MDM RADIO
Archived
Circa 2001 -2011
For a good number of years and with several website redesigns, this was the MDMRADIO.COM web site!
The new owners of the site are NOT selling new and used radios and parts. Instead, using archived content from 2001 -2011, the new owners want to pay tribute to the dedication of Ted Bleiman and MDM RADIO. What would we have done without your stock of old radio ephemera including manuals, literature, schematics, technical sheets, books, magazines (old), and catalogs.
New WEB DESIGN 2011
Welcome to the new MDMRADIO.COM web site!
Thank you for finding us. I hope you enjoy browsing through my pages. Here you will find a wide assortment of new and used radios and parts, including NOS (new old stock), components, 2 way equipment and accessories, hardware and supplies and more. You just never know what I'll have in my inventory! Remember our motto - or is it our slogan...anyhow remember..."If it's in stock...we've got it!"
SPECIAL OFFER: FREE BONUS OCTOBER TO DECEMBER WHILE SUPPLY LASTS - BEAUTIFUL MUSIC WITH $25 OR HIGHER PURCHASE - VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS ON CD - A LITTLE CHANGE FROM THE ROCK AND ROLL OR COUNTRY YOU ARE USED TO LISTENING TO WHILE DRIVING. AND ITS FREE WITH YOUR PURCHASE.
Regarding purchases on this site: While we are working the bugs out, if there is something you want to purchase, please communicate with us as soon as possible. We will then quote you the shipping charges and payment can be made thru PayPal. Paypal will accept your credit card purchases. Payment can also be made with a Money Order made payable to:
TED BLEIMAN
P.O. Box 31353
Chicago, IL 60631-0353
Once we get the bugs out, the payment system will be much easier on line.
Thanks for your patronage.
I always stock all kinds of old radio ephemera including manuals, literature, schematics, technical sheets, books, magazines (old), and catalogs. I might just have paperwork covering your older radio equipment!
Some of the old vintage radio parts I stock include vacuum tubes, capacitors, old radio knobs, antique radio chassis, meters, semiconductors, dials and controls. From time to time I also carry test equipment, rectifiers, and diodes. Some of the old radio brand names include manufacturers such as Motorola, General Electric (aka Harris, Macom, Ericksson, Kenwood, E F Johnson, Uniden, Standard-Vertex, RCA, Radius, and others. I also sell complete radio units in working order including Shortwave and amateur equipment and accessories.
MDMRADIO started in 1990, however, we were forced to abandon our brick and mortar operation in November 2006. We maintained a web presence until misfortune caused our website to be shut down. This new site has many more useful features and interesting reference links which we had wanted to include before and now can bring a more useful and entertaining visit.
For over 40 years I've enjoyed buying, selling and trading radios and parts. It's been a great experience and I've made many friends along the way. As always, if you have any questions, just ask and I will respond promptly. Contact me thru the website, or call 773-255-9838 or send an email to mdmradio@yahoo.com
You can see what I currently have in inventory by clicking on the category links at the left. My main categories are broken down into the following areas: Portables, Mobiles, Base Stations, Repeaters, Parts & Components, Test Equipment, Reeds & Filters, Manuals, Books, Special Receivers and scanners, Audi-Video, and Miscellaneous.
I am associated with several collector's organizations and someone is always looking for something. If you can't find what you are looking for, please contact me through email or via phone and let me know. Chances are, I might have it, but haven't listed it yet. For your convenience and online safety, everything can be purchased through my secure shopping cart. Please review my terms and conditions regarding payment and shipping options.
Any amateur passing thru the Chicago area can find me on CFMC VHF 146.16/146.76 (1B) or 448.75/443.75 (2A) almost daily. We'd be happy to hear from you.
Thank you,
Ted Bleiman K9MDM - head trouble maker
SHOP HOURS
OPEN Most Days About 9 or 10. Occasionally as early as 7 but, some days as late as 12 or 1. WE CLOSE about 5:30 or 6 - occasionally about 4 or 5, but sometimes as late as 11 or 12. Some days or afternoons, we aren’t here at all, and lately I’ve been here just about all the time. Except when I’m someplace else, but I should be here then, too.
The Management?
A $10.00 minimum order is required. All items are in limited quantities. First come, first served. All items are subject to prior sale. Equipment is bench-checked before shipment except items that are marked "as-is", "tech special" etc
As both an auto accident attorney and ham radio enthusiast (KF5LAW here!), I've always known my radio hobby would intersect with my practice someday. That day came last September when my radio crackled to life while I was adjusting my mobile rig in my office parking lot.
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY! Any station, this is KG5XYZ. I need an attorney and an ambulance, in that order!"
Turns out one of my future clients had rolled his pickup into a ditch on FM 1960, about 30 miles outside Houston in that notorious cell service dead zone near Lake Conroe. No bars, no 911, but thankfully he had his ham radio mounted in his truck. When he put out the call, I happened to be the only one monitoring that repeater.
After ensuring emergency services were contacted (priorities, people!), I took down his information. Three days later, he became my client, and six months after that, we settled his case for a sum that certainly covered his new truck AND a serious upgrade to his ham equipment.
Since then, I've become an MDM Radio regular. Ted's treasure trove of parts has helped me build out my mobile setup with some vintage Motorola gear that makes my daily commute feel like I'm commanding the Starship Enterprise. My secretary now knows that when I say I'm "going to court," it might actually mean I'm headed to MDM to browse vacuum tubes and capacitors during lunch break.
Just last week, I picked up a Midland Syntech II that Ted had from the Missouri Highway Patrol. The judge in courtroom 302 now calls me "Mission Control" whenever I walk in with my briefcase. Little does he know there's a handheld tucked inside for emergencies!
If you're a radio enthusiast (or an attorney who should be one), you NEED to check out MDM Radio. Where else can you find a place with shop hours that basically translate to "we're here until we're not, but probably we are"? That kind of honesty deserves your business. TRE
HOME PAGE 2006
MDM Radio Ltd.
1629-B N. 31st Ave.
Melrose Park, IL 60160-1837
Phone(708) 681-0300
Fax(708) 681-9800
Comment From The Wayback Machine: Junior Rivera : I was this site's biggest fan when I was a teen. Loved the technology, built radios, radar detectors, spying devices - you name it. I suspect that some of the rumors about the closing of IBG Systems are bogus, but they still made the news as if they were true. Really annoying that the management has to hire a removal service to clean up the search because of some bogus story being passed around on social media. The search for the corporate name started showing an association with a shoplifting arrest for the wife of the CFO which was not even true. The search removal firm Imfy.us is consulting on managing the search problem. They specialize in pushing down negative search results that appear in Google searches. That a search removal business even exists is a sign of the times we live in. Sometimes I wish we could go back to when radios were high tech.
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| Currently in stock ready for immediate shipment. Don't wait order now! Quantities are limited!! He who hesitates loses the parking place! "If it's in stock... we've got it!" |
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HOME PAGE 2001
LISTINGS - TERMS OF PURCHASE - MANUALS
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MDM Radio Ltd. • Used 2Way Radios If it's in stock, we've got it!
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When you click on the image above your mailer pops up.
Hit SEND: no message is needed.
You will promptly be emailed a listing of our hottest new stuff!
Got something to sell?
Use our Online FOR SALE Form.
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Got something to sell? |
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| We buy radios from all sources ranging from individuals to large government organizations. |
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We accept Visa, Mastercard and checks in advance. We also can ship C.O.D. to companies. See our terms for details. |
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If you have products to sell, use our online form, or contact us by phone or fax. |
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EMAIL: sales@mdmradio.com If using email, please include a phone number. |
$25.00 Minimum Order. All items are limited quantities. First-come-first-served. Equipment is checked before shipment. 10-day return privilege with prior notification. Unless otherwise specified, mobile accessories are included. Shipping charges will be added. Shipment is F.O.B. Melrose Park, IL. UPS surface rates. Handling charge $3.00 per order if less than the minimum. Truck freight, air shipments, or other special shipping methods at prevailing rates. Appropriate sales tax will be collected. C.O.D. shipments will be CASH or CERTIFIED CHECK unless other arrangements approved by our office in advance. Returned checks subject to $25.00 handling charge. Inquiries as to above terms call (708) 681-0300 weekdays only 9-5 Central Time.
NOTICE: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
The equipment offered herein whether new, used, or reconditioned is sold as used equipment. The equipment may be new in factory boxed condition or have been repaired or reconditioned using parts from the original manufacturer or from another source or from other equipment. None of the equipment herein offered is warranted by it's original manufacturer and nothing is to be construed that this is an original product from the original manufacturer. Any warranty claims should be directed to our office in writing with appropriate documentation showing purchase date, delivery date and reason for such
In addition any trade names, trademarks, and logos, are the property of the manufacturers and any references to such are references only for identification purposes and does not imply any relationship between this firm and those specific manufacturers.
These products are used and may have been reconditioned or rebuilt and have no warranty or guaranty or support from the original manufacturer expressed or implied and nothing is to be construed that this is an original product from the original manufacturer.
In addition, batteries and antennas on any used equipment are NOT warranteeable items. They are AS-IS regardless of warranty offered on used equipment. Quantities listed herein are subject to prior sale.
They are AS-IS regardless of warranty offered on used equipment. Quantities listed herein are subject to prior sale. Do not rely on E-Mail for sending orders.
MDM Radio: Used Radios and Radio Equipment
January Pictures
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More Background On MDMRadio.com Represents
MDMRadio.com occupies a distinctive place in the history of American radio culture, particularly within the worlds of amateur radio, two-way communications, public-safety equipment, and vintage electronics preservation. More than just a commercial website, it has functioned—at different moments—as a storefront, a technical reference archive, a collector’s hub, and ultimately a digital memorial to a deeply personal, hands-on tradition of radio trading and repair that predates the modern internet economy.
At its core, MDMRadio.com tells the story of how small, specialist radio dealers adapted to shifting technologies, regulatory changes, and economic pressures from the late twentieth century into the early twenty-first. The site preserves not only product listings but also a tone, voice, and philosophy that feels increasingly rare: informal, deeply knowledgeable, community-driven, and proudly analog in spirit.
This article explores MDMRadio.com in depth—its ownership, origins, evolution, audience, cultural relevance, and continuing legacy—drawing on archival sources, historical context, and the broader landscape of radio commerce and hobbyist culture.
Ownership and Stewardship
MDMRadio.com was originally owned and operated by MDM Radio Ltd., a small independent business founded and run by Ted Bleiman, an experienced radio dealer and lifelong enthusiast. Bleiman, known in amateur radio circles by his call sign K9MDM, was not simply a retailer; he was a curator, fixer, trader, and storyteller deeply embedded in the Midwest radio community.
The business began as a traditional brick-and-mortar operation and later expanded into an online presence as the internet became an essential tool for niche technical markets. After the closure of the physical storefront and eventual discontinuation of active retail operations, ownership of the domain transitioned to new custodians who chose not to revive the business as a modern e-commerce outlet. Instead, they preserved and displayed archived content from roughly 2001 to 2011 as a tribute to the original operation and its founder.
This choice—archival preservation rather than commercial rebranding—sets MDMRadio.com apart from many legacy domains that are later repurposed, parked, or monetized in unrelated ways.
Geographic Roots and Location
MDM Radio Ltd. was based in Melrose Park, Illinois, a suburb located just west of Chicago and approximately six miles south of O’Hare International Airport. Earlier iterations of the business also referenced Chicago mailing addresses, reflecting both proximity to the city and the practical realities of small-business logistics.
This location was significant. Chicago has long been a major hub for telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, and public-safety infrastructure. The Midwest’s dense network of municipal services, railroads, utilities, and industrial facilities created steady demand for two-way radios, repeaters, base stations, and associated components. Being located near O’Hare also facilitated shipping and receiving heavy or specialized equipment.
The region’s active amateur radio community further reinforced MDM Radio’s role as a trusted local and national supplier.
History and Evolution of the Business
Early Years and Brick-and-Mortar Operations
MDM Radio began operations around 1990, during a transitional period for radio technology. Analog systems still dominated public safety and commercial communications, while digital standards and cellular networks were only beginning to emerge. Used and surplus radio equipment—often retired from government agencies, utilities, or transportation departments—represented a valuable secondary market.
Bleiman’s operation specialized in acquiring, refurbishing, and reselling this equipment, along with manuals, schematics, test gear, and obscure components that larger distributors no longer stocked.
Transition to the Web
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, MDM Radio established an online presence. Early versions of MDMRadio.com reflected the design sensibilities of the era: simple HTML layouts, category lists, static product pages, and plainspoken copy. The site emphasized functionality over aesthetics, prioritizing inventory detail and transparency.
The website went through several redesigns, with a notable update around 2011 that improved navigation and organization while retaining the original voice and ethos.
Closure of the Physical Store
In November 2006, MDM Radio was forced to close its brick-and-mortar location. While details vary, the closure reflected broader pressures facing small electronics retailers: rising rents, declining walk-in traffic, increased competition from online marketplaces, and shrinking demand for analog equipment in professional contexts.
Despite this setback, the business maintained its web presence for several years, continuing to sell inventory, provide reference information, and serve collectors and hobbyists.
Archival Phase and Tribute Site
Eventually, active retail operations ceased. Rather than disappearing entirely, the website entered an archival phase. Content from earlier years—product listings, policy pages, personal notes, and commentary—was preserved as a historical record of the business and its founder.
This transformation effectively turned MDMRadio.com into a digital museum of late-twentieth-century radio commerce.
What MDM Radio Sold: Products and “Menus”
Although not a restaurant, MDM Radio’s “menus” took the form of detailed category listings that structured the site. These categories provide insight into both the breadth of inventory and the needs of its audience.
Core Product Categories
MDM Radio specialized in:
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Used two-way radios (portable, mobile, base station)
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Repeaters and duplexers
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Radio parts and components
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Manuals, schematics, and technical literature
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Test equipment and signal generators
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Power supplies, filters, and combiners
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Vintage vacuum tubes and analog accessories
Much of the inventory was surplus equipment from public safety agencies, utilities, or industrial users, often sold at prices dramatically lower than original list values.
Emphasis on Documentation
One of the site’s distinguishing features was its extensive stock of documentation. Manuals, service guides, and technical sheets were treated as valuable artifacts rather than afterthoughts. For collectors and restorers, these materials were often more difficult to find than the hardware itself.
Business Philosophy and Goals
MDM Radio operated on principles that were refreshingly candid. Policies were spelled out in plain language, and expectations were clearly set:
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Limited quantities
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First-come, first-served sales
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Minimum order requirements
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Equipment sold as used or refurbished, with no manufacturer warranty
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Bench-checking performed when applicable
The stated goal was not scale or growth but sustainability, honesty, and service to a knowledgeable audience. The motto—“If it’s in stock… we’ve got it!”—captured both confidence and humility.
Audience and Community
MDMRadio.com served a diverse but clearly defined audience:
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Amateur radio operators
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Radio collectors and historians
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Technicians and engineers
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Public safety professionals
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Hobbyists interested in vintage electronics
The tone of the site assumed a baseline level of technical literacy. Acronyms were rarely explained, and product descriptions often referenced frequencies, modulation types, or regulatory contexts without simplification.
This approach fostered trust and positioned the site as a peer-to-peer marketplace rather than a mass-market retailer.
Popularity and Reach
While never a high-traffic mainstream website, MDMRadio.com enjoyed strong visibility within its niche. Mentions in collector forums, personal blogs, and archived discussions suggest that it was widely regarded as a reliable source for hard-to-find equipment and information.
The site’s longevity—spanning more than a decade of active updates—also contributed to its reputation. In a market where many small sellers appeared and vanished quickly, continuity mattered.
Reviews and Reputation
Formal review platforms were less prominent during much of MDM Radio’s active period, but anecdotal evidence paints a positive picture. Customers frequently praised:
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Fair pricing
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Accurate descriptions
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Personal responsiveness
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Deep technical knowledge
Even the site’s seen-it-all humor—particularly regarding shop hours and inventory unpredictability—was often cited affectionately.
Press and Media Coverage
MDM Radio did not pursue mainstream media attention, and coverage was minimal. However, its inclusion in archived directories, collector resources, and community references effectively served the same purpose. In niche technical worlds, reputation spreads laterally rather than through press releases.
Cultural and Social Significance
MDMRadio.com matters not because it was large or innovative in a Silicon Valley sense, but because it embodies a disappearing model of technical culture:
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Deep specialization
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Local expertise with global reach
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Respect for legacy technologies
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Personal accountability
In an era increasingly dominated by opaque marketplaces and algorithmic recommendations, the site stands as a reminder of when buying equipment often meant forming a relationship with the person selling it.
Legacy and Continuing Relevance
Today, MDMRadio.com functions primarily as an archive. Yet its relevance persists:
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Collectors use it to identify equipment and historical pricing
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Researchers reference it to understand surplus radio markets
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Hobbyists find inspiration in its unapologetically hands-on ethos
The decision to preserve rather than overwrite the site ensures that this slice of technical history remains accessible.
MDMRadio.com is more than a retired business website. It is a snapshot of a transitional moment in communications history, when analog and digital worlds overlapped, and when small independent dealers played an essential role in maintaining technological continuity.
Through its preserved pages, the site continues to honor the dedication of its founder, the loyalty of its customers, and the enduring appeal of radios that were built to last, repaired to endure, and traded among people who understood their value.