HUNDREDS of wireless sets “of the most modern design” went on show at the opening of the Scottish Radio Exhibition in Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall, on August 30, 1935. The display, in the words of the Glasgow Herald, “gives evidence of further progress in wireless development, and testifies to the vitality of the industry.”
There were many ingenious devices in the hall, including, at the His Master’s Voice stand, a wireless set the operation of which depended on the action of an invisible ray. ‘The insertion of a person’s hand into the ‘magic box’ is sufficient to start the instrument, which ceases to play when the hand is withdrawn.”
Across at the Marconi stand, you could find the ‘Telepathovox’ (pictured), a robot figure with human attribute of being able to answer questions - within reason.The robot could tell how many banknotes were being held by a questioner. And the company undertook to pay five guineas to the person who made the nearest approach to explaining how the robot worked.
Other manufacturers showed off the latest in motor-car radios.
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Herald DiaryThe Herald continued: “While there is a full representation of wireless instruments, it is notable that the development from which at present most is expected - that of television - finds no place in the show.
“This is explained by the fact that the transmitting station for television will not be in operation for some months, and manufacturers have not therefore proceeded meantime with their plans.”
From his home in Lossiemouth, former Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald sent a congratulatory telegram to the show’s organisers, the Radio Manufacturers’ Association. Radio, he remarked, “is the link of the future.”
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