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'National' Brand Power Transformers
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Return to top of page · Post #: 1 · Written at 12:22:22 PM on 12 April 2025.
	Brins Location: Geelong, VIC Member since 12 July 2018 Member #: 2266 Postcount: 47
Have any of you guys any info on "National" Brand Power Transformers popular during the 1950's regards Rob

Return to top of page · Post #: 2 · Written at 7:04:12 PM on 12 April 2025.
	Ian Robertson Location: Belrose, NSW Member since 31 December 2015 Member #: 1844 Postcount: 2610
No relation to Matsushita Japan I can assure you!

Return to top of page · Post #: 3 · Written at 11:24:39 PM on 12 April 2025.
	GTC Location: Sydney, NSW Member since 28 January 2011 Member #: 823 Postcount: 6865
I have a vintage Scope soldering iron. The transformer with it may be branded National. I'll have to check.

Return to top of page · Post #: 4 · Written at 7:59:57 AM on 13 April 2025.
	Ian Robertson Location: Belrose, NSW Member since 31 December 2015 Member #: 1844 Postcount: 2610
Yes, it will be. Grey, with soldering iron rest brackets on the top and studs with nuts and washers for the 5 volts output.

Return to top of page · Post #: 5 · Written at 1:16:01 PM on 13 April 2025.
	Brins Location: Geelong, VIC Member since 12 July 2018 Member #: 2266 Postcount: 47
Yes Ian I had a little idea it wasn't the Matsushita Panasonic. The "National" Power Transformers were available in Radio stores for Radios, Amps and the like in Geelong during the 50's The Scope 3.3volt soldering iron was most popular with the National brand transformer. I started my career in Radio with that kit. Ive looked around and there is very little info on the manufacturing of the "National" Brand Transformers not like Ferguson which were more popular.

Return to top of page · Post #: 6 · Written at 4:49:45 PM on 13 April 2025.
	MonochromeTV Location: Melbourne, VIC Member since 20 September 2011 Member #: 1009 Postcount: 1245
Radio, Television and Hobbies regularly had advertisements for National transformers, often with data specifications. Is there any particular model (type number) that you are interested in? I can scan copies of these ads for inclusion here if wanted.

Return to top of page · Post #: 7 · Written at 10:09:40 PM on 13 April 2025.
	GTC Location: Sydney, NSW Member since 28 January 2011 Member #: 823 Postcount: 6865
Looking around, National Transformers were at numerous addresses over the years: In 1951: 4th floor, 49 York St, Sydney (next door to AWA) In 1954: 42-46 Belmore Rd. Punchbowl. In 1963: The Crescent, Kingsgrove (a number would have been helpful!) In the late 1960s it was a subsidiary of International Resistance Holdings Ltd.

Return to top of page · Post #: 8 · Written at 5:21:33 PM on 14 April 2025.
	Brins Location: Geelong, VIC Member since 12 July 2018 Member #: 2266 Postcount: 47
Thankyou, MonochromeTV and GTC for that info, it hard to find where these were manufactured. A National brand power tranny is available, but I'd like to get a little bit of info before I make a move on it. Ive been told the writing is faint and it appears to be "U60 / 325W"

Return to top of page · Post #: 9 · Written at 9:28:57 PM on 16 April 2025.
	MonochromeTV Location: Melbourne, VIC Member since 20 September 2011 Member #: 1009 Postcount: 1245
I found a U60/325 (the “U” stands for upright package): Primary 230/240V 30mA HT volts 325/325 Filament ratings 6.3V/2A & 5V/2A There is also a F60/325, which is same but in a flat package.

Return to top of page · Post #: 10 · Written at 6:43:02 PM on 19 April 2025.
	Brad Administrator Location: Naremburn, NSW Member since 15 November 2005 Member #: 1 Postcount: 7524
Photo uploaded to Post 3. ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ A valve a day keeps the transistor away...

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