Garex History as it appeared in RSGB Bulletins/Radcom 1960-1983 – Bill Curtis G8BGR

The brief history on the company’s website indicates that Garex was founded in 1963; the following is based on checks of RSGB Bulletins/RadComs from January 1960 to December 1983.

  • The first advert for Garex Wholesale at Birmingham appeared in the April 1965 issue.
  • A second advert, also for Garex Wholesale at Birmingham, didn’t appear until a year later inMarch 1966.
  • The first advert for Garex Wholesale located at Chinnor Oxfordshire appeared in the August 1966 issue.
  • The first use of the term “Twomobile” didn’t appear until the September 1969 issue, but at that time applied to a 2m transmitter, not a transceiver.
  • The first reference to the Twomobile AM/FM Transceiver appeared in the April 1971 issue.
  • The first picture of the Twomobile AM/FM Transceiver appeared in the September 1972 issue. This equipment was, however, a more “refined” version than that owned by G8SFR, thus dating G8SFR’s unit as pre September 1972.

Figure 1 Radcom September 1972

  • The January 1973 advert implied that Rex (G3MMJ) was taking a holiday, and left component orders in the hands of G3ZVI (QTHR), and complete equipment orders in the hands of G3RXO (QTHR). Chinnor Oxfordshire was the only address given.
  • In the February 1973 advert, all was back to normal with no mention of G3ZVI or G3RXO.
  • In the March 1973 advert, two addresses were given, the normal Chinnor address, plus a component mail order only address in Tring Hertfordshire “where G3ZVI will be taking care of things.”
  • In the September 1973 advert, only the Tring Hertfordshire address was given, so perhaps this is when G3ZVI took over the business.
  • The picture of the Twomobile AM/FM Transceiver continued to be in adverts up until October 1973. The picture didn’t appear in the November 1973 advert, which stated that production of transmitters, transceivers and transverters was being reorganised.
  • In the January 1974 advert there was a “Stop Press” announcement stating that the MKII Twomobile AM/FM Transceiver was almost ready, and preview details would be made available on receipt of a sae.
  • The MKII Twomobile AM/FM Transceiver was introduced in the February 1974 advert, complete with picture. It was stated that the new design took into account the changing “fashions” on the 2m band, especially the growth in FM and mobile working. One additional feature being the inclusion of a DC supply voltage stabiliser for the receiver VFO. The price increased from £105.45 to £112.75.
  • From May 1974 to September 1974, the Twomobile AM/FM Transceiver didn’t appear in any adverts, which just focussed on the sale of components and kits. However, the Twomobile returned in the October 1974 advert with additional features, namely: a six TX crystal capability, and a toneburst generator providing two tones. The price increased from £112.75 to £129.60.
  • The Twomobile didn’t appear in adverts from August 1975 to October 1976, which focussed on the sale of components. Then in the November 1976 advert, the Twomobile was joined by the Fourmobile at £135.00 and £121.50 respectively.
  • The Twomobile and Fourmobile continued to be advertised throughout 1977, and up to April 1978 for the same price. Although not featured, subsequent adverts did imply that the Twomobile and Fourmobile were available up until August 1978.

Figure 2 Radcom October 1977

Further RadComs were checked from September 1978 to December 1983, but there were no additional references to the Twomobile or Fourmobile equipments.

Bill Curtis – G8BGR
October 2007

END