FM NOISE SQUELCH

ehanged for over 50 years: reetify the

Although the squelch (noise suppression) function on most notse produced by the FM ctetector,
narrow-FM transceivers (including CS rigs) will work fine and use the direct voltage so obtainect
without too much attention being paid to it, there is always to control an audio switch. The func-
tian is simple: when astation ts re-
room for improvement. In this article we look at a better cerved, tt will 'push down' tho noise, so
squelch which is intelligent enough to suppress almost that the switch opens. and the mes-
anything you do not want to hear, including those nasty sage becomes audible. Thus. when DO
statron ts recetved, the demodulator
'empty' carriers, constant whistles and a lot of other notse is muted by the squelch, and you
interference which always seems to be around, particularly hear ... nothing!
when going mobile. At the same time, the FM noise squelch The only adjustment available on
most traditional squelch functions is
maintains a variable switching threshold to make sure that you the trtp level, or sensttivtty. In most
can hear the other station even if its signal swings back and cases, this is set such that the receiver
forth between 59+ and just about the minimum detection level just quiets when no stgnal ts received.
This corresponds to maximum senst-
of your radio. 5uitable for any CS or radio amateur transceiver tivity, because any stgnal. however
with a selective tone-call extension socket. small, reduces the FM detector noise,
and causes the squelch to open.
Although it guarantees that you are
ustentng at the hlghest possible senst-
uvtty. and you won't miss anything
that is going on the channel, thts set-
ung will also cause a lot of erratic
opening and closmg of the sque1ch by
noise and other spurious signals. On
the other hand, If you turn up the
squelch too far, weak signals may not
be heard at all beeause they are below
the switehing threshold. Missed any-
thing on the channel? Yes, 'fraid so!
Another well-known effeet of the
traditional FM squelch Ia the noise
burst produced just after the received
signal disappears from the channel.
You can hear thts type of noise in al-
most any police sertes on 1V or in films
(at least the realtsttc ones), whenever
some kind of mobi1e communication ts
used. The effect is invariably linked to
the above mentioned 'sensitive' set-
ting, and eaused by the 'slow' elosing
of the audio switch in the receiver,
which allows a few hundreds of rnil-
liseconds of detector noise to pass at
full strength, In one of those unforget-
table episodes of the 1V series The
You.ng Ones, Neil, the sluggtsh htppte
student. was dtsgutaed as a police offl-
cer posting in front of the students'
residence, carrying a portable radio
and all. Until instructed by HQ, over
the radio, to aetually produee the
squelch-closing noise before releasing
the transmit button, Netl's messages
were simply tgnored because HQ
Design by Stefan Meyer. DL9BE Q.. deemed them not authentie. After
some practicing at uttering the
squelch trailing sound into the miero-
phone. Neil did fabulously at this,
HE function of a squelch ctrcutt ts the introduction of FM portable and matntatntng 'really heavy' commuruca-
T to suppress the notse produced by
an FM Ifrequency modulation) deteetor
mobile cornmunicatton equipment for
short-range communication durtng the
tion with HQ frcm his post on the stde-
walk. Unfortunately in spttc of his
when no stgnal is being recerved. second world war, and the operating efforts he ended up being arrested and
Squelch circuits have been used since principle has remained basically UD- beaten up anyway (as expected).
ELEKTOR ELECTRON1CS NOVEMBER 1995
 FM NOISE SQUELCH

so

u-

LFIN

"'T~~'"
102
...

~
"'7

A1
16~
09

1N4148
R21

"
'"
""
'"

".
".
UDO

1N
4148 ,.
." fN4148

[Cf = LM324
IC2", LM324 ,.
~ ".
".
,.
."

ca " ••
''>'
rev " • 950089 _ 11

Fig. 1. Circuit diagram 01 the FM Noise Squelch. The parts rnarked with an asterisk are only required if your transceiver has no connection at
all tor an extern al selective call unit.

How it works With reference to the circuit di.agram 500 Hz to 2.5 kHz. This makes it fairly
in Fig, 1, this signal is applied to the easy to create a noise filter with a stn.
Okay so we want to da samething LF input ofthe circuit. Behind the sen- gle LC combination. The 'trtp' level of
about this receiver sputtering and the sitivity control. PI, the stgnal takes two the squelch is set wtth potentiometer
spurious noises coming through when paths. The upper path is a Iarrly tradt- P2' The voltage across CIO ts connected
the squelch is set to the most sensitive tional noise level detector. while the to the inverting (~)input of comparator
level. At the same time, we da not want lower path serves to make the squelch IC2a• and drops when a stgnal is re-
to miss anything of what is going on respond to signals which da have mod- ceived. LED D 10 lights when a carrier
the channeL This requtrernent calls for ulation which vartes. as opposed to is received (with or wtthout modula-
an improved sque1ch. in other words, 'empty' carrters and constant whtstles. tion).
one which does not res pond to FM de- The constant audio stgnal taken The 'lower' signal path looks very
tector noise only. from the transcctver's selective tone similar to the upper path with the ex-
The present circuit makes use of the call extension socket is amplified by ception of the low-pass filter, LI-CS.
signal connections found on either the IC la and then fed to high-pass filter connected ahead of the second ampli-
microphone socket or the selecttve C3-L2 wh ich ensures that the htgher- fier. ICle. The recttfter ts also nearly
tone call extension socket whtch is frequency components, t.e., the noise, identical. except that It ts laid out to
available on most CB radtos. The crux are amplified agatri [by IClb) and then detect signals in the above mentioned
of the FM notse squelch is that it uses rectified by D2-CjQ. Remember, the AF speech range. Interrnittent audio sig-
the so-called 'constant audio' signal bandwidth of most speech signals in nals. such as speech, do not produce a
which is avatlable on these connectors. CB ngs has a limited range of about voltage across C 17 whtch Is high
ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS NOVEMBER 1995
 RADIO/TELEVISIONITELECOMMUNICA TIONS

COMPONENTS LIST

Resistors:
R1 = 33kQ
R2 = 100kQ
R3,R41 = 150kQ
R4,R25,R31 = 180kQ
R5;R6;R7 ,R 14,R 18,R 19,R21 ,R22,R24,
R29 = 1MQ
R8 = 18kQ
R9,R23,R35 = 47kQ
R10,R12,R17,R26,R27,R38,R43 = 1kQ
R11,R13,R15,R37,R39,R40 = 10kQ
R16 = 39kQ
R20,R30 = 270kQ
R28 = 470Q
R32,R33 = 2kQ7
R34 = 27kQ
R36 = 680Q
R42 = 18Q
P1 = 100kQ
P2,P3 = 22kQ linear

Capacitors:
C1,C3,C4,C5,C7 = 4IJF7 16V radial
C2,C6 = 2nF2
C8,C9 = 22IJF 16V radial
C11,C13,C14,C15,C20 = 100nF
C12 = 220IJF 16V radial
C16,C17 = 1IJF 16V radial
C10,C18,C19 = 10IJF 16V radial

Inductors:
L 1,L2 = 470IJH
L3 = 1mH

Semiconductors:
01-04,08,09,011,012,013 = 1N4148
05 = 5V1/400mW
07,010 = LEO
06,014 = 3V3/400mW
T1 = BC557
T2,T3 = BC547
IC1,IC2 = LM324

Miscellaneous:
JP1 = 3-way SIL pin header w. jumper.
K1 = 2-way PCB terminal block, pitch
5mm.
S1 = switch, SPOT, w. centre-off posi-
tion.
Re1 = OlL relay, 12V coil, 1 make con-
tact, e.g., Siemens type V32100-V4012-
AOOO.
PCB type 950089-1 (see page 70).
Fig. 2. Build the circuit on this printed circuit board (available ready-made through the
Readers Services, see page 70).

enough to exceed the d.c. level set with charged to a level when 'the reference tumed up. Assuming that swttch S\ is
the 'modulation sensittvtty' control, P3. voltage at the - input of comparator set to the 'Signal & Modulation' posi-
The result is that the 'modulation' IC2b is exceeded. Because the level at tion, the sque1ch switching slgnal is
LED, D7, flashes in the rhythm of the the + input of IC2c varies along with passed to another smoothing filter,
speech. This stage has a kind of mem- the voltage on Cg, the trip level of the C\9-R34, and then to the base of
ory function, which keeps the sque1ch 'modulatton' switch varies in a natural, switching transistor T2. The sque1ch
open for about 2.5 s. If no signal (that tracking, manner. The range of the control stgnal which is fed back into
is, modulation) is detected within this sensitivity control, P3, is such that the receiver is available at the collector
period, the output is switched off weak, intermittent signals are copied of T2. A jurnper, JP\, is used only for
again. Assuming that modulation is reliably, while streng audible interfer- the simplest version of the noise
present, capacitor C \8 is ultimately ence can be blocked if the control is sque1ch, with receivers that do not
ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS NOVEMBER 1995
 FM NOISE SQUELCH

have an external sque1ch control

input. The ctrcutt then breaks and
closes the loudspeaker line with the
aid of relay. More about üus option
~--l'"
further on in this arttele. grollnd (black)

When swttch SI is set to the centre eonstant alldlo (grey) LF in

posttton. the FM noise squelch is dts- sqllelch(pink) FM

so NOISE
abled. Note that the circuit is not elec-
sau ELCH
trtcally off. P.T.T. L----l+12V
J (blue)
When SI Is set to posiüon 'Signal'.
the squelch acts on FM detector notse
only, i.e .. the modulation detection 7 +5V111P
(purpie)
upldown eentre 8
feature Is then not used. (white)
ONT-type B-pin
+12V(red)
microphone socket
Power for the FM noise squelch is 950089 -12a

obtained from the receiver. The 12-

14 V Input voltage is filtered by L3-CI2.
A zener diode, 05, Is used to provide a
5.1 V (approximately) reference voltage
for use by the opamps in the circuit.

Construction
ground /'\
...
Construction of the ctrcutt is not at all
L~ 0
6
LFin

FM

L
difftcult. and best carried out on the
NOISE
printed circuit board shown in Fig. 2. V
---.! 0 ~modulatlon SQUELCH
Start by fitting the seven wire links on 0- (n.e.) +12V

the board, so that they are not forgot-

ten later. The remainder of the con- ( 0 '
ArJ!jEl
r ~ r?
struction is all stratghtforward fitting
and soldering. Check your work by
TX-P.T.T Jeonslant audio
I "Stabo"
socket
type
I ~I
loudspeaker
950089 -12b
keeping an exact match between the breaker

parts list and the component overlay.

Pay attention when apart is polartzed
(which includes an electrolytic capact-
tors, diodes and ICs). The two poten-
tiometers are soldered directly on to Fig.3. Connection diagrams for 'DNT' (3a) and 'Stabo' (3b) type CS transceivers.
the PCB, so that their threaded parts
can be used to sec ure the board to the
front panel of the case. The mode se-
lection switch, SI, may need to be radios. The connection should also be in the volume setring of the trans-
wired externaüy. depending on the suitable for CS radios which have no cerver. Very awkward, tndeed. particu-
type of enclosure you use. Note that a selective call extension socket at all. larly when going mobile. Also, it
toggle switch with centre-off position Note. however, lhat retro-fitttng such requires aseparate 12-V power supply.
must be used, although the Introduc- an extension has a few important tmpü-
tory photograph shows a two-posrüon cattons. First. it requires the technical
Adjustment
slide switch. documentation of the transceiver: sec-
The connections to the 8-way mtcro- ond, It voids the guaranlee you may Adjustrnent of the FM noise sque1ch ts
phone socket on the case are made as have on the equipment, and, third, it limited to rnatching the input sensitiv-
shown in Fig. 3a. This connection is may not be allowed as regards the tty to the level of the 'const. audto' sig-
used with 'DNT' type radlos which sup- CEPT regulations for CB transceivers. nal taken from your transcerver. You
port the connection of a selective call So you do tt at your own risk. Note that guessed tt. that is where preset PI
extension u n it via the microphone the 'Stabe' option also allows the relay comes in, For easy adjustment. the
socket. These radios include the driver section to be omitted as men- preset should be accessible through a
'Carat , 'dnt Carat exclustv', 'dnt tioned above. If you use a 'T' type adap- small hole drtlled in the case. Although
Strato' and 'dnt Strato plus'. The entire tor. it ts still possible to connect a the FM notse squelch should work
relay driver secnon conststing of the selecttve call untt. quite well with PI set Lo about rrud-
components marked with an asterisk The last, admittedly primitive, cp- travel, the correct range of the 'Signal'
(*) in the circuit diagram may be onut- tion rs to use the FM noise squelch in control is only obtained tf the sensitiv-
ted. The FM noise squelch Is con- combtnatton with the external Ioud- ity is accurately adjusted. This ts done
nected to the transceivers's 8-way speaker connector which is available as folIows.
microphone socket using a short on almost any transcerver. This option Oisconnect the antenna from the
cable. Thc microphone ts then con- is the only one that does require the radio. Connect the FM nolsc squelch to
nected to an 8-way socket on the FM relay and relay driver components to be the radio. Do not push the PTT swttch
noise squelch. fitted because it requires the loud- at any time during the adjustment.
Users of 'Stabo' type CB transceivers speaker signal to be interrupted and Although doing so will not hann t:he
should refer to the conncctton diagram fed through the circutt. It is only rec- FM noise squelch, it may endanger the
in Fig, 3b. This is based on the 6-way ommended as a last resort with radios life of the (expensive) RF output amph-
selective call extension socket which is which do not have any type of selective fier in the radio because there is no
avatlable on these rtgs. for mstance. the call connectton. The disadvantage of load at the output. Select a channel
Stabo XM4012. XM4012N, XF4012, this connection fs that the adjustment which is totally clear. i.e. produces
XF4012N. Pan Mega-Top, Astracom of the FM noise squelch transceiver nothing but noise. Set the mode switch
MA4012, and a number of 'Kaiser' CB should be changed wtth every change on the FM noise squelch to 'Signal',
ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS NOVEMBER 1995
 RADIO/TELEVISIONrrELECOMMUNICA TlONS

and turn the 'Signal' pot, P2• fully (not very useful with FM, though). is seriously arntss in the crrcutt. As
counter-clockwise (lowest sensitivity). The third mode. 'Signal & usual, check out and elim.inate the
Next, carefully adjust PI until the srg- Modulation' comb in es the 'Signal' cause of the over-current before recon-
nal detection switches on, as indicates mode with a detector for modulation necti..ngthe un.it to the transceiver.
by the ligh ting of the red LED (Diol on the carrter. In essence, an audible (950089)
Because of the hysteresis effect. the but varying stgnal (like rapid speech!)
switch-on and switch-off potnt will not must be present for the squelch to
be occur at the same setring of PI' Thla open. Consequently, empty carriers as
effect is transferred to the 'Signal' con- well as constant 'whtstles' and other
tro!. You can check this by turntng tt 'long' audio noises are blocked de-
clockwise, unW the red LED goes out. pending on the level set with the
and counter-clockwise agatri until the 'Modulation' control on the front
LED comes on agatn. The toggle potnts panel. If you are receiving a calm
will not occur at the sarne scttings. speaker, though. who puts up an oth-
However. rcturrung the 'Signal' control erwise streng enough stgnal, the
to the zero position (fully counter- squelch may open and elose intermit-
clockwise) should cause the squelch to tenUy. If that happens, switch to
open, and the red LED to light. Now 'Signal' mode. Fortunately, calm
you may twiddle PI a bit to put the speakers are few and far between on
squelch openjclosed potnt at the de- the CB charmeIs these days. Provided
sired setting of the 'Signal' contro!. In the 'Modulation' control Is turned up
most cases, this should be about ·~th far enough, the squelch will also sup-
operi'. If the FM notse squelch shows press weak AM stgnals.
no function at this stage, there is
samething wrang with your construc- Final points
tion, or with the selective call exten-
ston socket. It should· be no ted that the circuit has
a stand-by phase of 5 to 10 seconds
after the transcerver is switched on.
Practical use
During that perrod. all signals are
Most users of CB radtos will know per- passed, whtch gtves you some time to
fectly weIl how to use the normal set the volume control to the desired
squelch function on the rtg. As already level. This feature ts only available,
mentioned, the FM noise squelch has however, when the mode switch is set
three modes: (I) Signal, (2) Off, (3) to 'Signa!', because the modulation de-
Signal & Modulation. Each 01' these ts tector does not start to work until after
briefly discussed below. a delay of about 5 seconds.
The first mode, 'Signa}', works very Because of its low current con-
much like the traditional squelch, only sumption and the small nsk of a major
the trtp level is moved to a control on malfunction occurring in the circuil,
the FM noise squelch unit. Note, how- the FM noise squelch docs not have a
ever, that the FM noise squelch offers fuse. lnstead, a small diode type
superior performance over the radto's IN4148 (D4)will burn out tf anythtng
Interrial squelch because tt does not.
for one thing, produce the loud notse
trailer traditionally heard when a sta-
tion goes off the atr, and the squelch is
set to htghest sensitivity. Also, the FM
noise squelch is not controlled on the
basis of received field strength only. By
contrast, many ca users will know
that no sctttng of the traditional
squelch is adequate for a11purposes; tf
set to low, a lot of noise may come
through; if set too high, you may not
hear the other station at all because it
is not streng enough. In practice, it
will be found that the 'Signal' mode of
the FM noise squelch gtves Iar better
performance in this respect, and re-
quires only occasional re-adjustment
to match the received stgnal condr-
ttons.
The second mode, 'Off, does not ac-
tually switch off the squelch. lnstead,
it ignores the output srgnals of ther
noise and modulation deetctors. and
so ailows every stgnal produced by the
recetver (mcludtng FM detector notse)
to reach the audic amplifier. This
mode ts useful tf you want to 'dredge
the notse' for extremely weak signals
ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS NOVEMBER 1995