Arvin Models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN Schematic & Parts List
September 1947 Radio News

September 1947 Radio News

September 1947 Radio & Television News Cover - RF Cafe[Table of Contents]

Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early electronics. See articles from Radio & Television News, published 1919-1959. All copyrights hereby acknowledged.

Arvin Models 555 (RadioAttic.com) - RF Cafe

Arvin Models 555 (RadioAttic.com)

In a continuing effort to make available schematics, parts lists, and service information available for vintage radios, I have been scanning and posting documents like this one featuring the Arvin models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN. It appeared in a 1947 issue of Radio News magazine. OCR is run on them to separate the textual content and facilitate searches. Some really nice photos of a restored Arvin 555 are available on the RadioAttic.com website (see thumbnail). There are still many people who restore and service these vintage radios, and often it can be difficult or impossible to find schematics and/or tuning information. I keep a running list of all data sheets (see below).

Arvin Models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN

Arvin Models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN Schematic - RF Cafe

Arvin Models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN Schematic

Tube sockets are viewed from underside of chassis. Voltage readings shown at socket prongs are to floating ground and are taken with no signal. AC line voltage at 117 volts. Where no reading is given, the voltage is zero or too low to read.

When external antenna is used, remove this wire from antenna clip and insert antenna wire.

I.F. = 455 kc

 

Arvin Models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN Parts List - RF Cafe

Arvin Models 555, 555A, 552N, 552AN Parts List


 - See Full List - 

Arvin Radio: A Brief Overview and Historical Context

Arvin, a subsidiary of Noblitt-Sparks Industries, was a brand of car radios and audio equipment that was popular in the 20th century. Founded in the 1930s, Arvin quickly established itself as a leader in the field of automotive sound systems. Known for its quality and reliability, Arvin's products were widely used by American consumers and became synonymous with in-car entertainment.

At a time when radio was still a relatively new technology, Arvin's car radios stood out for their compact size and ease of use. They were well-designed and offered a range of features, including AM/FM tuning, volume control, and push-button tuning. Arvin also offered a range of other audio products, including home radios and portable speakers, that were well-received by consumers.

Over the years, Arvin continued to evolve and innovate, adding new features and keeping up with changing trends and technologies. The company's products were widely available through a network of dealers and distributors, and they were often featured in advertising and promotions aimed at the American public.

Despite its early success and popularity, however, Arvin faced increased competition in the latter half of the 20th century. New technologies, such as cassette tapes and CD players, emerged and changed the way people listened to music in their cars. Additionally, foreign brands entered the market and offered products that were more advanced and less expensive than Arvin's offerings.

Arvin remained a significant player in the automotive audio market for many years. However, as the company faced financial difficulties in the latter part of the 20th century, it was eventually acquired by another company and the Arvin brand was discontinued.

 

 

Posted January 13, 2023
(updated from original post on 10/29/2014)


Radio Service Data Sheets

These schematics, tuning instructions, and other data are reproduced from my collection of vintage radio and electronics magazines. As back in the era, similar schematic and service info was available for purchase from sources such as SAMS Photofacts, but these printings were a no-cost bonus for readers. There are 227 Radio Service Data Sheets as of December 28, 2020.