MY 'BOAT ANCHORS'.
YAESU FTDX100.
Acquired in October 2024 through Abbeys Auctions, Victoria.
Includes a Zephyr microphone and a Rola external speaker.
Includes a Zephyr microphone and a Rola external speaker.
The Rola Company.
Above:- My Rola external speaker.
In 1930 Mr. A.L.C. Webb formed The Rola Company in Australia. Despite it being an Australian owned company, it did rely upon the supply of components from the Rola Company of Oakland California, USA.
In its early days the company was assembling speakers in their Little Lonsdale Street factory in Melbourne. In 1931 the Scullin Government introduced heavy duties on all imported good and this resulted in the cost of components used at the factory to increase significantly. To reducce the costs, local sub contract manufacturers were used to build the metal compments. The coil winding continued in the factory.
At this time there was a total of 14 loudspeaker manufacturers in Australia. However, due to Rola's superior quality and economic conditions, most of the competitors ceased to exist.
By 1934 the Little Lonsdale Street premises was considered to small and a new factory was constructed at City Road, South Melbourne. (Rola 2025)
In its early days the company was assembling speakers in their Little Lonsdale Street factory in Melbourne. In 1931 the Scullin Government introduced heavy duties on all imported good and this resulted in the cost of components used at the factory to increase significantly. To reducce the costs, local sub contract manufacturers were used to build the metal compments. The coil winding continued in the factory.
At this time there was a total of 14 loudspeaker manufacturers in Australia. However, due to Rola's superior quality and economic conditions, most of the competitors ceased to exist.
By 1934 the Little Lonsdale Street premises was considered to small and a new factory was constructed at City Road, South Melbourne. (Rola 2025)
Above:- 1936 Rola advertisment. Image c/o waybackmachine.com
By 1937 the South Melbourne premises became too small due to the company's expansion. A larger premises was opened at The Boulevard, Richmond. (Rola 2025)
Above:- part of an article from The Age, Tue 26 Mar 1940. Image c/o Trove.
At this time Rola was producing about 90,000 units per year. (Rola 2025)
Above:- The Rola premises at Richmond. Image c/o State Library Victoria.
Not long after the commencement of the Second World War, the Richmond factory was doubled in size. Large volumes of copper wire was required for electrical and electronic equipment used during the war. During the war, loudspeaker production was restricted. Rola did however, produce microphones and headsets and signals equipment.
At the conclusion of World War Two, Rola recommenced its production of loudspeakers. By 1956 Rola was producing components for local television manufacturers. (Rola 2025)
At the conclusion of World War Two, Rola recommenced its production of loudspeakers. By 1956 Rola was producing components for local television manufacturers. (Rola 2025)
During the 1950s Rola moved to a larger factory at Springvale, Victoria. The Herald newspaper in 1953 reported that three million loudspeakers had been constructed in the Rola factory at Richmond. (Trove 2025)
Above:- Article from The Herald, Melbourne, Mon 31 Aug 1953. Image c/o Trove.
During the 1960s Plessey Electronics took over Rola Australia. They continued to manufacture several of Rola's products. (Rola 2025)
Zephyr Products Pty Ltd.
Above:- My Zephyr microphone.
Zephyr Products Pty. Ltd were founded in 1952 and initially manufactured dynamic and crystal microphones.
In 1957 the Zephyr company commenced manufacturing the 'Matrix Board', a wiring system that was very popular with electronic hobbyists.
By 1961 they commenced to import microphones and electronic products from Europe and the USA. (Zephyr 2025)
In 1957 the Zephyr company commenced manufacturing the 'Matrix Board', a wiring system that was very popular with electronic hobbyists.
By 1961 they commenced to import microphones and electronic products from Europe and the USA. (Zephyr 2025)
Above:- 1958 advertisment for Zephyr microphones. Image c/o waybackmachine.com
References.
- Rola (2025). Rola Company Pty. Ltd.; Melbourne manufacturer in AUS, Model | Radiomuseum.org. [online] Radiomuseum.org. Available at: https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=7922 [Accessed 26 Feb. 2025].
- Trove. (2025). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) - 31 Aug 1953 - p6. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/26696682?searchTerm=rola%20speaker [Accessed 26 Feb. 2025].
- Zephyr (2025). Zephyr Products Pty. Ltd.; Melbourne Vic. manufacturer in AU | Radiomuseum.org. [online] Radiomuseum.org. Available at: https://www.radiomuseum.org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=13353 [Accessed 26 Feb. 2025].