Gilbert Davey
Encyclopedia
Gilbert Davey was a writer and radio enthusiast who introduced many youngsters to the rapidly developing fields of Radio
and Electronics
through his articles published in Boy's Own Paper
, and his books, in particular Fun with Radio
, first published in 1957, with updates ending in a sixth edition published in 1978. He also presented, beginning in September 1957, a six-part series on the BBC Television
children's magazine programme called "Studio 'E'".
Though an amateur
in the field (his real job was as an insurance official), Davey inspired many British youngsters to go on to make careers in the field of Radio
and Electronics
, by concentrating on a practical approach to building a progression of radio receivers, starting with a Crystal Set and moving through 'One valve
', 'Two valve' and 'Five valve Superhet' designs. Many of the titles sound quaint today, but reflect the excitement that many felt about radio at a time when, despite that fact that broadcasting in Britain had existed for some thirty-five years, manufactured sets were still expensive acquisitions. In 1957 the Walkman, or iPod was an unimaginable dream; so that a 'Portable Cycle Radio' was a high status object of desire indeed for many a boy. In his introduction to 'Fun with Radio', Davey referred to Electronics
as "a new modern industry which has rapidly assumed a position of importance in the industrial life of the world".
His designs used a variety of pre-war
and post-war
valve types such as the 1.4V DAF91, DL94 series, or the 2V HL2K, PM2HL, PM22A series, and generally required two batteries, one of which was a 90V 'HT' battery (an expensive item to be used sparingly). A mains two valve design used the war-surplus, metal-can enclosed, EF50 valves.
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
and Electronics
Electronics
Electronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
through his articles published in Boy's Own Paper
Boy's Own Paper
The Boy's Own Paper was a British story paper aimed at young and teenage boys, published from 1879 to 1967.-Publishing history:The idea for the publication was first raised in 1878 by the Religious Tract Society as a means to encourage younger children to read and also instil Christian morals...
, and his books, in particular Fun with Radio
Fun with Radio
Fun with Radio is a book by Gilbert Davey first published in 1957 by Edmund Ward Ltd . At a time when radio receivers were still very expensive, and portable radios still a rarity , the book introduced many youngsters, mainly boys, to radio construction, and in some cases a career in radio or...
, first published in 1957, with updates ending in a sixth edition published in 1978. He also presented, beginning in September 1957, a six-part series on the BBC Television
BBC Television
BBC Television is a service of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The corporation, which has operated in the United Kingdom under the terms of a Royal Charter since 1927, has produced television programmes from its own studios since 1932, although the start of its regular service of television...
children's magazine programme called "Studio 'E'".
Though an amateur
Amateur
An amateur is generally considered a person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science, without pay and often without formal training....
in the field (his real job was as an insurance official), Davey inspired many British youngsters to go on to make careers in the field of Radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
and Electronics
Electronics
Electronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
, by concentrating on a practical approach to building a progression of radio receivers, starting with a Crystal Set and moving through 'One valve
Valve
A valve is a device that regulates, directs or controls the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically pipe fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category...
', 'Two valve' and 'Five valve Superhet' designs. Many of the titles sound quaint today, but reflect the excitement that many felt about radio at a time when, despite that fact that broadcasting in Britain had existed for some thirty-five years, manufactured sets were still expensive acquisitions. In 1957 the Walkman, or iPod was an unimaginable dream; so that a 'Portable Cycle Radio' was a high status object of desire indeed for many a boy. In his introduction to 'Fun with Radio', Davey referred to Electronics
Electronics
Electronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
as "a new modern industry which has rapidly assumed a position of importance in the industrial life of the world".
His designs used a variety of pre-war
Pre-war
The term pre-war or prewar is usually applied to the most recent or significant war in a culture's history.Antebellum is most often used to denote the period before the American Civil War while pre-war typically refers to the period before WWII.In real estate the term refers to buildings from the...
and post-war
Post-war
A post-war period or postwar period is the interval immediately following the ending of a war and enduring as long as war does not resume. A post-war period can become an interwar period or interbellum when a war between the same parties resumes at a later date...
valve types such as the 1.4V DAF91, DL94 series, or the 2V HL2K, PM2HL, PM22A series, and generally required two batteries, one of which was a 90V 'HT' battery (an expensive item to be used sparingly). A mains two valve design used the war-surplus, metal-can enclosed, EF50 valves.