Northern Electric Baby Champ 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

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.

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.