Overview

Globe Electronics was a U.S.-based manufacturer of amateur and citizen band (CB) radio equipment, originating as a product line of World Radio Laboratories (WRL). The brand was active from the late 1940s through the 1970s and became associated with transmitters and radio equipment used by both hobbyists and commercial operators. Over time, Globe transitioned through several corporate changes, ultimately becoming part of Textron Electronics.

Technical Specifications

Category	Details
Industry	Consumer electronics
Primary Products	Amateur radio transmitters, CB radios, accessories
Parent Companies	World Radio Laboratories; Textron Electronics, Inc.; GC Electronics
Active Years	Late 1940s–1970s
Country	United States
Key Locations	Council Bluffs, Iowa; Rockford, Illinois; Los Angeles, California

Description

The Globe brand originated under World Radio Laboratories (WRL), a major supplier of amateur radio equipment located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. WRL was operated by Leo Meyerson (W0GFQ) and his family and played a significant role in supplying and manufacturing radio equipment during the mid-20th century.

Globe-branded equipment initially focused on amateur radio transmitters and later expanded into CB radio products as that market grew. Early designs were tube-based, with later models incorporating solid-state technology. The equipment was designed to be practical and accessible while maintaining reliability for regular use.

Known business addresses associated with Globe Electronics include:

• 3415 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa
• 22–30 South 34th Street, Council Bluffs, Iowa

Following corporate restructuring, operations expanded to:

• Main plant in Rockford, Illinois
• Western plant in Los Angeles, California

History

The Globe brand traces its origins to the postwar expansion of amateur radio equipment in the United States. World Radio Laboratories established itself as both a retailer and manufacturer, with Globe becoming one of its key in-house product lines.

In 1960, WRL sold the Globe product line to Textron, marking a shift from a family-run operation to corporate ownership. In 1962, Globe/Textron merged with RME (Radio Manufacturing Engineers), associated with Electro-Voice, forming GC Electronics, a division of Textron Electronics, Inc.

Under Textron, Globe products continued to be manufactured and distributed across multiple facilities. Branding during this period often reflected both Globe and GC Electronics. As the industry evolved and competition increased, the prominence of the Globe name declined by the late 1970s.

Leo Meyerson (W0GFQ), founder of WRL and a central figure in the development of the Globe brand, remained influential in amateur radio for decades. He died on April 13, 2011, at the age of 100.

Timeline

Year	Event
1948	Globe brand introduced with the Globe Champion transmitter by World Radio Laboratories
1950s	WRL expands as a major supplier of amateur radio equipment; Globe products gain recognition
1960	Globe product line sold by WRL to Textron
1962	Globe/Textron merges with RME/Electro-Voice to form GC Electronics, a division of Textron
1960s	Manufacturing expands to Rockford, Illinois (main plant) and Los Angeles, California (western plant)
1970s	Globe brand presence declines amid industry changes and increased competition
2011	Leo Meyerson (W0GFQ), founder of WRL, passes away at age 100

Today, Globe Electronics equipment is primarily collected by vintage radio enthusiasts, particularly those interested in early amateur radio transmitters and the history of WRL