Note
Material supplied by Harry Lott, W2ARJC, ex-8GQ, WIBX, WAHG
Here is a summary of the article tracking the history and technical innovations of Stromberg-Carlson:
Company Origins and Telephone Equipment
Founding: Stromberg-Carlson was founded in Chicago in 1894 by Alfred Stromberg and Androv Carlson, both of Swedish descent, who pooled their savings while working for the Chicago Telephone Company.
Relocation: To maintain competitiveness, they moved their operations to Rochester, New York in 1904, becoming a major supplier to the Rochester Telephone Company. Though the founders returned to Chicago shortly after, the company grew into one of the country's largest independent telephone equipment manufacturers.
Transition to Radio and Television
Early Components: S-C began manufacturing radio components as early as 1910, producing headsets for the Navy in 1915 and later audio transformers.
First Receivers: They introduced a horn-type loudspeaker in late 1923 and their first 5-tube receiver, the Model 1-A (using Hazeltine's neutrodyne circuit), in early 1924.
Market Position: Despite intense industry competition in the mid-1920s, S-C thrived by focusing strictly on high-quality engineering, earning a reputation as the mass-produced "Cadillac" of radio receivers.
Broadcasting: In 1927, S-C purchased the pioneer broadcast station WHAM, a 50,000-watt clear channel station, using it to pioneer shortwave and FM transmissions until it was sold in 1955.
Television: S-C pioneered as a television manufacturer in 1939 with models like the Model 112 (which included a 10-inch screen with mirror reflection) and continued TV production until 1955.
Key Technical Innovations (1925–1939)
The S-C Engineering Department introduced multiple industry advancements:
1925: Total shielding on production-basis receivers (Models 601 and 602).
1927: Introduction of phonograph jacks (Models 523, 633, and 734) and one-piece metal chassis construction including the power supply.
1929: Linear power detection made possible by A.C. screen grid tubes, visual tuning meters, and Automatic Volume Control (AVC).
1935: The acoustical labyrinth speaker system for high-fidelity audio.
1939: Dual co-axial speaker systems, becoming the second company in the United States licensed to manufacture FM receivers.
Post-War Shift and Phasing Out
Following 1955, the company merged with General Dynamics. Plant facilities slowly shifted from consumer electronics toward military and electronic production. S-C phased out its high-fidelity receivers and components completely in 1961, splitting into two distinct Rochester-based divisions under General Dynamics and the Stromberg-Carlson Telephone Manufacturing Co.
