LECTRO ' C
R
O
E
C
T
S
o $1.50
FALL -WINTER 1978 02396
UP4O-THE-MINUTE EDITORS
of
ELEMENTARY'
HOBBY
PROJECTS
TO FITANY
WALLETAND PULL IN those distant stations
just like grandpa did it with
the SPIDERWEB receiver.
WORKBENCH Covers a lot of bands, too, with
plug-in flat wound coils.
BEEF -UP your beat -up old SOCK IT to your buddies with
shortwave rig. SHORTWAVE -
a disco beat build SIMPLE
PRESELECTOR peaksfrequen- SYN, the music synthesizer.
ces you want and cuts the It'll solve all of your sound
rest. Sharp and clear signals problems, and much more.
where there used to be static.
KNOW the full picture about
your weather, what it really
is now, what it's going to be,
how fast it'll get here. MEA-
SURE THE WIND with ELEC.
TRONIC HOBBYIST'S digital
anemometer. Uses latest IC cir-
cuitry to measure relative
wind velocity. Remote sensor
lets you read wind speed in
the comfort of your own liv-
ing room, rain or shine.
3
SAVE -
on IC service use sim-
ple, easy, quick 555 IC TESTER.
ALWAYS get that call when SERVICING your car's electri-
RINGATHING's on the job. cal system is a snap when you
o Pinpoints that balky 555 and Simple, safe circuit adds as use our ALTERNATOR
cuts circuit searching time to many bells to your phone as TESTER. Spots potential trou-
48
i 02396 virtually nothing. you like, easily. ble-keeps you charging.
IIJ A DAVIS PUBLICATION
The world's largest catalog
of easy -to -build, money -saving
elect .. .
tE%EIttlkit..
inneemE.
PROIO...Cirei
woPPN Ptak.* our
N6 Computer. Pe** iti `
CITY STATE ,
Heathkit products are sold, displayed and serviced. Retail
.. m .i .. .. m m J
prices on some products may be slightly higher. See the ZIP
CL -659
white pages of your phone book.
CIRCLE 68 ON READER
PARTS! (Mlle' TUBES!
Pc,enc for' r-. 3cper
SERVICE COUPON
self-adhesive backing or hardware, both
CORNELL'S
New Color
33
,
tube
tube
ORDER FREE
supplied. The back of the product card Catalog IF NOT SHIPPED
49 PR, New Items IN LOIS Of 100 IN 24 HOURS'
contains information on "Effects of
4219 UNIVERSITY AVE. SAN DIEGO, CALIF. 92105
Carbon Monoxide on the Human Body " E
5
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
New ranges (0.05mA, 25mA and 250mA) and
five DC voltage ranges (0-2.5V, 10V, 50V,
gJeQ,
t
k0
3OJ
cjC.`I
/ xaKe
ee
Que`
1
cv.
New shop can be used by home craftsmen,
servicemen, and do-it-yourselfers. The
leuri
.. able byte of user RAM in the TRS-80.
cost Bit Pad, a digitizer for small com-
+ ..
.. we iL+ site .
1 I Be
MI roao,
The program is designed to load using
puter systems. The pad configuration is
a
the CLOAD command. Standard alge-
.. .. .. Intel MultibusTM compatible, and it can
4444=3.44 " braic notation describes the moves to be plugged into the Multibus along with
the computer, and every move is veri-
',Li iE..t1 Single Board Computers (SBC), memory
fied for legality to prevent user error. A
and I/C boards, peripherals and control-
simple command allows temporary lers. All electronics are located on one
numbering of the squares to assist in SBC card. Operational control and status
move entry. The chess board is dis-
indication is provided from a small, hand-
played using the graphics mode of the held console. The system also includes
TRS-80. The moving pieces flash before they move to simulate the gradual narrow- an 11" x 11" Bit Pad tablet and a data
ing of attention on the moving piece as found in human chess play. There are input stylus. The basic Multibus Bit Pad
three separate levels of play to challenge all players from beginners to ex- configuration carries a retail price of
perienced players. Michochess 1.5 is an expanded version of Microchess 1.0 $625. Circle 80 on Reader Service
which has been available for the 8080 and 6502 microprocessors. Price: $19.95, Coupon for more information.
postage prepaid. Circle 67 n Reader Coupon.
Javelin' CIRCLE 51 ON
READER SERVICE
COUPON
strength, and RG -58/U coaxial cable with
PL -259 -type connector. For further informa-
tion on the new coil -in -cup antennas, and the
Tyne.
Auto De
e Cocks
company's complete line of American -made
antennas and accessories, write to Antenna
Incorporated, 26301 Richmond Road, Cleve-
land, OH 44146.
yIt1Yro
)" 7J "- _
` _c..
> woo"'
tion of CB antennas, microphones, test me-
ters and related CB accessories. For more
information, write to GC Electronics, 400
CIRCLE 77 ON READER
SERVICE COUPON
South Wyman Street, Rockford, IL 60001.
antennas, the "Power Grip" magnetic mount for remote reading of wattmeter. Mark IIA
antenna (Model 13504) holds at speeds up Spare the Strap is sold through electronics distributors. Sug-
to 100 mph on metal roofs and up to 70 Valor Enterprises have made bulky strap and gested retail is $79.95. Get all the facts
mph on vinyl roofs, and the "White Max" chain bumper mount assemblies obsolete by direct from Transel Corp., 2898 N. Cather-
trunk mount antenna (Model 17604) is de - creating the new Model 219 Strapless wood, Indianapolis, IN 46219.
10 ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
First, determine the frequency of your
Got aquestion or a problem with a project-ask IF stages. Pass a CW signal through it
Hank! Please remember that Hank's column is and zero beat to a null on the audio. You'll
limited lo answering specific electronic project
questions that you send to him. Personal replies find that it's almost 455 KHz or whatever.
cannot be made. Sorry, he isn't offering a circuit Next, couple the signal from the local os-
design service. Write to:
cillator via a gimmick capacitor to the
Hank Scott, Workshop Editor connector and tune to a station. Zero beat
ASK HANK, BUDGET ELECTRONICS the station to a null with the BFO on and
380 Lexington Avenue read the frequency counter. Subtract the
New York, N.Y. 10017 IF reading made earlier, and that is the
iIEKNOWS!
frequency to which your receiver is tuned.
I suspect it would be easy to develop an
offset circuit that would subtract the IF
Color Blind that turns the hotplate off after a short amount internally so that the counter
What is the difference between black- use. would be indicating the frequency of the
and -white and color TV antennas? received signal.
-I.K., Panorama City, CA Maybe the Muffler
I used a bumper -mount with a half - Scanner Fan
Either antenna cannot tell the difference wave stainless steel whip for the first time I'm an active scanner listener and I'd
between the black -and-white or color TV and the results were terrific-when the mo- like you to know about one of my favorite
signals they receive, so either work equal- tor was off. With the motor on, I hear dispatchers who is a dispatcher operating
ly as well if designed alike. The truth is engine noises. This never happened when out of Police Headquarters in downtown
that TV antenna manufacturers discov- I used a trunk -mounted coil-loaded an- Chicago. The frequency is 460.225 MHz,
ered the "color" TV antenna when they tenna! Why? Zone 3, Districts 13 and 14. The sergeant
wanted an excuse to hike prices. Pay for -1.S., Canby, OR usually works weeknights and he tries to
only expected results and not for fancy make long evenings go a little faster; at
labels. An automobile engine is a source of times Ile can be serious or be filled with
radio noise! The noise is radiated by the humor. One night there was a break in the
Surplus Coax rods and pipes connected, to the engine action so he humorously commented on
Can I use ordinary coax cable as a long block, and the exhaust pipe is normally what the radio officers would say. I re-
wire antenna? electrically insulated at the bumper end member that an officer called in for a
-D.I., Milford, Utah by a flexible hanger and thus becomes an canine unit, so the sergeant replied, "O.K.,
ideal "antenna" for noise radiation. If the we'll send in the puppy dogs to help you
Sure you can, but use your head! RG - antenna is mounted directly above the ex- out." The next minute he was serious. The
58/U and RG -59/U coax can be strung haust pipe you have force fed a high level sergeant received an urgent call saying an.
for 20 to 40 feet with no problem ex- of static into the transceiver. One cure is officer was in trouble. One could hear the
cept for icy conditions. Be sure to connect to by-pass the exhaust hanger with elec- tension in his voice. Listening to this type
the outside braid to the inner conductor. trically conducting braid to ground the of action makes my Pro -2001 scanner
Remember, the weight of the coax will end of the exhaust system. Also make more exciting.
cause stretching, hence sagging. For long- sure that the bumper itself has a good -S.L., Clarendon Hills, IL
er runs go the traditional way. ground.
Okay, that's a good report. I'd like to
Direct is Best Gain is Getting hear from other scanner listeners about
What are these new direct LPs that I've been into shortwave listening a lit- their favorite stations.
play at 45 RPM? The reason I ask is that tle over a year. At the present I'm using a
they sound so much better than ordinary Realistic DX -160 and two longwire anten- Traveling Radio
LPs. nas, one is 75 -ft. and the other 240-ft. I Can I take my Patrolman 3 AM/VHFI
-S.T., Butte, MT also have an antenna switch. With the UHF portable radio in the aircraft when
present antenna I pick up a station at may- 1 go to Fort Worth, Texas?
Direct-to -disc recordings are actually be 5/S9 on the meter (on the 75-ft. anten- -M.B., Phoenix, AZ
live recordings from the entertainer through na) and then when 1 switch to the 240 -ft
an electronic amplifier system direct to antenna, the signal is 10 or 15/S9. Does Yes, If you pack it in the luggage. Air
the recording disc. There is no time delay this mean the longer antenna has gain? lines forbid the use of radio and electronic
or tape used. What you hear, is what you -G.H., Ft. Smith, Ark. devices on aircraft. They have the Federal
get. Results are better than using a tape Marshals backing them up, so forget it.
system to record the performance and Yes, when you compare one antenna However, you can use the receiver in the
then later cutting a disc. The hokus-pokus array to another in signal gathering ability, terminal and gate areas.
of compression -expansion, noise reduction one would pull more signa! than another
circuits, limited headroom, etc., no longer exhibiting something we call gain. I sug- Frequency Asked
add restrictions to the recording process. gest you try the RAK Listener 3 double What frequency is used to determine the
Unfortunately, should a performer blow a dipole antenna. The results are surprising. impedance of AC devices such as speakers,
note, the entire performance must be re- and audio and RF impedance matching
done from scratch. Some of those funky So Sorry transformers?
singers of today will be wiped out. Hank, I love you. Can we get married? -M.H., Colorado City, AZ
Enclosed is a stamped, self-addressed en-
Turn It Off velope. The frequency used is the frequency
Your "Telephone Trigger" construction -Ms T.W., Columbia, SC they're intended to be used at. You would-
project in the March/April 1978 issue of n't use an audio signal to check out IF
ELEMENTARY ELECTRONICS is great. I get I sure would like to answer your letter, transformers. Audio devices are usually
the coffee pot going by turning on the but the rules are simple. 01' Hank does averaged over the human voice range 300
hotplate before 1 leave for work. My ques- not reply directly by mail even when an to 3000 Hz.
tion is, how do 1 turn it off? The coffee envelope is supplied. Next time I'm in
is over-perked before I get to work. Columbia, I'll wear a pink carnation in Lightning Struck
-D.M., Alamosa, CO my lapel. Watch for me!! Last night there was a thunderstorm in
my area. During the storm I was fooling
The editors use a new automatic drip What the Hertz? around with antenna wires, hooking them
coffee pot as the article's first photo shows. How can I use a frequency counter to up various ways, when a bolt of lightning.
You must be using an old perk-type that indicate the frequency of the signal 1 am hit the ground nearby. A strange thing
keeps boiling until dry. I suggest you either tuned to on my shortwave receiver? happened-my VHF-HI police monitor was
switch over to the new type or use a timer -W.B., Minneapolis, MN tuned to 154.83 MHz. For a few seconds
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fa II -Winter 1978 11
ASK HANK, HE KNOWS My dad had a 1927 Ford that lasted up
until World War II, when he sold it be-
(Continued from preceding page) cause he couldn't get gas. You know what
NEW FROM ASIMOV! he bought after the war? That's right, a
the radio pulled in a strong shortwave Ford. Once you like a brand, and its
signal, (I know it was shortwave because products are still very competitive and
it was a time signal) and then it faded out. high in quality, why gamble and change.
Asinkw's I left the wire hooked up and it happened
a couple more times. After the storm, 1
Meters Lie
SF checked the radio and it was undamaged.
Could you explain what happened? On my hi-fi receiver, when tuning FM,
the signal strength is not at maximum
-DL., Ellington, CT
position when the tuning indicator is
toy.RR
pig+. centered. For maximum signal, the tuning
Yes, you were trying to kill yourself!
`7N:
Aside from that, I really don't know. Can indicator is about 1/32 -in. to the left of
Stainless zero. What should 1 do?
Steel Rat any of our readers help out?
Wants -W.D., Chatsworth, CA
VOW..
b, Elury
N." wp Screw Blues
/ would like to buy an electronic siren,
You didn't say a thing about how the
Pout unit sounds! Tune for minimum distortion.
Anderson but everything I
hear is not loud enough.
I think you'll discover this occurs when the
Isaac
Asimov
Do you know where I can get one rated
for 2 to 4 watts output? tuning meter is centered. If the sound is
-J.S., West Palm Beach, FL poor. then alignment is necessary. I know
this should not happen, but it is fairly
Ramsey Electronics, Box 4072L, common.
Rochester, NY 14610 (telephone: 716/
Large Size 271-6487) sells a siren kit rated at five Blinky Bow Tie
81/2" x 101/2" watts to drive an 8-45 ohm loudspeaker. Hank, can the editors run a short story
Cost is only $2.95. Circuit works on 3 on how to wire up a bow tie to blink neon
-on newsstands nationally, but to 9 VDC. Give it a try. lamps? If they do, please have them give
you can be sure to have this first ' complete parts list and where to buy.
collector's issue by ordering now! Racing With the Amp Thanks. -H. A. Chatsworth, CA
I see a lot of raceways in buildings that
Brand new! Exciting! 112 pages, add wiring on the internal wall. Is this a Neon lamps are out and LEDs are in. I
generously illustrated. Chock-full good practice? suggest you obtain the "LED Blinky Kit"
of SF fun and adventure! -A.M., Silver Springs, MD from Ramsey Electronics, Box 4072L,
7
Rochester, NY 14610. You can phone in
You bet it is! It may not look good in the order: (716) 271-6487. Two jumbo
EXTRA!You'll also get with this your living room, but in the office, garage, LEDs are used in the kit and comes com-
issue a full -color 11"x 17" color shop, and maybe the kitchen, it's alright. plete less batteries and bow tie.
poster (the cover picture, espe- The raceway is a metal conduit that is
secured to the wall. It is an inexpensive
cially commissioned). way to add outlets without breaking up Looking for Help
walls and floors. Raceways can also be Schematic diagrams and service infor-
used to cheaply interconnect air condi- mation on specific radio and TV sets are
Amongst a lot of other exciting tioners to the main fuse panel. available at a nominal charge. Supreme
stories, you'll enjoy a novelette by Publications is offering to mail promptly
Poul Anderson ("Capture of the One Score and Four Years Ago service material on almost any television,
Centaurianess") ... a short novel Hank, what happened to the good old radio, or stereo. It is able to supply such
by Harry Harrison ("The Stainless days? My old Dual turntable bit the dust information from its own service manuals,
Steel Rat Wants You") ... and a after 12 years of faithful service, and from its extensive files of factory data
while looking for a new one 1 must have going back to the 1920's, and from man-
short story by Dr. Asimov himself! seen over 100 different models. How can uals of other publishers. The charge is
a guy chose? $1.50 and up, and the usual charge is
-L.S., Elmwood Park, NJ $ 2.50.
Lend A Hand
Here's our list guys-
ASIMOV'S
SF ADVENTURE MAGAZINE
380 LEXINGTON AVENUE
A LOCKSMITH
BE
hope you will be able to
assist! If anyone out there
needs help, write to me,
NEW YORK, NY 10017 $3995 (
O
r j
ACE
Hank Scott, and I'll try to
do my best to give you
BASIC
iii CORVETTE
coverage. Keep your ques-
s
LOCKSMITHING OPENING
'CO accept.
49307.
12 CIRCLE 12 ON READER SERVICE COUPON ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
GRANDPA'S
WHISKER
Build a carborundum detector from
the days of the not -so-ancient mariners
by Charles Green
N THE BEGINNING OF this century, undum crystal detector did not require
when radio was still called "wire- a light touch with the catwhisker, but
less," the crystal set was used by instead required a heavy contact pres-
most of the early radio pioneers. The sure. This heavy catwhisker pressure broadcast band and for maximum sig-
simple "catwhisker" touching a piece was more suitable for the early radio nal coupling to the detector. A separate
of galena or silicon crystal, and a coil stations on ships. The lesser sensitivity assembly is provided for the carborun-
wound on an oatmeal box, formed a of the carborundum detector was com- dum detector and a control is mounted
primitive yet effective radio receiver pensated by the crystal's ability to take for convenient adjustment of bias bat-
that stayed popular for many years. stronger radio signal energy (such as tery voltage for maximum detector sen-
Even the later development of the vac- leakage from nearby spark transmit- sitivity. The receiver is built "bread-
uum tube could not entirely bury the ters) without burning out, then the board style" on a 81/2 -inch by 71/4 -inch
crystal set; it still remained popular as galena and silicon crystals could. What by 3/4 -inch wood base which is similar
a first set for many radio experimenters is really different about the carborun- to the style of construction used by
who later went on to more complicated dum detector, is the requirement for a early radio experimenters.
electronic developments. Even today, bias battery. This bias battery is nor- The Receiver Circuit. Signals from
the simple crystal set is still being built mally not used with galena and silicon the antenna are fed through J 1 and
using modern germanium or silicon
. crystals. coupled through CIA-CIB to the paral-
diodes in place of the moveable cat - You can experiment with the carbor- lel tuned circuit of Ll-C2. C1A-C1B is
whisker and crystal. undum detector by building our Grand- in a series tuned circuit with Ll, and
Back in the old days, the popular pa's Whisker, which is patterned after serves to tune the antenna for maxi-
galena and silicon crystals had a rival the early crystal sets. The receiver uses mum RF current flow. The resultant
for the more specialized ship-to -shore a tapped coil and two variable capa- tuned signals are detected by D1 and
communication work. It was the car- citors (one capacitor tunes the anten- the audio is fed through the R1 bypass
borundum crystal detector. The carbor- na) to allow coverage of the entire C3 to J5 -J6 and external headphones.
R1 adjusts the D1 bias voltage from B1
and C4 is the RF bypass for the head-
phones.
Carborundum. Not a natural mineral
like galena or silicon, carborundum is
00 TURNS
the name given to a compound of sili-
/NO 24 ENAM.
con carbide by its American inventor
WIRE -9 TAPS
Edward Goodrich Acheson (a former
assistant of Thomas Edison), Acheson
was experimenting with a primitive
electric furnace in 1891, when he fused
a Mixture of clay and powdered car-
bon. He found that the resultant crys-
tals would cut glass similarly to a dia-
mond (silicon carbide is next to a
diamond in hardness), and he called
his discovery Carborundum; thinking
it was a substance composed of carbon
and corundum (a crystalized form of
alumina). Scientific analysis later
showed it to be silicon carbide, but the
designation Carborundum was kept as
a trade name. Industrial usage of car-
borundum is primarily grinding com-
The tuning coil is wound on a cardboard mailing tube section for 100 turns of #24 enam- pounds and grinding wheels.
eled wire, tapped every ten turns. The taps should be stripped bare with sandppaer before Its use as a detector was discovered
soldering to the clips which are mounted on a section of perfboard. See the text. by experimenters around the beginning
WHISKER
of this century who tried various min-
ANT
JI
details. The tuning coil is wound on a 11.18-Fahnestock Clips initial adjustment of the receiver.
cardboard mailing tube section 2 -inch-
es in diameter and 23/4 -inches long. coil is wound with 100 turns and is hole and wrap it one turn around the
Start winding approximately 1A -inch tapped every 10 turns. An easy way to coil form edge (or tape it in place).
from the form edge with #24 enameled make the taps is to twist the wire to- Mount 9 push -in clips in a 1/2 -inch
copper wire. Punch a small hole to feed gether for a half -inch and position the by. 21/4 -inch perf board section and
the wire into the cardboard before you free end out. Then, when all of the taps mount it on the coil form with machine
start winding, then wrap the wire have been made, used sandpaper to screws and nuts and two 1/2 -inch long
around the edge of the form to hold it take the enamel off the tap -wire ends. spacers (as shown in the drawing).
in place while winding; or, a section of At the end of the winding, punch an- Then solder the coil taps to the push -in
plastic tape can be used to keep the other hole in the coil form and after clubs. Connect the coil start and end
wire from moving. cutting a three inch lead, thread the wire leads to solder lugs mounted on
As shown in the drawing, the tuning free end of the coil wire through the the perf-board screws. Punch two holes
J4 CRYSTAL
CARBORUNDUM
CRYSTAL AND
Most of the crystal detector assemblies you J7
HOLDER
can turn up will be of the horizontal type.
You will need a heavier pressure for the
carborundum crystal, so convert the assem-
blage to a vertical format. None of the WOOD BASE
dimensions shown are all that critical. 21/2 DIA X I/4"
n
I IIr
2
II
/11
4 5
MI 1
7
t 1II
/I
A
FORWARD
1 2 3
VOLTAGE
4" 5 6
CARBORUNDUM
mil
7 8
Grandpa's Whisker is a nostalgic look back at the days when a ship's radio lifeline to
originally intended for use as a wood
plaque. Small wood screws were used
to hold most of the components on the
base, except the variable capacitors
C 1 A -C B and C2 are mounted with
1
SHORTWAVE SUPERCHARGER
Turn your old SW clunker into a high -band hot -rod.
by Cass Lewart
into your listening post like they were make the difference between a very It will not only improye the gain of the
right next door. good DX catch and a record breaking shortwave receiver but will also im-
Under these conditions many old DX discovery. prove its selectivity and the image fre-
and some not -so -old shortwave If you decide you want a DX boost quency rejection. Simple, single conver-
receivers will need a bit of or you need to increase the versatility sion superhet SW sets have the annoy-
help when they try to work the high of your old set then you should build ing tendency of receiving spurious sig-
bands. Their circuits tend to get a little this Shortwave Supercharger. nals separated by twice the IF fre-
frazzled. As a matter of fact, almost This unit will boost selectively the quency from the desired signal. For
any SWL would appreciate a bit of a RF signal by 20-30 dB and it will com- example if you tune to 20 MHz you
signal boost now and then. It might just pensate for many deficiencies of your set. may also receive 20 + (2 X 0.455) _
20.910 MHz (image frequency) signal
TO ANTENNA which will interfere with the 20 MHz
SIA signal. In addition you will be able to
OFF pull in many SW stations you didn't
ON 9
even know existed. With 10- to 15 -feet
I2NH C7
U .
TO RECEIVER of wire behind your sofa as an antenna
CI (SHIELDED COAXIAL JACK) you may receive stations as distant as
f 2200pF
150
C
RI I
Australia or mainland China.
PF
1000 A OFF C
How does it work. The circuit is based
) 9 SIB (BOTTOM VIEW )
8 0 2,3,7 on an inexpensive integrated circuit
10 2
ON
C2 C3 C4 C5
manufactured by Motorola and its HEP
C6 =
3 subsidiary. Its innards consist of three
01 Of 01 .01 .01 9V
4 transistors, a diode and four resistors
which together form an excellent auto-
6
CASE
matic gain controlled (AGC) radio
PARTS LIST FOR SHORTWAVE SUPERCHARGER
frequency amplifier. To build the circuit
with separate discrete components
B1 -9V transistor radio battery LED-Red LED indicator would cost a bundle and the result
C1-150-pF variable capacitor Lt-Miller 4502, 1.1-1.5-microhenry coil (for would not be as good. The incoming
C2, C3, C4, C5, C6-0.01 uF capacitor winding your own, see text), for antenna
C7-2200pF capacitor
RF signal is coupled with a few turns
connection use 3 turns of wire wound
R1 -1000 -ohm r/ -watt resistor
of wire to the coil L1. The tuned paral-
tightly around the coil.
R2 -10,000 -ohm variable resistor S1-DPOT switch
lel -resonant circuit consisting of LI and
IC-Motorola MC1550, HEP 590 or HEP C6091 Misc.-case, knobs, jacks for shielded cable C selects the wanted signal by rejecting
1
i LI
TO CENTER
TAP R2
TO LED
7 _ 4 ,1 C2
s
_
I
ANODE C5
1
WWI
DISC MAGNET IN
VERTICAL POSTION
ON ROTATING ARM
ROTATABLE
9 MAGNET
ti}} 0
a
C-3
GJ 0
l
J
CROSSED REED
i0
O
SWITCHES
ON -BEFORE -OFF
(J 2 SWITCHES "ON"
I SWITCH "ON"
ALL "OFF"
19
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
centers of the reed switches. This pro-
SQUARE
NUT BEND AROU .Ei
GUIDE
MICRO MINI BAR
REED SWITCHES
5/8" 3/8"
ON
-4
-
r- ON
ALL OFF
By positioning a rotatable magnet in the center of a square of four reed switches you have a double -pole rotary switch. By
stacking magnets on top of the basic four, and using a larger magnet, as many as twelve on -positions are possible at each
active orientation.
Aditaina
wired into the coil power circuit. When mercial sub -miniature units, a whole lot
cheaper, can be designed with greater
the momentary -on switch is pressed, the versatility, and is a lot of fun to build. The
coil is energized, closing the two reed basic relay, shown here, is nothing more
switches. Once the left-hand reed switch than a coil of wire wound around a
is closed, current will continue to flow magnetic relay switch.
SWITCH ---
NORMALLY OFF - COIL
POWER
SUPPLY
ON/OFF
LOAD A
One side note to all of this: if you a specific order, one after another. The the power source may have to be in-
use a transformer instead of a battery coil of relay A (diagram) is wired to creased to supply enough current. The
to power the relay coils, use a full -wave the start switch, and the coil of each current carrying capacities of both
rectifier between the transformer and consecutive relay is wired through the types of reed switches is 0.5 amps at
the relays. Alternating current or half reed switch of the previous relay. Thus, 125 VAC.
wave D.C. will make the relay buzz on when the On/Off start switch is closed, The relays close and open extremely
and off at 60Hz. relay A will come on, then relay B, quickly-a "Micro -Mini" can cycle up
A Relay Cascade. This device lets then relay C, and so on. Theoretically, to at least three thousand times per
you turn several items on with one flip there is no limit to the number of re- second, according to my rough tests,
of a switch, and have them come on in lays you can cascade this way, although and will respond to resonant frequen-
cies even higher. Thus, the closing time
of the relay is, obviously, very short.
In closing. The applications of these
relays are limited only by your imagina-
tion and the type of projects you build.
Once you design something using one
of these miniature marvels you may
never again want to use one of the
store-bought, bulky variety.
One tip: do not forget coating the
coil of each relay with at least one
good coat of lacquer or model airplane
dope. Nothing is more aggravating
than, sometime after the project is al-
Here's a permanently biased relay, one of ready built and functioning, having to
the more sensitive types you can design. Because of their compactness, these home rewind a relay coil which has spilled
Positioning the magnet nearby to the coil brew relays are easy to mount on a PC out of the form.
reduces the voltage necessary to trip the board. This particular double pole relay You're sure to find that switching
relay. uses two switches within one coil. with these relays is nearly as much
fun as building them.
pid
Web Receiver back when amplified by Ql. The regen control R1 impedance phones. DC power for the
IN THE OLD DAYS OF RADIO,
grandpa was building his first one varies the amount of RF feed-back to circuits is supplied by an external 6
tube radio, the spiderweb coil was LI. volt battery. Bias current for the Q2
the "cat's pajamas." This type of tuning The detected audio signals in the base circuit is supplied by the R6-R7
coil was very popular with the home - drain circuit of Q1 are coupled through divider circuit, and R8 -C7 acts as the
constructors, and with good reason; the Ti to the AF Gain control RS and to interstage decoupling network to mini-
spiderweb coil is a high Q type, wound the audio amplifier circuit of Q2. The mize audio feedback between the stages
with interleaved turns for minimum res- amplified signals are direct -coupled via via the DC power bus.
idual capacity. Many of the old timers the collector circuit of the pnp tran- Three plug in coils are used for L1,
made long distance reception common- sistor Q2 through J4 to external high each one covering a different band of
place with this type of tuning coil in
their radios.
The spiderweb coil is a type of coil
in which the wire is wound on a flat
form so that the radius of successive
turns increases from the center out-
ward. You can experiment with this
type of coil by building our receiver
model which combines the old spider -
web coil with present day solid state
circuitry. The receiver covers from 550
kHz to 14 MHz, with three plug-in
spiderweb coils in a FET regenerative -
detector circuit. A stage of audio is in- The best material for
cluded with a pnp transistor directly the coil is the plastic
coupled for good headphone volume. used for making print-
The Spiderweb Coil Receiver Circuit. ed circuit boards (ap-
prox. 1/16 -in. thick).
Signals from the antenna are coupled
There are 17 vanes,
through J1 and Cl to LI and the tun- each about 7/8 inches
ing capacitor C3. The bandspread ca- long and about 1/4 -in.
pacitor C2 is used to fine-tune crowded wide. Trace this diagram
SW bands and the resultant signals are with thin tissue paper
fed via C4 to the gate -leak R2 and the then glue the paper to
gate of FET Ql. The RF signals are three pieces of plastic sheet
detected and amplified by Q1 and a that have been temporarily
portion of the RF is fed back into L1 glued together. Then cut them
from the source circuit of Ql. This with a jig saw and pry apart.
feedback RF is detected and further
1ri3/8"
BUSHING
J
T
"BB" r'1 BRASS
R6
; EYLET C3
R7
A SOLDER LUG
LI
P2
P3 C7
B R4
NOTE:
SOLDER P2 a P3 TO
SOLDER LUGS AND BRASS
R8
EYELETS (SEE TEXT)
GND
PI JI
A
CI
4-40pF
J2A
P,
o
BAND-
C2
C3 T
model photo are made from the type 4-40pF SPREAD
365
= PF
of plastic sheet used for printed circuit _ LI
(SEE 5uF/15V
boards (approx. 1/16 -inch thick) . (SEE TEXT) J28 C6
The easiest way to start construction P28 R2
3,300K R6 R7
of the coil forms, is to trace the outline 68,000 1000
of the spiderweb coil form drawing
and temporarily cement the tracing onto START OF R3 $ R8
WINDING 220 150
a sheet of plastic. Then cut out the (INSIDE) P3A
coil form with a hack saw. If desired,
three sheets of plastic can be temporar- J3A R
ily cemented together with rubber ce- 0O _' C71
I
BI
REGEN 6VDC 5uF
ment and the coil forms for all three 15V
bands can be cut out at the same time.
After cutting out the forms, carefully PARTS LIST FOR SPIDERWEB RECEIVER
pry apart the spiderweb coils. C1-4 to 40 pF midget mica trimmer (ARCO Q2-Transistor (PNP), Motorola HEP -57 or
Brass eyelets (available at notions 422 or equiv.) HEP -S0019 (or equiv.)
counters in department stores) are sol- C2-Bandspread capacitor (modified C3, see R1 -10,000-ohms linear taper potentiometer
dered to lugs and P2 -P3 as shown in text) R2 -3,300,000 -ohm resistor, 1/4 -watt
the drawing. Carefully drill holes to fit C3-365 pF subminiature variable capacitor R3 -220-ohm resistor, 1/4 -watt
(Radio Shack 272-1341) R4 -3,300 -ohm resistor, 1/4 -watt
the eyelets, positioned 1/2 -inch apart,
C4-100 pF capacitor R5 -5,000 -ohm audio tape potentiometer
for each of the three spiderweb coil C5-300 pF capacitor R6 -68,000 -ohm
resistor, 1/4 -watt
forms, and mount the phono plugs C6, C7-5uF/15 VDC Miniature electrolytic R7 -10,000 -ohm
resistor, 1/4 -watt
(P2 -P3). capacitor R8 -150 -ohm resistor, 1/4 -watt
Refer to the Spiderweb Coil Winding C8-16 pF capacitor (see text) T1-Audio transformer; PRI: 10,000 -ohms,
Table and wind the coils with the turns C9-.022 uF capacitor SEC: 2,000 -ohm (Calectro D1.722 or equiv.)
indicated for each band. Start winding 11, 12, 13-Phone jacks Misc: 5 by 7 by 2 -in. aluminum chassis, 5 by
on the inside of each coil form and 14-Phone jack 7-in. copper clad board (for front panel),
wind to the outside of the form. Allow L1-See Coil Table and text sheet plastic for Ll form (see text), knobs.
enough wire at each end of the coil to P1, P2, P3-Phono plugs (see text) 3 by 41/2 -in. perf board, two lug solder
solder to P3A-B as shown in the sche- 011-FET (NPN), Motorola HEP -F0015, or strip (to mount C1) 6 brass eyelets.
equiv.)
matic. After winding the coil make the
model shown is approximately 21/2 by the photo utilizes a Radio Shack minia- Completing Construction. Complete
4 -inches. Drill holes near the inside cor- ture type with plastic dielectric. In this the construction of the receiver by wir-
ners of the cut-out section and use the particular make of capacitor, the stator ing the underchassis components. Make
holes to start a hack saw or jewelers blades are made from thin sheet metal sure that the leads to J2 and J3 are as
saw. After the chassis section is cut-out, and are fastened with only one screw short and direct as possible; position
drill six mounting holes for the perf and nut. Carefully remove the end nut these leads up and away from the chas-
board edges. Install the perf board on (after removing the plastic outer cover) sis bottom. Connect the DC power
the chassis with small machine screws and pry out the stator blades one by leads to the circuit and mark them with
and nuts. one with small pliers until only one the proper polarity. Or, a red lead can
Locate and install the board com- blade is left. Replace the nut and tight- be used for positive and a black lead
ponents with perf board clips. Do not en it. Check with an ohmeter to see if for negative polarity. Make a knot in
install Q1 at this time to minimize any the blade is shorted to the rotor blade the power leads before putting them
possible damage to the FET; solder Q1 assembly. If so, remove the nut and through the rubber grommet on the rear
into the circuit when all of the other readjust the stator blade. The rotor of the chassis.
components have been connected. Tem- blades should be able to rotate freely Install knobs on the shafts of the
porarily place an alligator clip across as the shaft is turned. front panel controls. If necessary, cut
the source and gate leads (shorting Front Panel. Mount the panel on to the shafts of the controls for a uniform
them together) while soldering the FET the front of the chassis by drilling the appearance. Cement a 1 -in. length of
in place. Cut the leads of all of the appropriate holes and securing it with Number 18 wire on the rear of the C3
components to allow short, direct con- the mounting nuts of the panel controls. knob. Or, a shaped section of clear
nections and to prevent any of the leads After the panel is mounted with the plastic with a black line drawn down
from accidently coming in contact. copper clad surface facing outward, lo- the center can also be used for a point-
Make sure that you remove the alliga- cate and drill the holes for C2 and C3. er.
tor clip from the FET after soldering. Install the two variable capacitors and Dial Calibration. The front panel dials
For best results follow the component then connect them to the circuit board are marked with rub -on lettering posi-
layout of the model shown in the photo. with short leads. C8 is mounted be- tioned on three concentric India-ink
Ti is mounted by drilling holes in the tween the stator of C2 and the stator lines for the C3 dial, and one inked line
perf board to fit the mounting tabs and of C3. The exact value of C8 is best for C2. Begin dial calibration by plug-
then bending them over for a snug fit determined by experiment after the ging in the "C" Band (Broadcast Band)
under the board. Position the three receiver is operational for the desired coil and connecting earphones and a six
ground lugs on three of the board bandspread. A good starting value is 16 (Continued on page 116)
D One of the handiest accessories that 70 percent more output voltage, and so you can build it into another piece
an audio enthusiast can own is a mixer, this may come in handy when your in- of equipment, such as an amplifier,
a device to combine several channels of puts are low-level. Remember, a 70 without much fuss. On the other hand,
sound into one. Mixers are especially percent increase in the input voltage to because the device is passive, its gain
useful to the tape recordist, who mixes an amplifier approximately triples the must be less than or equal to one. We
sounds from several sources so that they power delivered by the amp to its load. can illustrate that fact like this. If your
occupy a single track of his recording Construction of the mixer is non- input consists of four sources having
tape. For P.A. applications as well, a critical, but a metal (aluminum) cabi- 10 -volt peak -to -peak amplitudes, the
mixer is indispensable. Perhaps you too net is recommended for shielding pur- largest possible composite output signal
have wanted to try your hand at the poses. Such a shield will prevent the will be less than 10 volts peak -to-peak.
creative effects possible with a mixer, high resistances in the circuit from inter- Use of the mixer is fairly obvious;
but have been turned off by the high cepting any unwanted electrical inter- just hook it up and experiment. How-
prices asked for these devices. Gener- ference. The shield is denoted in the ever, you should keep an eye on im-
ally, commercial mixers provide other schematic by a dotted line that connects pedances. The impedance of any source
functions besides mixing (i.e., amplifi- to system ground. Apart from providing should be less than 10,000 ohms in Or-
cation, impedance -matching, filtering, a shield, you have a free hand in the der to avoid I9ading by the mixer. At
sometimes reverberation, etc.) , and it mixer's construction. the opposite end, the mixer should drive
is the presence of these extra functions One nice thing about a passive mixer a load whose impedance is greater than
that causes the price to soar. is that you don't have to provide power, 100,000 ohms. Both of these rules may
A bare mixer is an amazingly simple
device that requires only passive com-
ponents such as resistors and capacitors.
Such a passive mixer is not only simple
and cheap, but it is also free from the The passive mixer is a
gremlins that haunt you whenever ac- very simple device and it
tive elements are put into a device: dis- requires no complex or
tortion, hum and noise. If you can spare expensive parts. The unit
pictured here is very
a few hours of your time plus less than
obviously a junk box
ten dollars, you can easily duplicate the special. Note the two
passive mixer presented here. In fact, if slightly different RCA
you shop wisely, you should spend con- jacks and the variety of
siderably less than ten dollars. capacitors used.
From the schematic you can see that
this is a four -channel mixer. Potenti-
ometers R1, R2, R3 and R4 control the
relative levels of the four channels, and
potentiometer R9 acts as a master gain The concept of the mixer
control. Resistors R5, R6, R7 and R8 is simplicity in itself-the
tie the four input channels to the single four inputs are individ-
ually controlled by the
output. The input impedance of each four variable resistors
channel is 10,000 ohms, while the out- labled 1 through 4 and
put impedance ranges as high as 40,000 the overall output is
ohms. governed by the large
When switch Si is closed you have variable resistor.
full four -channel mixing capability.
Should you need to mix only two chan-
nels, open Si. This will give you about
J4 1
INPUT C4
R4 1
of de- 10,000
be violated, but at the expense
creased output. However, you will find 4- RS
100,000
1
R2
sily driven by the mixer. Note that since 10,000 R6
the mixer's output impedance is fairly 100,000
high, it is wise to use a shielded coaxial R9 elh
J5
100,000 OUTPUT
output cable as well as shielded input JI
cables. When building this project you cl
might try putting all the inputs and out- INPUT I
RI
puts on the rear of the box and all the 10,000 R5
100,000
potentiometers and switches (you might
like to add a switch to each input) on a
nice looking front panel. J
This wraps up the discussion on the
PARTS LIST FOR PASSIVE MIXER
mixer; the rest is up to you. After
you've used this handy mixer for a Cl, C2, C3, C4-1 uF., 250 -Volt mylar capa- potentiometers
while, you'll probably agree that the lit- citors R5, R6, R7, R8 -100,000 -ohm, 1/2 -watt, 10%
11, 12, 13, 14, 15-Phono jacks R9-100,000 audio -taper potentiometer
tle money spent on this project was
R1, R2, R3, R4 -10,000 -ohm audio -taper Sl-SPST slide switch
money well spent.
30 Sq. in.
S1 HEAT SINK
IC1
PARTS LIST FOR 2
5V/3A FOR DIGITAL PROJECTS 117VAC +SVDC
REGULATED
C1-3000-uF, 25 VDC electrolytic
capacitor
=-
1
C2-0.1-uF Mylar capacitor T50 F
C3-500-uF, 10 VDC electrolytic D2\ EAT SINK
(SEE TEXT)
capacitor
D1-D4-See text
F1-1/4 ampere, 3AG 3 IS
ICI -5 -volt regulator, LM223 or
IC1
CASE
LM323 TO IC1
BOTTOM VIEW
S1-Spst slide or toggle switch 4
Ti- see text
T
300F
We have all become conditioned to a feature not previously seen on a the starter.
expect rapid transportation via fast control of this kind. Any number of switch positions may
cars, streamlined trains and supersonic How It Works. The heart of these be incorporated. One prototype of ours
jets. We've learned to expect instant units, a silicon controlled rectifier had ten. Whether you opt for three,
... cash, credit, headache and stomach (SCR) is a four -layer device whose
relief, rebates, replays and foods. No construction is shown in the diagram.
wonder we seldom think of speed in Alternate half-cycles provide the for-
terms of anything less than maximum. ward bias to cause the conduction,
'Twould seem practically un-American.
However, those of us who have to
which occurs when the gate is proper-
ly triggered. The RC time constant, pro-
NPNP
work with non-ferrous metals, with vided by the resistance and the capacit-
plastics, or hard woods, find it impor- ance controls the rate of charge of Cl.
tant to get intermediate ranges of Here's how the circuit acts.
speed (rpm) with portable electric drill- Cl will discharge through I1 when
ing equipment. The Select-A -Speed mo- the charge on Cl is equal to the ioiriz- PN
N---- ---- P
tor controls described here accomplish ing potential of I1, thus providing the
this goal. The smaller model continu- gate with a signal. Once triggered, con-
ously varies the rpm of portable 1/4 - duction is sustained until the negative
inch electric drill motors, and the larger half -cycle reverse -biases the SCR at
unit provides incremental speed which time conduction ceases until the
changes using a switching arrangement, cycle is repeated. As more resistance is
introduced the RC time constant is in-
creased. The resulting increased phase
shift further delays the time at which
the gate is triggered. This causes the
SCR to conduct for less time, and the
available load power is thus diminished.
Can Control Many Devices. This
versatile unit also functions well as a
temperature-control device for pencil -
type soldering irons, and also regulates
the intensity of conventional desk lamps
as well as photo -floods.
In addition it works well to control
the speed of electric sewing machines
and other small motor -driven hand
tools. However, you must not try to Silicon -controlled rectifier is a four-layered
use it to control devices which have device. Simplification is shown at top. Gate
voltage cuts off current between cathode
transformers in them, such as soldering (left) and anode (right). At bottom is a
guns (pencils are OK), high intensity schematic diagram showing the SCR acts as
lights, etc. Of course it won't work at though it were two transistors, an NPN and
View inside speed control which is con all with fluorescent lights, because low- a PNP, together. Positive voltage on gate (of
tinuously variable. Note SCR heat sirik. er voltage won't be sufficient to work NPN) causes that "transistor" to conduct.
OUTPUT
SI LOAD SOCKET
FI
A
RI
117 VAC
PILOT
LAMM
NEON W/ 1
1800
A SCRI
BUILTIN R2 R4
SI II I
5600 I0K
I
RESISTOR L I8K
MOUNTING OUTPUT RECEPTACLE SOCKET _J FAST
STRIP AND POWER SWITCH SI I- SLOW
CONTINUOUS CONTROL
4700 RI
C
500K ANODE
R2
CI
R4-18,000 or 20,000 -ohm, 1/4- or 1/2 -watt re- R2 -50,000 -ohm potentiometer, linear taper
Oscilloscope screen shows portion of AC
sistor Note: omit R3 and R4.
sine wave during which SCR permits current
to flow (cross -hatched parts).
one .6 -in., two .7 -in. and one 1 -in. long. Block diagram shows
Be very careful removing 555s from major components of timer.
the tester to avoid bending their pins.
Use an IC removal tool if you have
one. If you don't a small screwdriver R3 IOOSl Most 555s come in
used as a lever in the deep depression rectangular mini -DIP
(dual in -line pack-
in the center of the IC will let you ease
age), but they're al-
it out safely. so found in round
Smoke Test. It won't burn up, if "TO-" package
you've been careful. There aren't very
(OPTIONAL
many ways to do this circuit wrong. PULSE
But just to be on the safe side, double OUTPUT)
check your wiring before you connect
the battery.
Then, with no 555 in the circuit,
connect the battery and turn the switch
GM)
(if you've included it) on.
If you've wired everything correctly,
both LEDs will light. The most likely PARTS LIST FOR 555 TESTER
cause of a LED not lighting, assuming
your wiring is correct, is that it has been C1-.01-uF capacitor Misc.-Jumper wire, #22 solid, insulated,
plugged into the board backwards. C2-1-uF, 16 -volts or better electrolytic ca- various colors. Solderless breadboard and
pacitor header strip-AP Products 217L terminal
Now go ahead and plug in a 555.
D1, D2-LED red indicators strip. Available at dealers, or order AP
Choose one you know is good. The RI -100 -ohm, -watt resistor
1/2 923273, $4.75; Headers are 929834-01,
LEDs should start flashing. Play with R2 -68,000 -ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor $.87 for a strip of 36. Add $1.00 for post-
the value of C2 to alter the rate.. R3 -39,000 -ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor age and handling on mail orders to AP
Using the Tester. Since the solderless S1-SPST subminiature switch (optional-see Products Inc., Box 110-EE, 72 Corwin
breadboard is its own chassis, you're text) Drive, Painesville, OH 44077.
ready to go.
BACK BEFORE EVERYTHING came in in order to avoid self -oscillation. Many if this unit is tuned to 10 MHz while
transistorized subminiature pack- preselectors were as large as the boat the receiver is tuned to 20 MHz virtu-
ages, virtually all serious SWLs anchors we used to call receivers, so ally no signal will pass through the
and radio amateurs used a preselector like those old tube -type boat anchors, preselector into the receiver. On the
ahead of the main receiver. No, not a the preselector went the way of the other hand, when the preselector is
preamplifier, we said a preselector. A Dodo. tuned to the desired frequency it can
preamplifier simply provides amplifica- But a preselector can still give a re- really snatch signals up out of the noise
tion, usually over a broad range of fre- ceiver a good solid kick in the antenna level.
quencies. With early single -conversion terminals, often digging out signals Don't worry about static signals
receivers, and the new solid-state high where you thought none existed. And blowing Field Effect Transistor Q1 be-
performance, budget -priced, single -con- the preselector can still reduce image cause it's a special type with built-in
version receivers, a preamplifier ampli- interference in those inexpensive solid- protection diodes from the gates to the
fies the image signal interference along state receivers that have terrific sensi- source and drain. In normal operation
with the desired signal. But a preselec- tivity and great stability, but poor image the diodes are inactive, and Q1's input
tor, that's a whole 'nother thing. A rejection because they're only single- impedance is extremely high and does
preselector is a tuneable, high-Q pre- conversion. What's that? You've got no not load down Ll. Transistor Q2 acts
amplifier that passes only the desired room for a big boat anchor? Who men- as a matching device and power ampli-
signal frequency, and usually provides tioned anything about size? Using up- fier, providing a low impedance output
considerable attenuation at the image to-date technology and components, the for the input of the associated receiver.
frequency . same as you've got in that new receiver, Both LI's input impedance and the
Unfortunately, preselectors have so you can build a rock -stable preselector preselector's output impedance have
much gain and, sensitivity they had to that's got more selectivity than those been adjusted so the unit delivers good
be built like the Rock of Gibraltar in a old monsters, will work off an ordinary performance with every combination of
cabinet almost as large as the rock itself transistor radio 9 -volt battery (or a antenna and receiver. While it might be
lightweight line -powered supply) and
POWER
will provide enough extra front-end
FROM SW
ANTENNA BPI SWITCH SI selectivity to practically squash image
TAP
interference in single -conversion receiv-
ers. Best of all, you can make the 16 -TURN
SECTION
whole thing so smll it can be glued
right to the back of a sub -miniature
tuning capacitor-hence the name-
"Piggyback Preselector." The unit
shown in the schematic and photo- CORE
graphs provides from two to three S -
units extra sensitivity (about 12 to 20
dB extra gain), depending on the par- A toroid coil is the easiest home-brew be-
GROUND. TUNING CAPACITOR RF OUTPUT
ticular receiver it's used with. cause neatness doesn't count. If the turns
BP2 CI JI
aren't spaced just so, or the turns unwind
The Design. Input coil L1 is home - a bit as you make the coil, it won't make
Plastic cabinet may be used but the front
panel should be aluminum or other metal.
brewed on a toroid form. Since toroids any difference. lust spread the turns so they
Input (BP1) and output (11) connections have exceptionally high Q the input take up about one-half of the form. Don't
must be kept apart. tuning is razor sharp-sharp enough to spread turns to take up entire form.
attenuate the image frequencies. In fact,
CI--
used. Use coaxial cable such as RG -58
or RG -59 between the preselector and STATOR_
receiver and keep it as short as pos- TERMINAL
sible.
If you have a longwire or random SI -*
antenna use 5 -way binding posts for the .. . C 22
hear anything at all in the receiver. Use POWER SUPPLY B1-9VDC transistor radio battery
whatever calibrations on the panel you C5, C6-1000 uF 15 VDC capacitor BM, BP2-5-way binding posts
R4-1500 ohms, 1/2 -watt resistor C1-365 pF subminiature variable tuning ca-
find necessary to put the preselector
SRI through SR4-Silicon rectifier bridge, 50 pacitor
tuning inside the ballpark. PIV C2, 3, 4-0.01 or 0.5 yF ceramic disc capa-
After a signal is tuned in on the Tl-Power transformer 12 -VAC secondary citors, 100 VDC
receiver, peak it with the preselector. 11-Phono input jack
If the receiver has an antenna trimmer Lt-Amidon 168-2 toroid coil form, $1.75
or tuning control make certain you also postpaid from Amidon Associates, 12033
peak the signal with the trimmer. Otsego St., No. Hollywood, CA 91607.
Q1-FET with internal protective diodes, RCA
IV type 40822* or RCA -40673*
R2 f--5MA Q2 -2N3394transistor
2200n SI R1-150 ohms 1/4- or 1/2 -watt resistor
07,1III
R2-2200 ohms, 1/4- or 1/2 -watt resistor
01 02 0.5uF R3-470 ohms, 1/4- or 1/2 -watt resistor
(SEE TEXT) S1-SPST switch
GI TC 4
LI
0.5uF
I50n ftl
R3 470n
BPI C2 R3
ANT C)
8P2
GND
RI 1500n
BOTTOM VIEW R4
12 9 VOLTS
VAC
QI 02 + 5 MA
GI G2 _ SR3 _
1000uF IOOOuF
C5 C6
E C B -27
by Walter Sikonowiz
T WAS INEVITABLE that modern man dance halls and discotheques. electronic synthesizer came into being
would use electronics to imitate the Early Instruments. The best-known with the construction of a vacuum -tube
sounds of earlier musical instru- electronic instrument before today's was monster with thousands of tubes and
ments. Just as the pipe organ has been the Theremin. It consisted of two radio - other components. Called the Mark I
used for centuries to produce sounds frequency oscillators. One had a fixed RCA Synthesizer, and built at Prince-
similar to trumpets, flutes, and strings, frequency, and the frequency of the ton, New Jersey, it was dismantled
for the past thirty years electric pianos other was controlled by the player mov- after several years of experimentation
and organs have been used to mimic the ing one hand nearer to, or farther from to supply parts for the Mark II. This
pianoforte and the pipe organ. Only a sensing plate. The difference between machine is still in use, and though
today, with the advent of microelectron- the frequencies of the fixed and the smaller than the Mark I, it measures
ics-integrated circuits and other im- variable oscillator produced a tone about 17 feet square and 7 feet high.
provements on the vacuum tube and capable of being shifted throughout It is still in use in the Columbia -Prince-
discrete transistors-we are seeing an the audio range. The volume was con- ton Music Center, in New York City.
explosion in the design and manufac- trolled by slight movements of the In the early 1960s Robert Moog (pro-
ture of electronic musical instruments. player's other hand. Because nothing nounced like "vogue") began develop-
In the Beginning. We've had elec- was actually touched to produce the ing and producing a line of electronic
tronic instruments as far back as the frequency and volume changes, the music synthesizers which revolutionized
1930's, though they were far simpler Theremin made a weird, gliding tone music. Within the next few years several
than even today's toys. In France the which could, in the hands of a skilled other firms began producing synthesizer
j Martinot and the Oniolone used piano - performer, be extremely effective. How- equipment, and in the last several years
like keyboards to control electronic ever, it could produce only one tone at the microminiaturization made possible
oscillators which produced sustained a time, and the world of music had to by the development of integrated cir-
tones. They were the forerunners of the await the development of much more cuits has made possible synthesiz-
keyboards which most rock -pop groups sophisticated circuitry before true elec- ers controlled by keyboards-so now
use today to produce those massive tronic musical instruments were de- real performance instruments exist.
120 -dB sound crushers at festivals and veloped. The Nature of Music. Before describ-
concerts-to say nothing of thundering Electronic Music Today. The modern ing the construction of our simple syn-
SIMPLE-SYN +
I
.-
/
r -T-(T
,IT ENVELOPE
C.
with time. Section B is a Schmitt trig- mately as indicated, for PINS 182
manual convenience. F R23
ger which senses the output of A. When
A's output drops below some lower ref-
erence level, Section B's output drops
low, causing current to flow through 23 FROM
52
D1 and R5. This current flow is op- RII
posite to (and greater than) the current B2
46
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
rant and is actuated by the largest knob. switch S1 and Output jack JI. With holes in the front panel, including those
Directly below that pot is an aluminum this arrangement, the interconnecting for the spacers that mount the printed
bracket holding B1 and B2. Right below wiring is shortest, and all components circuit, solder short lengths of #22
the bracket is Power switch S3. mount on the cover, which is conven- stranded wire to the appropriate lugs of
The first row of controls on the left- ient when batteries have to be changed. the controls, then mount them. Six-inch
hand side of the front cover contains Incidentally, the battery drain is less lengths of wire will suffice. This is easier
R21, R23, and R11 (from left to right). than 2 ma., so the batteries will last than mounting the controls and then
The second row contains S2, R15, and a long time. trying to solder to the leads in close
R13. Below the second row are Filter After you've located and drilled all quarters. Note that R14 is not on the
C2
.OIuF
+9V
FREQUENCY I R3
RI 2 330K
50K MIXER C5
.005uF
C3 RI3 {, R14
R2 IuF 50K , 2 27K
C6
CI 3
2200 .OIuF R4 R12 005uF
R5
12K
330K 40-50K FILTER
I i
/
IOMEG
10
OUTPUT
TO
AMPLIFIER
5K uF
2 MEG
R6 D2
1 D3
5100K 32' 8
JI
-9V tT 01
RIO RII .005uF
270K 10,000 C4 RI7 RI8
6 50K
11
S3
R20
22K R2I MEG
R19 I
+9V 50K I 2 3
2 ENVELOPE
+C9
3.
BI R22 R23 MEGI + C8uF
9V 33K
+
CIO
IOOuF
C12
.IuF
In
DECAY T
DI,2,3 14
B2
9V CATHODE
9V 1 F-
CATHODE
TO PIN II
OF ICI
I built a crystal tester several years Q1 and the parts near it, R1, R2, Cl, the switch and the battery. The equiva-
ago and had an accident. Two of the and C2, work together with the crystal lent circuit is shown nearby. As you
connections were accidentally shorted you connect into the circuit as a simple can see, whatever you connect to the
together when I soldered the parts to- crystal oscillator. Without a good crys- alligator clips then completes the cir-
gether. As a result, I soon discovered tal, the circuit will not oscillate. When cuit to light the LED. The purpose of
that my crystal tester was also good as it does oscillate, a signal appears at R4, here, is to keep this mode of op-
a diode tester, a LED tester, a con- the emitter of Ql. eration from interfering with Checker
tinuity tester, an electrolytic tester and Capacitor C3 passes this signal to Board's performance as a crystal tester,
more. diodes D1 and D2, which are connected since that's why we built it.
Now that's what I call a happy acci- as a rectifier. They convert the signal Building Checker Board. Use any
dent! (which is a high -frequency AC signal, construction technique you feel com-
The whole circuit was built onto a at the frequency of the crystal) to a fortable with.. Nothing is very critical,
scrap of printed circuit board and bumpy DC signal. C4 smoothes out and you can try lots of other values for
mounted in a small plastic box. I've most of the bumps. As result, the signal any given component and still have a
used it for years, and it's come in handy that Ieaves Q1 arrives at Q2 as a small Checker Board that works.
dozens of times. Recently, while chat- DC voltage. Q2 then acts as a switch. The Checker Board you see here was
ting with a couple of ELECTRONICS When the DC voltage appears at its built on a small solderless breadboard
HOBBYIST editors it occurred to us that base, it completes the circuit from the from AP Products. It's fully described
some of you might enjoy this handy battery and switch, through R3 and in the Parts List. You can use any size
little gadget. So I rebuilt it one evening the LED, to ground. When this hap- wire from #20 to #28 to make the
on a small, inexpensive solderless bread- pens, the LED turns on. connections between terminals, and
board. And now I can pass the secrets With no signal coming out of Q1, most components' leads plug right in.
of this marvelous little Checker Board no voltage appears at the base of Q2 so You can help the switches, battery
on to you. it doesn't turn on, and neither does the leads and alligator clip leads plug right
What It Can Do. Checker Board LED. R3 limits the current that can in, too, if you use AP Headers. They're
started out as a crystal tester, with the go through the LED to keep it from small contact posts embedded in a plas-
desired action that a good crystal lights burning out and to help give it a very tic strip at precise 1/10 -inch intervals,
the LED and that a bad crystal won't. long life. It also lengthens Checker so they can plug right into the bread-
You can also use it to check out so Board's battery's life. board. Just break off the number of
many other components with just as And that's how Checker Board posts you need from the rest of the
simple an indication. These are some checks crystals. strip, solder your connection to the
of the things you can test with your How It Works, Part Two. Take a short end and plug the long end into
Checker Board: lamps, switches, diodes, good look at R4. It acts as a kind of the breadboard.
LEDs, cables, capacitors, crystals, cheater, connecting the cathode end I used small U-shaped pieces of bare
printed circuit traces, connectors and of the LED to the red clip. So, when wire plugged into several holes in a row
more. You can even use Checker Board there's no crystal in the circuit, R3, to form a contact pad area, connected
to test itself! R4 and D3 are the only parts of the to each clip lead. This makes testing
How It Works, Part One. Transistor circuit actually connected to the clips, larger components as easy as touching
Everyone loves a bargain, and bar- current and minimum holding current around today. The correct connection,
gain bags of semiconductors often yield are naturally provided by the ohmmeter. when identified, provides for short tests
great buys in the form of perfectly All but the cathode-to -gate path may between gate and cathode, cathode and
good, but unmarked and untested di- check "open," making it impossible to anode, and anode to gate. It also pro-
odes, transistors, and silicon -controlled identify the leads on an unmarked SCR. vides for open tests between cathode
rectifiers (SCRs). The trouble is, how What LEDIT does is to provide a and anode, and cathode to gate, and
do you go about identifying the leads quick and low-cost way of putting a turn-on/turn-off functions.
and testing these semiconductors? safe current through the SCR gate and Here's How It Works. Light emitting
A simple, one -evening project using anode circuits, while providing enough diodes D2 and D3 have a current rating
light -emitting diodes (LED) both as current to turn on and latch virtually of about 10 milliamps, with between
indicators and as functional circuit all small SCRs found in grab-bag assort- 1.5 and 1.8 volts across them. This is
parts in the testing process can now ments. normally enough current to turn on
be built for less than five dollars. This By placing an adjustable resistance any common SCR connected to termi-
LED -indicating tester (LEDIT) will and a current meter in series with the nals J2, J3 and J4, and to keep the SCR
check out diodes and SCRs, and to anode and gate, you could obtain the conducting after the gate voltage is
some will even identify leads of and specified current levels, but for most removed. With the SCR turned on, cur-
test many transistors for opens and quick testing of SCRs (open, shorted, rent will flow through D3 in the anode
shorts. or perhaps not even an SCR after all) circuit until the current is interrupted.
While transistors are actually quite LEDIT will provide all the information Then the SCR will turn off again, and
easy to check on a standard ohmmeter, needed. power can be reapplied to the circuit
using the lower voltage, middle -range Checking SCRs. There are five ways without illuminating D2 or D3.
scales to prevent excessive voltage or to misconnect an SCR to the three As the schematic shows, voltage is
current through the transistor, an SCR posts, and one correct. way. None of supplied through J1, or from a 9 -volt
is a bit more difficult. As shown in the the incorrect ways will damage a good battery if you prefer. A 9 -volt DC
drawing, an SCR contains the equiva- SCR among the vast majority of those transistor radio or tape player AC sup -
lent of two transistors connected in a
closed feedback loop. One lead is the
anode, the other the cathode. A third ANODE (+1 ANODE (+)
lead is called the gate.
How SCRs Work. Whenever the gate
is brought close enough to the voltage
on the anode to cause a specified mini-
mum current to flow in through the
cathode and out of the gate, the SCR GATE (+TURNS ON ANODE - (
GATE
+ TURNS ON
will suddenly turn On and exhibit a CATHODE) ANODE -CATHODE)
"short," similar to the action of a con-
ducting diode, provided current is per- CATHODE (-)
mitted to flow in the cathode-to -anode
circuit. It will stay in this mode even Silicon -controlled rectifier (SCR) is really a CATHODE ( -)
if the positive voltage is removed from diode which conducts only when a third
element, the gate, lets it. Circuit between
the gate. Only by reducing the anode anode (+) and cathode (-) is normally Equivalent circuit of an SCR looks like this-
current below a specified minimum open, until the voltage on the gate ap- two NPN transistors connected. Gate is
level can the SCR be turned Off again. proaches the anode. When that happens same as base of lower. It can turn On the
The problem with trying to check electrons flow from cathode to anode al- lower transistor, which turns On the base of
most common, small -size SCRs with an most as though the diode were a "short." the upper.
ohmmeter is that the minimum gate
LONE RANGER
LIGHT MEIER
LED readout saves meter
cost, and is more
rugged too.
by Walter Sikonowiz
11 Lone Ranger is a photographic light mm or other precision camera lens. It we're using the amp open -loop (with-
measuring instrument without the usual provides readings for setting your cam- out the usual feedback), only a small
(needle -and -scale) mechanical meter. In- era lens opening between f-stops as voltage difference at the two inputs is
stead, it uses light -emitting diodes large as 2.8 and as small as 32. These required to send the output either to
(LEDs for short) to tell you what lens are based on the most popular black - saturation, or to cut-off. Specifically,
opening to use. In addition to cutting and -white film for 35 mm use, Plus -X, if the voltage at the non -inverting (+)
the cost by more than 50 percent, elim- a widely available fine-grain film. input is a few millivolts greater than
inating the meter has other advantages. Photo Basics. First before showing that on the inverting (-) input, the out-
The chance of damage from dropping how the meter works, let's review some put will go high. Likewise, if the volt-
is much less. People with no knowl- basic photography. The photographer is age on the inverting input is the great-
edge of photography can easily use concerned with three numbers when er, the output will go low.
this exposure indicator once taught the making an exposure: 1) the ASA rating There are limitations to the size of
significance of the displays. (the speed) of his film, 2) the f-stop of the the voltages which may be compared.
Finally, because the readout is on lens aperture, and 3) the speed of the For the LM339, input voltages should
LEDs, it's always easy to see, even in shutter Let's see how these factors inter- be less than supply voltage (V)- 1.5V.
low light where an ordinary meter's relate. Suppose you take a correctly - Furthermore, these input voltages
needle might be hard to read accurately. exposed picture under light of intensity should be much greater in magnitude
This comparator -LED light meter is I, with f-stop n and exposure time equal than a few millivolts, to swamp out
ideal for the serious beginning or inter- to T. If the intensity suddenly jumps to measurement errors due to the inher-
mediate photographer because most 2I, you must compensate by either re- ently imperfect nature of the compara-
people shoot with the same speed film duoing the aperture (multiplying the f- tor itself. Between these extremes a
most of the time. And if you do use stop by 1.4) or by reducing the expos- comparator can give a very accurate
two or three different speed films, it's ure time by half-T/2. And if the light answer to the question, "Is the un-
easy to apply a conversion factor to the intensity is reduced by half you would known voltage above or below the ref-
Lone -Ranger's lens -opening scale. compensate either by making the f-stop erence voltage?"
It's a one -speed -range photographic 1.4 times larger, or by increasing the The LM339 incorporates four com-
light meter which tells you at what f- exposure time to 2T. This assumes, parators on a single chip. If one input
stop diaphragm opening to set your 35 naturally, that the film's speed (ASA) of each comparator reads some com-
remains. constant. mon, unknown, voltage, while the other
Now suppose that a correctly -exposed four inputs connect to different refer-
photograph is made under light of in- ence levels, then the size of the un-
tensity I, with f-stop = n, and exposure known voltage can be estimated by ob-
time = T. To take the same picture serving the output states of the com-
with a film whose ASA rating is twice parators.
that of the original, you'd compensate Figure 1 shows the LM339 as the
by making the f-stop = 1.4 n or by
making the exposure time = T/2. To
take the same picture with a film whose
ASA rating is half that of the original
Operational amplifier without feedback film, make the f-stop = n/1.4, or make
has extremely high gain. It can be used exposure time = 2T. Now let's look
to compare an input signal voltage (un-
at an electronic circuit to measure the This is the way the LED readout of the
known) with a known (reference) voltage,
and indicate clearly (by its output's going
ambient light. Lone Ranger would look if the amount of
to saturation, or by staying at its initial Use a High -Gain Amplifier. Suppose light being measured was enough for a
(very low) voltage that the unknown volt- we take a high -gain differential amp camera opening of F-stop 5.6. The two
age is either below or above the reference and place a known voltage on one in- LEDs at the left are dark, the two on the
voltage. This makes it a "comparator." put, an unknown on the other. Since right are lit up.
BLANK The total measuring range of this Here are the details for mounting the
WALL instrument thus spans from f/2.8 to range extender to the front of the case,
f/32 with ASA 125 film (such as Plus - and for taping around the photocell to
X) at a shutter speed of 1/30th second. keep it from receiving stray light which
Later on we'll discuss the simple mathe- can cause misreading of the ambient light.
\ADJUST R2 WITH
matical conversion necessary to allow
SCREWDRIVER
use of the light meter with different less of the box size used, however, the
This is the setup you use to calibrate the
film speeds and different exposure times. following construction details given will
Lone Ranger light meter. You'll need to
borrow an old-fashioned (analog) light Building Lone Ranger. Actual con- still apply.
meter for this procedure. struction of the Lone Ranger meter is When the board has been completed,
non -critical, but will require some care mount the IC socket, trimmer R2, and
with section A connected to the lowest because of its small size. A printed cir- all resistors and capacitors. Next, solder
reference voltage and section D to the cuit board was used in my Lone Ranger the negative lead from the battery clip
highest. Consequently, in very dim prototype, and although it is not neces- to its hole near pin 12 of the IC socket.
light all four comparator outputs will Solder a 2 -in. length of flexible wire to
be at cutoff, hence all four LEDs will DRILL SIZE
the hole indicated in the upper -right-
NO. 6J
be extinguished. hand corner of the board. This wire
As the light intensity increases, sec- will later be connected to SI. Now
tion A will be the first to change state mount the photocell so that its light-
(rise toward saturation) and thus cause sensitive face is perpendicular to the
LED I to light. At higher intensities board and facing toward its upper bor-
LEDs and LED2 will both be turned der. Finally, mount the four LEDs into
On. The reference voltages I used were the circuit board, but be sure to ob-
chosen to correspond to differences in serve proper orientation. The tops of
lens aperture of one f/stop. Thus, a the LEDs should all extend the same
DRILL SIZES
display like the one shown here would NO.20 distance above the board-about 7/8 -in.
indicate that the correct photographic JUST LARGE if you have a cabinet of the same
exposure is between f/4 and f/5.6. ENOUGH depth. Now plug ICI into its socket
FOR
Extending the Meter's Range. Notice MOUNTING and set the board aside temporarily.
that in contrast to the continuous read- SCREW The range selector is just a simple
out of an analog meter, this comparator Dimensions of the range-extender for Lone aluminum plate (about 18 gauge) with
system of voltage measurement indi- Ranger are shown above. It's a simple the dimensions shown in the diagram.
cates proper exposure as being between piece of aluminum with two different -size Note that two holes, one #20 and one
two levels. In order to get better reso - holes in it. The middle hole is for mount- #61, must be carefully drilled. Further
ing the strip to the front of Lone Ranger. note that the plate must be absolutely
flat. Don't cut it out with tin snips.
sary that you use the printed circuit, Use a nibbling tool or hacksaw, which
it would be wise to copy the same gen- will cut the aluminum without distort-
eral layout as the prototype. My Lone ing it. Now use a file to round off all
Ranger is housed in a 31/4 x 21/8 x the edges, and then buff it with steel
11/8 -inch plastic minibox. If you use wool. This will make the range selec-
the same box, note that the mounting tor rotate readily when you're out
post in the upper -right-hand corner shooting.
must be removed to make room for SI. More On Construction. The drawing
A soldering gun with a cutting tip was of the cabinet shows how to mount the
used to slice out the mounting post, photocell relative to the range selector.
Here's how author's Lone Ranger looks in-
leaving three posts to hold down the When the proper holes have been
side. To keep it small, make a printed cir- metal cover of the box. If you are in- drilled, mount the range selector with
cuit board like his. Perf board is OK too, experienced in small-scale construction, #2 hardware and tighten until the fit
but requires bigger box. by all means use a larger box. Regard - is just snug. Use a drop of epoxy to
1
R2
5K
R3 f.8/32
PCI 1.8K LED 4
PHOTOCELL 13 I
8K
IO
R4 I R11
27K 9
8
141
R5
/ I
LED 3
t5.6122
3.3K IRIO
Lene Ranger light meter is about the size 7
I
11.8K
of a good lens, as shown here (Pent.x 6
Rokkor 1=1.7, 50 mm). R6
LED 2
f.4/16
3K I R9
5
lock the nut to the shaft of the bolt, C2
47uF
1 1.8 K
4 A
and let the cement dry.
R7 LED
S1 may be placed wherever it is can- RI I I
Placement of parts on
Lone Ranger's printed cir-
cuit board. If you use
perf board instead you
can put the parts wher-
ever you want, but you'll
find this general arrange-
ment most convenient.
by Frank I. Gilpin
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO CAPTURE is a single, sudden sound of short dura- tivity so it will respond only to certain
the sphere -capped minaret of a tion, it acts like a pulse, when magni- higher level sounds, if the ambient noise
drop of water at the precise mo- fied by the amplifier, and it causes the level is high. Additionally, you can se-
ment it strikes the surface of a pool, or SCR to conduct. An electronic flash unit lect the time at which an event is pho-
a bursting balloon with the piercing connected across its anode and cathode tographed by varying the distance be-
dart still in mid-air? All you need is this "sees" this conduction as a direct short tween the event and the mike.
easily -constructed, sound-activated, elec- so it flashes. Various Applications. Let's say, for
tronic flash-Thunderbolt. In practice, you will find a wide lati- example, the event to be photographed
Sound -activated switches have been tude of application techniques possible. is a coin dropping into water. By placing
around a long time. The first one I You can control the microphone's sensi- the mike very close to the container of
built 18 years ago weighed 25 pounds
and would have cost nearly $100 if I The inside view of Thunderbolt. Except for the ampli-
hadn't cannibalized some old radios for fier PC board, with its many components, the box is
the parts and tubes .. remember tubes?
. largely uncluttered. You can see R1, R2, and S1 all
When I built Thunderbolt a few months mounted on the front panel, and the 9-VDC transistor
ago it cost five dollats and weighed in at battery mounted on the rear.
about eight ounces. What made the dif-
ference? Solid-state components, includ-
ing a silicon -controlled rectifier, make
it lighter and cheaper-and it works
much better and faster.
How It Works. Sound picked up by a
microphone is boosted by an amplifier
which feeds the signal in the form of a
rectified pulse (via R3 and D1) to the
gate and cathode of the SCR. The SCR
is internally like three diodes connected
(alternately) in series-positive-negative-
positive-so it acts like a conventional
rectifier in the reverse direction. Thus,
the SCR's forward conduction is con-
trolled by operating the "switch," or
gate. Since the sound we are picking up
9
connections and a handful of other 0 produces a couple hundred mil-
liwatts. The diagram below
parts. IN shows the connections to SCR1.
Building lt. Begin by selecting an am-
c
plifier. Almost any inexpensive module AMPLIFIER
R2
will do as long as it has an output
transformer. Note that most modern OUTPUT
transistor amps don't have an output JJ2
IF YOU WORK IN THE DARKROOM Or time, how do you tell when the first order for ICI to be triggered, pin 2
have a chemical process or other pro- minute is up? It's simple, however, if must be held at ground potential mp-
gram which can use an adjustable you build Pro -timer because its panel mentarily. When the unit is turned
interval timer you can use PRO-TIMER. meter shows the fraction of the total On, the supply voltage rises gradually,
Particularly if you need to time a pro- timed interval that has already elapsed. .taking about .01 second to reach full
gram which runs on electricity, or For example, suppose that you've potential. However, D9 and R5 hold
which requires an alarm to be sounded selected an interval of four minutes pin 2 at ground potential until the
at the end of the prescribed interval, and thirty seconds by means of the two supply voltage exceeds D9's rating: 9.1
Pro -timer is for you. You can adjust front -panel switches. When the meter volts. This causes IC1 to trigger. Con-
it to measure intervals as brief as 10 needle shows .5, one-half the total sequently, its output (pin 3) goes high,
seconds, or as long as nearly six min- time, two minutes and fifteen seconds, K1 gets energized, and power is sup-
utes (5:50). With a simple modification has gone by. The timed interval can plied to whatever is plugged into the
you can set it up for much longer pe- be adjusted from 5 minutes and 50 AC socket, J1. Furthermore, the fact
riods, too. seconds down to ten seconds in ten - that ICI's output is high causes Q2 to
While Pro -timer is busy keeping track second increments. For the duration conduct, thus shorting out C6 and
of the amount of time left before it of the timed interval, the timer will keeping the alarm 'signal from sound-
sounds the alarm, and cuts off the supply power to an electrical device. ing.
electricity to the device (or process or When the time is up, power to the Transistor Q1 is connected as a con-
program) you want, a meter on its load is cut off, and an audible alarm stant -current source, which acts to
front panel shows what percentage of sounds. This feature permits you to charge up capacitor C7. The actual
the timed interval has gone by, and use the timer on tasks under manual charging current is determined by the
how much is left. control as well as those under electrical net resistance selected by S2 and S3.
Most electronic timer projects share control. Selecting a smaller emitter resistance
a common fault: the lack of any indi- How The Circuit Works. To see how for Q1 results in a larger charging cur-
cation of elapsed time. Suppose, for Pro -timer works, refer to the schematic rent, and C7 thus gets charged up at
instance, that a process needs to be diagram on the next page. IC1, a 555 a correspondingly accelerated rate. Be-
timed for two minutes. Further sup- integrated circuit (which is widely used cause the capacitor is being charged by
pose that when one-half of the total in timing circuits) operates here as a a constant current, the voltage op C7
time has elapsed, some subordinate monostable multivibrator. rises linearly with time. When the volt-
task, such as the addition of a chemical, Applying power to the timer triggers age on the capacitor reaches a thres-
has to be performed. If your timer IC t due to the action of D9 and R5 hold level, determined here by adjust-
provides no indication of the elapsed on the IC's trigger input, pin 2. In ment of R8, ICI will reset itself and
PRO-TIMER
discharge C7 through pin 7. This means
Internal view shows how
MINUTES SECONDS RELAY METER
C8
22uF
+
C7
3300
Slb ON
o--
OFF
- -,
IC2
-6V
7
4
C4, 5-.1-uF capacitor
C6-1-uF tantalum capacitor
R9
C7-3300-uF, 35 -volt electrolytic capacitor IOK
C8-22-uF tantalum capacitor R12
D1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 -1 -ampere rectifier IK
RIO
D5 -15-V, -watt zener diode
1 680? +
D6 -6.2-V, 1 -watt zener diode
R3 .e R4
D9 -9.1-V, 1 -watt zener diode IK MI
IC1-555 integrated circuit timer module SPEAKER
IC2-741 integrated circuit operational ampli- B2
fier R2 02
K1 -12-V, 1200 -ohm single -pole, single -throw 27K
-C6' BI
E
relay
M1-0-1 mA, DC panel meter
vv.
l 6 C
TIuF
'
03
iJ
al-General-purpose PNP silicon transistor JI AC
2N3906 LOAD SOCKET
Q2-General-purpose NPN silicon transistor
2N3904
Q3-Unijunction transistor (Radio Shack 276-
2029 or equiv.)
R1-270 to 300-ohm, 2 -watt (Allied Electron-
ics 823-270 or equiv.)
R2 -27,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
R3 -10,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
R4, 6, 11, 12 -1000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
R7 -820 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
R8, 9 -10,000 -ohm potentiometer, circuit-
board mounting
R10 -680 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
R13 -2200 -ohm, 5% -tolerance, any wattage
resistor (Allied Electronics 824-405 or
equiv.)
R14 -3900 -ohm, 5% -tolerance, any wattage ance,any wattage resistor (Allied Elec- S1-DPDT toggle switch
resistor (Allied Electronics 824-202 or tronics 824-565 or equiv.) S2,3-DP, six -position rotary switch
equiv.) R26 -47 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor Tt-power transformer, 115 -VAC primary, 24-
R15 -100 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor Note: Any of the 1/4 -watt resistors above may V, 300 mA secondary
R16, 17, 18, 19, 20 -300-ohm, 5% -tolerance, be replaced with 1/2 -watt resistors. And Misc.-1-ampere fuse; fuse holder; small
any wattage resistor (Allied Electronics if 5% resistors are not available, 10% re- loudspeaker-any 3.2, 4, or 8 -ohm speaker
824-427 or equiv.) sistors will do, but accuracy of the timer cabinet is OK; IC sockets; solder, wire,
R21, 22, 23, 24, 25 -18,000 -ohm, 5%-toler- will be slightly lower. etc.
graphs usually come out second best. use now, can control some of these
Why? It's not because the quality of the problems partially. But the automatic
light is particularly inferior, but because flash can't fill in the shadows it creates.
the distribution of that light isn't as Using bounce flash (aiming the flash
good. What makes the difference is the at a white ceiling) provides more even
number of lights used. illumination, although most on -camera
A studio photographer uses photo- flash units can't readily be aimed at the
floods for his lighting (those models ceiling. And with bounce flash you must
sometimes get awfully hot under open the lens diaphragm to compen-
them!) , and he always uses more than sate for the lower overall light level.
one light source, spaced at least several This decreases the depth of field, which
feet apart to fill in the shadows in a can be another problem. Furthermore,
pleasing fashion. bounce flash with color film can put the
Pictures taken with a single, on - color of the ceiling or wall, if not white,
camera flash have defects which can into the subjects' faces. All in all, tak-
easily 'be noted. If you have subjects up ing flash pictures with a single flash is
close to the camera they often look something you'll learn to avoid wher-
GREATLY IMPROVE your flash pictures washed-out or overexposed, and the ever possible.
by using the flashgun on your shadows are usually harsh and too con- Adding just one more flash, if it's
camera to control one or more trasty, particularly if the subject is near properly placed, will give you shadow -
"slave" flashes by means of our Light/ a wall or other large background. Auto- less pictures, with greater depth, more
Jinn-a magical genie which has no matic flash units, coming into wider modeling of subject's features, and
cables to the master flash, but triggers
from the light of the camera flash-at
your command. You can use two or
more Light/Jinns at the same time, but SUBJECT
the greatest improvement in your flash
pictu>es will come with the addition of
% the first Light/Jinn to your regular on - rt
SLAVE
camera flash. The time delay between Adding another FLASH
the master and slave flashes is on the flash at the side of
order of 1 millisecond (1/1000 sec) so subject improves
that you can take pictures at the short- pictures by wiping
est exposure times your camera permits. out harsh shadows.
Slave flash triggers
Multiple Flash is Better. If you com- on light from cam-
pare most ordinary flash pictures to era flash.
other shots taken with photofloods
(high intensity incandescent lamps, such CAMERA WITH
as are often used for motion pictures, MASTER FLASH
LIGHT/JINN ANODE
LIGHT
REGION
ANODE
J2
clearer details. Or, in other words, your GATE
pictures will be a lot closer to studio J3
GATE
photographs.
Better Flash Shots. To take such pic-
tures you need one more flash unit and
some way to support it, and of course CATHODE CATHODE CATHODE CATHODE
some way to make it fire at the same A B C
time as the main flash. The first flash
unit mounts in the usual way on the Operation of the LASCR (light -activated silicon -controlled rectifier) is shown above. It's
camera (or slightly off it, with an ex- equivalent to combined NPN and PNP transistors, as shown in A and B, above.
tending bar), while the second flash, fier) operated by light falling on its will increase. The current gains of the
which now becomes the "main" light sensitive area. The LASCR is the brain NPN- and PNP-equivalent transistors
(the primary source of illumination), of our project, the understanding of also increase with current. At some
is placed near the subject and inter- which, though not essential for success- point the current gain exceeds unity and
connected to flash at the same time as ful completion of the project, should the LASCR starts conducting.
the first flash, in synchronism with the nevertheless interest you. Slave Flash Circuit. The LASCR is sen-
shutter opening. Refer to the three small drawings sitive both to visible and invisible light,
The usual way to synchronize the (above the schematic diagram) marked and will normally trigger at as low as
two flashes with the shutter is to use a A, B, and c, for a description of how 200 foot-candles. To limit its response
long connecting cord-if your camera the LASCR works. With positive volt- so it responds only to another flash, we
or first flash has a receptacle for it age applied to the anode, junctions put the inductance of a small audio
(most do not) .
II and J3 are forward -biased, and choke LI, and resistor R1 between the
Get Rid of Cables. Long cords can they will conduct if sufficient free gate and cathode terminals of the
lead to problems. They can come loose charge is present. Junction J2 is reverse - LASCR. This novel approach prevents
at either end or both; they can be biased however, and it blocks current the LASCR from being triggered even
tripped over; and their length is either flow. Light entering the silicon creates by strong ambient light. For steady am-
too long for most shots, or not long free hole -electron pairs in the vicinity bient light the inductance of the trans-
enough for some. But these problems of the J2 depletion region which are former behaves like a very small resis-
can all be eliminated if you use a flash then swept across J2. As light increases tor and prevents the LASCR from firing
connected to the main unit by light! the current in the reverse -biased diode by bleeding the charge generated by
That's right. You can use the light from
the first flash to set off the second one.
It takes less than a millisecond (1/1000
of a second) for the second flash to
fire. Since you'll be using a 125th or POSITIVEI Ol-4
250th of a second shutter opening, the TO
a
camera will think both flashes go off at (ANODE) NEGATIVE
SLAVE
LIGHT FLASH
the same time, and the effect is exactly
as though they do. OPTIONAL
The project is simple to build and SEE TEXT)
inexpensive-the basic parts cost less LI 9
NC BLUE (GATE)
than $5. Light/Jinn requires no power o-
Any photographer, amateur or pro, including sunlight. The sudden light compromise is that you must take care
will tell you the biggest bane of his life provided by the electronic flash causes to set the pot directly on the reference
is figuring exposures for electronic flash a sudden drop in the phototransistor's marks before taking readings for a
photography. If you know the manu- resistance. This sudden drop in resis- given ASA. If you exercise care and
facturer's guide number for your flash tance pulses the trigger circuit of Q2 - patience when calibrating the unit, this
unit, and if that number is close enough Q3. This pulse allows Q3 to charge will present no problems in later use.
to being accurate for your production capacitor C2 to a value proportionate The two PNP transistors Q2 and Q3
line unit, and if you can remember it to the intensity of the energy -producing are audio signal types and almost any
from one shooting session to another, light striking Q1. The value of this high gain experimenter grade units will
and if you remember how to use it, and charge on C2 is then measured by FET do. There are, however, few substitutes
if your flash is fully charged, and if Q4, and indicated on the meter. Be- for Q1. It has a very high resistance to
you use straight, harsh flash instead of cause of the high input resistance of ambient light, has a reaction time on
bouncing it, and if. . . Well, flash
. the FET, C2 does not discharge for the order of 2.8 microseconds and has
photography is very often ifly. several minutes and you have plenty of a wide range of illumination sensitivity.
Theoretically, you divide the guide time to take a reading. You can use a HEP -312, or a Clairex
number by the number of feet between A discharge path for the meter and CL902, which also have the necessary
the flash and subject, and the answer C2 is provided by R4 and S 1. The reaction times and ambient light resis-
you get is the f-stop. This has to be switch turns the unit off and simultane- tances required to keep the trigger cir-
figured for every shot, if you move be- ously discharges C2, leaving it ready cuit biased off until a bright, sudden
tween shots and this guide number is for another reading, in about two sec- light is sensed. The FET, Q4, is a P -
only good for one film type. Again, it onds. channel, small signal unit and there are
gets pretty iffy. There are, to be sure, Sensitivity adjustments for various a number of substitutions possible, such
flash meters on the market, but the least film types are effected by adjusting R8. as 2N5461 through 2N5465.
expensive one I know of costs nearly A rotary switch could be used to con- Assembly Options. You have a
$100, and they are all rather bulky. nect a different trimmer resistor to the choice of assembly methods. Your
The answer to these problems is meter for each ASA number, but that Flash -Mate can be assembled on a
Flash -Mate. It's smaller than an Insta - would boost the cost, increase the size perforated board using point-to-point
matie camera, inexpensive to build, re- of the unit and limit the number of wiring, or on a printed circuit board,
liable and accurate, and easy to build, ASA numbers for which Flash -Mate for which, the foil pattern is shown.
with readily -available parts. It takes all can be calibrated. Layout is not overly critical and you
the IF variables in stride, and gives Potentiometer R8 can be calibrated can vary the arrangement. Q1 is made
you the right f-stop for any flash at any for any ASA value, and as many as you with a clear epoxy lens which is quite
distance and for any film type from want. You can even add more calibra- durable, but an extra measure of pro-
ASA 10 to ASA 400. Flash -mate can tions later. The only drawback to this tection can be provided by covering it
be either of two basic types of meters.
One, called an ambient light meter,
measures the light output of your flash, Flash -Mate, a gadget that
aimed right at it. The other type, for photographers have dreamed
of for years, is here-
measuring reflected light, is aimed at waiting for you to build!
the subject and reads the light reflected It's not
by the subject. Your Flash -Mate can expensive
be calibrated for either type, as you and it's
choose. quick and
How Circuit Works. The silicon easy to
phototransistor used as the light -sensing assemble.
element in Flash -Mate has a very high
resistance to ambient light, therefore
the unit will work effectively under a
wide range of lighting conditions, even
position, take a reading and set your C2, 3-100-uF, 16-VDC electrolytic capacitor R8 -100,000 -ohm printed circuit board-mount-
camera lens. When the model arrives, M1-0-50 microampere DC panel meter ing potentiometer
all you need do is focus and shoot with Ell-Photo-sensitive transistor HEP -312 or R10 -50,000 -ohm printed circuit board -mount-
Clairex CL902 ing potentiometer
no wasted time and wow, will you ap-
Q2, 3-General-purpose PNP silicon transis- Sl-Single-pole, double -throw switch
pear professional with no fumbling tor, 2N5139 or HEP -51
over f-stop computations or camera Q4-Field-effect transistor, P -channel, 2N- Misc.-Printed-circuit board kit cabinet 61/4 -
fiddling. If you plan to shoot from sev- 5460 or 2N5461 in. -in. x 2 -in. or larger; knob;
x 33/4
eral positions during the session, these R1 -4700 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor hookup wire, hardware, solder, etc.
spots and their readings can be de- R2-47 or 50 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
termined beforehand and noted. A R3 -10,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor Note: If you use construction such as perf
piece of masking tape on the floor R4 -1000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor board, axial -lead capacitors will be more
R5-20-megohm, 1/4 -watt resistor convenient to mount.
with the appropriate f-stop marked on
it will remind you of the correct set-
R6 -150-ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
Flashmate can be built either with the printed circuit board layout presented with
ting for that position. This technique is
the article, or you could just use a perfboard and point-to-point wiring as the
also handy for those special awards layout is not critical. A few final reminders: Once all components are mounted to
luncheons, handshakes, weddings, the chassis, and wired, check to make certain you have not reversed any polarities;
graduations, or any other planned real) that you have to reach R10 to make adjustments so don't forget the small
events. You can go a little early before hole in the cabinet facing that trimmer's adjustment slot. The phototransistor,
the event and take your readings and Q1, is made with a clear epoxy lens which is fairly durable and should hold up
pick your spots from which to shoot under most circumstances. If, however, you seek a measure of extra ruggedness,
and when that once -in -a -lifetime event cover the phototransistor lens with a clear pilot light lens or any other clear
occurs, you'll have a perfect exposure plastic dome. Properly built and cared for your Flashmate will be calculating
F-stops for you for years of parties, weddings, or just plain shutterbugging.
of it.
Put your talent to full use ous educational programs and assist in course selection.
We believe that you may be a "natural" for Electronics, As soon as we receive your request, we'll mail you our
and we'd like to tell you more about potential career school catalog, complete G.I. Bill details, and special
fields and our school. We'll be glad to send you our information on government FCC License preparation.
complete package of FREE career information if you'll There's no obligation.
send in the card or write mentioning the name and date Let's discuss your new career in Electronics. NOW!
of this magazine. For your convenience, we'll try to Send for your FREE school catalog and career infor-
have a school representative contact you to review vari - mation TODAY.
Before removing the radio make sure the troubles are definitely the unit
1. itself. You may have
in
a blown fuse, defective speaker, antenna or bad wiring
e connections. First thing: locate and check the fuse. The fusebax is normally
under the dash and to the left of the steering wheel. When a tape player is
included in the radio you will find it in the plug or harness. If you can't find it
FACEPLATE NUTS
trace the largest wire out of the radio and see where it goes. The color of the
"A" lead wire may be black, red or blue.
A defective speaker may be causing the problem and the type
4f sound is a
clue to the cause. If the music is intermittent then the speaker voice coil wires
KNOBS
may be partially broken into. A dropped speaker cone will produce a tinny
and
mushy sound. Typically on loud volume certain vibrations may be caused by
a
torn or loose speaker cone. Excessive blatting music may result from a loose
voice coil support. You should check the speaker for continuity with ohmmeter
or a flash-light battery. When using a small battery just tempora-ily touch
the
speaker leads and listen for a clicking noise. If you don't get a new speaker.
Check the radio wiring for possible loose or broken connection;. If the radio
is a universal type, mounted under the dashboard, it's (likely that the
speaker and
"A" lead connections are just twisted together. Remove the tape and solder all
connections then retape with plastic tape. In case of stereo speakers, with
one
side intermittent or dead, inspect the speaker wiring to see if it is frayed.
An open or poor antenna connection may cause weak or noisy reception.
If
radio reception is very noisy, check the bond between antenna base and metal
car body. Another source of car noise may be a broken shielded cable
where
REAR BOLT. the male plug enters the radio. With antennas molded into the front windshield
check for a broken connection at the bottom of the windshield. Be real careful
and don't pull on the antenna connection or you may end up replacing
the whole
windshield. If another auto antenna is handy simply plug it in and hold the
base
outside the car window. You would be surprised how many antenna problems
are identified by this test.
TUNER DRIVE
BAD "A" LEAD If your car radio won't produce a sound, look
SOLDER CONNECTION 4 . at the small fuse. Visually inspect the fuse
CAN CAUSE TROUBLE holder and "A" lead. Most solid-state radios may
HERE pull from 1 to 5 amps.
Always replace the defective fuse with one of
the same value. You will find this stamped in the
metal edge of the fuse. If in doubt, check the
correct radio fuse listed in your car manual. Most
Japanese car radios will have a 1- or 2-amp fuse
for protection. American manufactured auto radios
are protected with a 3- or 5 -amp fuse. Very large
Japanese radios with tape players may be pro-
tected with a 3- or 5 -amp fuse, while American
made radios with tape players may be fused with
a 10- or 20-amp fuse.
Trace the hot lead inside the radio to'the spark
plate and on -off switch. A poor or broken switch
connection can put a radio completely out of ac-
tion. If the dial light is on you know the switch is
good. If not, clip a jumper around the switch con-
nection and check for a 12 -volt source at this
point.
Substitute a new PM speaker. An open voice coil
or poor speaker lead may cause problems. If the
sound returns after speaker substitution you may
want to check out the defective speaker. With the
speaker still connected, push down on the cone of
the speaker and see if the sound cuts in and out.
A poor or broken voice coil lead may cause inter-
mittent sound conditions. Disconnect the leads
and check for continuity across the voice coil
leads with the ohmmeter. If the PM speaker is de-
fective, replace it with one of the same voice -coil
impedance. You may encounter a 3, 2, 4, 8, 10
or 20 -ohm speaker on a car radio. Replace a Jap-
anese radio's speaker with an 8 -ohm speaker.
When you turn on the radio switch and a click
is heard on the speaker, you may assume that the
power output transistor and power voltage are
PUSH BUTTON normal. An open or shorted power output tran-
TUNER MECHANISM sistor may not product any sound on the speaker.
If the output transistor becomes leaky you should
at least hear hum or distortion on the speaker.
Suspect a defective oscillator transistor when one half of the tuning dial is alive. Usually the high
1 Uend of the dial is dead but it may be either end. The oscillator transistor is located close to the
IF TRANSISTOR tuning mechanism oscillator coil and padder capacitors. In some auto receivers it may be marked or
the PC board. A transistor test may show that the transistor is good but will not oscillate across the
whole broadcast band. Simply remove the transistor and install a new one.
OSCILLATOR TRANSISTOR OSCILLATOR One important thing to remember is to avoid the temptation to put a small screwdriver into the turning
coils and capacitors. It is improbablhe that you will be able to improve the radio's performance this way.
Ycu should never adjust these unless you have the proper test equipment and have been trained in its
use. More radios go to the junk pile thanks to well-meaning coil and capacitor adjusters. Most of the
time these adjustments are made at the factory and then sealed with wax so they can't vibrate out of tune.
OWE
RF TRANSISTOR OUTPUT TRANSISTORS
DEE ON
SCAN THE
. AUI0
q
`-"JALM
son for selecting the PRO -6 is the use
of a discriminator to detect FM and
the lack of limiter circuits. This because
limiter circuits will clip amplitude mod-
ulation, thus preventing detection of CB
signals, which are AM (amplitude
pp1GEt0PEI0NE
modulation).
Figuring the Circuit Values. To make
4e) 11111111\1\ the conversion of the PRO -6 from 30
to 50 MHz to the 27 MHz region of CB
present transceiver for one with built- frequenices, we have to lower the reson-
in scanning, or convert a VHF/Lo band ant frequenices of the RF circuits and
Now that the 18 wheelers have scanner to the CB frequenices. the crystal oscillator circuit. The sche-
moved to channel 19, how can we moni- The most practical scanner for such matic illustrates the PRO -6 front end
tor 19, and 9, and one or more "pre- a conversion is the Realistic PRO -6 (RF/Mixer circuits) and the crystal
ferred" channels all at the same time? VHF Hi -Lo Pocket Scanner. It has a oscillator for both Hi and Lo bands.
The logical aciswer would be to get a low profile when placed on my base Capacitors C10, C11, and C14 in the
4 -channel scanner but every scanner I station transceiver, the price is low, it front end RF stages are 33 picofarads
have seen has been for VHF -FM or covers 30 to 50 MHz as well as 148- which resonate at the center of the
UHF -FM, hence is incapable of receiv- 174 MHz, and the conversion to CB 30-50 MHz band. This gives us a 40
ing the CB channels. There are just two frequencies can be done by almost any MHz center frequency and the ideal
solutions to this problem-trade in your CBer. Perhaps the most important rea - CB center frequency would be Chan-
nel 12 or 27.105 MHz. From a Syl-
vania Electric Products Inc. homograph
VHF HI EO IRONY END
T on Inductance-Capacitance -Reactance,
we calculate the new values for C10,
o
o C11, and C14 to be 69 picofarads and
ANI AC
the inductance to be 0.5 microHenries.
Now we insert these values into the
formula for resonant frequency:
fr - 27r
1
LC,
where fr is in MHz,
2 is equal to 6.28,
L is equal to 5 x 10-7, and
C is equal to 60 x 10-12.
This figures out to a center frequency
of 27.308 MHz, which is well within
C10,Cn,C14= 68P
the range of variable inductance to tune
downward to 27.105 MHz: Channel 12.
t_.--- ------------J
7Z
69 picofarads would be ideal (since it
calculates out to 27.110 MHz) but it is
not a standard capacitor value. Too,
this is less than two percent variation
from the standard value of 68 pF.
The actual conversion of the front
end for 27 MHz use requires only
that one replace C10, C11, and C14,
l-_L _J plus a little retuning of T4, T5, and T6.
Ht BAND
osC In fact, the only problem lies in getting
into the inside of the PRO-6.
First, remove the battery box and the
two Phillips head screws on each side
Schematic diagram of PRO -6 scanner shows the three capacitors C10, C11, and
of the PRO-6's case below the battery
C14 which are replaced in the front end (top). One capacitor, C45, is changed in
oscillator. Slight retuning of T2 through T6 is only other task required.
box. Once these two screws are re-
moved, grasp the set's case about mid-
and filing a chisel solder tip on the end frequencies by one or two chanftels to
of the wire. This makes a long -reach prevent co -channel reception. This is
solder tip that can get in between the because the PRO -6 scanner is broader -
closely mounted components without tuned than most CB transceivers.
spreading solder over anything which To retune the front end section, the
might cause a short. best method uses a modulated RF gen-
Follow the photographs and board erator set at 27.105 MHz and a detec-
layouts to correctly locate and identify tor probe attached to Test Point 2.
capacitors C10, C11, and C14. You will Then T4, T5, and T6 are tuned for
note that C10 and C11 are located on maximum output. The best way to peak
the outside edge of the front end cir- the crystal oscillator is to inductively
cuit board, and can be easily removed couple a digital frequency counter to
for replacement. C14, on the left side oscillator coil T-5. However, since not
of T6, is difficult to remove without many CBers have such elaborate test
Top case removed to show crystals (left)
damaging the front end circuit board. equipment, we must fall back on the
and transformers (front, center). See the If you have carefully removed C10 and gear we have, and use the output of our
drawings for component identification. C11 and have not damaged or shortened base or mobile station as a signal
these capacitors leads, you can use one
section and apply a squeezing pressure of these 33 pF capacitors to parallel
to the sides while lightly lifting the case C14 by forming a small hook on each
bottom section. Onc the bottom sec- lead and soldering these hooks to (the
tion of the case is removed, the printed original) C14.
circuit board is accessible. Note the The next step is to replace crystal
Phillips head screw in the center of the oscillator capacitor C45. This is a 20
printed circuit board. Remove this pF ceramic capacitor that we will re-
screw and carefully remove the upper place with a 36 picofarad silver mica
.002 mfd
section of the case. Proceed carefully, capacitor. A ceramic capacitor works CERAMIC CAPACITOR
for all the wires connecting to the as well -as silver mica, if that's what you LOCATION , SEE IEXII
scanner head are also connected to the happen to have on hand. Space is
board, and must not be pulled lose. limited, but since the foil side of the
Careful Work. Once the case has board is readily available, C45 can be
been removed, we have full access to removed without difficulty.
the component side of the printed Now the Crystals. Before the re-
board. The first thing one sees is the tuning can be done, we must insert the
high density of components-there is not crystals into the crystal socket. The MAIN PC
much room to work, and the close PRO -6 uses type HC crystals and they BOARD
spacing of components requires careful must be 10.7 MHz higher in frequency ( BOTTOM VIEW )
AUTOMOBILES have been coming off this lost capacity is carried by the other the magnitude of the ripple voltage is
the production lines with alterna- two phases, which will be overloaded about 0.2 to 0.5 volts, peak -to -peak.
tors instead of generators for some when the alternator is required to pro- When one of the diodes in the alterna-
13 years now, and these units have duce full output as demanded by the tor fails the ripple voltage increases to
proven to be reliable and superior to automotive electrical system. Such a 1 -volt peak -to -peak or more. The Al-
the ones they replaced. Being alternat- condition may well result in further ternator Test measures the peak -to -peak
ing current machines, they are inherent- failure of more diodes. An ordinary ripple voltage so that the condition of
ly more complicated than generators output. test of an alternator with an the alternator can be determined.
and require slightly more sophisticated open diode generally will not detect Construction Details. In order to
testing procedures to indicate their any malfunction. Because of those keep construction costs low, the Alter-
condition. This problem is brought testing problems, another test method nator Tester was designed to be used
about by the fact that automotive al- to determine the condition of alterna- with an ordinary VOM or VTVM as
ternators are three phase machines, tors has been developed, and the con- the indicating device. Since the output
with full wave rectification of the out- struction of the Alternator Tester is impedance of the test instrument is
put to produce direct current as re- the subject of this article. close to zero, any meter of at least
quired by the automobile and its bat- The ability of Alternator Tester to 1000 -ohms-per -volt sensitivity can be
tery. The schematic shows a typical au- detect defective diodes, both open and used. The circuit is constructed on a
tomotive alternator connected to its shorted, depends on the fact that the small printed circuit board and fitted
three-phase full -wave rectifier circuit. output ripple voltage of an alternator into a metal or plastic cabinet. Two tip
Rectification is accomplished by six with a defective diode rises dramatical- jacks are mounted in the cabinet which
high -current silicon diodes in the alter- ly higher than that produced by a nor- serve as the connection to the VOM.
nator, and this is where the problem mally -operating alternator. When the A pair of test leads is brought out
comes in. Many of the troubles en- pulsating DC waveform output voltage through a grommet and these provide
countered with automotive alternators of an automobile alternator is measured the DC power to operate the circuit
are due to failure of one or more of the
diodes, either by opening or shorting.
Neither of these conditions will result
in an inoperative alternator, and no
doubt some of the automobiles on the
road today have just such a problem. A
shorted diode is the more serious of the
two conditions, since it will result in
the loss of about 50 per cent of the
output capability of the alternator.
Such a condition is easily detected by
an ordinary output test on the alter-
nator. However, an open diode is an-
other matter. This condition will result
in loss of only a few amperes of output Alternator
capability of the alternator due to the Tester completed
fact that only one half of one phase and installed in its compact
of the machine is disabled. Some of metal cabinet, shown with its test leads.
CAR
BATTERY = ALTERNATOR
This shows the parts
placement on the
printed circuit board.
Shown larger than ac-
tual size for clarity.
D,BAND
ALTERNATOR
-L
TESTER + - - +
FROM CAR TO VOM CATHODE
R7 C3
1000 15uF
+IF-3_ CALIBRATE
R3 100,000
U1
R6 10,000
R5
D2
47rvvv--6-. RED
13
I H JI0+
10 12
IC IA J20 -
R4IC18
100,0001+
tt ICIC ICID BLK
C4
Z ISuF OUTPUT
TO
14 13 12 11 10 9 8 VOM
) ICI
Increasing energy costs have driven many people to latest digital TTL (transistor -transistor logic) integrated
thinking of alternate sources of power, such as solar circuits.
energy and water power. But the technology for these Though this project isn't recommended for someone
natural energy sources is still quite expensive and com- who's never built any solid-state projects before, it
plicated to install. It'll be at least several years before should be easy enough for anyone who has built one
the cost of most natural energy systems comes down or two simpler projects such as most of those published
enough and the parts are easy enough for most people in Electronics Hobbyist.
to install. Wind power for generating electricity, on the In addition, it's the sort of project which will get you
other hand, has been available for many years. For started easily in digital logic circuitry, the circuits and
several decades farmers and others in rural areas have components which are the basic building blocks of
used windmill generators as standby electricity and in computers and most other advanced electronics today.
some cases, as their main power supply. Windmills and How Anemometers Work. There are two types of elec-
wind -driven electrical generators can be bought off the tronic anemometers in general use. One type uses air
shelf by anyone, and require no expertise other than the cups or a wind turbine to turn a tiny electric generator
usual home mechanic skills to set up. whose output is directly connected to a milliammeter.
Have you wondered if there's enough wind where you The faster the wind blows, the faster the generator
live to drive a windmill electrical generator? Do you turns and the higher the meter reads. This type of
know if there's enough wind to fly that big kite you've anemometer is simple and reliable but it usually is not
often thought of constructing? Is there enough wind accurate.
coming over the hills near your area so you can get into A more sophisticated type uses air cups to turn a
hang-gliding? Or do you live in an area where tornadoes shaft to produce electric pulses. The pulses are inte-
or hurricanes sometimes strike? If so, it could literally grated by a capacitor and related circuitry to produce
be a matter of life -and -death for you to read the wind - a DC voltage whose magnitude is directly proportional
speed easily, with an accurate, easy -to -install anemome- to the wind speed. This voltage is aso displayed on a
ter (windspeed meter). That's what the Digital Wind- meter. This method is easier to calibrate, and thus is
speed Meter is-an accurate anemometer using the more accurate than the simple generator method. By
TTL 7490
-H 1/2-IN.ji-
HAND
ONE-SHOT COUNTERS
TWO HOLES
_1LJLfWL DRILLED
CALIBRATION THROUGH, AT
IN.
7447 RIGHT ANGLES
-Jv- 555
ONE-SHOT DECODERS
SOLID CYLINDER,
e BRASS OR
555 LED COPPER
ASTABLE
DISPLAYS
Fig. 2-Centerpiece of windspeed sensor.
Fig. 1-Block diagram for digital anemometer. As the calibration control is varied
it changes the duration of the pulse put out by the 555 one-shot. This acts as a
variable window for the pulses coming from the windspeed sensor permitting
accurate readout of the LEDs.
ONE-SHOT
SIGNAL
PROCESSOR
2
PC. BOARD
4
MECHANICAL
(CASE) SUPPORT
6 7490 IC47490 6
rods. If copper or brass rods are used, 7
IC 3 2 2
7
IO
great, just solder or glue the magnets to +5V 12 II 3 3 12 9 8 II
o
the undersides of two opposite rods, 2M +5V +5V
centering them one inch from the pivot. 1
I43
The reed switch is then mounted on the R4
R3
2
wood base so the magnets pass a quarter
-
IOK 7 2 6 7 2 6
+5V 16
of an inch above it. C3
C2 174 002 IC6 7447 1C7 7447
16 8I +5V
If the rod is iron or steel, we have a luF
8 7 6 5
IC5 555
.OIuF 1/4 IC8 4 113 12 11 10 91514 4--1131211109 15 14r
problem because it will distort the mag- 7402
1 2 34 5V
net's magnetic field. This problem is / 2
14
R R14 -
overcome by using a non-magnetic C4.01uF 6 5V
R 3 R20
270n
spacer between the magnet and the rod
-1/4-in. is enough space. A 1/4 -in. x 1 -
4
=
270.O.
1
H3i
13 10.8 7 2 1 1 13 10 8 7 211
in. piece of wood is glued to the rod and 1/4714C082._< --(2 LED/DISI LED/ DIS2
then the magnet glued to the wood. +5V
14 14
(TOP VIEW)
C6
(TOP VIEW)
1
a 14
16 15 14 13 12II10 9 2 13
PIN 3
fL.Jb 12
CONNECTIONS
FOR 7447
4 e//a
9
II
1
2 3 4 5 6 78 5 10
NOTCH 6 d 9
4 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 8
PIN
CONNECTIONS
FOR 7490, PIN CONNECTIONS
2 3 4 5.6 7 74121, 7400 SLA-7 AS WELL AS MOST
(TOP VIEW) , AND 7402 LED DISPLAYS
Be very careful when inserting ICs into their respective
sockets. Be sure right types are inserted and oriented
so that IC half-moon keys align correctly with sockets.
Fig. 5-Rotor in place on bearing. C1-0.47-uF, 50-VDC capacitor S1-Miniature reed switch (Radio Shack 275-
C2-1.0-uF, 50-VDC capacitor 033 or equiv.)
MAGNET MAGNET C3, C4, C5-0.01-uF, 50-VDC capacitor
NO .11 NO2 C6-25-uF, 35-VDC or more electrolytic capac- Misc.-Four plastic cups such as the contain-
(NOT VISIBLE)
itor ers Leggs stockings come in. Two small
LED1, LED2-LED display numerals (Radio magnets such as the "Magic" magnets
Shack 276-053 or equiv.) most hardware stores carry. One 12 -in. and
REED SWITCH
IC1-74121 monstable multivibrator integrated two 6 -in. pieces of copper or brasss rod,
circuit, TTL type 1/2- or 3/32 -in. diameter. One slot car motor
OUTPUT JACK
IC2-7400 NAND gate integrated circuit, TTL or equiv.), for use as bearing. One piece of
type copper or brass rod about 1 -in. long, 1/2 -in.
Fig. 6-Completed unit. Adjust height of IC3, IC4-7490 decade counter integrated cir-
reed switch so magnets pass about '/4 -in. diameter (solid). One 2 -in. piece of wood
cuit, TTL type
over it or less. two-by-four. Epoxy glue, solder, mounting
IC5, IC9-NE555 integrated circuit
brackets (two) for wood block, screws. Ten
IC6, IC7-7447 BCD -to -Decimal decoder, TTL
IC sockets.
type
IC8-7402 NOR gate, TTL type
P1 -2 -connector jack (& matching plug for ca-
ble) RCA -type phono plug recommended
POWER SUPPLY
R1, R2 -39,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
The Digital Windspeed Meter requires a regu-
R3-2-megohm' printed circuit board-mounting
lated five -volt DC power supply. The easiest
potentiometer (Allied Radio 854-6287 or
way to do this is to hook a 2 -ohm resistor
2 to WATT equiv.)
, I in series with a six -volt battery. This is also
R4, R6 -10,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
5V the safest power.
6V R5 -150,000 -ohm, 1/4 -watt resistor
Fig. 7-Temporary battery power supply for R7-R20-270-ohm, Vs -watt resistor (14
use when calibrating the instrument in an needed)
automobile.
89
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
DIGITAL
WINDSPEED
METER
cuit use any convenient layout on a perf tween the two J1 s, J2s, J3s, J4s, J55 150k to 220k or even 270k.
board. The position of the components and J6s. In addition, interconnect the Any type of two -conductor connect-
is not critical. If you haven't worked +5 VDC points on the PC board with ing jack can be mounted on the front
with ICs before you'll be better off jumpers (6 needed). panel (I used an RCA -type jack) as
soldering IC sockets in place on the perf Connect the two leads from the re- long as the appropriate plug is used. The
board, and connecting the, other com- mote mounted reed switch to points two wire cable which connects the ro-
ponents to the pins of the IC sockets. If Pl and to one of the two GNDs. tary wind sensor to the electrical unit
you've had a fair amount of experience Connect the plus power supply lead must be long enough to reach from the
and can solder ICs directly into a circuit to the +5 point at the top of the board. roof to the place in your home where
without overheating the pins (using a Connect the other supply lead to the you want to keep the display unit. Any
pair of long -nose pliers as a heat sink other GND point which is also located kind of shielded cable, including audio
while soldering to each pin), do it that at the top of the board. cable or microphone cable is OK. Coax
way. The 5 -volt regulated TTL power sup- such as RG -59/U is fine, but don't buy
The main job in wiring the anemom- ply described by Herb Friedman on it special for this job because it costs
eter lies in making the printed circuit page 61 of this issue of Electronics much more than other (audio)' cable.
board. The pattern shown can be made Hobbyist is ideal for this project. Calibration. This anemometer is
by using the simple resist method. Sim- This power supply is compact enough easily calibrated since there is just one
ply draw the pattern with a felt -tipped to easily fit in the same case as pot to adjust. As an initial test, plug the
resist pen on the foil side of the printed the logic unit. unit in and connect the wind sensor to
circuit board, place in etching solution The entire circuit can be mounted in the display unit. After a few seconds
for an hour or so and drill the holes any convenient size bakelite or alu- warmup the unit should show 00 then
marked. The somewhat more sophis- minum case with aluminum panel. For go momentarily blank. Turn the cups
ticated, yet still easy, non -camera photo a smart appearance, spray paint the by hand and a number should appear
method can also be used. panel with some auto -touch-up white on the display for a second or two and
If a small 25 -watt soldering iron is lacquer. Use dry transfer decals for the then disappear for a second. Now turn
used, the ICs can be soldered directly lettering. the cups as fast as you can by hand and
to the board, although IC sockets are Cut -a slot in the panel so the two adjust the calibration pot to read as
less risky. Be sure to orient the notch digit LED display can be readily seen. close as possible to 20. If everything so
on the /Cs as shown in the component If desired, the switch to turn on the far works OK, it is time to take the ane-
layout diagram. It is always wise to power can be an inexpensive slide switch mometer for a ride. If not, go back to
use IC sockets when mounting display but a toggle switch is more reliable and Square One and check your wiring and
LEDs. Be sure to either bend back or easier to mount. The circuit board and the seating of the LED display modules.
cut off pin 12 on the socket which is all other components should be mounted The anemometer should be calibrated
used to mount Display No. 1. to the back of the front panel for ease against an accurate automobile's speed-
Unless double sided PC boards are of accessibility. ometer. Since the anemometer will be
used, jumpers made up of hookup or If one desires a longer display time, away from the regular house supply,
bare wire are needed. Place jumpers be- increase R5 from the recommended you will have to take along a 5 -volt
battery supply. In order td drop the NAND gate, the anemometer may sud-
voltage to the required 5 VDC, you
must connect a 2 ohm resistor in series
denly go blank. when winds are of hur-
ricane speed. So if the display one Turn
with a 6 volt battery. minute shows 75 mph and the next
Signals
With someone else driving, take the
unit in an auto on a nearly calm day
and drive as steadily as possible at a
minute 00, don't stick your head out
the window to see if something hap-
pened to the wind sensor on your roof,
fromSide
certain definite speed, say 30 mph. a tree might just be sailing by.
Drive up and down a quiet road, with
the wind sensor held out the window
A simple way of checking your speed-
ometer is to drive down an expressway Marker
and adjust the calibration pot so the
display will read an average value of 30.
Use. The wind sensor should be
at 55 and have someone time you be-
twen two mileposts. Then get your
hand calculator out and divide 3600 by
Lights
mounted on a .roof or other location the number of seconds it took you to 2Side clearance lights are the lamps
where there are few obstructions. Be- travel the mile. The result is your true usually mounted on the front and rear
cause of the one-shot ahead of the speed. fenders. These lights can be made to
provide additional driving safety by
adapting them to flash in unison with
the directional flashers if the auto does
not now have rear flashers.
The circuit diagram shows how the
present auto or pick-up electric wiring
is modified so the side lights will also
flash. A 24 ohm resistor is added in
series with each side -clearance lamp
bulb filament. This reduces the bril-
liance of the side bulb to about half of
what it was originally. An epoxy diode
is used to isolate the parking lamp fila-
ment from the flashing light circuit.
A separate wire lead is run from the
side lamp to the directional flasher
lamp on the same side of the auto. The
side clearance lamp will then flash in
unison with the front directional flasher
lamp. A second diode is used to isolate
the flasher filament from the parking
light circuit so that it will not turn on
when the parking light turns on.
Make good electrical connections by
using instant auto electric connectors or
soldering with a good soldering iron.
Wrap all connections and components
with a good amount of black plastic
electrical tape so that they will with-
stand the weather. The side clearance
lights will now flash not only with the
directional signals but also when the
emergency 4 -way flasher is turned on.
DIRECTIONAL
FLASHER
+12 VOLTS
FRONT
FLASHER
LAMP
i DI
< I 2452 ADDED
CIRCUITRY
+12 VOLTS RI D2 I
SIDE
FROM PARKING FENDER -
The key to building a successful Digital Windspeed Meter is the making of an accurate LAMP SWITCH MOUNTED
BULB
p anted circuit board. As you can see, many of the foil strips are in close proximity to
e ch other. Be sure not to let any of the lines touch where they aren't supposed to;
t e resulting short circuit would -probably damage one of the integrated circuit chips. PARTS LIST FOR ADD-ON TURN SIGNALS
Probably the best method for this circuit, if you are not equipped to use a photo -etching Dl, 02-Diode 1 amp, 50 PIV or better (Radio
technique, is to use a resist type felt tipped pen and sketch the patterns on the copper- Shack 276.1135 or equiv.)
plated board. The board is then soaked in an acid etching solution for an hour or so. R1 -24 -ohms, 1 -watt resistor (Radio Shack 271-
After the pattern is reproduced in copper you should drill all the holes. If you have 1000 or equiv.)
a small drill -press, use it-a hand-held drill is likely to slip and damage the circuit. Misc.-wire, electrical tape.
HIGH
BAND
MONITOR
Getting bored by the temp -humidity index? Slide an inexpensive weather monitor up or down for some exciting signal hunting!
BECAUSE they're priced so low, gen- any difference as long as the local oscil- holes at the mark and then install a
erally from $10 to $20, the lator is tunable. trimmer capacitor on the cabinet near
"weather monitor" has been a hot To change the weather monitor tun- the holes. Or, you don't have to secure
gift item for the electronics experiment- ing range, all you need do is connect a the trimmer if you feel you will ex-
er, so you probably have one. Tuning small external trimmer capacitor across periment with different capacitor values,
the weather station frequencies of the oscillator tuning capacitor-the fine but it will be difficult to tune the sta-
162.40 and/or 162.55 MHz, these tuning control. The value of capacitor tions with a "floating" trimmer. You
small, inexpensive radios are supposed will determine which frequencies are can't hand -hold the trimmer because
to keep you up to date on the latest tuned. Keep in mind that as you tune the capacitance from your hand will
weather conditions. But as you've prob- lower in frequency the sensitivity is affect the tuning adjustments.
ably discovered yourself, unless you're sharply reduced, particularly below Slip the wires from the fine tuning
a boat owner with need for tide and about 160 MHz. A capacitor with a control through the holes you've drilled
sea conditions, you get a more up-to- maximum value of 7 pF will get you in the cabinet and seat the circuit
date report from your local news sta- down to the police/fire frequencies. A board. Then reassemble the monitor.
tion-AM or FM. 60 pF maximum trimmer will get you Connect the wires protruding
Also, reception is probably not all about to the top of the FM band, but through the cabinet to the trimmer
that great. The recommended receiver tuning will be extremely critical and capacitor using the shortest possible
sensitivity for weather station reception sensitivity will be very low. leads (cut off the excess).
is 0.6 uV for a 50 -mile range, and A 60 pF trimmer will also get you That's the whole bit. Use an insulat-
these inexpensive weather receivers some of the TV sound carriers above ed alignment -type screwdriver to ad-
can't get anywhere near this kind of 162 MHz. How can you receive signals just the trimmer. You'll probably be
sensitivity.. above 162 MHz if the tuning range is able to tune a few TV stations immedi-
But there's no need to let an unused lowered? Simple. The harmonics of the ately. Tuning police/fire calls or any-
weather receiver sit on the shelf. For- local oscillator are used to receive the thing else will be more difficult because
tunately, very few models use crystal TV stations. For example, if you lower transmissions in these services are
control tuning, and they are easily con- the monitor's oscillator to, say, 100 short and fast. You can preset the tun-
verted to a police or fire monitor, or MHz, the oscillator's harmonic output ing by using a signal generator or a
even a sound channel receiver for the is also 200 MHz, and a very weak 300 well calibrated grid dip oscillator.
higher VHF TV stations. But remem- MHz. (The monitor's front end appears Remember, this is a fun project.
ber, there won't be any super -sensitiv- to pass the frequencies above the de- Don't hope for more than acceptable
ity. TV stations might be received some sign-range, 162 MHz, with greater sen- reception. But then who knows, you
30 or 40 miles from the transmitter, sitivity than lower frequencies.) might be able to tune your favorite TV
but you'll have to be within 2 miles or Tear It Down. To experiment you channel and keep track of the program
so of the average police or fire trans- must first get the circuit out of its while working in your shop.
mitter to pick them up. If you live near cabinet. Keep in mind these weather
an airport you might get coverage of monitors are inexpensive and designed
the aircraft frequencies above 108 to be assembled quickly by unskilled
MHz, but with sharply reduced sensi- workers. Don't go looking for tricky or
tivity. difficult assembly sub -systems. General-
The weather monitors are generally ly, one or two screws are all that's
similar in electronic design, though the holding the cabinet together. If neces-
packaging might be anything from a sary, unsolder the speaker wires, bat-
cube to a desk-top pen holder. The cir- tery wires and on -off switch wires, and
cuits are bare -minimum superhet re- remove the circuit board from the cab-
ceivers with local oscillator tuned inet. Locate the trimmer capacitor used
over a limited range by a panel control. for the fine tuning and its two solder
Generally, there are two panel controls, terminals. Solder a 3 -in. length of solid,
one for volume and one for fine tuning. insulated wire to each terminal.
The fine tuning knob might have cali- Check how the board fits the cabinet
brations for both weather frequencies, and mark the outside of the cabinet Install a small trimmer on the cabinet at
or no calibration at all. It doesn't make nearest the fine tuning. Drill two small
a point just outside the internal trimmer.
A ii .c?->
B+-S1
B-
B -ON
DISPLAY
LED
CONNECTION
POINT (LED
N OTHER
SIDE.) TO B- ON
MAIN BOARD
The component sides of the main and display boards are shown in this pictorial view. Make certain that the main board's IC pins are
all interconnected properly to the solder -points on the display board, as labeled. Connect, for example, IC pin 1 to Q10. Don't forget about
R11 which is not shown and is wired point-to-point between R12 and 52.
+9V
S2-
ACCELERATE
27K I0OK
011
sl R17
_EV, +9VDC R13 47K 913
b
1001( e
IOOuf + 11 u/ RII `-S3 RI6 e
b2
B9VDC
C 150K + BRAKE 100K
R15
R20 012
IK
b
12 RI2 22uF
C3
68K C4 "la
DECAY 2M .47uF
I00K 220n
(6AA CELLS IN SERIES)
Wlf
16-e
Inside view of Vegas LED 2 15
1 +9V
showing stacking of PC 3 14
4
boards. IC b01 021 031 04 051 061 07J 081 091 . 010
5 12 NC
6 II
10-
7
8 9 - ED
2
D LED
3/
LED
4/
LED
5/
LED
6/
LED
7/
LED
8/
LED
9/
LED
IO/
R
3.3K
1 R2
33K
R3
3.3K
\ R4
33K
R5
3.3K
R6
33K
Zr` R7
33K
1 R8
3.3K
R9
3.3K
T titi RIO
3.31(
.14
Las Vegas LED uses two compact PC boards to keep its "wheel" spinning. The display board, on the left, takes advantage of a
repetitious circuit to achieve a neat, clean symmetry of design. The main board, on the right, is also simple to etch and wire. Use
these two full-size patterns as templates for your own Las Vegas LED.
PROGRESSIVE HOME
RADIO-T.V. COURSE
Now Includes
***
12 RECEIVERS
3 TRANSMITTERS
** No Knowledge of Radio Necessary
No Additional Parts or Tools Needed
SQ. WAVE GENERATOR
* SIGNAL TRACER * Solid State Circuits
*
*
AMPLIFIER
SIGNAL INJECTOR
CODE OSCILLATOR
* Vacuum Tube Circuits
Training Electronics Technicians Since 1946
FREE EXTRAS
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND - SET OF TOOLS
HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR A RADIO COURSE SOLDERING IRON
The Edu-Kit" offersKityou
rock-bottom price. Our is
an outstanding PRACTICAL HOME RADIO COURSE at a
designed to train Radio & Electronics Technicians, making
ELECTRONICS TESTER
use of the most modern methods of home training. You will learn radio theory, Construc- PLIERS -CUTTERS
tion practice and servicing. THIS IS A COMPLErE RADIO COURSE IN EVERY DETAIL. VALUABLE DISCOUNT CARD
You will learn how to build radios, using regular schematics: how to wire and solder CERTIFICATE OF MERIT
in a professional manner; how to service radios. You will work with the standard type of TESTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
punched metal Chassis as well as the latest development of Printed Circuit chassis. HIGH FIDELITY GUIDE QUIZZES
You will learn the basic principles of radio. You will construct, study and work with TELEVISION BOOK RADIO
RF and AF amplifiers and oscillators, detectors, rectifiers, test equipment. You will learn TROUBLE -SHOOTING BOOK
and practice code, using the Progressive Code Oscillator. You will learn and practice MEMBERSHIP IN RADIO-TV CLUB:
trouble -shooting, using the Progressive Signal Tracer, Progressive Signal Injector, Pro- CONSULTATION SERVICE FCC
gressive Dynamic Radio & Electronics Tester, Square Wave Generator and the accompany. AMATEUR LICENSE TRAINING
g instructional material. PRINTED CIRCUITRY
You will receive training for the Novice, Technician and General Classes of F.C.C. Radio
Amateur Licenses. You will build Receiver, Transmitter, Square Wave Generator, Code
Oscillator, Signal Tracer and Signal Injector circuits, and learn how to operate them. You
will receive an excellent background for television, Hi-Fi and Electronics. l SERVICING LESSONS
Absolutely no previous knowledge of radio or science is required. The "Edu-Kit" is
the product of many years of teaching and engineering experience. The "Edu-Kit" will
provide you with a basic education in Electronics and Radio, worth many times the low You will learn trouble -shooting and
price you pay. The Signal Tracer alone is worth more than the price of the kit. Servicing in a progressive manner. You
will practice repairs on the sets that
THE KIT FOR EVERYONE you construct. You will learn symptoms
and causes of trouble. in home, portable
You do not need the slightest background ages and backgrounds have successfully and car radios. You will learn how to
In radio or science. Whether you are inter- used the Edu-Kit" in more than 79 coun- use the professional Signal Tracer, the
ested in Radio & Electronics because you tries of the world. The 'Edu-Kit" has been unique Signal Injector and the dynamic
want an interesting hobby, a well paying carefully designed, step by step, so that Radio & Electronics Tester. While you
business or a job witb a future, you will find you cannot make a mistake. The "Edu-Kit" are learning in this practical way, you
the 'Edu-Kit' a worth -while investment. allows you to teach yourself at your Own will be able to do many a repair lob for
Many thousands of individuals of all rate. No instructor is necessary. your friends and neighbors, and charge
fees which will far exceed the price of
the Edu-Kit." Our Consultation Service
will help you With any technical prob-
PROGRESSIVE TEACHING METHOD lems you may have.
The Progressive Radio 'Edu-Kit" is the foremost educational radio kit in the world,
and is universally accepted as the standard in the field of electronics training. The "Edo -
Kit" uses the modern educational principle of "Learn by Doing," Therefore you construct.
learn schematics, study theory, practice trouble shooting-all in a closely integrated pro-
FROM OUR MAIL BAG
gram designed to provide an easily-searned. thorough and interesting background in radio. Ben Valerio. P. O. Box 21. Magna.
You begin by examining the various radio parts of the Edu-Kit." You then learn the Utah: "The Edu-Kits are wonderful. Here
function, theory and wiring of these parts. Then you build a simple radio. With this first I am sending you the questions and also
Set you will enjoy listening to regular broadcast stations, learn theory, practice testing the answers for them. I have been in
and trouble -shooting. Then you build a more advanced radio, learn more advanced theory Radio for the last seven years. but like
and techniques. Gradually, in a progressive manner, and at your own rate. you will to work with Radio Kits. and like to
find yourself constructing more advanced multi -tube radio circuits, and doing work like a1 build Radio Testing Equipment. I en-
fessional Radio Technician.
pr Included joyed every minute I worked with the
in the "Edu-Kit" course are Receiver, Transmitter, Code Oscillator. Signal different kits: the Signal Tracer works
Tracer, Square Wave Generator and Signal Injector Circuits. These are not unprofessional fine. Also like to let you know that
"breadboard" experiments, but genuine radio circuits, constructed by means of professional feel proud of becoming a member of your
wiring and soldering on metal chassis, plus the new method of radio construction known Radio-TV Club."
as "Prin ed ircuitr These circuits operate on our reular AC or DC house current. Robert L. Shuff. 1534 Monroe Ave..
Huntington, W. Va.;"Thought I would
THE "EDU-KIT" IS COMPLETE drop you a few limes to say that I re-
ceived my Edu-Kit. and was really amazed
will receive all parts
and instructions necessary to build 'twenty different radio and electronics cir-
that such a bargain can be had at such
You a low price. I have already started re-
cuits, each guaranteed to operate. Our Kits contain tubes. tube sockets, variable, electrolytic. mica. ceramic pairing radios and phonographs. My
and paper dielectric condensers, resistors, tie strips, hardware. tubing, punched metal chassis. Instruction friends were really surprised to see me
Manuals, hook-up wire, solder, selenium rectifiers, toils, volume controls, switches, solid state devices. etc. get into the swing of it so quickly. The
In addition, you receive Printed Circuit materials, including Printed Circuit chassis,
Trouble -shooting Tester that comes with
the Kit is really swell, and finds the
special tube sockets, hardware and instructions. You also receive a usefui set of tools, a trouble, if there is any to be found."
professional electric soldering iron, and a self -powered Dynamic Radio and Electronics
Tester. The "Edu-Kit" also includes Code Instructions and the Progressive Code Oscillator,
in addition to F.C.C. Radio Amateur License training. You will also receive lessons for SOLID STATE
servicing with the Progressive Signi.l Tracer and the Progressive Signal Injector, a High Today an electronics teehplcian or hobbyist re-
Fidelity Guide and a Quiz Book. You receive Membership in Radio-TV Club, Free Consulta- quires a knowledge of solid state, as well as vacuum
tion Service, Certificate of Merit and Discount Privileges. You receive all parts, tools tube circuitry. The "Ejlu-Kit" course teaches both.
instructions, etc. .Everything is yours to keep. You will build vacuum tube, IOOq'o solid state and
combination ("hybrid") circuits.
Progressive "Edu-Kits" Inc., 1189 Broadway, Dept. 523-EN Hewlett. N.Y. 11557
r -I
PRINTED CIRCUITRY
I Please rush me free literature describing the Progressive I
At increase in price. the "Edu- Kit
no
now includes Printed Circuitry. You build I Radio-TV Course with Edu-Kits. No Salesman will call. I
a Printed Circuit Signal Injector, a unique
servicing instrument that can detect many
Radio and TV troubles. This revolutionary
new technique of radio construction is now NAME
becoming popular in commercial radio and
TV sets.
A Printed Circuit is a special insulated I ADDRESS
chassis on which has been deposited a con-
ducting material which takes the place of
wiring. The various parts are merely plugged CITY & STATE ZIP.
in and soldered to terminals.
Printed Circuitry is the basis of modern
Automation Electronics. A knowledge of this
subject is a necessity today for. anyone in-
PROGRESSIVE "EDU-KITS" INC.
terested in Electronics. 1189 Broadway, Dept. 523 -EN Hewlett, N.Y. 11557 I
ro :I
(SEE NOTE 2) 470K 4 ICIC 12ICID
2 R9 2N390106
pattern of the board, viewed from the 3
S2 LOOP I IOK RIO
SI
copper side. We also show the com- (SEE NOTE 4) C De
CLOSE
o 9 13 nF 2N3771
ponent layout as viewed from the top CLOSE TO
OPERATE
C6
47uF 6 R 2860K
RII
of the board. Note that Q2, the power (SEE NOTE 2) RI2
47K .IE4 OK
RESET 5-T7
output transistor, does not have any 1 2 34 RESET
(SEE NOTE 3)
A01uF
PWR G
B+ B/F
determined by the value of Cl, and will .7--
AUTO L BRAIN
be about five seconds for a .47 uF BATTERY
2VDC
capacitor. If no delay is desired; Cl
may be deleted from the circuit. DOOR RESET
IC3C and IC3D are considered in S W.
a configuration which operates as an DOME
astable (free running) multivibrator. LAMP
DC feedback through R8 and AC feed- SPEAKER
back through C4 allows the circuit to
oscillate at a frequency (about 1500 S
Hertz) determined by the RC time oG
constant. However, the oscillator cir-
cuit will operate only if there is no
input voltage at pin 8, IC IC. Thus, the
12V
PWR LOOP r II
TEST
o B+
oL
B/F
BRAIN
latch circuit of IC1A and IC1B con-
trols the operation of the oscillator. CLOSE
-o C
To keep the standby current drain R1, 3, 5, 7 -470,000 -ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor capacitor
of B/F Brain low, the supply voltage R2-10-Megohm 1/2 -wattresistor C6-.47-uF, 35-VDC capacitor
to IC2 is normally cut off by Q3. Since, R4-1-Megohm, /-watt resistor IC1-CD40001 COS/MOS Integrated circuit
R6, 9, 11 -10,000-ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor IC2-555 timer integrated circuit
in .the quiescent state, the voltage at
R8 -820,000-ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor Ql, 3-Motorola 2N3906 PNP general purpose
pin 3, IC1A, is +12 volts, Q3 has no R10 -100 -ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor amplifier transistor
forward bias and is cut off. When the R12 -47,000 -ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor Q2-NPN power transistor, Motorola 2N3771,
latch circuit changes state Q3 receives Cl-see text 40 or more volts, 10 or more A.
forward bias through R12, turning on C2-.01-uF capacitor Misc.-Alarm bell; fire sensors; window foil;
IC2. C3-2.2-uF, 15-VDC electrolytic capacitor window foil connectors; contact switches;
Output Circuit. A two -transistor cir- C4-.001-uF capacitor perf board or printed circuit board kit;
cuit is used to drive the speaker. When C5-150-uF or larger, 20-VDC electrolytic solder, wire, hardware, etc.
the alarm circuit is in its resting state, When used as an automobile burglar alarm the B/F Brain is wired to the dome -light
the voltage at pin 11 of IC 1D is +12 switches inside the door frames. An outside alarm -disarm switch has to be installed
volts. Thus, Q1 has no forward bias -make sure it is hard to find and very securely installed. You could install fire
sensors on the auto system as well but the accident that might be caused by the
and is cut off. Q2 base current is zero, sudden blare of an alarm would be far more serious than any fire. Perhaps you can
and it too is cut off. The circuit of Q1 redesign the system with fire detectors and a light -on -the -dash warning system-
and Q2 therefore does not draw any you might try putting a relay on the ignition system that would switch the speaker
current from the supply. Once the- cir- system off and turn a warning light circuit on. With the B/F Brain at its heart,
cuit of IC1C and ICI D is activated, almost any combination of switches and sensors will wrk at home or on the road.
the output voltage at pin 11 IC1D be-
comes a 12 -volt (peak -to-peak) square in the schematic. If you use this cir- provide 12 volts. Such a power supply
wave. This causes Q1 and Q2 to switch cuit be sure to feed the higher voltage will last more than a year (providing
on and off at the 1500 Hertz rate. Q2 only to the speaker, and not the alarm the alarm does not go off) . Battery
drives the speaker with the 12 -volt circuit. The maximum allowable sup- operation provides several advantages
square wave, producing 9 watts of ply voltage to the CD4001 chip is 15 including, freedom to locate the alarm
audio power. A square wave output is volts. anywhere, prevention of a burglar from
actually more desirable than a sine Power Supply. The full -load current defeating your alarm by shutting off
wave, since it is rich in harmonics. of the alarm is about 3/4 amperes, but electrical power, and prevention of false
This produces a more natural -sounding this is only when the circuit has been alarms due to line voltage interruptions
siren. tripped. Under normal operating con- or surges, and low cost.
If higher output power is desired, ditions the standby current is less than DC or AC Power. It is recommended
the speaker can be returned to a volt- 10 microamperes since only the CS/ that alkaline cells, Eveready type E95
age higher than 12 volts. This will pro- MOS integrated circuit, R2, and 121 are or equivalent, be used. These cells can
duce a peak -to-peak voltage across the drawing current. The extremely low deliver more current than ordinary cells
speaker an amount equal to the higher current drain makes it practical to use and they last much longer. They cost
voltage. Such a connection is shown eight D cells connected in series to (Continued on page 117)
Are you an avid stereo enthusiast Match/April issue (Using the Oscillo- known frequency can be obtained. By
looking for a new way to experience scope, pages 83-88) will recall that multiplying the ratio times the known
your favorite music? Have you tried Lissaous figures are 'scope displays of frequency, you can determine the fre-
conventional "color organs" and found two signal inputs to the display screen quency of the unknown.
them fun for a few minutes, but dull as -not just the usual vertical input signal A Simple Pattern. The drawing
dishwater thereafter? Have you perhaps which we use when we want to measure . shows a Lissajous pattern for two sire
seen an oscilloscope hooked up with a the amplitude of a voltage or watch waves. Numbers have been assigned to
microphone on its input and watched how its amplitude changes with respect corresponding voltage points on the two
in fascination as the sound waves dance to time (the most common use of the signals Extensions of these points are
on the screen in perfect synchronism oscilloscope) . brought to the screen. The intersection
with your voice? With signals going to both the .verti- of corresponding numbered lines is the
If you'd like something new to stretch cal and the horizontal inputs of an position of the electron beam at that
your visual sense and expand the aural oscilloscope we can measure the rela- instant of time. In this case the two
connection with your eyes, look no tionship with respect to time (it's called sine waves are in phase.
further. Lissy, the adapter which turns phase) between the two signals. In the figure below, voltage/time re-
any beat -up old TV set into an oscillo- For example, if a known signal is lationships are different; corresponding
scope for stereo sound, displays myriad applied to the horizontal input and an voltage points are 45 apart. Therefore
sound patterns on the receiver screen. unknown signal is applied to the verti- the waveforms are 45 out of phase.
Its Lissajous patterns respond to both cal input, the resulting Lissajous pat- Lissy's Pictures. A continually
right and left-hand stereo signals-al- tern shows the phase relationship of the shifting Lissajous pattern results when
though it can also work with just one two signals. the phase relationship between the two
channel-providing an infinitely -variable Lissajous patterns can also be used input signals is constantly changing.
light/sound display for your friend's ta measure frequency. A known fre- The more complex the pattern (result-
pleasure and amazement. quency is applied to the horizontal ing from a frequency ratio having large
What's a Lissajous?Let's go back to amplifier and an unknown frequency is numbers, such as 17/13) the harder it
basics for just a minute, and review applied to the vertical. By counting the is to interpret. But since were not trying
what a Lissajous figure is. Those of you number of tangency points at the top to analyze Lissy's pictures, we can just
who read our Basic Course in the and at one side, a ratio of unknown -to - lean back and enjoy. (Please turn page)
IF TRANSFORMER FOR
SOUND !TAKE OFF PICTURE
TUBE
OPEN HERE
This schematic shtws a
typical video amplifier
+300V 13KV tube for TV sets six to 15
years old. Disconnect the
BRIGHTNESS video irput signal on the
CONTROL grid side of the grid -
These patterns appear from moment to mo- CONNECT coupling capacitor and
HERE
ment on the TV screen when it's being connect your Lissy oscilla-
driven by signals from music. To see what CONTRAST tor at the same point to
they really look like you'd have to have CONTROL make Lissy do extra tricks.
motion pictures.
ELECTRON
ELECTRON HORIZONTAL BEAM
GUN COILS
VERTICAL
COILS Typical TV picture tube
and its horizontal and ver-
tical -deflecting coils. Old
VIDEO
SIGNAL deflection yoke is still
used in Lissy because it's
part of the circuit which
produces thousands of
volts required to attract
the stream of electrons
15,000 OR MORE VOLTS
from the electron gun to
the screen. Most old TV sets have deflection yokes
which look like this. Large end (left here)
goes snug up against the flare of the picture
PHOSPHORESCENT
SCREEN
tube. May require loosening of screw which
secures clamp around coils.
FROM THE TICK-TOCKING of a time- The 555 timer, IC1, and associated pulses. Thus every fourth click would
piece to the clickety-clickety-clack- components R1, R2, R3, and Cl form be louder. The greater the rotation, the
ing of a musical tempo, here's a an astable (free -running) multivibrator greater the contrast. Conversely,
metronome for all reasons. It's a which generates a continuous series of rotating the pot in the opposite direc-
Mighty Met, and features an easy-to - pulses. The pulses appear at pin 3 of tion, toward the top, would decrease
build design that will help you tick ICI, and are used to produce the basic the fourth pulse and accentuate the
away many happy hours. metronome beats. Potentiometer R2 three other pulses. Thus every fourth
Mighty Met not only provides steady varies the pulse rate to adjust tlfe tempo. click would be softer. For metronome
beats like an ordinary metronome, but The pulses also drive a divider com- purposes, the fourth click serves as the
also keeps track of the downbeat in each prising IC2 and IC3. A division factor first beat or downbeat of the measure
measure. An ordinary metronome pro- of from 1 to 10 is selected by rotary of music.
duces beats that are all the same, but switch S2. For example, if S2 is set to From the wiper of R7, the pulses are
Mighty Met allows one beat in a group, 4, then for every four input pulses from fed through R8 and are amplified by
for example every fourth beat, to be ICI, the divider will produce one out- transistors Q1 and Q2, which are con-
made either louder or softer than the put pulse. The output pulses from the nected in what is known as a Darling-
others. In order to match the meter of divider, at pin 4 of IC3, are used to ton configuration. Between pulses, pins
the music, a ten -position switch allows produce the downbeat. How the divider 10 and 11 of IC4 rest at the positive
the user to emphasize (or de-empha- works is explained later. supply voltage. Thus no current flows,
size) every beat, every second beat, The output pulses from the divider in the base of Q1, and it is cut off.
very third beat, and so forth, up to go to two places. First they go to IC4C Likewise, Q2 is also cut off. During a
every tenth beat. The "odd" beat can where they are inverted. From the out- pulse, when either pin 10 or 11 of IC4
then be used to indicate the first beat or put of IC4C, pin 10, comes a series of goes low, base current flows in Ql,
downbeat in each measure of music. negative -going pulses used for the turning it on. The resulting current
The unit can also serve as an audible downbeat. Second, they are combined through Q1 turns Q2 on, causing a
darkroom timer. For this application, logically with the basic beat pulses in momentary surge of current through
the tempo can be set to 60 (one beat IC4A. The result, at the output of the speaker, which is heard as a click.
per second) with every tenth or every IC4A, is a series of beat pulses with To provide sufficient current to pulse
fifth beat emphasized to help keep track the downbeat missing. These pulses are the speaker (about half an amp), a
of the count. Its advantages over other inverted by IC4B so that they are nega- large electrolytic capacitor, C5, is con-
timers are that it can be used in com- tive-going also. Again, taking as an nected to the output circuit. Capacitor
plete darkness, and does not need to be example S2 set to 4, the fourth beat C6 takes the sharp edges off the pulses
watched or set. would appear at the bottom of pot R7 to mellow the click a bit, and also elimi-
Pulsing Right Along. The circuit is (pin 10 of IC4C), while the other three nates any stray spikes from the fast
built around a .555 timer and three beats would appear at the top of R7 switching of the IC's.
CMOS IC's. CMOS type IC's (also (pin 11 of IC4B). R4, R6, C2, C3, and C4 in the +9 -
called COS/MOS) were used in the If the wiper of pot R7 were set to volt supply line provide decoupling to
design because of their low power re- the midpoint, both sets of pulses would isolate the various sections of the cir-
quirements and ability to operate from be fed equally to the output circuitry cuit and avoid unwanted interactions
a wide range of supply voltages. These and Mighty Met's output would be a which could cause faulty switching.
characteristics allow the circuit to be succession of equally loud clicks, like Having a 0.2 uF capacitor, C3, in paral-
powered by a 9 -volt transistor -radio those from an ordinary metronome. lel with the 100 uF capacitor, C4, may
battery. Battery drain is about 5 to 10 Rotating the wiper of R7 toward the be puzzling. The reason is that although
milliamps, comparable to that in a bottom end would accentuate the fourth electrolytics do a good job of bypassing
pocket transistor radio. pulse and decrease the other three low frequencies, they generally have too
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978 107
complished, suppose we choose a divi-
B1-9 VDC transistor radio battery IC2-CD4017 CMOS decade counter/divider IC R5 -10,000 -ohm resistor
C1-2.2-uF electrolytic capacitor IC3, 4-CD4001 CMOS quad two -input NOR R6 -100 -ohm resistor
C2, C3-0.2-uF capacitor (author used disc gate IC R7 -10,000 -ohm trimpot (CTS X201 -R103,
ceramic) Q1, 2-PNP general purpose transistor, Radio Shack 271-218 or equiv.) All resis-
C4-100-uF electrolytic capacitor 2N3906 or equal tors except R2 and RT are V4 or r/z watt,
C5-1000-uF electrolytic capacitor R1 -150,000 -ohm resistor 10%
C6-.02-uF capacitor (author used disc cer- R2-1-megohm linear taper potentiometer R8 -4,700-ohm resistor
amic). All capacitors are 10 VDC or greater. R3 -1000 -ohm resistor S1-SPDT miniature toggle switch
ICI -555 timer IC R4 -22 -ohm resistor S2 -1 -pole,10 position, non -shorting rotary
switch (Calectro E2-161 with one position
unused, or equiv.)
Spkr-8-ohm speaker, size to suit
Misc.-cabinet, battery holder and connector
6
R4
loo knobs, perforated board, IC sockets -2 14 -
22
w. pin, 1 16 -pin, speaker grille, wire, solder,
0.2f I+ 0.02uF etc.
C2 +1C4
RI
150K
T0.2uF T I100uF IC5
I000uF The ICs used in this circuit can be obtained
02
2N3906 from a number of sources. If they are not
e
,
available at your local parts store then
TEMPO
try one of the following suppliers:
-
R2 c
14 16 RB
78
IC
-138 IC2
4017 15
4.7
2 555
R7 Digi-Key Corporation
R3 324710156911 IOK p
IK 6 I
P.O. Box 677
8 01
111111111 10 2N3906
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
C4C
9 7
CI Quest Electronics
2.2 uF IC3A P.O. Box 4430A
SPKR
8n
El( Santa Clara, CA 95054
Burstein Applebee
3199 Mercer Street
Kansas City, MO 64111
PULSES AT
WIPER OF
TRIMPOT R7
- this application, an inexpensive speaker
can be used. On the other hand, if the
clicks are too loud, increase the value
of R8.
Mighty Met utilizes digital logic circuitry which, at first glance can seem a bit of If the unit is to be used as a dark-
a mystery. Diagrams such as this, along with a careful reading of the text, can serve room timer, the tempo control, R2, can
as a good initiation. You'll soon understand just how it is that Mighty Met makes such be a trimpot. Also the divider can be
a tuneful beat. This pictorial shows the "meter" control set at 4. The bottom wave- simplified. For example, if every fifth
form is the result when wiper of R7 is set toward the end connected to pin 10 of click is to be emphasized, then pin 13
IC4C, emphasizing downbeat. Follow it through a few times in the text and refer back of IC3 can be connected directly to pin
to this diagram as you read. Pretty fast, you'll unravel the Mystery of Mighty Met!
1 of IC2 and S2 and R5 can be elimi-
nated. Similarly if every tenth click is
to be emphasized, pin 13 of IC3 can be
connected to ground, and.S2 and R5
4 Mighty Met uses a
perfboard construc- eliminated. Another possibility is to re-
R6 R4 tion, so it is important place S2 with an SPST switch to select
-I to follow this layout either every fifth or every tenth click,
R7
as given. Use sockets leaving R5 in.
C6 CI
e c R8 + H for the IC's and treat On Composition. First, a word about
H Ca 1 them as the text says precautions which should be observed
C5 01
b
-
H
Q
C3
v to, they are very sen-
sitive to any static
when working with CMOS IC's, like
N
er R5
C2Y
IC I
At first thought a digital time clock fancy. By using a modern clock module module.
that only indicates to nine -minutes fifty- that utilizes large-scale integration you Before installing the module in the
nine -seconds might not appear to have can now build a slightly better timer cabinet install a set of fine wire jumpers
any particular value; yet commercial than the commercial model for about from terminals 24 to 14, and 14 to 7.
models sell for up to $150, so there $20 to $25, and all the parts are avail- We say fina wire because you can't
must be something in 9:59 that's com- able at most parts stores. squeeze two ends of standard #22 hook-
monly overlooked. In fact, our Midget Digit can also up wire into the #14 terminal.
Actually, the 9:59 digital clocks are be used as a Black and White enlarger All terminals, from 1 through 24, run
really timers with push-button reset to exposure timer because the red glow of along the bottom edge of the module
zero while running, and a hold control the 0.5 -inch LED digits won't fog B&W and the instructions supplied very clear-
that permits several short time intervals paper. ly indicate which terminal is what num-
to be accumulated. Building Midget Digit. The timer con- ber. Just double check your count
Radio stations, recording studios, and sists of a twelve hour LED display, before soldering. The terminals are
tape fans use them to time records and digital electronic clock module, a DPDT plated -through so you can solder to
program segments when preparing spring -return switch (or a push-button either side of the module's printed cir-
tapes. More importantly, photo hobby- switch), a SPST toggle switch for hold, cuit board.
ists use the 9:59 time clock when de- a power transformer for the clock mod- To avoid shorting the module's wir-
veloping color film and prints. ule, and any cabinet you care to use. ing to a metal panel use an 1/2 -inch
Here's a typical use: Assume you're Though the clock module is the stand- spacer or stack of washers between the
using the Besseler color system to make ard twelve hour type, by connection of panel and the module at each mounting
color prints. The first developer needs the switches to existing terminals you screw.
two minutes, the second developer needs can time minutes and seconds without The color -coded wires for the match-
one -and -a -half minutes. You set the making any modifications to the mod- ing power transformer had absolutely
timer running, pour the developer into ule. no relationship to the instructions on
the tank and then roll the tank to start The first step is to prepare a cabinet the transformer itself. We don't know
the developing. At the instant your hand for Midget Digit. Use anything you pre- if this is true for all transformers in all
rolls the tank your other hand hits the fer: a plastic cabinet, a Minibox, a stores, or just the ones in our local
reset switch on the timer. The timer re- utility case, etc. Don't worry about a store. So follow this procedure: The
sets to zero and starts counting. At two protective red filter for the clock's black wires are 120 VAC; the two red
minutes you dump the first developer LEDs; it's already part of the clock (Continued on page 122)
and the time clock keeps running. You
pour in the second developer and roll TWELVE HOUR CLOCK The Midget Digit is
the tank. At the instant the tank is MODULE
built around a stand-
rolled you hit the reset switch, the timer ard twelve hour clock
returns to zero, and you follow the tim- module. The module
ing to one minute and thirty seconds. POWER consists of a small
TRANSFORMER printed circuit board
Until the moment you need to reset
to zero you can simply ignore the timer with an oversize red
and concentrate on developing. If you filter that conceals
several relatively large
want to totalize developing time you 0.5-inch LEDs. Though
simply press the hold switch after each the LEDs are rather
procedure. At the end you'll have a bright when on, they
total elapsed time to 9:59. will not normally fog
The reason commercial 9:59 timers B&W enlarging paper.
run upwards of $100 to $150 is because
they are jam-packed with integrated MOMENTARY HOLD
RESET SWITCH SWITCH
circuits. Most models were designed
when IC technology was still in its in -
110 ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
PowerC
Mate for
Maxi-
Output Here's the partner to power your mobile CB rig at home
to its maximum capability-four watts RF output.
By Herb Friedman, W2ZLF
SO YOU'VE JUST upgraded your Citi- seems to work fairly well. You contact current at 12 volts, but it can't provide
zen's Band setup with a shiny new a few nearby CBers easily enough. But the 13.8 volts, at higher current, which
transceiver specified to give you it doesn't seem to be getting out much your new set needs to put its rated
four watts out-the legal maximum-or farther than your earlier transceiver, power on the air.
perhaps, if you've converted to the more which has considerably lower power To be sure, check the actual power
efficient SSB (single sideband) opera- output. What's wrong? Where did the supply voltage you're feeding to the
tion, as many progressive CBers are power go? CB set.
doing these days, 12 watts, P.E.P. You're probably not feeding the new What Voltage? To check the actual
You've paid a couple of hundred dollars set the 13.8 volts it was designed to get output of your old power supply, get
for this new equipment and are going to from the electrical system of your car out your voltmeter and measure the
use it at home as your base station- when the generator is running, charging voltage being fed to your transceiver. It
even though it could be operated mo- the battery, as well as powering the rest probably reads around 12 volts (maybe
bile, in your car, from its 12 volt sys- of the electrical system in addition to a bit more when the transceiver isn't
tem. accessories like a mobile transceiver. turned on). You turn the CB set on to
You hook it up to the 12 -volt DC The 117 -volt AC to 12 -volt DC pow- Receive and get a good solid 12 volts
power supply you used at home with er supply you used with the earlier (or maybe as high as 13). So far so
your old, lower -powered rig and it transceiver may have supplied it with good. Now switch the set to Transmit.
TRANSISTOR
HEAT SINK
ON/OFF
SWITCH,
SI
RECTIFIER 0I
HEAT SINK
-.
iTPUT TPI
I+)
1NDING?OSTS
l-1TP2
C5 1 114
+
01
ICI
CI 8 14
TI FI
SEC
TC2 CX
112
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST'FaII-Winter 1978
age -13.8 or whatever-at the emitter of creases Q l's collector resistance, lower- need heat sinks for the bridge rectifier
Q1 (the supply output). ing the voltage at the supply output. and the series transistor (also called a
When the load (the transmitter) This all takes place almost instantly, "pass transistor") because all the cur-
starts to draw more current, the voltage so the output voltage remains steady, at rent used by the transceiver passes
at the power supply output begins to the value at which it was originally set. through it.
drop. This lowers the voltage at IC pin This happens even though the transmit- Check the Voltage. First you should
4. The IC then applies a higher (more ter current (the load) is changing all find out what the power requirement of
positive) voltage to the base of Ql (IC the time. your transceiver is when you are trans-
pin 10). Since the transistor is an NPN, Two Versions Can Be Built. The mitting. It will usually be one amp or
the positive -going base signal lowers schematic diagram shows the supply for more (receiving will take much less cur-
Q1's collector -emitter resistance, in- loads up to three amperes at 13.8 volts. rent). It may be as high as 2.5 amps.
creasing the collector current and rais- For lighter loads, up to 1.5 amperes Once you know how much current your
ing the voltage at the emitter (power (still 13.8 volts) capacitor Cx is not transceiver needs, you'll know whether
supply output). When a change in load needed, and the power transformer can to build the model which supplies up to
draws less current, tending to raise the be a lighter, less expensive one. In ad- 1.5 amps or the three -amp one. Now
supply voltage, this increase is sensed dition, capacitor Cl can be rated at 25 take the parts list and check your junk
by the voltage divider, which now ap- VDC, instead of the 35 or more re- box for parts you can use.
plies a lower (more negative; less posi- quired for the higher -powered version. Construction. The heart of the CB
tive) voltage to IC pin 4. This in- Also, the smaller power supply doesn't Power Mate is the regulator, which
consists of integrated circuit IC1, series
regulating transistor Q1 (which is con-
REGULATOR SECTION trolled by IC1), and their associated
resistors and capacitors. Cl is the main
OI
SI RS -2020 filter capacitor, which initially smooths
TI
BRIDGE
RECTIFIER
+13.8 VDC the varying DC supplied by the bridge
E
C
TPI rectifier from the AC output of the
FI TP2 power transformer secondary.
117V The printed circuit board, which you
AC
2000uF
C 1 1 can easily make with a kit from any
parts distributor, has been designed to
ZZ work in either the 3 -amp model or the
RI
1800i. 1.5 -amp unit. The photograph, showing
OPTIONAL, IF FOR C5
ON/OFF PILOT .001 the board with its components mounted,
LAMP IS DESIRED C4 is of the lower -powered one. The com-
- 500 pF
Q ICI TOP VIEW R2 OUTPUT ADJUST pleted supply pictured is the higher -
14 8 500n CONTROL powered unit. You can see that the as-
TAB IS
sembled boards for both versions are al-
ALSO C most identical. One difference is that
the 3 -amp supply (completed unit) has
BCE
a piece of U-shaped aluminum you can
Ultra -simple circuit delivers regulated output. bend to make the heat sink for the
bridge rectifier. This is not needed for
the lower-current supply. The photo-
PARTS LIST FOR CB POWER MATE TP2-Binding posts, 5-way, one red, one
TP1, graph of the completed unit also shows
(3 -AMPERE MODEL) black the fins of the large heat sink for the
-2000-uf, 35-VDC electrolytic capacitor Misc.-Printed circuit board materials, or perf
C1
board; fuse clip for mounting on PC board;
transistor mounted on the back of the
C2-0.22-uF, 100-VDC capacitor box behind the transistor. This heat
C3-0.1-uF, 100-VDC capacitor heat sink for transistor Q1; heat sink com-
pound (Radio Shack silicone grease 276- sink isn't needed in the 1.5 -amp power
C4-500-pF, 100-VDC capacitor
C5-.001-uF, 100 VDC capacitor 1372 or equiv.); IC socket for integrated supply.
D1-Bridge rectifier diode package, 6-amp rat- circuit ClI (Radio Shack RS276-027 or Fuse FI is a fast-acting type which
ing, 100 PIV (peak inverse volts) equiv.); scrap aluminum piece approx. 1 -in. protects the bridge rectifier and the
Fl-Fast-acting fuse, 5-A rating x 3 -in. x 1/2 -in. thick; standoffs (aluminum) power transformer from blowing out if
IC1-Voltage regulator integrated circuit, four, 1/2 -in. for mounting pc. board (Radio you should make a .wiring error or
Shack 270-1394 or equiv.) with machine
NE550 (DIP package, Hamilton Avnet, 364
screws, nuts, and lock -washers.
short-circuit the output. The fuse listed
Brookes Drive, Hazlewood, MO 63042. NE550 will blow out before the components, so
or equiv.) PARTS LIST FOR CB POWER MATE don't use any other kind of fuse, even if
Qt-NPN silicon transistor (Radio Shack RS -
2020 or equiv.)
(1.5 -AMPERE MODEL) it has the correct current rating (three
R1 -1800 -ohm, 1/2 -watt resistor
for the
Use all same parts as above, except or five amps). Use only type AGX, not
R2 -1000 -ohm printed circuit (end mounting)
following changes: slow -bio or 3 AG. Try to get a fuse-hold
potentiometer Cl-Same, or use 25-VDC rating, which costs ing clip made for soldering to the print-
S1-SPST power switch, 120 VAC. If self -illu- less ed circuit board. That kind is easier to
minating switch with built-in neon light is C2-Cx is not needed
install than those which mount with
desired. use Radio Shack 275-671 or equiv.) Ft-As above, except 3 -ampere rating
screws.
TI- Power transformer, 117-120 VAC primary, T1-As above, except 12.6 to 16 VAC, at 1.5
amperes (Allied Radio 705-0121, or equiv.(
Solder the pins of the 14 -pin IC sock-
no center tap needed. Secondary 18 to 21
VAC at three amperes (Allied Radio 705-0133 Heat sink for transistor not needed - et to the board, but don't insert the IC
or equiv.) Scrap aluminum for heat sink not needed into its socket until the socket has cool-
ed off. Heat can ruin an IC or a tran -
113
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
Power Mate
sistor. Also be sure to hold each tran-
sistor lead with a pair of long -nose
pliers as a heat sink when you solder
to the transistor leads.
For the high -current CB Power
Mate the bridge rectifier has a hole in
the center to which you can secure the
homemade heat sink. To make this,
take a piece of scrap aluminum the
width of the sink or larger and bend it
in a U -shape with the ends sticking up
in the air about an inch. Secure the
silk to the rectifier with a #6 screw, a
lockwasher between the screw and the
rectifier, and a lockwasher and a nut
on top of the heat sink.. (The screw
feeds in from the terminal or lead side
of the rectifier.)
Also, for the high -current Power Mate
the transistor uses the special heat sink Exact-size template for printed circuit board you can make. Location of holes for
with fins on the back of the cabinet (as
integrated circuit are critical-exercise care in drilling. Copper foil side is shown up.
shown in the picture). Ql is installed
the same way for both models. Drill a
1/4 -in. hole through the sink and the
R2, to its mid-position, and connect (or more, since that exact wattage isn't
cabinet. Bend 01's leads outward, away the voltmeter to the output of the power available). The nearest larger wattage
from its mounting tab. Using a mica supply (the binding posts). Plug in the rating should be used. Two 0.6 ohm,
insulator from a power rectifier (prefer- CB Power Mate's AC cord and observe 2 -watt resistors in parallel would do
ably) or a power transistor mounting the meter. It should rise to some value nicely.
kit, coat both sides of the mica with and stay there. If it wanders, or rises In Use. Now plug your CB Power
silicone heat sink grease. Position the and falls back down to zero, disconnect
insulator over the hole in the cabinet Mate in, connect the positive and nega-
the AC power and check for a wiring tive leads of the 13.8 -volt power supply
and place an insulated shoulder washer error. If the voltmeter remains steady, to the Plus and Ground connections on
(from a 5 -way binding post) in the adjust R2 very slowly for the desired your transceiver, and start contacting
cabinet hole, from outside the cabinet. voltage, 13.8 volts (or 12, or what- your fellow CBers . with the maxi-
Pass a #6 screw through the sink, the
. .
ever depending on the set you are going mum legal power which you paid for
cabinet, and the mica insulator. to power with it). That's it-your CB with your new set. Why not get it?
Then install Q1, a lockwasher, and a Power Mate is ready to use. Of course the CB Power Mate is
nut. Tighten the screw slightly more Optional Protection. If you want to only needed in your home. In your car
than hand tight. Check with an ohm- build-in the maximum current limiting the transceiver will be getting the 13.8
meter to be sure there's no short be- (to make sure the supply will turn off volts it needs, if that electrical system is
tween the tab of Q1 and the cabinet. if a short suddenly appears outside it), operating correctly.
You should read infinity-no connec- you can substitute a resistor for the Caution: Don't try to use the CB
tion. If you have a short (one ohm or jumper on top of the board. To figure Power Mate at settings higher than 13.8
less) look for an improperly-seated the value of the resistor, follow these volts with a transceiver which requires
shoulder washer or for a metal chip steps: that voltage. Trying to increase a trans-
from the drilling. 1. Find the value in ohms of the mitter's RF power output that way will
Final Assembly. Before final assem- resistor, which we will call "R." The probably result in blowing out com-
bly, with the parts not mounted in the ponents in the transceiver, because many
box, drill a row of five 1/4 -in. holes in formula is: R=----$16 where "X" is the
transceivers are designed to just accept
the cabinet directly over Q1, and five 13.8 volts, with not much safety factor
more holes in the lower left of the cab- current the transceiver draws when
above that. Be sure the Power Mate is
inet, near the transformer. These will transmitting. set for exactly 13.8 volts before you
provide adequate ventilation. Then put 2. If the current is 2 amps, then the
turn on the transceiver, not any higher.
a small piece of tape over the head of If you're not certain that your volt-
the screw which secures the transistor, formula gives us: R= 0=2 = 0.3
meter is reading DC volts accurately,
to prevent a (possible) external short. 3. Now we must find the power rat- you can calibrate it very closely by
Complete all wiring before installing ing of the resistor. Power is W = using several new flashlight cells (not
the IC. Plug it into its socket so that I2R, where I is the current. Since we nicads-just ordinary, good condition-
pin 1, which has a dot molded next to know that R is 0.3 ohms, and that the tested in flashlight-batteries). These
it, faces the edge of the printed circuit current is 2 amps, we get: cells, in good condition, put out ex-
board farthest away from the rectifier. W= 2x 2x 0.3 orW=4x0.3 actly 1.56 volts each. Four cells in se-
Pin 1 should be toward the wires going = 1.2 watts. For safety we double the ries should read 6.24 volts. 8 x 1.56
to the board from the transistor. Install rating, giving us 2.4 watts. V = 12.48 V. Or you can get 13.94 V
the fuse in its clips, set the rheostat, 4. So, we need a 0.3 ohm, 2.4 watts from nine cells. 111
by George X. Sand
sum of R13 and R14. Bandspread dial is not calibrated, but, hat line, etc. Mike $10.95', Phone Call Adapter
$24.50' r plus $1.00 ea. for pstg. & hdlg.) Cal. re,,
Put another way, the Time is equal a set of points can be marked over the add tax. Free data. Mail Order, B/A. M/C, cod's o.k.
Qty. disc. avail. AMC SALES, Dept. 18. 9335 Lubec
to the Capacitance times Resistance range of C2 to aid in tuning the dial, -1/4 x sra . 1/2"St., Boo 921, Downey, CA 90241.
(the familiar formula for time con- or for logging purposes in the crowded
stants, remember?), multiplied by B, SW bands.
which depends on the size of R8,-all Operation. For best results a good
this divided by whatever R13/(R13 + antenna and ground are required. Also
R14) comes to, minus the ratio of Q1's high impedance earphones (2000 ohms
base-to -emitter voltage (0.8V) divided or more) are needed. If a DC power \~-_
by the supply voltage (15 VDC). supply is used in place of the 6 volt Take
From this you can see that increasing
either the size of the resistances selected
by the switches, or increasing the size
battery, make sure that the supply does
not have any hum in the output as this
will affect the receiver sensitivity. Tune
stock
inAmerica.
of charging capacitor C7 will make the C3 for a received station, while at the
Mighty Met Mighty Met on and it should produce in order, however. When a metronome
a continuous series of clicks whose rate of this type is used for practicing on an
(Continued from page 109) can be varied by the tempo control. instrument, there may be a tendency
Adjust trimpot R7 for the desired dif- for the player to accent the first note of
in a square pattern. Flea clips could be ference in loudness between the initial each measure, even when it is not ap-
used to support the wiring, but it is just beat and the other beats, and check the propriate for the particular piece of
as easy and less expensive to run the function of the meter switch. Finally, music being played. This tendency is
component leads through the board calibrate the tempo control, using a more likely if the initial metronome
and connect them on the underside with watch or clock that indicates seconds. beat is louder than the others. The
fine wire, like the type used for wire - For the faster tempos, set meter to 5 or Metered Metronome was designed to
wrapping. Double check the orientation 10 and count the initial beats. If there allow the initial beat to be made softer
of the ICs and transistors, and the are problems, try to determine which than the others, by suitably adjusting
polarity of the electrolytic capacitors part of the circuit is faulty: If there are trimpot R7, as a means of counteracting
and battery. The prototype was as- no clicks, first check that there is about this tendency.
sembled in a 2 x 6 x 4 -inch cabinet, but +9 volts between the +V supply line For darkroom use or other timing
another size or type could be used. The and ground. If not, check for a wiring applications a natural concern is how
circuit board was mounted to the bot- error or short. Next check for pulses at much the timing changes as the battery
tom of the cabinet with four 1/4 -inch pin 3 of IC1; an oscilloscope is prefer- voltage drops with use. Specifications
spacers. The speaker was mounted by able, but an audio amplifier can also be for the 555 timer IC used in the circuit
means of two ground lugs soldered to used. If there are no pulses, the prob- indicate only a fraction of a percent
its frame. For the sake of appearance, lem is in the multivibrator circuit. If timing variation per volt; variation with
the two bolts holding the speaker and everything is operating up to this point, temperature is also only a fraction of
grille were epoxied to the inside of the check pin 4 of IC3 for pulses to see if a percent over an ordinary range of
cabinet. the divider is working, then check pins temperatures. Tests of the prototype
Performance and Revision. After all 10 and 11 of IC4, and finally the out- showed no significant change (less than
wiring is complete, plug in the IC's, put circuit. one second in 5 minutes) for a battery
then connect the battery and adjust Marking Time. Use of Mighty Met is voltage variation from 10 volts down to
trimpot R7 to midrange. Turn the straightforward. A word of caution is 7 volts.
117 SERVICES Anyone can sell by mail. 12 page T-Shirts, Free Catalog. T-Shirt Shop,
600 designs, NEED a friend? Penpal? Send $1.00. Whispering
report tells how. Free details. Emlay Sales, Box 287 Thayer St., Providence, RI 02906. Echoes,Box 47, Pontiac, IL 61764.
27611-B, Escondido, CA 92027.
FREE! EXCITING GIFT CATALOG. Temple NEW CRAFT PRINT CATALOG -Choose from over
House, 2521 Temple Street, Sarasota, FL 33579 -DP 100 great easy -to-build plans. Send $1.50 (completely
DISTRIBUTORS. JOBBERS. WHOLESALERS. New 108.
Products. Earning potential unlimited. Byrd House, refunded with your first order). BOAT BUILDER.
Box 5090-F10, Florence, SC 29502. CASSETTE COPIES AS SOUVENIRS. Your re- (CP Div.) -380 Lexington Ave., New York. NY 10017.
cording of family, school, church, social club events PRINTING, MIMEOGRAPHING
weekly mailing letters. Free details. Bronx -
$350 professionally duplicated. Any number of cas-
ville House, Box 311-D, Bronxville, NY 10708. settes. SRI, S. Lee, MA 01260. SAVE 65% on quality printing. Mailorder, Box
782-C. Pineville, WV 24874.
JEWELRY business, small investment, money HYPNOTISM
back guarantee. Don Rose, Box 392, Pittston, PA RADIO-TV
18640. FREE Fascinating Hypnosis Information! Startling!
DLMH, Box 487 Anaheim, CA 92805. LINEAR AMPLIFIERS, 25-100 watt solid state.
$480 WEEKLY! Proven Mailing Program, Guaran- OMNIPOLARIZED BASE ANTENNAS. Portable/
teed Earnings: Rasmussen DP108, 1747N. 450E.. MONEYMAKING OPPORTUNTIES mobile/memory/300 MHz FREQUENCY COUNTER.
Ogden, Utah 84404. Construction plana: $3.00 each, 3/87.50. Specify fre-
BATTERY Rebuilding Repairing. Free Informa- quency band! Kits available. Free catalog! PANAXIS,
tion. Arrid, Box 4062, Mesa, AZ 85202. Box 5518 -G -11E, Walnut Creek. CA 9459e.
108 NEW MILLLIONAIRES YEARLY! Canada's
Government Lotteries. Free Details. Winmill, Box - BUILD Distance Crystal Sets. 10 plan-25e;
202, Etobicoke, Canada M9C 2Y0. $250.00 profit/thousand possible stuffing -mailing
envelopes. Offer: Rush stamped addressed envelope: Handbook "18 Different" -50e; "20 Different"
50e. Catalog 250 refundable. Laboratories, 1477-EH,
-
Universal -ADVS X16180 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318. Garden Grove, Calif. 92842.
SELL MONEYMAKING BOOKS BY MAIL. Excel-
lent Profit Potential. BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS! FANTASTIC Profits: Mailing Circulars. Free Sam-
Nova Sales, Box 595 (T11-1), Sta. Q, Toronto, TV Tubes 364 each. Send for Free 48 page color
Canada M4T 2364. ples. Grahamco DPBX 99371, Tacoma, WA 98499. catalog. Cornet. 4217-W University, San Diego, CA
92105.
$180.01 WEEKLY Mailing Circulars. Start Im-
SELL business cards -six pastel colors. 50% com- mediately. Everready, 422F Clermont Ave., Brooklyn, COMPLETE color picture tube rebuilding equip-
mission. Specialty Co., Box 8905, Orlando, FL 32856 NY 11238. ment with four place oven. Top condition. Contact
free catalogs. Mr. Scholz, Box 271, Christina Lake, B.C., Canada
WANT money? Easy ways to make $1500 monthly. VOH 1E0.
NEW! 5 "proven" Wholesaling opportunities. Result guaranteed. Details 25e. Ippersiel, RR #1C.
$100.00 daily! "Capital/experience unnecessary." Free Noelville, Ont. POM 2NO. REMAILING SERVICE
brochure! Allrightco-EH11, Box 91309, Cleveland. OH MAKE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD PAY. Get MILWAUKEE single, monthly. Details Raeomm,
44101.
"How to Write A Classified Ad That Pulls." Includes Box 21954, Milwaukee, WI 53221.
certificate worth $2.00 towards a classified ad in this
BUY IT WHOLESALE publication. Send $1.50 (includes postage) to R. S. RUBBER STAMPS
Wayner. Davis Publication, Inc., Dept. CL, 380
YOU save money on CB -record-tape
accessories. Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10017. RUBBER stamps made. Three lines $3.75. Rubber
Send self addressed stamped envelope. Tepee, Box Stamps, B -1337-E3, Waldo, AR 71770.
19, Santa Maria, CA 93456. $300.00 WEEKLY, Mailing Circulars. Write: Mc-
Guire, Box 91054, Tacoma, WA 98491. SCIENCE & CHEMISTRY
SAVE MONEY!! (5) Wholesale Catalogs $4.00.
Manufacturers Dir. $4.00. M.O. Suppliers Dir. 94.00. HOMEWORKERS Needed! $600 weekly addressing, FIREWORKS! Spectacular novelties. Simplified
All (7), for $10.00. Winchester Enterprises. Inc.. mailing. Ideal for students, Box 1874, Htfd., CT manufacturers textbook. $5.00. Tropic, Box 95M,
2807SS Hargrave Street, Phila., PA 19138. 06144. Palm Bay, FL 32905.
ceived radio station. All of the adjust- taps and tuning capacitors.
Grandpa's Whisker ments and coil tap settings will interact, You can experiment with different
and will require careful retuning of types of silicon and germanium crystals
(Continued from page 15) as well as other materials with this cir-
both C1A-C1B and C2 for best results.
When a radio station is tuned in for cuit; but remember, do not use the
CAUTION. Make sure that the battery battery unless it is with a carborundum
is disconnected for this initial adjust- best headphone volume, carefully dis-
connect the germanium crystal diode crystal. The battery will burn out the
ment. more conventional germanium and sili-
Connect an antenna to J1, a ground from 17 and J8 without disturbing the
tuning capacitor settings of the posi- cone crystals. You can also try chips of
to J2, and a pair of high -impedance carborundum broken off of sharpening
headphones to J5 and J6. A pair of tions of the L1 tap connections. Then
place a carborundum crystal in the de- stones, etc. and held with melted solder
2000 -ohm phones was used with our or lead. Or you can also try packing
model; do not use low impedance head- tector assembly and connect the 6 -volt
battery to J4 (negative lead) and J3 the crystals with sections of crumpled
phones (8, or 16 ohm stereo types). Do aluminum or lead foil in place of the
not connect the 6 -volt battery at this (positive lead). Adjust the catwhisker
until it touches the carborundum sur- melted lead bodies. The received crystal
time. set volume will vary according to the
Make sure that the catwhisker is not face and then set the bias control R1
to mid -range. type of crystal used; generally germa-
touching the crystal or the crystal cup nium will be loudest, and silicon a bit
(open circuit to the carborundum crys- Carefully adjust the catwhisker for
a sensitive spot on the crystal surface less, and the carborundum crystal will
tal), and then connect the crystal diode usually be lower in volume.
across J7 and J8 (the polarity is not at the same time adjusting R1 for best
important; it will work either way). volume of received signal. If this seems
Connect both of the clip leads (lead to like a lot of trouble to hear a radio Scan Top of 40
J8 and lead to C1A-C1B) to Ll coil station, remember the radio pioneers
around the turn of the century would (Continued from page 80)
taps; any of the mid -coil taps will do
for an initial start. Set C1A-C1B to spend considerable time with equip-
ment even cruder than Grandpa's sells for $119.95. Other PRO -6 models
mid -capacity range and then tune C2 are available, at the same price, for 450-
until you hear a radio station in the Whisker in order to capture the elusive
wireless signals. After a station is found 470 MHz (PRO -5, UHF), and for 148-
headphones. Readjust the setting of 174 MHz only (PRO -4A) at $99.95.
C1A-C1B for best headphone volume. with the carborundum detector, it may
be possible to achieve a bit more re- For more information, Circle number
Then readjust each one of the clip leads 32 on the Reader Service coupon.
for best headphone volume of the re- ceived volume by readjusting the coil
117
ELECTRONICS HOBBYIST/Fall-Winter 1978
evenly illuminate it (avoid using fluor-
Lone Ranger Light escent light sources, however). Adjust Shutter Exposure
(Continued from page 57) the light source and the distance until Time Correction
your reference' meter indicates f/8 at 1/125 -2
and the case is covered. Solder the ASA 125 and 1/30 sec. When you 1/60 -1
positive lead from the battery clip to have obtained the correct reading on 1/30 0
one side of Si. To the other terminal your reference meter, hold your Lone 1/15 +1
of Si solder the short lead from the Ranger in the same spot and point it in 1/8 +2
circuit board. Finish off by mounting exactly the same direction that the ASA = 125
the cover and applying press -on decal
labels as desired.
Calibrating Lone Ranger. Set the
reference meter had been facing. Press
'Si and adjust R2 so that LED4 (the
one farthest) extinguishes. Now turn
---
+ go to higher f-stop
go to lower f-stop
Additional Circuit Uses. You may
range selector to the low -light measure- R2 back the other way until LED4 just have noticed that the comparator cir-
ment position (the larger hole), then comes back ON. The meter is now cuit presented here has great potential.
point the meter towards a bright light calibrated. To use the meter with dif- A thermistor might be submitted for
bulb and depress Si. One or more ferent film and shutter speeds, consult photocell PC1 and the circuit becomes
LEDs should light, depending upon the Table. an electronic thermometer. Or mount
the brightness of the source. If not, go a potentiometer so that its control shaft
back and check whether any compo- Film Speed Exposure spins as another shaft rotates. The
nents have been improperly oriented. ASA Correction LED display would then indicate an-
When all is working well, only the cal- 400 +2 gular position, perhaps for an antenna
ibration of the meter remains. Borrow 250 1
rotor. The information here plus your
a good light meter for this task. Choose 125 0 own imagination should produce many
a large, preferably blank wall and 65 -1 new devices.
better to be safe than sorry. When this happens, here's what to do.
LEDIT In thousands of parts tested I've Just interrupt the power with S2 sev-
(Continued from page 52) never had a false indication except in eral times and see if the indicator D3
the case of a few rare dv/dt turn-ons. lights every time, or just part of the
time. Part-time turn -on indicates a def-
BUTTON
inite dv/dt situation. Full-time turn -on
TERMINAL POST PRESSED LED ON INDICATES usually indicates a short. That's all
Anode Cath. Gate None On Off Red Clear None there is to it!
a c g x x a -c not
shorted
a c g a x g -c short or Alternator Tester
a -c open (Continued from page 83)
a c g x x a -c short or
possible
dt/dv tive lead of the Alternator Tester is
a c g x x open
g -c
connected directly to the battery ter-
a c g x normal minal of the alternator. The reason for
turn -on
a c g
this is that the ripple measurement de-
x x normal pends upon the small, but finite, resist-
turn-off ance between the alternator and bat-
MISCONNECTIONS tery. In order for the ripple test to be
g c a x
accurate, the alternator must be de-
livering a sizeable current. This is ac-
g c a a
complished by slightly discharging the
c a g
battery. Before starting the test, shut
c a g x
the engine off and turn on the car
a g c headlights for about ten minutes. Dur-
a g c x ing this time you can connect the Al-
c g a ternator Tester to the car. Leave the
c g a headlights on while making the test.
x
Start the engine and bring the RPM
z
g a c Clear LED
may be on up to about 2000. Note the reading
weak of the meter. An alternator in proper
g a c x Clear LED operating condition will have a ripple
goes out voltage somewhere between 0.2 and
0.5 volts peak-to -peak. Should one or
DIODES
more of the diodes be defective the rip-
a c x normal ple voltage will increase to 1 volt peak -
a " c x open to -peak, or more. If this is the case you
c a x shorted will have to remove the alternator from
c a x normal the car to disassemble it and locate the
defective diode.
nais plus two 40 -point bus
strips. 0.6" centers; 3/8x 6 x
wish. 2Y".
e
Easy Mounting. Use 4-40 screws from
the front or 6-32 self -tapping screws
Accepts all standard components.
from the rear. Insulated backing lets EXPERIMENTOR sockets conform to an 0.1"
grid and are DIP compatible. Also accept
you mount on any surface.
IC's, transistors, diodes, LED's, resistors,
capacitors, transformers, pots, etc.
EXPERIMENTOR 350. $5.50'46 five -
point terminals plus two 20 -point bus
strips. 0.3"centers; 3/e x 31/2 x 2". Easy hookup. Components push in and pull
out instantly. Use #22-30 solid AWG
wire for lumpers.
EXPERIMENTOR 650. $6.25'46 f ive -
point terminals plus two 20 -point bus
strips. 0.6" centers; 3/8 x 31/2 x 23/4". Rugged, dependable construction.
Sockets are constructed from abrasion
resistant materials and withstand 100C.
Each one features non -corrosive
nickel -silver contacts.
70 Fulton Terrace, Box 1942, New Haven, CT 06509, 203-624-3103 TWX 710-465-1227
WEST COAST: 351 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104, 415-421-8872 TWX 910-372-7992 'Manufacturer's
GREAT BRITAIN: CSC UK LTD., Spur Road, North Feltham Trading Estate, recommended resale.
Feltham, Middlesex, England, 01-890-0782 Intl Telex: 851-881-3669 c 1977, Continental
MINIMUM BILLING $25.00! ADD SHIPPING CHARGE $1.00 I NEW YORK STATE RESIDENT ADD APPLICABLE TAX
MACHINE & TOOL CORPORATION 3455 CONNER ST. BRONX, N.Y.10475 (212) 9946600ITelex 125091