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Calling All Pilot Radio Corp. Gurus ---- Help Needed

A

Avogadro33

Member
Calling All Pilot Radio Corp. Gurus ---- Help Needed

Years 1961 - 1962

Beginning 1960 or 1961, Pilot Radio Corp. expanded their line of hi-fi products by introducing receivers: the Model 602 and Model 654.

The Model 602 had a stereo pre-amp, 30-watt stereo amplifier (15-watts per channel) and AM and FM tuners. This, of course, was the era prior to the FCC officially adopting the Zenith/GE standard for Multiplex FM stereo. Radio stations broadcasted in stereo by sending the left channel signal over their FM band and the right channel over their AM band. The receiving unit had to have both FM and AM tuners, each tuned-in to the specified frequency on the respective bands. At the time of the design and manufacture of the Pilot 602 and 654 receivers, a stereo broadcast required this dual FM/AM tuner set-up.

Model 654 ---- The Pilot Model 654 receiver used the same pre-amp and FM and AM tuners as the Model 602; however, it incorporated a more powerful 44-watt (22-watts per channel) stereo power amplifier.

KEY POINT: Based on expectations that the FCC would soon adopt a nationwide standard for broadcast and reception of a multiplex FM stereo signal, external FM multiplex adaptors were beginning to be introduced by various manufacturers of hi-fi equipment. At the same time, manufacturers were readying their latest tuners and receivers for the new technology by including provisions for an external, plug-in FM multiplexor. Both Pilot Models 602 and 654 had an RCA input jack on the rear of the chassis for a plug-in multiplex adaptor.

In 1961, the FCC selected the Zenith/GE-developed “Multiplex” technology standard over competing technologies for broadcasting FM stereo. However, it would be another year or so until built-in FM multiplexing was the norm on consumer tuners and receivers.


Years 1962 - 1963

Model 602M ---- In 1962, Pilot introduced the Model 602M receiver (sold in 1962 and 1963). It had the same pre-amp and 30-watt (15-watts per channel) power amplifier as the Model 602, but now incorporated a built-in FM stereo multiplexor, thereby able to receive and decode a single FM stereo signal as broadcasted by the radio station into two-channel stereo sound. In addition, the 602M had what Pilot referred to as an “Automatic FM Stereo Indicator Light”, which turned on when it detected a stereo FM signal. The tuner on the Model 602M was FM only (no AM).

Model 602S ---- At the same time as the 602M, Pilot introduced the Model 602S. It was the same as the Model 602M but is also included an AM tuner. The 602S cost $50 more than the 602M.

Model 654M ---- Accompanying the introduction of the new 602M and 602S, Pilot introduces the 654M. Whereas the original Model 654 receiver had a 44-watt (22-watts per channel) stereo power amplifier, the 654M bumped that up to a 60 watt (30 watts per channel) stereo power amplifier. The 645M also had built-in FM Stereo MPX tuning with an automatic FM stereo indicator light.


WHERE THE MYSTERY APPEARS

At some point, Pilot sold a Model 602MA, 602SA and 654MA. There is no question that there were “MA” models. I have literature and actual receivers in my collection with faceplates having printed designations 602MA, 602SA and 654MA.

It appears, however, that the 602MA was the same as the 602M, and even Pilot’s advertising literature seems to use the two designations interchangeably. There seems to be no available information regarding the differences, if any, between the 602M and the 602MA, though some speculation has to do with how or where the models were sold.

Similarly, the Pilot 602SA is the same as the 602MA except also having an AM tuner. Further, and as with the 602M and 602MA designations, I do not know if there were in fact differences between the Model 602S and 602SA.

Finally, and keeping with the pattern observed with the smaller-brothers Model 602M and 602MA, Pilot produced, and designated as such, a Model 654MA receiver. It appears, however, that the 654M and 654MA were in fact the same. Again, even Pilot’s advertising literature seems to use the two designations interchangeably. I thus do not know what were the differences, if any, between the 654M and the 654MA.


Calling All Pilot Radio Corp. Gurus

Does anyone know what were the differences, if any, between any of the following pairs:

The Pilot Model 602M and 602MA receivers?

The Pilot Model 602S and 602SA receivers?

The Pilot Model 654M and 654MA receivers?

In other words, what was the “A” all about?

Thank you.
 
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This thread is now almost a year old. Did you ever find the answer to your questions? In any case, thank you for providing the information on the differences between the 602, 602M and 602S versions.
 
Hello tcdriver:

Yes I did. In a project taking about two years, I wrote a paper (essentially a book) on Pilot Radio Corporation tuner-amplifiers/receivers, with of course some information about the history of the company itself and its many other products.

I found the answers to essentially all of my many earlier questions, or what I believe the answers to be based on the massive research undertaken and the "evidence" unearthed from all sorts of documents. Of course the deeper one investigates the more questions are raised ---- some of which will/can never be answered. My paper also covers the many products (mostly receivers) that few know anything about, as they were produced after Pilot was sold to Jerrold Electronics, then Emerson, then National Union Electric, and then the brand name to Mitsubishi International.

Caution: After my more thorough research (two years worth!), the information in my earlier post (see above) is woefully insufficient. It is not wrong, just insufficient.

Separately, I earlier wrote a similar type paper (book) on Bogen receivers (and about the firm and its other products). I am currently putting the final touches on the story of Fisher receivers and have begun the research into Bell Sound Systems, Inc. (really interesting!).

So to conclude: Yes, the questions I earlier posed on this site with respect to Pilot's receivers have been answered through my own research, though of course some obscure matters came up, which will probably never be answered.
 
Would it be possible to preserve any of that for future reference here on AK's forums?

A database of sorts.
 
Avogadro33 said:
Hello tcdriver:

Yes I did. In a project taking about two years, I wrote a paper (essentially a book) on Pilot Radio Corporation tuner-amplifiers/receivers, with of course some information about the history of the company itself and its many other products.

I found the answers to essentially all of my many earlier questions, or what I believe the answers to be based on the massive research undertaken and the "evidence" unearthed from all sorts of documents. Of course the deeper one investigates the more questions are raised ---- some of which will/can never be answered. My paper also covers the many products (mostly receivers) that few know anything about, as they were produced after Pilot was sold to Jerrold Electronics, then Emerson, then National Union Electric, and then the brand name to Mitsubishi International.

Caution: After my more thorough research (two years worth!), the information in my earlier post (see above) is woefully insufficient. It is not wrong, just insufficient.

Separately, I earlier wrote a similar type paper (book) on Bogen receivers (and about the firm and its other products). I am currently putting the final touches on the story of Fisher receivers and have begun the research into Bell Sound Systems, Inc. (really interesting!).

So to conclude: Yes, the questions I earlier posed on this site with respect to Pilot's receivers have been answered through my own research, though of course some obscure matters came up, which will probably never be answered.
Click to expand...
In your original post you stated the question: In other words, what was the “A” all about? Would you be so kind as to share the answer you found? I have been wondering about this the last few days since I first read your original post. Thanks.
 
In other words, what was the “A” all about? I stumbled upon the answer, in the 1962 Pilot Stereophonic High Fidelity Components brochure this afternoon. The receivers with the "A" suffix have "...Pilot's exclusive Automatic FM Stereo Indicator light that immediately alerts you when a station broadcasts FM Stereo."
 
tcdriver:

The story of the Pilot Radio Corporation and its long line of mono and stereo Hi-Fi receivers ---- model features, model nomenclature, what happened to the company, the changes in ownership, the changes in product lines, the fate of the products and brand name ---- is one of the most convoluted and interesting in all of Hi-Fi. My paper on the subject of course cannot be reproduced here, so I’ll merely try to answer your specific question regarding the “MA” line.


Hi-Fi manufacturers in the day were not only in an amplifier output ratings war (of which Pilot, too, was guilty) but also with respect to new or latest features. New models ---- often the previous product but incorporating one or two new features, and a new model designation ---- were common.

Pilot’s Model 602 and 654 receivers (and the 402, which we shall ignore) were introduced around December 1959 or early 1960 for the 1960 - 1961 model years. After the FCC’s decision on an FM multiplex standard, Pilot quicky responded. Around December 1961 or January 1962, Pilot introduced its new models: The former 602 and 654 receivers received built-in FM stereo multiplexing, becoming the Models 602S (FM/AM), 602M (FM) and 654M (FM). This, of course, was a material feature addition and warranted the new model designations.

It was not too long after the appearance of built-in FM stereo multiplexing that manufacturers added an FM stereo indicator light. Various companies had their own name for the feature: Stereo Beacon, Stereo Sentinel, Stereo Indicator, etc. The important point is that it had become a MUST HAVE feature, at least in the minds of manufacturers (same situation when the front-panel headphone jack became standardized).

Pilot’s engineers developed something more in the way of FM stereo multiplexing: They developed an electronic circuit that not only did away with manual settings (including the fiddling with frequency separation filters and matrices commonly required in locating and locking in a stereo station (as in some early multiplex adaptors), the circuit included what Pilot called its “Automatic Stereo Indicator Light”, which would light up as one moved along the dial, even if the tuner/receiver was not in FM Stereo mode. The feature was standard on the Model 654M (only the 654M).

Later in 1962 ---- Models 602SA, 602MA and 654MA Receivers:

Around mid 1962, Pilot updated the Models 602S, 602M and 654M receivers to 602SA, 602MA and 654MA respectively. To understand this change it will be helpful to first step back for a brief review.

Advertisements for the new Pilot 602S, 602M and 654M receivers appeared in Hi-Fi magazines in late 1961 through mid 1962. In addition, these new Multiplex models were listed and described in Allied Radio, Radio Shack and Lafayette Electronics sales catalogs of the day. However, we know of no product catalog published by Pilot Radio Corporation wherein the Models 602S, 602M and 654M are featured. Pilot’s Hi-Fi brochure of 1960-1961 featured the Models 602 and 654 receivers, whereas the 1962 product catalog featured the 602SA, 602MA and 654MA. Nor do we find guidance from Pilot specifically explaining how or in what way the Models 602SA, 602MA and 654MA differ, respectively, from the 602S, 602M and 654M. The confusion is compounded by the above-referenced 1962 brochure wherein the narrative of specifications and features sometimes refers to the 654MA and 654M interchangeably.

Whatever the difference, it could not have been something monumental as the prices did not change: Pilot Model 602SA (FM and AM) was $299.50; the 602MA (FM only) was $249.50; the 654MA was $329.50.

Note: My paper on Pilot receivers includes many photos and illustrations of the various models, along with explanations. But for this AK response, only text.

Due to no discernable distinctions (beyond the “MA” or “SA” model designation on the faceplate) and a paucity of information, for years collectors have surmised that the difference between the “M” series and the “MA”/”SA” series was either in how or where they were marketed or whether intended for console installation or standalone use. In my paper, however, I argue that that was not the case; there was indeed an update to the Models 602S and 602M — the incorporation of an advanced feature — which the decision makers at Pilot apparently believed was both significant (a competitive advantage) and warranted product rebadging to 602SA and 602MA. Note: the Model 654M already had this advanced feature, but for consistency of nomenclature Pilot changed the model designation to 654MA. We now examine the reason for the “S” to “SA” and “M” to “MA” designations.

First, the easy part: The preamplifier and amplifier sections are the same in the “MA” and “SA” series as in the “M” and “S” models they replaced. That leaves the tuner. With the incorporation of FM Stereo Multiplex capability, Pilot advertising for the Models 602S, 602M and 654M included the following language:

****
“All Pilot FM Multiplex receivers incorporate Pilot’s unique signal-sampling Multiplex technology . . . . (See e.g., High Fidelity, Feb. and March 1962)

You get the best possible FM stereo reception because Pilot’s unique signal-sampling multiplex circuit gives you maximum separation . . . across the entire audio spectrum. (See, e.g., High Fidelity, April through July 1962)”
****

But only for the Model 654M receiver did advertising (reproduced in my paper) tout its unique feature: The Automatic Stereo Indicator Light. (See e.g., High Fidelity, Feb. and March 1962)

Finally, the only print ad we found for the Pilot 602MA and 654MA receivers — High Fidelity, November 1962 — (reproduced in my paper), contains the following copy:

****
“Hear your favorite music with the 30-watt 602MA FM Stereo Receiver, which includes Pilot’s unique Multiplex circuit . . . ; automatic FM Stereo indicator. . . .

Hear your music favorites with the 60-watt 654MA FM Stereo Receiver, which includes Pilot’s unique Multiplex circuit . . . ; automatic FM Stereo Receiver, including FM Multiplex, automatic FM Stereo indicator light . . . .”
****

Pilot’s wording in the above advertisement for its new Models 602SA, 602MA and 654MA provided the answer to our question; it further provided cause for our re-review of their 1962 product brochure. My paper includes illustrations and the full table of Specifications and Features as set forth in Pilot’s 1962 product brochure. One such feature is the Automatic FM Stereo Indicator — now incorporated into ALL receiver models (not just the 654M).

So in answer to the question that has vexed vintage Hi-Fi audiophiles for more than sixty years: the “A” added to Pilot’s receiver designations to become the 602SA, 602MA and 654MA, stood for “Automatic FM Stereo Indicator Light”, which, although already a feature of the 654M, was imparted to the 602S and 602M as well. Then, to keep the nomenclature consistent, the 654M was redesignated 654MA.

(Note: There was never a Model 654S or 654SA. As explained in my paper, this was undoubtedly due to the upcoming introduction of the Model 746.)

So, I hope I have answered your specific question regarding the addition of the "A" to the model designations.

Howard
 
Last edited:
Howard,

Thank you for all this additional information. So, the obvious questions remains: Where and when will your Pilot Radio Corporation full paper be released? Will it cover the Pilot records and a full listing of their releases?
 
Hello again, tcdriver.

The paper is about 60 pages, 8-1/2 x 11, single spaced. About half the space is allocated to illustrations and photos, reproductions of advertisements and catalog listings. All tuner-amplifier / receiver models are covered, including explanations of the specifications, features and changes in styling. Also covered in extensive detail are the (mostly rare and little known) models produced after the company was sold to Jerrold Electronics, then to Emerson, then Emerson to National Union Electric, and then the brand name to Mitsubishi.

There is an introduction to the company and to the founder, Isidor Goldberg (much of which may be found elsewhere). Except by brief mention to show the breadth of Pilot's products lines, I do not cover radios, TVs or (the very rare) records. Nor, again except to illustrate the breadth of the product line, do I cover basic amps, integrated amps tuners or consoles. All-in-all, just the tuner-amplifiers / receivers ---- the full lines, from the first in 1954/55 to the last.

I have not yet officially released the paper, but will soon. I am almost done with a similar paper on Bogen tuner-amplifiers / receivers, and have been researching and gathering material on Bell Sound Systems and Fisher.

Howard
 
Does anyone have a schematic for the Pilot 680 FM stereo tuner? No luck on Google so far.
 
Avogadro33 said:
tcdriver:

The story of the Pilot Radio Corporation and its long line of mono and stereo Hi-Fi receivers ---- model features, model nomenclature, what happened to the company, the changes in ownership, the changes in product lines, the fate of the products and brand name ---- is one of the most convoluted and interesting in all of Hi-Fi. My paper on the subject of course cannot be reproduced here, so I’ll merely try to answer your specific question regarding the “MA” line.


Hi-Fi manufacturers in the day were not only in an amplifier output ratings war (of which Pilot, too, was guilty) but also with respect to new or latest features. New models ---- often the previous product but incorporating one or two new features, and a new model designation ---- were common.

Pilot’s Model 602 and 654 receivers (and the 402, which we shall ignore) were introduced around December 1959 or early 1960 for the 1960 - 1961 model years. After the FCC’s decision on an FM multiplex standard, Pilot quicky responded. Around December 1961 or January 1962, Pilot introduced its new models: The former 602 and 654 receivers received built-in FM stereo multiplexing, becoming the Models 602S (FM/AM), 602M (FM) and 654M (FM). This, of course, was a material feature addition and warranted the new model designations.

It was not too long after the appearance of built-in FM stereo multiplexing that manufacturers added an FM stereo indicator light. Various companies had their own name for the feature: Stereo Beacon, Stereo Sentinel, Stereo Indicator, etc. The important point is that it had become a MUST HAVE feature, at least in the minds of manufacturers (same situation when the front-panel headphone jack became standardized).

Pilot’s engineers developed something more in the way of FM stereo multiplexing: They developed an electronic circuit that not only did away with manual settings (including the fiddling with frequency separation filters and matrices commonly required in locating and locking in a stereo station (as in some early multiplex adaptors), the circuit included what Pilot called its “Automatic Stereo Indicator Light”, which would light up as one moved along the dial, even if the tuner/receiver was not in FM Stereo mode. The feature was standard on the Model 654M (only the 654M).

Later in 1962 ---- Models 602SA, 602MA and 654MA Receivers:

Around mid 1962, Pilot updated the Models 602S, 602M and 654M receivers to 602SA, 602MA and 654MA respectively. To understand this change it will be helpful to first step back for a brief review.

Advertisements for the new Pilot 602S, 602M and 654M receivers appeared in Hi-Fi magazines in late 1961 through mid 1962. In addition, these new Multiplex models were listed and described in Allied Radio, Radio Shack and Lafayette Electronics sales catalogs of the day. However, we know of no product catalog published by Pilot Radio Corporation wherein the Models 602S, 602M and 654M are featured. Pilot’s Hi-Fi brochure of 1960-1961 featured the Models 602 and 654 receivers, whereas the 1962 product catalog featured the 602SA, 602MA and 654MA. Nor do we find guidance from Pilot specifically explaining how or in what way the Models 602SA, 602MA and 654MA differ, respectively, from the 602S, 602M and 654M. The confusion is compounded by the above-referenced 1962 brochure wherein the narrative of specifications and features sometimes refers to the 654MA and 654M interchangeably.

Whatever the difference, it could not have been something monumental as the prices did not change: Pilot Model 602SA (FM and AM) was $299.50; the 602MA (FM only) was $249.50; the 654MA was $329.50.

Note: My paper on Pilot receivers includes many photos and illustrations of the various models, along with explanations. But for this AK response, only text.

Due to no discernable distinctions (beyond the “MA” or “SA” model designation on the faceplate) and a paucity of information, for years collectors have surmised that the difference between the “M” series and the “MA”/”SA” series was either in how or where they were marketed or whether intended for console installation or standalone use. In my paper, however, I argue that that was not the case; there was indeed an update to the Models 602S and 602M — the incorporation of an advanced feature — which the decision makers at Pilot apparently believed was both significant (a competitive advantage) and warranted product rebadging to 602SA and 602MA. Note: the Model 654M already had this advanced feature, but for consistency of nomenclature Pilot changed the model designation to 654MA. We now examine the reason for the “S” to “SA” and “M” to “MA” designations.

First, the easy part: The preamplifier and amplifier sections are the same in the “MA” and “SA” series as in the “M” and “S” models they replaced. That leaves the tuner. With the incorporation of FM Stereo Multiplex capability, Pilot advertising for the Models 602S, 602M and 654M included the following language:

****
“All Pilot FM Multiplex receivers incorporate Pilot’s unique signal-sampling Multiplex technology . . . . (See e.g., High Fidelity, Feb. and March 1962)

You get the best possible FM stereo reception because Pilot’s unique signal-sampling multiplex circuit gives you maximum separation . . . across the entire audio spectrum. (See, e.g., High Fidelity, April through July 1962)”
****

But only for the Model 654M receiver did advertising (reproduced in my paper) tout its unique feature: The Automatic Stereo Indicator Light. (See e.g., High Fidelity, Feb. and March 1962)

Finally, the only print ad we found for the Pilot 602MA and 654MA receivers — High Fidelity, November 1962 — (reproduced in my paper), contains the following copy:

****
“Hear your favorite music with the 30-watt 602MA FM Stereo Receiver, which includes Pilot’s unique Multiplex circuit . . . ; automatic FM Stereo indicator. . . .

Hear your music favorites with the 60-watt 654MA FM Stereo Receiver, which includes Pilot’s unique Multiplex circuit . . . ; automatic FM Stereo Receiver, including FM Multiplex, automatic FM Stereo indicator light . . . .”
****

Pilot’s wording in the above advertisement for its new Models 602SA, 602MA and 654MA provided the answer to our question; it further provided cause for our re-review of their 1962 product brochure. My paper includes illustrations and the full table of Specifications and Features as set forth in Pilot’s 1962 product brochure. One such feature is the Automatic FM Stereo Indicator — now incorporated into ALL receiver models (not just the 654M).

So in answer to the question that has vexed vintage Hi-Fi audiophiles for more than sixty years: the “A” added to Pilot’s receiver designations to become the 602SA, 602MA and 654MA, stood for “Automatic FM Stereo Indicator Light”, which, although already a feature of the 654M, was imparted to the 602S and 602M as well. Then, to keep the nomenclature consistent, the 654M was redesignated 654MA.

(Note: There was never a Model 654S or 654SA. As explained in my paper, this was undoubtedly due to the upcoming introduction of the Model 746.)

So, I hope I have answered your specific question regarding the addition of the "A" to the model designations.

Howard
Click to expand...

maybe Pilot just used ‘a’ to indicate the next generation? That would seem to be the case with my 216a preamp which looks pretty much like the 216, but better in some way.
 
kirk57 said:
maybe Pilot just used ‘a’ to indicate the next generation? That would seem to be the case with my 216a preamp which looks pretty much like the 216, but better in some way.
Click to expand...

Yes, many firms used the letter designation to indicate an updated model: Bell Sound, for example used the same base model number for its earlier (1948 to 1955) Hi-Fi amplifiers, such the Model 2122 becoming the 2122-A, then 2122-B, then 2122-C. Same scheme with their Model 2199, 2200, etc. amplifiers.

And you are correct that Pilot used the "A" or "B" Model designations (such as your 216 to 216-A) on several of their updated products. But based on my research, that's almost certainly NOT the situation in the case of the Pilot 602 and 654 receivers. The "S" and "M" models were updates that included built-in FM stereo multiplexing. The move to "SA" and "MA" was to indicate the addition of the Automatic Stereo Indicator Light. (The 654M already had the feature, but it was changed to 654MA for consistency.)

Howard
 
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