BEO.ZONE

BeoLit 500 (1965)

BeoLit Portable Radio

Production: 1965 - 1968

Documents: Schematic, Service Manual

Beolit 500 (Type 1101) was a very modern-looking, battery-operated transistor radio offering a full 1 watt of undistorted sound. It was a breed of a whole new type of radio: light, sophisticated, and using new transistorized circuitry which meant that it was easy to take about or hung on the wall, out of the way and free of cables.

Ease of tuning - with its five large keys - ensured that the user could access his or her most-used radio stations quickly and without having to fiddle each time with a tuning knob. AFC was fitted, with which to ‘hold’ the frequency with a small thumbwheel provided to alter the tone of the sound. An ‘off’ button released other keys that had been in use, and there was a volume control knob to alter the level of sound.

A benefit of Beolit 500 was that it could also be used as an amplifier for an external record deck, or around the house - with another Beolit 500 - as a home intercom. It was fitted with a high-performance speaker and had a telescopic antenna attached. There were also connections for an external tape recorder and extension speaker. An external 7.5V power supply (via Beopower 600) could also be made.

Beolit 500 won the iF Design Award in 1966.  The radio was the only one product designed by the association of Acton Bjørn & Sigvard Bernadotte.

More Bang & Olufsen Items

The brand names Bang & Olufsen, B&O, trade mark and many of the product names and details together with on-site photographs are the property and copyright of Bang & Olufsen. The information on this website is provided only as a guide to Bang & Olufsen collectors and enthusiasts of the marque.

Jaguar History: The Century of Automotive Excellence