Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Arthur Collins, a young radio prodigy, made history in 1925 by providing reliable radio communication for the MacMillan Arctic expedition using radios of his own design, earning national recognition.
At Collins Radio Company, Collins and his team of talented engineers designed and built what became the epitome of achievement in electronics across fields such as avionics, amateur radio, broadcast, micro-electronics, military and space communication, systems engineering, and computer-controlled factory processes, data networks, and message switching.
The company's culture of innovation was driven by a demanding work environment that attracted aspiring engineers seeking to make cutting-edge advancements, rather than just high salaries.
What many in the tech community don't know is that much of today's digital telecom technology, like MODEMs and computer networks, was first developed by Collins Radio in the 1950s and 60s, not the 80s or 90s.
Interestingly, despite his expertise in communication, Arthur Collins was a shy person who shied away from personal publicity, leaving few sound or visual recordings of him. However, we have collected interviews from those who knew and worked with him, which reveal his visionary insight into future technology, his vast knowledge, and his exceptional ability to learn quickly.
To purchase a DVD of this video visit:
dvd.awmuseum.org
or
arthurcollins.org
Help us preserve the history of electronic communications by becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: antiquewireless.org/homepage/membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
Arthur Collins, a young radio prodigy, made history in 1925 by providing reliable radio communication for the MacMillan Arctic expedition using radios of his own design, earning national recognition.
At Collins Radio Company, Collins and his team of talented engineers designed and built what became the epitome of achievement in electronics across fields such as avionics, amateur radio, broadcast, micro-electronics, military and space communication, systems engineering, and computer-controlled factory processes, data networks, and message switching.
The company's culture of innovation was driven by a demanding work environment that attracted aspiring engineers seeking to make cutting-edge advancements, rather than just high salaries.
What many in the tech community don't know is that much of today's digital telecom technology, like MODEMs and computer networks, was first developed by Collins Radio in the 1950s and 60s, not the 80s or 90s.
Interestingly, despite his expertise in communication, Arthur Collins was a shy person who shied away from personal publicity, leaving few sound or visual recordings of him. However, we have collected interviews from those who knew and worked with him, which reveal his visionary insight into future technology, his vast knowledge, and his exceptional ability to learn quickly.
To purchase a DVD of this video visit:
dvd.awmuseum.org
or
arthurcollins.org
Help us preserve the history of electronic communications by becoming a member of the Antique Wireless Association at: antiquewireless.org/homepage/membership
Subscribe to the Antique Wireless Museum channel and you'll receive news of our latest video uploads.
