�

However, the value is rather criti-

cal, and if a value very different
from that specified is used, it may
result in instability.
With the given values for Ll
�1 andCl,a high Q tuned circuit is
produced resulting in good selec-
tivity. The values of both coil and
capacitor may be altered if a
tuning range other than medium
— I
N e� waves is required. It is possible

D 0
by careful changes in values to
tune from the Iong wave band up
to the 160m Amateur band.

_J
AUDIO AMPLIFIER

By J. Herron As the output from the ZN414

is unsuitable for direct connection
to a loudspeaker an amplification
vIRTUALLY impossible today In a silicon diode, the junction stage is incorporated in the form
I
T Is
to build a pocket radio which does not conduct until the poten- of IC2, a general purpose audio
tial across it reaches a certain i.e. type LM380. This i.e. has a
can compare in price and perfor-
mance with the mass produced minimum, about 0.6V. When the fixed gain of 50 and can deliver
which are cur- diode does conduct the voltage to 2 watts.
Japanese radios up
a across it remains steady -at this The component which
rently on the market. To build with two diodes
only
radio of similar performance voltage. Thus needs to be mentioned is C5. This
connected in series we obtain and
would involve a great deal of time decouples the power supply
much 1.2V, which is within the limits eliminates instability. It is impor-
and would probably cost
more than if you had purchased of the i.e. Resistor R3 is a current tant that this is mounted close to
one in the first place. limiting resistor for the diodes. the i.c.
However, the cost is not the
most factor in this
important
hobby, it is the experience and TUNED CIRCUIT
knowledge gained and the
excite- The tuned circuit, consisting of
ment of putting together electro- Ll and C2 selects the required
nic components to produce, in this frequency. After amplification
case, a source of entertainment and detection within the i.e. an
and information. audio output is available at pin 3,
This receiver is not intended to and thus across the volume cºn-
compete with the far superior trol VRL
but provides feedback
superheterodyne type of radio, Resistor R1
was designed with simplicity in the output of ICI and its
between
R2 together with All the wiring details are shown
mind and the use of a p.e.b. makes input. Resistor
a suitable for the voltage sets the over- in Fig. 2. A printed circuit board
it project the supply in the
is shown and
novice constructor- all gain, and in most oases will be layout
be interests of stability this should be
sufficient. However there may
where more sensitivity is used. It is possible to use some
DESCRIPTION times
CIRCUIT then the other form of wiring, such as strip-
required, if this is so
Two integrated circuits are used, board but this is not really to be
value may be adjusted to suit.
one is the ZN414 t.r.f. radio i.e.,
the other an LM380 small power
of the Pocket Radio.
amplifier i.e. The circuit diagram Fig. 1. The complete diagram
of the radio is shown in Fig. 1.
The ZN414 is in itself a com-
aerial and
plete a.m. receiver (less
and as such could ION/OFFj
tuning capacitor)
be used on its own without an R2
01 Cs
if only headphone recep- loon
amplifier *
-
SEE TEXT INa002
tion is required. Ri ok n
^ � 0-ipF
This i.c_ requires a supply of Y Yv
02 td C7
between 1.1 and 1.5 volts, and L4
*
IN4002 IC2 6

unless this is reasonably stable, aa6zFóó� 2

LM380
é00pF
whistles and distortion will result. ,2 ICI �
,ir
ZN414 3.4.5
L51¡
ob-
Perhaps the easiest method of
VR1 7.10. C6

. I�F
3 8C! l
,11,12 6 7pF
taining this voltage is the system c, �
1 . }26pF

°}°T
C3:
Sib
shown in the circuit. Here two ITUNINGI D•22prF
VOLUMEI
diodes are connected in series
across the supply voltage.

I979
Everyday Electronics, June
HH
 D COMPONENTS
Resistors
R1 1001<0
R2 10052
R3 15W
All #W carbon = 5

Potentiometer
VRl/S1 5 kilohm log. with
ganged switch.

Capacitors
C1 0.01pF polyester
C2 126pF nominal, plastic
dielectric tuning
capacitor
C3 0.221tF polyester
C4 10µF 10V elect.
C5 0.1frF polyester
C6 4.7µF 10V elect.
.C7 1001tF 10V elect.

Semiconductors
IC1 ZN414 t.r.f. radio i.c.
IC2 LM380 audio amplifier
* D1, D2 1N4002 silicon diode
4*
(2 oft)

Miscellaneous
IYW3 L1 80 turns 28 s.w.g. enam.
ICI UNDERSIDE copper wire (see text)
LS1 80 60mm diameter
loudspeaker
`' I r" .
�l � i��l!¡+ �'I
I?t B1 9V PP3 battery
Ï
�,. i
¡((jj¡tit
!
; I�:�i ( i , � tt� il��iitif
[1zÍi+ilJlis ;IÈt 11 j
Plastic case type PB1 or simi-
lar, minimum size 115 x 75 x
40mm; printed circuit board;
ferrite rod,10 x 75mm; 28s. w.g.
enamelled copper wire; bat-
ery clip to suit B1 ; one 14-pin
i.c. socket; small round con-
trol knob; tuning knob 40mm
diameter; connecting wire_

Fig. 2. Complete wiring details for

the radio. At top left is shown the
topside of the p.c.b. and its position
in the case. Note also the positions
ofthe battery and coil. It is important
that they are placed in these posi-
tions otherwise the lid will not fit in
place. Next comes the rear of the
front panel showing the connec-
tions required to the various con-
trols. Finally at bottom is the under-

'1 side of the printed circuit board,

which is shown full size.

-
Everyday Fleet?oni.cs, Jame 197.9 367
recommended. Incidentally for
those who have never made a
is an ideal project to
p.c.b., this
start with as it is very simple to
build.
All interconnecting wires should
be as short as possible, particu-
coil to
larly the leads from the
the tuning capacitor, and frºm
the capacitor to the board.
If the beginner is unsure about
his ability to solder, particularly
it is recommended that a
1cl, mounted on the printed circuit board.
is used. Components
three-pin transistor socket

CASE COIL
The prototype was built
in a The coil, L1, is a home-made
commercial plastic case, type component and is constructed by
of 28 s.w.g.
PBL There is of course no reason winding 80 turns
close
why a different case already to enamelled copper wire,
hand cannot be used, providing it wound on a paper former, which
is not metal and has minimum is then slid over a lomm ( a inch)
3

The is un-
dimensions of 115 x 75 x 38mm. ferrite rod. length
as it is at least
No drilling details are given important providing
the
they and the size of the case will 75mm long and can also fit in
extent on the
depend to a large case.
C2 was
size of components used. The tuning capacitor
old miniature
The p.c.b. was mounted on the salvaged from an
bottom of the case using two 6BA radio, but a readily available type
screws and nuts_ The battery can can be obtained from a number
be held in place by double-sided of suppliers. It is not essential to IN USE
to the value specified as
adhesive tape or Blu-Tak. keep
After construction has been
the tuning range
and the board and
is quite wide. In- completed,
other wiring checked for errors
deed, it may be
an advantage to the battery may be connected.
use an old capa- Connect the battery and switch
until
citor already to on, rotate the volume control
hand, and change a "hissing" sound is heard—this
the number of is white noise being picked up by
turns on the coil, the radio and suggests that it is
particularly if working correctly.
a different tuning Rotate the knob of C2, where-
range is envis- upon a number of stations should
become audible. If none are heard
aged.
then this is probably due to the
coil being in the wrong position on
SPEAKER the ferrite rod. Sliding the coil
same
The speaker along the rod while at the
to time adjusting C2, you should be
was attached
a
the front panel able to find a position where
small number of stations come in at
using two all is
clamps and roughly the same level. If
6BA well the coil can be stuck in posi-
countersunk
screws. Alter- tion. Blu-Tak or similar is suit-
natively the able.
can be The receiver gives good recep-
speaker
stuck down using tion of local stations, and after
an impact adhe- dark many overseas stations can
and
sive if it is de- be picked up. The number
their level depends to a large ex-
sired not to mar
tent on your location -and of course
the front panel.
Letraset or the time of day.
similar can then Although the ZN414 is not being
to its full capacity, it
be used to label utilised
front nevertheless gives quite good
the panel I1
as required. results despite its simplicity.

Electronics, June 1979

Everyday
368