Wells (Coradio) Coin Operated Radio
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Location: Maclean, NSW
Member since 30 May 2008
Member #: 291
Postcount: 341
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I received a Wells Coin Operated Valve Radio today. The seller could not open prior to purchase (no key). When it arrived I got it open but it is missing the coin operated mechanism (darn).
I looked online and found nothing under Wells, but did fine exact same radio under the brand Coradio.
Does anyone here or one of our USA members know anything about these. I am after a circuit and of course a coin mechanism.
I have not powered it up yet, the seller said static only, on quick look dial cord is broken so it probably a goer.
I will add a radio chassis photo tomorrow.
Wells - Coradio Coin Operated Radio
Peter
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Location: Sydney, NSW
Member since 28 January 2011
Member #: 823
Postcount: 6678
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Fascinating. I've used coin operated TVs in the 1960s but have never seen a coin operated radio. I guess they must be like a safe to get into.
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Location: Bathurst, NSW
Member since 7 August 2008
Member #: 336
Postcount: 391
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Never knew such things existed, guess they would have been used in public places like pubs etc.
Its amazing what they had in the years past, a good find.
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Administrator
Location: Naremburn, NSW
Member since 15 November 2005
Member #: 1
Postcount: 7290
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I've never seen a coin-op radio or telly though I have seen and used coin-op electricity meters although that was a very long time ago. I believe these meters are more common in Great Britain than out here.
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A valve a day keeps the transistor away...
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Location: Sydney, NSW
Member since 28 January 2011
Member #: 823
Postcount: 6678
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My experience of coin-operated TVs was in motels on the Gold Coast when on family holidays. They accepted 2 shilling coins. IIRC two bob got you an hour of viewing, so you had to put a few in to watch a movie.
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Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
Member since 10 March 2013
Member #: 1312
Postcount: 401
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I saw coin operated radios on the TV show 'American Pickers'. They were on the wall near the bed in motels. My Uncle owned holiday cabins at Sussex Inlet when I was young, you had to put 20 cents in the power meter to turn the power on. I don't remember how long it lasted but he even made my grandparents (his parents) pay up or stay in the dark!
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Administrator
Location: Naremburn, NSW
Member since 15 November 2005
Member #: 1
Postcount: 7290
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A Scout Association campsite I visited a few times as a kid had a coin-op electricity meter. It took 10c pieces and as far as I remember, one lasted for at least two days - the length of time we were always there for at a time. By comparison, 20c an hour for the telly seems like a rort though hotels these days charge like wounded bulls for Internet access and raids on the minibar so I guess when that is taken into account at least they are being consistent.
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A valve a day keeps the transistor away...
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Location: Sydney, NSW
Member since 28 January 2011
Member #: 823
Postcount: 6678
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By comparison, 20c an hour for the telly seems like a rort
That's what my old man said, but it was Christmas time and all tariffs are jacked up for the silly season. I recall that a big tennis championship was being televised and he wanted to watch it, so he sent us kids down to the shop to get change of a quid, with the solemn instruction: no ice creams or lollies!
Back in the day, I recall seeing some motels advertising "Free TV".
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Location: Maclean, NSW
Member since 30 May 2008
Member #: 291
Postcount: 341
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Yes, these were used in motels and hospitals in the USA.
They are like a safe to get into, when I can get my camera to talk to my laptop again I will add more photos.
The lock actually screws in, you would have to wreck the case to get it apart.
The seller could not open it and was unaware that the coin mech was missing, I just happened to have a key that fluked it open and saw the mech was missing.
The US forums said a lot were missing the mechs later in their life, but it is possible to find one. I will set my many US friends out on a hunt for me.
Peter
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Location: Silver City WI, US
Member since 10 May 2013
Member #: 1340
Postcount: 977
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"I believe these meters are more common in Great Britain"
As in rundown 1960s Earl's Court, London when hotel landlord (Spike Milligan) shows disbelieving Barry McKenzie how operate.
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