Note
QST, May 1957, p. 2.
Allied Radio catalog 1958 (copyright 1957), p. 263.
QST. May 1958, p. 2. (accessories)
Allied Radio catalog 1959 (copyright 1958), p. 369.
Collins created a new category of ham gear when they introduced the KWM-1 in 1957. Although large, heavy receivers and transmitters would stay around for some time to come, the compact transceiver eventually changed the ham shack and the way amateurs operated. Designed initially as a mobile rig, Collins developed a line of accessories that made it a good candidate for fixed stations and portable work. Its major shortcoming, in the eyes of many amateurs, was that it operated only on 20, 15, and 10 meters. The KWM-1 used 24 tubes in a circuit that employed the famous Collins PTO and mechanical filter. Power output from the 6146 finals was 100 watts.