Parts R1 R2,R3 R4 C1,C3 C2,C4 C5 C6 Q1,Q2 L1 Mic

List: = 10K (brown-black-orange) = 100K (brown-black-yellow) = 470 ohm (yellow-violet-brown) = 4.7pF (4p7), ceramic = 4.7uF-16V, electrolytic = 0.001uF (1nF), ceramic = 470pF, ceramic = 2N2222, NPN transistor = 1uH, variable inductor = Electret mike, 2 wires

Couple Notes: Q1 amplifies the input signal via C4 from the electret microphone. Q2 acts as an oscillator and the signal coming off C2 is fed onto the base of Q2. L1/C1 is a so called 'tank' circuit and operates in the 88-105MHz band on your regular AM/FM radio dial. L1 is a 1uH variable inductor coil to be able to tune it a little bit, and the range of 1uH is approximate. The antenna can be as simple as a 8" (21cm) piece of wire of any kind.
Copyright 2003 - Tony van Roon

Parts R1 R2 R3 R4

List: = 2K2 = 39K = 470K (pot) = 1M

IC1 IC2 IC3 Q1

= = = =

555, timer 14017, decade counter 14020, divider 2N3906

R5 R6 C1 C2 C3

= = = = =

27K 6K8 0.12uF, ceramic 1.2uF, polyester 0.1uF, ceramic

D1 D2 S1 S2 Ry1

= = = = =

1N4001 1N4001 Push switch, momentary on 3-step/2-deck rotary switch 12V

Fig. 11: Shows a 'long-range timer relay' switching circuit which spans 1 minute to 20 hours in three ranges using a three-step, two-deck mechanical rotary switch. IC2 (4017) is a CMOS decade counter IC, a five-stage Johnson counter with 10 decoded outputs. Inputs include a CLOCK, a RESET, and a CLOCK INHIBIT signal. This IC, together with IC3 and the 3-step rotary switch, can provide a maximum division ratio of 81,920 making it possible to time for periods up to 20 hours or so. Circuits like this are used in battery chargers and area security lighting systems with time-controlled turn-off. IC3 (4020) is a CMOS 14-stage, ripple-carry binary divider. Normally a 'high' would occur as soon as switch S1 is closed and a 'low' when the 8192nd astable pulse arrives. All counter stages of IC3, the 4020, are master-slave flip-flops. The state of a counter advances one count on the negative going transition of each input pulse, and a high level on the RESET line resets the counter to its all zeros state. All inputs and outputs are buffered.
Copyright 2003 - Tony van Roon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Parts R1,R3 R2 diode R4 P1 C1 C2 C3 C4

List: = 220 = 470 = = = = = = 27K 7.5M, potentiometer 220uF/25V, electrolytic 470uF/16V, electrolytic 0.001uF (1nF),ceramic 10pF to 0.001uF, ceramic

IC1 = 555, timer/oscillator D1 = 1N4001, general purpose Led S1 S2 Ry1 = = = = Red, high brightness Push switch, momentary off Push switch, momentary on 6-9V

Notes: C4 may not be needed. Add only if relay 'chatters'. Value can be up to 0.001uF. Led will be lit when relay is "on". Back to Circuits page
Copyright 2005 - Tony van Roon

Parts R1,R3 R2 R4,R5 C1 C2

List: = 10K = 680K (see text) = 6K8 = see text = 0.1uF, ceramic

Q1 IC1 D1,D2,D3 Ry

= = = =

2N3904, or equivalent 4001, or equivalent 1N4001, or equivalent Relay, 12V

The above circuit is similar to the "Delayed Turn-on" type but now configured as an automatic turn-off type. The diagram shows how the circuit function can be reversed so that the relay turns on when power is applied but turns off again automatically after a preset delay. This response is obtained by modifying the relay-driving stage for an NPN transistor like the 2N3904. It is worth noting again that the diagram provides a time delay of about 0.5 seconds for every microfarad in the value of capacitor C1. This permits delays of up to several minutes. If desired, the delay periods can be made variable by replacing resistor R2 with a fixed and variable resistor in series whose nominal values are approximately equal of the total value of R2 (680K).
Copyright 2003 - Tony van Roon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Active Antenna for AM/FM/SW: This simple little circuit can be used for AM, FM, and Shortwave(SW). On the shortwave band this active antenna is comparable to a 20 to 30 foot wire antenna. It is further more designed to be used on receivers that use untuned wire antennas, such as inexpensive units and car radios.

Parts List: R1 = 1M C1 = 470pF C2 = 470pF L1 = see text Q1 = MPF102, or NTE451

L1 can be selected for the application. A 470uH coil works on lower frequencies and lie in AM, for shortwave try a 20uH coil. This unit can be powered by a 9 volt alkaline battery. If a power supply is used, bypass the power supply with a 0.04uF capacitor to

prevent noise pickup. The antenna used on this circuit is a standard 18-inch telescoping type, but a thick piece of copper, bus-bar, or piano wire will also work fine. The heart of this circuit is Q1, a JFET-N-Channel, UHF/VHF amplifier in a TO-92 case. can be replaced with an NTE451.

It

Output is taken from jack J1 and run to the antenna-input of your receiver. Although this little circuit can easily be mounted on a piece of vero-board, I have supplied the printed circuit board and layout diagram if you wish to make a printed circuit board.

Source: "Popular Electronics" magazine, July 1989 issue. Posted with permission. Copyright Gernsback Publications, Inc. 1989. (Gernsback is no longer in business). Back to Circuits page Copyright 2003 - Tony van Roon

Parts List
Resistors are 1/4 Watt, 5% R3,R5,R6 = 1K (brown-black-red) R1,R7 = 2K7 (red-violet-red) R4 = 100K (brown-black-yellow) R2 = 180K (brown-gray-yellow) C1 = 10uF/16V, electrolytic C2 = 220uF/16V, electrolytic C3 = 1uF/16V, electrolytic D1 = 1N4148 Led1 = Led, red Q1,Q2 = BC557B (or 2N3906) Q3 = BC337-40 (or 2N3904) S1 = Momentary on-switch Ry1 = Relay (see text)

Description: This circuit is the transistor version of the 4069 cmos type. Every press of the pushbutton will activate or de-activate the relay. On power-up, the voltage on the base of Q1 and Q2 is equal with the supply voltage. The base of Q3 is at ground potential. So, all three transistors are blocking. Relay Ry1 not energized and the Led is off. Pressing momentary switch S1, Q2 is biased. After a small delay, caused by capacitor C1, Q3 is also biased. The collector of Q3 is now put to ground potential, which causes relay Ry1 to energize and light the led at the same time. At this time Q1 is biased and the circuit stabilized, because the base of Q2 is now connected to ground potential via R1. This keeps Q2 biased when S1 is released (like a latch). C1 is recharged via R3, close to the supply voltage. If S1 is pressed again, Q2's base gets biased with a positive voltage instead of being put to ground potential. Q2 will block and the whole sequence will repeat itself. This circuit works like a thyristor. In fact, Q2 and Q3 are together a discrete thyristor. This circuit can be used in many applications by selecting different relays. The coil of Ry1 should be capable of handling 5 to 12V at 250mA maximum or Q3 will go up in smoke! The prototype used 70mA and less than 0.1uA when idle. Back to Circuits page
Copyright 1995 -- Tony van Roon

Last updated: June 13, 2007

Parts List: R1 = 33K R2 = 1K Q1,Q2 = 2N3607 D1,D2 = 1N914

C1,C2 C3 C4 La1 S1

= = = = =

1nF (1000pF) 0.1uF (100nF) 0.005uF (5nF) Lamp, GE #2180 Momentary Push-button, SPST

Misc: crocodile clips, Lamp socket, 9V battery clip, wire, solder, etc.

Description: Your 40- or 80 meter crystal isn't oscillation--what's wrong? Is it a wiring error? A solder bridge? A faulty component? Maybe it's the crystal! A simple circuit that tests whether or not a crystal is good, this is a real chestnut. First noticed in October 1989 issue of "Popular Electronics Magazine", but the original circuit is credited to Mike Kaufman in Wayne Green's out-of-print book Practical Test Instruments You Can Build according in an article in 73 Amateur Radio Today (1/92, p.22) that updates of the circuit by featuring an output for an oscilloscope or frequency counter and uses an LED instead of the lamp shown. I am offering the orignal tester here because it still works very well.

Transistor Q1, a 2N3607, and its associated components form an oscillator circuit that will oscillate if, and only if, a good crystal is connected to the test clips. The output from the oscillator is then rectified by the two 1N914 signal diodes and filtered by C1, a 1nF (1000pF) ceramic capacitor. The positive voltage developed across the capacitor is applied to the base of Q2, another 2N3607, causing it to conduct. When that happens, current flows through La1, causing it to glow. Since only a good crystal will oscillate, a glowing lamp indicates that the crystal is indeed OK. No oscillation, no light. Simple as that. Parts layout is not critical. If possible, first prototype the circuit on a breadboard to check if it works *for you*. To check the tester, use a crystal of a frequency you can monitor on your receiver, put the tester close to the input of the receiver and close the switch. If you hear the signal and the lamp lights, the crystal, and the tester, and receiver all work. After that test, you can assume that if the lamp lights a crystal under test is good. The tester should operate well for any crystal with a fundamental frequency from about 2 to 8 MHz. Harmonics are also generated by the tester, although due to the lack of tuned circuits overtone crystals will oscillate at their fundamental frequency. The NTE85 is a direct replacement for the 2N3607, but any of the cheapo plastic, common, NPN transistor like a 2N2222 will do fine. Ceramic capacitors work fine. Any miniature 5 or 6-volt lamp will do instead of the GE #2180. The circuit is powered by a standard 9-volt alkaline battery and the SPST push button power-switch is included to prolong battery life. Back to Circuits Page Page Copyright 1995, Tony van Roon Article Copyright 1989, Mike Kaufman.

Simple Constant Current Source

by John Nooyen

This simple constant current source uses an LM317 regulator IC. N.B. The pin-outs of the IC are not a mistake, the output is taken from the adjustment pin. I found this circuit to charge all my NiCad batteries, and I use a Kambrook mechanical

light-timer (or equiv.) for 110vac to time the charge. The reason I use a mechanical timer is: A: You can remove all the "ON" pins, and just have one pin in an "OFF" hole. This allows you to set the timer for 14 hrs, then it will switch off and never switch on again. B: If you get a power failure, the timer will stop. When the power is restored, the timer will continue and the pack will get its 14hrs charge. (Digital timers have a battery and you will miss out on charging for the time the power is interrupted, so you cannot guarantee that the pack has received its full charge time.)

Cautions:
1 - Ensure the voltage accross the capacitor is at least 3V higher than the highest output voltage required, and no higher than 37 volts accross the IC. A tx pack on charge can reach 14 volts. 2 - You can play with the 27-ohm resistor to change the current for other applications, however the 56 Ohm should also be changed so that the voltage across the LED is 1.5 volts. (So you don't get a SED (smoke emitting diode))! 3 - Mount the IC on an adequate heatsink for the power it will be dissipating. Back to Gadgets Menu page

Back to Circuits page

Copyright 2001 - Tony van Roon

Parts:
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6,R10 R7,R9 R8,R13 R11 R12 = = = = = = = = = = 0.1 3.3 220 2K7 1K 1K5 4K7 1K8 33 100 ohm ohm ohm P1 P2 C1 C2 U1 U2 U3 Q1 D1 Led1 Led2 S1 = = = = = = = = = = = = 2K 1K 100uF/40V (Electrolytic) 100pF (0.1nF) LM350 LM334 LM301A 2N3906 1N4001 Red Green Switch, ON-ON

ohm

Notes:
The circuit furnishes an initial charge voltage of 2.5 Volt-per-cell at 25C to rapidly charge a Lead-Acid battery. The charging current decreases as the battery charges, and when the current drops to about 180mA, the charging circuit reduces the output voltage to 2.35 Volt-per-cell, floating the battery in a fully charged state. This lower voltage prevents the battery from overcharging, which would shorten its life. The LM301A (U3) compares the voltage drop across R1 with an 18-mV reference set by R2. The comparator's output controls the voltage regulator, forcing it to produce the lower float voltage when the battey-charging current passing trhought R1 drops below 180mA. The 150mV difference between the charge and float voltages is set by the ratio of R10 and R12. The red and green Led's show this state of the circuit. At points A and B you would see approximately 18mV depending on the types of components used. At point C (in between) there is a current flow of approximately 2.3 milli-amps, again, depending on your choice of components and ofcourse the input voltage at 'Vin' of the LM350 regulator. Led1 is a red led, and for Led2 you can also use a yellow or red one. Make sure that C1 is at least twice the input voltage. C2 is a small ceramic type. Vin is at least 18-20volt max about 30V. Switch S1 is a toggle or slide (ON-ON) switch of your choice. The regular on-off type will not work. This circuit is not recommended for GEL-TYPE batteries since it draws to much current. Below are the layout and pcb for this project, with thanks to Chaisaeng Euesakulkieat:

Back to Gadgets Menu page Copyright 1998 - Tony van Roon

Parts List:
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 = = = = = = = 1K 150 150 3K3 20K 390 150 ohm ohm ohm ohm

C1,C2 T1 D1 IC1 IC2 Led 1,2,3 S1

= = = = = = =

0.01uF (10 nanoFarad) 2N2219(A), NTE123, or TUN 1N914 7400, quad 2-input NAND gate 555, timer/oscillator Red,Green, Yellow. Ultra bright, 3mm Switch, on-off

Error Fix: The position of the toggle switch (S1) was repositioned to before the 20K
resistor R5. I have not tried this modification myself. Fix was suggested by Steve Main from Caspan Scripts who indicated that this was the only way the circuit would work as described below.

Description:
One of the most frustrating problems with experimenting is not be able to check the logic state of TTL or CMOS ic's without the use of a triggered oscilloscope. The schematic diagram above shows a simple and inexpensive way of building a 'Logic Probe' yourself. It will provide you with three visible indicators; "Logic 1" (+, red led), "Logic 0" (-, green led), and "Pulse" (yellow led). The yellow or 'pulse' led comes on for approximately 200 mSec to indicate a pulse without regards to its width. This feature enables one to observe a short-duration pulse that would otherwise not be seen on the logic 1 and 0 led's. A small switch (subminiature slide or momentary push) across the 20K resistor can be used to keep this "pulse" led on permanently after a pulse occurs. In operation, for a logic 0 input signal, both the '0' led and the pulse led will come 'ON', but the 'pulse' led will go off after 200 mSec. The logic levels are detected via resistor R1 (1K), then amplified by T1 (NPN, Si-AF Preamplifier/Driver), and selected by the 7400 IC for what they are. Diode D1 is a small signal diode to protect the 7400 and the leds from excessive inverse voltages during capacitor discharge. The 7400 can also be a 'LS' type or whatever or any replacement.

For a logic '1' input, only the logic '1' led (red) will be 'ON'. With the switch closed, the circuit will indicate whether a negative-going or positive-going pulse has occurred. If the pulse is positive-going, both the '0' and 'pulse' led's will be on. If the pulse is negativegoing, the '1' and 'pulse' led's will be on. I have build mine into a short, but thick, magic-black marker. The probe-tip is made of a piece of piano wire. Have fun building it and make it part of your trouble-shooting equipment. Mine has been in operation since 1987! Back to Circuits page
Copyright 1995 - Tony van Roon

Parts List:
C1 C2 IC1 Xm Ant = = = = = 10nF, ceramic. Preferable NPO type 20pF adjustable trimmer cap 74LS13 Crystal Mike (see text) Almost anything will work (see text)

Couple Notes:
This circuit is old (70's) but since the 74LS13 is from the regular 74xx series and easy to obtain, I decided to keep the circuit in place until components are no longer available. Not much to tell here. Performance is based on the 74LS13, a 'Dual 4-input PositiveNand Schmitt Trigger'. This circuit was experimental and so has no real purpose other than tinkering. But with only 4 parts, it works. Working on the 3rd harmonics (100MHz) and with the parts shown, it sends anything it picks up to a regular radio. It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right frequency on your radio. I used an old mechanical alarm clock (with those large bells) and put the microphone close to it. That allowed me to find the "tick-tack" signal on my radio at my leisure. The adjustable trimmer cap (C2) will fine-tune performance and sensitivity a bit by balancing the output signal to ground. Sound is picked up by the mike and fed to pin 5 which acts as a pre-amp stage. The other 3 inputs are configured to send out the amplified signal. The crystal mike is actually one of those 'oldie' large clumsy pink ear pieces which where popular in the 70's. They are still available at Tandy/RadioShack or your local electronics parts shop. To use as a microphone, unscrew the plastic earpiece. As you probably already noticed the power, and consequently the transmitting distance, is small. I believe if I remember well at the most 10 to 30 feet or so but depends on the antenna and input voltage. I used a piece of thin, 12" piano wire. But use whatever performs best. Regular wire can also be used. Voltage to the circuit must not exceed 7 volts for the 'LS' type. However, for the regular 7413 model that is only 5.5 volts. C1 is decoupling any posible little spikes on the power rail.

Back to Circuits page Copyright Tony van Roon

o T1 & T2 are BF245 N-channel High-frequency FET's and can be replaced with a NTE133/ECG133. The ECG312 could likely be used also. The varactor diode BA121 can be replaced with a ECG/NTE611. USW stands for 'Ultra-Short-Wave'. o L1/L2 = 7 turns of 0.5mm Silverwire on a 5mm adjustable Ferrit-core. o This very stable oscillator has a frequency of 400MHz and could preferred be a lot higher. At 5V the frequency is around 137MHz. o Voltage supply is not critical. The oscillator starts working at 3V, the upper limit is given by threshold of the BF245 and is 30V. At 12V sinks at about 5mA. o Feedback via 16pF capacitor. No interference from (dipole) antenna on resonance-loop. o Distance is a minimum of 300 meters (900feet)! Back to Circuits page Copyright Tony van Roon

o BSY18 can be replaced with ECG123AP. BA121 can be replaced with ECG/NTE611 (10pF@4v). USW means 'Ultra-Short-Wave'. o L1 = 7 turns of 0.8mm Silverwire(round) on a 5mm round adjustable Ferrit-core. Position 'X' = 0.5 ... 1 turn. o This very stable oscillator has a frequency of approximately 100 Megaherz. o Frequency determend by the Variac BA121 and 20pF capacitor. Feedback is thru 4.7pF capacitor. o USW coil prevents HF signals (feedback) flow to ground. o DC biased with the 12K resistor. o Distance is from 100 to about 200 meters. Not bad for a little circuit like this!

Back to Circuits page Copyright Tony van Roon

Parts List: R1 = 4.7K R2 = 330 ohm C1 = 0.001uF (1nF) C2 = 10-40pF C3 = 4.7pF

Q1 = 2N3904 L1 = see text Electret mike, antenna, 3V battery (button cell)

Construction: This is another easy-to-build miniature transmitter that uses a minimum of parts. Construction is straight forward and non-critical. Although this design uses a 3-volt power source (such as a lithium coin or button cell), a 9-volt battery can be used, instead, by increasing the value of R1 to 15K and R2 to 1K. C4 is an optional RF bypass capacitor that may help improve performance and increase the range a bit. Experiment to find best results. L1 was made by stripping 22 gauge hookup wire of it's insulation, then wrapping it in the grooves of the screw threads of a 1/4 diameter bolt, and then back-screwing the bolt out of the resulting coil. 8 turns were made around the bolt. By wrapping the turns in the threads, a uniform seperation was made between the coil windings. If you decide to substitute transistors with something similar you already have, it maybe necessary adjust the collector voltage of Q1 by changing the value of R2 or R3 (because you change transistors, it changes this bias on the base of Q1). It should be about 1/2 the supply voltage (about 4 or 5v). Notes: The default for the capacitors type is ceramic, preferably the npo 1% type or equivalent. But basically nothing critical here. Use any capacitor you have laying arround, but no electrolytic or tantalum caps. Don't go out and rush to the store. Most parts can be salvaged from somewhere. Only if you intend to use this circuit outside the home you may want to select more temperature stable capacitors. I'm not sure about the range. With the 3V supply it is probably around 100 feet or so. The 9V supply will beef up the range considerably, again not tested, but probably in the 300 feet range or so. To find the signal on your receiver, make sure there is a signal coming into the microphone, otherwise the circuit won't work. I use an old mechanical alarm clock (you know, with those two large bells on it). I put this clock by the microphone which picks up the loud tick-tock. I'm sure you get the idea... Or you can just lightly tap the microphone while searching for the location of the signal on your receiver. Back to Circuits page

There is no thrill like the thrill you get from operating equipment you have built
yourself. If you have never built a project from a magazine before, let this be your first-you'll see how much satisfaction and fun you can have! The FM transmitter is designed run from a 9-volt battery and is made from readily available parts. The author's primary use is as a baby monitor, but uses of a transmitter like this one are almost limitless. It is very sensitive, and easily capable of picking up a conversation in any part of the room. The dimensions and values give here will allow static-free reception within the perimeter of most homes. No license is required for this transmitter according to FCC regulations regarding wireless microphones. (The emissions must stay within a band of 200 KHz, its output between 88 and 108 MHz, and the field strength of the radiated emissions must not exceed 50uV/m at a distance of 15 meters (45 feet) from the device.) If powered from a 9-volt battery and used with an antenna no longer than 12 inches, the transmitter's radiated power will be within the FCC limits. The FCC takes a dim view of

persons operating outside the legal power limits, so please do not substitute any components in this circuit which would alter the output power. Parts List:
R1,R6 R2 R3 R4 R5,R7 R8 R9 = = = = = = = All resistors are 1/8-watt, 5%. 1K 15K 6K8 10K 4K7 2K2 220 ohms C1,C3 C2 C4,C7 C5 C6 Q1,Q2 L1 = = = = = = = 10uF/25V, electrolytic 2.2uF/25V, electrolytic 0.1uF/25V, ceramic 5 to 60pF, trimmer hand-made (see text) 2N2222(A), NPN transistor hand-made (see text)

Miscellaneous: perforated construction board, 9-Volt battery, battery clip, electret microphone, 24-gauge insulated wire, bare wire, solder.

Circuitry: Take a look at the schematic above. Audio is picked up from the room by an electret microphone and amplified by Q1. Resistors R2-R5 set up the DC operating bias of Q1. Capacitor C3 serves to improve the AC response to the audio voltage, and C2 blocks the DC bias and couples the AC to the next stage, where the RF action takes place. The amplified AC voltage from Q1 is routed to the base of Q2. Transistor Q2 and associated circuitry (C5 and the inductor) form an oscillator that operates in the 80-130 MHz range, which is your regular dial on any FM radio. The oscillator is voltage-controlled, so it is modulated by the audio voltage that is applied to the base of Q2. Resistor R6 limits the input to the RF section, and its value can be adjusted as necessary to limit the volume of the input. That will help control the amount of distortion you have on very loud inputs. Resistors R7-R9 set the DC operating bias of Q2, another 2N2222 that's used as the oscillator and modulator of the transmitter. Capacitor C5 is a 6-50pF trimmer capacitor that's used to tune the oscillator tank circuit, and C4 routes the RF from the oscillator to ground to prevent unstable operation. Construction: The FM transmitter is built on a piece of perforated construction board (a.k.a. 'perfboard') with 0.1-inch hole spacing. Component spacing is not critical, but placement is. You should place the components on the board in a layout that is similar to the prototype shown. Generally, you will also want to make the transmitter as small as possible. Let's start from the left side of the schematic and work o the tright. You'll want to cut out a piece of perfboard that is 12 holes wide and 30 holes long. That will give you plenty of room to work with, but still produce a small unit. First lay out two power lines on the board with bare wire; the positive supply from the battery will be on top, and the negative (ground) will be on the bottom. A 1K resistor (R1) supplies the bias voltage for the microphone. Remember to install the resistor vertically, next to the positive supply line, and bend the other end of the lead to the board. Go through the board and down toward the ground bus. Now insert the micophone leads into the board, making sure that the ground lead of the microphone can be soldered to the ground bus on the board. Route the lead from R1 to the positive lead of the microphone and solder it. The 10-uF capacitor, C1, should be placed in the middle of the board, oriented as shown on the schematic, and soldered to the microphone/R1 junction. This project requires two hand-made parts--coil L1 and capacitor C6--but you make both of them yourself using only wire and a common pencil for the coil form. The inductor

ismade by winding two pieces of 24-gauge insulated wire, laid side-by-side, around the pencil six times. Remove the coil you have formed and unscrew the two coils apart from each other. One of these coils, the better-looking of the two, will be used in the tank circuit (L1) and the other can be used in the next one you build. The other hand-made component, capacitor C6, is part of the oscillator feedback. To make this small value capacitor, take a 4-inch piece of 24-gauge insulated wire, bend it over double and, beginning 1/2-inch from the open end, twist the wire as if you were forming a rope. When you have about 1 inch of twisted wire, stop and cut the looped end off leaving about 1/2-inch of twisted wire (this forms the capacitor) and 1/2-inch of untwisted wire for leads. Capacitor C7, a 0.1uF capacitor, is one of the most critical components in the circuit. You must place it across the L1-Q2-R9 assembly, as shown in Fig. 1, to reduce the amout of RF feedback you'll get iinto the rest of the circuit. The antenna (more 24-gauge wire) shoucl be soldered to the coil you made, about 2-turns up from the bottom, or the transistor side, and should be about 8-12-inches long. Operation: To use the transmitter, set up a radio in the area at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the project. Find a blank spot on the FM dial and turn the radio up so you can hear the static. Connect a 9-volt battery to the transmitter and listed to the radio. Slowly adjust the tank capacitor (C5) until you "quiet" the receiver; this is the tuned spot. Note that when you move your hand from the transmitter, you will detune the circuit somewhat. It is usually best to leave it detuned and tune the radio in to get the best reception. If you et the tuning randge you desire, you can squeeze the coils in the tank circuit closer together to raise the frequency, or pull them apart just a little to lower it. The circuit works best when powered by a battery, but if a wall adapter is required, make certain that the ripple voltage is as low as possible, or you will get hum in the receiver. RE Back to Circuits Section Copyright 2001 - Tony van Roon

Practical Intercom
by Jan Hamer "Baby-monitors, baby-phones, or simply intercoms are for sale everywhere in a variety of models and colors. Some work on AC, others wireless or just via a little wire. We all have our preferences. Just in case you're looking for a VERY reliable Intercom, the circuit below will suit your needs."

Replacements For BC548B = For BC558B = 220nF = 1000uF = works.

you can use: NTE123AP, 2N4401, 2N3904, PN100, 2N2222A, or TUN. NTE159, 2N4402, 2N4403, 2N3906, PN200, or TUP. 0.22uF, 25V minimum. Any type or combination will do. 1000uF/25V, electrolytic. Any working voltage over 25V

This Intercom is powered by two 9volt batteries and uses only current when the Intercom is used. Both units are connected via a two-wire little cable or simply two wires (dotted lines). The loud speakers act both as loudspeaker and as a microphone. When you press S1 and speak into the loudspeaker then this signal is amplified by the transistor stage and made audible in the right loudspeaker and vice-versa. An added benefit of this system is that when the switch is pressed it is quiet, not even annoying noise. This circuit has worked for me to my full satisfaction for many years now. I get regular emails with complaints that there is no audio output when the button is pressed. As it turns out, the problem is always that a low-impedance loud speaker is used and although the circuit is working normally there is no audio or very little. Indeed it maybe difficult sometimes to obtain high-impedance loudspeakers, which probably is that by modern radio's the final audio stage is a transistor amplifier and they can provide a lot more current than a tube. To accommodate those in that situation, below is a solution which will solve the problem by using a audio transformer with a ration of 1:2 or 1:4 to 'up' the impedance. What that means is that the ohm's value at the primary side of this transformer is about 82 ohms. That will accomodate about 100mA max and because the collector voltage is pretty 'nil', it is impossible for the transistor to get hot. If it does, you have the incorrect transformer!

If you have questions about this circuit, please direct them to Jan Hamer or visit his website in the Netherlands (if you can read Dutch). Published & Translated from Dutch into English with permission of Jan Hamer, The Netherlands. Back to Circuits page
Page Copyright 2002 - Tony van Roon

Parts List: Rx = 10K Cbias,C1,C2 = 0.1uF, ceramic etc. R1 = 1K C3 = 1uF, electrolytic R2 = 100K C4,Cx = 10uF, electrolytic 2-wire R3 = 100K Ry = Relay R4 = 25K D1,D2 = 1N914,1N4148,NTE519 R5 = 2K7 D3 = 1N4001

Q1 = 2N2222,2N3904, IC1 = 741 op-amp MIC = Electret Mike,

This relay remains dormant until the op-amp activates upon sound via the electretmicrophone. I only tested the 2-wire type. The input stage is a regular off-the-shelf 741 operational amplifier and connected as a non-inverting follower audio amplifier. Gain is approximately 100 which you can raise by increasing the value of R2. The amplified signal is rectified and filtered via C3, D1/D2, and R3 to an acceptable DC level. D1 and D2 can be any signal diode like 1N914, 1N4148, or the NTE519. Cx can be anything with a value of 6.8 to 22uF. Adjust if necessary. Cbias is to DC-couple the mic to the input of the 741. Q1, the 2N2222 or 2N3904, is a general purpose NPN transistor and is not critical. The

NTE123A will work too. Potentiometer R4 is used to set the audio level to a desired sensitivity value to activate the relay via transistor Q1. Diode D3 is mounted over the relay coil to absorb sparks when the relay opens. Cathode goes to '+'. The op-amp configuration in this particular drawing needs a dual voltage power-supply which can be made from two 9 volt alkaline batteries.

Copyright 2003 - Tony van Roon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Parts List: R1 = 1K R2 = 100K electrolytic R3 = 220K electrolytic R4 = 25K potentiometer R5 = 2700 ohm (2K7) D1 D2 U1 Q1 = = = = 1N914, signal diode 1N4004, general purpose diode LM741, op-amp, 8-pin 2N2222, NPN transistor

C1,C2 = 0.1 uF, ceramic C3 = 1 uF, 16V or better, C4 = 10 uF, 16V or better,

MIC1 = Electret mike, 2-wires Re1 = Relay, suit to your needs

This relay remains dormant until the op-amp activates upon sound via the electretmicrophone. Only tested with the 2-wire type. The input stage is a regular off-the-shelf 741 operational amplifier and connected as a non-inverting follower audio amplifier. Gain is approximately 100% which you can raise by increasing the value of R2. The amplified signal coming off pin 6 is rectified and filtered via C3, D1/D2, and R3 to an acceptable DC level. D1 and D2 can be any signal diode like 1N914, 1N4148, or the NTE519. Q1, the 2N2222 or 2N3904, is a general purpose NPN transistor and is not critical. The NTE123A will work too. Potentiometer R4 is used to set the audio level to a desired sensitivity value to activate the relay via transistor Q1. R5 is a 'minimum' bias protector when the potmeter is adjusted to '0' ohms and protects the transistor. Diode D3 is mounted over the relay coil to absorb sparks when the relay opens. Cathode goes to '+'.

Copyright 2003 - Tony van Roon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Speech Processor
Bagi penggemar CB atau komunikasi radio tentunya tidak asing dengan alat ini. Dengan rangkaian ini, maka pesawat dengan daya rendah seolah-olah seperti pesawat dengan daya besar, karena indeks modulasinya mendekati 100%. Untuk penjelasan kerja alat tersebut dapat dilihat pada blok diagram pada gambar 1. Sinyal audio diproses dahulu sebelum masuk transmitter. Respons frekuensi rangkaian sekitar 300-3KHz yang cocok untuk komunikasi radio. Limitter berfungsi untuk membatasi modulasi sehingga tidak berinterferensi dengan pemancar yang berdekatan. Untuk lebih jelasnya, dapat anda lihat pada gambar 2, dimana pemancar 27.005 MHz. Dengan perkecualian bahwa frekuensi 26.995 dan 27.015 MHz. Dengan perkecualian bahwa sinyal keluaran tidak HIFI lagi, tetapi secara keseluruhan informasi audio masih dapat diterima dengan baik (lihat gambar 3). Realisasi rangkaian seperti gambar 4. Dengan otak rangkaian adalah IC RC 4136 Quad Op-Amp dual-in-line 14 pin. Dengan sebuah Op-Amp dipergunakan untuk penguat monitoring audio. Sinyal dimasukkan ke penguat non-inverting OP1 yang berimpedansi input besar, dengan filter RC pada jalan masuknya. R3 dan VR1 mengatur penguatan dari rangkaian, dan D1 serta D2 berfungsi sebagai limitter. Level yang didapat setelah melalui rangkaian tersebut adalah 1,4 volt. C3, R4 dan R8, C5 membentuk bandpass filter 300Hz 3KHz, dan selanjutnya sinyal tersebut diperkuat Op-Amp OP3 yang dilengkapi pengatur besar output. Sinyal keluaran sebagian diumpankan ke OP4 dan disearahkan dengan D3, D4 sebelum masuk ke meter. Secara keseluruhan , rangkaian memeiliki penguatan 40 dB. Daftar Komponen : Resistor : R1,R12 = 33 K R2 = 47 K R3 = 560 R4,R7,R11 = 10 K R16,R17 = 10 K R5,R8,R9 = 5,6 K R6 = 100 K R10 = 100 K R13 = 18 K R14 = 14,7 K R15 = 56 K VR1 = 25 K lin (trimpot) VR2 = 10 K lin log (potensio) VR3 = 25 K lin (trimpot) Kapasitor : C1 = 330 pF C2,C3,C4 = 47 nF C5 = 22 nF C6 = 1 nF C7 = 68 nF C8 = 10 mF C9,C11,C12 = 1 mF C10 = 10 nF Dioda : D1,D2,D3,D4,D5 = 1N4148

Meter : VU meter 200 mA

SWR Meter
Standing Wave Ratio Standing wave ratio disingkat SWR kadang-kadang disingkat dengan nama VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio). Bila impedansi saluran transmisi tidak sesuai dengan transceiver maka akan timbul daya refleksi (reflected power) pada saluran yang

berinterferensi dengan daya maju (forward power). Interferensi ini menghasilkan gelombang berdiri (standing wave) yang besarnya tergantung pada besarnya daya refleksi. VSWR didefinisikan sebagai perbandingan tegangan maksimum dan tegangan minimum gelombang berdiri pada saluran transmisi :

VSWR = Daftar Komponen D1,D2 = 1N34, 1N60 (dioda germanium) C1,C2 = 0,001 uF keramik VR1 = 100 ohm trimpot VR2 = 50 Kohm potensio C3 = 0,001 uF J1,J2 = konektor , PL259 M1 = 0 1 mA linear S1 = single pole, toggle switch L = kabel koaxial RG 58 A/U panjang 9,5cm Konstruksi SWR dapat dinyatakan sebagai berikut :

Vf adalah tegangan maju ke antena (forward) Vr adalah tegangan pantul dari antena (reflected) Rangkaian SWR meter dapat dilihat pada gambar 1. Konstruksi cukup sederhana, tetapi dapat diandalkan dan dapat dibuat dengan komponen yang banyak terdapat di pasaran. Komponen utamanya adalah kabel koaxial yang sesuai dengan saluran transmisi (RG 58 A/U, impedansi 50 ohm). Potonglah kabel koaxial sepanjang 3,75 inch (2,54 % 3,75 = 9,5 cm) lalu ujungnya dikupas sepanjang 1/8 inch. Tepat di tengah-tengah, koaxial dikerat dengan pisau yang tajam atau cutter. Kupaslah konduktor luar yang berupa anyaman. Lalu isolator dikerat sehingga koduktor dalam terlihat. Kemudian solderkan konduktor dalam dengan 100 ohm trimpot melalui sepotong kawat kecil. Tahanan ini nantinya diatur sehingga sama dengan impedansi saluran. Jagalah agar konduktor dalam dan luar tidak terhubung singkat (diisolasi dengan cellotape). Selanjutnya ujung-ujung koaxial bagian luar disolder pada bagian tengah kedua konektor. Salah satu komponen yang kritis adalah meter. Untuk ini dipakai 0 1 mA linier, tetapi skalanya dikalibrasikan terhadap skala SWR. Letak variabel resistor trimpot harus di tengah-tengah koaxial. Ini menentukan kesetimbangan titik nol. Tegangan maju yang berupa titik imbas disearahkan oleh D1 dan melalui Low Pass Filter C1 yang kemudian dideteksi M1. Sedangkan tegangan pantul akan melalui D2 dan C2. Berilah tanda FWD dan REF pada saklar S1, ANT, dan TX pada konektor yang sesuai. Kalibrasi 1. Hubungan SWR meter diantara TX dan antena atau dummy load pada konektor yang sesuai (TX ke pesawat, ANT ke antena). 2. Letakkan saklar S1 pada posisi FWD. Hidupkan pesawat TX. Jarum akan menunjuk ke suatu angka. Aturlah VR2 sehingga jarum mencapai skala maksimum. 3. Ubah saklar pada REF. Jarum akan menunjuk ke suatu angka (misal 1,5).

4. Balikkan posisi SWR meter. TX ke antena dan pesawat ke ANT. Ulangi prosedur 2 dan 3. Jarum harus menunjuk angka yang sama (misal 1,5). 5. Bila prosedur 4 tidak tercapai putar trimpot VR1. Bila hal ini tidak menolong berarti VR1 sedikit ke kiri atau ke kanan. 6. Ulangi prosedur 1 sampai 5 berulang-ulang sampai penunjukan meter sama. Pengukuran SWR Kadang-kadang SWR meter tidak menunjukkan harga standing wave ratio yang sebenarnya, terutama bila SWR jauh dari 1 : 1. Ini akibat rugi-rugi pada saluran transmisi. Hal ini dapat dilihat pada gambar 2. SWR meter diletakkan dekat pemancar. Misalkan tegangan maksimum yang keluar dari TX adalah 10 volt. Karena rugi-rugi saluran, tegangan yang sampai di antena adalah 9 volt. Tegangan pantul dari antena 3 volt. Tegangan ini disalurkan ke TX yang juga mengalami redaman. Sampai di TX tinggal 2,7 volt. SWR yang terbaca :

Namun bila SWR diletakkan di dekat antena, SWR yang terbaca adalah :

Ternyata kedua pengukuran berbeda. Hasil yang benar adalah 1 : 2,0. Jadi bila SWR meter diletakkan dekat TX SWR yang sesungguhnya lebih besar daripada yang terukur. Kesalahan akan bertambah besar bila saluran transmisinya panjang. Dalam praktek cara pertama boleh dipakai bila SWR menunjukkan rendah (SWR 1 : 1,1) karena penambahannya sedikit. Tetapi bila penunjukan 1 : 1,0 atau lebih segeralah pindahkan SWR meter ke dekat antena agar penunjukannya tidak terlalu banyak meleset. Apalagi bila koaxialnya panjang sekali (20 meter atau lebih) atur kembali matching antena anda. Selamat bereksperimen.

Gambar 1

Gambar 2

Pengawas Saklar TV Otomatik

Rangkaian ini bertujuan untuk membantu Anda menghidupkan dan mematikan TV (saat siaran dimulai dan selesai) secara otomatis. Alat ini tidak perlu dihidupkan atau dimatikan tiap hari, namun dipasang sepanjang waktu. Penggunaan daya listrik dalam keadaan stand by adalah 0,05 watt, sehingga cukup irit dan ekonomis. Bagian penguat VHF dari rangkaian ini perlu diatur-atur sebagai berikut :

Untuk daerah kerja CH4, CH5 dan CH6, maka kita harus mengatur kapasitor trimmer dan induktor L2 sampai tepat pada frekuensi yang dikehendaki. Untuk daerah kerja CH7, CH8 dan CH9, kita harus mengatur kapasitor trimmer dan induktor L2.

Alat ini (dengan harga komponen tercantum) sekarang berada pada daerah kerja CH5. Penguat VHF ini diletakkan pada sebuah plat kuningan, yang juga merupakan pelindung. Sedangkan bagian rangkaian lainnya dipasang pada PCB, termasuk power supply. Antena sebagai alat input alat ini dapat diparalel dengan antena TV atau antena tersendiri. Output alat ini adalah 110 volt. Saklar mini yang bertuliskan AUTO, OFF, MANUAL , adalah untuk memilih posisi yang diinginkan : - AUTO : alat bekerja dan tegangan keluarannya sudah melalui rangkaian kontrol. - OFF : tidak ada tegangan yang keluar. - MANUAL : alat ini berfungsi sebagai penyambung biasa (tegangan yang keluar tidak dikontrol). Cara Penggunaan 1. Pasang kabel antena input dengan feeder T 300 ohm. 2. Pasang tegangan 110 volt untuk TV yang diambil dari alat ini (110 OUT). 3. Pasang tegangan 110 volt dari belakang alat ini ke jala-jala PLN. 4. Pilihlah posisi yang dikehendaki (AUTO, OFF, MANUAL). Bila kita memilih AUTO, pesawat penerima harus ON.

Pembangkit Gelombang FM
Gelombang FM terjadi karena suatu gelombang pembawa dengan frekuensi konstan mengalami perubahan diakibatkan adanya sinyal pemodulasi. Secara matematis, kecepatan sudut w gelombang FM dibuat berubah-ubah sesuai dengan amplituda sinyal pemodulasi. Persamaan gelombang FM dapat ditulis : V = Vo Cos ( wo.t + mf sin wm.t )

dengan mf = ratio deviasi = deviasi frekuensi ( dF ) / fm maks wo = frekuensi sudut tengah wm = frekuensi sudut sinyal yang dimodulasi Osilator dapat menghasilkan berbagai macam gelombang disebabkan : - Adanya Feedback - Pergeseran fasa murni pada loop feedback kelipatan 2.pi. kedua syarat diatas disebut juga syarat Barkhausen. Hal yang diharapkan dari sebuah osilator adalah kestabilan frekuensi, perubahan frekuensi biasanya diukur per Megaherzt per jam. Untuk memperbaiki S/N ratio di penerima maka sinyal pemodulasi sebelum memodulir gelombang pembawa terlebih dahulu dilalukan pada sebuah rangkaian pre Emphasis. Rangkaian pre Emphasis tak lain sebuah rangkaian differensiator untuk menaikkan level sinyal pemodulasi pada daerah frekuensi tinggi.

Keuntungan cara pembangkitan gelombang FM dengan cara langsung ini adalah df (deviasi frekuensi) besar dapat dicapai dengan mudah, tetapi kerugiannya adalah harga L dan C resonator berharga tidak mantap, terpengaruh pada keadaan lingkungan ( suhu, medan magnetik dll ). Hal ini dapat diatasi dengan sistem Automatic Frequency Control ( AFC ) dan dapat direalisasikan dengan PLL ( Phase Lock Loop ) dan hal ini dapat dikembangkan sendiri.

Merancang Pengatur Nada dengan OP-AMP

Pengatur nada (tone control)mutlak diperlukan pada sistem audio. Pengaturaan nada biasanya menerapkan pengaturan frequensi yaitu pengaturan frequensi rendah (bass) dan penguatan frequensi tinggi (treble) karena umumnya sistem amplifier mempunyai penguatan konstan pada daerah frequensi tengah. Pada gambar 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d terlihat konfigurasi dasar pengatur nada dengan karakteristik penguatan yang dapat diubah-ubah. Untuk rangkaian 'Bass Boost' maka batas bawah band frekuensi yang diteruskan didapat dengan membuat harga S = 0, sehingga : A (low) = ( R1 + R2 + R3 ) / R2 Demikian pula untuk Bass Cut, Treble Boost, dan Treble Cut. Bass Cut : A ( low ) = ( R1 + R2 + R3 ) / ( R2 + R3 ) Treble Boost : A ( low ) = ( C1 + C4 ) / C4 Treble Cut : A ( low ) = ( C1 + C4 ) / C4

Titik asimtot frequensi atas ( high ) didapat dengan menarik limit A dengan S menuju tak hingga. Dengan demikian untuk : Bass Boost : A ( high ) = ( R1 + R2 ) / R2 Bass Cut : A ( high ) = (R1 + R2 ) / R2 Treble Boost : A ( high ) = 1 + C1 (( C3 + C4 ) / ( C3.C4 )) Treble Cut : A ( high ) = ( C2 + ( C1.C4 ) / ( C1 + C4 ) ) / ( C1 + C2 ) Rumus-rumus diatas sesuai dengan prinsip Bass Control yang merupakan filter penerus frequensi rendah ( Low Pass Filter = LPF ) sedangkan Treble Control merupakan filter penerus frequensi tinggi ( High Pass Filter = HPF ).

Pada gambar 2a dan 2b dapat terlihat rangkaian Bass Control dan treble Control dengan karakteristik seperti gambar 1abcd . Pada gambar 1, penguatan yang diberikan oleh

rumus memiliki slope sebesar 6 db/octave atau 20 db/decade terhadap frequensi. Misalnya ditentukan rasio Boost maupun Cut sama dengan 10. Untuk sirkuit Bass : A ( low ) Boost = 10 A ( middle ) A ( low ) Cut = A ( middle ) / 10 Untuk sirkuit Treble : A ( high ) Boost = 10 A ( middle ) A ( high ) Cut = A ( middle ) / 10 Sehingga didapat : Untuk sirkuit Bass R1 = 10 R2 R3 = 99 R2 Untuk sirkuit Treble C1 = 10 C4 C2 = 10 C4 / 99 Hal ini berarti penguatan ( high ) untuk kontrol Bass dan Penguatan ( low ) untuk kontrol Treble berharga 11. Untuk rangkaian kontrol bekerja simetris maka "Break Point" Frequensi atas dan bawah harus sama baik untuk Boost maupun Cut Bass Control : ( C1.R3 ( R1 + R2 ) ) / ( R1 +R2 + R3 ) = ( C2.R2.R3 ) / ( R2 + R3 ) maka C1.R3 = ( C2.R3 ( R1 + R2 )) / ( R1 + R2 + R3 ) dengan harga R3 mendekati harga ( R2 + R3 ) dan C2 = 10 C1 Treble Control : ( R1 / ( C1.C4 )) . ( C1.C4 + C3.C4 + C1.C3 ) = ( R1.R2 / ( R1 + R2 )) . ( C1 + C2 ) maka R2.C3 = ( R1.R2/(R1+R2)).(C1.C4 + C2.C4 + C1.C2 ) ( C1.C4 ) dengan harga C2 = C3 ; C1 = 10 C4 ; C1 = 100 C2 ; R1 = 9 R2 Gambar 3 merupakan contoh pengatur nada dengan IC op amp tipe CA 3094. Pada kenyataan praktis untuk Bass Control, tanggapan 'flat' dicapai pada 91,4% perputaran potensiometer sedangkan untuk Treble Control tanggapan 'flat' hampir tidak bisa dicapai. Gambar mengenai tanggapan control ini terlihat pada gambar 4 tetapi belum ada penguat depan dan akhir. Gambar 5 merupakan contoh disain rangkaian penguat yang menerapkan pengatur nada dengan sistem DC ( Direct Couple ) amplifier. Daftar Komponen R1 = 68 Ohm C1 = 0,47 uF R6 = 1 kOhm C7 = 25 uF R2 = 1800 Ohm C2 = 0,12 uF R7 = 10 kOhm C8 = 0,2 uF R3 = 820 Ohm C3,C4 = 1 nF P1 = 100kOhm C9 = 0,02 uF R4 = 1 Ohm C5 = 10 nF P2 = 15 kOhm P3 = 250 kOhm R5 = 680 kOhm C6 = 3 pF Untuk kontrol Bass : 0,1 C1.C3 = 1/ (2.3,14.100) = 0,0001592 Untuk kontrol treble : R1.C3 = 1/ (2.3,14.1000) = 0,0001592 Break point ditentukan pada 1 kHz

Dafar Komponen R1 : 1K8 R2 : 1K R3 : 5K6 R4 : 480R C1 : 2,2nF : C2 0,022uF/6V IC : 555 Q : SC1162 Speaker 4 ohm

Tikus adlah binatang yang sangat menjengkelkan, sebab kadangkala merusak barangbarang simpanan berupa arsip yang masih berharga. Untuk mengusir gangguan tikus tersebut, dapat dibuat sebuah rangkaian elektronik seperti pada gambar di atas. Dengan frekuensi 50Khz yagn dihasilkan oleh rangkaian tersebut. dijamin tikus-tikus akan berlarian karena telinganya akan merasa sakit akibat getaran signal ferkuensi tersebut.