Northern Electric Baby Champ Model 5000-1

The Model 5000-1 appears to simply be a Model 5000 design that was modified for the specific purpose of accomodating a different variable tuner assembly. The Model 5000 utilized part R12734 which consisted of the gang tuning capacitor plus two oscillator trimmers and an antenna trimmer. Tuning to a higher frequency involved turning in a clockwise direction. In contrast, Model 5000-1 utilized part R14181 which included the gang tuning capacitor plus a single oscillator trimmer and and antenna trimmer as well as a lightbulb mount. Tuning to a higher frequency invilved turning in a counterclockwise direction and thus required the use of a dial differing fron that used in the Model 5000. There appear to be at least two distinct runs of Model 5000-1 manufacture as noted below. In the later run, it appears that ordinary Model 5000 backs were used with no modification of the Model label. I do not know if these radios were available in any color other than brown and ivory.

Tube Complement:

1. 12SA7: Converter
2. 12SK7: IF Amplifier
3. 12SQ7: 2nd Detector, AVC, 1st Audio Amplifier
4. 35L6GT: Output Amplifier
5. 35Z5GT: Rectifier

1. The airplane pointer are used on the dial. All Model 5000-1 used the R8142B-24 counterclockwise dial.

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

6. The back is attached to the chassis by four slot screws.

7. The built-in loop antenna is attached to the back by staples.

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

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

3. It seems based on the decals on the back, that Model 5000-1 examples can be catagorized as early or late run models. The earlier run models appear to have the same old style labels and CESA labels as their early Model 5000 counterparts. Unfortunately, the labels of there are in such poor condition, that I am unable to state whether they identified the radio as a Model 5000-1. The later run models posssessed the newer style labels and baby champ sticker. Interestingly, the latter run models possed a Model 5000 label. There is no indication of these examples as a Model 5000-1. However, the presence of a R14181 variable tuner assembly identifies these as Model 5000-1 as this part was not used in any other waterfall Baby Champ radio.