Discover Toronto's history as told through its plaques

2004 - Now in our 15th Year - 2019

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The Rogers Batteryless Radio

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2012

Photo by Alan L Brown - Posted March, 2004

Attached to a pillar at the front of this building at the northeast corner of Chestnut Street and Armoury Street is this Ontario Heritage Trust plaque which says:

Coordinates: 43.65406 -79.38551

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In the early 1920s, radio receivers were powered by direct current from batteries that were awkward to use and needed frequent recharging. Edward S. "Ted" Rogers Sr., a Toronto radio engineer, recognized the commercial potential of a radio that could use alternating current (AC) from a household electrical system. Working in a factory across the street from here, he invented an effective AC tube, then designed around it the world's first batteryless radio receiver. Following its debut in August 1925, the Rogers Batteryless Radio was quickly copied by American and European manufacturers. The convenience and improved performance of a plug-in receiver contributed significantly to the booming popularity of radio as home entertainment.

Related Toronto plaque
Edward S. Rogers, Sr. 1900-1939

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