K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Features Description
• 3.8MHz Amateur Phone Band Receiver The AMR75 is an experimental AM phone
• 100 KHz Tuning Range band receiver which makes use of a TDA7642
• Wideband Hi-Fi AM mode reception TRF receiver IC along with a conventional
• Single Sideband mode with on board BFO NE602 first mixer stage. The design provides
• Uses single chip TRF TA7642 IC a wide bandwidth Hi-Fi output which is
• Low impedance 8 ohm speaker output suitable for listening to the AM groups that are
popular on 75 meters. The radio was designed
• Main tuning with separate Bandspread
as a nostalgic callback to vacuum tube
• RF Gain and AF Gain controls
receivers of the 1950s with main tuning, band
• 9-12 VDC operation spread, 455 KHz IF, BFO, and plenty of audio
• Varactor Diode tuning output. This radio is called experimental since
• NE602 1st Mixer the builder may want to tailor the radio’s
• 455 KHz IF with ceramic filter performance by adjusting component values.
• TDA7052 audio amplifier IC Also the builder needs to supply a suitable
• On board 6 volt regulator enclosure or open chassis platform.

Figure 1 – Assembled AMR75 Board

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Theory of Operation

This discussion will refer to the block diagram on page 3 and the schematics on page 4. We will start
at the antenna input with a two stage input bandpass filter consisting of two 10.7 MHZ 42IF123 IF
transformers that have been padded to resonate on the 75 meter band. An input impedance selector
is provided to allow the radio to work with a tuned low impedance antenna, such as a dipole, or a high
impedance antenna such a random length of wire. An NE602A is configured as a first mixer with an
internal VFO oscillator. The oscillator is tuned with a varactor diode. The VFO frequency is
determined by the DC voltage applied to the varactor which controls its capacitance. Two tuning
controls are provided, a Main tuning control and a Bandspread tuning control. The Main tuning
provides a coarse voltage adjustment to the varactor while the Bandspread allows a fine adjustment.
The bandspread is useful in tuning SSB station when the BFO is enabled. The VFO operates at a
frequency range of 3345 to 3445 KHz. When this is mixed with an incoming signal of 3800 KHz to
3900 kHz, the resulting mixing product is 455 KHz which is the radio’s IF. This signal is passed
through a 455 KHz ceramic filter which provides a 6 dB bandwidth at 4.5 KHz. This is coupled to a
455 KHz IF transformer which transforms the 2K ohm output impedance of the ceramic filter to the
high impedance input of the TA7642 TRF receiver IC. The TA7642 is a complete AM radio on a
single IC, providing gain stages, AGC, and an envelope detector. The IC is a three terminal device
with input, ground, and output. The output bias voltage is fairly critical and is controlled by a dedicated
bias regulator circuit that allows the voltage to be varied from 1.0V to 2.5V. The TA7642 is normally
used as the main component in a tuned RF radio operating in the AM broadcast band. We are
essentially using it as a fixed frequency radio at 455 KHz. The output of the TA7642 is baseband
audio which is amplified by a TDA7052 audio output amplifier. This is a very capable amplifier which
provides 1 watt of good sounding audio. To increase the capability of the receiver, a simple 455 KHz
BFO oscillator is provided to allow SSB reception. A tiny amount of BFO energy is coupled into the
signal path just after the 455 KHz ceramic filter. Note that this is old school SSB reception, both
sidebands are presented and the user must tune in to the correct sideband to get proper reception. In
addition, since this radio is designed for wide bandwidth reception, you may have a difficult time
digging out SSB stations if the conditions are very crowded. But then this is primarily an AM phone
receiver. It is possible to tune the receiver to the 80 meter CW band and use the BFO to copy CW,
but that is an exercise left to the builder.

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Block Diagram

Antenna 455 KHz

Jumper Input BP NE602A 6 KHz BW Matching XFMR
Hi
455 KHz
Lo Ceramic
Filter
RF Gain T3,T2 T4 2.2pF
VFO FL1
U3
+ BX
3345 to 455KHz
Tune
3445 KHz BFO Osc
+ for
3800 to BY T1
Spread VC1 Q2
3900 KHz

IF Gain & Detector

TDA7052 Speaker
AF Gain
TA7462
AF
Radio IC
Amp
U2
U1
1.3V 9V
Vcc = 6V
Bias GND
Regulator 6V
Q1
Regulator
Rx Bias
RX1 VR1
Adjust

Figure 2 – Assembled AMR75 Block Diagram

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

AMR75 Schematics

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

AMR75 Kit Parts List

R14 1 100K Brown Black Yellow

R12, R15 2 10K Brown Black Orange
R2, R9 2 1.5K Brown Green Red
R1, R6 2 15K Brown Green Orange
R11, R13 2 1K Brown Black Red
R8 1 1M Brown Black Green
R5 1 4.7K Yellow Violet Red
R7 1 2.2K Red Red Red
R4 1 22Ω Red Red Black
R10 1 470Ω Yellow Violet Brown
R3 1 470K Yellow Violet Yellow
RX1 1 5K 5KΩ Trimmer Potentiometer

C13, C23, C24 3 .01uF Ceramic Disk Cap

C3, C4, C6, C9, 7 .1uF Multilayer Cap (.1” spacing)
C17, C2, C21
C20, C22 2 .1uF Mylar Cap(.2” spacing)
C1, C12 2 100uF Electrolytic Cap
C5 1 120pF Ceramic Disk Cap
C19 1 2.2pF Ceramic Disk Cap
C15 1 10pF Ceramic Disk Cap
C10 1 470pF Polystyrene Cap
C8, C18 2 220pF Polystyrene Cap
C14, C16 2 330pF Ceramic Disk Cap
C7, C11 1 56pF NPO Ceramic Disk Cap

CT1 1 5-20pF Green Trimmer Cap

T1, T4 2 42IF101 IF Transformer (BFO, IF)

T2, T3 2 42IF123 IF Transformer (BPF)

Q1 1 2N3904 NPN TO92

Q2 1 2N2222A NPN Metal Case

VR1 1 78L06 6 volt regulator (TO92)

VC1 1 MVAM109 Varactor Diode TO92
L1 1 T50-6 Toroid, 45 turns #28
U1 1 TA7642 Single Chip Radio IC TO92
U2 1 TDA7052 BTL AF Amplifier DIP8
U3 1 NE602A Mixer/VFO IC DIP8

FL1 1 CFWLA455KGFA Ceramic Filter

REXT1, REXT2 2 5K Potentiometer RF Gain, Spread
REXT3 1 10K Pot AF Gain, Tune
REXT4 1 100K Pot AF Gain with switch
SK1, SK2 2 DIP 8 sockets
Enameled Copper Wire 1 2.2 ft
Insulated hook up wire 1 2.5 ft

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

PCB Assembly

Install and test the 6 volt power supply

Install C2, VR1, C1 and C3. Observe polarity for C1, long lead goes in square hole.

Attach power leads to the 9V and GND pads and attach them to a suitable power supply. 9V is
optimal but any voltage from 8V to 12V will work. Make sure that the plus lead goes to the 9V
pad. Turn on the power supply and you should see approx. 6V at TP3 then remove power.

Install Input Bandpass filter

Install and solder T2, T3, C14, C15 and C16

Install Mixer/VFO
Install an 8 pin socket at U3. Next install C17, C18, C10, C8, C11, VC1, C5, then U3.
1 8

Install CT1 as shown in the pictures on page 10. Note that there is a squared side and a rounded
side, orient CT1 so that the squared end is away from VC1.

Wind and install L1

Wind 45 turns of enameled copper wire on the yellow T50-6 core. The measured length is 2 feet
5 inches which includes an extra 1” at each end for leads. Count each pass through the core as
one winding. When done verify the turns count while evenly spreading the turns around the core.
Finished inductance should be approx. 8.1 uH. Coat the completed toroid with a thin layer of clear
fingernail polish. After this dries, carefully remove the varnish from the toroid leads with fine
sandpaper or the edge of a sharp knife and then tin the leads. To install L1 into the board, I first
place a small dab of RTV glue on the PC board and then route the leads though pads so that the
wound toroid sits on the glue. I let this set and then turn the board over and solder the leads.

After initial winding After evenly spreading windings

Install Ceramic Filter and IF transformer

R10, FL1, R9 T4, and C23

Install RX Bias Regulator Circuit

RX1, R5, C6, R1, Q1, R2, and C9
NOTE: In the pictures, R5 is shown as 2.2K, we have changed this value to 4.7K.

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Install the Single Chip Radio Circuit

U1, C20, R14, and C22

Adjust U1 Bias Voltage

Apply power and adjust RX1 so that there is 1.3V at TP2 then remove power

Install Audio Amplifier Circuit

Install an 8 pin socket at U2. Then install R4, C12, C21, C13 and U2 Observe polarity for C12,
long lead goes in square hole.

Test AF amplifier
Attach a speaker to the SPKR and GND pads. Apply power to the board and touch the middle
pad of the AF gain pad set; you should hear a loud 60 Hz hum in the speaker.

Install BFO Circuit

Q2, T1, C4, R3, C7, R6, and C19

Antenna Impedance Jumper

If the receiver is to be used with a resonant antenna, such as a dipole cut for 3.8 MHz (recom-
mended), install a jumper wire between LO and the center hole of the three position ANT-Z
location. Otherwise, install jumper between HI and center hole for a random length non-resonant
antenna.

Control Wiring
The length of wires used to connect the front panel controls will depend on how you build up the
receiver. Enough wire is included in the kit to cover a wide range of options. Cut six wires for the
central two controls (TUNE and SPREAD) then cut six more, longer wires for the RF and AF gain
controls. The end control wires are slightly longer to result in a good looking wire harness. Attach
a 5K potentiometer to the RF GAIN pads and a second 5K potentiometer to the SPREAD pads.
Next, attach the 10K potentiometer to the TUNE pads and the 100K potentiometer to the AF
GAIN pads. The 100K AF gain control has a built in on/off switch. This is wired in series with the
input power lead and the pad marked 9V on the PC board.

VFO Calibration
This procedure requires a calibrated general coverage receiver. Set the main tuning knob and
bandspread controls to midscale. Set your receiver to 3.395MHz and connect a length of wire to
the test receiver’s antenna input. Route this wire so that it runs close to, but does not touch, the
AMR75 board. Apply power up the AMR75 and adjust the CT1 trimmer so that you hear a zero
beat on the receiver. Use a plastic screwdriver for best results. A small metal jeweler’s
screwdriver can work but note the screwdriver will influence the frequency and it might take
several trials to get the frequency correct. The radio is now tuned close to the center of the 75
meter AM phone band (3850 KHz). You should get a range of about 50 KHz to each end of the
tuning range.

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Alternate VFO Calibration Procedure

This procedure uses a signal generator to set the AMR75 VFO. Set the signal generator to
3.395MHz and couple its output to the AMR75 antenna input through a 100 pF capacitor. Attach
a speaker to the AM75. We will follow the same procedure outlined above with the exception that
we will be listening for a signal from the AMR75 as we adjust CT1. Make sure you have turned
the RF gain control fully clockwise and the AF gain to mid-position.

IF Adjustment and Input BPF Calibration

Connect the speaker to the AMR75 and then connect an antenna to the AMR75 antenna input.
Set the RF gain control fully clockwise and set the AF gain mid-position. Set the bandspread
control to midscale. Turn the main tuning pot fully counterclockwise and return about 20%
clockwise. Adjust T2 and then T4 for a peak in band noise,. Now turn the main tuning pot fully
clockwise and return about 20% counterclockwise. Peak T3 for maximum noise.

BFO Calibration
Attach an on/off switch (not supplied) to the BX and BY pads and set it to the off position. The
best way to adjust the BFO is to tune to the center of a carrier in AM mode. You don’t have to be
exactly on center but get as close as you can. Now turn on the BFO switch and carefully adjust
T1 for a zero beat note. Once you get to zero beat turn the adjustment clockwise so that you get
about a 2 KHz beat note. As mentioned this is not a critical adjustment, as long as you are
reasonably close it will work fine.
If there are any SSB stations on the band try tuning one in to get the feel for how it works. Since
this is not a single signal receiver, you will be able to tune in both sidebands of an SSB phone
transmission. Only one will be intelligible, the lower sideband. Since receiver bandwidth is fairly
wide, about 5 KHz, you may hear other stations that are higher or lower in frequency bleed
through.

Speaker Connection – IMPORTANT !

Neither of the TDA7052 audio amplifiers outputs should be connected to ground. A speaker or
headphones are connected between the two outputs. This can be a problem if you decide to put the
radio into a metal enclosure that is connected to power supply ground. You must choose a speaker
connection that is isolated from ground unlike most 1/8” or 1/4” connectors.

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

General Operational Notes

This receiver has a surplus of gain. This will become apparent when band conditions are good. You
will find that you rarely have to turn the RF gain control all the way up, particularly for SSB stations. If
you are finding that signals are distorted, try backing off on the RF gain control. If you only want to
use AM mode, don’t bother with a BFO switch, the BFO circuit is disabled when the switch is
disconnected.

When tuning around the band, generally set the bandspread control set to mid position, this provides
a good range of fine tuning when you find a station. Larger knobs on the tuning and spread controls
are a good idea with calibration marks on the front panel as a tuning aid. Remember to set the spread
control to center when you are determining the calibration points. A center detent pot for the spread
would be a nice option if you have one.

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Close Up Photos of an Assembled AMR75 PC Board

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Figure 3 – Assembled AMR75 Board Close Up

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Figure 4 – Printed Circuit Board Image

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 K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Contact Information

The AMR75 Kit is fully guaranteed; if you are not satisfied please return the kit for a full refund.

Questions will be handled by e-mail via: [email protected]

Watch the Hamcrafters Website for latest updates and new product offerings: http://www.hamcrafters.com

Revision History

3-16-2015 AMR75 Rev A.1 Original Release

11-11-2015 AMR75 Rev A.2 Updates and Corrections
3-7-2016 AMR75 Rev A.3 Updated PCB images, removed R120, R5 is now 4.7K
12-19-16 AMR75 Rev A.4 Corrected L1 winding to 45 turns on page 6

Index
Features .......................................................................................................................................................... 1 
Description ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 
Figure 1 – Assembled AMR75 Board .......................................................................................... 1 

Theory of Operation ........................................................................................................................................ 2 

Block Diagram................................................................................................................................................. 3 
Figure 2 – Assembled AMR75 Block Diagram ............................................................................ 3 

AMR75 Schematics ........................................................................................................................................ 4 

AMR75 Kit Parts List ....................................................................................................................................... 5 
PCB Assembly ................................................................................................................................................ 6 
Alternate VFO Calibration Procedure .............................................................................................................. 8 
Figure 3 – Assembled AMR75 Board Close Up ........................................................................ 12 
Figure 4 – Printed Circuit Board Image ..................................................................................... 13 

Contact Information ....................................................................................................................................... 14 

Revision History ............................................................................................................................................ 14 
Index ............................................................................................................................................................. 14 
Appendix A - Kit Construction Hints .............................................................................................................. 15 
Appendix B - Note About Safety ................................................................................................................... 15 
Appendix C - Soldering Basics...................................................................................................................... 16 

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

Appendix A - Kit Construction Hints

1. Find a good workspace.

It is essential that you have a good place to work on your kit,

You will need room to spread out your parts and have access to tools. Good lighting and
ventilation is essential. A magnifying glass or hood is highly recommended.

2. Have the proper tools.

At a bare minimum you will need:

Small side cutters, flush cutters are a plus.

Small needle nosed pliers

Small flat blade & Philips head screw drivers

A good quality, 40-60Watt, temperature controlled Soldering Iron. The price has come down on
these, you can buy a Weller WLC100 40W adjustable soldering station for $40 on Amazon.

3. Read the Instructions First.

Read through the assembly instructions completely and have everything on hand before you
start. Carefully inventory the kit parts, make sure you have everything.

4. Follow the assembly instructions in order.

Although not always obvious, the order in which parts are installed is important and should be
followed. Sometimes individual sections are completed and tested in order or there may be a
mechanical clearance considerations.

5. Keep your Workplace Clean and Orderly.

Nothing spoils a kit building experience more than lost parts. Second to that are stray bits of dirt
and metal that get on a printed circuit board assembly. Our PC boards are nicely plating and
accept solder easily. There is no need to use solder flux or to clean the board with steel wool
before starting.

6. Take your time.

There is no need to rush, enjoy the process and the difference will show in the end result. Moving
too quickly or working when you are tired often leads to big mistakes which could be difficult if not
impossible to fix.
Appendix B - Note About Safety

Burns to your skin can be very painful and can lead to serious injury.

Burns to your eyes can be catastrophic.

Toxic fumes can cause serious harm.

Flying objects such as wire ends etc. can cause painful and serious injuries.

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K1EL 75 Meter AM Phone Receiver AMR75

When building your kit please remember that Soldering Irons and Solder are used at High
Temperatures!

Soldering Irons can remain hot for many minutes after being turned off. Never touch the tip to see
if it is hot. Place the tip on a wet pad to test for temperature.

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying objects.

Appendix C - Soldering Basics

1. Insert component leads into PCB holes and bend them back slightly to hold the part in
place. You can either trim the lead now or wait till after the joint is soldered. I usually
install several parts at one time and then solder and trim multiple leads in groups.

2. Place a hot and clean iron tip against both the lead and pad as in Fig. C1.

Fig. C1 - Form a heat bridge

3. Create a heat bridge between the lead, the PCB pad and the iron by placing a small amount of
solder on the tip.

4. Apply solder around the outside edge of the pad as in Fig. C2. If the pad and lead are at the
correct temperature, the solder will flow around the connection.

Fig. C2 - Spread solder around the work

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5. Remove the solder and then remove the iron:

Fig C3 - Remove the solder

6. Allow the joint to cool and visually inspect for defects or other problems. You should have a
solder joint with a bright shiny finish and a profile like that shown in Fig. C4.

Fig. C4 - Solder quantity comparison

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