Overview
Tempo was a brand name used on amateur radio equipment, transceivers, amplifiers, and accessories primarily during the 1960s through the 1980s. The Tempo name became well known in the United States amateur radio market through equipment imported and distributed by Henry Radio in Los Angeles, California. Many Tempo-branded radios were manufactured in Japan by companies such as Yaesu, Trio/Kenwood, and later Uniden.
Tempo equipment included HF transceivers, VHF/UHF radios, linear amplifiers, and mobile amateur radio equipment. Several Tempo models were rebadged versions of radios sold under other manufacturer names.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tempo |
| Industry | Amateur Radio Equipment |
| Primary Market | Amateur Radio Operators |
| Active Era | 1960s–1980s |
| Associated Distributor | Henry Radio |
| Manufacturing | Primarily Japanese OEM manufacturers |
| Products | HF transceivers, VHF/UHF radios, amplifiers, accessories |
Description
Tempo radios were popular among amateur radio operators because they offered advanced Japanese-designed equipment to the U.S. market during the rapid growth of amateur radio in the 1970s. Models such as the Tempo One became especially well known. The Tempo One was closely related to the Yaesu FT-200 transceiver platform.
Later Tempo equipment included solid-state HF radios and mobile transceivers. Some models were manufactured by Uniden during the company’s early expansion into amateur radio equipment.
History
Historical Timeline
- 1960s — Tempo-branded amateur radio equipment introduced in the U.S.
- 1960s–1970s — Henry Radio distributed Tempo amateur radio products.
- 1970s — Tempo One HF transceiver became one of the brand’s best-known products.
- Late 1970s — Additional solid-state and mobile amateur radio models released.
- 1980s — Tempo branding gradually disappeared from the amateur radio market.