Phono oscillators - a Knight in shining (blue) armor

Click the pic for a full color image tour

One of the coolest things about what's left of the internet is that, at least for now, nearly anyone passionate enough to spend a few hours hunched over the keyboard can promote the object of their affection to the world.
     A delightful example of this publishing freedom (cherish it!) is the growing family of tribute pages to a little know historical technology called the phono oscillator.
     Strange as it might seem to a generation accustomed to getting one of the most powerful computing platforms ever known at no charge in exchange for a two year contract, technology used to be really expensive.
     Phono oscillators were a work around to get double duty from the large investment mid-20th century families made in then-expensive radio receivers.
     For the relatively low cost of a phono oscillator, your home record collection could be heard in the stunning high fidelity sound provided by your console set.
     Here's a stroll through some of what was found on the web:

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knightkit.com - Knight-Kit Electronics presents the Knight Kit Broadcaster Fan Page dedicated to the Knight-Kit Broadcaster. Be sure to check the links throughout the site, I'm pretty sure I like that coffee mug....

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smecc.org/knight kit home broadcasters - The Knight Wireless Broadcaster-Amplifier takes only a few hours to build...

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crompton.com/Knight Broadcaster - Experiences with the Knight Radio Broadcaster. we0h.us/Amateur Radio stuff/Knight - Original assembly manual.

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ohio.edu/people/postr/bapix/knightwb - Memories from users of the Knight Broadcaster.

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hobbybroadcaster.net/resources - The esteemed and far better organized Hobbybroadcaster.net page on Phono oscillators.

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smecc.org/broadcasting from the home - Welcome to the world of home wireless broadcasting!. SMECC's Phono Oscillator page.

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mighty1090kaay.blogspot.com - How many of our readers ever wanted to be a deejay or operate his or her own transmitter to play music?

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ohio.edu/people/postr/bapix/la23 - The competing Lafayette LA-23 / KT-195 Amp & Wireless Broadcaster.

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webpages.charter.net/aj8mh-radio - The oscillator on this page is based on the 1939 Zenith S-7000 series.

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electronbunker.ca/AM Stereo XMTR - Bob Weaver's three tube C-QuAM Stereo Transmitter.

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tubesandmore.com - Needs parts for your tube-ular ventures? Try Antique Electronic Supply - AES!

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     Hopefully, this look back to a more technologically sparse era will help us remember how fortunate we are to be right here, right now.

New, Innovative AM Phono Oscillator Transmitters Available on Ebay

	AM Phono Oscillator Transmitter with Bluetooth Input Operating frequency is 1000 KHz, input power 50mW, connect to smartphone via Bluetooth, hear content on nearby AM radio, operates on 9 Volt DC battery or power supply.
	AM Phono Oscillator Transmitter, RCA Input Operating frequency 1000 KHz, input power 50mW, RCA input accepts mono casette player, MP3 player, PC sound card or CD, receive content on AM radio, operates on 9 Volt DC battery or power supply.
	Three-Frequency AM Phono Oscillator Works on three frequencies, 800, 1000 and 1200 KHz, input power 100mW, RCA input accepts mono casette player, MP3 player, PC sound card or CD, receive content on AM radio, operates on 9 Volt DC battery or power supply.