Overview
Radio Manufacturing Engineers, Inc. (RME) was a U.S.-based manufacturer of amateur radio receivers and communications equipment, active primarily from the 1930s through the early 1960s. The company became well known among amateur radio operators for producing high-quality receivers and was later absorbed into larger corporate entities, including Electro-Voice and Textron.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1931 |
| Founders | E.G. Shalkhauser (W9CI), Russ M. Planck (W9RGH) |
| Industry | Communications electronics |
| Primary Products | Amateur radio receivers, shortwave receivers |
| Country | United States |
| Key Locations | Peoria, Illinois; Buchanan, Michigan |
| Later Ownership | Electro-Voice; GC Electronics (Textron) |
Description
RME specialized in the design and manufacture of amateur radio and shortwave receivers. The company built a strong reputation for performance and reliability, particularly among amateur radio operators.
Its products were primarily receiver-focused, typically paired with transmitters from other manufacturers. Equipment was largely tube-based and designed for stable operation. Following its merger with Electro-Voice after World War II, RME continued producing receivers under the name “Radio Mfg. Engineers, Division of Electro-Voice Inc.”
Known historical addresses include:
- 306 First Avenue, Peoria, Illinois (circa 1935)
- 313–315 Bradley Avenue, Peoria, Illinois (from 1943)
- Radio Mfg. Engineers, Inc., Peoria 6, Illinois (1945 listing)
History
Radio Manufacturing Engineers was founded in 1931 by E.G. Shalkhauser (W9CI) and Russ M. Planck (W9RGH). The company quickly established itself during the early growth of amateur radio by producing high-quality receivers.
In 1935, RME operated from 306 First Avenue in Peoria, Illinois, later relocating in 1943 to 313–315 Bradley Avenue, also in Peoria. During this period, the company continued to develop and refine its receiver designs.
Following World War II, RME merged with Electro-Voice of Buchanan, Michigan. After the merger, Russ Planck remained with the company and supervised the design of a new series of shortwave receivers under the Electro-Voice division structure.
In 1962, the RME division was taken over by GC Electronics of Rockford, Illinois, a division of Textron Electronics. After this transition, the RME name was gradually phased out as a standalone brand.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1931 | RME founded by E.G. Shalkhauser (W9CI) and Russ M. Planck (W9RGH) |
| 1935 | Located at 306 First Avenue, Peoria, Illinois |
| 1943 | Relocated to 313–315 Bradley Avenue, Peoria, Illinois |
| 1945 | Listed as Radio Mfg. Engineers, Inc., Peoria 6, Illinois |
| Post-WWII | Merged with Electro-Voice, Buchanan, Michigan |
| Late 1940s–1950s | Operates as Radio Mfg. Engineers, Division of Electro-Voice Inc.; develops new receiver lines |
| 1962 | RME division taken over by GC Electronics (Textron), Rockford, Illinois |
| 1960s | RME brand phased out |