Friday 25 August 2017

Twin diode receiver

This radio uses two receiver chains; the supply voltage needed for the transistor amplifier is generated by a strong local broadcast station to which diode receiver number 1 (left side of the schematic) is fix-tuned. Tune with the aid of a meter and adjust for maximum detection. Low-level stations are detected with the diode receiver number two (right side of schematic). Use a germanium low signal AF type transistor (AC151, 2SB187) and Ge-diodes (AA119, AA112, AO85...). Design coil1 and 2 in such a way that Medium Wave broadcast stations are received.



A supply voltage as low as 450 mV produces audible signal amplification. Of course you have to use TWO antennas.
The designer of this radio uses for receiver number 2 (right) a loop (frame) antenna, for receiver number 1 (left) a a 20 meters outside antenna (wire). 

Receiver 1 generates a supply voltage of approx. 900 mV under load of receiver number 2.
Adjust the variable 250 kOhms resistor to approx 50 % of the voltage generated by receiver number 1 voltage (measured at + pole). Best value for 10 kOhms trim pot is 3 to 6 kOhms.


















Do not use electrolytic capacitors for the 0.1 uF capacitors. Do not forget to install the 1 nF capacitor. Attention for the polarity of the diode (AA112, AO85, AA119...) in receiver nr 1.

Source:
http://pe2bz.philpem.me.uk/Comm/-%20Receivers/-%20Crystal/Prj-058-WithAF-Amp/dt.htm

Off topic:


Canal in Den Haag (Zuidwal / Dunne Bierkade), 7 Sep.  2017

Monday 21 August 2017

QRP labs 5W CW transceiver kit

Hans Summers, G0UPL, has developped a new transceiver:
It is a mono-band 5W CW transceiver, with tons of features, including WSPR beacon, built-in alignment/test equipment, iambic keyer, CW decoder, rotary-encoder tuned synthesised VFO, and more. Price is appr. 42€. The kit is available for 80, 60, 40, 30, 20 or 17m bands and can be ordered here:https://shop.qrp-labs.com/qcx .
The 137-page assembly/operation manual can be downloaded here http://qrp-labs.com/qcx and includes circuit diagram and comprehensive description of circuit operation.





The transceiver has lots of nice features:

+ Easy to build, single-board design, 10 x 8cm, all controls are board-mounted
+ Professional quality double-sided, through-hole plated, silk-screen printed PCB
+ Choice of single band, 80, 60, 40, 30, 20 or 17m
+ Approximately 3-5W CW output (depending on supply voltage)
+ 7-16V recommended supply voltage
+ etc. etc.

Off topic: Vintage cars on Goeree-Overflakkee



Citroen HY in Oude Tonge
Truck in Achthuizen

Used car in Greece, Epirus (holiday 2013)