Model 5104

If the Model 5104 were to have a nickname other than "Baby Champ", it would have to be "Frankenstein's Monster". Too harsh? Consider the following: The dials used (R8145-24 and R8258-24) were originally used in the B4000, B4100 and B4104 battery models. The backs of the 5104 were simply B4100 or B4104 backs which were relabeled. In fact, the original battery model labels can be discerned under the applied 5104 labels (see below). The ground terminal located on the back and used in the battery sets is present on the back of the 5104, but the screw is missing and the terminal is not connected to the chassis. Also of note is the fact that an older 12K7 tube is substituted for the more recent 12SK7 tube utilized in the Model 5000 which the Model 5104 replaced. Clearly, this radio was constructed with parts originally destined for other models.

The Model 5104 did feature one improvement over the Model 5000. The 35L6GT tube was replaced with the 50L6GT tube which eliminated a potentially troublesome resistor in the filament circuit.

Other notable features included the use of a Baby Champ decal on the front of the radio instead of on the back. Also this model appears to be the only rainbow radio manufactured in Belleville, Ontario. All other models were made in Montreal, Quebec. The Model 5104 appears to be the last rainbow radio manufactured by Northern Electric as its service bulletin was published in May 1949; well after other rainbow models.

This model was available in brown, ivory, green, gold, blue and rose cabinet colors.

Tube Complement:

1. 12SA7: Converter
2. 12K7: IF Amplifier
3. 12SQ7: 2nd Detector, AVC, 1st Audio Amplifier
4. 50L6GT: Output Amplifier
5. 35Z5GT: Rectifier
Features of 5104 models:

1. Two types of dial were used: airplane and fan type. This appears to be the only model using both basic label types.

2. A two-hole rainbow cabinet is used.

3. The right hole accommodates the tuning knob..

4. The left hole accommodates the on/off switch and volume control.

5. The back has three screw terminals: external antenna, ground, and phono input. The ground terminal is not connected to the chassis and the screw is absent

6. A Baby Champ decal is present on the front of the radio

7. A guarantee notice sticker is present on the bottom of the case.

Variations found among 5104 models:

1.Dials used were of two main types: R8145-24 and R8258-24. The first is of the airplane type and the second is of fan type.

2. Speakers are found in two shapes: round and rounded square. Both speaker shapes are stamped with manufacturer's part No. R12791.

3. Screws attaching dial to chassis are of two types: slot and Robertson.

4. Fasteners of the antenna to the back art of two types: staples and rivets. The staples seem to have been used in earlier examples of the 5104 (as per CSA number) and rivets used in later examples. Internal antennas were fastened to the back with staples in all other rainbow models.

5. Slot screws were used to attach the back to the chassis. In earlier examples, 4 screws were used, while in later examples, only 2 screws were used, although holes were provided for 4 screws.

My Model 5104 collection data:
Col No.
Serial No
Color
Knobs
Back Scr
Dial
Dial Scr
Speaker
CSA
Front Decal
Ant-Bk
Cha-Bk
100
6299
brown
brown
slot
R8145-24
slot
R12791 round
4385
present
rivet
2 top slot
101
7008
brown
replaced
slot
R8145-24
square
R12791 round
4386
present
rivet
2 top slot
102
6718
ivory
ivory
missing
R8258-24
slot
R12791 square
__86
rivet
2 top slot
103
5876
brown
brown
slot
R8145-24
slot
replaced
4356
rivet
4 slot
104
1158
replaced
replaced
slot
replaced
slot
replaced
4240
staple
4 slot

Key: Col No. = Collection Number, Back Scr = Back Screw Type, Dial Scr = Dial Screw Type, Ant-Bk = Antenna to Back Fastener, Cha-Bk= Chasis to Back Fastener

Details:
R8145-24 Dial
R8258-24 Dial

 

R12791 Round Speaker
R12791 Rounded Square Speaker

 

Front Decal

 

Model 5104 Back (Note absence of some terminal screws)

 

Model 5104 Tube Location
Model 5104 Label

 

Model 5104 Warning/Caution

The original label underneath can just be seen in this RGB scan.

 

Converting the scan to the LAB color space and selecting the B channel greatly enhances the details of the original underlying decal label. This channel only contains the blue to yellow color information of the scan.

 

Close-up of the above RGB scan.
In the close-up of the LAB B channel, it is obvious that the original label was a B4100 or B4104 label. The 3Q5GT tube diagram is clear at the far right.

 

CSA Label

 

Examples:
Model 5104 (Col No 102): ivory, original knobs, replacement dial cover, fan-shaped dial.

 

Model 5104 (Col No 101): brown bakelite, replacement knobs, replacement dial cover, airplane dial.

Model 5104 Radio Service Bulletin