The Ferguson 353 was an early-1950s table radio made in two versions, the 353A for AC mains and the 353U for AC/DC.
Specifications (353A)
- It’s a 4-valve superhet (three valves plus a rectifier) with a 470 kHz IF, covering long, medium and short wave. It runs on 200–250 V AC, has a permanent-magnet moving-coil speaker, and comes in a large, low-profile wooden table cabinet.
- Valves: ECH42, EBF80, EL41 and EZ40.
The 353U
The 353U uses the same 4-valve, 470 kHz, three-band design but is an AC/DC set for 200–250 V. Like any AC/DC set, its chassis may be connected to the mains, so use an isolating transformer when working on it.
Related models
The Ferguson 356A uses the same chassis in a different case, with a sloping-front veneered cabinet. The 353A, 353U and 356A series differ only in their casings. Richard’s Radios has a write-up on the 356A covering:
- a frame aerial in the back cover for medium wave, whose short leads must be connected for the set to work.
- a three-position tone control.
- the original 1953 price of £16 3s 1d
- the fact that the chassis comes out without removing the knobs helps the service engineer.
RADIO SPECIFICATIONS
Manufactured from 1953
Long Medium and Short Wave
Valves – ECH42 EBF80 EL41 EZ40
AC Supply
The service manual for this radio is available in the Members’ Area here.
