Made in the Netherlands, these (now very expensive) AX9909s have no metal or plastic bases-- and feature gold-plated pins!
Below you can see the ceramic tube socket for the AX9909 and the cooling fan. (The RF cage has been removed for this photo.
Still attached to the (replaced) multi-purpose transformer is an ad, showing the price to have been "reduced" from $32.50 to $9.95! This transformer supplies high voltage for the audio, oscillator and bias stages, plus filament voltages.
The Champion was introduced in 1956, and produced in essentially identical models until the early 1960s. Here is a full under-the-hood shot, as taken from the back of the chassis.
Below you see the finals' fan motor on the left, and the 809 modulators on the right.
Although more convenient to operate during winter months, this transmitter is still living proof that "real radios glow in the dark."
The Champion is bandswitching for 160 through 10. It weighs a hefty 112 pounds inside its cabinet, and cost $495 if you wanted Leo & Friends to wire it for you.
Notice right above the "L" and "E" in "ELECTRONICS"--- That's probably the easiest way to change crystals--- one socket, right in front--- Pick it out... and plug it in!
Since I put this transmitter on the air, it has purred like a kitten, and I have had good signal and audio reports.
CLICK HERE for an excellent website about other radios that glow in the dark! Especially interesting are Jim's Hallicrafters and Boat Anchor pages, linked on the left of his page!