Radio Receiver Used in the Piccards' Stratospheric Balloon Ascension, 1934
Add to SetSummary
The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built this radio transceiver, installing it in the "radio car" that trailed the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.
The Piccard stratosphere flight departed Ford Airport field on October 23, 1934. Spouses Jean and Jeannette Piccard ascended 10.9 miles in a metal gondola carried by a hydrogen balloon. To maintain ground communication, William Duckwitz built this radio transceiver, installing it in the "radio car" that trailed the flight. Duckwitz's call sign, W8CJT, is burned into its base.
Artifact
Transceiver
Date Made
1934
Subject Date
23 October 1934
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Dearborn
Creator Notes
Made by Ford employees William Gassett, assisted by William Duckwitz on behalf of Ford Motor Company.
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
62.48.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of William M. Duckwitz.
Material
Copper (Metal)
Porcelain (Material)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 7 in
Width: 5.75 in
Length: 19.5 in
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