B ack in the 1950s, one

type of popular con¬ BUILD A

struction project was the
“phono oscillator" that was able to
transmit music from the record play¬
er (a device that played music from
Low-Power
large plastic discs in the days
before the CD) to a nearby radio in
AM Transmit
another room. Transmitting was
done on the AM band—FM was still
in its infancy and stereo transmission
was yet to be developed. Those
transmitters were also used for
hobby AM broadcasting and gener¬ What once was old is
al experimentation with low-power
transmitters that were (and still are) new again with this
legal to use under Part 15 of the FCC
regulations for unlicensed transmis¬ AM transmitter project!
sions. Although those devices work¬
ed well, they were really toys that
were used mainly as wireless micro¬
phones.
While these days the FM band is
much more popular for such appli¬
cations and offers the additional
advantage of supporting stereo
audio, for some applications the AM
band might be better. The higher
field strengths allowed can increase
the usable distance between the
transmitter and the receiver. Signal
bandwidths are narrower, and AM
signals are easier to pick up under
weak-signal conditions than FM.
There are generally more usable fre¬
quencies on the AM band than the
FM band, especially during daylight
hours. Construction is less critical as
frequencies are low, and only simple
test equipment is needed to set up WILLIAM SHEETS K2MQJ
an AM transmitter. There are also AND RUDOLF F. GRAF KA2CWL
many areas in parts of the world
where FM reception is poor or limit¬ bit daunting as a first-time learning er-wave (CW) under Part 15 experi¬
ed because of a lack of “line-of- experience. mental license-free operation be¬
sight" between the transmitter and The low-power AM transmitter tween 160 kHz and 190 kHz is also
the receiver. described here has features that possible. For that application, the
One of the more unusual exam¬ would have been science fiction in transmitter's normal 100-milliwatt
ples of an application where AM 1950. For example, it has a crystal- output can be increased up to 1
works better is the “talking house" controlled phase-locked loop (PLL) watt.
used by real-estate agents. In that for frequency stability. Carrier fre¬
instance, real-estate brokers use a quencies can be selected in 1-kilo¬ Circuit Description. The Low-Power
June 1998, Electronics Now

small transmitter planted in a house hertz steps between 100 kHz and AM Transmitter uses four ICs and
so that the prospective buyers can 2000 kHz. That range includes the nine transistors to create a com¬
hear the sales pitch on their car standard AM broadcast band (from plete PLL-synthesized AM transmit¬
radio as they drive by. That arrange¬ 530 kHz to 1710 kHz) and the long¬ ter. The design of the transmitter is
ment works well since almost every wave AM broadcast band (from simplified if it is divided into several
car has an AM radio, but they might 150 kHz to 285 kHz) used in Europe sections. Those sections are the
not have FM. Also, a simple AM and Asia. Both 9- and 10-kHz chan¬ audio amplifier, the AM modulator,
transmitter is an excellent learning nel spacing is supported, meaning the phase-locked-loop frequency
tool for beginners, who might find the unit could be used almost any¬ synthesizer, and the RF-output ampli¬
the very high frequencies and the where in the world. fier and filters. The schematic dia¬
added complexities of FM stereo a While the transmitter is AM, carri¬ gram in Fig. 1 should be followed as 39
 we describe each of the following AM Modulator. The AM modulator is of the RF stage is proportional to the
sections. built around Q6 and Q7.The circuit is supply voltage, full AM modulation
set up as a shunt-feedback pair with of the RF output voltage is achieved.
Audio Amplifier. Incoming audio is the bias point set by R14-R16. The The bias point is set for symmetrical
input at J1 and then fed to gain audio signal with a DC offset modulation with R16.
control R1 and diode-controlled appears at the emitter of Q7. It is If the peak voltage of the audio
attenuator Dl, D2, and R1. The used as a source of modulated DC signal were not limited, severe dis¬
diodes act as a variable resistance for the RF-output stage. The voltage tortion would result from the clip¬
to small signals below 50 mV. That at the emitter of Q7 normally sits at ping of the RF output peaks and
gives the audio section a form of around 5-volts DC. With audio from cutoff of the RF output on the neg¬
aufomatic gain control. S2-b, the voltage swings from below ative peaks. That type of distortion is
The signal is passed to IC3-a 1 volt to within 1 volt of the supply called overmodulation. To prevent
through C31 and Cl.The frequen¬ voltage. Base-drive resistors R12 and overmodulation, a sample of the
cy response of the amplifier is limit¬ R13 form a split resistance so that the modulator's output is taken through
ed to 10 kHz by C2. The need for a modulated audio can be coupled R17-R19. The sampled voltage is
negative voltage source is elimi¬ to the junction of those resistors. compared with IC3-a's bias voltage
nated by R5, R6, and C3. The audio Since the voltage across a capaci¬ in IC3-b. If the sampled voltage
gain of that stage is about 20X (26 tor does not change instantaneous¬ exceeds the bias voltage, the out¬
dB) as long as Dl and D2 are not ly, a large capacitor can also act like put of IC3-b goes positive. That volt¬
conducting. a battery. The effect is a constant age is then applied to R8 and R9,
The audio is coupled to R7, C5, voltage across R13, and therefore a forward biasing D3 and charging
S2-a, and S2-b. The switches route constant drive current. That lets the C4. Capacitor C4 is an audio¬
the audio signal to the AM modu¬ base of Q6 swing above fhe supply bypass capacitor that prevents
lator either for normal AM opera¬ voltage by about 0.7 volt, making audio signals from feeding back
tion or to the PLL circuit for FM. It sure that the emitter of Q7 can through the automatic gain-control
might seem odd to use frequency reach almost to the full supply volt¬ (AGC) network, in addition to set¬
modulation at such low frequen¬ age. That technique, widely used in ting the time constant for the AGC
cies, but a use for that technique audio power amplifiers, is called network. The DC bias that is devel¬
will be discussed later. bootstrapping. Since the RF output oped across C4 forward biases Dl
Electronics Now, June 1998

Fig. I. The AM transmitter is built around a phase-locked loop synthesizer for frequency control of
40 the carrier wave.
and D2 if it is more than about 1.2 impedance of the diodes to drop 100 ohms. When that happens, the
volts. That causes the dynamic from nearly infinite down to under audio input present at the junction
of R2, Cl, Dl, and D2 is attenuated,
PARTS LIST FOR THE LOW-POWER AM TRANSMITTER reducing the modulation level. In
SEMICONDUCTORS C12—39-pF, ceramic-disc practice, R18 is adjusted so that
ICl—MCI45151-2 Phase-locked loop Cl4, C37, C40, C42, C43—0.0056-p,F, attenuation will occur at a modula¬
synthesizer, integrated circuit Mylar tion level of 85-90%. While that
IC2—CA3420 op-amp, integrated circuit C15—470-pF, ceramic-disc method does not prevent any neg¬
IC3—LM1458P dual op-amp, integrated C17—270-pF, ceramic-disc ative clipping or deliberate over¬
circuit C19, C21, C23, C48—0.01-jxF, ceramic- modulation, it works well for normal
IC4—LM7805 5-volt regulator, integrated disc speech or music.
circuit C26, C30—0.01-p.F, Mylar
Q1-Q4, Q6, Q8—2N3904 transistor, NPN C28—2-20-pF trimmer Phase-Locked Loop. The PLL-syn-
Q5—MPF102 field-effect transistor C29—10-pF, ceramic-disc thesizer section is built around 101,
Q7, Q9—MJE180 transistor, NPN C32, C33, C35, C41—0.0033-p.F, Mylar a complete phase-locked loop cir¬
D1-D3, D7—1N914 or 1N4148 silicon C34, C53—0.001 -fxF, Mylar cuit. That chip has a reference
diode C36, C39—0.0039-p.F, Mylar oscillator, a reference divider, a
D4—1N4007 silicon diode C38, C46—Not used charge-pump phase detector, and
D5—Not used C44, C47—0.018-jjiF, Mylar a variable divider that can be set
D6—MV209 varactor diode C45—0.027-jiF, Mylar for division ratios from 3 to 16383.
D8—1N757A, Zener diode The AM-broadcast band be¬
ADDITIONAL PARTS tween 530 kHz and 1710 kHz has
LED1, LED2—Light-emitting diode, red
AND MATERIALS channels that are spaced 10 kHz
RESISTORS J1—RCA connector, panel-mount apart in the US and Canada, includ¬
(All resistors are 14-watt, 5% units unless J2—BNC or UHF connector, panel-mount ing the newly-expanded 1600-
otherwise noted.) J3—Co-axial power jack kHz-1710-kHz section in the US. In
Rl. R18—10,000-ohm potentiometer JUl—jumper wire other parts of the world, channels
R2, R3, R14—4700-ohm LI—Toroid core, 0.375-inch outside with 9-kHz spacing are used.
R4—220,000-ohm diameter (see text) Additionally, in Europe and parts of
R5, R6, R8, R9, R45—10,000-ohm L2—1.5-mH, 240-mA choke Asia, the longwave band is used
R7, Rl I, R21, R24, R25, R34, R37, R42, L3—1000-|iH choke with frequencies between 150 kHz
R52—1000-ohm L4, L7, L8—5.6-p.H coil and 285 kHz and with 9-kHz channel
R10, R40— 100,000-ohm L5, L6—68-|xIl coil spacing. The synthesizer will cover all
R12,R 13—390-ohm L9, L10—6.8-jxH coil of those frequencies, but in the inter¬
R15, R23, R35—330-ohm LI 1, LI2—10-p.H coil est of ideal synthesizer perfor¬
R16, R48—1000-ohm potentiometer LI3, L14—33-jxH coil mance, cost limitations, and circuit
R17, R49—6800-ohm 51— SPST switch, 12-position, simplicity, the tuning range has been
R19—15,000-ohm dual-inline restricted to a 2-MHz spread. The
R20, R22, R30, R44—2200-ohm 52— SPST switch, 2-position, dual-inline synthesizer supports all of the chan¬
R26, R33— 1500-ohm S3, S4—SPST switch. 4 position, dual¬ nels between 150 kHz and 1710 kHz
R27, R29, R32—470-ohm inline in 1 kHz increments. Frequencies
R28, R31—3300-ohm S5—Single-pole, single-throw switch, from as low as 50 kHz to as high as
R36—180-ohm panel-mount 2047 kHz can be generated, but the
R38, R39—56,000-ohm XTAL1 —8192-kHz crystal values chosen for the various circuit
R41, R43—22,000-ohm 24-gauge enameled wire for LI, case, components, mainly in the filters
R46—47,000-ohm wire, hardware, etc. and RF chokes, will prevent the
R47—220-ohm Note: The following items are available transmitter from working at peak
R50, R51—10-ohm from: North Country Radio, PO Box 53, performance at those extreme fre¬
R53—56-ohm Wykagyl Station, New Rochelle, NY quencies. In order to cover those fre¬
10804-0053; E-mail: NCRadio200 quencies, some changes in values
CAPACITORS @aol.coin; Web: http://www.north of those components will be neces¬
June 1998, Electronics Now

Cl, C22, C31—1-p.F, 50-WVDC, countryradio.com: A complete kit of sary. That type of modification is
electrolytic parts including drilled and etched PC beyond the scope of this article.
C2, Cl6, C18—150-pF, ceramic-disc board and all parts that mount on it, While direct generation of a fre¬
C3, C5, C13—10-p.F, 16-WVDC, $78.50 plus $4.50 postage/handling quency between 150 kHz and 1710
electrolytic ($10.00 postage/handling outside the kHz can be done with a single-loop
C4, C7, C27—100-p.F, 16-WVDC, US); Package of suitable hardware, synthesizer, it would be difficult to
electrolytic including connectors, wires etc., $10.50 control a voltage-controlled oscilla¬
C6—470-pJF, 16-WVDC, electrolyt plus $1.00 postage/handling; undrilled tor with an 11:1 frequency ratio and
C8—0.047-p.F, Mylar metal case, $21.50 plus $1.00 postage/ still get reasonable performance
C9, CIO, C20, C24, C25—0.1-|xF, Mylar handling. NY residents must add over such a wide range. However,
Cll—2-20-pF trimmer appropriate sales tax. there is an easier way. Synthesizer 41
 channel is found, the transmitter will
normally be set and left alone. By
using SI, an electrically-noisy micro¬
processor and complex display is
eliminated from the design.
The heart of the PLL's voltage-
controlled oscillator is Q5. The fre¬
quency at which the VCO oscillates
is set to the 8.2-MHz-to-10.2-MHz
range by LI and the combined
capacitance of D6, C28, and the
input capacitance of Q5. The oscil¬
lator is DC biased by R46. A variable
DC control voltage is fed to the
anode of D6 by R44 and R45. Any
stray RF on D6 is shunted to ground
by C53. The voltage on D6 changes
its capacitance, and therefore the
frequency of the oscillator. The oscil¬
lator signal on the source of Q5 is
passed to Q2 and Q4. A signal large
enough to drive the input of the
variable-divider section of IC1 (pin
11) appears at the collector of Q2.
The output of the variable divider is
sent to IC1 's phase detector, which
compares that signal with a 1-kHz
reference signal. That reference sig¬
nal comes from ICl's internal refer¬
ence oscillator/divider, which is set
by external components R21, Cl2,
XTAL1, and Cl 1 .The output frequen¬
Fig. 2. Use this parts-placement diagram when ibuilding the AM transmitter. Don't forget to solder cy accuracy depends on having an
llie connections on both sides of the hoard. exact 1-kHz reference frequency,
which in turn needs an exact 8192-
chip IC1, a Motorola MC145151-2, it with the 8192-kHz reference-oscil¬ kHz crystal oscillator frequency.
has a programmable-reference lator signal using a mixer circuit and The phase detector generates a
divider. The reference divider is set a low-pass filter on its output, we will voltage that depends on the rela¬
with digital inputs that select various end up with an output frequency tive phase difference between the
fixed ratios that are mostly powers that is (in theory) between 0 Hz (DC) reference waveform and the vari¬
of two. For the AM Transmitter, it is set and 2047 kHz. That means that SI able divider waveform. If the
up to divide by 8192 so that a stan¬ only has to produce a binary code divider output starts to lag the ref¬
dard 8.192-MHz crystal will result in a that is the binary equivalent of the erence, the VCO frequency is too
reference frequency of 1 kHz. That output frequency. That method is low, and the phase detector pro¬
reference frequency sets the resolu¬ simple, cheap, and lets a synthesizer duces positive-going pulses. Those
tion of the synthesizer. loop be designed with a 1.25 to 1 pulses go to a sample-and-hold
Since the chip can be pro¬ range—a task that is easy to do. The network (R38-R40, C25, and C26).
grammed to divide by up to 16383, chip can directly handle those fre¬ The accumulated charge on C25 is
the variable divider section of the quencies with no additional circuitry buffered by IC2 and is fed back to
chip can be set up to divide by 8192 needed. Of course, a mixer and filter D6 through R44 and R45, causing
by permanently tying its most signifi¬ is needed, but that is simple, straight¬ the VCO frequency to increase. The
Electronics Now, June 1998

cant digit high and grounding the forward, and does not require any opposite happens if the VCO fre¬
next two significant bits low. By set¬ loop-design compromises. However, quency is too high, causing the
ting the remaining 11 bits with SI, a we are only concerned with the 150 divider output to lead the refer¬
dipswitch with 12 switches, the kHz to 1710 kHz frequencies due to ence. The result Is that the VCO fre¬
divider can be set to divide by ratios the need for larger coupling capac¬ quency is locked to the reference
from 8192 to 10239. That will let the itors and RF chokes in the transmitter frequency and will not drift. It will be
synthesizer generate a frequency for lower frequencies. exactly equal, in kilohertz, to the
range between 8.192 MHz and In most populated areas, there programmed divide ratio plus 8192.
10.239 MHz—well within the chip's are relatively few clear channels— The final output frequency is
maximum rating of 12 MHz. If we especially at night when distant sta¬ obtained by mixing the PLL output
42 take that frequency range and mix tions can be heard. Once a clear frequency with the 8192-kHz refer-
ence oscillator in a mixer circuit. The mitter deals with radio frequencies, Don't forget to also solder all of the
8192-kHz frequency comes from Q1 printed-circuit construction is the ground connections on the top of
and divider R22 and R23, while the only recommended method of the board. Install all of the diodes
VCO frequency is buffered by Q4. building the circuit. The circuit will fit next, carefully observing their polari¬
The signals are mixed together by nicely onto a double-sided layout; ty. The capacitors are then installed.
Q3, and the signal at that transistor's foil patterns are included if you want Again, make sure to observe the
collector terminal contains the sum to etch your own board. A kit that polarity of all of the electrolytic
frequency and the difference fre¬ contains a pre-etched PC board is capacitors.
quency. A low-pass filter consisting available from the source given in When installing the transistors,
of C16, L56, C17, L6, and C18 passes the Parts List. double-check the device pinouts—
only the difference frequency. If you use the foil patterns or pur¬ especially Q7 and Q9. Continue
chase the kit, the parts-placement installing the remainder of the com¬
RF Output. Amplifying fhe output diagram in Fig. 2 should be fol¬ ponents. If you want, you can use
of the mixer's low-pass filter pro¬ lowed. Before building the board, low-profile sockets for the ICs. As
duces the RF-output signal that will some important points should be always, carefully check your work
be modulated with an audio sig¬ noted. First, the grounded leads on as you go. Any mistakes corrected
nal. The amplification and mixing is all of the resistors are to be sol¬ now will make testing the complet¬
done by Q8, Q9, and the associat¬ dered on both sides of board. That ed transmitter that much easier
ed circuitry. The emitter of Q8 is is essential for good grounding. when the time comes.
connected to ground with a Second, all of the parts are to be Carefully fabricate coil LI
jumper. If that jumper is removed mounted as close to the board as according to the illustration in Fig. 3.
and replaced with a transmitter key possible, with the exception of the The doughnut-shaped core is
and capacitor. Morse-code carrier- chokes. That is very important in wound with 24-gauge enameled
wave (CW) transmission can be order to reduce any audio noise wire. Make sure to connect the
done. For low-power transmitters pickup and for proper operation of leads as shown or the VCO will not
being used under the Part 15 regu¬ the synthesizer and RF circuits. It work. Leave an extra 1 -2 inches of
lations, the frequencies should be also gives a professional appear¬ lead length on the lead of the 14
between 160 kHz and 190 kHz (also ance to the finished board. turn winding connected to C28,
known as the 1750-meter band). Begin construction by inserting all C29, and D6. That extra turn will be
The final signal is then fed to a of the resistors into the PC board. used to adjust the inductance of LI
set of 5-element low-pass harmon¬ during testing and setup.
ic filters built around L7-L14 and Install L2 as shown in Fig. 4, being
C32-C47. Those filters attenuate the careful not to bend the leads
second harmonic of the signal by sharply too close to the choke
20-30 dB or more. Since a filter is body as that might damage the
useful only to about 65-90 percent choke. Install L3-L6 in the same
of its cutoff frequency, four filters are way. The remaining inductors are
used in order to cover the AM- mounted vertically. Again, carefully
broadcast band and the 150- to inspecf all of your work as you go.
280-kHz range. Only one filter is Look for solder shorts, poor joints,
used at a time; S3 and S4 select missing parts, incorrect parts place¬
which circuit is active. ment, etc. Once the board is com¬
A light-emitting diode is used as pleted, mount it in a suitable case
an output indicator. It is also used as and wire it as shown in Fig. 5.
a crude form of VU meter—it will (TO GROUND) One final item that will be need¬
flicker slightly when a signal is being ed for use is an antenna. The size of
transmitted. Furthermore, it will not Fig. 3. Wind LI on a toroidal (doughnut-shaped) the antenna will depend on the
light at all if S3 and S4 are not select¬ coil form. Use 24-gauge enameled wire. frequency being used, but for gen¬
ing the same filter circuit. eral AM broadcasting the design
Obviously, any transmitter needs L7 shown in Fig. 6 will do the job.
some form of antenna. For many THROUGH With everything finished, the unit
June 1998, Electronics Now

AVOID L14
applications, a 56-ohm resistor is ready for testing.
shunted with a simple whip antenna
will do. The whip antenna should be Testing the Transmitter. Before
only as long as needed; under no applying power to the transmitter, all
circumstances should it be longer of the controls and switches need to
than 10 feet (3 meters). Longer be preset. On S1-S4, set all of the
lengths will violate the Part 15 regu¬ switch positions to off, then turn on
lations that limit the radiated power S2-a, S3-a, and S4-a. Potentiometers
from the transmitter. Fig. 4. Some of the coils and chokes should he R1 and R16 should be set to Va full
mounted off of the hoard. Others will need to he turn clockwise; R18 and R49 are set
Construction. Since the AM Trans¬ mounted vertically. to % full turn. Likewise, Cl 1 should be 43
 volts is observed at TP3.
Set SI for a frequency of 1700
GROUND kHz, or within 20 kHz if 1700 kHz is
3/8-INCH
being used in your area. See Table
1 for the switch settings. Remember
to only set the first 11 switches; the
twelfth switch is left off. Tune a near¬
by AM receiver to 1700 kHz, or the
frequency that you set the transmit¬
ter to. A voltmeter connected to
TP1 should read about 9 volts. If the
reading is less than 9 volts but more
than 2 volts, note the voltage. While
listening to the AM receiver, rotate
C28 so that its plates start to sepa¬
rate. At some point, the voltage at
TP1 should drop. If it does not, try
removing a turn from the end of
the 13-turn winding on LI that is
connected to C28.
If you initially saw less than 9 volts
at TP1, it should drop immediately
when C28 is rotated. If the voltage
is “stuck" low or will not reach as
high as 7.5 volts (but will change
with C28), you should add a turn to
LI. Set C28 for a reading of 7.5 volts
at TP1. At that point, the plates of
C28 should be between 10% and
60% engaged. If C28 has to be set
to more than 75%, add a turn to LI.
You should hear a dead carrier
(a signal without audio) on the AM
Fig. 5. The completed hoard fits neatly into a project case.
receiver. As a further test, discon¬
nect or shut off the transmitter. The
set so that its plates are 50% TP3—5 volts (varies when R16 carrier should disappear. It should
meshed; C28 should have its plates rotated) reappear when power is restored. If
completely meshed. Q9 collector—5 volts all checks out, the PLL synthesizer
With a 56-ohm resistor connect¬ (varies when R16 rotated) and mixer sections are OK.
ed between the RF output and Q3 collector—4-5 volts Turn the transmitter off and set the
ground, connect a 12-volt power Q4 collector—0.5-1 volt frequency to 128 kHz with SI. Close
supply to the unit. The transmitter Q5 drain—8.8 volts +/-0.6 volts S3-d and S4-d, opening the other
should draw between 50 and 200 IC3, pins 1,2,3,6—5.8 volts +/-0.8 switches in those banks. Turn the unit
mA. None of the components volts back on and measure the voltage
should get hot, although Q7 will IC1, pin 7—2.5-7.5 volts (varies at TP1—it should be between 2 and
normally run a bit warm after a few when R16 rotated) 4 volts. Rotating C28, the voltage at
minutes of operation. A hot com¬ D3 anode—1-1.5 volts (varies TP1 should change. Reset C28 so
ponent or excessive current draw when R18 rotated) that the voltage on TP1 is the same
will indicate that something is as it was when the transmitter was
wrong. If, on the other hand, the A variation of 10 percent is nor¬ turned on. That test verifies the syn¬
current draw is way too low, the unit mal. Remember to allow for meter thesizer range. If the voltage at TP1 is
Electronics Now, June 1998

will not be damaged—the cause accuracy and component and too low and C28 has no effect, add
of the problem should be found supply-voltage variations. If any a turn to LI, and repeat the test
during testing. major variations are noted, stop where the transmitter was set to
With a voltmeter, the following and look for the source of the trou¬ 1700 kHz.
voltages should be verified: ble. Once the cause of the prob¬ If the transmitter passes all of the
lem has been found and correct¬ tests so far, remove the extra lead
D4 cathode—11.4 volts ed, reset any potentiometers that length from LI and re-solder it to the
C6 positive lead—11.4 volts were moved during testing back to PC board. It is a good idea to coat
IC4, pin 1—11.4 volts their original preset positions, with LI and fasten it to the PC board
1C 1, pin 3—5 volts the exception of R16; set that with clear lacquer-base cement
44 IC2, pin 7—9 volts +/-0.6 volts device so that a reading of 4.5-5 such as Duco cement, Q dope, or
 TABLE 1—SWITCH SETTINGS FOR VARIOUS FREQUENCIES

Frequency (kHz) SI-a Sl-b S1-c Sl-d Sl-e Sl-f Sl-g Sl-h Sl-i Sl-i Sl-k Notes
128 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Test frequency
140 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
150 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 Lowest long- wave
AM frequency
160 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
188 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
189 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1
190 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0
230 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0
256 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
280 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
285 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 Highest long-wave
AM frequency
455 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 Common AM IF
frequency
512 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
530 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 Common TIS frequency
570 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 Low end AM broadcast
band
600 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
650 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
700 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
750 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0
800 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
850 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
900 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
950 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 Middle of AM band
1000 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
1024 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1053 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1
1089 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
1100 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
1200 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
1250 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0
1300 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
1350 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
1400 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
1440 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
1500 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0
1550 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
1575 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1
1585 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1
1595 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1
1600 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
1610 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 Common TIS frequency
1620 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0
1630 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0
1640 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
1650 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0
1660 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0
1670 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
1680 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
June 1998, Electronics Now

1690 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 Used for setup

1700 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 Used for setup
1710 1 101 0101 1 1 0 Used for setup.
Top of AM band
A zero (0) means that a switch is ON; a one (1) signifies a switch section is OFF.

TIS—Travel Information Service. Used for motorist information

clear fingernail polish. Hot-melt glue hardens, recheck the voltage at Connect an audio source to the
can also be used. Do not use any- TP1. If necessary, reset C28 so that transmitter's audio input and adjust
thing with a pigment in it as it might TP1 has a voltage of 7.5 volts when R1 for the loudest signal in the
damage the coil. After the coating the transmitter is set to 1700 kHz. receiver before any distortion can 45
 be heard. Adjust R16 so that TP3 is a change in the audio level at the observing the modulated carrier
between 4.5 volts and 5 volts. receiver, although some compres¬ across a 56-ohm resistor connected
Increase R1 until distortion is evident. sion might be noticed. At this point, across the RF output terminals.
Adjust R18 so that the distortion is just the audio-limiter circuit is tested and If a scope or RF voltmeter is avail¬
eliminated. It should be possible adjusted. If an oscilloscope is avail¬ able, check the voltage across the
now to increase the setting of R1 a able, R16 and R18 can be adjusted 56-ohm resistor that is connected
little without experiencing much of for the best modulation pattern by across the RF output terminals to
verify that the transmitter is produc¬
ing RF output. About 2 volts rms
across 56 ohms or 5.64 volts peak-
to-peak will be present. The modu¬
lated RF signal is best seen with an
oscilloscope, but a detector probe
on a DVM will do as a relative indi¬
cator. If you do not have the equip¬
ment to do that final test, don't
worry; just make sure that LED1
lights.
With the AM transmitter tested
and calibrated, set the final trans¬
mission frequency, select the appro¬
priate RF filter, and close up the
case. The transmitter is now ready
for use.

Using the Transmitter. The power

supply for the transmitter should be
GROUND!
12 volts DC. The actual voltage can
vary from 12 volts to 13.2 volts, but
Fig. 6. An unmatched antenna can he made from a length of wire connected to the AM transmitter.
going outside those limits can cause
problems. Voltages above 16 volts
might damage some of the compo¬
nents, while dropping below 10 volts
will produce poor results. Excessive
noise on the supply line might be
heard on the transmitted signal as
interference and hum. Remember
that it is normal for Q7 to get warm
in operation. If you prefer, although it
is not necessary, a small clip-on heat
sink can be placed on Q7 to cool it.
Each time the frequency or trans¬
mitting mode is to be changed, the
unit must be opened up and the
dipswitches reset. Although that
might seem inconvenient, in prac¬
tice there are often only a few avail¬
able clear channels in the AM
broadcast band. Once set, the fre¬
quency will probably not be
changed often. The mode settings
Electronics Now, June 1998

will probably be rarely changed

unless you are doing a lot of experi¬
mental work. There are over 2000 fre¬
quencies that can be programmed.
At the time that this article was
written, the new AM band between
1600 kHz and 1710 kHz is lightly
occupied and has generally less
power-line noise than the lower fre¬
quencies. As new stations move
46 Here is the foil pattern for the component side of the AM transmitter hoard. into the expanded band, that is
 t

TIPS FOR MAIL ORDER

PURCHASE
It is impossible for us to verify the claims of ad¬
vertisers, including but not limited to product
availability, credibility, reliability and existence
of warranties. The following information is pro¬
vided as a service for your protection. It is not
intended to constitute legal advice and readers
are advised to obtain independent advice on
how to best protect their own interests based
upon their individual circumstances and juris¬
dictions.

1. Confirm price and merchandise information

with the seller, including brand, model, color or
finish, accessories and rebates included in the
price.
2. Understand the seller’s return and/or refund
policy, including the allowable return period, who
pays the postage for returned merchandise and
whether there is any "restocking” or “return”
charge.
3. Understand the product's warranty. Is there
a manufacturer’s warranty, and if so, is it for a
U.S. or foreign manufacturer? Note that many
manufacturers assert that, even if the product
comes with a U.S. manufacturer’s warranty, if you
purchase from an unauthorized dealer, you are
not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If
in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly. In
addition to, or instead of the manufacturer’s war¬
Here is the foil pattern for the solder side of the AM transmitter hoard. ranty, the seller may offer its own warranty. In
either case, what is covered by warranty, how
sure to change. long is the warranty period, where will the prod¬
Those figures actually assume a
uct be serviced, is there a charge for service, what
For routine Part 15 operation, try power-amplifier efficiency of 100% do you have to do to obtain service and will the
to use as high of a frequency as with the power being defined as product be repaired or replaced? You may want
possible. It is a good idea to confine the amount of input into the final to receive a copy of the written warranty before
the signal to only the area in which RF-amplifier stage. That method of placing your order.
it is needed. A 4-foot whip antenna measurement is from the vacuum- 4. Keep a copy of all transactions, including
will cover an average house and is tube days when RF power was not but not limited to cancelled check, receipt and
easy to build from scratch or to sal¬ correspondence. For phone orders, make a note
easily measured with simple equip¬
of the order including merchandise ordered, price,
vage from a junked TV set. The ment. However, solid-state RF ampli¬ order date, expected delivery date and salesper¬
antenna should be wired in parallel fiers are specified in terms of RF out¬ son’s name.
with a 56-ohm resistor connected put. An efficiency of 60-80% is typi¬ 5. If the merchandise is not shipped within the
to the RF output. cal of transistor-based power amp¬ promised time, or if no time was promised, with¬
According to Part 15, the formu¬ lifiers, although 90% or more can be in 30 days of receipt of the order, you generally
la for the maximum field strength reached in some instances. There¬ have the right to cancel the order and get a re¬
allowed between 510 kHz and 1600 fund.
fore, in order to comply with the
kHz is 24000/f^z microvolts per Part 15 rules, either make sure that 6. Merchandise substitution without your ex¬
meter at 30 meters. That works out to the RF output is kept at 1.6 to 2 volts press prior consent is generally not allowed.
15 microvolts per meter at 1600 kHz rms or below when connected to a 7. If you have a problem with your order or the
at a distance of 100 feet from the 50-ohm load or use an unmatched merchandise, write a letter to the seller with all the
June 1998, Electronics Now

transmitter. Below 490 kHz, a field 4-foot whip antenna. Do not use a pertinent information and keep a copy.
strength of 2400//^ at 300 meters is 10-foot antenna unless you can 8. If you are unable to obtain satisfaction from
allowed. That works out to about 12 measure and verify the RF-output the seller, contact the consumer protection
microvolts per meter at 1000 feet. agency in the seller’s state and your local Post
power. Although you can operate Office.
Those levels represent a weak anywhere in the AM band, the high
AM-broadcast-band station. Alter¬ If, after following the guidelines, you experi¬
end (1600 kHz) is better because of
ence a problem with a mail order advertiser
natively, 100 mW of RF into a 10-foot antenna efficiency. that you are unable to resolve, please let us
antenna is allowed In the AM- There you have it—an AM trans¬ know. Write to Advertising Department,
broadcast band, and 1 -watt of RF is mitter that updates old technolo¬ Gernsback Publications Inc., 500B Bi-County
allowed into a 50-foot antenna Blvd. Farmingdale, NY 11735.
gy with the newest circuits and
between 160 kHz and 190 kHz. designs. Q Be sure to include copies of all correspondence. 47