My selection

Here are gathered the books that allowed me to better understand the operation of vintage radios. You will find theoretical and technical works dating from the era of tubes, but also more recent works on electronics, physics, or mathematics that allow the design of test equipment or the development of calculation programs whose primary use is not related to vintage radios. Some of them are still published and therefore available. For the others, you need to visit vintage radio fairs or make requests on specialized forums: forum.retrotechnique.org, archives.doctsf.com, annonces.retrotechnique.org, tubebooks.org, etc...

Paul Berché - Practice and theory of TSF.(1937) and reviewed by Roger RAFFIN(1958)

Pratique et théorie de la TSF cover
Contents:
  • introduction to the study of vibratory movements
  • acoustics
  • complement to the study of vibratory movements.
  • the CGS unit system and commercial and industrial units
  • direct current
  • magnetism and electricity and the CGS system
  • alternating current
  • the Ruhmkorff coil and its teachings
  • properties of high-frequency alternating currents resistance at high frequency
  • rectification and filtering of an alternating current
  • generalities
  • the antenna and the ground connection
  • the problem of reception
  • the tubes
  • modern reception
  • frequency modulation
  • the cathode ray tube and the cathode ray oscilloscope
Without a doubt, the French work on the subject is the most concise. Some typos in the formulas...
Carnets TSF Details here (228Kb)

Lucien Chrétien - Theory and Practice of Radioelectricity. 4 Volumes (1933)

Théorie et Pratique de la Radioélectricité
Contents:
  • The basics of Radioelectricity
  • Theory of Radioelectricity
  • Practice of Radioelectricity
  • Modern components
Very complete, it reviews all aspects of electricity and radio. This pioneer of TSF published numerous works on the subject. The mathematical prerequisite is low. Its flaw is also its quality: "its age".

Roger Crespin - Memento Tungsram. Vol III (1945)

Memento Tungsram cover
Contents:
  • Optics electronics
  • Electrical Filters
  • Radio Measurements
  • Transformers and Chokes
  • Troubleshooting of receivers
  • Alignment of receivers
  • Humming, whistling and silence
  • Improvements and modernizations
  • The Pick-up
  • Devices for the resourceful
  • Tricks and tips
  • Calculations, tables and abacuses
  • Launching and operation of a Service
  • General characteristics of tubes
Amazingly simple and clear, this work intended for Radio repairmen was published annually (except during WWII). Full of tips and nomograms, it contains a tube library. This was my first book on TSF. But in fact, it makes you want to know more. An interesting site on the history of this memento can be consulted here Tungsram and Crespin.

E.Aisberg — H. Gilloux — R. Soreau - Technical manual of radio.(1942)

Manuel technique de la radio cover
Contents:

  • RADIO FORMULAS
    • Multiples and sub-multiples of the metric system
    • Definition of the main electrical units
    • Direct current
    • Alternating current
    • Resistances
    • Self-induction
    • Capacity
    • H Coefficients
    • Tubes
    • Amplifier tube
    • Oscillator tube
    • Detector tube
    • Usual windings
    • Single tuning
  • RADIO NOMOGRAMS
    • Decibel equivalents
    • Oscillating circuits
    • Ohm's Law
    • Joule's Law
    • Capacitance of a capacitor in L.F.
    • Inductance of a winding in L.F.
  • NUMERICAL TABLES
    • Metal wire gauges
    • Conversion of English feet and inches
    • Equivalents of Anglo-American measurements
    • Decimal equivalents of multiples of 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/6
  • ELEMENTS OF MODERN RECEIVERS
    • Detection
    • L.F. Amplification
    • Frequency changing
    • I.F. Amplification
    • H.F. Amplification
    • Receiver power supply
    • Antifading
    • Tone control
    • Visual tuning indicators
    • Negative feedback
    • Contrast expansion
  • CALCULATION OF ASSEMBLY ELEMENTS
    • Direct applications of Ohm's law
    • Calculation of resistor power
    • Calculation of bridges
    • Calculation of the excitation resistance of a dynamic speaker
    • How to determine the characteristics of a power transformer
    • Calculation of the series resistance with filaments in an "all-current" receiver
    • Decoupling capacitors
  • TROUBLESHOOTING
    • The receiver does not work
    • The receiver works, but poorly
  • MODERN TUBES
    • TRANSCONTINENTAL SERIES
      • EK2, EH2 , EF5, EF6, EB4, EBC3, EL2, EL3 , ELS, EBL1, CL2, EM1,4678, EZ2,EZ3,EZ4, CY2-AD1
    • AMERICAN SERIES
      • 6A8, 6L7, 6K7, 6J7, 6H6, 6R7, 6Q7, 6B8, 6C5, 6F5, 6F6, 6L6, 25A6, 25L6, 6D5, 5Z4, 6X5, 25Z6-6Q5
A bit in the spirit of the Crepin/Tungsram Memento.
Carnets TSF Details here (57Kb)

E. Aisberg - Radio, but it's very simple.(1950)

Carnets TSF
Contents:
  • Electrons and protons. Current. Voltage. Intensity. Resistance. Ohm's Law.
  • Alternating current. Magnetic field. Induction.
  • Self-induction. Inductance. Capacity. Capacitors.
  • Charge and discharge. Capacitance. Impedances.
  • Phase shift. Resonance. Oscillating circuit.
  • Tuning. Selectivity. Tuning circuit.
  • Tubes. Cathode. Anode. Grid. Diode. Triode. Characteristics.
  • Tube curves. Operating point. Polarization.
  • Microphone. Low frequency current. Heterodyne. Radiotelegraph transmitter. Modulation.
  • Detection. Diode detection, contact detection, plate curve detection.
  • H.F. and L.F. amplification. Transformer coupling. Power supply and tube polarization.
  • Impedance amplifiers: resistors, inductance and oscillating circuits. "Grid" detection
  • The reaction. Hartley circuit. Parasitic couplings. Shielding. Tetrode. Pentode.
  • Power supply. Rectification. Full-wave rectifier tube. Filtering. Heating. Polarization. Direct current case.
  • Interference. Superheterodyne principle. Frequency changing circuits. Double-grid tube. Heptode. Octode.
  • Image frequencies. Preselection. Diagram of a superheterodyne receiver. Electromagnetic loudspeakers and electrodynamic loudspeakers.
  • Fading. Intensity adjustment. Variable-mu tubes. Anti-fading regulator. Tuning indicator.
  • Modulation bands. Selectivity and musicality. Band-pass filters. Variable selectivity.
  • Complete diagram of a superheterodyne receiver. Its analysis. Final advice.
Radio? ... but it's very simple is a great classic of the introductory book: lively, accessible even to beginners, it explains in detail the operation of radio devices of the time. Its reading does not require prior knowledge, as it contains all the preliminary notions of electricity essential to the study of radio. The historical popularization work on tube radio. There are, by the same author, several popularization books on transistor and television. Without a mathematical basis and through simple mechanical or hydraulic analogies, 2 characters : Curiosus and Ignotus make us understand everything. This work has been recently republished.

Ch. Guilbert - Transformers — Calculation and realization —.(1963)

Carnets TSF
Contents:
  • The electrical transformer
    Losses due to hysteresis, eddy currents, copper heating, magnetic leakage. Reminder of some notions relating to alternating currents. The phase shift angle and power. The transformation ratio. Some reflections on the nature of the service required of the transformer.
  • The rectification of alternating currents. - Filtering. - Dry rectifiers
    The average values of the voltage and current intensity of the rectified current. The valves and dry rectifiers. Their characteristics. Rectification circuits. The case of anode power supply rectifiers. The input capacitor filter cell. The maximum instantaneous current and the capacitance of the first filter capacitor. The input inductor filter cell and the case of the mercury valve. When the rectifier conducts. The choice of the valve. Resonance and critical intensity in input inductor filters. Filtering proper. Dry rectifiers.
  • Filtering inductors
    The calculation of filtering inductors. The percentage of ripple voltage.
  • The calculation of transformers
    The cross-section of the magnetic circuit. Determination of windings, number of turns and cross-section. Wire accommodation. The case of a frequency different from 50 Hz. Calculation example. Power transformers with variable load. Another calculation example. The case of a small number of turns per volt. Combination primaries. Transformers with low magnetic leakage. About various safety devices.
  • Autotransformers
    Examples of autotransformer calculation. An important remark.
  • The development of L.F. amplifiers
    The final stage. The case of the "driver" transformer. The input L.F. voltage. The "amplification chain". L.F. amplifier projects. Phase-shifting stages. Another L.F. amplifier project. How to measure the voltage supplied by a microphone or a pick-up.
  • The calculation of L.F. transformers
    The calculation process. Iron core section. Calculation of the number of primary turns, based on the actual iron core section. Calculation of the transformation ratio. Choice of wire diameters for primary and secondary. Measurement of the L.F. power of an amplifier. Calculation examples. Small output transformer. Transmitter modulation transformer. Note about center-tapped primaries. "Driver" transformer. Divergences! Combination secondaries. Transformers for transistor L.F. circuits.
  • The realization of transformers and filtering inductors
    Insulation to be provided. Protection against humidity. The frame. The wire. Operating temperature. Laminations. Quality. Cutouts. Some preparations. Winding. The electrostatic screen. Frame assembly. Layer-winding machines. Wire guide. Automatic wire tensioner. Turns counter.
  • Special transformers
    Autotransformers with continuous voltage variation. Voltage regulation by variable inductance. Leakage transformers. Transformers for vibrators. Ignition coils. Open circuits. General dimensions. Electrical operating characteristics. Transformers for frequencies higher than 50 Hz. Transformers for transistor converters.
  • Some advice for the realization of L.F. amplifiers
    Hum and oscillation starts. Auxiliary decoupling. Final advice about L.F. and power transformers.
  • Relays and their calculation
    How the problem arises. Some reflections on the magnetic circuit. Reminder of notions on magnetism. Calculations seem to become complicated. When the magnetic circuit has an air gap. Discussion around the NI product. General data on the relay calculation problem. The "most advantageous" winding in a minimum space or on a frame of given dimensions. The complete calculation of direct current relays. Problems and solutions. Operating speed. Time-delay relays. Remanent magnetism. Selector relays. Polarized relays. High-sensitivity relays. Alternating current relays. Mechanical construction of relays and their contacts. Some classic diagrams.
Personally, I have some difficulty with this type of work. The theoretical foundations are drowned in simplifying explanations. I know that many radio enthusiasts like this approach. Interesting work, especially the relay section, which is rarely covered

Marthe Douriau - The construction of small transformers.(1942)

Carnets TSF
Contents:

  • Principle of transformers
  • Characteristics of transformers
  • Calculation of transformers
  • Raw materials
  • Power transformers
  • Choke coils
  • Power transformers and choke coils for high power amplifiers
  • Low frequency transformers
  • Auto-transformers
  • Voltage regulators
  • Transformers for chargers
  • Safety transformers
  • Bell transformers
  • Transformers for welding machines
  • Transformer tests
  • Transformer failures
  • Aluminum windings
  • Winding practice
  • Core-type transformers
  • Some new applications
  • Three-phase transformers
Like many works of this era, it lacks explanations on the fundamentals.
A bit like the "... For Dummies ..." series.
Carnets TSF Details here (70Kb)

E. Pacoret - Aide-mémoire Formulaire de la TSF.(1926)

Lexique officiel des lampes radio
Contents:
  • NOTIONS. UNITS. GENERAL FORMULAS. SYMBOLS. GLOSSARY
  • GENERAL NOTIONS ON ELECTRIC CURRENT
  • NATURE AND PROPAGATION OF ELECTRIC WAVES. OSCILLATIONS AND OSCILLATORS
  • WAVE COLLECTING DEVICES
  • RADIOTELEPHONY, TUBE SETS, RADIATION MEASUREMENTS, TRANSMITTER SETS.
  • APPLICATIONS OF RADIOTELEPHONY
  • RADIOTELEGRAPHY, TRANSMITTER SETS, TUBE RECEIVER SETS
  • APPLICATIONS OF RADIOTELEGRAPHY
  • MEASUREMENTS AND TESTS
  • TRANSMITTING STATIONS
  • SIGNALS AND SCHEDULES, TELEMECHANICS, APPENDIX, ANNEX.
  • REGULATIONS OF RADIO, Bibliography
French handbook.
Aide-mémoire-Formulaire-de-la-TSF-E.Pacoret cover An excerpt here (208Kb)

R. Besson - Technology of electronic components. Volume 1 (1977)

spice cover
Sommaire :
  • I. STANDARDS, UNITS AND SYMBOLS
  • II. FIXED RESISTORS
    • 1. Generalities
    • 2. Wirewound resistors
    • 3. Non-wirewound resistors.
  • III. VARIABLE RESISTORS
    • 1. Wirewound variable resistors
    • 2. Non-wirewound variable resistors.
    • 3. Encoders and pulse generators
  • IV. FIXED CAPACITORS
    • 1. Generalities
    • 2. Paper capacitors.
    • 3. Metallized paper capacitors.
    • 4. Plastic film and metallized plastic film capacitors
    • 5. Mica capacitors
    • 6. Glass capacitors
    • 7. Ceramic capacitors
    • 8. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors
    • 9. Tantalum electrolytic capacitors.
  • V. VARIABLE CAPACITORS
    • 1. Air variable capacitors.
    • 2. Adjustable capacitors.
  • VI. WINDINGS FOR POWER SUPPLY AND LOW FREQUENCY CIRCUITS
    • 1. Generalities.
    • 2. Magnetic sheets
    • 3. The wire.
    • 4. Insulators
    • 5. Winding machines.
    • 6. The power transformer
    • 7. The filter inductor.
    • 8. The low frequency or audio frequency transformer.
  • VII. WINDINGS FOR HIGH FREQUENCY CIRCUITS
    • 1. Generalities.
    • 2. The wire.
    • 3. Calculation of air core high frequency windings
    • 4. Non-magnetic supports
    • 5. Metallic magnetic supports
    • 6. Non-metallic magnetic supports ferrites .
    • 7. The winding
    • 8. Windings for amplitude modulation receiver
    • 9. Windings for frequency modulation receiver.
    • 10. AM - FM receivers
    • 11. Professional windings
A book that will bring back memories for technical students.

Hugues Gilloux - Radio Windings.(1942)

Les bobinages Radio
Contents:
  • Theoretical study of the main circuits
  • Single tuning: tuning and oscillator
  • Elements influencing windings
  • The different types of windings
  • Calculation of windings
  • Construction of windings
  • Measurement and verification of windings
  • Numerical data of variable frequency circuits
  • Numerical data of fixed frequency circuits
  • Spread band devices
  • Unexpected conclusion
Calculation of coils and transformers. Very simple, very clear. The calculation of mutual inductance is surprising, but it works.



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