The DST100 receiver was first created in England in the late 1930s and was then used during WW2. Able to pick up very weak signals on an extraordinarily wide band width from 50HZ-30MHZ it’s main use was for intercepting and listening for enemy activity as well as other covert use. Due to its size and very hefty weight, this radio was mainly intended for Naval and RAF shoreline posts. Although manufactured by several different companies, as such a specialist radio it was clearly never produced in large quantities. Furthermore when the war ended many were quickly scrapped because they were just too bulky and complicated for the amateur radio Hams to use. Today therefore the DST100 is a rare and desirable survivor of high end WW2 radio technology. This example is also a bit more special because it is the earlier MkII model with a very low serial number (49). I am still unsure which company ‘EL’ in the serial number refers to but possibly Peto Scott.
This receiver has come from a gentleman who bought it as surplus back in the 1950s. Being a radio engineer for many years he kept it in full working order until a few years ago. Cosmetically this is in good condition overall with just some chrome loss to one of the handles and has been kept indoors all its life.
For an excellent write up and restoration of a DST100 click here.
