Hallicrafters SX-17 Pre-War Radio (1938-1939)

Hallicrafters SX-17 Super Skyrider

The Hallicrafters SX-17 Super Skyrider, introduced in 1938, was a premier communication receiver that represented the pinnacle of pre-war amateur radio technology. This massive, 13-tube superheterodyne beast was a significant upgrade over the earlier SX-16, most notably adding a tuned radio frequency (TRF) stage on all bands to drastically reduce image interference and improve sensitivity for weak signals. It featured a distinctive "expanded" tuning range that covered 540 kHz to 61 MHz, a crystal filter for razor-sharp telegraphy reception, and a large, glowing signal strength "S-meter" that became a hallmark of the Hallicrafters aesthetic. Designed to meet the demands of serious DXers and "ham" operators, its rugged steel chassis and Art Deco-inspired front panel exuded a sense of professional-grade reliability. As the world shifted toward military production for World War II, the SX-17 was eventually phased out by 1940 to make way for the SX-28, which would go on to become one of the most famous Allied radio monitors of the conflict.

Donated by: John & Carol Babina, in honor of John Babina Sr.

The Personal Story of This Exact Radio

Paraphrasing FDR’s speech . . . On Sunday morning December 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy”, the forces of the Empire of Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii without warning. This newsflash reached the USA in the afternoon and many Americans were stunned by this act. This scene of families sitting around the living room with the radio on, getting the original 1941 news flash , was made famous by its mention in many future Hollywood war movies. This is the actual radio that the Babina Family on Reservoir Avenue in Bridgeport, heard this historic news flash broadcast. The Babina family included Julius (Yuri) Babina, my great great grandfather; Anna, my step great great grandmother; John Babina Sr., my great grandfather and my great grand uncle, Michael. This all-tube, 86 year-old radio, is a Hallicrafters Super Skyrider SX-17, a top radio of its day. It was an FCC field standard. It has been working since 1957 when John Babina Sr. brought it out of the attic on Reservoir Avenue and installed it in his Trumbull home. Since then, it has only required capacitor upgrades in the power supply to get rid of some audio hum. Dial range: Six AM bands, including standard AM broadcast (on band 1). The radio has 12 tubes. At this time engineers were just starting to consider FM designs. The FM product did not exist yet.