Other radios based on the same chassis:
6-valve broadcast band radio.
A basic version of the model 66, 6-valve dual-wave set, with no shortwave band.
No service literature has been sighted for this model, although it's probably quite similar to a model 66 (the provided schematic may be of assistance in repairing one, but please let us know if you have one and can provide notes). The chassis appears identical, but without the SW coils or bandswitch fitted.
The model 66 was one of the longest-running models from Radio Corp, released during the opening years of World War 2 and running through until around 1949 when it was succeeded by the model 166.
It came in multiple variants over the years it was produced - likely brought about by wartime shortages forcing componentry changes.
There was a 66BC which has been included in this series for completeness although it is broadcast-band only - but it does appear to use the standard model 66 chassis with the dual-wave coils unpopulated.
There is also a model 56, which is a 1941-released 5-valve dual wave - which seems to have been coded to sell as a city-use version of the 66.
Valves (6):
Model 66 and 66J: 6K7G, 6K8G, 6B8G, 6J7, 6F6G, U50 or 5Y3G
Model 66E: 6K7G, 6K8G, 6B7, 6C6, 6F6G, U50 or 5Y3G
Intermediate Frequency: 455kc/s
Frequency Bands: 2
Chassis Notes(most schematics can be clicked to download a full size version)
Available in several different chassis variations, including the original model 66, 66E, 66J, 66A and 66W. See schematics for notes on differences
General Construction Notes for Radio Corporation of New Zealand Ltd:
The first digit of the serial number typically indicates the year of manufacture of RCNZ chassis' (although not the decade - that requires a little knowledge of the valves, construction, etc). Sets from around 1934 onwards were often (but not always) constructed in a distinctive pressed 'baking pan' style chassis, seemingly unique to RCNZ.
Model codes beginning with a 0, for example the model 051, are Osram valve versions of the model without the leading 0. Technically the 0 should be an O (for Osram), however the digit 0 was used throughout the site before this fact was discovered.
The E suffix indicates a magic eye option is fitted (in models which were available with or without, such as the model 25).
A and B suffixes appear to be simply updates to the current model, R also appears to be simply an updated model ('R'edesign, perhaps?)
P indicates either a permanent magnet speaker version of a model which also came with an electromagnet speaker (the model 26 for example), or a portable model (like the model 694P). This suffix was used in the mid 50's when Radio Corp was changing over.
N and M indicated miniature valve versions of a model which started with all (or a mix, ie: model 5) of larger valves. One of these two codes may indicate a transitional mixture of octal and miniature - clarification is required.
S often indicates a stereo model. It can also indicate 'self-biased' in the transition period between back-biased and self biased sets where there were models with both methods employed (53S for example)
Finally, other suffixes and prefixes make occasional appearances in the RCNZ lineup - like the 66W (a variant of the long-running model 66) and the 75XA (a 10-valve version of the model 75 with a separate amplifier chassis).
Model nicknames are often sourced from either newspaper advertising, company literature or the NZ Radio Traders Federation official trade-in price books (Particularly Courtenay models from this publication)
In 1954, model numbering changed, to begin with the number of valves (ie: 501 - 5 valves, 1006 - 10 valves, etc) although the final 2 digits don't appear to have much significance. Middle digits of 5 (portable) or 6 (mantle, including clock radio) are used on the AWA-designed plastic-cased sets.
| YEAR | MODEL NAME |
|---|---|
| 1941 | Courtenay model 66 'Rata' |
| 1941 | Columbus model 66 |
MENU
