Overview
Sonar Radio Corporation was an American electronics company known primarily for manufacturing and marketing citizens band (CB) radios, amateur radio accessories, intercom systems, and communications equipment during the 1960s and 1970s.
The company became especially recognized during the CB radio boom of the 1970s, offering both mobile and base station CB transceivers under the Sonar brand name. Sonar products were commonly sold through independent electronics dealers, mail-order businesses, and CB specialty shops throughout the United States.
Many Sonar-branded radios were manufactured in Japan by OEM electronics companies and then imported and marketed under the Sonar name in the United States.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Sonar Radio Corporation |
| Industry | Communications Electronics |
| Primary Products | CB radios, intercoms, communications equipment |
| Main Operating Era | 1960s–1970s |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York |
| Business Type | Electronics Manufacturer/Importer |
| Known For | Sonar-branded CB radios and accessories |
Description
Sonar marketed a wide range of CB radio equipment during the peak years of the citizens band radio industry. Their products included:
- Mobile CB radios
- Base station CB radios
- Public address equipment
- Intercom systems
- Power microphones
- External speakers
- Communications accessories
Sonar radios were generally positioned as affordable consumer communications products and competed with brands such as Lafayette, Midland, Pace, Royce, Courier, and Tram.
Several Sonar models became popular among CB hobbyists due to their styling and reliable performance. Most units were solid-state designs produced during the transition away from tube-based CB equipment.
Historical Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960s | Sonar Radio Corporation begins marketing communications equipment |
| Late 1960s | Expanded into CB radio market |
| 1970s | Major growth during CB radio popularity boom |
| Mid-1970s | Offered wide range of mobile and base station CB radios |
| Late 1970s | Continued sales during transition from 23-channel to 40-channel CB radios |
Historical Addresses
Sonar Radio Corp.
3050 W. 21st Street
Brooklyn 24, New York
Sonar Radio Corp.
73 Wortman Ave
Brooklyn 7, New York
Sonar Radio Corporation
73 Wortman Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11207
(212) 649-8000