WELCOME TO THE CK722 CLASSIC GERMANIUM TRANSISTOR WEBSITE AND MUSEUM
	The CK722 holds a unique place in the history of the transistor.  Introduced by Raytheon in early 1953, the CK722 was the first low cost junction transistor available to the general public. It was an instant success.  Countless “build it yourself” articles were published in the popular electronics press and electronics/hobbyist magazines describing how to use the CK722 to build all types of devices such as radios, oscillators, electronic voltmeters, photoelectric alarms and hearing aids.  Eager to learn about the exciting new transistor technology, the public responded enthusiastically to the CK722 - hundreds of thousands of these transistors were bought by experimenters, radio hams, engineers and others interested in this technology over the next few years. In addition, there is a sentimental aspect to this device.  Many of the talented and dedicated professionals and amateurs who have been responsible for the tremendous rise of the electronics industry over the past four decades can still remember the time when, as a young hobbyist, they were able to scrape together enough money (maybe through saving allowance or cutting the neighbor’s grass) to buy that first CK722 - can you still recall the smell of solder and the absolute delight of hearing a local radio station coming through “loud and clear” on the newly constructed one transistor radio powered by, of course, a gleaming, bright blue CK722?  This webpage and book have been constructed to help preserve the special legacy of the Raytheon CK722. +++++++++++++ TABLE OF CONTENTS (Use these Links to Explore the CK722) 1. Highlights Page for New and Favorite Stuff 2. A Brief Introduction To Early Transistor History 3. Raytheon and the First Transistorized Hearing Aids 4. The CK722 Makes its Debut 5. What Color is That CK722? 6. You Won’t Believe What’s Inside the CK722!!! 7. CK722 Photo Gallery 8. CK722 Construction Articles 9. CK722 Emails and Current Discussion Topics 10. Links to Other Interesting Transistor Sites 11. Reviews of CK722 Books and Magazine Articles transistormuseum@aol.com Please let me hear from you if you share my interest in the CK722 and other classic transistors from the 50s and 60s.  If You remember the CK722, then you probably remember the two books published by Raytheon in the 1950s, which provided lots of photos, details, and projects using the CK722 and other Raytheon transistors.  You can read about these books in The Story of the CK722, which is now available from the author.  I am also developing another CK722 Transistor Applications Book, “50 Years of the CK722”, “VOLUME III”, which will capture CK722 projects built by many of you over the past 50 years.  If you’d like to contribute a project to the new CK722 Applications Book, please email me. “50 Years of the CK722” Learn More About This Upcoming Book. ++++++++++++++ BUILD A CLASSIC – A 45 YEAR OLD CK722 REGEN RECEIVER Mike Peebles has recreated a classic.   If you didn’t build one of these in the 1950s, then build one now! ++++++++++++++ NEW ADVENTURS OF  CARL AND JERRY Remember the adventures of C&J from the 1950’s/60’s?   They’re back in a new adventure with a CK722.  Use the Link Above for a Preview  – You’ll Find the Complete New Adventure, Including an Audio Narration in The Story of the CK722.
Get Ready for Lots of New  CK722 Material.  2003 is the 50^th Anniversary of the Introduction of the CK722 and We’re Planning to Include New Projects, Interviews, Emails and Reference Material Over the Next Few Months to Commemorate this  Historic Occasion. Check Out This Link. Get Ready for the March 2003  IEEE Spectrum Magazine  Feature on the CK722! ++++++++++++++ Use the Following Links to Review A First Installment of 50^th Anniversary Coverage. ++++++++++++++ An Interview with  Mr. Norman Krim  “The Father of the CK722” ++++++++++++++ TWO NEW CK722 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS A 50^th Anniversary CK722 Radio All Construction Details and Photos CK722 50^th ANNIVERSARY RADIO  CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ++++++++++++++ A Brand New CK722 Construction Project Recently Submitted  by Ned Ely. BLUE BLINKIE BLUE LED/BLUE CK722 Flasher. BLUE BLINKIE CK722  CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ++++++++++++++ THE STORY OF THE CK722 A New Book By Jack Ward NOW AVAILABLE !! Over 120 pages!! 2 CD’s!! Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the CK722. Use the Link Above for More Info and to PLACE YOUR ORDER. ++++++++++++++ THE TRANSISTOR MUSEUM If you remember the CK722, then be sure to visit this new “virtual” museum, with information about all types of early transistors. ++++++++++++++
COPYRIGHT © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 - 2011 by Jack Ward.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.