30FXB Transmitter
Copyright 2012 CCA
Introduced to the world in some of the last black and white ads that Collins would run as they matured, the 30FXB was first promoted in the 3 B&W ads shown below. Following the start of production mid-1934, Collins started promoting this transmitter in some of their first full color ads. The 30FXB was a floor-standing, 100 watt phone and cw transmitter that, more than likely, was designed to replace the “aging” 150 series. The November ’34 QST ad stated:
“Its ultramodern dress will lend an air of distinction to anybody’s library. Yet its beauty is entirely functional. Every detail is neat and graceful because it is designed for efficiency. Years of engineering experience and gift for design enter into its construction.”
The 30FXB was rated at 100 watts output over the range of 1500 to 15,000 kHz. The unit was crystal controlled, employed the 10J exciter and used a 203A in the final, modulated by a pair of 830Bs. Fixed neutralization was used initially but capacitor variable neutralization was introduced during production.
In addition to the 10J exciter, the transmitter employed the 9H Modulator, 7C Speech Amplifier and the 2C Antenna Coupler. Some later 30FXB models employed the 10K exciter with the dual 47 oscillator configuration.
Collins targeted both the commercial and ham markets with this unit and made several known variants including the 30FXB Special “Boat Model” shown at the bottom below. This variant used the 10K.
The 30FXB was promoted last in the April, 1936 QST so production ran at least well into 1936.
Click on Links Below for:
30FXB Instruction Manual
30FXB Service Manual with Supplement
30FXB Schematic
30FXB Full Schematic (Late) w/ 10J Exciter
2C Tuner (ATU) Details
First 30FXB Black & White Ads – 1934
QST, June of 1934
QST, July of 1934 – Apparently Collins was pretty happy with their first sales!
QST, September of 1934
The introduction of the 30FXB in 1934 coincided with the growth of Collins Radio to the point that they could justify color advertising and a more predominant position in the magazines that they ran in.
In 1935, Collins Radio started running their ads in full color and the orange motif that we still see today in the current Rockwell Collins advertisements became the standard – and a point of recognition for Collins Radio.
Below are shown the remaining QST ads that ran out through 1936 promoting this wonderful transmitter.
They are presented in high resolution so that you can download these for framing if you wish. Our thanks go to Gary Halverson, K6GLH, for his scanning and restorations work, as well as his permission for us all to use these. These are for use in the private domain only.
QST, November of 1934
QST, January of 1935
QST, March of 1935
QST, August of 1935
QST, April of 1936
During the production of the 30FXB, many customer special version of this transmitter were developed, sometimes just for one customer. Below are shown two views of the 30FXB Boat Transmitter developed for the Delaware Canal Company. (Photos compliments of Ben Stearns, author of Arthur Collins Radio Wizard)
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Note: The images and text used in these pages are copyright 2012 protected, are restored and written by the Collins Collectors Association or its representatives, and may not be used in any other form or website applications. They may be downloaded and used privately – not for publication or internet use.
- CCA COLLINS HISTORICAL ARCHIVES
- The Pre War Years
- 150 Series Transmitter
- 2A, 2B AND 2C TUNERS (ATU)
- 30FX Transmitter
- 30FXB Transmitter
- 30FXC Transmitter
- 30FXR Transmitter
- 30J Transmitter
- 30W Transmitter
- 32 A/B Transmitter
- 32F Transmitter
- 32G Transmitter
- 40A/B Transmitter
- 45A Transmitter
- 4A Transmitter
- Bulletin 100
- Bulletin 101
- Bulletin 105
- Bulletin 200
- Bulletin 200A
- The Lost Decade
- The War Years
- Post War Broadcast / Commercial
- The Black Boxes
- The Grey Boxes
- The “S” Word or Solid State