Vagabond  (1953 - 1960)
Shure

Shure Vagabond

Shure's first wireless microphone. The Vagabond was powered by two hearing aid batteries, and could transmit within a ‘performance circle’ of approximately 700 square feet. The name ‘Vagabond’ was chosen because ‘… it is a microphone that makes the entertainer foot-loose and fancy-free.’
The Vagabond mic/transmitter operated in the 2 MHz FM band, weighed one pound, was 1.4 inches in diameter and 12 inches in length. It had five subminiature vacuum tubes and worked for 25 to 30 hours on its batteries. 

From 1955 Shure Catalogue: 
The Vagabond “88” is the first practical wireless microphone system ever developed – no cables! …no body wiring! …no station license needed! The “88” is a complete wireless microphone system that can be used with the existing public-address equipment of any night club, auditorium, church, theater, athletic stadium, etc. The Vagabond “88” is recommended for clergymen, businessmen, entertainers, educators, and sports announcers, who need freedom of movement within an operating area of 500 to 1,000 square feet.

Further details from the Shure website: 
In 1953, Shure introduced the world's first professional wireless microphone system featuring a handheld transmitter. The system was named the Vagabond 88. The retail price was $700.00. The Vagabond 88 system was sold from 1953 until 1960.
A system consisted of:
1 - Model 88T handheld transmitter;
1 - Model 88R two megacycle FM receiver;
1 - mic stand adapter for the 88T;
1 - lavalier cord and clip to hold the 88T;
1 - coil of copper antenna wire;
1 - set of batteries consisting of a 30 volt "B" battery and a 1.3 volt mercury cell.
The active components were five subminiature vacuum tubes: three CK526AX tubes and two CK512AX tubes.
These tubes were primarily employed for hearing aids.
CK526AX is a pentode power amp; filament voltage of 1.25 dc; plate voltage of 22.5 dc; 1.5" x 0.385" x 0.285"
CK512AX is a pentode voltage amp; filament voltage of 0.625 dc; plate voltage of 22.5 dc; 1.25" x 0.385" x 0.285"

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