Object Details
maker
Lear, Inc.
Description (Brief)
In 1945 William Lear purchased a license from the Armour Research Foundation and made wire recorders like this “Dynaport” unit. The Dynaport combined a wire recorder with a disk record player. The user could play records and make a wire recording of the contents. Users could also connect the Dynaport with a radio and record programs off the air.
The Dynaport did not sell well and Lear turned his attention to other products like small business jets. Years later he redesigned a tape cartridge system and became a driving force in the introduction of 8-track tape players for automobiles.
This unit includes the recorder, a power amplifier, five spools of recording wire, an empty container for a spool of wire (mounted on the machine), two recording heads, a recording arm, a recording microphone with stand, and a bag of loose parts and tools. Box reads "WR105A".Also included are the owner's manual, wiring schematics for both the recorder and the amplifier, technical information for the recording arm and head, and advertising sheets.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
from John R. and Helen E. Payne
date made
ca 1948
date ordered, given, or borrowed
1981-01-15
ID Number
1984.0901.01
accession number
1984.0901
serial number
175
catalog number
1984.0901.01
Object Name
wire recorder
recording device
Other Terms
wire recorder; Audio Devices
Physical Description
plastic (part material)
metal (recorder material)
felt (part material)
glass (part material)
Measurements
recorder: 22 cm x 38.5 cm x 36 cm; 8 11/16 in x 15 3/16 in x 14 3/16 in
power amplifier: 17 cm x 17 cm x 37.5 cm; 6 11/16 in x 6 11/16 in x 14 3/4 in
location of prior holder
United States: California
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Magnetic Recording
Communications
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_713623