SIMPLE

RADIO CIRCUITS
A COMPLETE BUILD YOUR OWN RADIO' GUIDE
I

A.T.COLLINS

SIMPLE
RADIO
CIRCUITS...
a complete 'build your own radio'
guide. Every page is packed with
expert practical advice and, for
those who have recently joined the
ranks of the wireless enthusiast,
valuable and instructive experience
will be gained by building this
up-to-date selection of receivers.
 SIMPLE
RADIO CIRCUITS

Edited by
A. T. COLLINS
(Managing Editor, Practical Wireless Magazine)

NEWNES : LONDON
 First Published 1964

© GEORGE NEWNES LIMITED 1964

Contents
CHAPTER PAGE
1 Simple Mains Short Wave Receiver 5

2 Medium Wave Transistor Receiver 14

3 Dual Wave One-valver 22

4 Broadcast Bands Receiver 30

5 Two -valve Short Waver 36

6 Amateur Bands Hybrid 45

7 Transistor Superhet Tuner 54

8 Battery -operated Short Wave Converter 66

9 Five -transistor T.R.F. Receiver 77

10 Four -valve Superhet Portable 86

Made and printed in Great Britain for

George Newnes Ltd., Tower House,
Southampton Street, London, W.C.2 by
C. Tinling & Co. Ltd., Liverpool, London and Prescot
 I

Simple Mains
Short Wave Receiver
THIS simple receiver is very suitable for all beginners.
If used as a single -range receiver, it will cover
approximately 15m to 40m, and this includes those
bands most generally used for long distance reception. The
set also works well on other wavebands, over the range 9m
to 200m, and can easily be wired to take plug-in coils.

Circuit
The circuit is shown in Fig. 1, and none of the com-
ponent values are critical. The tuning capacitor, VC1, is
shown as 160pF, but 100pF to 200pF may be fitted, with
some change in band coverage. Current is obtained from a
mains power pack, and the phones are isolated from h.t.
and main voltages. The receiver will be safe, if the power
pack is arranged as described. Consumption is quite low,
and it may be possible to take supplies from an existing
5
amplifier or receiver. If so, the safety precautions mentioned
for the power pack should be observed. COMPONENTS LIST
Regeneration in the detector is controlled by VR1 and
this gives high sensitivity. Reaction is obtained by a cathode Resistors:
RI 2.2MS1 R3 47k0 R5 10MQ
tap on the coil Ll, and this is an effective and very satisfactory R2 100kS2 IW R4 471d2 IW R6 100k0 IW
All ±I0%, 1-W carbon unless otherwise stated
VRI 50k,C1 potentiometer
Aerial
R2 R4 R6
100k 47k
C3 100k C5 Capacitors:
A
R1
V1
6AM6 1. 200pF
C2
II-
0.01}F

V2
6BA6
005.pF
II -0
Phones
CI 100pF mica
C2 200pF mica
C3 0.01/1F mica
C4 0.01p,F paper 250V
C5 0.05/1F paper 500V
2.2M
6 R3
VCI 160pF air -spaced variable
2
47k

L1
ICI 1° Valves:
4 100pF VR1 VI 6AM6 V2 6BA6
O
4 O 50k
4 3
O :g VC1

a 8 160pF R5
10M
Miscellaneous:
cp 2 Aluminium chassis 7 in. x 4 in. x 2+ in. Aluminium panel
7 in. x 4 in. Two B7G valveholders. Slow-motion
tuning drive and dial. Two twin -sockets for aerial,
HT - earth and 'phones. I+ in. dia. ribbed coil former,
2+ in. long, with chassis socket if plug-in type (Eddy-
6.3V
stone). Small, insulated tag strip. Bracket for VCI.
Two knobs. Tinned copper wire for coils. Connect-
ing wire, nuts, bolts, etc.
Fig. I. The receiver circuit less power supplies.

method. The second valve (V2) acts as an audio amplifier,

with bias developed across R5, which is loin. C3 should plug-in coil formers, with a chassis mounting holder to suit,
be a mica capacitor to avoid upsetting working conditions. may be easily obtained and as many coils as wanted can
then be wound.
For the 15-40m coil, a ribbed former about 1+ in. to 1-1 in.
Coil Windings in diameter, and at least 2 in. long, will be required. The
For a single, fixed coil, a waveband of about 15-40m is windings are shown in Fig. 2. There is no need to adhere
most generally satisfactory, as mentioned. This coil is thus to the exact wire gauges, turns spacing, or other details.
recommended. But if it is wished to tune other wavebands, Changes in these, or in the coil diameter, will modify the
it is quite easy to wind further coils for these. Ribbed, band coverage, but results should be just as good.
6 7
 The "grid winding" of the 15-40m coil consists of 9 turns be of 28 s.w.g. or similar enamelled wire, with turns side by
of 22 s.w.g. tinned copper wire, turns being spaced to occupy side, to save space.
about 1 in. The "cathode tap" is soldered on one-half turn
from the earthed end of the winding. For "aerial coupling",
Chassis and Panel
Fig. 3 shows the layout, the chassis being 7 in. x 4 in.
and 2 in. or 2 in. deep. The panel is 7 in. x 6 in. and is
secured to the front runner of the chassis by means of two
6 B.A. bolts. This layout allows the valveholder holes to be
suitably placed, and indicates the positions for valves.
Fig. 2. Details of the aerial coil,
LI.
4 z14 VI
6A1s16
Chassis dimenalons
7'n

VCI

Fig. 3. Components
and connections
above chassis.
4 turns of 26 s.w.g. wire are used, this winding being about
in. from the grid winding, as in Fig. 2. The ends of both
windings are joined, as indicated, this lead going to the Dial
1111111 11111111111111
receiver chassis. Regeneration Tuning

Further details of the tuning drive will be seen in Fig. 5.

Other Ranges The dial is just clear of the panel. Some form of reduc-
If required, other coils can be wound to give approximate tion drive is essential and a small ball -drive of this kind is
bands as follows : easy to fit. The projecting lug on the drive must be prevented
9-15m 4 turns 20 s.w.g. occupying 1 in. space; tap at from rotating, and this is arranged by passing a bolt through
turn; aerial coupling, 2 turns. the panel, as in Figs. 3 and 5. A slotted bracket will allow
30-60m 16 turns 24 s.w.g. occupying 12 in.; tap at I turn; the tuning capacitor to be mounted at the correct height,
aerial coupling, 6 turns. so that the whole turns smoothly.
60-110m 32 turns 24 s.w.g. occupying 4 in.; tap at 1
turn; aerial coupling, 8 turns.
100-200m 55 turns 24 s.w.g. occupying l in.; tap at If Wiring
turns; aerial coupling, 12 turns. The moving plates tag of the tuning capacitor is connected
Aerial coupling windings of coils covering 30 to 200m can to a tag bolted to the chassis. Lead 1 from LI is left long
8 9

J
enough to reach the fixed plates (Fig. 3). An insulated lead connection, and is also the return to the heater circuit.
also passes from this point, through the chassis, to R1 and Pins 3 on both holders are joined, and the lead from this
Cl. point is for the 6.3V supply. The remaining lead is for h.t.
Lead 4 of the coil is long enough to reach the aerial socket, positive, as described.
and is covered with sleeving. The cathode tap goes to pin 2 The wires from RI and Cl to pin 1 should be short, to
of Vl. The remaining coil lead passes directly through the avoid hum. For the same reason, the wires from C3 to R5,
chassis to a tag. to pin 1 of the second holder, should be short, direct, and
Three leads are taken from the 50142 potentiometer; all clear of the heater lead.
these may be passed through a single hole, provided they are
correctly identified, or the lead marked "M.C." may be
earthed to the panel at the potentiometer bush. Power Supply
Wiring and components under chassis will be seen from If a mains unit is to be constructed for the receiver, the
Fig. 4. A tag is placed on each bolt holding the valve - circuit in Fig. 6 will be satisfactory, and can provide
holders, and also on the bolt near the earth socket. These current for larger equipment than this receiver. The 6X5
points, marked M.C., must make good contact with the requires 0.6A for its heater. Added to the 0.6A of the VI
chassis. If the valveholders are the type with a centre metal and V2 heaters, the total consumption is 1.2A, so a 1.5A
spigot, this is joined to the nearest M.C. tag. winding will easily provide this current, and also current for

Panel Drive racket Tuning

Dial capacitor
CI
TIrni%g

To I
Fig. 4. The main on coil

wiring underchassis. Fig. 5. Details of the tuning

drive mechanism.

6FAA.
c ek Spacer
bolt Chassis To RI
connection and Cl

Boltg securing panel

A single tag, on a small tag strip, and insulated from the

chassis, forms the h.t. positive junction point, for R2, R4 a 6.3V, 0.3A indicator lamp, if wanted. A 6.3V heater
and R6. The three power supply leads emerge through a winding with a higher current rating is also suitable.
grommet in the rear runner, and should be identified to The receiver requires a very small h.t. current, at 150V to
make sure there is no error in connecting the receiver to its 250V or so. For the receiver only, the smoothing choke may
power pack. A lead from the chassis forms the h.t. negative be replaced by a 5k) resistor. However, the power pack is
10 11
more useful for other purposes when a choke is used. The wires. Naturally a fairly efficient aerial will give best results
h.t. voltage will rise somewhat, with little or no current with the weaker, more distant stations. If the aerial is at
drawn, so a 471a2 bleeder resistor is fitted. The h.t. voltage all long, a small capacitor should be added in series with
can be reduced, if wished, by wiring a resistor between the it, at the receiver. A 25pF pre-set trimmer is suitable, or the
60mA fuse and the choke. This fuse is merely to protect the lead-in can be twisted for a few inches round another
rectifier and transformer, in the event of an h.t. short. insulator wire, to form a small capacity.
Tuning will be very sharp and critical, especially with
weak stations, and with loose aerial coupling. Reaction is
also very critical, with weak distant stations. Powerful
stations will be heard easily, and the exact setting of the
reaction control will not then be very important, but, for
Fig. 6. Circuit of the weak stations, this control must be operated very carefully.
power pack.
It is slowly turned clockwise, from zero, until the set is just
on the point of oscillation. Sensitivity is then extremely
high, and very long distance reception is possible. The
reaction control should be carefully adjusted, as necessary,
while tuning. It must not be rotated too far, or the receiver
will oscillate and sensitivity will be reduced.
Current is drawn from a 3 -pin plug, and the chassis of the
receiver is earthed. If this earthing is effective, and a 500mA
or other low -rating fuse is included in the mains circuit as in
Fig. 5, mains voltages cannot be present at the receiver,
even if the mains transformer were faulty.
If preferred, the power pack can be scaled down, to pro-
vide a supply of up to 10mA or so, at 150V to 200V. This
can be arranged by using a small metal rectifier, and
"feeder" type mains transformer. The earthing, and mains
fuse should not be omitted, however.
The receiver must not be worked from an a.c./d.c. power
circuit, in which the h.t. negative line is connected to one
mains lead.

Operating Notes
Any kind of aerial can be used, including short indoor
12 13
 found to work well on long waves in those areas where the
Light Programme on 1500m is available, a small three-way
rotary switch can replace the on/off switch, to facilitate dual -
wave tuning. In this case, a suitable coil should be wired up
2 according to the coil maker's instructions leaflet.

Components
Holders are used for the transistors. This avoids possible
damage due to overheating when soldering, and allows any

Aerial

RI
68k LS

Medium Wave Aerial

cod
CI
0.25pF

Transistor Receiver Output

transformer

THIS set is of extremely simple construction, and is

thus ideal for beginners looking for an easy, straight- SI
On/Off
forward circuit. There are three stages-a crystal switch
diode detector, followed by an audio amplifier, and a Class A
output stage. The set is intended to run from a L5048 or -I-ve

similar 72V battery, though a 9V battery may be used. Fig. 7. The two transistor circuit.
The circuit is shown in Fig. 7. A receiver of this kind is
not intended for reception of distant or overseas stations, and
it requires some kind of aerial and earth. For local station audio frequency transistors which are to hand to be tried.
reception, for which it is intended, an indoor aerial should The transistor in the Trl position can best be an 0071 or
usually be sufficient. The aerial may be taken to tappings B similar type, while the Tr2 transistor is an 0072 or similar
and D, or to the beginning of the coil LI (A) according to output type. Results obtained with spare transistors can
conditions. easily be compared by inserting them in the holders.
There is no reason of course, why a ready-made coil For optimum amplification, resistor values are quite
should not be used for LI, but then it must be wired to important. It is easy to check the working of each stage, with
agree with the maker's data. As the receiver will also be 'phones and a meter, as described later.
14 15
 Capacitor values are not particularly critical. VC1 is a Speakers of other impedance may be used, with suitable
midget air -spaced capacitor of about 380pF, but the value is matching transformers. A 751) loudspeaker, however, may
not important, and a 500pF solid -dielectric tuning capacitor be connected directly, with no transformer.
could be used instead. Alternatively, a 500pF air -spaced
capacitor, or similar component would be suitable. Cl may
be 0. 1p -F to 0.5µF, C2 may be 32-100p,F, while C3 may be Preparing the Paxolin Panel
The receiver is built and wired on a Paxolin panel 4 in. x
The output transformer T1 is a non -miniature transistor - 8 in. Material -116 in. thick is sufficiently strong, though 12 -
type component. The loudspeaker specified is a highly or a in. Paxolin could be used. All the holes are drilled as
sensitive one, but there is no actual need to use this parti- indicated in Fig. 8. Holes for leads can be made with a
cular size. Many speakers have a 2 to 312 speech coil, and
these require a 2 to 30 secondary on the transformer Ti.
_ 0000

0 666
1,;SL.
Fig. 8. Drilling 0 0000
COMPONENTS LIST details of the
Paxolin panel.
Al small holes are
for through-panel
Resistors: connections

R 168k12 R3 3.9k1-2 R5 121d2 R7 39(2 o 000000 Pane/ clImenslons 8.0

R2 101d2 R4 Ild2 R6 2.21(12
All +10%, +W carbon
-i'j in. or similar small drill. Holes for the speaker and L1
Capacitors: mounting bolts should be about a in. diameter, while VC1
CI 0.251/F paper C3 8/iF electrolytic 6-9V is secured with three short 4B.A. bolts.
C2 50p.F electrolytic 3-6V C4 100i1F electrolytic 3-6V If any alternatives are made use of, such as to the speaker
VCI 380pF or 500pF variable
or VC1, these holes should be modified to suit. T1 has two
lugs, which are passed through slots and twisted. These
Semiconductors:
Trl 0071 Tr2 0072 DI GD9 crystal diode slots can be made by drilling two or three small holes close
together.
All holes are drilled before mounting any parts. The
Miscellaneous:
SI S.P.S.T. toggle switch transistor holders are made a tight push fit in their holes,
TI Output transformer, ratio 8:1 and are held with a touch of cement. The speaker can be
Ferrite slab. Transistor holders. Piece of Paxolin, 8 in. x left off until wiring is otherwise finished.
4 in. 3+ in 312 loudspeaker (W/B HF.3.57 or similar).
Control knob. 28 s.w.g. d.c.c. wire for coil. L5048 All the components are fitted to the panel, on the back, as
battery or equivalent. Connecting wire, etc. in Fig. 9. C2, C3 and C4 have positive and negative ends,
so their leads must be inserted through the holes as indi-
16 17
cated. There should be no possibility of wiring or com-
ponent value errors, if care is taken to insert the resistors
and capacitors as shown.
Fig. 10. Front -of -panel wiring
details.

ferrite slab rests on top of these blocks, and is held with

elastic bands passed through holes, and tied.

Wiring
All wiring is on the front of the panel, and is very simple.
Leads can be of any thin, insulated wire, and all connections
Fig. 9. Layout of components on the rear of the panel.
are kept flat against the Paxolin. Wiring is shown in Fig.
10. Point -eve joins a tag held by one of the bolts securing
Winding the Tuning Coil the variable capacitor. These bolts must be short, or have
The tuning coil is wound with 28 s.w.g. double cotton washers, so that they do not touch the fixed plates of the
covered wire, on a ferrite slab about in. x in. x 3 in. capacitor. With the solid dielectric type of capacitor, take
Referring to Figs. 7 and 9, there are 20 turns from A to the lead through to the moving plates tag.
B, six turns from B to C, six turns from C to D, and 20 turns Clips, or a non -reversible 2 -pin plug, may be obtained for
from D to E, making a total of 52 turns. All turns are wound the battery, and are convenient, while assuring the battery is
in the same direction, closely side by side, and some modi- not wrongly connected. If a meter is to hand, this may be
fication to the number of turns, or gauge of wire, or the size connected in series with one battery lead, when first testing
of the slab, will not be very important. the receiver. More than 9V should not be used, and the
The tapping points B, C and D can be made by twisting battery must never be connected the wrong way round.
small loops, during winding, and a dab of cement will hold
the ends A and E, which are left long enough to reach VC1. Testing
A is taken to the fixed plates tag, and E goes to the frame, An earth was not found to be essential in some cases, but is
which is also connected to the battery positive line, on the preferable, as much better volume is then obtained. A simple
other side of the panel. indoor aerial can be arranged by having a few yards of thin,
Two small blocks of hardwood or other insulating material insulated wire round the room, near the ceiling. An outdoor
are secured to the Paxolin by means of small screws. The aerial will usually give better volume, but is not essential.
18
19
 The aerial lead is taken to the tapping which gives best smallest possible cabinet is not required. If no cabinet is to
results. Point A gives best volume, especially with a poor hand, one can be constructed from thin wood.
aerial. Points B and D allow rather more selective tuning, The receiver front consists of a piece of Paxolin or any
especially with a fairly long aerial. other thin material, with holes to agree with VC1, on/off
With no transistors or battery, headphones may be wired switch (S1), and the speaker aperture. Silk or other fabric
across R2. Reasonable headphone volume should then be is stretched over the front, and cemented round the edges.
obtained. If not, the diode (D1) may be suspected, or wiring, Holes are cut in the fabric to clear the switch, and the
etc., in this stage, or the aerial and earth system may be too spindle of VC1.
inefficient. With any reasonably effective aerial, and an The securing nut of the switch is removed, and washers
average earth, quite good 'phone volume should be obtained are placed on the spindle, so that the front panel will just
from local stations. clear the receiver wiring. The two panels are then locked
The 'phones may then be wired in parallel with R6, and together with the switch nut, and a control knob is placed on
Trl inserted. (There is no need to cut the transitor leads, but the tuning capacitor spindle.
thin sleeving should be placed over them, to avoid shorts. It
is essential that the collector, base and emitter leads are
inserted in the correct sockets, as in Figs. 9 and 10.)
Volume should now be very much increased. Current
consumption of Trl will depend on the transistor, but can be
expected to be around lmA. If the stage does not amplify, or
if results are distorted, suspect the transistor, or wiring, etc.
If Tr 1 is of a type much different from that mentioned, the
values of R1 and R4 may need changing.
The 'phones can then be removed, and Tr2 inserted.
Consumption should be around 18mA to 25mA, with
average loudspeaker volume. If current is over about 25mA,
with the values shown and a particular transistor of different
type, R5 may be increased in value, until the set draws
about 20mA or so. If current is low, with lack of volume,
R5 may be reduced in value, until the set draws about 20mA.
An L5048 or similar battery will have a long life, with this
current drain.

Cabinet
The receiver is not intended for portable use, so the
20 21
 HT.+
R2 Ti
Aerial 220k Output - 05a C
Transforrner6 L.
O
3 R3 1M
C4
R5
470k RB
CI C3
2000 3
ECC83
CMDI
or 12AX7
NF
VI V18
C2 MR1
100pF
7 2
Rectifier I
L1
200V

8
C>
T2

4,5 9

R4
O R1
2.2M
1M
a<
2 Heater O
C>
VC
300
Dual Wave PF
VC1
C5

25pF

One-valver Wff, AC.

Mains

Tars receiver is of small size, but neither miniature Fig. I I. The complete circuit.
components nor a very compact layout have been
adopted. Construction is thus very easy indeed, and
the completed receiver is inserted as a single unit into its out" aerial. If a short aerial will always be used, a 500pF
cabinet. The circuit is shown in Fig. 11, and uses an ECC83 mica capacitor will be satisfactory here. If a longer or better
or 12AX7 double -triode. This valve has a heater which may aerial can be provided, results can be improved by using a
be operated from a 6.3V or 12.6V transformer. In the wiring much smaller value such as 50pF. Alternatively, a small pre-
diagram (Fig. 13) the heater is wired for 6.3V operation. set capacitor may be joined in series with Cl, and adjusted
If a 12.6V transformer is to hand, heater circuit connections for best results. The value is in no way critical, but selectiv-
are made to pins 4 and 5 on the holder, and pin 9 is not used. ity is improved if Cl (or the pre-set) is of fairly low capacity.
VCI is for tuning, and in the interests of small size a
384pF air -spaced capacitor was fitted. The usual 500pF
The Function of the Components air -spaced capacitor is too large to be accommodated, unless
The set covers long and medium waves. Cl is an isolating panel and chassis dimensions are slightly increased. A
capacitor, and is fixed on the inside of the cabinet, so that a 500pF solid -dielectric capacitor may be used, but is less
length of thin flex may be attached to it, to use as a "throw efficient.
22 23
 To Anode
pm 6 of VI Tc. c
2 Waveehaye
5Switch
AT4 Heater
to ',ingot VI Mains
ins
L via SI H.T. is obtained from a small contact -cooled rectifier
(MR1) with series resistors for smoothing, and to keep the
T1 voltage down to a suitable figure. The mains switch is a lead -
Speaker
Transformer
through type, as used for lamps, etc., and included in the
Coil
flex to the receiver.
tag
To F2 on
Reaction
To I on Pkgg'"
col, base
To Anode pla'
Chassis Details
':jeds
t F1 VC The chassis is 7 in. x 3 in., with 2 in. runners at either end

tVC
\ Panel 7; 44* r°,:,°,7nr" VEnZcgfc
and can be made from a piece of aluminium 8 in. x 31 in.
The front ends of the side runners are bent over, forming
brackets to which the panel is bolted (Fig. 13). The panel
Fig. 12. Chassis and panel dimensions, layout and wiring above chassis.
is of 3 -ply, and is 7 in. x 4/ in. with holes for variable

Wavechange To 3 on
Switch To L1 tag ring
To
on Mains
Transformer
secondary
Fig. 14. Details of the front panel.
lags marked MC denote
earthing connections
to chassis To Cf.

Insulated tag 220k

To 4 on
MC
tag nng
To
Speaker
To Fl on VC2 Transformer
To F2 on VC2 pnrnary
capacitors and the loudspeaker, as shown in Fig. 14. It is
AllellPAre." covered with silk or similar material after construction is
Fig. 13. Underchassis wiring. As an alternative arrangement, SI and S2
finished.
could be mounted on the side of the cabinet.

Construction
Fig. 12 shows components and wiring above the chassis.
As the valve has a high gain, some negative feedback is The heater consumption is only 0.3A at 6.3V so the smallest
introduced by the 1MC/ resistor (R3) between anodes. The type of mains transformer will suffice. That fitted to the
anode current is small, and permits a personal portable type prototype was a "converter" transformer. The h.t. winding
of output transformer to be used. (These are intended for should give about 200V at 20mA but transformers giving
3S4 and similar all -dry output valves.) 150-180V will be suitable also.
24 25
 F2 in Fig. 12. The moving plates tag is joined to the
COMPONENTS LIST chassis.

Resistors:
RI 2.2MS2 R3 IMQ R5 4701d2 R7 3.31<n
Transformer Wiring
R2 220k0 R4 I MS2 R6 2.2kS2 R8 3.3kS1
All +10%, -}W carbon Leads from the speaker transformer (T1) secondary pass
to the speaker unit speech coil tags, as in Fig. 12. Primary
Capacitors: leads from the transformer pass through the chassis, to the
CI 500pF mica see text C4 2,000pF
C2 100pF C5 25p.F electrolytic
h.t. positive line and pin 1 on the valveholder. The rectifier
C3 0.01µF mica C6a, b 16-1-8p5 elec. 350V is bolted to the chassis, under the speaker. The total h.t.
VCI 208+ I 76pF air -spaced variable (Jackson) consumption is only a few milliamps, so a very small rectifier
VC2 300pF differential reaction
is satisfactory. It must, however, be intended for a 250V
Transformers: a.c. input.
TI Small output transformer to suit loudspeaker Connect a length of twin flex to the mains transformer
T2 Mains transformer. Primary to suit mains. Secondaries (T2) primary. Take one side of the circuit to the neutral pin
180-200V 20mA; 6.3V 0.6-2A
of the mains plug-this is marked "N" in Fig. 12. Wire the
Miscellaneous: on/off switch (S1) in the "L" conductor of the flex, at a con-
VI ECC83 or 12AX7 venient distance from the receiver. Take this lead to the
MRI 250V contact -cooled rectifier "L" pin, or internal fuse, on the mains plug.
SI Lead -through S.P.S.T. mains switch
S2 Insulated S.P.S.T. toggle switch Components and wiring under the chassis are shown in
LI QRIID coil (Osmor) Fig. 13. The insulated tag forms a connecting point for
B9A valveholder. Aluminium chassis 7 in. x 3 in. 32 in. dia. h.t. positive. The 470k S2 resistor (R5) from here to the
permanent magnet loudspeaker. Wood for panel chassis serves to discharge the large capacitor.
and cabinet. Two knobs. Insulated tag, nuts, bolts,
wire, etc. Anode and grid leads should be kept short and direct, and
run near to the chassis. A 0.01µF mica capacitor (C3) is
recommended for coupling between stages, as any leakage
will upset working.
The double smoothing capacitor has a tag soldered to its
common negative lug so that it can be bolted to the chassis.
The frame of the tuning capacitor VC1 is also connected to Coil Connections
the chassis. To obtain the 384pF capacity with the small The coil specified has a square base with numbered tags,
capacitor listed, both sets of fixed plates are wired in parallel, and a circular tag ring, with slot. Connections to the square
as in Fig. 12. end of the coil are shown in Fig. 13. The coil is supported
The reaction capacitor (VC2) is a differential type, and by a very short, stout lead from tag 4 to a soldering tag,
thus has two sets of fixed plates. These are marked F1 and which is bolted to the chassis. Tag 1 goes to C2 and the fixed
26 27
plates of VC1. A short length of thin flex is taken from tag 3 adhesive has dried. Any surplus material can then be cut
to the wavechange switch, S2. This switch may be mounted away.
in any convenient position.
The tag ring end of the coil is shown in Fig. 12. Tag 1
goes to Cl, for the aerial connection. Tag 2 is connected to Making the Cabinet
the chassis. Tag 3 goes to anode (pin 6 of V1) while tag 4 is Constructional details of the cabinet are shown in Fig. 15.
connected to F2 on VC2. If it should be found that reaction Care must be taken to leave a little clearance so that the
is unsatisfactory, reverse the leads going to tags 3 and 4. receiver can be inserted from behind. The parts are held
The actual frequencies tuned will depend somewhat on together with glue and panel pins. When the glue has
the position of the coil core, so this should be altered, if hardened, all edges and corners can be smoothed with a
necessary, to obtain the required coverage. Reaction should glasspaper block.
be carefully adjusted to build up the volume of weak stations. The finish given to the cabinet is a matter of choice. The
This control should not, however, be turned fully clockwise, original receiver was given a coat of quick -drying cream
as this will only cause oscillation and poor reception. enamel. If there are defects in the joints or the wood has an
open grain, fill with one of the packet fillers sold for such
purposes, allow to dry and smooth off with glasspaper. If
Preparing the Front Panel varnishing is preferred, two coats are best. The first should
The loudspeaker is attached to the front panel by means be allowed to dry, and should then be lightly sanded before
of wood screws, taking care these are not long enough to applying the second coat.
penetrate. A quick -drying adhesive is then applied round
the perimeter of the panel, and a piece of silk or similar
material is prepared by cutting clearance holes for the
variable capacitors. The material is then placed on the panel,
and kept taut with a few drawing pins at the edges, until the

Fig. IS. Construction

of a suitable cabinet
for the receiver.

29
 of gain control other than by variation of bias, and the
problem was solved very satisfactorily and simply by feeding
the signal from the aerial to the slider of a 1M Q potentio-
meter (VR1) in the grid circuit.
4 The second valve, connected as a triode, is used as a
conventional leaky grid detector, regeneration being applied
through the variable capacitor VC1 to sharpen the tuning
and increase the sensitivity. Because the r.f. stage isolates

Broadcast Bands
Receiver
THIS unpretentious little receiver can be built very
cheaply. Considering the extreme simplicity of the
circuit, it has a very good performance and with care-
ful manipulation of the controls, the single tuned circuit will
Fig. 16. The receiver circuit.
enable all the more powerful transmissions to be received
clear of interference.
the aerial from the tuned circuit, the tuning is not affected
by aerial loading and if by chance, as will sometimes happen,
Circuit too much reaction is applied, the resultant oscillations will
The EF91 is a high slope miniature valve which is available not be radiated to the annoyance of the neighbours. Resistor
very cheaply indeed. Three of them are used in this receiver. R5 and capacitors C2 and C3 remove the r.f. component
The first is arranged as a pentode r.f. amplifier but it will be from the output and the audio signal is passed via the
noticed from Fig. 16 that there is no tuned circuit associated capacitor C5 to V3, the output valve. This is another EF91,
with it. The high slope of the valve, however, goes a long again triode connected. The optimum load could not be
way towards repairing this omission and quite a worthwhile discovered but this is not of much importance with the
gain is achieved. Because the EF91 does not have variable - triode connection and an output transformer having a ratio
mu characteristics it was necessary to achieve some method of 50 :1 was found very satisfactory for a 3 CI loudspeaker.
30 31
Power Supply reducing the value of R2 to 1500 but this will increase the
A miniature double -wound mains transformer of the current through the valve and is permissible only if the
instrument type, having an output of 20mA at 250V and IA mains transformer can accept the extra load. The total h.t.
at 6.3V, supplies the power in conjunction with a contact - current in the prototype was exactly 20mA.
cooled metal rectifier. Smoothing is provided by the resistor
R8, and the associated electrolytic capacitors C6 and C7. A
Construction
pilot or dial light, if fitted, should be 6.3V 0.04A, so as not
to exceed the rating of the transformer winding. A separate The prototype was constructed on a chassis of 18 s.w.g.
on/off switch was fitted in the prototype but there is no aluminium sheet measuring 8 in. x 4 in. x 11 in., details of
reason why mains switching should not be incorporated which are given in Fig. 17. This gives plenty of room for
with VR1. The power consumption from 240V a.c. mains is standard size components with the exception of the reaction
less than 20W. capacitor, VC1, where a miniature one must be used in
order that it may be accommodated within the depth of
1 in.; alternatively, the chassis could be made deeper.
Modifications Construction may proceed in any convenient order. The
It will be noticed that the bias resistors of VI and V3 are layout and the arrangement of the wiring and components
is not at all critical so long as the connections around V2 and
not bypassed. Consequently, if greater gain is required,
capacitors may be fitted across them as shown in dotted out-
line in Fig. 16. A further increase in gain can be obtained by

It'd. hole tor Material Bend along

aluminum dotted I.neS .4.1Zn:V:Olte'r
aerial socket

1
5/,' Ma hole 1I
IP for VI. 4 ta.:;fle
N. I
T
ul'out
transformee
I
I

L J
[-- -.- --i
Vella
hole
for Val .________.___--
04 dia hole ,w__,..,
for C6.C7 e

if 3a=
T2
crt, Ma ns
Tuning transformer
capacitor
1, dia hole dla.
for.LI tor V3

3"
1%die nape tar for sz
Icartn socket th
11/
torn for va

Fig. 17. Dimensions of the chassis. Fig. 18. The complete underchassis wiring diagram.

32 33
the coil (LI) are kept to a reasonable length. Tinned copper practice to connect one of these terminals to chassis and a
wire of 22 s.w.g. covered with sleeving is recommended for solder tag should be fitted for the purpose on one of the
all the wiring, details of which are given in Fig. 18. The transformer holding -down bolts.
loudspeaker is connected direct to the secondary terminals
of the output transformer on top of the chassis. It is good
Components
Resistors may be 2W or /W, except R8 which should be
COMPONENTS LIST 1W. The smoothing capacitors have to withstand the full
h.t. voltage from the rectifier when first switching on and
Resistors: must therefore be 350V working. Any kind of tuning
RI 4.7k52 R3 I.2MQ R5 271(Q R7 150Q
R2 390Q R4 270k52 R6 470kQ R8 I k52 IW capacitor, air -spaced or otherwise can be used for VC2 or
All ± 10%, INIV carbon unless otherwise stated one-half of a two -gang component can be used as in the
VRI I MQ carbon potentiometer prototype. The coil LI, may be any iron -dust -cored dual -
wave type with a reaction winding, but it is convenient if
Capacitors: it is designed to plug into a B9A or B7G valve base. For
CI 470pF ceramic or mica C5 0-01 /IF paper 350V
C2 270pF ceramic or mica C6 32p.F electrolytic 350V tuning, a 3 in. diameter engraved knob is fitted direct to the
C3 47pF ceramic or mica C7 16/...F electrolytic 350V tuning capacitor but there is no reason why a slow motion
C4 270pF ceramic or mica
VCI 300pF solid dielectric variable drive should not be fitted if desired.
VC2 500pF air dielectric variable

Valves: Testing and Operation

VI EF9I V2 EF9I V3 EF9I When the wiring has been completed, a test should be
made with a meter between C6 and chassis to see that there
Inductor:
LI Dual range, medium and long waves with reaction are no short-circuits in the h.t. wiring. If all is well, power
winding. Iron dust core. (Repanco DRR2) can be applied and transmissions should then be received.
Two or three feet of wire as a throw -out aerial will usually
Transformers: be enough, though in poor reception conditions, some more
TI Output transformer; 50:1 ratio (approx.)
T2 Mains transformer. Tapped primary. Secondaries 250V efficient arrangement may be necessary. An earth is not
20mA; 6.3V IA essential, but will reduce mains -borne interference.
It will probably be found that with VR1 at maximum,
Miscellaneous: some programmes will be receivable at adequate volume
SI S.P.D.T. rotary switch
S2 S.P.S.T. toggle switch with VC1 set at minimum, but will suffer from interference
MRI 250V 20mA contact -cooled rectifier from adjacent stations. In this case, the procedure is to
Aerial and earth sockets. Two B7G valveholders. Alumin-
ium for chassis. Coil socket (if required). Wire, reduce the volume by means of VR1 and bring it back to the
solder tags, etc. desired level by the application of reaction, at the same
time adjusting VC2 for the best results.
34 35
 is then covered by means of the 15pF capacitor VC3. The
small capacity of the latter makes tuning easy, and dial
readings can be noted down so that they can be returned
to when necessary. But more about this later.
5 Two coils are fitted, the required coil being selected by
means of the 2 -way switch, S2.
For high tension, 45V or more will be needed. A 45V
supply can, if necessary, be obtained by wiring two 221V
batteries in series. Less than 45V is not recommended, as
insufficient reaction is available. A standard 67:-!, V battery
may also be used, and would do very well.
The valve filaments require 1.4V and this can be obtained
from a 1 iV battery, as used in portables. Alternatively, dry
cells such as found in torch and lamp batteries may be
used, provided they are wired in parallel. With such
Two -valve
Short Waver \,./Ae ria I
o 39k
R2
I
HT+

Phones
VERY long range reception is always an exciting pros - 1T4 (B7G) C2 0
0.0
pect for the beginner and is possible even with
1

NF

a short wave one-valver, and the addition of an Ba ndsw itch

V2
T4
amplifying stage provides a useful increase in volume. The 52

circuit described here uses two 1T4 valves, but any equiva-
F C 150pF
lents, such as the CV785, W17, or DF91 are equally suitable. Bandset
5.6M
VC2
The two wavebands permit tuning from approximately 10m H G E B A
RI

to 60m, and thus cover the most popular s.w. bands.

2 LT+
5
Li)pp 1 5
[,
7 V
viii
p0p e 0 775
Bandspread Tuning
"Bandspread tuning" is incorporated, and this allows
:
3
'12
6 ,,
3
2 e- Bandspread

VC1
On/Off
sw itch
SI
LT-

0 oF
accurate logging of transmissions. This method of tuning Reaction30
HT-
does not make construction difficult, as no reduction drives
are needed. The circuit is shown in Fig. 19, and in use, the
Fig. 19. The circuit.
150pF capacitor VC2 is adjusted to the required band, which
36 37
 ---
batteries, the zinc case is negative. Cells must not be wired Chassis chrriens.ahs
7.x 4 'n
in series, nor must more than 12 V be used. The filament T4

consumption is only 0.1A.

Earthing connection
to chassis

VC2 Fig. 20. The simple

150pF
VC3
layout of components.
Components 5pF
To tag C
There is reasonable latitude in the selection of com- Bfdswach

ponents, so items to hand may possibly be used. For band -

spreading, a capacitor of about 10pF to 20pF is satisfactory. cat_
Rand Bandspread
Some s.w. capacitors can easily have plates removed, to
reduce the capacity. For bandsetting, 100pF or 200pF could
be fitted, if to hand, with some modification in the band The front panel can be about 7 in. x 6 in. On this panel
coverage. are the five controls. VC1, S1 and S2 are mounted through
The h.f. choke must be capable of working over the holes along the front runner of the chassis and then through
frequencies tuned, so a reliable s.w. or all -wave component three matching holes in the bottom half of the panel, so that
is needed. As the insulation of the 0.01µF coupling capaci- when their respective nuts are screwed on, the controls,
tor, C2 must be very good, a mica component, preferably chassis and panel are held firmly together (Fig. 21). The
new, is best used here. Leakage would cause a positive bandset and bandspread capacitors, VC2 and VC3 are
voltage to reach the amplifier valve grid.
It is worth noting that the receiver can be constructed as
a one-valver, merely by omitting V2, R2, R3 and C2. 'Phones Aerial Earth Pho

are then connected from the h.f. choke to h.t. positive.

Quite good results may be obtained with the single valve.

Chassis Preparation
Chassis and panel should be drilled before mounting any .0l F

@
parts. A chassis about 7 in. x 4 in. x 21- in. deep will be choke Points marked 'MC:
convenient, but some change in size will not affect per- denote
earthing
c;r:laae'ans

formance. Oct
300pF
To fixed
Fig. 20 shows the top of the chassis. Holes for the B7G Bplates on
Pandspread
capacitor
valveholders can most readily be made with a chassis cutter
or valveholder punch. If these are not available, a ring of
small holes may be drilled, the piece broken away, and the Bandswitcht 1 U n On/Oft
h
Fro
p'a'nrg Reaction

hole smoothed with a round or half round file. Fig. 21. Underchassis connections.

38 39
mounted through holes made in the top half of the panel The moving plates tags of both VC2 and VC3 are wired
which extends above the top of the chassis (Fig. 20). together, as in Fig. 20, and the lead soldered to a soldering
At the rear of the chassis, drill or punch clearance holes tag which is bolted to the top of the chassis. The fixed plates
for the two socket strips. Ensure that aerial and 'phone of these variable capacitors are similarly joined, and a lead
sockets will be well clear of the metal. Holes are also made to goes through the chassis to the 100pF fixed capacitor (C1),
take the coils, but these are best left off until later. and switch (tag C in Fig. 22).
Use flex for battery connections, and fit suitable plugs,
or identify the leads so that the filament circuit will not be
Wiring taken to the h.t. battery in error.
Fig. 21 shows the wiring and component layout under Most of the wiring in Fig. 21 can be done first, the coils
the chassis. The three points marked "M.C." consist of being left until last. All leads in the coil, switch, and tuned
tags bolted to the chassis, so that leads may be soldered to circuit section should be reasonably short and direct. With
VC1, the moving plates tag goes to chassis, and the fixed
plates tag to tags 2 of the coils.
Bandswitch
To grid 52
Vi CI ,4411011
Coil Connections
When the receiver is viewed from underneath and behind,
To VC 2.VC 3
the coil and switch connections will appear as in Fig. 22.
Fig. 22. Details of the switch and To fixed platas
Note that each coil has a notch, for tag identification.
of VC1
coil interconnections.
4
Wire tags 6 to tags 3 before mounting the coils, and also
solder leads a few inches long to tags 5. The higher wave-
length coil (which has most turns) is placed at the right in
Fig. 22. The coils can then be inserted, and secured with
a oda
their clips. Ensure that tags 5 and 6 cannot touch the
of VI
to nictal chassis.
chassis to aerial
2 Lt
The remainder of the wiring, as shown in Fig. 22, can
then be completed. Connections should be short and direct,
them. Place the valveholders so that the sockets come but clear of each other. The same identification letters are
approximately as in Fig. 21. used in Figs. 19, 21 and 22, and no difficulty is likely to
Soldering will cause no difficulty if the iron is really hot, arise in wiring up the switch correctly.
and tags and leads are perfectly clean. Use a cored solder,
as sold for radio work. Do not carry solder to the joint on the
iron. Instead, apply iron and solder to the joint, so that the Dials and Knobs
flux can take effect where required. Fairly large knobs are best for VC2 and VC3. Scales
40 41
(0-100 or 0-180) should be fitted to the knobs or panel, so metal object in contact with the ground. The lead should
that readings can be noted. not be connected to gas pipes, hot water pipes, or mains
For reaction, a very small knob makes operation a little earth circuits.
difficult, as the reaction setting is critical, with weak signals. For general purposes the aerial can be a single uncut
The band selection switch can be of the same type, to length of insulated wire, forming both aerial and "lead-in".
match. The actual length which can be erected will depend on
circumstances, and may be anything from about 20 ft to
'Phones, Aerial and Earth 45 ft or so. The wire and downlead should be as far from
walls and other earthed objects as possible. One or two
'Phones should be of the usual medium or high impedance
aerial insulators are used at each suspension point. Recep-
type, and low impedance surplus 'phones are likely to be tion of distant stations is, of course, possible with an indoor
unsatisfactory. aerial, but volume will be reduced. It is thus worthwhile
If an earth is available, it is taken to a plug which is trying to fit up a reasonably effective aerial.
inserted in the socket marked in Fig. 21. An earth lead may
If a really long aerial is available, it can be used. If it is
be connected to an earth spike, or water pipe, or any similar found that reaction is difficult to obtain on some frequencies,
a small fixed or pre-set capacitor should be included in
COMPONENTS LIST series with the lead-in, at the aerial socket. A capacity of
about 50pF is generally satisfactory. If a pre-set is used,
Resistors: adjust it for best results.
RI 5.611S2 R2 391(S2 R3 Itin
All ± 10%, PA/ carbon

Capacitors: Using the Receiver

CI lOOpF mica C2 0.01µF mica If the constructor is not familiar with s.w. reception, it
VCI 300pF solid dielectric reaction variable
VC2 I 50pF air dielectric variable should be remembered that the results obtained on the
VC3 15pF air dielectric variable various bands depend on the time of day, and other condi-
tions. Most broadcast stations use wavelengths near each
Valves:
VI 114 V2 IT4 other, and are thus found congregated into bands, such as
the 49, 41, 31, 25 and 19m bands. Morse and various other
Miscellaneous: transmissions will be heard between these bands.
SI S.P.S.T. toggle switch
S2 3 -pole, 2 -way rotary switch The actual tuning range of each coil, and also reaction,
LI, 2 SWQ I and SWQ2 Osmor coils will be modified to some extent by the core position. The
H.F.C. H.F. choke (Osmor) cores should be adjusted until reaction is easily obtained.
Two B7G valveholders. Battery plug. Chassis and panel
material. Earth, aerial and 'phones sockets. Control If necessary, some modification of this position is possible,
knobs, dials, battery, nuts, bolts, etc. to change band coverage. The cores should then be locked
with nuts, as moving them will change dial readings.
42
43
 The reaction capacitor (VC1) should be closed slowly
until a sudden increase in sensitivity, and oscillation on
tuning through a station, shows that the optimum position
has been passed. While tuning, the reaction control is
adjusted to keep the receiver just below the oscillation point.
6
In this condition it is extremely sensitive. If the reaction
control is insufficiently advanced, only powerful stations
will be heard. On the other hand, if the control is turned
too far, results will be very poor. However, the way in which
the reaction control operates will soon become apparent.
For reception of ordinary stations, or telephony (voice
and music) the receiver is kept just below the oscillating
point, as described. The setting is not critical with powerful
stations, but is quite exact with weak stations. To receive Amateur Bands
c.w. morse (unmodulated carrier) the reaction control has to
be advanced to the oscillation point.
VC2 is only used to locate the various bands. The dial
Hybrid
reading of this capacitor should then be noted down as THIS receiver is highly sensitive and selective, and,
accurately as possible. Tuning is then carried out on VC3, in although it cannot equal the performance of the more
conjunction with reaction, as described. expensive commercial sets, it will provide a useful
If there is any variation in the efficiency of the 1T4 introduction for the beginner to the short-wave, amateur,
valves, the best valve should be placed in the detector (V1) and broadcast bands.
position. It is built as two separate sections; the detector section
It is not very likely that any fault should arise in the and the output section.
receiver, but if no results are obtained, a few simple tests
should localise the trouble. First, the 'phones may be
connected across R2. If normal one -valve reception is then Specifications
obtained, the amplifier stage is faulty. The valve can be The coverage is from about 18m (16.66Mc/s) to 60m
tested by placing it in the detector position. (5Mc/s), and from 150m (2Mc/s) to 300m (lMc/s) in
If results are absent with the one -valve circuit, check the another band. This covers the 20, 40, and 160m amateur
detector stage wiring. If reception is obtained with one coil, bands and the 19, 25, 31, 41, and 49m broadcast bands.
but not the other, suspect the switch connections, or the
wiring to the inoperative coil.
Sensitivity and Output
The output from the receiver will be from 250mW to
44 45
600mW according to the transistors used. As might be
expected, selectivity is excellent owing to the well -designed COMPONENTS LIST
coils, and no difficulty will be experienced in separating
stations, even on the crowded amateur bands. Sensitivity Resistors:
is sufficient to allow long distance reception on 'phones, and RI 3.311C2 R3 101d2 R5 2200 R6 33E1
loudspeaker reception of the stronger broadcast stations. R2 47k0 R4 2.2k0 All kfW carbon
VRI 50k52 w.w. potentiometer

Capacitors:
CI 100pF silver mica C4 0.005p.F paper 150V
C2 0.00ItiF silver mica C5 200µF elec. 3V
02 60 C3 0.1µF paper 150V C6 0.05/LF
0/ 70
VCI 0-30pF trimmer VC2 150pF air -spaced variable
B7G Base
R2
47Kfl
Transformers:
vc1 V TI Input transistor transformer, with secondary centre tap
0-30 PI
pF SOKfl T2 Output transistor transformer, with primary centre -tap
1404! 10Kf1 T3 Pentode output transformer

Miscellaneous:
Bandswitch--a- VI IL4 or equivalent (see Table I)
a TrI, 2 0071 or any small power output transistors not
requiring heat sink
SI A, B, C, 3 -pole, 3 -way rotary switch
L 1, L2, L3 see Table 2
For details of coils
7-
vc2
Slow-motion tuning drive. B7G valveholder. Aerial and
see text 00015 C3 earth socket. Two 14- in. dia. and one 2 in. dia. coil
NF formers. 90-120V; I IV battery. 9V battery. Chassis
material. 3t loudspeaker. Headphones, wire, etc.

Fig. 23. The circuit of the detector stage.

with poor quality components, it will prove very unstable

Circuit Details with the type of reaction used. Transistors have been used
The detector circuit (Fig. 23) is unusual as only a single in the output stage owing to their low current requirements
tapped coil is used (for each band) with anode reaction. The and high efficiency. These components have a reputation of
detector is of the leaky grid type, chosen for its high sensi- an extremely high noise level, and, although this is true in
tivity and simplicity. However, if carelessly constructed, some circuits using cheap transistors, the noise in this circuit
46 47
is very low and will not prove troublesome even where faint Slow-motion
drove
Reaction BanclawItch
Meta
signals are concerned. pone/

Alternative Valve Types

The valve for the detector stage, VI, is the 1L4. Its Fig. 24. Compon-
ent -layout and
current requirements are 01A at 1.4V, and 2mA at 90V. wiring of the de-
Other types which may be used are the 1AE4, 1AF4, lAJ4, tector.

1F2, 1F3, 1AF5*, lAH5*, 1FD9*, 1S5*, 1T4, 1U4,

DAF91*, DF91, DF92, DF95 and DF904. The base
connections of all these valves are the same as those for the

TABLE I
Constructional Details of Detector
Valve Filament Valve Filament Valve Filament
The wiring diagram of this first stage is given in Fig. 24.
Type Current Type Current Type Current It may be constructed on a metal or wooden chassis, metal
being better than wood on account of its superior screening
I L4 0.1 I T4 0.05 DAF91-1-. 0.05
IAE4 0.1 I U4 0.05 0.025
properties. In either case a metal front panel is essential to
IAF5t
1AF4 0.025 DF9I 0.05 lAH5-1- 0.025 screen the controls from the operator to prevent hand -
1AJ4 0.025 DF92 0.05 1FD9t 0.1
I F2 0.05 DF96 0.025 1S5t 0.05
I F3 0.05 DF904 0.05 (Current in Amps) ToC/ SI To on LS
N\z''To 'a. on L2
Fig. 25. SI bandswitch connec- To ti on L2 on LI
-1-The pin I, 6 and 7 connections for these valves are the same tions.
as the 1L4 connections; however, pin 2 is no connection, pin To on L.3 To W2, Cr
3 is diode anode (wire to earth), pin 4 is screen grid, and
pin 5 is anode. Tow/ To Von Li
To V on LI To Van L2

1L4, except those marked thus*. The approximate filament capacity effects. At all times, short, direct wiring is
current requirements are given in Table 1. All the valves extremely important. The layout diagram is given for guid-
have an approximate filament voltage of 1.4V except the ance, but it should not be adhered to rigidly; i.e., if it is
1AE4 which requires 1.25V. possible to make a wire shorter than is shown, this should be
48 49
done. Any long leads should be of coaxial or screened
1-100 scale will allow stations to be logged with reasonable
cable.
accuracy, and once the receiver has been completed and
tested, a graph may be drawn up for a more accurate
determination of frequency. The procedure is as follows.
The Coils First, a station is accurately tuned in and its frequency
These coils are home-made, winding details are given in noted. The dial reading is also taken and the procedure
Table 2. For LI and L2, the turns should be of enamelled repeated until a number of stations at different frequencies
copper wire of the gauge recommended. The turns should are logged. Then a graph is drawn up of dial reading against
frequency. This is shown in Fig. 26. The curve obtained

TABLE 2

Coil Number Wire Tappings Diameter

of turns Gauge b c of former Fig. 26. A calibration graph
for this receiver will look

[ill!!
LI 100 28 s.w.g. 50 75 1+ in. something like this.
L2 30 22 s.w.g. 15 20 I+ in.
L3 10 over 2 in. 18 s.w.g. 5 7+ 2 in. I I I
I

0 /0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 /00
Dial Readings -a -

start and finish securely, and the taps can be made by may or may not be a straight line according to the type of
twisting the wire and scraping the enamel insulation at the tuning capacitor used, but it should be regular. Any
positions given. The ten turns of 18 s.w.g. wire which points well away from the main curve should be disregarded
comprise L3, should be spaced over a 2 in. length of the -they are either from faults in reading the tuning dial, or
former to achieve the correct spacing between each turn. harmonics of a strong station.
Any slow-motion tuning drive will serve and one of
Admiralty pattern should be easily'obtainable fairly cheaply Operation of the Detector
from surplus equipment stores. The prototype used one of
200:1 ratio of this type, which is excellent. If desired, 400052 headphones may be connected to the
output, instead of the primary of T1, to test the detector.
First, check the wiring to ensure that the h.t. voltage cannot
Calibration
reach the filament of the valve, and then connect the
batteries: 90-120V h.t. and 12V 1.t. Without an aerial,
A dial marked in frequencies would not be particularly advance VR1. There should be no crackling or other noises.
suitable however, in view of the home -wound coils used. A Somewhere between the middle and end of the travel of this
50
51
control, there should be a faint "plop" and the set will or larger unit, although smaller types can be used, but they
break into an oscillation howl. will not give such a good tone.

Testing "Busbars"
Now that it is proved that reaction is functioning satis- The "busbars" (see Fig. 28) can be of 18 s.w.g. bare
factorily, an aerial may be plugged in and the set tested on copper wire attached to the baseboard with insulated staples.
all bands. The reaction control should be adjusted to be The current for this unit is supplied by a PP9 battery,
just below the point of oscillation. which will have a useful life of a year or even more. A
switch for this part of the set can be accommodated in the
loudspeaker cabinet. If a switch is desired for the detector
stage, it may be wired in the positive 1.t. lead and mounted
on a suitable place on the front panel.

Fig. 27. The transis-

torised output stage.

Negotive bushes 7h eleeriehoPrs T6 -9

- Ea irVirial
r
2
Fig. 28. Wiring of the

hilp
Au
PI
11111 p output stage.

Positive Purees Baseborn,'

To za Speaker To

The Output Stage

The circuit of this is shown in Fig. 27. It is constructed
on a wooden baseboard which can conveniently be mounted
in the loudspeaker cabinet. The loudspeaker is best a 5 in.
52 53
 a
II+ iF)
" t'
1 0 49- 0
7

Transistor
Superhet Tuner
THE "superheterodyne" receiver, as opposed to the
simple t.r.f. receiver "employing regeneration, which
might perform well enough in a high signal strength
area but under less favourable conditions cause disappoint-
ment due to the low reserve of gain and limited tuned
circuits, must hold pride of place for reliability, stability,
sensitivity and general performance, and beginners in parti-
cular are well advised to realise this for it is easy to become
misled.
Details of a transistor superhet tuner are given here
which, when fed into the input sockets of, say, a lOW mains -
powered audio amplifier will give excellent performance.
The unit can also be connected to the "Gram" sockets of
a standard broadcast receiver, or alternatively, it can be
used as a complete headphone, or personal receiver.

The Circuit
This was designed on conventional lines with special
consideration given to reliability-see Fig. 29.
54 55
 Both the medium and long wavebands are covered, the A minor economy can then also be effected by omitting
switching being arranged so as to minimise the chance of the 5.6k0. collector resistor together with the output
the unit being left switched on accidentally. A standard capacitor connecting instead high impedance 'phones
4 -pole, 3 -way rotary switch is employed: S lA and SIB between the negative rail and Tr4 collector. It might also
selecting the waveband coverage, and the other two become necessary to experiment slightly with the 100k0
sections performing on/off duties and ensuring that the base feed resistor to obtain optimum results.
battery is completely disconnected at position "2". The
central switch position is "off"; it is thus impossible to
change from one band to the other without going through
the "off" position.
Tr 1 (0C44) functions as the frequency changer with
Tr2 and Tr3 (0C45) as intermediate frequency amplifiers.
Following the demodulator diode, D1, is an additional
transistor, Tr4 (001) which is used to drive the subse-
quent amplifier. The average emitter current of Tr4 is Fig. 31. An I8 -way tag board is modified as shown to accommodate the
40OLLA and the whole tuner consumes less than 4mA, thus oscillator and i.f coils, as well as the majority of the smaller components.
making battery replacement a rare occurrence.
If the circuit of Fig. 30 is used to feed a valve amplifier
it might also become necessary to vary the value of the
upper base feed resistor, 100k0, since the collector resistor
is, as specified, a little on the high side. Only a small emitter
Fig. 30. An alternative circuit current is required-about 0 -5mA.
arrangement, operating Tr4 in Referring again to Fig. 29 it will be noted that all transis-
the common -emitter mode.
tors are stabilised by the familiar potentiometer, emitter
resistor form, and this together with the neutralising
circuitry makes the unit completely stable.

Mechanical Details
If higher gain is required Tr4 may be operated under
"common emitter" conditions but the output impedance The whole tuner is constructed on a standard 18 -way
will be lowered to approximately 5kfL The necessary tagboard, the tags having been given reference numbers to
rearrangement of the stage is shown in Fig. 30 and if the assist correct identification.
unit is to be used as a headphone receiver this is the best The oscillator coil and the three i.f. transformers are
method to adopt. mounted so that their pins project through the tag side of
56 57
the board and although a separate hole may be drilled for Constructional Notes
each pin it is simpler to use a single hole-just large enough Actual wiring construction should commence by fixing
for all the pins to pass through together-for each com- the canned transformers by letting their fixing lugs pass
ponent. This also makes the cores available from either through small holes drilled for them. Care should be taken
end of the can. An array of small holes lies along the centre to check that the orientation agrees with that shown. These
of the tagboard when it is purchased and it is only necessary lugs are then pressed out flat and soldered as shown in
to enlarge these as required. Fig. 33.
Before proceeding further it is advisable to plug each core

Fig. 32. Details of the panel which

2/2* carries the tuning capacitor and
3A; dia. hole wave -change switch, and which is
for switch
VP' dia, hole
for tuning bolted to the component tag
capacitors board.
146 holes to coincide with tags
No.3 and 11 on tagboard

Material: 16 swg. aluminium

Panel
The wavechange switch, twin gang tuning capacitor and
outlet insulator are mounted on a metal panel fixed on top
of the tagboard in such a way that the tag side of the board
points down, away from the panel (see Fig. 34). For dimen-
sions of this panel see Fig. 32. Because it is made of metal Fig. 33. Top-main positive- and negative -line wiring. Note connections
the in. fixing holes must be arranged to coincide with of transformer cans to the positive -line. Bottom-remainder of tag board
4-
wiring.
tags 3 and 11 on the board as shown and prior to bolting it
in position 316 in. thick Paxolin washers must be placed over
the bolts before they are passed through the board to pre- hole on the transformers with sleeving or something similar
vent the underside of the flange of the panel from short to prevent any blobs of solder accidentally spilling in and
circuiting all the tag eyelets it covers. locking the cores which are rather fragile.
A very simple bracket will also be needed to hold the The remainder of the tag side of the board can then be
ferrite aerial (which should be left to one side at this stage) wired as indicated in Fig. 33. The transistors should be left
and this will be bolted to an unused tag (28) on the same until last. Check that electrolytic capacitor C12 and diode
side as the panel. D1 are connected in the correct sense as shown. The taut
58 59
layout allows for all component lead -out wires to be snipped made. If the battery flex leads are left until all the wiring
off short. has been checked over, chances of damaging the transistors
When wiring of the tag side of the board is complete will be minimised.
(except for the transistors) the other side can be tackled When satisfied that all is well a black flexible lead approxi-
and all wiring is illustrated in Fig. 34 where the panel is mately 6 in. long is soldered to SIC rotor and a similar, but
shown folded out flat for clarity. C13 actually lies flush with red, lead connected to SID rotor. The switch should then
the top of the board and must be slender enough not to foul be set to position "2", the central position, and the appro-
the aerial. priate stud battery connectors affixed to the free ends of the
When the capacitors are in position-observe polarities- flexible leads which may then be twisted together neatly.
the transistor wires may be sleeved and passed through
existing small holes on the board. Provided thin sleeving
has been used, the set of leads on each transistor will fit Setting Up
firmly yet not overtightly. The transistor shells thus remain The following alignment procedure requires the use of a
on the top side of the board whilst their wires pass below signal generator which needs a certain amount of skill to
and are soldered using the normal techniques. This means operate. The absolute beginner, therefore who does not
gripping each transistor lead with a pair of long -nosed possess such an instrument nor the experience to use one, is
pliers between the body of the transistor and the end being advised to approach a knowledgeable friend or colleague
soldered. This helps to conduct heat away from the transis- with regard to obtaining assistance in this stage of the
tor lead before it can reach the body of the component and construction.
cause serious damage. The soldering operation must be A length of suitable cable (coaxial will do it not very long)
executed speedily and the iron left on the lead and tag to be should be connected to the stand-off insulator (Fig. 34) the
joined, just long enough for the solder to melt and flow far ends being equipped suitably and connected to an
evenly over the joint. amplifier or to the "Gram" sockets of a suitable broadcast
The aerial may now be fixed in position as shown and wired receiver which may then be switched on and adjusted to
allowing the connecting leads (which should be of stranded normal three-quarter volume level setting. Alternatively high
conductor) just loose enough to permit free movement of impedance 'phones may be used.
the two coils along the ferrite rod. Control knobs are then fitted to the tuner and switch
spindles and a battery connected. The rotary switch should
then be turned to position "3" (m.w.) and the vanes of the
The Switch ganged tuning capacitor fully enmeshed.
Each of the four central "pole" tags of Si control three of The modulated output from a signal generator tuned to
the "way" tags disposed around the rim of the switch and a 470kc/s is now applied to the fixed vanes connection of
visual check is initially required to identify them correctly. VC1. The cores of T5, T4 and T3 should be adjusted for
It is then advisable to press flat alternate "way" sections as maximum output in that order, the generator output being
shown in Fig. 34 to obviate incorrect connections being kept at a low level.
61
60
 Next the generator is set to 600kc/s and the oscillator the signal will reappear; it should now be necessary to
coil core adjusted to receive the signal which is then further unscrew the aerial trimmer TC1 slightly to obtain a peaking
strengthened by sliding the medium -wave coil along the point. The adjustments should then be made over again,
ferrite rod until best results are obtained. viz at 600kc/s and 1,200kc/s, until no improvement is
If the ganged capacitor is now rotated towards the other possible.
end of its travel the note should reappear again at 1,200kc,'s,

The Long Wave Band

The rotary switch is next turned to position "1" and an
attempt made at receiving the Light Programme on 200kc, s
with the vanes of VC1 approximately one-half enmeshed. It
is quite possible that C4 will need padding a little and is
located in such a way as to be easily accessible for this purpose.
Values as small as 30pF connected in parallel make a good
deal of difference. Experiment by temporarily connecting
various small value capacitors (50-150pF) across VC2 in
turn at the same time swinging the vanes over full travel.
Another quick method is to connect a 90pF trimmer
across VC2 temporarily. Immediately the signal is received
the long wave coil should be slid gently along the ferrite
rod to obtain best results in association with VC1, and an
assessment made of the precise value of capacitance needed
jack
C3 + LW coil
Ferrite rod aerial
(shortened to clarify wiring) M.W. coil for C4.
Fig. 34. Wiring on top of tag board and connections to aerial and front
panel.
Warning
The unit must not be used under any circumstances in
before the vanes are fully disengaged, to which frequency connection with a receiver or amplifier of the a.c./d.c. class
the generator may now be set before the aerial and oscillator nor with a so-called a.c. receiver that derives its h.t. from
trimmers TC1 and TC2 respectively, are carefully adjusted the mains direct. It may be used with a transistorised
for best results. amplifier, however, if required.
Should the aerial trimmer need to be set fully home and Comparable results are not likely to be obtained if alterna-
the signal is still not considered correctly peaked, then tive components, or transistors of another make, are utilised;
unscrew the oscillator trimmer slightly until the signal the use of any sub -standard items is almost certain to ensure
disappears. Now adjust VC1 to slightly fuller capacity when disappointment.
62 63
 Cabinet
COMPONENTS LIST Dimensions of a suitable easily made cabinet are shown
in Fig. 35. It is made from hardboard held together with
Resistors: internally glued reinforcement strips, little weight being
RI 561(C2 R5 4.7kE2 R9 33k0 R13 820ü involved.
R2 10kS2 R6 I kfl RIO 4.7k52 RI 4 6.8ku
R3 3.9ku R7 12ku 5% RI I I kfI RI 5 221d2
R4 56kS2 R8 3.91dI 5% RI2 8.2kf1 RI6 I kt-2
All - 10%, ;kW carbon unless otherwise stated

Capacitors:
CI 0.1µF paper C9 I8pF mica ±I%
C2 0.0111F ceramic or paper CIO 0.1µF paper 5 8
Fig. 35. A suggested design for
C3 220pF mica CI 10.01µF ceramic or paper a cabinet.
C4 I 80pF mica (see text) C12 100/1F elec. 12V 3"
C5 8µF elec. 6V CI3 100p.F elec. I2V
C6 56pF mica ± I% CI4 filiF electrolytic 6V
C7 0.01pF ceramic or paper CI5 0.0I µF ceramic or paper
C8 0.01µF ceramic or paper 3/8 84
3/8 quadrant
VCI, 2 208-1-176pF twin gang variable, with trimmers beading all round
(TC1, 2) Jackson "00"
To avoid defacing the cabinet front the tuner can be
Inductors: locked by creating a sub -panel of hardboard through which
TI Medium and long wave ferrite aerial (RA2W) four 4B.A. bolts may be passed and countersunk to coincide
T2 Oscillator coil (P50/1) T3 470kc/s i.f. coil (P50/2)
T4 470kc/s i.f. coil (P50/2) with holes in the metal tuner panel. This sub -panel can
T5 470kc/s i.f. coil (P50/3)
All these coil types are from the Weymouth range then be glued-with the bolts projecting-to the inside of
the cabinet. When dry the tuner is placed in position and the
Semiconductors: four 4B.A. nuts applied and screwed home.
Trl 0C44 (White) The actual cabinet front is cut / in. smaller than the
Tr2 0C45 (Orange) Pack dimensions given in Fig. 35, a frame of in. quadrant
Tr3 0C45 (Blue) or Set
}RFG3 beading being allowed to overlap by a in. all round to form
Tr4 0071 DI 0A70
a rebate for the sides, top, etc.
As mentioned earlier the unit can be used as a completely
Miscellaneous: self-contained headphone receiver if required and in this
SI Miniature, single wafer, 4 -pole, 3 -way rotary switch
BI PP4 or other 9V battery case a 'phone outlet can be provided on the panel.
I8 -way tagboard. Aluminium for panel. Stand-off insulator.
Two knobs. Hardboard, wire, etc.

E
64 65
 transmissions will be heard via the receiver's loudspeal er.
If the broadcast receiver used is a superhet, two changes of
frequency occur and the "double superhet" principle is in
8 use.
Not all enthusiasts have access to the main power supply
however, but fortunately, this useful converter can be
constructed and operated successfully from dry batteri, s.

Aerial Connection
Switching is incorporated to make the aerial bypass the
unit immediately it is switched off; it is reconnected when
the unit is switched on the next time. This means that the
converter and receiver may be left permanently connected
once set up, the latter performing normally when the
Battery -operated former is not in use.
Short Wave Converter The converter may be used to feed a mains receiver
provided it is fitted with aerial and earth sockets and is not
of the a.c./d.c. variety. Transistorised and t.r.f. receivers,
sOONER or later newcomers to the radio hobby experi- being less sensitive, are not particularly suited to use with
ment with the short wavebands and this may be done this unit, however, suggested modifications to help improve
either by (a) constructing a separate short wave sensitivity are given later.
receiver such as have already been described in this book, or
(b) building a converter that will change the signals and make
them suitable for feeding into an existing receiver via the The Circuit
aerial socket. The unit described here falls into the latter This is illustrated in Fig. 36, When S IA, B, C is set to
category. position "1", the aerial is connected to VI via LI which is
tuned by one section of a twin gang capacitor, VC1. The
selected signal appears again at pin 2 of V1 and is fed to the
Operation frequency changer, V2. The signal grid circuit of V2 is
A popular short waveband is that covering 5-15Mcfs untuned in the interests of simplicity and to permit the use
(20m -60m). By converting the signal frequencies to say of a twin gang capacitor. Nevertheless sufficient signal is
1.5Mcis (200m) and feeding them to a standard broadcast developed across R2.
receiver not equipped for short wave reception, it is possible Valve V2 is the oscillator and mixer and 1.5Mcis signals
to increase one's listening horizon as the short wave appear at the anode of the valve where they are developed
66 67
 Ca'
.Coaxial arm:
67. 90V panel control. This permits manual control of oscillator
frequency within limits and also acts as a fine tuner giving a
100pF
earth sockets
on recerver
bandspread effect. Any small air -spaced type of variable
51 Is the C2
trimmer may be used, and a plentiful supply is often present
250
sMcr For value of 15
TC1.TC2 and VC3
see text

COMPONENTS LIST
...Ti
0.0, 2
Resistors:
3
ro 51C HT -
RI IOW R2 2.2.MS) R3 331d2 R4 15kS2
VCI
300pF 2 All + 10%, 1W carbon
F C6
VRI 250k0 potentiometer
Ci
LT} 1.5V
Capacitors:
Fig. 36. The converter circuit. Cl 0.0 I I.A.F ceramic or paper C5 1000pF silver mica
C2 100pF silver mica C6 0.01µF ceramic or paper
C3 50pF silver mica C7 4tif elec. 200V
across L3 which is tuned precisely to this frequency. To C4 100pF silver mica
enable a suitable match to be made to the aerial coil of the VC I 2 300pF twin -gang variable VC3 see text
,

subsequent receiver with which the converter is used, the TC I, 2 30 or 50pF trimmers (may be fitted to VC I, 2)
low impedance winding associated with L3 is employed and Valves:
the coil is in fact a standard medium wave coil used in VI DF91 V2 DK92
reverse.
Inductors:
LI see text (Denco Blue) L3 Denco Yellow, range 2
L2 see text (Denco White) L4 R.F. choke (Denco RFCS)
R.F. Amplifier
Miscellaneous:
Although the above represents the working of the basic S I A, B, C 4 -pole, 3 -way rotary switch
circuit, several finer points of interest exist. It might be Two B7G ceramic valveholders. Stand-off insulator. 5 -way
argued that VI could be omitted and the aerial coil con- tag -strip. Aerial socket. Aluminium for chassis.
67.5-90V, 1.5V battery. Tuning drive and dial (Eddy-
nected direct to the signal grid of V2, and although this is stone 843). Knobs, wood, wire, etc.
true, benefits of slight extra gain would be lost and, further-
more, a sensitivity adjustment would scarcely be practic-
able. Here, the r.f. amplifier can be used beneficially as a
variable gain device by feeding its screen grid from a in surplus apparatus. The total number of vanes should not
potentiometer connected across the h.t. supply. exceed four, unwanted ones being removed, since a large
The oscillator circuit is of interest, too, since variable capacitance value is undesirable. The control spindle should
trimming is provided and consists of VC3 arranged as a be fitted with a small scale calibrated 0-10. The general
68 69
 bandspreading is mechanical and consists of an RF27 Coverage
Muirhead drive, but other suitable types such as the Eddy- The prototype covers the 5-15Mc/s band, but alterna-
stone 843 may also be used. tives are possible by changing LI and L2 for coils from
another range. The value of padder capacitor will then also
require alteration. Suitable coils can be chosen from the
Grid Wiring
Denco range as shown in Table 3.
Connecting pins 3 and 5 of V2 together was found to be The coils are wound on colour -coded formers, and for
the most reliable method of operation. LI, Blue is required, with White for L2.
The signal and oscillator coils are not screened but it is Waveband switching could be fitted but would necessitate
desirable that L3 should be screened to prevent unwanted
a large chassis with consequently lengthened leads. Separate
self pick-up at 1.5 Mc; s. Note that a fixed capacitor (C4) is trimmers, TC1 and TC2, are specified, but these can well
connected across the main winding of L3 instead of a trim- be an integral part of an existing twin gang capacitor. Use
mer, this being quite satisfactory since the coil can be of a 500pF (nominal) type is possible for tuning, but high
brought to resonance by means of its core, and the capacitor grade mica 1000pF fixed capacitors must be connected in
may thus be contained within the coil can. The coils are series with each section to reduce the maximum capacitance
supplied individually packed in round aluminium screw lid value.
containers which may be used for screening.
The inclusion of C7 is particularly beneficial when the
TABLE 3
h.t. battery exhibits considerable inherent resistance such
as occurs towards the end of its life; it is important that it
Metres Mc/s Padder (C5) Denco
should be connected as shown in the diagram on the Range No.
converter side of SIC, otherwise the h.t. battery will dis-
charge even when the unit is not in use. 57-180 I.67-5.3 340pF 3
20-60 5.00-15.00 1000pF 4
Rotating Si to position "2" switches off the converter 9.5-28 10.50-31-50 2000pF 5
and breaks both h.t. and 1.t. feeds, and allows C7 to dis-
charge via RI and VR1. Simultaneously, the aerial is dis-
connected from LI and reconnected to tag 8 on L3 so that
the broadcast receiver can function normally. The switch ConstrI;ctional Notes
shown in Fig. 40 as Si is a 4 -pole, 2 -way miniature rotary The dimensions of the small chassis with all necessary
type, the spare tags being ignored. cutting and drilling details are shown in Fig. 37. The front
Switching of the earth lead is unnecessary when coaxial panel carries all the variable controls, and the dimensions
cable is used between the converter and receiver, the two of this are shown in Fig. 38. Hardboard or plywood may
chassis being automatically inter -connected via the outer be used provided aluminium foil is glued firmly to the back
braiding. For this reason a.c./d.c. apparatus must not be used to eliminate "hand capacity" effects when operating.
with the converter. in.-should be cut and mitred to
Quadrant- in. or
70 71
 provide rigidity and also improve the appearance. The
chassis and front panel may be fixed together by whatever e z 3 24-

is considered the simplest method. Coils LI and L2 should f

11 - Front panel
be mounted direct and locked thumb tight only by means of
VC2

Giftedlineslo
ang
Pdichitted MC.
0 pins 3.5
Space for on V2 VC1 =LT. -

VC1YC2
9
Hole diameten. Fig.37. Drilling di-
a.-%.411a.
mensions of the alu- L3 LI -.17x
Aerial toll -
minium chassis. Output
transformer To pin 6 on VI
20
kte2- nETTC1
L3
l Material
160349. aluminium
Fig. 39. Chassis component layout.

At this stage wiring can start using Figs. 39 and 40 for

reference. (Avoid overheating the coil spills when soldering.)
The small dimensions of the chassis permit short and mostly
self-supporting wiring, which is a desirable feature in short-

nit
Fig. 38. Front panel >ti'
'%\ lald flat
-X92=' -
layout of controls.
Vi1.7i,jot'vy i 533,1 gag

the polystrene locking nuts provided, but, for L3, the lid of
the metal container supplied should be drilled and the coil Axial input LT -t 141- 'MT* LT, Tags marmeMd
denote earthing
Coaxial output
to aerial socxet
socket
mounted through it. The body of the tin can be screwed into lb batteries connections to chassis on receiver

position later. Fig. 40. Complete underchassis wiring digram.

72 73
wave equipment. Note carefully the location of the stand-off control might need to be turned down as certain trans-
insulator used as an anchoring and take -off point for the missions are received.
coaxial outlet lead (Fig. 40).
All fixed capacitors should be of very high quality and of
modern miniature design, since "leaky" specimens are Faults
likely to cause poor operation. Ceramic valvebases were used The above supposes "first time working", which in
in the prototype, but are perhaps not entirely essential. practice might not result. When the converter is first
switched on, there might well be silence, and if this occurs,
and voltage supplies, etc. are in order, as indicated by a
Testing and Alignment suitable testmeter, the oscillator section of V2 should come
Once all the wiring has been completed and checked S1 under suspicion. All -dry frequency changers quite often
may be switched to position "2", valves inserted and are more temperamental than their mains -powered counter-
batteries connected at the appropriate points, polarity being parts, but oscillator functioning can be checked by
carefully observed. Coaxial cable should then be connected disconnecting R4 from the h.t. line and inserting at this
to the aerial and earth sockets of the receiver with which the point a meter switched to read 0-10mA. The current flow
unit is to be used, after first transferring the aerial lead to should then be noted, and the value should alter when spills
the converter. 8 and 9 of L2 are momentarily short circuited. Should no
The receiver should then be switched on and tuned to a change be detected the oscillator is not operating and no
silent point on its dial around 1.5Mis (200m), the volume frequency changing can occur. The remedy lies in checking
control being turned well up. The converter sensitivity that part of the circuit very carefully and reducing R4 to
control, VR1, should next be set to the h.t. end of its travel 101a2 or increasing the value of C3 to, say, 100pF.
and VC3 set at approximately half capacity-with its moving When the oscillator is working, the above test should be
vanes half enmeshed in the stationary ones. The converter made at several points on the tuning scale, for it is quite
can now be switched on and aligned. possible for it to cease functioning at a particular frequency.
The dial of the converter is first rotated until some hiss Should no signals be heard when oscillator operation is
or a signal is heard, when the core of L3 should be manipu- satisfactory, try removing VI and temporarily connecting a
lated in an attempt to strengthen the signal. The next step lead from pin 6 on its base to pin 6 on V2 base. If signals now
lies in trimming and padding the signal and oscillator cir- result, VI or the associated circuitry is at fault and should
cuits at the high and low frequency ends of the scale, taking be investigated.
care to allow only the minimum of capacity to be introduced
via the trimmers. The oscillator should operate on the high
side of the signal frequency, and normally the coil cores will Modifications
be screwed in reasonably well. Where the output is considered insufficient, or where the
No adjustments should be made to VC3 until alignment broadcast receiver used with it is of low sensitivity, improved
is complete, which may take a little time. The sensitivity converter efficiency would result from fitting a further valve
74 75
 Fig. 41. Increased output may be
ra
obtained with this circuit modifi-
tag 2 cation.
on 51

--11(9)
Outp t
socket

To 51B

LT+ 1.55
Five -transistor
of the type specified for V1 and using it as an intermediate
amplifier. The principle is shown in Fig. 41 where the V3 is
T.R.F. Receiver
the added valve. Coil L3 is removed from the frequency
changer anode and a miniature 1.010 i.f. transformer THE unit to be described is a five transistor portable
fitted instead. The amplified output is taken from L3, which radio receiver of high sensitivity which, compared
is transferred to V3 anode. Extra care must be taken in a with some other types of t.r.f. transistor portable,
circuit of this kind to ensure adequate rejection of signals gives above -average quality of reproduction. Reaction is not
in the 1.5Mcis band and a wavetrap tuned to the frequency employed, and two or three stations are pre -tuned and
might become necessary at the aerial input. selected by means of a switch. Selectivity is good and there
is a marked absence of background noise and interference.
The aerial coil is externally tuned and one section of the
station selector switch merely shunts extra capacity across
it, bringing it approximately to the frequency of the station
selected. The external tuner is then used for final trimming,
and is extremely useful for making adjustments under
conditions of poor signal reception or when surrounding
objects have a damping effect upon the aerial.
A 7 in. by 4i in. elliptical speaker is used in order to take
full advantage of the reproduction available. H.T. is derived
from 9V battery and total current consumption of the unit
from 5 to 6mA under "no signal" conditions.
76 77
The R.F. Amplifier and Detector
The r.f. section comprises two r.f. amplifiers and a diode
detector. The diode selected was an 0A81 but other types
such as the 0A71 are suitable. The transistors are both
OC44s but here again equivalents are suitable.
In order to provide tuning of the entire medium wave
band, the value of the variable capacitor or trimmer VC1
must be 500pF and is adjusted externally. The values of the
fixed capacitors C4 and C7 are 100pF and with Si in position
"1" make it possible to tune the r.f. transformers, by adjust-
ing their dust -cores, to the frequency of any station between
200 and 270m. With S1 in position "2" the trimmers TC1
and TC2 will extend the range to about 350m. The switch
in this position also shunts the aerial coil with a fixed
capacitor Cl. The value of each of these capacitors is
200pF.
With Si in position "3" a further trimmer (not shown in
Fig. 42) may be switched across each r.f. transformer
primary and a fixed capacitor across the aerial coil in order to
select a third station.

The A.F. Amplifier

The a.f. amplifier is a standard 200mW type using an
0071 as driver and a matched pair of 0072's in push-pull
for output.
There are several sets of matched driver and output
transformers on the market, and supplied with some of these
sets is a suggested circuit for their use. It is well to point
out here that not all of the output transformers in these
sets are suitable for matching to a standard 3E2 loudspeaker
and the constructor is advised to enquire on this matter
when making any purchase.
If headphones or an earpiece is used, the output stage may
be omitted entirely, the three remaining transistors will 0

78 79
provide more than adequate power. The r.f. stages alone
make an admirable tuner unit for feeding into a high quality COMPONENTS LIST
amplifier. Resistors:
The values of coupling and decoupling capacitors in this RI 39kO R5 4.7kn R9 101d2 R12 4.7ku
section are not critical. The decoupling capacitor across the R2 4.7k0 R6 lid) RIO Ikn RI3 10052
R3 I kn R7 I k52 R11 2000 R14 1011
h.t., that is from the primary of the driver transformer to R4 391d1 R8 27k12 All ± I0%, i-W
earth, must be at least 50/tF. In general it is best to keep the VRI 5kC2 potentiometer, plus S2
value of all these capacitors as high as possible.
Capacitors:
CI 200pF C8 2,700pF
C2 0.0IµF C9 2,700pF
R.F. Transformers C3 ItkF electrolytic CIO 5p,F electrolytic
The r.f. transformer coils (RFT1 and RFT2) are home - C4 100pF CI 130µF electrolytic
C5 0.01p.F Cl2 50pf electrolytic 9V
wound on 11 in. dia. formers using 7/45 Litz wire (see Fig. C6 1/.4F electrolytic C13 2,000pF
43). They must be fitted with variable dust -cores and C7 100pF CI4 2,000pF
VCI 500pF solid dielectric variable
screening cans. Standard i.f. formers and cans are ideal. TCI 200pF trimmer TC2 200pF trimmer

Semiconductors:
Trl 0C44 Tr4 00721 Matched
Start of 20 turns Tr2 0C44 Tr5 00721 Pair
finish of 92 turns
Tr3 0071 DI 0A81
Fig. 43. Construction details of Finish of 33
Twisted
Miscellaneous:
one of the r.f. transformers. to form
1.4
-Start of 92 turns collector
turnsyNetr'er
tap
TI, 2 Matched pair of driver and output transformers.
See text
Start of 33 turns
Finish of 20 turns SIA, B, C 3 -pole, 3 -way rotary switch
S2 On/off switch on VRI
Grommets Former Length of in. dia. ferrite rod. Two ;11 in. dia. formers for
RFTI, 2. 311 loudspeaker. 9V battery. Paxolin. Pair
of battery connectors. Three knobs. Litz wire,
enamelled copper wire, grommets, etc.
First a single layer of 20 turns is wound on to the former.
This should be about 4 in. in length and spaced by grommets
or other suitable spacers. Leave a sufficient length of wire
free at the beginning and end of each winding and identify direction. The "finish" of the second coil of 33 turns and the
these with "S" and "F" tags, indicating the "start" and "start" of the third coil of 92 turns must be twisted together
"finish" respectively of the windings. Now wind on top of to form the collector tap.
this first layer a further 33 turns forming another layer and The entire operation requires less time than one may
the commencement of a third. Finally 92 turns are added in imagine and is quite simple to carry out, the only difficulty
single layers remembering to wind all coils in the same being the removal of the enamel insulation from the Litz
80 81
wire. The following method, although not the speediest, is
opposite each other. On completion of the coil these are
certain to ensure that all the strands are clean and un-
removed and the coil will slide freely. For the wiring details
damaged. of LI and L2 see Fig. 44.
The cotton or silk is removed from the wire and the
strands played out fan shape. They are then drawn along
fine flour paper until the copper appears through the Construction Suggestions
enamel. The wire is then turned over and the treatment The chassis used in the prototype consisted of a Paxolin
repeated until all the strands are clean. Finally the strands base with an upright panel at one side for the mounting of
are counted to ensure all seven are intact, twisted together
controls. Holes are drilled where connecting pins are
and tinned.
required and small lengths of 16 s.w.g. tinned copper wire
All the coil ends are then soldered to the wire pillars fitted
are pushed through. Owing to the close proximity of the
in the transformers, remembering to note pin connections ferrite rod aerial to the upright panel, the material used for
before finally closing the screening can. The coils may be its construction must not be metal.
waxed or doped on completion to prevent damp entering.

Control p

Coils on Ferrite Rod Side Hole sizes

73
panel
panel i/4 dia.
The aerial and coupling coils LI and L2 are wound on to a B- 510 dia.
C - 4BA dia. SicLe4
D- 6 BA dia.
in. by 7 in. ferrite rod using 7/45 Litz wire for Ll and E -Tight fit for 16 s w.g wire
F -Clearance hoes for 22 Awg.wlm
4) s.w.g. enamel covered wire for L2 (Fig. 44). T 45
-tg
15/B

L -60 turns L2 -5 turns

tz wre enamelled wire
14*

Fig. 44. Winding details of the -44

aerial. _DT4affE-
-1-lvet1
lb lb
+reline
To R
R2 C2 Tot base E
/1414

A4e2.
_Lt42f
+E
V
++ E E

A paper tube is made to fit freely over the rod and on to Fig. 45. Dimensions of the chassis.
this is wound 60 turns of Litz wire to form Ll. The coupling
coil L2 is five turns of 40 s.w.g. spaced / in. from the aerial In order to reduce the overall thickness of the receiver
coil. Both windings are close -wound, and must slide easily case, the r.f.t. cans are laid on their sides and held secure to
on the paper tube along the ferrite rod in order to allow the chassis by lengths of 22 s.w.g. wire which is passed
adjustment during alignment. through holes in the Paxolin base and soldered. The thick-
Before winding the coils it is advisable to insert two ness of the finished case is finally decided upon by the depth
straight lengths of wire between the paper tube and the rod of the loudspeaker magnet and the size of battery used.
82 83
 In the case of the prototype receiver this station was the
BBC Light Programme.
A length of wire to form a temporary aerial is connected
via a capacitor to the top end of the aerial coil Ll and VC1
is set to near its minimum capacitance, or to approximately
100pF. With S1 switched to position "1" and the r.f.t. dust -
core at mid -position, it may be possible to receive the Light
Programme.

Fig. 47. Front and side

views of the receiver
case.

6dse,control panel entl sides are

secured wltf glue end 68A csk screws

The coils LI and L2 must be situated near one end of the

ferrite rod with the base coupling coil L2 on the inside.
They may now require some adjustment by sliding them
along the ferrite rod. If the station is not yet audible or the
Transistors are secured througn grommets mounted on base gain is low, slowly turn the core of RFT2 until results are
Fig. 46. Complete wiring diagram and connections between control panel achieved. RFT1 is then adjusted and VC1 turned for
and chassis.
maximum gain.
The whole process is repeated with the temporary aerial
C4 and C7 are mounted directly on to the pins of the r.E removed, until further improvement is not possible. Owing
transformers and Si is located at the r.f. end of the chassis to the directional quality of ferrite rod aerials the receiver
in order to prevent instability due to r.f. leads being too must be rotated for best results, on each station tuned.
Si is then switched to position "2" and the trimmers TC1
long.
With the receiver standing on its base the controls appear and TC2 treated in a similar manner to that of the r.f.t.
at the top panel of the case. cores in order to select the second station required. VC1 is
permanently variable and may need some adjustment but
the cores of the r.f. transformers must not be moved after
Alignment selection of the first station. Coils LI and L2 are finally
Firstly the constructor must decide on the stations re- adjusted for best results on both stations and then perman-
quired. Of the stations required, the one situated at the ently fixed.
lowest end of the medium -wave band should be aligned first.
85
84
 10
I

Four -valve
Superhet Portable 000

wHILE transistors have unquestionable advantages

for portable equipment, as illustrated in the
preceding chapter, there are many constructors
who still prefer the positive and assured results that are
obtained with a well -tried and conventional valve circuit. By
taking advantage of the miniature components that are now
available a very compact valve set may be constructed with
the sure knowledge that it will work first time and give good
performance.
Modern low consumption valves are used in this circuit
and these, in conjunction with an inexpensive combined h.t.
and 1.t. battery, provide quite an economical receiver.
All the parts are standard proprietary lines and therefore
easily obtainable.
Nq

v or
The Circuit
The circuit (Fig. 48) is a completely conventional 4 -
valve superhet covering full medium wave and sufficient of
86 87
the long wave to tune the Light Programme, at good 5V?
Material :-16,We,
strength, anywhere in the country. 3/6 6

The actual lay -out has been very carefully arranged to Polo up along. dotted line-...

achieve a neat and compact design and from the group - Hole site,
._613A clearance . ko-
'.4SY'S133161 if
B _ABA clearance
board wiring diagrams (Figs. 49 and 50) it will be seen e dia. Ac54\60.
oia.
E -..5/A Ha.
Fig. 51. Dimensions
and drilling details of
the chassis.
IA C
Fig.49. Most of the tCrk g p.., _tc.
smaller components OA

mounted on a main 3/: A e-W-, eATea Atz

group board.
-.
--
1:-
-----

a
0

t
. 1
Fold oce

I-,TT,T I I

that practically all the small components can be mounted on

3
to two groupboards which can be completely assembled and .1h --%H. ,1/4311

wired up before fitting to the chassis. AO-

274 diameter
Vd,a hde 1.811
Volume 1/2
Louctspealaer
C1SZ?Ut aperture
Fold SSASSWISCh %viten
any en
down
at 3,4. Fol0
down
Aluminium Chassis bend

Vdia
The chassis is constructed from a piece of 18 s.w.g. hole fcc
Tuning
control
aluminium, 5l in. x 42 in., and drilling details are given
in Fig. 51. Strips along two edges of the aluminium are 61j
Material 16swg or 1Bswg Aluminium
Holes marked Ware 6BA clearance
1 2 3 4. 5

Fig. 52. Dimensions of the front panel.

Fig. 50. Wiring of an auxiliary

group board. to match four holes at the bottom of the front panel-Fig.
52. By this means the chassis will be joined to the front
panel.

folded down-as shown in the diagram-so that the finished Wiring the Groupboards
chassis measures 52 in. x 3 in. with 4 in. runners, front and Before assembling any components on to the chassis, it
back. The front runner is drilled with four 6B.A. bolt holes will be best to wire and mount the smaller components on
88 89
the two groupboards; the exact position of these and the the movement of the vanes of this capacitor.) The loud-
method of wiring up at the back of the boards will be seen speaker can also be mounted in a similar manner, using
quite clearly in Figs. 49 and 50. It is recommended that 4B.A. countersunk screws with nuts on the inside to make it
one end of the board is marked in some way, as it is quite secure. When all the parts have been fitted to the front
easy to be confused when constantly turning it round for panel it can be completed by covering with fine mesh
wiring up. expanded metal, or loudspeaker covering material, leaving a
As these groupboards have to be bolted to the main small aperture for the miniature wave -change switch. If it
chassis, remember to leave the two relevant components off is intended to fit dials one can be mounted under the fixing
until the boards have been mounted, to enable the screws to nut for the volume control and the other one for the tuning
pass through the holes. It is also important to note that an indicator is best secured by using contact adhesive.
insulated back -plate must be placed between the back of the
board and the chassis, to prevent the tag eyelets being
shorted by the aluminium. Wiring
Most of the wiring is quite straightforward and obvious
from a study of Figs. 53 and 54.
Mounting the Major Components In order to simplify the wiring some slight alterations will
Having completed and fitted the groupboards, the next need to be carried out to the Repanco ferrite rod aerial before
step is the mounting of all the main components to the fitting. In the first place it will be found that there are low
chassis taking particular note of the orientation of the valve - impedance coupling windings over the top of each of the
holders (Fig. 51). The i.f. transformers have similar
windings for primary and secondary and it is not important
which way round they are fitted. If preferred the front
panel with its associated controls and parts may remain
separate from the main chassis until later in the assembly. It
is suggested that a strip of insulation tape along the inside of
the front chassis runner is a useful precaution as the clearance
between it and the group -board tags is rather small.
Fig. 53. Interconnec-
It is advisable to leave the ferrite rod aerial to last as some tions above chassis.
alterations to it are necessary before fitting, and also it will
eliminate the risk of breaking or damaging it during con-
struction.
The two -gang tuning capacitor is mounted from the front
of the panel using three countersunk 4B.A. screws, see
Fig. 53. (Ensure that these are cut down short enough to
prevent them from projecting through and interfering with
90 91
 LT HT+ for tuning to the best position. It should be noted that this
aerial coil wire is Litz and it is essential when making
soldered joints that every single strand is carefully cleaned
Power supply
and tinned otherwise performance may be affected. The
from battery
(viewed on
ends can conveniently be cleaned by placing on a firm
connections)
surface and scraping gently with fine emery cloth, or another
method is to heat the wire ends in a small flame and while
still hot, plunge them into methylated spirit after which the
ends can be wiped clean and then soldered.
IFTI D'F'9

Oscillator
coil
Bend up along
dotted lines
TO Output
transformer Battery Polarity
red
Great care should be taken in wiring the special battery
Fig. 54. Underchassis wiring extra to the group board wiring. plug as a careless mistake can prove an expensive one since
all the valves could be destroyed in a moment if incorrect
two coils and these are removed completely. If it is desired voltages were applied to them. To be absolutely safe it is a
to use this set with a car radio aerial in a car these windings good idea not to insert the valves at first but to test the
may be left on and taken in parallel to a suitable socket for filament wiring by plugging in the battery and checking
the car aerial. It will be seen from Fig. 55 that the medium between pins 1 and 7 on the valveholders of V1, V2, and V3,
wave winding is connected to two tags on the right-hand and between pins 1 and chassis on the valveholder of V4
aerial bracket, with a miniature 60pF trimmer soldered into using a voltmeter or a 2.5V bulb. The reading should be
position across it, and that the long wave winding is con- 1.5V in each case or if using a bulb it should just light up
nected to another pair of tags also with a 60pF trimmer dully. If the bulb flashes and blows then there is a mistake
positioned in parallel. Sufficient length of lead should be left in the 1.t. wiring which must be located and put right
to allow both these coils to be moved along the ferrite rod before the valves go in.

To 52a
Brackets turned
round to show
Lw. My(
Alignment
Having carried out this test satisfactorily the valves can be
trimmer
connections

winding Fig. 55. Mounting and wiring inserted into their correct positions and the set switched on.
details of ferrite rod aerial With the volume control turned full on, a quick test of the
and trimmers.
l.f. portion of the set can be made by lightly touching pin 6
of V3 when distinct clicks and possibly a faint hum will be
heard. Now turn the tuning control slowly until some
signal is heard however faint and then the upper and lower
92 93
tuning cores in the two i.f. transformers should be carefully
adjusted in turn to bring the signal to its loudest, if neces- COMPONENTS LIST
sary reducing the setting of the volume control progressively,
as it is easier to detect the peak of adjustment at lower Resistors:
volume levels. It is worth while to go over these adjustments RI 82kn R4 27kS2 R7 IOMQ RIO 2.2MQ
R2 33kS2 R5 2.2MS1 R8 2.7MS2 RII 39052
several times to ensure that the best setting has been ob- R3 27kS1 R6 1001d1 R9 1MS2
tained. This alignment is more easily carried out if access to All ±I0%, PA, carbon
a signal generator is possible but in any case it is not difficult VRI 2mn log. potentiometer, plus D.P.S.T. switch SI
using the normal broadcast stations.
Capacitors:
CI 0.04p.F 150V C8 100pF mica
C2 0.04pF 150V C9 0.01µF 150V
Oscillator Adjustment C3 100pF mica CIO 0.04tLF 150V
C4 100pF mica CI 10.04µF 150V
In view of the fact that the tuning dial will probably only C5 500pF mica Cl2 2t4F electrolytic 150V
be marked from 0 to 10 it was considered that exact calibra- C6 0.01µF 150V C13 25p.F electrolytic 150V
tion was not very important and therefore no oscillator trim- C7 0.01[LF 150V CI4 33pF mica
VCI, 2 500+500pF twin gang tuning (Jackson "02")
mers were provided, the only oscillator adjustment is the core TCI 60pF miniature compression trimmer
of the coil and this was set to give the medium wave Light TC2 60pF miniature compression trimmer
Programme on 2.5 on the dial. The Home Service then
came in at 4 and Luxembourg was received at excellent Valves:
VI DK96 V2 DF96 V3 DAF96 V4 DL96
strength on 1.
Having completed the i.f. and oscillator adjustments, the
aerial circuits should be trimmed for optimum performance, Transformers:
I.F.T.I 465kc/s i.f. transformer (Denco IFT.I I)
and it should be noted that for all the alignment adjustments I.F.T.2 465kc/s i.f. transformer (Denco IFT.I I)
it is preferable to use a non-metallic trimming tool. Switch TI Miniature output transformer, ratio 60:1
to long wave and tune in the Light Programme which
should be about 6 on the dial and then adjust for the Switches:
maximum result by sliding the long wave aerial coil each SI D.P.S.T. switch on VRI
S2A, B D.P.D.T. slider switch
way along the ferrite rod aerial and at the same time adjust-
ing the long wave aerial trimmer.
Miscellaneous:
Now switch to medium wave and select a station round Oscillator coil (Weymouth radio type H03). Medium and
about 6 (probably Hilversum) and adjust the medium wave long wave aerial (Repanco FS2). I4 -way miniature
aerial coil by sliding each way on the ferrite rod aerial for groupboard. 5 -way miniature groupboard. 69V,
I.5V battery. 21 in. 3S2 loudspeaker. 4 B7G valve -
optimum signals. Next tune to Luxembourg or another holders. Suitable battery plug. Aluminium, wire,
station at about 1 on the dial and adjust the medium wave nuts, bolts, knobs, etc.
trimmer for maximum volume. As it will be found that all
94 95
these adjustments are slightly inter -dependent and altering
one will affect the others, it is worth while going over them
all two or three times until satisfied that the best results are
being obtained.

The Cabinet
Owing to this set's neat and compact shape the cabinet
is quite simply constructed from s in. plywood with a
suitable cut-out in the front for the controls and loudspeaker.
Two runners, also of I in. plywood, are fitted to the inside
of the cabinet to support the set which is then held firmly in
position by a small block glued inside the back. The battery
can then be accommodated in an accessible position
beneath the chassis.

96