable BFO for receiving Continuous Wave (CW, or Morse code) and early Single Sideband (SSB) signals. This allowed the listener to "tune in" the characteristic beat note of a CW signal.
One crucial aspect of the S-38's design, inherited from its "All-American Five" lineage, was its transformerless power supply. While cost-effective, this design presented a significant safety concern: the chassis was directly connected to one side of the AC line. This meant a shock hazard existed if the set was not properly isolated or if the original safety measures (like the back cover and chassis isolators) were compromised. Modern restoration practices for these radios invariably involve the use of an isolation transformer for safe operation.
Evolution of the Series: S-38A, B, C, D, and E
The success of the original S-38 led Hallicrafters to continuously refine and update the series over its long production run.
S-38A (1946)
The S-38A was the first revision, primarily distinguished by the omission of the dedicated BFO tube. Instead, it used the IF amplifier tube (12SK7) in a regenerative circuit to generate the beat frequency. While still functional for CW, it lacked the independent "pitch" control of the original S-38's variable BFO, making tuning CW and SSB slightly less precise. This change was a cost-saving measure, reducing the tube count and simplifying the circuit.
S-38B (1949)
The S-38B continued the evolution, largely similar to the S-38A in terms of features and appearance. Minor circuit refinements were often incorporated as production progressed, but the core design remained consistent.
S-38C (1952)
The S-38C maintained the familiar Raymond Loewy cabinet and dual semi-circular dials. Key differences included a slightly lighter gray cabinet color and a "light on dark" dial scale, improving readability. Functionally, it still lacked the dedicated, variable BFO of the original S-38.
S-38D (1954)
The S-38D marked a significant cosmetic departure from its predecessors. Abandoning the distinctive dual semi-circular dials, the D and subsequent E models featured a rectangular, linear dial scale that spanned most of the front panel. This gave them a more "modern" look for the mid-1950s. Internally, the circuit remained largely similar to the earlier "A" through "C" models, retaining the five-tube design.
S-38E (1957-1961)
The S-38E was the final iteration of the series and arguably the most common due to its longer production run. It further embraced the mid-century modern aesthetic with a new cabinet style and smaller tuning knobs. Functionally, it offered the same broadcast and shortwave coverage. Variants of the S-38E also appeared, such as the S-38EM (mahogany-painted steel cabinet with gold trim) and the S-38EB (blonde metal case with gold trim), adding further cosmetic options. The S-38E continued the tradition of being an affordable, general-coverage shortwave receiver, proving popular until its discontinuation in 1961. Significantly, it used all miniature tubes.
The transformerless design, while presenting safety challenges, eliminated the need for a heavy and costly power transformer, contributing significantly to the S-38's low price point and lighter weight (around 12 pounds). The chassis was typically live, meaning it was directly connected to one side of the AC power line. This necessitated careful design to prevent accidental contact with the chassis and required users to be aware of the proper orientation of the two-prong AC plug in the wall socket (although this was often not clearly communicated or understood by casual users).
Despite its basic nature, the S-38 was surprisingly sensitive for its class, capable of picking up distant shortwave broadcasts with a decent antenna. Its primary limitations were generally in selectivity and image rejection, common weaknesses for single-conversion superheterodynes without an RF amplifier stage. However, for general shortwave listening (SWL) and casual amateur band monitoring, it was more than adequate.
The S-38's Enduring Legacy and Nostalgia
The Hallicrafters S-38 series had a profound impact on several generations of radio enthusiasts. For many, it was their first shortwave receiver, opening up a world of international broadcasts, amateur radio communications, and the mysteries of the airwaves. Stories abound of young listeners huddled over their S-38s, tuning in to far-off stations like Radio Australia, HCJB, or the BBC, or listening to the captivating beeps of Sputnik in 1957.
Its simplicity made it an excellent learning tool. Many hams got their start listening to CW on an S-38 and learning to copy Morse code at 5 words per minute. Its simple but reliable design and construction meant that many units survived decades of use and often abuse.
Today, the S-38 series remains a popular choice for antique radio collectors and restorers. Its iconic design, particularly the early A, B, and C models with their Raymond Loewy styling, makes them visually appealing display pieces. From a restoration standpoint, their straightforward circuitry makes them relatively easy to work on. Common issues include dried-out electrolytic capacitors, drifted resistors, and worn dial cords, all of which are generally repairable with readily available components.
The S-38's place in history is not that of a high-performance, precision instrument, but rather that of a gateway drug to a lifelong hobby. It democratized shortwave listening, making it accessible to the masses, and in doing so, inspired countless future engineers, technicians, and radio amateurs. It stands as a testament to Hallicrafters' ability to produce a highly successful and beloved product by balancing features, cost, and design in the post-war era. Its legacy continues in the countless stories of discovery and wonder that it ignited in the hearts and minds of its users.
Tubes
S-38: 12SA7, 12SK7, (2)12SQ7, 35L6, 35Z5
S-38A/B/C: 12SA7, 12SK7, 12SQ7, 50L6, 35Z5
S-38D:12SA7, 12SG7, 12SQ7, 50L6, 35Z5
S-38E: 12BE6, 12BA6, 12AU6, 50C4, 35W4
References
Review (S-38): CQ, Jul 1946; CQ, Sep 1986
Brief description (S-38). Radio News, Jul 1946, p.76.
