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RCA models 4RG56 and 4RG51 are two antique pocket transistor radio receivers, very similar in appearance and design. They receive the standard AM radio band. Both of these RCA models have a built-in speaker. The 4RG51 and 4RG56 transistor radios were sold under the "RCA Victor" brand name.
SPECIFICATIONS
These radios each have eight transistors and operate on six volt power (apparently a set of four "AA" batteries), according to Radiomuseum.org. It also indicates that the RCA 4RG56 and 4RG51 were manufactured during the 1960s. Another feature is an earphone output jack, which can be used instead of the built-in speaker.
A small sheet of paper attached to the inside of the back panel provides the individual radio's serial number, plus details on obtaining and installing the batteries. The paper indicates that the 4RG51 tunes 540 through 1600 kHz AM, which does not include a few more recently established AM stations in the 1610-1720 range. It doesn't run on a single 9-volt battery like many antique pocket transistor radios do.
FINDING MANUALS
The original owner's manuals are difficult to find. Sams Photofact service manual TSM-29 (from 1963) covers the RCA 4RG51 and 4RG56, along with a number of other brands and models, according to SMC Electronics. SMC charges $15 for the manual, as of 2011. This manual may prove helpful if you have a 4RG51 or 4RG56 transistor radio in need of repair.
VALUE ESTIMATE
Despite their age, these RCA radio models remain inexpensive, like many old pocket radios. Used 4RG56 and 4RG51 units occasionally appear for sale in various publications and web sites, usually for $5 to $20 U.S. dollars. It would likely fetch somewhat more if a radio with the original box and instructions could be located, especially if it remained in very good condition.
SOURCES
Radiomuseum.org: Radio Catalog for the Radio Manufacturer RCA
http://www.radiomuseum.org/m/rca_usa_en_20~model.html
SMC Electronics: Sams Photofact Service Manuals
http://www.smcelectronics.com/samsbktsm.htm
"Battery Fact & Equivalency Guide"
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