We know that in the early years of the Second World War many Voluntary Interceptors did their general searches using Eddystone AW-2 receivers. Later in the war the more sought after HRO sets became available. These simple receivers played a heroic role and today there are so few original sets left. So obtaining one would be almost impossible. Most are in museums or private collections. The AW-2 is a regenerative detector and single audio stage two valve set, so why not build one yourself!

As this project is for a receiver there is no legal requirement for you to be a licensed radio amateur, as would be the case with building a transmitter. The AW-2 receivers sold for something like £5.5s to £3.17s.6d, and used just a small number of components, less than twenty components. This should make the project less complex to complete and ideally suited for an inexperienced constructor. A working replica would demonstrate what the VI’s experience was like using these receivers. It would also be a rewarding project to complete.

In a project like this there will be several problems. Firstly having the knowledge and experience to build such a receiver, which I don’t possess. My experience is limited to building QCX kits. Having a mentor to guide and advise you is essential. Fortunately there is the Eddystone Users Group and a very useful Facebook Group. I am grateful to Chris Fawkes, G4UDG, for his advice and patience, he is responsible for setting me on this path.

All projects like this start with a schematic. It is good to be able to read a schematic. But if you are having trouble there are plenty of good images available illustrating the placement of components and wiring arrangements. As this receiver was also supplied in kit form the original construction manual is available from the Internet. We have now reached the point to begin the search for finding these components.

There will probably be problems finding all the original parts required, some of which are now getting really scarce. For example the SP2 valve has a manufacturing date of 1943 on the box! Searching eBay and auction sites on a regular basis to source components as well as junk shops for old radios will be the order of the day. Over a period of time collecting parts needed until you are ready to start construction is the way to go. This assumes you know the right components to buy and if not that you know someone to seek advice from before parting with your hard earned cash.

The image below shows the components that I have acquired so far. These parts were obtained quite quickly, within a couple of weeks, with advice from those with experience in building the AW-2. My project box is now beginning to fill, but it will obviously take many months to obtain all parts needed. It may be necessary to substitute some of the parts with modern components, but this will only be done if there is no other choice. The objective is to produce a replica AW-2 using as many authentic components as possible. Authenticity and keeping close to the spirit of vintage receiver is important.

Hopefully there will be a part 2 of this blog showing further progress and ultimately a working AW-2 replica receiver. Further components are still needed, a chassis, wiring and soldering to look forward to! If all goes to plan the finished job will look something like the image below.

Please do get in touch if you have a working Eddystone AW-2, we would love to hear from you. Or indeed if you have any ideas that you would like to see the RSSM ARS pursue in the future.