National SW-54 General Communications Receiver
  • Power: 105-130V AC/DC - 50/60Hz
  • Wavebands: tuneable from 540KHz to 30MHz across 4 switched bands
    • 0.54 - 1.60MHz
    • 1.60 - 4.70MHz
    • 4.60 - 14.5MHz
    • 12.0 - 30.0MHz
  • Sensitivity: 50µV at higher frequencies, 15-25µV at lower bands.
  • Valve lineup: 5 total
    • 12BE6(converter);
    • 12BA6(IF amplifier);
    • 12AV6(detector/AVC);
    • 50C5 (audio output);
    • 35Z5 (rectifier)
  • Released: 1951 -1958
  • Original price: c.$55

Going head to head with the Hallicrafters S38 series is the entry level receiver from National Radio - the SW-54. Although it has a bandspread dial, it actually lacks a separate tuning capacitor for this function (a feature of the Hallis.) but does provide for finer tuning control.

The cabinet is finished in a hammertone silver grey and the chassis is plated in burnished copper - very handsome!

Last updated 28th December 2004

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