Stella

Stella is a brand name used by Philips, so virtually all Stella models will be electrically identical to some Philips model. The problem seems to be finding out which one, as the Trader service sheets generally listed just the Philips numbers.

The comments given earlier regarding Philips sets therefore also apply to Stella models.

The reason for using two brand names is that Philips sets could only be sold by Philips appointed dealers whereas Stella sets were distributed through wholesalers and could be sold by any radio dealer. In the mid-50s, Philips acquired the right to use the Cossor brand name, thereby adding another brand and another dealer network for their products. See the Cossor page for more details.


ST106A

Wavebands - SW, MW, LW

Valves - ECH81, EAF42, EBC41, EL41, EZ40

Date - 1952

Status - No longer in my collection

This set appears to be electrically identical to the Philips 310A.

My set had a faulty output transformer, which may be a problem due to the use of positive and negative feedback, from a tapped transformer secondary, for the tone control circuits. However I sold the set in an auction in 2001 for about £5, so it's now somebody else's problem!


ST112U

Wavebands - MW, LW

Valves - UCH81, UBF89, UCL82, UY85

Date - 1961 ?

Status - No longer in my collection

This set is almost identical electrically to the Philips B2G81U and the Cossor CR1201U.

I purchased this set in January 2002, from Past Times Radio with two others for £60 total (including carriage).

This photo was taken from the Past Times Radio website, and shows the set I bought.


ST113U

Wavebands - MW, LW

Valves - UCH81, UBF89, UCL82, UY85

Date - 1962 ?

Status - In my collection

This set is almost identical electrically to the ST112U above. However there is one fundamental difference. Whereas the ST112U use a conventional loudspeaker and output transformer arrangement, this set uses an 800R loudspeaker and no output transformer! The speaker is connected directly into the anode circuit of the UCL82 output valve, and will therefore have to carry the standing DC current of around 40mA.

As ever there is a Cossor version (CR1202U) and a Philips version (B2G25U) of this set. I understand the only difference is the cabinet colours.

The repair and restoration of this set is detailed in the Recent Repairs section.


ST240U

Wavebands - MW, LW, VHF

Valves - UF80, UF80, UCH81, UF89, UABC80, UL84, UY85

Date - 1957 ?

Status - No longer in my collection

This set uses the same chassis as the Philips B3G75U.

I purchased it in the auction at the Winter 2001 Wootton Bassett swapmeet, for £2, because nobody else wanted it! It is complete but a bit shabby. It hums quietly but does not receive anything.


ST243U

Wavebands - MW, LW, VHF

Valves - UCC85, UCH81, UF89, UABC80, UL84, UY85

Date - 1960 ?

Status - No longer in my collection

This is another Philips-made set that uses permeability (inductive) tuning rather than a more conventional variable capacitor. Presumably there were significant cost savings to be made by using this approach, which is why the Philips companies used it extensively in their lower-cost sets. The set uses a single-turn frame aerial rather than a ferrite rod - again presumably for cost-saving reasons.

The waveband switch is a long slide-switch assembly mounted in the underside of the chassis and operated by the rotary control on the set via a simple lever mechanism. This looks very flimsy, but they do not seem to become broken as much as might be expected.

There is also a Philips version (B3G99U) and a Cossor version (CR1101U) of this set.




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No part of this website may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from Paul Stenning.
All details are believed to be accurate, but no liability can be accepted for any errors.
The types of equipment discussed on this website may contain high voltages and/or operate at high temperatures.
Appropriate precautions must always be taken to minimise the risk of accidents.

Last updated 14th April 2006.