In the 1920s the establishment of the BBC made radio listening a mainstream activity, and commercial radio receivers became increasingly available for listeners to purchase. However, a large number of listeners continued to build their own radio receivers. In some cases because they were enthusiasts for the technology and enjoyed tinkering with their equipment, and in other cases simply because it was cheaper to build a radio receiver than buy a commercially manufactured one. This example is home built and portable.

In the 1920s the establishment of the BBC made radio listening a mainstream activity, and commercial radio receivers became increasingly available for listeners to purchase. However, a large number of listeners continued to build their own radio receivers. In some cases because they were enthusiasts for the technology and enjoyed tinkering with their equipment, and in other cases simply because it was cheaper to build a radio receiver than buy a commercially manufactured one. This example is home built and portable.

Home-built portable broadcast-receiver with removable base plate, unknown maker, British, 1925-1935.

In the 1920s the establishment of the BBC made radio listening a mainstream activity, and commercial radio receivers became increasingly available for listeners to purchase. However, a large number of listeners continued to build their own radio receivers. In some cases because they were enthusiasts for the technology and enjoyed tinkering with their equipment, and in other cases simply because it was cheaper to build a radio receiver than buy a commercially manufactured one. This example is home built and portable.