Pavek Museum of Broadcasting

Part 2 of the trip Minnesota 2018. Go to part 1 or part 3.

The Pavek Museum (amazing website) holds an great collection of vintage broadcasting and media equipment. They’ve got examples of all sorts of things, including some rather odd inventions that never took off. I visited based on a tip from Atlas Obscura.

A photo of the rear of a vintage studio television camera as the operator would see it. There’s two circular dials lower down, and a small CRT display in the center. The number ‘3’ is written in marker in the middle.

2018/11/23
1/30s at f/2.8, 32mm, ISO 320, Nikon D800

Rather rare for museums (particularly of vintage artefacts) they encourage vistitors playing with the exhibits. Many of them were still in working condition and museum staff happy to turn them on. I particularly enjoyed the Star Wars theme played on twin 1920s cinema speakers the size of grand pianos.

A photo of the front of a vintage ‘tube tester’. The camera is looking directly down on a control panel. There’s dials and inputs all over, with a large swinging gauge in the center.

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1/30s at f/4, 29mm, ISO 450, Nikon D800

A vintage electronics pamphlet held in a hand above a piece of vintage electrical equipment. The pamphlet reads ‘Anyone can replace TV tubes’.

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1/30s at f/2.8, 24mm, ISO 200, Nikon D800

How does a vintage paper pamphlet like this survive so long in such good condition? Many of the machines had their accompanying promotional material next to them. Really great to see the outlandish claims and instructions that were included.

A photo of telegraph signals encoded as morse code on a long ribbon of paper. The ribbon is about 1/2″ wide and and punched through with many dots.

‘5 level’ tape from a telegraph machine. More here.

2018/11/23
1/90s at f/2.8, 70mm, ISO 2200, Nikon D800

A photograph of a vintage radio player. The player has two reading heads side by side rather than one. The record has two visible tracks.

2018/11/23
1/13s at f/1.8, 28mm, ISO 100, iPhone 7

This table had a collection of curiosities. A stereo record player (note the twin heads and tracks on the disc), a lamp (top left) with record player in the top, and the base acting as an amplifier.

A photo of the front of a vintage recording device. The device has a label on the front reading “Tapak ‘NewsCaster’ spring-driven recorder”

1950s spring driven recorder. Originally priced $289.50 - $399.75

2018/11/23
1/30s at f/4, 28mm, ISO 1400, Nikon D800

Photo of a vintage poster describing with words and diagrams how to use a rotary telephone. The main reading reads “The best in telephone service is at your fingertips...” with a 6 step diagram for how to use a rotary phone.

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1/60s at f/4.8, 55mm, ISO 1000, Nikon D800

A large vintage suitcase telephone. It has a standard receiver, but the rotary dialer is much larger than normal. The whole unit is about the size of a small suitcase and has a handle on the top. It looks comically large.

I’m unsure if this is a gag or a real thing that existed.

2018/11/23
1/50s at f/4.8, 48mm, ISO 1400, Nikon D800

A close macro photo of a vintage radio postcard. The postcard reads “HB 4 FE” and depicts a radio mast giving off signals inside an outline Switzerland.

2018/11/23
1/60s at f/2.8, 62mm, ISO 250, Nikon D800

A grid of radio postcards on a wall. The cards are evenly spaced, but each very differently designed. Some have bold typography featuring 5 letter codes. Others depict animals / planes / local scenes.

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1/45s at f/2.8, 40mm, ISO 320, Nikon D800

A photo of a map of the United States. There are approximately 30 maroon or grey push-pins inserted at various locations.

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1/90s at f/4, 66mm, ISO 1600, Nikon D800

Photo of the front of a vintage radio battery. The battery is brightly coloured with a graphic dark blue, light blue, white and red design. The front text reads “Ray-o-vac radio ‘B’ battery”

2018/11/23
1/15s at f/1.8, 28mm, ISO 50, iPhone 7

Part 2 of the trip Minnesota 2018. Go to part 1 or part 3. Shot at the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting in Minneapolis.