There's a couple 'Realty Radio' AM transmitters, these came out in 1982, the first ones anyway, the ones on eBay are from a year or two later, but by 1985 the business was dissolved so he (Herrick) could focus on creating his new business 'Zeos' which proved to be a very successful mail-order computer provider... But anyway, the 'Realty Radio' transmitsers directly inspired the later 'Radio Realty' transmitters which ultimately became the 'Talking House' of today.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/327233832168 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/327233831357?
The Realty Radio 1650 Model span from 1982-1984 (maybe 1985) but there were no less than 4 different -um models, maybe even more, they had additional features, every style looked different but they were all "Model 1650", these in the auction are probably 1983 and/or 84. I find these extremely interesting from an historical perspective and what's most interesting here is the original documentations, particularly the distribution information book. This was from long after Herrick had divesested his company, but the distributions continued
Transcribed from the image:
July 13, 1987
Ms. Susan Romine PO Box 37 Fairmount, IL 61841
Dear Ms. Romine:
I would like thank you for your previous inquiry about Radio Realty. Our firm has been very fortunate in the number of individuals that have decided Radio Realty was an excellent opportunity for them. However, many potential Licensees think the territories were just physically too large. We certainly appreciated the input and because of this, have decided to reduce the size of each territory. By doing this, each Licensee will be able to concentrate their efforts on a more localized basis.
The licensing fee has been adjusted accordingly. The fee per territory is $2,500. Besides the exclusive territory you will also receive the following:
(1) Model 1650 Transmitter [there handwritten notes; $175 for one without digital storage to use with their own tape deck, also "Allow lease to get cash flow going"] and/or
(1)Model 2000 Transmitter with Solid State Voice Storage (digital recording) no tape $300
(1) Cassette Tape Player-use with
(13-Minute Endless Loop Tape
(16-Minute Endless Loop Tape
(1) Demonstration Tape of Actual Messages
(1)Radio Realty Yard Sign
(250) Radio Realty Brochures
(500 Radio Realty Door Hangers
[There's a red pen hand written "17,500", unclear what it signifies]
On the following page you can see how the territories for the State of Illinois are divided. If you have further interest, please call me at your carliest convenience.
Best regards,
Mark F. Kerr Marketing Director
MFK/evd Enclosure
A Division of The Marcus Gerard Corporation
4705 SOMERS AVENUE SUITE 1004 NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72116
501-753-8636 NATIONAL WATS 800-257-2346
3
Uh.. I said it backwards earlier; I meant the 'Realty Radio' company and it's transmitter is what directly inspired the 'Radio Realty' company to be launched, eventually coming out with the 'Talking House'.