r

HA I 5JLENCSTeriluljF!
OCTOBER 1976

rREGENERATIV
TRANSISTOR,
TESTER

r
PART ONE
(2 FARTS)

ALSO
FEATURED

il

THE 'PORT & STARBOARD'

STEREO AMPLIFIER

nd Pehoo"aontents

possesiion
to C600

All Risk

uP

uP to (-6,

lon9'n9s

a'dent
ea s)
f jPer

anesrs"al
ura

rl

ash

Jf

-*

4`0sst
Asportsks ove on
to

toer1hnal

f 30eQurPment u

liabdq

f 20.p0pn'ily

p toover

eTetoRadi
duaPmeoagg

n ehtc

Each

005,15
of2o

3 unit of Home Unit Insurance gives you protection up to the limit shown

This is the simplified insurance you have been waiting for. (or + units after the first) up to a maximum of five. So
Not just cover on the contents of your home but a simple. So easy. Apply to your Broker, Agent or local office
package of personal protection you and your family need. of a General Accident company.
And it's how we save you so much money: just ONE The Home Unit Policy can replace your existing insurances
And remember- as you buy more possessions just add
policy to issue instead of nine!
Quote Ref. 20/9468
You can build up to the cover you need by additioanal units more Home Units at any time.

THE GENERAL ACCIDENT FIRE &

LIFE ASSURANCE CORPORATION LTD
Metropolitan House, 35 Victoria Avenue,
Southend -on -Sea, Essex, SS2 6BT

Please send me further particulars of

the Home Unit Insurance.
Name

Address

It pays to be protected bya

2019468

RAum ELECTHOMCS
CONSTRUCTOR

OCTOBER 1976
Volume 30 No. 3
Published Monthly (1st of Month)
First Published 1947

Incorporating The Radio Amateur

NOVEL TRANSISTOR TESTER

TRADE NOTE

147

NEWS AND COMMENT

148

Editorial and Advertising Offices

57 MA /DA VALE LONDON W9 1SN

THE 'PORT & STARBOARD'

Part
STEREO AMPLIFIER
by Sir Douglas Hall, K.C.M.G.

Telephone

LINEAR SCALE OHMMETER

01
r)

-286 6141

Telegrams
Databux, London

Data Publications Ltd., 1976. Contents

may only be reproduced after obtaining

prior permission from the Editor. Short
abstracts or references are allowable

provided acknowledgement of source is

given.

(Suggested Circuit 31

Technical Queries. We regret that we

are unable to answer queries other than
those arising from articles appearing in
this magazine nor can we advise on
modifications to equipment described.
We regret that such queries cannot be
answered over the telephone; they
must be submitted in writing and
accompanied by a stamped addressed
envelope for reply.
Correspondence should be addressed to
the Editor, Advertising Manager, Subscription Manager or the Publishers as
appropriate.

Opinions expressed by contributors are

not necessarily those of the Editor or
proprietors.
P.roduction. -Web Offset.

150

157

by G. A. French

180

FORTY -SEVEN AND STILL GOING STRONG

166

by Ron Ham

NEXT MONTH'S SPECIAL ISSUE

THE 'ACADEMY' STEREO F.M. TUNER

Part 2 by R. A. Penfold

SHORT WAVE NEWS

by Frank A. Baldwin

For DX Listeners

167
168
175

NEW PRODUCTS

177

MOUNTING VARIABLE CAPACITORS

178

by R. J. Caborn

IN YOUR WORKSHOP

The Radio & Electronics Constructor is printed

by Swale Press Ltd.

180

Column L.E.D. Voltmeter

ELECTRONICS DATA No. 15

(For the Beginner
T.R.F. Receivers)

Published in Great Britain by the Proprietors and

Publishers, Data Publications Ltd, 57 Maida
Vale, London W9 1SN

OCTOBER 1976

1)

REGENERATIVE SHORT WAVE SUPERHET

Part 1 by F. G. Rayer

Annual Subscription: 5.00 W.S.A. and

Canada $11.00) including postage. Remittances should be made payable to Data

Publications Ltd ". Overseas readers please
pay by cheque or International Money
Order.

142

by A. P. Roberts

iii

THE NOVEMBER ISSUE WILL BE

PUBLISHED ON 1st NOVEMBER
129

HI-PAK

HEW Order yours NOW.

1977 ILUSTRATED CATALOGUE

OUR

The most comprehensive range of products and technical information ever, including
OVER 800 ADDITIONS to our list of Semiconductors and Electronic Components. Fully
illustrated and designed to be updated as we increase our range. This is A MUST FOR

ALL! ORDER NOW .

EVERY COPY CARRIES A

DIODE EQUIVALENT
DE 74 144 Pace.

GP300

WATT SILICON 703

/1S

SPECIAL DISCOUNT
ORDER FORM

eQUiV10

ME

Vcbo 100V. Vceo 60V, IC 1SA,.

replacement for 2N3055, BDY11
1

25 -N

-24

*no,*

Np
SIN

TO

usabie

Ali

TO 20106

arlc...

AVAILABLE
20 loe

NP.

IN PNP

50

I.0p0loi 411.
When

for

No

41.

3ANSISTORSIV
ND NEW FULLY GUARANTEED
Typs Prlc Type Pila*
Typs

BS1.212e5 '+
oca., and

almllar lo
100

for

41 N

BF117
BF118
8E119

rdenng please Vale NPN or P

44
71
71

13E152

SI

6E153
BF154
BF155
BF1S6
8E157
BF158
8E159
5E173
8E176

46

I8F179

OUR SPECIAL PRI

BF180
BF181

APPROX. SN

Assorted tail -out Integrated circo

Logic, 74 pries, Linear, Audld
Many coded devices but some

to Identify.

rlc

Pontage and Pecking add 25p

1C

ECTFION
3015F

Minilron

Segment Indicator L1

O141pC3I

1t

L.E.D. DISPLAYS
DL747 Common nods Or 85p. 0L747 '.
Fommon anode 06 E179. DL727 Doubt{:;
display, common ood 0.5' E2 N

L.E.D.'s

Avellabl
RED

lIp.

-..

*
BI -PAK

Type
7400

25

13
13
23

0.12

11
11

2S

8.24
0-14

/0

7402
7403
7404
7405
7406
7407
7408
7409
7410

11

7412
7413
7416
7417
7420
7422
7423
7425
7421
7427
7428
7430
7432
7433
7437
7438
7440

130

100+

11.01
9
0 16
9 10

7401

7411

,,

11

13
15

23
26
24
21
28
12
28

-12

N
N

6'14

23
23
13
13

22

21

0 2S

24

29
27

2S

24

4'27
h11

h27

3I O8
30
36
34
42
12
34
39
30

0 28
0 28
6 28

U
01/

21
e

37
0 24
9 28

12

11

24
24
11

29
2{
29
26
26
36

1I
26
35
26
24

IN

PRICE. FULL

FAMOUS MANUFACTURES
Type

7448
7450

12
12
12

7451

7453
7454
7460

'12

7470
7472

.22

12

0 70
9 11

0 76

010

71122
71123

9 11

7485
7486
7489
7190

31

OC26

73

36
3s
29
19

0C26
0C29

1I
1I

74145
74150

0 10

74151

5 23
9.211

N
L

30 E
76

0 46

74161

0 81
0

74162
74163
74164
74185
71166
74174
74175
74176
71177
74180

E N
E N
L -2S E

74181

E2

74182
74184

90
67 E

21

0 24

0.25
O

N
N

02I1 N

'22

93
O

N
N

0 79

11
O
O

23E1 20E1'15
29
N E2 N E2 76
37 0 35 P 33

7491

7192
7193
7494
7485
7499
74100
74104

43
47
43
70

0 30

SO

42

6 11

1142

0-I1
I-41

042

0-N 0-N
N I N
N
-N IfO 0.96
N 9 38 0.36

0C36
0C41

0C45
OC70

/N
1 N
II
1

311

45
SI
24
23
16
13

0
O
0
II
0 1J
11S
11S

OC205
OCP71
ORP12/
NSL1931
ORP60
ORP61
T1P20
TIP30

TIP31A
TIP32A
TIP11A
TIP42A

U
44

N
41

41

N
45
-52

N
N

72
23
24

TIS43

UT/8

2FX107

Si

279108
279109
279300
279503

07
07
97

2N696

-1J

2N697

11

2N609

29
36

2N69

VAT

CHAT

o.

7419
74191

74192

9S

SO

-N

95

E
E

N
N

2S E

E
L

N
N

E
E

93
18
19 E
14 E

100+

51

83

OC35

20

ALL

48
54

SO

32

I4

so

74141

N
N
E

0 11
0 11

14

0 24

N
L1

9'11

25

25

20
27

7481
7482
7483
7484

34
11

51

0 20
20
1 36
O
0 47
149
0 57
9 39

OC170
0C171

Please add 124%

Type

74153
74151
74155
74156
74157
74160

2S

7473
7474
7475
7476
7480

GUARANTEED.

100+

25

MJE3440 N
MPF102 Y
MPF104
MPF105 91
OCIO

72

Gete1O9ue

54

MJE305S9 Si

71

1 N

MJE295S U

0C20
0C22
0C23
0C24
0C25

VJa

SPECIPTCATION

29
26
29

19

'9

135011

0071
0072
0074

?ser/e..
STILL LOWEST

29

0C202
0C203
0C204

55040

OC44

-.

OC 201

MJES21

BSY38
BSY30

0C42

-".
.1,,

-r

in 0125' and o
dia lenses
GREEN 17p. YELLOW 17p.

-''
'"''''-'1

Nom:

BU105

31

16
92
12
12
12
21
36
44
54

770

19
19
24
24
22

31

f0

263

0012

24
24
26

34

259

OC81D

0C200

iS

262

616
6 16
919

0081

31

61

r258

otherwise shown. Add ext.

alrmad, Minimum order LI

8SY27
eSY28
BSY29

16
19
29
16
16

OC76
OC77

29
Y 13
135095
B SYOSA 91 13

N
N

3E197
1E198
Fl 19
F257

B SY2S
13SY26

0075

9 29

49

9F19

Y /1
S 19
Y 16
16
Y 16

OC82D
OC83
OC139
OC140
OC169

71

8E194
8E195

413

BFY53
BSY19
BSX20

E -NE
E SO E
E -13

25 L
74
93
45 E
78
74
93

N
90
N
90

2/ E
20 E
44 E

9s
93
11 E
11 E
11 E

90 E

I0
92 L
45 E
45 E

14E

44

s4 JUMBO SEMICONDUCTOR PAK

56 Transistors -Germ. and Silicon.
Trlacs- Thyristors- I.C.'s and
02 Rectitlere- Diodes.
20 Zeners. ALL NEW AND CODED.
72 Approx. 100 pieces only 1 Sp.

1
N

76
79
91

N
N

N
N

ZENER DIODES
FULL RANGE

400,W

Op

IN

STOCK,

SW 17p

-33

Volts

10W

31p

to prices marked'.
Remainder add 8%
VOLTAGE
REGULATORS
70.3 Plastic Encapsulation
0.7805/L129 5V
(equrv. to MVR5V) Et 25
MA.7812/L130 12V
(equiv. to MVR12V) LI 25

IS
15
39

N
/1
N
N
N
N
06

N
N

P.O. BOX 6, WARE HERTS

SHOP 18 BALDOCK ST., WARE, HERTS.
AT
OPEN 9 to 5.30 Mon /Set. Tel: 61593

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

RETURN OF POST MAIL ORDER SERVICE

R.C.S.

NEW BSR HI -FI AUTOCHANGER

GENERAL

PURPOSE

STEREO AND MONO

high'

Plays 12' 10" or 7" record,

Auto or Manual. A
quality unit backed by BSR

with 12 months'
guarantee. AC 200/250v.
Size 13} z 11oar

NEW ELECTROLYTICS CONDENSERS

Above motor board 3 1in.

Below motor board grin.
With STEREOrMONOCARTRIOCif.

f10,95

Post 75p

f4.50

PORTABLE PLAYER CABINET

Modern design. Size 16 " x 15 " 7 " approx, Post 50p

Large front grille, Hinged 'Lid. Chrome fittings.
Motor board cut for Garrard or BSR deck.
Resine covered, in red or black or blue.

HEAVY METAL PLINTHS

With P.V.C. Cover. Cut out for most
B.S.R. or G ward
ard decks. Silver grey
finish. Size 124 x 141 x 7 }in.
Size 16 x 134 x 7in. 6.95

2/350V
4/350V
6/350V
16/350V
32/500V
25/25V
50/50V
100/25V

20P
20P

250/25V
500/25V
22p 100 +100/275v
30p 150 +200 /275v
50p 8 +8/450V
10p 8 +16/450V
10p 16 +16/450V
10p 32 +32/350V

18p

16+16 +16 /275v45p

50p
50+50/300V

20p

65p
75p
32 +32/450V
70p 100 +50 +50 /350V 85p
50p
32 +32 +32/350 75p

50p
50p
50p

30,000/25V
4700/63V

LOW VOLTAGE ELECTROLYTICS CONDENSERS

22. 25, 50, 68, 150. 470, 500. 680, 1500, 2200, 3300,
mfd all 6 volt 10p ea.
22, 25. 68, 100, 150. 200. 220. 330, 470, 680. 1000,
1500, 2200. mid all 10 volt 10p ea.
220, 330, 1000, 4700
all 4v.
o ea. 1
2, 4, 5, 8, 16, 25, 3 0, 50. 100, 200mF 15V 10p.
500mF 12V 15p 25V 20p ;.50V 30P.
1000mF 12V 20p 25V 35p 50V 47p 100V 70P.
2000n,F 6V 25p 25V 42p 50V 57p 4700/63V 95p.
2500mF 50V 62p 3000mF 25V 47p 50V 65p.
5000mF 6V 25p; 12V 42p; 35V 85p: 50V 95p.
500V -0.001 to 0.1 10p; 0.25 top; 0.47 26p
CERAMIC pF to 0.01InF, 5p. Silver Mica 2 to 5000pF, 5p.
PAPER 350V-0.1 7p. 0.5 18p; 1mF or 2mF 150V 15p.
MICRO SWITCH single pole changeover 20p.
MICRO SWITCH sub min 25p.
TWIN GANG. "0 -0" 208pF + 176pF 2. TWIN 385PF 50p
Slow motion drive 365pF + 365pF with 250F + 25pF 85p.
5000F standard twin gang /bp.
12U PI- twin gang SUp.
;

- - 144" a 121n. z 4 1in., 2.50. 'B'

20 1in.
121in. x 4 in.. E3. 'C' - - 17jin. e 13jin. e 3 4in., 3.25,
Ideal for record decks, tape Decks, etc.
Post 45p
x

R.C.S.
DISCO

_1

SINGLE
RECORD
PLAYER

-_

Fittea with auto stop, stereo/compat, cartridge. Base plate. Size 11 in. 8 }in. Turntable. Size 7in. diameter. A/C
mains. 220/250V motor has a separate winding 14 volt
to power a small asize rec.
3 speeds plays all size records.
,{its

Two for f12.

45p
Post

ume & tone

>ntrols 240v
.

xr

Attractive

Teak finish

Weight 131bs.

lc

Bargain Price

22.50

WIPE -WOUND RESISTORS. 5 watt, 10 watt, lb watt,

10 ohms to 100K, 12p each; 2w 0.5 ohm to 8.2 ohms 15p.
TAPE OSCILLATOR COIL. Valve type 35p.
FERRITE ROD 6" x 3" 30p; 6" x j" 20p; 3" x
10p.

j"

MAINS TRANSFORMERS

85p carriage

50p each

2.55

2A

250 -0 -250 8OwA. 6.3v 3.5a, 6.3v la or 5v 2a C4.60

350 -0 -350 80mA. 6.3v 3.5a, 6.3v la or 5v 2a. 5.80
300 -0 -300 120mA. 6.3v 4a C.T., 6 -3v 2a
7.00
220v 45mA. 6.3v 2a.
E1.75
HEATER TRANS. 6.3e 3 amps. C1.45
}amp. 95p

GENERAL PURPOSE LOW VOLTAGE. Tapped outputs

2 amp 3, 4, 5. 8. 8, 9. 10, 12, 15, 18. 24. 30v 4.60
1 amp 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40. 48, 60, f4.60
2a. 6, 8. 12, 12 16, 18, 20, 24 30, 36, 40, 48, 60 7.00
3a. 6, 8, 10, 12. 16, 18. 20 24. 30, 36, 40. 48, 60 8.70
5a. 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18. 20, 24, 30, 36, 40. 46, 60 f 1125
5, 8, 10, 16v
a 2. 6 -0 -6v 500mA E1. 9v 1a C1
12v 300mA Cf. 12v 500mA C1. 12v 750mA Cl.
40v 2a tauoed 10v or 30v 02.95.
20v 3a f2.
40v 2a C2.75 30v 5A and 34v 2A ct. 13.50
20-U -20v 1a 2, 30v t3a 01.75. 20v }a L1.75, la C2
AUTO TRANSFORMERS. 115v to 230v or 230v to 115v
150w C5; 250w E6, 400w 17: 500w 18.
CHARGER TRANSFORMERS,
Input 200/250v
for 6 or 12v
2.75 4a 04.60.
FULL WAVE BRIDGE CHARGER RECTIFIERS.
6 or 12v outputs 11.3 40p; 2a 55p; 4a 85p.
amp Transformer, mounted on panel with input end
output fuses supplies 0,20v.40v.60v or 20 -0 -20v 3.50

l'a

SMITH'S CLOCKWORK
15 AMP TIME SWITCH
0 -6 HOURS

Single pole two -way Surface mounting with fixing screws.

Will replace existing wall switch to give light for return
home, garage, automatic anti -burglar lights etc. Variable
knob Turn on or off at full or intermediate settings.
Fully insulated, Makers last list price 4.50. Brand new and
fully guaranteed.
Post 35p.
OUR PRICE

2.95

CASSETTE RECORDER MOTOR ONLY 6 Volt.

Will replace many types. Ideal for models. 01.25

R.C.S. STABILISED POWER PACK KIT

All parts including printed circuit and instructions to

build this unit. Voltages available: 6v, 7.5v. 9v, 12v.
Up to 100mA Output.
451p
Please state voltage required.

f2.95

Post 75p

R.C.S. 10 WATT
AMPLIFIER KIT

sii

This kit is suitable for record players, tape play back.

guitars. electronic instruments or small PA. systems.
Two versions are available. A mono kit or a stereo kit. The
mono kit uses 13 semiconductors. The stereo kit uses 22
semiconductors with printed front panel and volume.
bass and treble controls. Spec. 10 watts output into 8
ohm, 7 watts into 15 ohms. Response 20 cos to 30K/cs.
.Input from 20mV high Imp. Size 9 4in x 3in x tin.

Mono kit

f3.45

NEON PANEL INDICATORS, 250V Red or Amber, 30p

RESISTORS. }w., }w., 1w 20%, 2p; 2w. Bp. 10
to 10M.
HIGH STABILITY, } w. 2% 10 ohms to 10 meg., 12p.
Ditto 5 %, Preferred values, 10 ohms to 10 meg., 5p.

2500 -250V 80mA. 6.3,

COMPLETE STEREO SYSTEM

Two full size loudspeakers 131 x 10 x 31in. Player
unit clips to loudspeakers making it extremely compact.
Overall size only 133 x 10 x 134n. 3 watts per channel.
plays all records
33 rpm 45 rpm.
Separate
ol-

AC

WATT. 8 OHM. CERAMIC MAGNETS

f.95

Teak Veneer. For above units

110

6.95
5.95
4.25

Post 65p

ELAC9 x 5in. HI -Fl SPEAKER, TYPE 59RM.

THIS FAMOUS AND WIDELY USED UNIT

Post450

Bookshelf Cabinet

in.

f7.95
f8.95

x8

State 3 or 8 ohm
15 watt version
H or 15 ohm
20 watt version
8 or 15 ohm
as illustrated
Bass units only 20W
Bass units only 15W
Bass units only 10W

Post 75p

Sizes 'A'

95p
95p

134-

SPEAKER SALE!
And
10 watt
f5.25
And crossover.
ss

TINTED PLASTIC COVERS

E.M.I.

TRANSISTOR

PRE -AMPLIFIER BRITISH MADE

Ideal for Mike, Tape P.U., Guitar, etc. Can be used with Battery
9 -12v. or H.T. line 200 -300V. D.C. operation. Size 14" x 13" x
Response 25 c.o.s. to 25 KO's, 26 db gain.
For use with valve or transistor equipment.
:Post
Full instructions supplied. Details S.A.E.
1.45 30p

f11.25

Stereo kit

fl 7.50

45p

LOUDSPEAKERS P.M. 3 ohms, / a 4in. E1.25; 61in. 1.5pr

8 x 5in. 1.60; Bin. 1.75: 10 x bin. 1.90, 10in. 2.60
SPECIAL OFFER LOUDSPEAKERS' All Brand New:
3 ohm. 2;n; 2/in, 30n; 5in. 8 ohm, 2 1in; 2 1in; 5 x 3in,
5in. 15 ohm, 34-in; 5in; 6 x 4in; 5 x 31e; 7 x 41e;
25 ohm, 21in. 3in, 5 x 3in, 7 x 4 in, 35 ohm, 3in. 5in.
80 ohm, 23n. 21m. 12U ohm, 3in.

f1.25

TWEETER
with
in

VOLUME

CONTROL 15

long threaded

ohm

EACH

10 watt

bush for wood

panel

mounting. Will suit all tweeters

75p
RICHARD ALLAN TWIN CONE LOUDSPEAKERS, Bin.
diameter 4W C2 50, 10in. diameter 5W C2.95, Post 25p.
12in. diameter, 6W 13.50, 3 or 8 or 15 ohm models.
'SPEAKER COVERING MATERIALS. Samples Large SAE.
Horn Tweeters 2- 16KC/s 10W 8 ohm or 16 ohm 3.60.
De Luxe Horn Tweeters 2 -18 Kc/s, 15W, 8 ohm
C6.80
TWO -WAY 3,000 cps CROSS OVERS 3, 8 or 15 ohm 1.90
3 -WAY CROSSOVER850 cps and 3000 cps 125 watt/ 2.20

GOODMANS CONE TWEETER

18.000 cps 25 watts. 8 ohm. Price
ohm Woofer 15 watt 6.75

A in 8

e9 9-.5
LJ

ELECTRO MAGNETIC
PENDULUM MECHANISM

by Lr, operation over

250 hrs continuous on SP2 battery,

linty adjustable swing and speed. Ideal displays teaching
electro magnetism or for metronome, strobe etc. 95p. Post 20p
1

WEYRAD TYPE COILS

P50'1AC 60p
P50/2CC 40p
P50/3CC 40p

RA2W
OPTI
LFDT4

85p
65p
65p

Two, Gang

Printed
Circuit

85p

COAXIAL PLUG 10p. PANEL SOCKETS 10o. LINE 1p.

OUTLET BOXES, SURFACE MOUNTING 40P
BALANCED TWIN RIBBON FEEDER 300 ohms, 5p yd.
JACK SUCKt Std. open -circuit 20p, closed circuit 25p;
I

Chrome Lead Socket 45p. Phono Plugs 10p. Phono Socket 8p

JACK PLUGS Std. Chrome 30P; 3.5mm Chrome 15p. DIN
SOCKETS Chassis 3 -pin 10p, 5 -pin 10p; DIN SOCKETS
Lead 3 -pin 18p: 5 -pin 25p: DIN PLUGS 3 -pin 18p: 5 -pin
25p. VALVE HOLDERS 5p. CERAMIC 10p, CANS 5p.

R.C.S. 100 WATT VALVE

STEREO FM /AM TUNER AMPLIFIER

AMPLIFIER CHASSIS

CHASSIS BY KUBA

BLANK ALUMINIUM CHASSIS, 18 s.w.g. 2 1in, sides

6 a 4'm. 70p; 8 e Bin. SOP; 10 x 7in, 1.16;
14 e 9n. 1.50; 16 x Bin. 1.46; 12 e 31n. 87p;
16 x 10n E1.70. Many Ali Boxes in stock.
ALUMINIUM PANELS 18s.w.g. 6 x 4in. 15p; 8 x bin. 25p;
10 x 7in. 30p; 12 x 5in. 30p; 12 x Bin. 413p; 16 x 6m.
45p; 14 x 9 in. 50p; 12 x 121n. 56p; 18 x 10in. 75p.
ALUMINIUM ANGLE BRACKET 6in long
} it
15p.
Jr

l3inch DIAMETER WAVECHANGE SWITCHES 45p.

2 p. 2 -way, or 2 p. 6 -way. or 3 p. 4 -way.
1
p.1 2 -way, or 4 p. 2 -way, or 4 p. 3 -way.

EA

This all transistor chassis has push bu nr,,, selection for long,
medium. short and V.H.F. wave bands. Features A.F.C. on
V.H.F. band with automatic stereo beacon light. Volume tone
and Balance controls with push button mains on/off switch.
Anipliriel accepts ce,alnit. cartridge and ha, ,etunl piah,i, k
socket fitted. Four watts per channel output
l,na.i. Si,
17 x 4 e 5in.

Profes.A.,Au etu Jul. Four repues. Neble Bass, Master

Volume Controls. Ideal disco. P.A. or groups. 5 speaker
outputs, very robust job
plus C1.50 cary.
S. A.E. for details

85

NEW MIXER /AMP 150 WATT

68

POST 1.50

PROFESSIONAL TRANSISTOR AMPLIFIER

4 inputs, 3 outputs, separate volume treble
Carr. 1
and bass controls. Ideal disco or group P A. amplifier
for le films uu Disco Gear.
S,

RADIO COMPONENT SPECIALISTS

337 WHITEHORSE ROAD,

CROYDON, SURREY.

TOGGLE SWITCHES. sp. 20p; dp. 25p dp. dt. 30P.

D.P D.T. CENTRE OFF 65p, S.P.C.D. CENTRE OFF 45P.

Minimum post 30p.

Components Lists 10p.

OCTOBER 1976

{38.50

Access and Barclaycard welcome

Cash price includes VAT

"I

Open 9 -6 Wed. 9 -1 Sat. 9 -5 (Closed for lunch 1.15 -2.30)

Rail Selhurst.

Tel. 01 -684 1665

131

LATEST BOUND VOLUME No. 29

of
"Radio & Electronics
Constructor"
FOR YOUR LIBRARY
(AVAILABLE MID -OCTOBER)

Comprising
776 pages

AUGUST 1975
to JULY 1976

PRICE 3.10

P &P

75p

inc. index

PRICE 2.40 p. & p. 75p

PRICE 2.75 p. & p. 75p

BOUND VOLUME No. 27 (August 1973 to July 1974)

BOUND VOLUME No. 28 (August 1974 to July 1975)
Limited number of these volumes still available

We regret all other volumes are now completely sold out.

Available only from

DATA PUBLICATIONS LTD., 57 MAIDA VALE, LONDON, W9

11.

2, Become a

Understand

radio amateur.

electronics.

Learn how to become a radioamateur in contact with the whole

Step by step, we take you through

all the fundamentals of electronics
and show you how easily the subject can be mastered using our
unique Lerna-Kit course.

t1)
(2)

1SN

world. We give skilled preparation

for.the G.P.O. licence.

Build an oscilloscope.
Read, draw and understand

circuit diagrams.
(3) Carry out over 40 experiments on basic electronic
circuits and see how'

they work.

iu

No

NM NM

=I EN

MN

I=

MI

ME MN

IllftIll lif

IN.
WAA

sti

IM Ell NO

Brochure, without obligation to

BRITISH NATIONAL RADIO & ELECTRONICS SCHOOL,

P.O. Box 156, Jersey, Channe! Islands.
NAME

132

1
Block caps ple.,se 1

rr =====r-r- s,eNNIrrs11- r- rsMIrrsIM- -sue- -sus-REC

mit

106

ADDRESS

RADIO

&

-sue --MP

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

NOW-just when jrlned

it
most!
l'/,'//

.\\\\

v/%"

SAL

BI -PRE PAK'S
ONCE -IN -A

.7/,.//,,,,,\\\\\\\

LIFETIME

MANY ITEMS AT'HALF PRICE AND LESS

60p TO 30p

PAKS DOWN FROM

TESTED PAKS
Pak
No

Light dependent resistors. 400 ohms light

rneg,ohm dark
'dia
TP11 10 Transistors XB102 & XB112 equiv. to
AC126. AC156. OC81/2, 0072. etc.
TP13 5 OCP71 Light sensitive transistors.
TP14 20 0071 germanium PNP audio pre -amp transistor, black glass type..
TP16 20 0081 germanium PNP audio output transistor, white glass type
TP17 20
watt tener diodes, mixed voltages, 6.9 to

TP10

2
1

TP20
TP21

TP22

TP23

43V.

10 Mollard 0C45 transistors. I.F. amp PNP

germanium
30 Short lead (1" approx) transistors. NPN
silicon planar types Ex -radio manufacturer. all
good but production line changes
6 Integrated circuits. 4 gates BMC962 and 2
flip flops BMC945
5 germanium PNP high frequency transistors
5/6/7 3
marked similar to 0C170/171. F

hemi

UT4
UT5
UT6

UT10

some marked
30 0A47 gold bonded diodes. polarity marked
10 2N3819 10-channel FET's plastic case

UT11
UT12

tope'

15 Integrated circuits experimenters yak, dual

in line 10 -5. TTL. QTL. marked and unmarked.

UT13

some definitely gond but old types.

15 AC128 transistors, PNP germanium audio

UT14

5
4

unto,

BUMPER I.C. PACK

Replacements for colour TV

triplets
Only 5 for 50p

rs75p

CP5

including

Ibis

(A.1281 etc.
501) Cable clips for G.P.O. ;'' dia. cable. Nylon
with hardened steel pin (probably tungsten) per

CP8

Fit

each 15p

new

Containing ten quartz crystals, 2 -pin plug -in types.

Easily dismantled from housing for regrinding to
differ., frequencies
Add 10p per pack to postage charge.

50p

A FASCINATING & UNUSUAL OFFER

VARIABLE PRE -SET VOICE DECODERS

EX G.P.O. telephone dials. as used in 700 and 300

pee phones. Complete
35p
EX
G.P.O. telephone handsets with lead. black

Brand new
w but sold essentially for component value
singes 7 position control knobs. On 10 n t2' P C B in plastic
tray Contains 35 I.C.S. viz. 8 x 7493. 5 n 7420. 7 x 7400. 4 x
plus
7404 2 n 7430, 2 e 7410. 2 s 7442. 2 x 7401. e 7413. x 7474
e
and
7490 (total 35) plus 35 transistors 4 miniature rotary additional
50P for
switches voltage stabilizer and carious other components

Beautifully finished in stove enamelled grey crackle, in

heavy gauge aluminium with internal racking and heavy
gauge panels (suitable as heatsinks). Ideal for P.A.
systems, bench power supplies, oscilloscopes, metered
instruments, etc. BRAND NEW AND BOXED.
SIZE 'A' 14" e 15" x 6" deep 5.50
additional
75p for P/P
'B'
17"
a
16"
x
12"
SIZE
deep 8.50 o additional
11

ORDER WITHOUT DELAY

--

for P/P

by

NEWNES- BUTTERWORTH
BABANI PRESS
BERNARD PUHl ISHERS

`f

All at

S.e.e brings lists

PUSH BUTTON SELECTOR ASSEMBLIES

4
7

button assemblies
button assemblies with A

switch

STEREO DECODERS (FM)

I.0 operated units for use in negative earth systems

Transistor operated unit for use in positive earth

systems L.E D can be added to the above

OFFERS CAN NOT BE REPEATED

rem

e.

1.25"
2.00"
1.95"
1.75"

VAT 8%
ON EVERYTHING EXCEPT

ITEMS
r

Ii.,t

MARKED
AT
121'b
add appropriate

ir...n.. 7, total value

nder

of your

MINIMUM ORDER

Ir

rot by post f3
., bn,ting VAT and postage.
POSTAGE

artel 5Og for P/P to all

inless stated

CALLERS WELCOME
Origlnatars of and first with component
yaks in U.K and still leading

25%

OFF PUBLISHERS PRICES

P/P

ilI-PRE-P
OCTOBER 1976

TECHNICAL BOOKS
Dozens and dozens of titles

for varlcap tuning systems as used in VHF /FM radio

UHF TV borers With indicators on each stage

INSTRUMENT CASES

pole change over standard

FIRST EVER!
QUARTZ CRYSTAL PAK

and

ITEMS
Additional P &P 25p.
40p
G.P.O. buzzers, 12/24 volt operation, clean
condition
20p
EX G.P.O. push button key switches, 2 pole change
over Brand new
15p
EX G.P.O. counter units 0000 -9999. 10 per second
124 -48v operation).
20p

dia. These

sistor radio and Hi -Fi.

Light activated SCR 50 volts 1.6 amps type
L9F Ready mounted on PC board with gate
resistor and leads fitted. Full data and circuit
diagrams
projects include slave photo

SUNDRY POST OFFICE (G.P.O.)

EX

j"

will operate from an external magnet or coil.

For magnets see PAK CP13
CP13 10 Magnets of various sizes for operating
reedswitches in PAK CP12 Ideal for burglar
alarms on doors or windows, etc.
CP16 5 P C boards each containing a 8F180 UHF
amplifier transistor A gond basis for building

made by a world famous

nufarrurer Covers 625lin
TV channels 21 to 65 Standard TV iF frequency output
Ideal for making a Hi- FiteleviE1.50
von sound receiver.

SWITCHES
pole
way mains type
x
push for hole size

sealed bus of 500

10 Reed relay inserts. 1" long,

CP12

CP 18

.r

nits brand

paper, silver

Earphones single low impedance. less plugs.

for transistor radios. cassettes. etc.'
2h Hear sinks. to fit SO -2 1OC721 and TO -1

CP7

burglar
CP '9 3 Micro switches
witches
UHF TUNER UNITS
model _e
We have sold thousands of

ON -OFF ROCKER
2

bag of

DIODES

rvPF 1.5 A stabilized

board. Equipped with 8 x power supply board for
SN7490N decade coun- I.Cs. Equipped with 4 n
ters. 11 s SN15846N quad SN7413N dual schmdt
n TVR2001
2 input NAND /NOR pate. triggers.
1
s SN7413 dual schmdt
n I.C.
251738 power
bigger
esistors and
t ans. various
1.50
capacitors
r

-f

CP2

mixed

m4

HIGH VOLTAGE (12KV)

EX cash register

150 Capacitors

mica. electrolytics,
Approx. quantity,
etc
counted by weight
200 Resistors approx counted by weight,
mixed types and wattages. including Histability

brand new marked devices

PRINTED CIRCUIT PANELS (Ex- Equipment)

TYPE L4

- 30p each
CP1

TV aerial pre-amp as various parts inc

CP17 25 Electrolytic. Capacitors. various values and
voltages many useful types. from TV to tran-

50p

50 I.0 .s at one penny each,

50 assorted integrated circuits

types 6ipflops.
15 Transistors. these are brand new manufacturers surplus items

COMPONENTS PAKS

Hayes

30 Silicon rectifiers. 750mA B5100 type top

hat mined voltages
15 power transistors, PNP germanium and
NPN silicon. mostly TO -3 but some plastic and

UT7

2N918 UHF/VHF silicon transistors. NPN

lead TO -18 uncoded.
TP35 4 3819E transistors. N channel FET's these are
2N3819.s in plastic cases.
TP38 8 Integrated circuits, DTL data supplied. Mixed
TP40

30p each

150 Germanium diodes. miniature glass type'

100 Silicon diodes miniature glass type. similar
to 1514148'.
miniature glass type.
100 Silicon diodes
similar to 1N91416.
40 Zeiler diuiies 250mW OAZ240 range.
average 50"5 gond'
11 watt top hat type. mixed
25 Zener diodes.

UT2
UT3

al TO -1.

TP28

UNTESTED PAKS

30p each

Contents

EACH

Where additional

oput
nrt.tuzq.
packing is
gm iris] nus is to be added to
r

n.

ri

r.r

50n charge

BI- PRE -PAK LTD

Dept REC 5
220 -224 WEST ROAD, WESTCLIFF -ON -SEA
ESSEX SSO 9DF Telephone Southend (0702) 46344

133

HOBBYIST - PROFESSIONAL - DOMESTIC - SURPLUS - INDUSTRIAL

JUST A FEW BARGAINS ARE LISTED - SEND STAMPED ADDRESSED
ENVELOPE FOR A QUOTE ON OTHER REQUIREMENTS. PAY A VISIT.
OVER 90% OF JTOCK BELOW QUANTITY WHOLESALE PRICE.

COMPONENTS

RETURN POSTAL SERVICE UNLESS CHEQUE.

Goods sent at customers risk, unless suficient payment for registration (1st class letter
post) or compensation fee (parcel post) included.

VALVE BASES

JAP 4 gang min. sealed,tuning condensers New 36p

Ex -eqpt. 2 or 4 gang
20p

Car type panel

lock and key 60p
18 volt 4 amp charger.
bridge rectifier 79p
GC10/4B
C3.00

ELECTROLY+'ICS MFD /VOLT. Many others

in stock
70
200 300 450
Up to 10V 25V 50V 75V 100V 250V 350V 500V
MFD
10 4p 5p 6p 8p lop 12p 16p 20p
Telescopic aerial
25 4p 5p 6p 8p 10p 15p 18p 20p
Speaker 6" x 4" 5 ohm ideal for car radio1.26
Closed 91 ", open 381"
50 4p 5p 6p 9p 13p 18p 25p
TAG STRIP 6 way 3p 5 x 50pF or 2 x 220pF Fitted right angle TV 100 5p 6p 10p 12p 19p 20p
9 way 5p Single 1p trimmers
20p.
250 9p 10p 11p 17p 28p
plug, 50p
85p 1
500 10p 11p 17p 24p 45p
BOXES
Grey polystyrene 61 x 112 x 31mm, top secured by 4
1000
22p
13p
40p
75p
1.50
self tapping screws 324-p
2000 23p 37p 45p
Clear perspex sliding lid, 46 x 39 x 24mm 10p
ABS, ribbed inside 5mm centres for P.C.B., brass corner inserts,
As total values are too numerous to list, use this
screw down lid, 50 x 100 x 25mm orange 48p; 80 x 150 x 50mm
price guide to work out your actual requirements
black 70p; 109 x 185 x 60mm black 1.04
8/20, 10/20, 12/20 Tubular tantalum 20p each
ALUMINIUM
8" x 6" x 3" 1.02
16- 32/275V. 32- 32/275V. 100-100/150V. 1003 "x2 "x1"
39p 4"x2 "x2" 44p
1O "x4 }"x3 "1.02
100/275V 30p; 50- 50/385V, 12,000/12V, 32-32 2,1" x 51 "x 1-}" 45p 4" x 51" x 14 "45p
12" x 5" x 3 1.20
50/300V, 20- 20- 20/350V 60p; 700 mfd/200V
4 "x4 "x11"
45p 6 "x4 "x2" 65p
10 "x7"x3" 1.22
1.00; 100-100-100-150-150/320V 2.00.
4"x21 "x11" 45p 7"x5"x24r" 79P 12 "x8 "x3" 1.50
Printed circuit B9A7G
Chassis B7B7G
Shrouded chassis B7G B9AB8A
B12A tube

7p
9p
... 10p
... 9p

--- - -

SWITCHES
Pole

Way

Sub. Min. Slide

Slide
Lever Slide
Slide
13 amp small rotary

2
2

RS 100 0 100 micro amp null indicator

1.50
1p 'Approx. 2" x 3" x 1"
3p1
INDICATORS

RESISTORS
Type

11-4--4-

18p
20p
15p
10p
12p

watt

watt

Up to 5 watt wire 11p1 Bulgin D676 red, takes M.E.S. bulb

30P
2
10 watt wire
12 volt or Mains neon, red pushfit
wound
2
R.S. Scale Print, pressure transfer sheet .10p
15 watt ..
1
3
12p
CAPACITOR GUIDE maximum 500V
2
2
Locking with 2 to 3 keys
1
or 2% five times
Up to .01 ceramic 3p. Up to .01 poly 4p.
2.00 price.
2
1
2 Amp 250V A.C. rotary 28p Semiconductor
Data .013 up to .1 poly etc. 5p..12 up to .68 poly
Wafer Rotary, all types
30p Book 263 pages. Covers etc. 6p. Silver mica up to 360pF 8p, then to
S.P.S.T. 10 amp 240v. white rocker switch
2N21 through to 2,200pF 11p, then to .01 mfd 18p.
with neon. 1" square flush panel fitting 65p 2N5558
.01/1000,
plus some
S.P.S.T. dot 13 amp, oblong, push -fit, rocker18p
3N's. Type/connection/ .22/90016..25/250 C 16500vDC)) .1 /1500
40p.
5/150,
9/275AC,
10/150, 15/150, 40/150.
parameter details 1.95
AUDIO LEADS
5 pin din plug 180 both ends 1 4- Mtr., 1.20 No VAT
Many others and high voltage in stock.
3 pin din to open end, 11 yd twin screened 35p
POTS
FORDYCE DELAY UNIT
Phono to Phono plug, 6ft.
35p Log or Lin carbon 16p
240 volt A.C./D.C. Will hold relay, etc., for approx.
Switched
31p
COMPUTER AND AUDIO BOARDS
15 secs after power off. Ideal for alarm circuits,
50p etc.
VARYING PANELS WITH ZENER, GOLD, BOND, Dual Pots
1.50
88p
SILICON, GERMANIUM, LOW AND HIGH POWER Dual & switch
25p
TRANSISTORS AND DIODES, Hl STAB RESISTORS, Lin wirewound
CONNECTOR STRIP
.43p Belling Lee L1469, 4 way polythene. 6p each
CAPACITORS, ELECTROLYTICS, TRIM POTS, POT Slider Pot
Dual Slider
CORES, CHOKES ,ETC.
55p 11 glass fuses 250 m/a or 3 amp (box of 12)
24p
1.5m Edgetype
3Ib for 85p + 85p post and packing
8p Bulgin, 5mm Jack plug
30p
and switched socket (pair)
71b for 1.95 + 1.20 post and packing
THERMISTORS
1"
11"
or
or
2"
or
1-"
CAN
CLIPS
6p
Skeleton Presets
VA1008, VA1034,
3" Tape Spools 8p
Slider, horizontal or vertiMAINS
DROPPERS
VA1039,
VA1040,
1"
Terry Clips 4p
top 36+79 ohm
cal standard or submin. 5p
25p
12 Volt Solenoid 30p ' VA1055, VA1066,
66+66 +158 ohm, 66 +66 +137 ohm
VA1082, VA1100
KNOBS
17 +14 +6 ohm, 266 +14 +193 ohm
30p
V,A1077,
SILVER METAL PUSH ON WITH POINTER, OR
VA1026 15p 50+40+1k5 ohm
WHITE PLASTIC, GRUB SCREW WITH GOLD VA1005,
285 +575 +148 +35 ohm }.
40p
CENTRE 8p EACH
RELAYS
25+35 +97 +59 +30 ohm
volt
octal
12
S.P.C.0
ENM Ltd. cased 7 -digit counter 21 x 13 x 11"
30p
wetted high 54-" x 21" Speaker, ex- equipment 3 ohm
approx. 12V d.c. (48 a.c.) or mains
1.50 mercury
8p
75p 2 Amp Suppression Choke
speed
ZM1182A INDICATOR TUBE
" 1 PAXOLINE
4p
P.O. 3000 type, 1,000 3x24-x
0 -9 Inline End View. Rectangular Envelope 170V
..
..
1p
J
OHM coil, 4 pole c/o
2.5M /A
2.67
4p
60p PCV or metal clip on MES bulb Holder
REGULATED TAPE MOTOR
VALVE RETAINER CLIP, adjustable
2p
9v d.c. nominal approx 14" diameter
80p Mains or 12v d.p.c.o
heavy duty octal 1
OUTPUT
TRANSFORMERS
12v 8 amp Transformer
4.00 (p &p 85p) Boxed GEC KT88
25p
Sub -miniature Transistor Type
40p
Ferric Chloride, Anhydrous mil. spec. 1Ib bag 85p valve
2 Valve type, centre tapped or straight
.
.
4
2

......12p1

4x }xr.

RADIO SHACK
THEJOHNS
LONDON
161 ST.
Open 11

HILL, BATTERSEA,

till

Terms: Payment with order

134

S.W.11

p.m. Monday to Saturday

Telephone: 01 -223 5016

Transformers 6 volt }A
... ... .. 1.00
Whiteley Stentorian 3 ohm constant impedance volume control way below trade at 80p
'

Drive Cord

1p per foot

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

SEMICONDUCTORS
Full spec marked by Mullard. etc. Many other types in stock
AC107
16p
80204
1.00
10p
BC184C/LC

AC128
AC176
ACY28
AD149
AD161/2
AF116
AF124.
AF126
AF127
AF139
A F 178/B0/81
AF23
ASY27/73
BC107A or B

10p

11p
19p
400

32p
161p
22p

19p

25p
20p
40p
34
31p

18

BC107/8//9

BGCG108//A/B/C/109[1%C

1op

BC147A/8

14

BC148A/B/C,

98/C/S

9p

BC158%B

BC178B

181p

Amp
1

1.4

0.6
5

BC213L/214B

BC327/8
BC337

12p
11p

BC547/8/8A

...

BD112/3
BD115/6
B D 131 /2
BD133
BD135
BD137
B0139
BD142

RECTIFIERS
Amp
Volt
400
IN4004
1
6/800
1
N4005/6
B Y103
1
1,500
100
SR100
1.5
400
1.5
SR400
REC53A
1.5
1,250
LT102
2
30
600
BYX38-600
2.5
2.5
300
BYX38-300R
900
BYX38-900
2.5
2.5
1,200
BYX38-1200
2.5
600
BYX49-600
I

BYX49-900
BYX49-1200

2.5
2.b
2.5

BYX48-300R

BYX48-600
BYX48.900

BYX48-1200R
BYX72-150R
BYX72-300R
BYX72-5008
BYX42-300
BYX42-600
BYX42-900
BYX42-1200

BYX46-300
BYX46-400
6YX46-500
BYX46-600
BYX20-200
B'/X52-300
BYX52-1200

300
900
1,200
300
600
900
1,200
150
300
500
300
600
900
1,200
300
400
500
600
200
300
1,200

6
6

6
10

10
10
10
10
10
10
15
15
15
15
25
40
40

50p
31p

...
.

32}p

35p
21p
_.
24p
37p
53p
1.30
79p
...
.

30p
26p

1i3P

BF167/173
BF178
8E179
BF180/1/2
BF183
BF184/5
B F194/5/6/7
BF194AN95C

16p
28p
Bop
Opp
1

B F200

25n

BF258
30p
B F262/3
BF336
7pp
BFS28 Dual Mostet 12.3
BFW10 F.E.T.
81p
52p
BFW11 F.E.T.
BFVV30
113p
.

BFX12
7

23
18p
25p
17p

BFX29
BFX30
BFX89

B FY51 /2
B FY90

5p

14p
Bhp
41p
26p

BR101
BRY39

y0p

4p
5p
181-p
7p
8p
14p
10p

55p
50p
80p
65p
55p
26p
40p
52p
40p
50p
60p
80p
35p
45p
55p
30p
65p
80p
95p
1,00
1.50
1.75
2.00
80p
1.75
2.50

BPX40
65p
1.00
BPX42
1.00
BPY10
(VOLTIAC)

OCP71
BIG L.E.D.
2v 50m /A

85p
0.2"

max.

222

RED

3p

48p
23p

TIP3055

TIS88A

F.E.T.

2 3930/MA393
2N456A
2N929

2N1507/2219

60p
14p

6p

...

2N2401
2N2412

22904/5/6/7/7A
...
2N3053
2N3055 R.C.A.
.

2N3704
2N3133
2 N4037

...
...
.

..

1fip
10p

80p

...
...

... 8p
17p

..

34p

2S1416/2/360

2SB135/6/457

Amp Volt
1

26p
98p

31p
20p

Car Aerial
Coax
5 or 6 pin 240 din

8p
ACY17 -20
8p
ASZ20
30p
ASZ21
11p
6C186
10p
BCY30 -34
8p
BCY70 /1/2
10p
BF115
BY127
9p

HG1005
HG5009
HG5079
L78/9
M3

0A81
0A47
0A200-2
0C23

TOTAL GOODS PLUS CARRIAGE, ADD V.A.T.

10p
3p
3p
30
10p
3p
3p

3p

20p

0071/2

5p

20p

OC200 -5
TIC44
2G240

24p
2 -50

2G302
2G401

15p
15p

2N711

25p
7p

2N2926
2N598/9

Bp

8p
8p
2N1302
2 -50
2N1907
1
p
Germ. diode
GET120 (AC128
in1- sq. heat sink)
2N1091

25p
GET872

2S3230

9p

Speaker din switched

3.5mm Switched Socket

Tested unmarked, or marked

ample lead ex new equipment

12p
30p

0A5/7/10

15p

BZY88 Up to 33 volt 7p
19p
BZX61 11 volt
BR100 Diac.
15p
,

TAA700
2.00
723 reg (T099)
45p
7411

8ppin d.i.l. op.

TAD100 AMRF
CA3001
TAA300
NE555v
TAA550

1.30

R.F. Amp 50p

wt Amp 1.20

Timer

35p
22p

Y or G

TAA263
7 00 /10AmP

89p
11p

7402/4/20/30

50p

7414

7438/74/86

24p
7483
69p
LM300, 2 -20 volt 1.50
1.00
74154

THYRISTORS

PAPER BLOCK CONDENSER

30p
800 volt
0.25MFD
16p
1MFD
250 volt
anode
68p 2MFD
20p
250 volt
DL747.6"
1.50 10MFD
80p
volt
500
Minitron 3" 3015F filament
20p
250 volt
1.10 4MFD
I.C. extraction and insertion
CQY11B L.E.D.
32p
tool
Infra red transmitter
1
One fifth of trade
METAL CHASSIS SOCKETS

15p
Philips Iron Thermostat
..
McMurdo PP108 8 way edge plug 10p
T03 HEATSINK
Europlec HP1 TO3B individual 'curly'
power transistor type. Ready drilled 20p

BZY61/BA148
...10p
BB103/110 Varicap 23p
BB113 Triple
37p
Varicap

40p
50p
40p

..
..
240 BTX18 -200
.:
..
400 BTX18-300
..
..
240 BTX30-200
..
500 BT107
..
500 BT101 -500R
500 BT109 -500R
600 BTW92 -600RM
800 BTX95 -800R Pulse Modulated
1000 28710 (Less Nut)

.3" red 7 segment L.E.D. 14

D.I.L. 0- 9 +D.P. display 1.9v
10m /a segment, common

Plastic, Transistor or Diode

1p
Holder
Transistor or Diode Pad 1 p
Holdersorpads 5Opper100

OTHER DIODES
5p
1N916
...
1N4148
...
2p
...15p
BA145

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

11p 1
19p 1
ORANGE
14p 15
GREEN
6.5
YELLOW
14p 6.5
CLIP
2p 20
PHOTO SILICON CONTROLLED 15
SWITCH BPX66 PNPN 10 amp 1.00 30
BPY68
1.00
BPY69
BPY77
Diodes

SMALL ORDERS, ENCLOSE SUITABLE

STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE
LARGE ORDERS, ADD SUFFICIENT FOR
POSTAGE, INSURANCE, ETC.

OCTOBER 1976

49pp

BDX77
BF115

80235

B FX84/88

40p
1

BD232
B D234

OPTO ELECTRONICS
Photo transistor
BFX29
1.00

TRIACS
Volt
Amp
Plastic RCA 1:20
6
800
4.00
900
BTX94-900
25
6.00
1200
BTX94 -1200
25
90p
12 -0 -12 50M /A Min. Txfmr.
RS 2mm Terminals
Blue & Black
5 for 40p
15p
Chrome Car Radio facia
5p
Rubber Car Radio gasket
..
50p
DLI Pal Delayline
Relay socket
40p
Take miniature 2PCO relay
376 or BAI valve can
9p
0 -30, or 0 -15, black pvc, 360
dial, silver digits, self adhsive,
10p
41' dia.
.

12p

Ava/anche type

10p

BCX32%36

BYX49-300R

10p

...

12p
B0201/3
12p
BD202
19p
BRIDGE RECTIFIERS
Volt
BYX10
1,600
140
OSH01 -200
42
BY164
110
EC433
400
Texas

157A

8C179@

22p

BC186

32}p
BRY58
BSV64
F.E.T.'s
14.38
BSV79/80
BSV81 Mostet
90p
BSX20/21
15p
BSY40
_.
.,.
40p
BSY95A
.. 12p
BU105-01
1.80
CV7042 (0C41, 0C44
ASY63)
12p
...
GET111
...
89p

8 way Cinch standard

0.15 pitch edge socket

30p
U.E.C.L.

10 way pin

286000
10p
U.E.C.L. 20 way pin
connector
2A60000A1P20 20p
U.E.C.L. 10 way pin
socket 2B606001R10
10p
U.E.C.L. 20 way pin
socketB260800A1 R20
20p
connector
0A1 P10

3.5mm STEREO PLUG

35p
Metal screened

Philips electronic engineer kits add on series

E1004

1.00 each

RS Yellow Wander
Plug Box of 12, 25p

1.60
90p

1.00
3.00
8.00
3.00

Push -to-Break or
Push-to -Make Panel

24p

Switch

ENAM, COPPER WIRE

PER YD.
SWG.
3p
20 -24
2.5p
26 -42

GARRARD
GCS23T or GP93/1
Crystal Stereo Cart1.50
ridge

HANDLES
Rigid light blue nylon
61" with secret fitting
...
Bp
screws
Belling Lee white
plastic surface coax
outlet box 43P

Miniature Axial Lead

Ferrite Choke formers
2p
RS 10 Turn Pot 1%

250, 500

0,

1K,

11.50

50K

Copper coated board

10"

9" approx 48p

TIE CLIPS
Nylon self locking 7"
or 31"
2p
Geared Knob
8 -1 ratio 1}" diam,
black 70p
lib Mixed bolts, nuts,
45p
washers etc.

MAIL ORDER CUSTOMERS ONLY ADD

8 %VAT-I PAY BALANCE ON12 +%ITEMS

ALL ENQUIRIES, ETC., MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A
STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE

135

TO HENRY'S
EXCLUSIVE
BULK PURCHASE M SUCH FANTASTIC PRICES!
SELL
US TO

AS

051G ti BRRUn
DIGITAL CLOCKS

ALLOWS

QUALITY ITEMS

Compare
1

performance and specification with

units costing 3 times as much!

DIGITAL

H20411 R

CLOCK

WITH BUILT IN ALARM

NORMALLYf24 WITH

NUMERALS

SILENT

RGE ILLUMINATED
21, x 24
SIZE 61 x

esseble.

MAINS

AC

MECHANISM ONLY

DISPLAYS

HREE FOR

+VAT 11.32

;" digit height, bright

29.95
Built

(+vat 15p)

39.95

-- 30 pin termination board for all

types except END-10 20p(+ vat 2p)
Texas calculator keyboards. 19 gold
plated 'snap' type key contacts on
gold plated pcb. 75p( +vat 6p)
p A p on all the above 25p.
BX12E343 i TRACK ERASE
TAPE
HEAD -11.25 (+vs( 15P)
8X12RP63 WITH BX12E343 - HEAD

(+vet 36p)

STEREO CASSETTE RIRP

HEAD (200 ohm) -E2.25
1-1-vat 2801
GX11 E388 ERASE675 ohms

m -0.M( +vat lip)

GX12 E387 ERASE 675 ohms

lip)
ohms
lip)

2mA

-EO.1111( +vat
GX20 E362 ERASE 90
90 mA - 0.00 ( +vat

RIRPII3 TAPE HEAD }

TRACK -S.05( +vat apt
XRPS17 5 TRACK -E3.25

(+vat 40p)

XRPSI8 TRACK RED -

3.25 (+vat 40p)

XRPS36O TRACK -0.75

featured

VAT 4.93

74

p6P 1

Build the Texan stereo amplifier, and be

doubly proud! You'll own a superb home
entertainment unit. And the pleasure of doing
it yourself. Look at the Texan specification Full y
integrated stereo preamp and power amp, 6
IC's, 10 transistors, 6 rectifiers and zener
diodes. Plus stabilised, protected circuitry,
glass fibre pcb; Gardeners low -Held low -line
mains transformer; all facilities and controls.
Slim design, chassis 145 "x 6" x 2" overall.
1=11a 20 watts per channel RMS.
The natural follow on f

eon
LL

Built and
TEXAN FM
tested 25.95
2 84
a7
+VAT3.24
TUNER KIT
Build the matching Texan stereo tuner Features
advanced varicap tuning. Phase lock loop
decoder. Professionally designed circuit.
Everything you need is in the kit. From the glass
fibre pcb to the cabinet itself. Excellent spec:
2.5 uV aerial sensitivity. 500 mV output (adjust).
Tuning range 07 -102 MHz. Mains powered.

/Iii/
HENELEC

+vat 28p)

111111.11. Mullard

MULLARD TUNER MODJJLES

AM /FM TUNER

LP1171

Ee.M
;
-

GAO
HENRYS
*OSER
5,000

IT'S

ITEMS

THE

*ODER

BEST
EVER

211111

PAUEI

DISCOUNT

011C NESS

-o,

OaANTITY
MSCOONTS

85P

(INMOST
ITEMS

FREE

to educational esfamis.
hments and manufacturers when
ordered on official headed notepaper

thrill you'll feel ! Imagine In170' impressed

people ouill be when they're hearing a rrngr'ttnrme on a
modern radio you made your.,elf.
Imagine the

Now! Learn the secrets of radio

and electronics by building your

own modern transistor radio!
Practical lessons teach you sooner
than you would dream possible.

BXIRPI63) TRACK -E2.25

combined AM/FM IF
strip - 4.00 ( +vat 53p) -y- LP1179
FM front end with AM tuning
pair2with
used
gang.
a LP11P11u 179
( +vat 53p)
LP1157
1.001
( +vat
complete AM strip - E2.05 ( +vat
26p)
Ferrite Aerial - 95p (+vat
7p)
p a p all modules 25p each

* Can be

built Siege by stage.

Ask /or leaflet S.
Everything meaner,
supplied. Full after sales
service and guarantees.

XES1IO TRACK ERASE 1.25 (4-vat 15P)

(

typ

TEXAS

+vat 79p)

PAP

DESIGNED BY

r PRACTICAL WIRELESS
bO tke best maim" amp Ire MM

+vat 80p)

- Texas 3 digit common cathode 12

pin d.i.l. pin out Up (+vat 7p) 6 for
4.01)(4-vat 32p)
Texas 44-5 digit, common
cathode 2014 pin d.i.l. 1.05 pair

"I MADE IT MYSELF"

2p

899

EXAM

AMPLIFIER

cathode with pc connector, and red

bezel 1.05 ( +vat 15p) 6 for E10

2.RS

instructions

30.000 ALREADY
SOLD,

segment displays for calculators,

miniature
digital
watches,
clocks, D V Ms, timers etc.
a- Fairchild END-10, single digit
common cathode 1.00 ( +val Bp) 6
for 5.00 ( +vat 40p)
HP 7414 4 digit, common cathode
12 pin d.i.l. pin out 99p +(vat 8p) 6
for E5.00 (+vat 40p)
Bowmar 81 digit, common
(

Inc. assembr

AND CASE

THREE FOR (25.00

THREE FOR 22.00
+VAT 11.76 POST FREE +VAT 12.00 POST FRE

16.50
POST FREE

red LED

mimic

MECHANISM

/598 P8P 25P4p

VDD PAP250

CAICUtATOR

CASE

a .1 on

1.00
21'95 +VAT2I4
oAp

MODULE

MAY BE ASSEMBLED IN AN EVENING.

FEATURES -: Built -in AM Ferrite aerial

+ LW coverage 150KH:-250KHz MW
coverage 530KHz- 1.6MHz a- FM coverage
752 aerial for FM r 1S0mV
97.104MHz
Size 06(L) a 6(W) a 2(H)
output
This new AM /FM tuner kit incorporates 2
Mullard modules. Supplied as a pre -aligned and
tested printed circuit, the constructor only has to
build the PCB into the chassis, connect the
power, aerial and output loads. Styled to match the
Texan amp, mains operated. Easily adapted for
stereo, using the Henelec IC stereo decoder kit,
high performance modular design, phase lock
loop principle. Low pass filters for opt perfor.

What a wonderful way to learn - and pave the way lot a

page
new, better-paid career! No dreary ploughing through
after page of dull facts and figures. With this fascinating
Technatron Course, you learn by building!
You build a modern Transistor
a Burglar Alarm. You
Radio
learn Radio and Electronics by doing
actual projects you enjoy - making
things with your own hands that
you'll be proud to own! No wonder
it's so fast ::nd easy to learn this
way. Because learning becomes a
hobby! And what a profitable hobby.
Because opportunities in the field
of Radio and Electronics arc growing
faster than they can find people to
fill the jobs!
.

No soldering - yet you

learn faster than you
ever dreamed possible.

Yes! Faster than you can imagine,

you pick up the technical know
'how you need. Specially prepared
step-by-step lessons show you how
to read circuits - assemble componthings - experiment.
You enjoy every minute of it!

ent - build
You get

need.

'AT NO EXTRA CHARGE! And

a course anyone can afford.

(You can even pay for it by easy
instalments).

this is

Price E5.75+V AT E7.02 p 6 p 50p.

0

HENELEC

RADIO CONTROL
r,,y
SYSTEM `

NCLUDING
PROPORTIONALLY
CONTROLLED SWITCH
-o FEATURING COSMOS
DIGITAL LOGIC to minimise

POST

-v-

We will be pleased to quote

for parts for circuits in this
magazine. Send your list for

power consumption and extend

battery life.
nuotation in S. A E.
Specially designed to provide aircraft and boat
modelmakers with a low -cost, easy -to -use radio
All milt
Henelec
control,
the
system gives you everything
Henry's Radio
RA
03 Edgware Rd. from single channel, up to sophisticated
7- channel Digital Proportional System! Buy the
112
London
LONDON W2:
components you want. Ideal for any radio control
application. -in- Simple transmitter -E1.75( +vat
404/6 Edgware Road
;I.47p) -o Single -ch. add -on for receiver - E2.95
Tel: 01 -402 8381
PC board for above -75p( +vat
Ii 37p)
Case tor transmitter -1.251 +vat 16o)
60)
'-ONDON W1:
nawr.
Basic receiver -MASH-vat 87p) Send now for
231 Tottenham Ct Rd .alee flaae/ leaflet No. a (35p) for full details. Post etc.50peac h.
Ask for FREE leaflets and lists on our kits projects.
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TODAY FOR
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1136

everything you

Tools. Components. Even a versatile

:Multimeter that we teach you how
to use. All included in the course.

So fast, so easy,
this personalised course
will teach you even if
you don't know a thing
today!
No matter how little you know now,
matter what your background
or education, we'll teach you. Step
by step, in simple easy -to- understand
Inguage, you. pick up the secrets
of radio and electronics.
l'nu Ireeouie wnneboidy who makeni
things, not just another of the
millions, who don't understand.
And you could pave the way to a
great new career, to add to the
thrill and pride you receive when
you look at what you have achieved.
Within weeks you could hold in
your hand your own transistor
radio. And after the course ype
can go on to acquire highpowered
technical qualifications, because our
famous courses go right up to City
& Guilds levels..
no

Send now for FREE

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gateway to

This is the

thrilling new career,

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There's no obligation.
or

ALDERMASTON COLLEGE

(RC 22

DEPT. CRE 22. READING RG7 4PF

Also at our London Advisory Office. 4 Fore Street
Avenue, Moorgate, London, EC2Y 5EJ Tel: 01 -628 2721
vs. I'd like to know more about your course. Please send
plus your big 44 -page book that tells
me ` e details
i11 iii,,I
all your courses.

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ADDRESS

J'
rC()DE

HOME OF

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ENGINEERING-TECHNOLOGY

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

WILMSLOW AUDIO
THE Firm for speakers!
SPEAKERS
Baker
Baker
Baker
Baker
Baker
Bakes

Baker
Baker
Baker
Baker

Group 25, 3, 8 or 15 ohms

Group 35, 3, 8 or 15 ohms
Group 50/12 8 or 15 ohms
Group 50/15 8 or 15 ohms
Deluxe 12" 8 or 15 ohms
Major 3, 8 or 15 ohms
Superb 8 or 15 ohms
Regent 12" 8 or 15 ohms
Auditorium 12 "' 8 or 15 ohms
Auditorium 15 " 8 or 15 ohms

Castle BRS /DD 4/8 ohms

Celestion GI2M 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion G12H 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion G12/50 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion G12 /50TC 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion G 15C 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion G 18C 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion HF1300 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion HF2000 8 ohms
Celestion MH1000 8 or 15 ohms
Celestion CO3K
Decca
Decca
Decca
Decca

London ribbon horn

London C0/1000/8 Xover
DK30 ribbon horn
CO /1/8 Xover (DK30)

f 9.00

Fane Pop 15, 8 or 16 ohms

Fane Pop 33T, 8 or 16 ohms
Fate Pop 50, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane Pop 55, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane Pop 60, 8 or 16 ohms
Fa le Pop 70, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane Pop 100, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane Crescendo 12A, 8 or 16 ohms
Fade Crescendo 12BL, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane Crescendo 15/100A, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane Crescendo 15/125, 8 or 16 ohms

5.51

8.95
E11.95

14.06
4.06
E4.95
4.00
5.95
5.50
9.75

12.50
15,50
17.95
18.75

HI -FI

Kef 127
Kef 115
Kef
Kef
Kef
Kef
Kef
Kef

8110
6200
13139

DN8
DN12
DN13 SP1015 or SP1017
Lowther PM6
Lowther PM6 Mk.l
Lowther PM7
Peerless K010DT 4 or R prams
Peerless DTIOHFC 8 ohms
Peerless K040MRF 8 ohms
Peerless MT225HFC 8 ohms
Richard Allan CA12 12" bass
Richard Allan HPBB
Richard Allan LP8B
Richard Allan DT20
Richard Allan CN8280
Richard Allan CN820
Richard Allan Super Disco 60W 12"

E27.95 Coles 4001

37.95 Tannoy 10"
39.95 Tannoy 12"
E49.95 Tannoy 15"
57.95 Wharfedale

COMPLETE KITS IN STOCK FOR

G &K

Monitor HPD
Monitor HPD
Monitor HPD
Super 10 RS/DD 8 ohms

RADFORD STUDIO 90, RADFORD MONITOR 180,

RADFORD STUDIO 270, RADFORD STUDIO 360,
HIFI ANSWERS MONITOR (Rogers), HIFI NEW NO
COMPROMISE (Frisby), HI FI NEWS, STATE OF THE
ART, WIRELESS WORLD, TRANSMISSION LINE
(Bailey), PRACTICAL HIFI & AUDIO MONITOR (Giles),
PRACTICAL HIFI & AUDIO TRIANGLE (Giles),
POPULAR HIFI (Colloms) ETC.
On Dem. Answers Monitor, State of Art, etc.
Construction leaflets for Radford, Kef, Jordan Watts,
Tannoy, HiFi Answers Monitor, Free on request
PA Amplifiers, microphones etc. by
Linear, Shure, Eagle, Beyer, AKG etc.
FREE with orders over 10
"Hi -Fi Loudspeaker Enclosures" Book

OCTOBER 1976

67.95
15.75
39.95
2.50
5.50

11.92
3.56
3.38
3.38
3.83
3.83
Elac 10" 10RM239 8 ohms
Eagle Crossover 3000hz 3, 8 or 15 ohms 1.75

Eagle HT21
Eagle MHT10
Eagle FF28 rnulticell. horn

SPEAKER KITS

Baker Major Module 3. 8 or 16 ohms each 13.2

each 13.28
Goodmans DIN 20 4 or,8 ohms
10.75
pair 46.50
Goodmans Mezzo Twin kit
14.00
pair 17.50
Helme XLK 20
18.62
pair E21.95
30
Helme
XLK
12.38
pair 26.75
8.96 Helme XLK 35
10.69
pair 38.50
7.60 Helme XLK 40
16.31
pair 51.00
KEFkit
9.00 G000nlans Audiom 200 8 ohms
13.46
each 46.0O
14.65 Goodmans Axiom 402 8 or 15 ohms
19.80 KEFkit Ill
pair 54.00
19.41
9.50 Peerless 1060
Goodmans Twinaxiom 8, 8 or 15 ohms
each 46.50
Peerless 1070
9.28 Goodmans Twinaxiom 10, 8 or 15 ohms 9.86 Peerless 120
each E54.00,
6.20
Goodmans 8P 8 or 15 ohms
13.50
pair 39.50
6.50 Peerless 2050
Goodmans 10P 8 or 15 ohms
16.75
pair 53.00
14.95 Peerless 2060
Goodmans 12P 8 or 15 ohms
16.50
Twin
each
Richard
Allan
assembly
(13.46
16.50
Goodmans 12PG 8 or 15 ohms
18.00
each 20.25
16.95 Richard Allan Triple 8
Goodmans 12PD 8 or 15 ohms
26.95 Goodmans 12AX 8 or 15 ohms
Allan
Triple
12
each 25.16
Richard
39.00
34.50 Goodmans 15AX 8 or 15 ohms
each 29.25
45.00 Richard Allan Super Triple
pair 37.80
6.98 Goodmans 15P 8 or 15 ohms
22.50Richard Allan RA8 Kit
8.55 Goodmans 18P 8 or 15 ohms
pair 59.4.
Allan
RA82
Kit
39.00 Richard
13.50
pair 65 70
Goodmans Hifax 750P
16.00 Richard Allan RA82L Kit
4.46
pair 21.50
4.05 Wharfedale Linton II Kit
Goodmans 5" midrange 8 ohms
pair 47.70
95.00 Wharfedale Glendale 3XP Kit
29.95 Gauss 12"
110.00
Wharfedale
Dovedale
Ill
Kit
pair 59.40
6.95 Gauss 15"
121.00 Denton 2XP Kit
Gauss 18"
pair 23.25
19.95
15.36
4.75 Jordan Watts Module, 4. 8 or 15 ohms

EMI 14 x 9 Bass 8 ohms 14A770

EMI 8 x 5, 10 watt, d/cone, roll surr.
EMI 61" d /cone, roll surr. 8 ohms
Elac 59RM109 115) 59RM114 (8)
Elac 6 -" d /cone, roll surr. 8 ohms

Eagle FR4
Eagle FR65
Eagle FR8
Eagle FR10
Eagle HT15

SPEAKERS
Fane Crescendo 18, 8 or 16 ohms
Fane 910 Mk.II horn
Fane 920 Mk.11 horn
Fane HPX1 crossover 200 watt
Fane 13 x 8, 15 watt dual cone
Fane 801T 8" d /c, roll surr.
Goodmans Axent 100

5.18
6.25
6.75
7.85
15.08
2.08
5.39
4.05

ON DEMONSTRATION
in our showrooms:

Akai, Armstrong, Bowers & Wilkins, Castle,

Celestion, Dual, Goodmans, Kef, Leak, Pioneer,
Radford, Richard Allan, Rotel, Tandbera, Trio,
Videotone, Wharfedale, etc.

-Ask

30.60
32.85
48.60
7.25
8.26
9.50
2.95

for our HiFi price

list-

THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS (Carr" 2.001

Pioneer SX737 179.00
Rotel RD20 135.00 Rotel RA312 56.00
pr. 62.00
Videotone Saphir
Videoton Minimax 2 pr. 43.00
1

19.80
We stock the complete Radford range of
11.93
amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers,
8.33
6.08 tuners etc., and also Radford Audio Laboratory
16.20 equipment, low distortion oscillator, distortion
measuring set. audio noise meter etc.
3.15
16.95
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT
(Prices correct at 16/9/76)
5.90
78.00
Send stamp for free 32 -page booklet
86.00
"Choosing a Speaker"
99.95
All units guaranteed new and perfect
13.50
Carriage and Insurance: Speakers 55p each,
12" and up 85p each, Kits 1 each
(f2 per pair), Tweeters & crossovers 33p each.
1E1.60 per pair(, Tweeters & crossovers

WILMSLOW
AUDIO

DEPT REC
LOUDSPEAKERS, MAIL ORDER AND EXPORT
SWAN WORKS, BANK SQUARE, WILMSLOW
HIFI, RADIO & TV: SWIFT OF WILMSLOW, 5
SWAN STREET, WILMSLOW CHESHIRE
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CHESHIRE
TELEPHONE: LOUDSPEAKERS, MAIL ORDER
AND EXPORT WILMSLOW 29599
HIFI, RADIO ETC., WILMSLOW 28213

Access & Barclaycard Orders

accepted by phone

137

NEW STYLE
SELF -BINDER

111142
1JI!JiEI
Capacitive
discharge

electronic ignition kit

for "Radio & Electronics

Constructor
The "CORDEX" Patent Self- Binding
Case will keep your issues in mint
condition. Copies can be inserted or
removed with the greatest of ease. Rich
maroon finish, gold lettering on spine.

* Smoother running
* Instant all- weather starting
* Continual peak performance
* Longer coil /battery /plug life
* Improved acceleration /top speeds
* Up to 20% better fuel consumption

Specially constructed Binding Cords are made

from Super Linen of great strength, very hard
twisted and twice doubled. They are attached
to strong RUSTLESS Springs
under tension, and the method
adopted ensures PERMANENT
RESILIENCE of the Cords. Any
slack that may develop is
immediately compensated for
and the Cords will always
remain taut and strong. It is
impossible to overstretch the
springs, as a safety check
device is fitted to each.

Sparkrite Mk. 2 is a high performance. high quality capacitive discharge

electronic ignition system in kit form. Tried, tested, proven, reliable
and complete. It can be assembled in two or three hours and fitted in
15/30 mina.
Because of the superb design of the Sparkrite circuit it completely
eliminates problems of the contact breaker. There is no misfire due to
contact breaker bounce which is eliminated electronically by a pulse
suppression circuit which prevents the unit firing if the points bounce
open at high R.P.M. Contact breaker burn is eliminated by reducing the
current to about /50th of the norm. It will perform equally well with
new, old, or even badly pitted points and is not dependent upon the
dwell time of the contact breakers for recharging the system. Sparkrite
incorporates a short circuit protected inverter which eliminates the
problems of SCR lock on and, therefore, eliminates the possibility of
blowing the transistors or the SCR. Most capacitive discharge ignitions
are not completely foolproof in this respect). All kits fit vehicles with
coil /distributor ignition up to 8 cylinders.
1

THE KIT COMPRISES EVERYTHING NEEDED

Ready drilled pressed steel case coated in matt black epoxy resin, ready
drilled base and heat-sink, top quality 5 year guaranteed transformer
and components, cables, coil connectors, printed circuit board, nuts.
bolts, silicon grease, full instructions to make the kit negative or
positive earth, and 10 page installation instructions.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Electronic /conventional ignition switch.
Gives instant changeover from "Sparkrite' ignition to conventional
ignition for performance comparisons, static timing etc., and will
also switch the ignition off completely as a security device, includes
switch connectors, mounting bracket and instructions. Cables excluded.
Also available RPM limiting control for dashboard mounting
(fitted in case on ready built unit!.

CALLERS WELCOME.
'phone 10922) 33008

1111.1.

1'1

For Crypton tuning and fitting service

PRICES INCLUDE VAT, POST AND PACKING.

Improve performance &economy NOW

eQu/c*installation
A engine modifiieetiwi

PRICE

irywnd

Electronics Design Associates, Dept., REC /10

Address
Kit 0E11.130

ewnmt

Mk.

011, Ass

Mk.

Ready duiit Negative Earth

Mk.

Ready Built Positive Earth O E14.97

enclose cheque /PO's

25p

Owing to heavy demand please allow 21 days

for delivery

Available only

from:-

E14.97

Cheque No.

Ignition Changeover switches 0E4.30

R.P.M. Limit systems in above units O E2.42

138

P. & P.

including V.A.T.

82 Bath Street, Walsall, W S1 3DE. Phone: 109221 33652

Name

1.00

Data Publications Ltd.

57 Maida Vale London W9 ISN

Send SAE if brochure

only required.

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

PRECISION PETITE LTD

119a High Street

Teddington, Middx.
Tel: 01 -977 0878
(24hr. Tel: Enquiry Service)

Have pleasure in introducing

their Precision Tools from
France for all types of
electronic design and

development, professional
or amateur

(DIY

EXHIBITION
Oct 23 - Nov 6

SU OUH ,EANU
AT THE

74th

INfERNATIONAI
HANOICRAFTS8
D

EY:HIBITION

./

THE ABOVE KIT IS AVAILABLE

AS SEPARATES
Kit Complete as above
Mk.II Drill Stand
Mk.II Drill Only
Flexible Shaft
Transformer
S.30 Kit (30 tools)
S.10 Kit (10 tools)

p &p

33.48
4.40
8.79
5.46
6.00
17.62
13;74

1.15
35
35
25
70
85
65

(Any Quantity)

Replacement accessories ....40p each

Circular Saw Blade Sets (4)
2.00
Spare Collets
0.40
Spare Chuck & 3 Collets
2.50

15p
15p
15p
15p

ALL ABOVE PRICES INCLUDE V.A.T.

S.A.E.
OCTOBER

I';I

FOR ILLUSTRATED LEAFLET

& ORDER FORM
1.19

DORAM
KITS
CONTAIN
EVERYTHING
DOWN TO
THE LAST
NUT!

pxv

OUTPUT

414/

* Dual Polarity
Short Circuit Proof

COMPLETE

WITHFITTING

Available

& SPEAKER

NOW!

TRANSISTOR

TESTER

Measures hFE
leakage for
NPN,stlicon
g
P NP
or
rmanium
tr
ttery ceck;:,ansistors includes
X

cilityAA

f IJZER y

Indicates whether water

is needed for plants and

lawns

9.95

2.00

+s

+s

* kit
*
*
*

REC

New 16-page brochure contains complete details of

PLEASE PRINT BLOCK CAPITALS

Y76

range.

Big range of kits to interest Radio, Electronic and

Hi -Fi enthusiasts.

NAME

DORAM ELECTRONICS LTD

Kits sent by return -of -post.

P.O. Box TR8,

Leeds LSI2 2UF.

Each kit designed by specialists - only highest quality

and reliable components included.

ADDRESS

enclose 25p please send me by return my new Doram lot

brochure Osersea, orders except for N Ireland please add
!Op for post and packing surfxe only
II

SEND FOR YOUR NEW

KIT BROCHURE TODAY
only

25p

inc. post and packing.

8% V.A.T.
H -12'/2% V.A.T.I
S-

CUSTOMERS WHO ORDER THIS KIT BROCHURE TOGETHER

TH DORAM S NEW EDITION) COMPONENT CATALOGUE
CAN SAVE 15p ON THE INDIVIDUAL PURCHASE PRICE FOR
BOTH AND OBTAIN TWO 25p VOUCHERS

An Electrocomponents Group Company

COMBINED PRICE 70p.

140

POST CODE

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONS FRUCTOR

THE MODERN BOOK CO

AUDIO AMPLIFIERS FOR THE HOME CONSTRUCTOR
By I. R. Sinclair
Price: 2.50
ELECTRONICS: AN ELEMENTARY INTRO.
FOR BEGINNERS by L. W. Owers
PRICE: 1.65
MAKING YOUR OWN ELECTRONIC GADGETS: A
BEGINNERS' GUIDE by R. H. Warring PRICE: 2.55
INTRODUCING AMATEUR ELECTRONICS
by I. R. Sinclair
PRICE: 1.45
20 SOLID STATE PROJECTS FOR THE CAR
& GARAGE by R. M. Marston
PRICE: 2.15
ELECTRONICS SELF -TAUGHT WITH EXPERIMENTS
& PROJECTS by J. Ashe
PRICE: 2.20
SOLID STATE HOBBY CIRCUITS
by RCA
PRICE: 1.95
20 SOLID STATE PROJECTS FOR THE HOME
by R. M. Me -ston
PRICE: 2.15
TRANSISTOR AUDIO & RADIO CIRCUITS
by Mullard
PRICE: 3.00
MAKING & REPAIRING TRANSISTOR RADIOS
by W. Oliver
PRICE: 2.15
BASIC THEORY & APPLICATION OF TRANSISTORS
by Dover
PRICE: 2.25
AMATEUR RADIO TECHNIQUES
by P. Hawker
PRICE: 2.50

THE OSCILLOSCOPE IN USE

by I. R. Sinclair
PRICE: 2.75
HI -FI CHOICE CASSETTE DECKS
by A. McKenzie
PRICE: 1.25
HI -FI CHOICE RECEIVERS
by A. McKenzie
PRICE: 1.25
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by M. G. Scroggie
PRICE: 4.25
COLOUR TV WITH PART, REF. TO THE PAL SYSTEM
by G. N. Patchett
PRICE: 6.50
SERVICING WITH THE OSCILLOSCOPE
by G. J. King
PRICE: 4.90
TRANSISTOR ELECTRONIC ORGANS FOR THE
AMATEUR by A. Douglas
PRICE: 4.90
THE ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MANUAL
by A. Douglas
PRICE: 8.00
VHF -UHF MANUAL
by D. S. Evans
PRICE: 5.65
RADIO VALVE & SEMI- CONDUCTOR DATA
-

PRICE: 2.50

by A. M. Ball

ARRL ELECTRONICS DATA BOOK

PRICE: 3.05

by ARRL

PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE

We have the Finest Selection of English and American Radio Books in the Country

19 -21

PRAED STREET (Dept RC) LONDON W2 INP

Telephone 01 -723 4185

Are you only

HALF
Constructor?

a year or two I was only half a constructor

struggling along
trying to find the right components by tramping from shop to shop.
Then
discovered Home Radio and their marvellous Components
Catalogue! It's made life so much simple for me
can soon locate
just what I need and then order by phone. really feel that now can
claim to be a complete constructor.

For

Please write your Name and Address in block capitals

The Home Radio Components Catalogue consists of

200 pages containing some 5,000 items, nearly 2,000
of them illustrated. Everything is set out so clearly, the
catalogue is a pleasure to use. When you buy one you
also receive free a mini catalogue filled with super

bargains. The saving on some of your purchases from

this bargain list alone can more than pay for your
catalogue. The catalogue costs 1 plus 40p for
postage and packing. Why hesitate? Send off your
cheque or P.O. for 1.40 now, and discover the
satisfaction of being a complete constructor.

NAME
ADDRESS

HOME

RADIO

(Components)

LTD.,

Dept.

RC

234 -240 London Road. Mitcham. Surrey CR4 3HD

Regfl N 91296b lo, 5,,,

HOME RADIO (Components) LTD. Dept. RC, 234 -240 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3HD. Phone: 01 -648 8422

OCTOBER 1976

141

NOVEL

TRANSISTOR
Intended mainly for checking small signal transistors, this simple unit
employs an electronic comparator to indicate collector current instead of
the more conventional meter.

Since transistors feature in virtually every electronic design for the home- constructor as well as in
most pieces of commercially produced domestic electronic equipment, some form of transistor tester is a
virtual necessity for the amateur electronics

enthusiast. Many articles describing transistor

testers have been published in the past, and a few of

these have described quite complex instruments
capable of measuring a number of transistor
parameters with a high degree of accuracy. However,
all that most people require is a simple tester that
will offer a clear indication of whether or not a transistor is usable by giving an approximate measurement of gain. Also, considering the present very low
cost of most popular transistors it is preferable for the
tester to have a similarly low constructional cost if it
is to be an economically viable proposition.
The simple tester which forms the subject of this
article has been designed with these points in mind.
BASIC ARRANGEMENT
Fig. 1. shows the basic arrangement used in most
transistor testers. The potentiometer supplies a base
current to the test transistor and the meter registers
the resultant level of collector current. Since the
supply voltage can be assumed to be constant the
potentiometer setting may be directly related to base

current. It is thus possible to measure the current

gain of the test transistor (which is, of course, its
collector current divided by its base current) using
only a single meter.
If the potentiometer is always adjusted to produce
the same level of collector current, base current and
test transistor current gain become directly related,
and the potentiometer can be calibrated directly in
terms of current gain.
There is no reason why a meter should be used to
indicate the required level of collector current.
Indeed, considering the relatively high cost of
moving -coil meters, there is a large incentive to seek
an alternative. A recent design ( "Novel Transistor
Gain Meter" by G. A. French, Radio & Electronics
Constructor, April, 1976) used a relay as the collector
current sensor. Taking this one step further, the
author has employed a purely electronic current sensor in the present design. The result is a very inexpensive but useful transistor tester.

CURRENT SENSOR
The basic configuration of the current sensor is
shown in Fig. 2. This circuit employs a single high

Current
reading
meter
C

RB -RC

Fig. 1. Basic circuit for a transistor gain indicator. An n.p.n. transistor is assumed

142

Fig. 2. Employing an operational amplifier as a

current sensor

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

9.

/jam/.

TESTER
By
A. P. Roberts
gain operational amplifier as a voltage comparator. A
potential divider given by the equal value resistors
RB and RC biases the inverting input of the device to
half the supply potential. With no load connected,
the non- inverting input will be taken to virtually the
full positive supply rail potential by way of RA.
Under these conditions the output of the operational
amplifier will be fully positive and the indicator lamp
will light.

If a variable resistor having a track value greater

than RA is connected to the load terminals, and is
adjusted to insert its full resistance, the non -inverting
input will still be positive of the inverting input and
the operational amplifier output will still be fully
positive. The variable resistor is then adjusted to insert a continually decreasing resistance, whereupon
the non- inverting input becomes less and less
positive. When the variable resistor value is fractionally greater than RA, the non-inverting input will
be positive of the inverting input by a small amount
and the operational amplifier output will continue to
be fully positive, with the lamp alight. If the variable
resistor value is next made fractionally smaller than
RA, the non -inverting input will be slightly negative
of the inverting input, and the amplifier output will
go fully negative, extinguishing the lamp. The range
of resistance in the variable resistor between these
two states is extremely small because of the exceptionally high voltage gain of the operational
amplifier. With the 741 op -amp, for instance, voltage
gain is typically 200,000 times.
'l'he changeover point at which the lamp becomes
extinguished occurs when half the supply voltage is
applied to the non-inverting input. Since the supply
voltage is known, RA can be given a value which
allows the changeover to take place at any desired
current, within reason, flowing through it. The circuit
thereby functions as a current sensor. The current
drawn by the non -inverting input of the operational
amplifier is very low, and can be completely ignored
OCTOBER 1976

S2

N.P.N.

Av..

+9V

la

P.N.P.

R4

R6

ICI

?_

744,

DI

IN4001

R8

R3

R7

\./Ri

LEDI

TIL209

R5
N.P.N.

Slb

P.N.P.

;
o

TIL209
JLead-outs

Fig 3. The circuit of the transistor tester

when, as in the practical transistor tester, the current

in RA is of the order of milliamps.

PRACTICAL CIRCUIT
The practical working circuit of the transistor
tester is given in Fig. 3. The indicator lamp is the
light -emitting diode LEDI, and this is fed from the
output of the operational amplifier via Dl and
current limiting resistor R8. D1 is included because
the output of the op -amp, when it is fully negative, is
about 2 volts positive of the lower supply rail; without
D1 this would be just sufficient to produce a visible
glow in LED1. D1 provides a voltage delay of about
0.5 volt and therefore ensures that the l.e.d. is fully
extinguished when the op -amp output is negative.
The potential divider, R6 and R7, applies half the
supply voltage to the inverting input of the op -amp.
143

The parts

of the tester fit neatly into its plastic

case

RI and R2 form the collector load for the transistor

under test, and they have a total resistance of 2.25k2.
The changeover point occurs when there is half the
supply voltage (i.e. 4.5 volts) across these two
resistors, and this corresponds to a current flow in
them of 2mA. Thus, the circuit gives the changeover
effect when the collector current of the test transistor
is 2mA; many small signal transistors have their
current gain quoted at around this figure in brief
form data sources.
R4 and R5 provide a second potential divider, and
half the supply potential appears at their junction. It
is from this point that the base current is fed to the
test transistor, the current flowing via VR1 and R3.
R3 limits base current to a reasonably low level, and
the control knob of VR1 is calibrated with a scale
which indicates the current gain. Taking the base
current from a potential divider in this manner
means that half the supply voltage is available both
for n.p.n. and p.n.p. transistors, with a consequent
easing of polarity switching requirements.
When VR1 inserts minimum resistance, and
assuming that the test transistors is a silicon device
with a forward voltage drop of 0.65 volt across its
base -emitter junction, the base current in the test
transistor is approximately 210}A. This figure is
given by 3.85 volts (4.5 minus 0.65) divided by
0.018M2. With VR1 set for maximum resistance the
base current is approximately 1.7/.A, again assuming
a silicon transistor. The base currents will be a little
higher if the test transistor is a germanium type,
which will exhibit a forward voltage drop in its base emitter junction of around 0.2 volt.
The range of base currents gives the unit a
theoretical gain measuring range of around 9.5 to
1,200 at a collector- emitter voltage of 4.5 volts and a
collector current of 2mA. All contemporary small
signal transistors have current gain values that fall
within this range. The author has also found it possible to check the majority of power transistors using
this circuit, although the results obtained mainly indicate that the power transistor being tested is
capable of current amplification and can therefore be
considered serviceable.
Note that the actual gain range given with units
built up to the circuit may vary somewhat from the
figures just quoted, this being due to component
tolerances and variations in supply potential. The
theoretical range has been made a little wider than is
really necessary to allow for these factors.
144

Si is the polarity switch and it reverses the supply

to the test transistor emitter and collector load as required to accommodate n.p.n. and p.n.p. transistors.
S2 is the on -off switch.
Power consumption is about 6mA with the indicator lamp extinguished, and is about 12mA when
it is turned on. The current drops by approximately
2mA when a test transistor is not connected.
CONSTRUCTION
The tester can be assembled in a small plastic case
large enough to house the battery and the Veroboard
panel in the manner illustrated in the photograph of
the interior. The case employed for the prototype
measured approximately 115 by 75 by 35mm. (4.5 by
3 by 1.4in.) and cases of this size, or slightly larger,
will be satisfactory. The case has a removable lid
which is used as the rear. The opposite side then
becomes the front panel of the tester and is drilled as
shown in Fig. 4. This diagram assumes outside
dimensions of 115 by 75mm., and the positions of the
holes may be amended as required for larger front
panels. The holes for the two switches and the l.e.d.
have diameters to suit the particular components
employed. The three small holes marked "E ", "B"

115

16

1
LEDI

(Odia

75

VR1

23All dimensions

--35-

38

X23

in mm.

Fig. 4 Drilling details for the front panel

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

COMPONENTS
Resistors
(All fixed values ; watt 5% unless otherwise
stated)
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5

750a

1.5k1

18k(
1

k (12 `50

1kc2%

R6 39k(2`%0
R7 39k(12%

R8 680n
VR1 2M0 or 2.2M potentiometer, linear

Semiconductors
IC1 741 in 8-pin d.i.l.
D1 1N4001

LED1 TIL209 or similar with panel holder

Switches
S1 d.p.d.t. toggle
S2 s.p.s.t. toggle

Miscellaneous
PP3 or PP3 -P battery (see text)
Battery connector
Control knob
Plastic case (see text)
Veroboard, 0.lin. matrix, 24 holes by 10 strips
3 miniature crocodile clips
Wire, solder, etc.
and "C" allow the passage of flexible test leads terminated in crocodile clips. The clips connect to the
lead -outs of the transistor being checked. When the
test leads are fitted later they each have a knot on the
inside to prevent strain on their internal connections.
All the small components are mounted on a 0.lin.
matrix Veroboard panel having 24 holes by 10 strips.
Details of this panel are shown in Fig. 5. There are six
breaks in the copper strips, as shown in the underside
view of the panel. Once these have been made, the
various components and the two link wires are
mounted and soldered in.
The panel is then wired to the battery clip and the
components on the front panel, using ordinary
stranded connecting wire. This wiring is also shown

A rear view

CCTOBER 1976

in Fig. 5. The panel is positioned in the bottom right

hand side of the case as viewed from the rear and is
held in place by the wiring and the case lid. The panel is very light and no other means of fixing is

necessary.
There is a space for the PP3 battery in the top
right hand side of the case, also as viewed from the
rear. This is held in position when the lid of the case
is screwed on. 'If necessary, a small piece of foam
rubber or plastic can be glued to the inside surface of
the lid to ensure that the battery is held firmly.

USING THE TESTER

A scale calibrated in current gain can be marked
around the control knob of VR1. This is not entirely
essential because, after a little experiment with
different transistors, one soon becomes accustomed
to the correct approximate position of the control
knob for various types. As may be seen in the
photographs of the front panel of the author's unit,
numbers corresponding to different gain levels were
fitted at the appropriate points, and this is quite
adequate in practice. The numbers were taken from
"Panel Signs" Set No. 4, which is available from the
publishers of this magazine.
Operation of VR1 is quite straightforward, and the

potentiometer is simply adjusted to the point where

the I.e.d. changes from one condition to the other.
Due to the very high gain of the 741 i.c. the
changeover point is extremely well defined, and it is
very difficult to resolve a point in the potentiometer
travel where the light is at an intensity between fully
on and fully off. Note that with n.p.n. transistors the
l.e.d. is alight at the left hand side of the scale and is
off at the right hand side. The opposite is true when
the unit is switched to test p.n.p. transistors.
Scale calibration points can be found by connecting a silicon transistor to the tester with a sensitive
current meter in series with the base connection. VR1
is then adjusted to produce suitable base currents,
whereupon the scale is marked accordingly at these
points. As examples, base currents of 200uA and
20uA correspond to gains of 10 and 100 respectively.
Alternatively, VR1 can be adjusted for appropriate
resistance values between the base test lead and the
junction of R4 and R5. A resistance value of 190k
corresponds with a pin of 100 and 1.9M( with a gain
of 1,000. Fig. 6 gives a table showing both base
current and resistance values for selected gain
figures, as used in the prototype.
The scale produced by these methods will be
applicable to silicon transistors, and germanium
transistors will read about 11% high (because the appropriate base current is passed at a higher resistance

of the tester with the Veroboard

panel partly removed

145

0( o)

0
o

o
0
0

0
O.

o)
(o`)
(

0
0

o
o
0

(\\ 0 ) 0

0{ o}

o
0

Fig. 5. Illustrating the wiring on and around the Veroboard panel

in 'R1). Since germanium transistors are a comparative rarity these days, it is considered that a

single scale, accurate for silicon transistors and with

a correction factor for germanium transistors, meets
all practical requirements.
Battery voltage will also have an effect on accuracy
146

and it is advisable to discard the battery (for possible

use in other equipment) when its voltage falls below
about 8.5 volts. A PP3 -P battery will retain a terminal voltage above 8.5 volts for a considerably
longer period than a PP3 battery.
The tester can also be used to give diodes and recRADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

GAIN

BASE CURRENT

10

200pA

50

4ONA

IOO

2OpA

300
450
600
750
1000

RESISTANCE

(VR1+R3)
I9kn
96kn
19Okn

6.7pA

57Okn

44pA

88Okn
12Mn
14Mn
9 Mn

33pA
2 7,uA
2 jJ A

Fig. 6. Calibration table giving base current

and series base resistance values for selected

gain figures

ti Fiers a rough check and to find their polarity. If the

diode or rectifier cathode is connected to the emitter
test lead and the anode to the collector test lead, the
I.e.d. will be extinguished with Si in the n.p.n. position. 'l'he l.e.d. should remain extinguished when SI
is set tu the p.n.p. position.

The completed tester is small and is extremely

easy to handle and use

TRADE NOTE
MULTIPLEXED DIGITAL LED DISPLAYS

Messrs. Litronix of 24 Sun Street, Hitchin, Herts.,

announce the availability of two new additions to
their range of p.c.b.-mounted numeric LED displays.
Designated DL -4510 and -4533, the displays are intended for use in digital instrumentation and consumer products such as electronic digital clocks. Each
incorporates four 7-segment numeric LED displays
which, together with three colon /point indicators, are
mounted on an edge -connected p.c.b. for ease of
issemhly into the end product. These display', exactly
a

F1

)REE 1976

mate with existing GI clock chips, the CK -3100 and

CK -3300, and thus allow the user's circuitry to be
mounted on a single -sided p.c.b.

Both displays are dimensionally identical, and are

fitted with contrast enhancing filters for increased
character definition. They are available with optional
red polypropylene filters.
Typical electrical characteristics include a forward
voltage of 1.8V at 20mA per segment, and a luminous
intensity of I.t)mcd.
147

NEWS

AND

AVOMETER MODEL 73
Avo Ltd., of Archcliffe Road, Dover, Kent, recently announced the
introduction of the AVOMETER Model 73, a multimeter combining
small size, wide range coverage and genuine overload protection. The
overload protection system overcomes the expensive and frustrating
tendency of many small multimeters to burn out if 240 volts is accidentally connected to current or resistance ranges. The saving in repair
charges and replacement costs will quickly pay tor the instrument.
The AVOMETER Model 73 has the robustness and ease of operation
long associated with AVO products including clear scales, simple range
selection controls and only two sockets for all measurements. The
ranges include 150 mV to 750 volts d.c., 7.5 volts to 750 volts a.c., 75 /IA
to 3 A d.c., 3 mA to 3 A a.c. and 2 ku to 20 Mn resistance. Sensitivities
are 20 k i2 / volt d.c. and 2 kit / volt a.c. with a frequency bandwidth of
over 50 kHz on many ranges.
The Model 73 uses a shockproof moulded case with no external metal
parts and is supplied complete with leads, prods and clips and an
operating instructions card. A range of accessories is available which includes a carrying case, plug-in shunts and a 30 kV d.c. probe.

NEW CATALOGUE AND CONSTRUCTION

KIT BROCHURE FROM DORAM
Doram Electronics Limited, one of Britain's
leading mail -order distributors of electronic components, construction kits and accessories specifically
servicing amateur radio, electronic and hi -fi
enthusiasts have published a new "Edition 3"
catalogue priced at 60p and a new bumper -packed
construction kit brochure priced 25p.
Should customers order both publications together
Doram are offering a special price reduction of 15p so
customers only pay a total of '70p and, in addition
each customer will receive two 25p vouchers which
may be used at any time as a refund when placing
orders for Doram's vast range of electronic components, accessories and construction kits.
A special feature of the main catalogue is that during the life span of the catalogue customers will
receive, absolutely free, up -date amendment leaflets
giving information on new lines and price changes.
Many new products have been added at the request

of customers which include an extension to Doram's

formidable range of NPN, PNP, Unijunction and
Field Effect Transistors; an extension to the range of
specific p.c. boards; a Constant Current Charger and
Rhythm Generator IC; many more essential tools and
accessories including Soldering Irons, battery and
mains operated drills and attachments; new super
quality 2 meter wave Mobile Antennae plus many
more books and constructional aids.
In addition to the main catalogue, Doram have
published a fully illustrated brochure containing information on no less than twenty -six new "easy -toconstruct" Kits.
Principally designed for the beginner wishing to
take up electronics as a hobby, Doram's new kit range
will also be welcomed by schools for electronic
product training, and by professionals who like to get
their teeth into the more absorbing projects such as
Doram's de -luxe FM Tuner.

VERO ELECTRONICS MICRONOSE PLIER

Vero Electronics of Industrial Estate, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh,
Hants, are pleased to announce the addition of an economical
micronose plier. The tool's thin profile enables the tool to be used for
awkward situations where conventional pliers cannot reach. The standard jaw is serrated but plain jaws are available at no extra cost.
Designed on the Microshear principle, the excellent mechanical advantage reduces muscle fatigue in squeezing the handle. The double coil
return results in automatic clearance of the plier. The plier is
lightweight 1.5 ounces and is 5in. long.

148

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

COMMENT
LASKY'S OBTAIN EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORSHIP
A turntable enclosed in glass is to be sold exclusively by Laskys
through its chain of 30 retail shops, including major stores in Oxford
Street and Tottenham Court Road.
The Transcriptor Skeleton turntable on show in the Design Centre,
London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and featured in the
will sell at 131.00 (including VAT).
film "The Clockwork Orange"
The turntable is now on sale under a sole U.K. distributorship
arrangement.
Laskys were selected by Transcriptor Limited, because of the comprehensive facilities they can offer in all audio areas. Not only do
Laskys have 30 shops, and a big mail order business, but they also have
a dynamic expansion programme.
Derek Smith, Managing Director of Laskys, said: "We are especially
delighted to have this exclusive dealership, as it complements our range
of top quality and technically advanced equipment."
Laskys will be selling at the following prices, inclusive of VAT:
Transcriptor Skeleton Turntable with Vestigal Arm: 131.00; New
Vestigal Arm: 43.75; Transcriptor Stylus Scales: 7.44.

WNW

OSCAR 8 LAUNCHING
POSTPONED
We understand from Ham Radio Report No. 104
that Oscar 8 may not be launched until well into 1980.

In the meantime another satellite, similar to Oscars 6

and 7, is being considered for launching in late 1977.
We also learn from the H.R. Report that low power
days for Oscar 7 mode B will become a regular event
from October 1st. Every other Monday, when the
satellite is in mode B, it will be restricted to QRP use.
From our own observations of the last series of QRP
tests, we would say that they were very successful.
The QRP restriction appeared to be being respected
by practically every user, and in spite of the low
power, good strong QSO's were being easily carried

NEXT MONTH'S SPECIAL ISSUE

Following the great success of the Wall
Chart, Design Data Tables 1, given away with
our February issue, readers will be pleased to
learn that in next month's issue we are giving
away another Wall Chart.
Design Data Tables 2 will consist of
Inch Conversion, Inch
Millimetre

Millimetre Conversion, Phase Shift Oscillator

FreR Values, 2 ,t f Values, Wavelength
C
quency Conversion Chart, Audio Output
Series -C values and E
Powers, Parallel
Dissipation.
Owing to heavy demand make sure you have
the issue on order.

-R

-R

out.

BARGAIN OFFER
Due to a special purchase on advantageous terms,
Home Radio Ltd., of 234 -240 London Road,
Mitcham, Surrey, are offering ferrite rod, in various
lengths, and paxolin aerial formers at a very attractive price.
The offer consists of 20 inches of rod, of which at
least 3 pieces will be 4 inches in length, and 6 formers
for 45p (including VAT) plus 20p postage and packing. As ferrite rod often costs 5p per inch the above
would seem a very good "buy ".

I.C. LECTURE COURSE

Commencing on 14th October there will be a course
of 9 lectures on Thursday evenings at South London
College, Knight's Hill, London SE27 OTX.
The course fee is 3.00 and application should be
made to the Senior Administrative Officer at the
college.
OCIY)13E11

si^iS

"Smoke signal say Tube belong to Big Chief

Kicking Bull Gone for Burtonl"
149

The

'PORT & STARBOARD'

STEREO AMPLIFIER
Part 1
by
Sir Douglas Hall, K.C.M.G.
This unusual record player stereo amplifier has an extremely simple circuit incorporating a Class A output stage and a novel dual channel tone
control incorporating a single gang potentiometer. Circuit operation, construction and setting up are all described here. Connections to the gram
deck and the assembly of a suitable case are covered in next month's concluding article.

This stereo amplifier is intended for use with a

ceramic cartridge, and an unusual feature is that it
does not employ any ganged potentiometers. There
are two separate volume controls together with a
single gang tone control potentiometer. The use of
separate volume controls is not uncommon, but the
author has not previously seen a tone control circuit
for a stereo amplifier using a single gang potentiometer. There are no undesirable cross -talk effects
with the design employed here.

The completed amplifier in its case. The two

panel lamps between the control knobs are
part of the dual channel tone control circuit

150

CIRCUIT OPERATION
The circuit is shown in Fig. 1, and the basic principles can be more easily followed if the section below
the earth line is studied. This consists of the amplifier
for one channel without the tone control circuitry
confusing the issue. It will be seen that there is an
f.e.t., TR2, at the input, and that the signal from one
side of the cartridge is fed to its gate by way of the
network formed by R3, VR2 and R4. This network
ensures that the load across the cartridge is never less
than about 480k, which is given at full volume. The
cartridge load resistance rises as volume is backed
down, with a consequent small advantage to the bass
register. At the same time the input impedance of the
amplifier never exceeds about 210k0. The outcome is
reasonable matching for the ceramic cartridge and an
input impedance for the amplifier which is low
enough to keep hum at an unobjectionable level. It
was not found necessary, with the prototype, to
screen the leads and components connected to VR1
and VR2.
C2 is included in circuit to check a tendency
towards parasitic oscillation and to introduce a small
amount of fixed treble cut to compensate for recording characteristics. TR2 is directly coupled to a
p.n.p. transistor, TR4, which acts as a common
emitter amplifier. In turn, TR4 is directly coupled to
TR6, a germanium n.p.n. output power transistor
functioning as an emitter follower with a 250 speaker
in its emitter circuit. Correct bias for the whole cirRADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

TR3

R5

2N4289

TR5
ADI61
DI

R9

RIO

oC7

C9

IN400

I7V

9Va43
O

A.C.

mains
8

Ceramic

cartridge

(000)

o o

o)

DGS

be

BF244B
Lead -outs

2N4289
Lead -outs

N.,

ADI61

Lead-outs

Fig.

1.

The circuit

of the "Port and Starboard" stereo amplifier. Tone control is achieved by varying the
current in PL

and PL2, and thereby changing their resistance

cuit is set by VR5, this component introducing a large

amount of negative feedback both at d.c. and at
signal frequency. VR5 is adjusted so that TR6 passes
about 280mA. This direct current flows through the
speaker and, in practice, does not detract from the
output quality provided that the conditions detailed
later in this article are met.
Let us next consider the tone control circuit, which
appears above the earth line. So far as the lower
amplifier is concerned the relevant components are
PL2, L2, C5, C6, R8 and the tone control VR3, which
also looks after the upper amplifier. PL2 is a 6 volt
0.04 amp (40mA) pilot lamp, and the tone control
functions by taking advantage of the fact that its
resistance is low when it passes a small current and is
considerably higher when its rated current flows
through it. It will be seen that a direct voltage is
available across C7, and that this is applied to the
pilot lamp in series with L2, R8 and VR3. If VR3 is
set to insert zero resistance there will be about 4 volts
across PL2, which will then offer a resistance of
about 100 it (Experiments with various different
makes and samples of 6 volt 0.04 amp pilot lamps
showed that they all passed their rated 0.04 amp with
only 4 volts across them.) Due to the presence of C5
.

(IcruBr:R

1976

and C6, L2 is effectively connected between the earth

line and the source of TR2, and it therefore tends to
cancel out some of the negative feedback in the VR5
circuit. L2 is especially wound to offer about 10mH
inductance with about u resistance, and this offers
an overall impedance of the order of 100 at the lowest
audio frequencies and some hundreds of ohms at the
highest audio frequencies. With PL2, which is in
parallel with L2 at a.f., offering a resistance of about
10012, the frequency selective effect of L2 is modified
somewhat but, even so, the overall effect is a considerable reduction of negative feedback at the lower
audio frequencies, and bass boost results.
If VR2 is now set to insert its full 500flresistance
into circuit the filament of PL2 becomes relatively
cold and offers only about 10c2 in parallel with L2.
The frequency discriminating properties of L2 are
therefore swamped, and negative feedback is reduced
for all audio frequencies in fairly equal proportions.
The result is a corresponding rise in amplification of
all frequencies which, when compared with the bass
boost given when VR3 inserts zero resistance, gives a
subjective impression of treble boost. Intermediate
settings of VR3 give intermediate frequency
responses.
151

COMPONENTS
Resistors
(All fixed values
stated)
R1 270kn
R2 270kn
R3 270kn
R4 270kn

; watt

10% unless otherwise

R61kn

R7 150n I watt
R8 150 watt

R9 270 watt
R5 lkn
R10 3.312 3 watt
VR1 1M potentiometer, log
VR2 1Mnpotentiometer, loF
VR3 500n otentiometer, wire -wound
(see text)
lkn pre -set potentiometer, skeleton
VR5 lkn pre -set potentiometer, skeleton

Capacitors
Cl 100pF silvered mica or ceramic
C2 100pF silvered mica or ceramic
C3 100F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
C4 100F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
C5 100F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
C6 100F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
C7 4,700F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
(see text)
C8 4,700F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
(see text)
C9 2,200F electrolytic, 25 V. Wkg.
(see text)

Inductors
L1 Home -wound (see text)
L2 Home -wound (see text)

Tl Mains transformer, secondary

0 -9 -17V at lA (see text)

Semiconductors
TR1 BF244B
TR2 BF244B
TR3 2N4289
TR4 2N4289
TR5 AD161
TR6 AD161

Dl 1N4002
Pilot Lamps
PLl 6V 0.04A filament panel indicator,

red (see text)

PL2 6V 0.04A filament panel indicator,
green (see text)
Heat Sink
Heat sink type 17C2 (Electrovalue)
Plugs and Sockets
Plug and socket assembly type P360 (Bulgin)
3 -way jack plug
3 -way jack socket
2 phono plugs
2 phono sockets
Miscellaneous
3 control knobs
2 6 -way group boards (see text)
2 ferrite rods, 2 x tin. (see text)
Plywood. }in.
Peg board, kin.
Nuts, bolts, wire ,etc.
152

Looking into the amplifier at the end remote

from the mains transformer

Pilot lamp PL1 and Ll offer the same effect with

the upper amplifier. Since the two controls are
isolated from each other by C4 and C5 there is no interaction between them, and they can be controlled
by the single potentiometer, VR3. For - t results it
is important that speakers having e
Id treble
response be employed with the amplifia.
A secondary effect is that the incremental inductance of Ll and L2 decreases as more current flows
through them due to the consequent reduction in the
permeability of the cores on which they are wound.
This effect is taken up in practice by providing the
coils with a suitable number of turns. It should be
added that a great deal of experiment was undertaken to find the optimum inductance and'resistance
values for Ll and L2. These should he home -wound,
as described later, and must employ the particular
gauge of wire specified. So far as the author is aware
there are no suitable commercially made coils or
chokes which can take their place.
Simple m.e.s. 6 volt 0.04 amp bulbs may be
employed for PLI. and PL2, but the author used 6
volt 0.04 amp filament panel mounting lamps, one
being green and the other red. These are available
from several suppliers. The potentiometer employed
for VR3 in the prototype was a Colvern type
CLR905C with a body diameter of 1.375in. and a
rating of 3 watts. This is retailed by Electrovalue.
The power supply needs little comment. A 17 volt
mains transformer is used, and good smoothing is
provided by C7, C8 and C9 in conjunction with R9
and R10. The transformer employed in the prototype
was a charger transformer type CT1 (available from
Electrovalue) having a secondary rated at 1 amp with
a 9 volt tap. No connection is made to the tap.
Before proceeding to constructional details, several
further points concerning components need to be
mentioned. C7, C8 and C9 need to be small types if
they are to fit in the space available. The author used
Siemens axial lead capacitors obtained from Electrovalue. TR5 and TR6 are mounted on a special
anodised heat sink. This is Electrovalue type 17C2.
There are two 6 -way group panels (i.e tag boards),
these being the R.S. Components "Standard" types.
If difficulty is experienced in obtaining these, two 6way sections can be cut from a "Standard" 18 -way
group board available from Doram Electronics. The
mains input to the amplifier is carried by a 3 -way
plug and socket assembly, Bulgin type P360.
.

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

6"

for P360 plug

3/4'dio hole

3/8dia hole for

jack socket
3/4"
2

/2"

21/4"-

11/4"

113/8 "

screw
screw
here _here

12"
screw

7/16`hokrs for
phono sockets

screw
here

screw
here

12"

screw
here

PL2

PLI

-0-

1/8"peg
D board
o

screw
here

II

-1"

3/8 "hole

Dia to suit

for

indicator

VR1

11/2"

11/2"

3/8 "hole
for VR3
11/2"

Dia to suit

3/8 "hole

indicator

for VR2

1/4"

11/2"

are assembled
Fig. 2. The four plywood or peg board sections on which the amplifier components

CONSTRUCTION
Refer next to Fig. 2 for the first constructional
details. There is a plywood baseboard B, an upright
section C which carries the mains transformer and
speaker phono sockets, and an upright section A
which takes the mains plug and a 3 -way jack socket
for the input from the cartridge. A third upright panel, D, consists of peg board to allow ventilation, as

some heat is given off by the transformer, by R10

and by the output transistors. The peg board panel
should be drilled as shown and, if standard material
with holes in. apart is used, it will be found that all
the larger holes for the panel components can be
made by enlarging existing small holes. This makes

drilling an easy process.

'I'urn next to Fig. 3(a) and fit the mains plug and

The amplifier, as seen from the transformer

end

OCTOBER 1976

153

jack socket to panel A, as shown. The flanged section the rod at its centre. (4in. by lin. "Orange grade"
of the P360 plug and socket assembly is secured to ferrite rods may be obtained from
Amatronix Ltd.,
the panel, the 3 -way mains lead being connected to 396 Selsdon Road, South Croydon,
CR2
the other section of the assembly. Follow this by ODE.) Each coil consists of 500 turnsSurrey,
of 34 s.w.g.
mounting the two hono sockets and the mains enamelled wire. The coils are pile wound and
no great
transformer to panelC, as shown in Fig. 3(b), using care is needed in carrying out this process, although
short wood screws (or, preferably, countersunk bolts the general aim is to distribute the wire fairly evenly
and nuts with the nuts on the inside). The along the paper sleeve. The resulting coils should
transformer may be supplied with tags or flying each offer a resistance of about 8, but an ohm or
so
leads; if it is fitted with tags these should appear on either side of this figure will be within
tolerable
its upper surface when panel C is assembled to panel limits.
B..Note that a solder tag is secured under one of the
The components on panel
are then mounted,
transformer mounting screws (or nuts), to enable the after which the wiring shown D
3(a) is carried
transformer frame to be earthed. Assemble panels, A, out. Ll and L2 are fitted looselyininFig.
their
holes in panB, C and D in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2.
el B for the time being.

Another view of the amplifier assembly

The heat sink is next mounted on panel B, and is

secured in the manner illustrated in Figs 3(a) and (c).
Two 1 }in. countersunk 4BA bolts pass through panel
B and are secured with 4BA nuts immediately above
the panel. Each bolt then passes through one hole of
each transistor and through the appropriate hole of
the heat sink, with a nut underneath for spacing and a
solder tag and a nut on the top for final securing. The
transistors are mounted below the heat sink with
their base and emitter lead -outs projecting upwards,
and the remaining hole of each is secured to the heat
sink with a short 4BA bolt and nut. The solder tags
under the upper nuts on the Thin. bolts allow connection to be made to the collectors. Drill the requisite
two 4BA clear holes in panel B, then mount the heat
sink and the two transistors in the manner just
described. The heat sink takes up the position shown
in Fig. 3(a).
Ll and L2 consist of coils wound on lengths of fin.
ferrite rod. They are fitted with their axes vertical
into slightly oversize lin. holes drilled in panel B, so
that they take up the approximate positions shown in
Fig. 3(a). Drill these holes, then mount the two 6 -way
group boards by means of short wood screws.
Coils Ll and L2 are identical and each is wound
on a paper sleeve 1f in. long fitted over a 2in. length of
ferrite rod. The author obtained the 2in. lengths
y snapping in two a 4in. length of "Orange grade"
rod after firing a V -cut around the circumference of
bm.

154

SPEAKERS
The two speakers employed with the amplifier
should have an impedance of 25. Single speakers
with a lower impedance must not be used, although it
is in order to employ three 8c1speakers in series, or
two 15 speakers in series, per channel. Alternative ly, one 35o speaker per channel may be used, with a
slight drop in undistorted output available. If multiple speakers are used, all should be identical and
they should be full -range models as opposed to
woofers and tweeters.
Because of the 280mA standing current in the
speakers, miniature types must not be employed. In
general, sizes from 7 by 4in. upward will be suitable,
and a speaker (or set of series connected speakers)
which is capable of handling 6 watts or more will be
operated within its linear range by the amplifier. The
amplifier output itself is 1 watt per channel and
offers excellent quality for normal domestic listening;
the necessity for a larger speaker is the price imposed
by the extreme simplicity of its circuit.
Each speaker must, of course, be in phase and it
must be connected such that its cone moves outwards
when the 280mA standing current flows through it.
This is an important point, and has to be carefully
observed.

After completing the wiring and checking

for errors, connect two 250 speakers, or
the alternative speakers just referred to, to the outRADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

N
O

OCTOBER 1976

155

puts. The speakers should be arranged so

BUY THIS
BEST SELLER
NEW EDITION
OF

T.V. FAULT FINDING

405/625 LINES

REVISED & ENLARGED

Edited by J. R. Davies
132 pages
PRICE 90p
Over 100 illustrations, including 60
photographs of a television screen
after the appropriate faults have been

deliberately introduced.
Comprehensive Fault Finding Guide
cross -referenced to methods of fault
rectification described at greater length
in the text.

Price 90p from your bookseller.

or post this Coupon together
with remittance for 1.08
(to include postage) to

DATA PUBLICATIONS LTD.

Mailla Vale, London, W9 1SN

57

Please send me the 5th revised edition of TV Fault

Finding. Data Book No. 5
I enclose cheque/ crossed

postal order for

that their

cone movement may be observed visually. Set the

sliders of VR4 and VR5 to the track ends which con-

nect to the appropriate output transistor emitter.

This means fully clockwise for VR4 and fully anticlockwise for VR5, as seen in Fig. 3(a). Connect a
meter switched to give a clear indication of 7 volts
across the left hand channel output, with negative to
the earth line. Take great care to ensure that there is
no risk of a short -circuit between the test leads as this
can cause the output transistor to burn out. The same
need to avoid short -circuits at the speaker outputs
applies also, of course, when the amplifier is in use.
Connect the mains input to a power socket having
a switch on it. This is a temporary switching arrangement for checking and setting up.
Switch on the mains supply. Slowly advance VR4
whilst watching the cone movement of the left hand
speaker. If the cone moves outwards all is well.
Should the cone move inwards, return VR4 to its initial setting, switch off and reverse the connections to
the speaker. When cone movement is satisfactory,
advance VR4 slowly until a voltage of 7 volts is given
across the speaker. If there is a series combination of
speakers then the 7 volts appears across them all, and
it is necessary to monitor the direction of cone movement in each speaker.
Switch off, then repeat the process with the right
hand channel output, checking for cone movement
and voltage as VR5 is adjusted. Check back to the left
hand channel output, and make any slight readjustment required in VR4, and finally again with
the right hand channel. VR4 and VR5 are then set
up. At this juncture the choice of the transistor
employed for TR1 and TR2 may be mentioned. The
BF244B has a much smaller spread in characteristics
than other f.e.t.'s, such as the 2N3819. This feature
not only ensures virtually equal amplification in each
channel but also enables the setting up procedure just
described to be successfully accomplished. With
other f.e.t.'s it may be found impossible to obtain the
7 volt reading across each speaker output.
A further setting up process remains. Turn both
volume controls to zero and listen for hum from the
left hand speaker. If there is anything above a very
soft background of hum rock L1 with one finger, a
degree or two at a time and in different directions,
until a position is found at which the hum disappears.
Then apply adhesive to the bottom of L1 core and let
it set with the choke in the "null" position. Repeat
this exercise with L2, listening for hum in the right
hand speaker. Hum here is more likely than with the
left hand amplifier, as L2 is closer to the mains
transformer than is Ll. It might be mentioned that in
the first design of the amplifier Ti was mounted
directly on the baseboard so that its core was parallel
to the cores of L1 and L2, and hum from the right
hand speaker was quite intolerable. This form of
hum pick -up is not reduced by setting back the
volume controls as it is induced into the chokes after
TR1 and TR2.

NAME

ADDRESS

BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE

156

NEXT MONTH
In next month's concluding article details will be
given of the connections between the amplifier and
the gram deck. Also to be described will be a case for
the amplifier.
(To be concluded)
RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

-{ SUGGESTED CIRCUIT

LINEAR SCALE
OHMMETER
By G. A. French

Accurate measurement of resistance

with the more inexpensive type of
multi - testmeter is notoriously difficult
to achieve. The resistance scale in such
a testmeter is extremely non- linear
and becomes considerably cramped at
the high resistance end. The accuracy
varies also with the voltage of the internal testmeter battery, and a high
degree of error can be introduced if the
battery voltage is low.
The ohmmeter to be described in
this article employs a simple circuit
which overcomes both of these shortcomings. First, the scale is linear with
the result that readings are clear and
unambiguous. Second, the resistance
to be measured has a constant current
passed through it, with the result that
indications are independent of battery

voltage. The instrument has four

ranges, these being 0 -1k2, 0- 10kfl, 0100k(2and 0 -1M12, and it can in consequence measure resistances from
about 5012 to 1M12. Performance to
precision laboratory standards is not
claimed: there is a known and
accepted inaccuracy on the 0 -1k f2
range, and there is a very slight possibility of an inaccuracy on the 0 -1M 12
range. The overall accuracy is still
superior, nevertheless, to that of a
lower cost testmeter switched to an
ohms range. If desired, the ohmmeter
can be built in a form in which indications are given by a testmeter
switched to a volts range, whereupon it
requires only a few components and

three inexpensive transistors.

testmeter capable of reading current*

from 10A to 10mA and having a sen-

sitivity of 10,0000 per volt or better on

its voltage ranges is needed for setting
up.

OCTOBER 1976

CIRCUIT OPERATION
The circuit of the testmeter appears

in Fig. 1. Here TR1 functions as a con-

stant current generator, its base being

held at a fixed potential relative to the
upper positive rail by the forward
voltage dropped across the two silicon
rectifiers, D1 and D2. The range
swit
S2, selects one of the four preset variable resistors VR1 to VR4,
these controlling the emitter c..rrent,
and hence the constant collector
current, of the transistor. When S2 is
set to position 1, the constant current
is a nominal 10mA. At position 2 the
constant current is an exact imA, at
position 3 an exact 100A and at position 4 an exact 100A. The constant
current selected flows, when pushbutton S1 is pressed, through any
resistance connected across the test
terminals. With S2 at position 1 there
is a drop of 10 volts across the test terminals when the test resistance is lkf1.
The same result is given in position 2
with a test resistance of 10k2, at position 3 with 100k2 and at position 4
with 1M i2 . If lower values of test
resistance are connected the voltages
across them will be proportionately
lower. Since a constant current flows
through the test resistance the voltage
dropped across it is directly proportional to the resistance value.

The voltage across the test

resistance is read by the very high impedance electronic voltmeter consisting of TR2, TR3, R3, VR5 and Ml.
VR5 is set up such that the meter gives
full -scale deflection when the voltage
between the emitter of TR3 and the
slider of VR6 is 10 volts. Thus, the
meter offers an f.s.d. indication for the

test resistances of lktl . 1O2, 1002

and MO which have just been mentioned. Lower values of resistance can then
be read directly from the meter scale. If,
for instance, a reading of 571LA is given
with S2 in position 4 (0 -1M2) then the
test resistance has a value of 57041.
The voltage at the emitter of TR3 is
about 1.2 volts below that at the upper
test terminal, this voltage being the
sum of the forward voltage drops in the
base -emitter junctions of TR2 and
TR3. The negative terminal of M1 has
to be returned to a potential which is
similarly negative of the lower test terminal, and this is achieved by connecting it to the slider of VR6. VR6 is a
panel- mounted potentiometer and it is
adjusted for a zero reading in the
meter when the test terminals are
short-circuited by Sl. Resistor R2 ensures that a reverse current flows
through the meter if VR6 slider is
positive of the set zero position, and
helps in finding the correct meter zero
setting. A separate 3 volt battery is incorporated to provide the negative
voltage for the meter as this enables
the constant current from the test
resistance to be routed direct to the
negative terminal of the main 18 volt
battery. In practice, VR6 has to be
adjusted only occasionally, and then
merely to take up falling voltage in the
3 volt battery.
'l'here is a very high gain amplifying
chain from the emitter of TM to the
collector of TR3 and, unless suitable
precautions were taken, this could
result in r.f. oscillation if TR3 collector
wiring approached that in the emitter
circuit of TRI. The possibility of such
oscillation is removed by the two
bypass capacitors, Cl and C2; these

157

rs
Sia
VRI

VR2

VR3

VR4

100

Ikn

I0kn

100

On

-Ott

kn
DI

IN4002
12

3q/
S2

D2

C1

IN4002

Range

002pF

TR3
BC107

000

bcc
BC 2I4 L
Lead -outs

R3
o

RI

3.3kn

v
I

Press

75 kn

Test

terminals

to
read
MI

O-IOOpA

BCIO7
Lead -outs

52 ranges

0 - Ike
0 - IOkn

3 O -

Fig.

1.

VR6

B2

470n
Set zero

IOOkn

0-IMn

linear

536

The circuit of the ohmmeter. This provides linear scale resistance readings over the ranges

shown

capacitors cause the circuit to be quite

stable, and no precautions have to be
taken in wiring layout.
S1 is included to ensure that the
meter reading is at zero when no
resistance measurement is being
taken. If S1 is pressed when the test

terminals are open- circuit or when too

high a resistance is connected to them,
the meter needle passes the f.s.d.
point. The highest voltage which can
be applied to the electronic voltmeter
is about 17 volts, causing the meter to
pass 170A. A current of this value,
which is less than twice f.s.d., should
not cause any damage to the meter
movement.
S3(a)(b) is a d.p.s.t. on -off switch. It
disconnects both the 18 volt and the 3
volt batteries when it is turned off. The
18 volt battery can consist of two 9 volt
batteries in series, and the 3 volt
battery can be given by two 1.5 volt
cells in series. The current drawn from
the 18 volt battery is about 6mA on
Ranges 2, 3 and 4, rising to 16mA on
Range 1. The current drawn from the 3
volt battery is a little in excess of 6mA.
The 18 volt battery should preferably
be discarded when its voltage has
fallen to about 15.5 volts. The 3 volt
158

hattcry

is discarded when its voltage is

ImA to allow a zero setting to be
achieved.
Before concluding on circuit opera tion, a few words are needed concerning the electronic voltmeter incorporating TR2 and TR3. This configuration has been successfully
employed several times as a very high
impedance voltmeter in published
designs, and it functions well in practice although it assumes leakage
currents in the transistors which are
below the maximum figures quoted by
the manufacturer. A similar comment
can be applied to TRI when S2 selects
the lOpA constant current at position
4. However, the author has employed
silicon transistors such as the BC214L
in low value constant current circuits
in the past without any trouble whatsoever. The fact that there is

too

theoretically a possibility of transistor

leakage currents upsetting operation
at low current is the reason for the
comment concerning the 0 -1M1
range at the beginning of this article.
The author has experienced no problems in this respect in practice but, for
completeness, the point has had to be
mentioned.
1'he components are all standard

parts. RI, R2 and R3 are } watt 5%

resistors, whilst VR1 to VH5 are standard (i.e. not miniature) skeleton
potentiometers. VR6 may be a small

wirewound potentiometer if difficulty

is experienced in obtaining a carbon
track component with the low value
specified. Alternative values for VR5
and VR6 are 50k1 and 500f1 respectively. Si is a push- button whose con-

tacts open when it is ressed. S2 is a

rotary switch, and could be one section
of a 3 -pole 4 -way switch. S3(a)(b) is a
d.p.s.t. toggle switch. Cl and C2 are
plastic foil capacitors.

ASSEMBLY
The unit may be assembled in a
metal or plastic case with the three
switches, VR6, the test terminals and
meter M1 on the front panel. If a
metal case is used it is made common
with the negative terminal of the 18
volt battery, as indicated by the
chassis symbol in the circuit diagram.
The chassis symbol is ignored if the
unit is housed in a plastic case.
After construction has been completed, adjust the pre -set potentiometers VR1 to VR5 so that they all

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

insert maximum resistance into circuit. This point is of particular importance with respect to VR1 to VR4 inclusive; if any of these potentiometers
inserts too low a resistance an excessive current may be passed which
could damage the potentiometer, TRI
and, during setting -up, the monitoring
current meter. Switch on, and adjust
VR6 for a zero reading in meter Ml.
Set S2 to Range 4 and connect a
testmeter switched to read current to
the test terminals, with positive to the
terminal connecting to TRI collector.
Since this is a newly constructed circuit, it is wise to initially switch the
meter to a high current range, changing down by steps to the required low
current range only when the higher
range readings indicate that it is safe
to do so. The meter will indicate
current when Si is pressed. If all is
well, select a testmeter range which
will enable a current of 10A to be
read, then slowly and carefully reduce
the resistance inserted by VR4 until
this current is indicated. Set S2 to
Range 3 and repeat the process with
VR3 for a current reading of 10014A.
After this, select Range 2 and similarly
adjust VR2 for a current of 1mA.
This leaves Range 1, and here the
constructor can employ one of two
alternatives. As was stated earlier, the
constant current offered on this range
is a nominal IOmA. In practice the
current is not truly constant, and it is
found that if VR1 is set up for 10mA
when there is 10 volts across the test
terminals (as is given by a test
resistance of f2) the current rises to
10.2niA when the test terminals are
short- circuited. In consequence it is
possible to set up VR1 either for 10mA
when there is 50052 across the test terminals or for 10mA when there is lkll
across the test terminals. If the first
course is adopted the ohmmeter will
read accurately on Range 1 at scale
centre with a gradually increasing
error up to the scale ends of approximately 1 low at the high
resistance end and 1`' high near the
zero resistance end. Taking the second
alternative means that the meter reads
accurately at the 1k52 end, reads about
1 high at scale centre and about 2`;
high near the zero resistance end. In
the author's view the second alternative is the better as the inaccuracy

ample, if the testmeter gives a reading

of 9.4 volts, adjust VR5 for an indication of 94A in MI.
All the ohmmeter adjustments are
now completed and the unit is ready
for use.

EXTERNAL VOLTMETER
A significant saving in components
including, in particular, the 0 -1001uA
meter, can be achieved by employing
an external voltmeter. This can be a
multi- testmeter switched to read
voltages up to 10 volts and having a
sensitivity of 10,0000 per volt or
better. If it has a 0 -10 volt range it will
prove ideal. Voltage readings up to 10
volts are then converted mentally to
the appropriate test resistance value.

Fig. 2.

Illustrating how VR5

is set up

testmeter. (Multi- testmeters, with

their "universal shunt" current range
circuits, drop higher voltages on their
current ranges than is generally
realised 1.

The constant current poten-

tiometers are now set up and it is

necessary next to adjust VR5. Switch
the monitoring testmeter to a range
which allows voltages up to 10 volts to
he indicated and connect it to the
emitter of TR3 and the slider of VR6
in the manner shown in Fig. 2.
Connect a resistor across the test terminals whose value is close to the maximum for any range and select that
range. The resistor could, for instance,
be 9.11d) with S2 set to Range 2. Press

SI and note the reading in the

testmeter, then adjust VR5 for a corresponding reading in MI. As an ex-

OCTOBER 1976

given by the use of

stabilised

To employ the ohmmeter in this

way, assemble it without R3, VR5 and
Ml. Add two further terminals, these
connecting into circuit as illustrated in
Fig. 3. The testmeter is connected to

these terminals whenever the

Testmeter
terminals

increases as reading resolution

decreases. The level of the inaccuracy

is, of course, quite low for an instrument of this nature.
If it is desired to adjust VR1 for
lOniA at scale centre, the testmeter is
connected to the test terminals via a
resistor of around 4005 Should the second method be adopted, the meter is
connected to the test terminals in
series with a resistor of around 900e.
In either case, VR1 is then adjusted
for the current of IOmA. The series
resistors are 1000 lower than 5000 or
lkf2respectively, because it can be expected that there will be a voltage drop
of the order of 1 volt across the

Fig. 4. An improved performance, at the expense of an

increased battery voltage, is

VR6

Fig. 3. A modification which

an external
testmeter to be employed
instead of the internal
meter

allows

ohmmeter is required.
'I'he testmeter does not need to be
connected to the two added terminals
when initially setting up the constant
currents and it can be used as a
current indicating meter for this purpose, if desired. There is now, of
course, no necessity to set up VR5.
The author has not felt it necessary
to provide a stabilized supply for a circuit as simple as the present one.
Readers who wish to do so may,
however, employ the zener stabilizer
shown in Fig. 4, which replaces the 18
volt supply of Fig. 1. This has the disadvantage that an extra 9 volt battery
is required, giving a total of 27 volts.
l'here is the compensatory advantage
that the supply voltage remains
reasonably stable for battery voltages
down to about a volt above zener
voltage.

559

REGENERATIVI
SUPE

P,R,
Regeneration in a radio receiver can provide an
enormous increase in the Q and selectivity of a tuned
circuit, and it allows the reception of single sideband
(s.s.b.) and c.w. (Morse) signals without the necessity
of employing a b.f.o. It is for these reasons that
regeneration is used in the receiver to be described.
As a consequence, a relatively simple circuit gives
results which would otherwise be unobtainable
without extra stages.
The aerial and oscillator coils, range switch and
other associated components are all assembled as a
separate unit, giving what is effectively a 3 -band
coilpack for the 1.6MHz to 25MHz range. This approach allows the wiring of these circuits to be more
accessible, and the finished pack is easily incorporated in the receiver.
The tuning of amateur and other congested bands
is quite critical and so a simple form of fine tuning is
incorporated. This will be found very helpful, particularly when tuning in s.s.b. and c.w. signals.
S.S.B. and c.w. signals are resolved by taking the
regeneration at the receiver detector beyond the oscillation point, and so a b.f.o. is not necessary.
Provided that the controls are adjusted in the
manner to be described, good s.s.b. and c.w. reception
is obtained. This is in addition, of course, to the usual
a.m. broadcasts.
MIXER COILPACK
Fig. 1 gives the circuit of the mixer coilpack and
the components which connect to it. Not included in
the actual pack assembly are VR1, VC1(a)(b), VC2
and TC4, although these are shown in Fig. 1.
VR1 functions as an r.f. gain control and allows
strong signals to be attenuated. This is a particularly
desirable facility with strong s.s.b. and c.w. signals,
as these should not be presented to the detector at too
high a level. In a more elaborate receiver a similar
function would be provided by an r.f. stage gain control, but it will be found that VR1 serves the purpose
in a perfectly satisfactory manner here.
L1, L2 and L3 are the three aerial coils. Their tun ed windings are selected by S1(a), which is one section of the 3 -way range switch and which couples the
selected winding to VC1(a). The three aerial coupling
windings are connected in series and require no
switching; the same applies to the three base coupling
windings. Each tuned winding has its own trimmer,
these being TC1, TC2 and TC3. Base bias for the
mixer transistor, TRI, is obtained from the junction
of R1 and R2.
160

Covering 1.6 to 25M Hz, or

operated superh&t will fund
headphones. The coils and mi:
compact coilpack module, and
sion of adjustable regeneration
details will be completed in th
appear ni

BF194
Lead-outs
b

R1

TRI

Sib

BF194

Sla

vCla

Fig.

1.

The circuit of the coilpack module incorpo

coils and associe

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

SHORT WAVE
H ET
)0 to 12 metres, this battery
n
both with a speaker or
transistor are wired up in a
attractive feature is the provi-

the detector. Constructional

concluding article, which will
month.
t
:

R12
111.

Front panel layout of the receiver. The tuning

scale is taken from "Panel Signs" Set No. 5

vc2

mixer transistor, the aerial and oscillator

d components
'ng the

OCTOBER 1976

The oscillator coils are L4, L5 and L6. L6 has a

padding capacitor, C4, in series with its tuned winding, whilst the padding capacitor for L5 is C3. L4
requires no padding capacitor and the earthy end of
its tuned winding connects direct to chassis. S1(b)
selects the emitter windings, which are terminated at
the emitter bias resistor, R3, and bypass capacitor,
C2. S1(c) switches in the collector windings. The
resistors R4, R5 and R6 are inserted in series with the
collector windings to prevent excessive oscillation,
which could cause whistles at the high frequency
ends of the tuning ranges.
S1(d) couples the tuned windings to VC1(b), the
second section of the 2 -gang main tuning capacitor.
Only the single trimmer, TC4, is used in the oscillator
stage; this can be set to approximately half its maximum capacitance with signal trimming carried out
by TC1, TC2 and TC3 in the aerial circuit. VC2 is a
fine tuning capacitor having a very low value, and it
allows exact tuning of signals which would otherwise
be difficult to select. Tuning with VC2 is smooth, and
its presence ensures that a high ratio drive for
VC1(a)(b) is not necessary. Also, VC2 is so small in
value that there is no need to fit a corresponding
aerial trimmer for L1, L2 and L3. The peaks of the
aerial coils are broader than the small frequency
coverage a'ai!able with VC2.
Approximate band coverages are 1.6 to 4.5MHz
(190 to 67 metres) with L3 and L6, 4.5 to 12MHz (67
161

to 25 metres) with L2 and L5, 10 to 25MHz (30 to

12 metres) with L1 and L4. It is thus possible to tune
all the amateur bands with the exception of 10 metres
and v.h.f., as well as the most important short wave
broadcast bands. As is customary with all short wave
listening, the frequencies at which reception is best
depend on the time of day and propagation con-

The mixer coilpack assembly. Mounting the

coils and associated components in a separate

module makes for easier overall wiring

ditions, but some amateur and broadcast bands

within the range covered should be active at virtually
any hour.
Of the components so far encountered, one which
requires special mention is the 2 -gang capacitor
VC1(a)(b). This is a Jackson type "02" with concentric spindle slow motion and is available from Home
Radio. C3 can be 2,700pF and 300pF in parallel if a
single 3,000pF capacitor cannot be obtained. The low
value potentiometer required for VR1 may be obtained from Electrovalue.

COMPONENTS
Resistors
(All fixed values
R1 18k

',-

'I'C4 60pF trimmer, mica

TC5 10pF Tetfer trimmer (see text)

watt 5%)

R2 15k

2.7k
8200 (see text)
6800 (see text)
100 0(see text)
R7 270k
R8 820 (see text)
R9 2.2M
R10 5.6k
R11 3.9k
R12 100
R13 2.2M
R14 12k
R15 5.6k
R16 10kn
VR1 4700 potentiometer, linear
VR2 2.2k0 or 2.5kn potentiometer, linear
VR3 100kO potentiometer, log, with switch S2
Capacitors
Cl 0.01F plastic foil
C2 0.0114F plastic foil
C3 3,000pF silvered mica or polystyrene, 2%
(see text)
C4 1,000ppF silvered mica or polystyrene, 2%
C5 0.1 F plastic foil
C6 4,700 F plastic foil or polystyrene
C7 0.112F plastic foil
C8 0.0214F plastic foil
C9 251iF electrolytic, 10V. Wkg.
C10 0.1F plastic foil
C11 0.1F plastic foil
C12 250 electrolytic, 10V. Wkg.
C13 4uF electrolytic, 6V Wkg.
C14 d 01F plastic foil
R3
R4
R5
R6

C15 3244F electrolytic, 6V Wkg.

C16 125,tiF electrolytic, 10V Wkg.
VC1(a)(b) 365 + 365pF 2 -gang variable, with
slow motion (Jackson
see text)
VC2 5pF variable, type C804 (Jackson)

TC1 60pF trimmer, mica

TC2 60pF trimmer, mica
TC3 60pF trimmer, mica
162

Inductors
L1 Transistor Tuning Coil, Blue, Range 51'
(Denco)

L2

Transistor Tuning Coil, Blue, Range 41'

(Denco)

L3 Transistor Tuning Coil, Blue, Range 3T

(Denco)

L4 Transistor Tuning Coil, Red Range 5T (Denco)

L5 Transistor Tuning Coil, Red, Range 4T

(Denco)
'Transistor Tuning Coil, Red, Range 3T
(Denco)
IF'Tl I.F. transformer type IFT18 /465 (Denco)
IFT2 I.F. transformer type IFT18/465 (Denco)

L6

Semiconductors
IC1 MFC4000B

TRI BF194

TR2 BF195
TR3 BC108
TR4 BC147
Switches

S1(a)(b)(c)(d) 4 -pole 3 -way rotary

S2 s.p.s.t., toggle, part of VR3
Sockets
3.5mm. jack socket or insulated sockets (see
Text)
Aerial socket
Earth socket
Miscellaneous
6 control knobs (see text)
9 volt battery
Battery connectors
Plain perforated board, 0.15in. matrix, as re-

quired
"Universal Chassis" flanged side, 6x4in.
Front panel 10x6in.

Case (see text) consisting of:

2 flanged sides, 6x4in.
2 flanged sides, 10x 4in.
1 plate, 10x6in.
1 Hardware Kit.
RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

+9V

R12

Pin 8,

L4

T R2

BF 195
TR3

TR4

BC 108

BC 147

C16

C5Speaker/phones_

Cb

BF195
Lead -outs

BC108
Lead

-outs

BC 147

Lead -outs

MFC4000
Top view

Fig. 2. The circuit

of the i.f. and a.f. amplifier sections of the receiver

I.F. AND A.F. STAGES

The circuit of the i.f., detector and a.f, stages is
given in Fig. 2. Two double -tuned i.f. transformers
are employed. TR2 is the i.f. amplifier and TR3 the
detector, the latter having regenerative feedback via
TC5, with panel control of regeneration by means of
VR2.

It has to be emphasised that the regeneration control VR2 does not function in the same way as a
volume or gain control, and that it would be useless to
advance VR2 to a maximum position. For a.m. reception VR2 is not advanced beyond the point at which
oscillation takes place, instead it is taken up to the
point just below that at which oscillation occurs. For
s.s.b. and c.w. reception VR2 is advanced just beyond
the oscillation point, VR1 being adjusted such that
the wanted signal does not swamp the detector.
As users of regenerative t.r.f. receivers will know,

regeneration can increase sensitivity enormously.

But it is quite critical in adjustment and VR2 must
be adjusted carefully, bearing this factor in mind.
In the a.f. section, VR3 is the usual volume control.
The a.f. amplifier, TR4, is followed by the
MFC4000B integrated circuit, which has low current
drain, requires few additional components and gives
adequate speaker output. Any speaker load from 162
to 7511 is satisfactory, with the greatest power output
being given with 16 f2, Output loads of less than 1652
must not be used. Alternatively, for personal short
OCTOBER 1976

Illustrating glow the coilpack assembly fits into

the general receiver layout

163

wave listening without annoyance to others, a comfortable pair of headphones will be found ideal.
The MFC4000B has the pin layout shown in the inset, with pins 2 and 3 longer than pins 1 and 4. The
MFC4000 is also available in an encapsulation having four pins of equal length, and for convenience this
is also shown. The wiring diagram given later shows

the MFC4000B encapsulation.

The regeneration feedback trimmer, TC5, is a
Jackson "Tetfer" component having a maximum
capacitance of 10pF and a minimum capacitance of
less than 2pF. It is available from Doram Electronics. R8 may need to be increased slightly in value
after the i.f. amplifier has been assembled. Its function is to maintain stability in the i.f., amplifier by introducing a small impedance between TR2 collector
and the primary of the second i.f. transformer.

COILPACK ASSEMBLY
The mixer coilpack is compact, but its wiring is
quite easily carried out in the order to be described. A
piece of aluminium sheet measuring 4 by 4in. is bent
to provide a 14in. flange for the switch, as in Fig. 3.
To be fitted on the L- shaped piece of aluminium are
the six coils, the switch, three 6BA nuts and bolts at
the "MC" positions to provide chassis connections,
and the item of Fig. 4, which is also mounted by
means of a 6BA nut and bolt. Drill all the holes re-

quired for these parts. When they are fitted, the coils
are held in position by means of their plastic nuts,
which should not be tightened excessively. Precise
positioning of the components is not important
provided they take up the general layout shown in
Fig. 3.

Fit the nuts and bolts at the "MC" positions. Each

has two solder tags under the nut, which are not shown
in the diagram. Fit the switch. In the switch wiring
which follows, ensure that the correct outer tags are
connected into circuit with the aid of a continuity
tester or an ohmmeter; with some switches the
relative positions of the inner and outer tags may be
different from those shown in Fig. 3. If in doubt
about a switch connection, refer back to the circuit of
Fig. 1.
Mount coils L1, L2 and L3, then complete the wiring to S1(a) and S1(d). The leads which travel to L4,
L5 and L6 can be left a few inches long and shortened
as necessary later when the remote ends are connected. Two flying leads for later connection to
VC1(a) and VC1(b) fixed vanes are also fitted, as is a
lead to the capacitor metal frame. Complete all the
wiring to L1, L2 and L3, with the exception of the
three trimmers. Note that there is another flying
lead, this being from pin 8 of Ll for later connection
to VR1. The leads from pin 5 of Ll and pin 7 of L3
are not fitted yet. Great care has to be taken when

21/2

d/2

mc - chassis

connection

Fig. 3. Layout of components and wiring in the mixer coilpack

164

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

7,

Fig. 4. The component panel which forms part

of the coilpack module

Bracket

making connections to the coil pins. The soldering

iron must be applied and removed very quickly as
the plastic coil former material melts readily with
heat.
The mixer board of Fig. 4 is next prepared. The
components are mounted on a piece of plain perforated board of 0.15in. matrix having 8 by 7 holes,
and wired up as shown. Fit wires about in. long from
the emitter and collector of TRI, and a wire about

The receiver will operate both with a speaker

or, as here, with headphones

L3

6BA bolt

3in. long from the junction of Rl and R2. The

positive supply connection to Rl will be made later.
The leads to pin 7 of L5 and pin 7 of IA can be some
3in. long and will be cut back as necessary later.

Fit the mixer board to the coilpack by means of the

bracket and complete the outstanding wiring to Ll
and L3. Then fit L4, L5 and L6, and complete all the
wiring in Fig. 3, with a flying lead from pin 8 of L4 for
later connection to IFT1.
Trimmers TC1, TC2 and TC3 are mounted directly over the coils by means of short stiff connections to
pins 1 and 6 in each case.
At this stage the coil cores may be adjusted so that
a little less than }in. of the threaded brass rod
protudes from the former. The coils are supplied
with the brass rods screwed fully in for packih purposes, and this is not the correct setting for use in the
present circuit.
The three resistors, R4, R5 and R6 have values
which should be suitable with the majority of transistors employed in the TR1 position. If a transistor
having very high gain is employed it may be
necessary to increase the value of one or more of the
resistors. Should uncontrollable whistles appear at
the high frequency end of a band the value of the appropriate resistor is then slightly increased, i.e. the
existing resistor is replaced by one having a slightly
higher value.
NEXT MONTH
In next month's concluding article details will be
given of the i.f. amplifier board, the a.f. board and
the assembly and alignment of the complete receiver.
The full Components List accompanies the present
article. Some of the items listed, such as the
metalwork, will be discussed in detail next month.
(To be concluded)

BACK NUMBERS
For the benefit of new readers we would draw attention to our back number service.

We retain past Issues for a period of two years and we can, occasionally, supply copies more than two
years old. The cost is the cover price stated on the issue, plus 1 1 p postage.
Before undertaking any constructional project described in a back issue, it must be borne in mind that
components readily available at the time of publication may no longer be so.
We regret that we are unable to supply photo copies of articles where an issue is not available.
Libraries and members of local radio clubs can often be very helpful where an issue is not available for
sale.
OCTOBER 1976

165

FORTY - SEVEN
AND

STILL GOING STRONG

By Ron Ham
A vintage radio from the late 1920's
which still offers an acceptable performance

The crystal set shown in the photographs was built

in 1929 by Mr. Oswald Reynolds of Angmering,
Sussex, and is now part of the author's private collection of early radios.
This receiver is typical of the loving care which

went into the home -constructed sets of those pioneering days. Mr. Reynolds designed this set to receive
2L0 and used a Varley permanent detector. His coils
are beautifully wound with silk covered solid copper
wire, air spaced and neatly laced with string. The coil
on the right in the second photograph is larger and is
mounted inside a wooden framework.
inside the right hand compartment of the polished
cabinet, which measures 20 by 74 by 9in. deep, are

of the receiver components. The colis

are home -made and required a considerable
amount of skill and care in winding
A view

two pairs of Gecophone headphones. Both pairs are

still in working order, and they carry the approval

This veteran from the past boasts a highly

polished cabinet and two pairs of BBC approved Gecophone headphones

188

label of the BBC and the Postmaster General.

Mr. Reynolds died in 1974, aged 93, and this set
was found on a shelf in his workshop where it had
stood for more than 40 years.
On arrival at the author's museum, a long wire
aerial and an earth were connected to the set and,
after a slight adjustment of the detector, the BBC
World Service came in with amazing clarity.
Apart from exhibitions, the author uses this
receiver to test cat's -whisker and crystal units and
other permanent detectors to compare their relative
sensitivities.
RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

IN NEXT MONTH'S

RADIOu[L[CTRONICS.
CONSTRUCTOR

fa*

HART

WALL

DESIGN DATA TABLES -2

SAVE TIRESOME CALCULATIONS WITH THESE TABLES

Design Data Tables 2 contain the following tables

MILLIMETRE -INCH
CONVERSION, PHASE SHIFT OSCILLATOR C -R VALUES, 2-rd VALUES,
AUDIO OUTPUT POWERS, PARALLEL -R SERIES -C VALUES, E -R DISSIPATION, INCH -MILLIMETRE CONVERSION.
Full notes given on how to make good use of the tables to obtain the
maximum benefit.

SPECIAL FEATURES
PHASE LOCKED LOOP F.M. TUNER -PART

(2 parts)

Incorporating a recent COS/ MOS phase locked loop i.c., this

tuner has no more than two tuned circuits and of these only
one has to be adjusted during setting up. Intended primarily
for mono reception, the tuner nevertheless gives an acceptable
stereo performance in areas of good signal strength. The
circuit is described, as also are the first steps in construction.
The remainder of the construction will be covered in the
following month's concluding article.
f.m.

T.T.L. CALIBRATION GENERATOR

This unusual design employs an LC oscillator which is set
to correct frequency by zero -beating with the long wave Radio
2 transmission on 200kHz. Another novel feature is the use of
a t.t.l. decade counter to obtain division by 2 and by 10 of the

oscillator frequency.

OCTOBER 1976

167

THE ACADEMY'
STEREO F.M. TUNER
Part 2

by R. A. Penfold

This concluding article completes the constructional details for the

power supply and main tuner boards. It then describes the operation of the
stereo decoder section and ends by showing how this is made up.
In last month's issue details were given of the circuits for the main tuner and power supply sections,
together with a description of the construction of the
case.
We now proceed to the power supply and tuner
printed circuit boards.

POWER SUPPLY BOARD

All the power supply components, with the exception of S2 and TR3, are wired up on a printed circuit
board measuring 5; by 2in. The etching pattern and
component layout of the board are shown in Fig. 5,

where the board is reproduced full size for tracing.

The two transformer mounting holes are, however,
best marked out with the aid of the transformer itself
in case there are any small discrepancies here.
Before mounting the finished board to the chassis,
flexible insulated leads are fitted for the external connections to TR3, and for carrying the positive outputs
to the tuner board and (if it is to be fitted) the decoder
board. Metal spacers, or additional nuts, are used to
space the board underside from the chassis, and two
of these provide the chassis connection to the board.
The board is mounted in the position shown in Fig. 4
(published last month) with the mains transformer at
the front, close to S2. The mains input wiring may
then be completed. The mains earth wire connects to
a solder tag secured under one of the transformer

mounting nuts.

TUNER BOARD
The tuner components are assembled on a board
measuring 5 by 4 in. This is shown in Fig. 6, where
the copper pattern is reproduced full size. The groups
of holes for R1 to R5 have spacing applicable to the
potentiometers employed in the prototype, and this
spacing may need to be modified for other potentiometers. The potentiometers employed should be
standard sized skeleton components and not
miniature types.
Insulated leads leave the board for S1(a) (b), VR1,
the aerial socket and the decoder (or output socket
with the mono version). The connection to the aerial
socket is given by a single short lead to the socket centre connector; a coaxial wire is not used here. All these
leads may be a little longer than is necessary, being
finally cut to length when their remote ends are connected. Connecting to the board is the lead carrying
the positive supply from the power supply section.
The board is secured to the chassis with the LP1186
module at the rear. As with the power supply, metal
spacers or extra nuts are fitted to the mounting bolts
to space the board underside away from the chassis.
Also, the board takes its chassis connection from

The power supply board appears at one end of

the chassis, behind the on -off switch

168

these.
Since the board is secured at two points only, the
chassis surface underneath it may be covered by a
piece of thin s.r.b.p. or by strips of plastic insulating
tape. This will prevent short -circuits to the chassis if
RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

11.5 V

to decoder

6BA clear

6BA dear

DI

fo-t.

+ II 5V
to tuner

9V

C15
OV

D3

+ under

RI4
9V

04

CI4

o
b

Mains lead earth

2
TR3

i
6BA clear

o
51/4

Fig. 5. The component and copper sides of the power supply board. This is reproduced full size and the
copper pattern may be traced

the board flexes.

The wiring to Sl(a) (b) is fairly complex, and Fig.
7, in conjunction with the circuit diagram of Fig. 2,
should help to clarify this wiring if a standard 2 -pole
6 -way switch is used (but not if the switch is a type
having an adjustable end stop). In any event it is
desirable to confirm the centre and outside tags at
each switch setting with the aid of a continuity tester
or ohmmeter.
Note that the de- emphasis capacitor, C10, is not
fitted to the tuner board if the stereo version is being
made up.
Before concluding on constructional details, a
check should be made to ensure that the rear flange of
the case lid does not come into contact with the collector connection of TR3 when the lid is fitted into place.
Should there be any risk of this occurring, the lid rear
flange should be fled down as necessary at the appropriate point.
.

OCTOBER 1976

ADJUSTMENT
As so far assembled, the tuner may next be adjusted. Its output is connected to an amplifier and
speaker. The amplifier can have an input impedance
of 5k ttor more. If the de-emphasis capacitor, C10, is
not fitted a slight excess of treble may be noted. There
is also a very slight risk of instability in a wide band
amplifier with C10 absent, whereupon a small
capacitor of around 200 to 400pF may be temporarily
connected across the tuner output during the adjustment.
There is only one adjustment needed to align the
tuner, and this is to the core of Ll. L1 should be close
to its final adjustment as supplied, and so it core
must not be tampered with beforehand.
Set S1 to the manual tuning position, and then
switch the unit on. With the tuner connected to the
amplifier and an aerial a fairly loud background noise
is likely to be evident. It should be possible to tune in

al

169

6BA clear
4 12.

II

5V

COMPONENTS

Resistors

(All fixed values } watt 5 %)

R15 50kilpre-set potentiometer, horizontal
0.1 watt (see text)
R16 1.211
R17 lk sl

R18 8.2k n
R19 8.2k s!
R20 lk

Capacitors
o

Slb arm

uu
R5

R.

VRI

C16
C17
C18
C19
C20
C21

C22
C23
C24
C25
C26

1001/F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.

5F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.

470pF polystyrene
0.47F type C280 (Mullard)
0.220F type C280 ( Mullard)
0.22F type C280 (Mullard)
0.047F type C280 (Mullard)
5,600pF polystyrene
5,600pF polystyrene
10F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.
10F electrolytic, 16 V. Wkg.

Semiconductors
IC2 MC1310P

D6 l.e.d. with panel mounting bush (see text)

Fig. 6. Details of the main tuner board. The copper pattern is again reproduced

170

full size

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

VR1

R4

slider

#R3 slider

R2

Ri

VR1

slider

slider

slider

Fig. 7. This diagram will prove helpful in making the connections to S1 (a) (b). The relative
positions of inner and outer tags should,
nevertheless, be confirmed with the aid of a
continuity tester or ohmmeter

a station or two by adjusting VR1, although reception

may not be very good at this stage. Tune to any station as accurately as possible, and then adjust the
core of Ll for maximum volume. Tune accurately to
another station and once again adjust the core of L1
for maximum volume, this being necessary as a check
that the tuner was originally tuned accurately.
Each of the five pre -set potentiometers can then be
tuned to a different station. All five may not be needed in some areas of the country, whereas in others as
many as seven stations may be available. In the case
of the latter the five pre -set potentiometers are set to
the five stations most often required, and the other
two can then be received using the manual variable
tuning. In the case of the former the pre -set potentiometers can be tuned to the stations available,
arranging matters such that a minimum of switching
is required when switching from one station to
another. The extra tuning positions are then still
available should they be required at some future date.
No adjustment should be made to the LP1186
module, which is supplied pre -aligned.

STEREO SIGNAL
A stereo encoded f.m. signal consists of three basic
constituents. Firstly there is the L +R signal which is
modulated onto the carrier in the normal way, and it
is this part of the signal to which an ordinary mono
receiver responds. The second part of the signal consists of the L -R information which is modulated onto
a 38kHz sub- carrier. This sub- carrier is suppressed at
the transmitter. A pilot tone at half the frequency,
19kHz, is derived from the same source as the 38kHz
sub -carrier, and this pilot tone modulates the main
carrier at a level of approximately 9 %.
The most common type of stereo decoder is the
switching type, and here the 19kHz pilot tone is
amplified and frequency multiplied to replace the
original 38kHz sub- carrier. The 38kHz modulation is
then fed to a matrix circuit together with the composite input signal. Here the original L and R signals
are recovered and finally fed to the de- emphasis
network and on to the stereo a.f. amplifier.

PHASE LOCKED LOOP

A phase locked loop is a circuit which contains a
voltage controlled oscillator. This can be a relaxation
oscillator which operates by having a capacitor continually charged and discharged through a resistive
circuit, whereupon no tuned circuits are required.
The purpose of the p.1.1. is to maintain the frequency
of the voltage controlled oscillator at precisely the
same frequency as an input signal. Moreover, it also
keeps the v.c.o. signal precisely in phase with the in-

put signal.

The basic arrangement of a phase locked loop is

STEREO DECODER

The stereo decoder is based on a modern integrated

circuit incorporating a phase locked loop (p.1.1.).
This type of decoder has the advantage of requiring
few adjustments during alignment, and the i.c,
employed in the present design can be used in a circuit where only a single component needs to be adjusted to bring the unit into alignment with the stereo
pilot tone. The i.c. is the Motorola MC1310P. There
are a number of equivalents to this device, although it
is generally advertised under the above type number
whatever manufacturer it actually originates from.
The MC1310P has quite an impressive performance, with distortion being typically only some 0.3%
and with a typical channel separation of 40dB at
1kHz. Few discrete components are required to complete the circuit, which makes the unit economical
despite the relatively high cost of the device.
OCTOBER 1976

The main tuner board is in the centre, and occupies most of the chassis area

171

Input

o-- W

Phase

Low pass

comparator

filter

--10-0-0-9

Voltage
output

Voltage

control led
osc lator
i

Oscillator
output

Fig. 8. Block diagram illustrating the essentials

of

P.L.L. DECODER
The phase locked loop readily lends itself to use in
a stereo decoder as, instead of using tuned amplifiers
to filter and frequency double the 19kHz pilot tone, a
p.1.1. can be emriloyed instead. The only complication
is in the doubling of the 19kHz pilot tone to 38kHz.
This facility is provided by using the arrangement
shown in Fig. 9. Here the v.c.o. operates at 76kHz, and
is fed to the phase comparator via two digital divide by -two circuits. The 76kHz v.c.o. thus remains phase
locked at the 19kHz pilot tone, and the 38kHz sub carrier can be taken from the output of the first of the
divide -by -two circuits. In this ingenious manner the
19kHz pilot tone is both filtered and frequency doubled without using a single tuned circuit.

a phase locked loop

shown in Fig. 8. As can be seen from this, the input

signal and the output from the v.c.o. are fed to a phase
comparator. The output voltage of the comparator is
proportional to the difference in phase between the
two signals, and in practice only a very small
difference in phase is required to send the output of
the comparator fully positive or negative. A low pass
filter removes any oscillator signal present at the output of the phase comparator, and the output from the
filter is then used to control the v.c.o.
The v.c.o. is therefore precisely locked to the same
phase and frequency as the input signal since, if it
should deviate slightly from this condition, the control voltage will change and bring it back to the cor-

rect relationship.
An important feature of the p.1.1., especially in the
application being discussed here, is its ability to remain locked onto the input signal even if the signal is
nearly swamped in noise or other signals.

a 38 kHz output
to matrix circuit

Divide - by- 2

38kHz

Divide -by -2
19

kHz

The stereo decoder board is behind the station

selector switch
vc.O.
76 k Hz

nput

Pre -amplifier

Phase

comparator

output to
matrix circuit

o Signal

Fig. 9. Simplified diagram illustrating how the

phase locked loop in the MC1310P produces a
frequency which is twice that of the 19kHz
pilot tone

172

DECODER SECTION
Fig. 10 shows the complete circuit of the stereo
decoder section of the tuner. The composite signal input is coupled to the input of a pre -amplifier inside
the MC1310P via C17. R15, R16 and C18 are the
frequency selective components of the v.c.o., and R15
is adjusted to cause the v.c.o. to lock on to the 19kHz
pilot tone.
D6 is the stereo indicator beacon and is fed from an
internal lamp driver circuit in the i.c. by way of R17,
which acts as a current limiting resistor. The
MC1310P has a maximum beacon lamp current drive
capability of 75mA, but with the l.e.d. indicator used
here the beacon current is a mere 10mA.
-

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

D6

C23

18

C24

R19

r ti

C25

01

--

C16=

C26

RI7

Input

o--

CI7

L.H. out

R.H.

out

J.TC22

MCI310P

IQ.

tll5V

11

14

R16

12

13

R20

C19

~
C21

C20
R15

Fig. 10. The circuit

of the decoder section. Using an MC131OP, this requires no tuned circuits

R18 and R19 are collector load resistors for the output transistors in the device, and the parallel connected capacitors, C23 and C24, provide deemphasis. R20, C19 and C20 are the p.1.1. filter components. C21 is the filter capacitor for the integral
mono /stereo switch detector. C22 is a coupling
capacitor between two of the circuits in the i.c. C16
provides supply decoupling, and C25 and C26 give
d.c. blocking at the outputs.
It will be noted that C17 is in series with C12 at the
output of the tuner section. This arrangement functions quite satisfactorily in practice.

Temporarily break the lead connecting the tuner

board output to the decoder input. Connect a 250k

potentiometer, or pre -set potentiometer, in series with
the tuner output and decoder input. Set the potentiometer so that it inserts minimum resistance into
circuit, switch on the unit and tune in a stereo broadcast. Adjust R15 until the stereo beacon lights. Increase the resistance inserted by the 250k2 potentiometer until the stereo beacon extinguishes, then
readjust R15 till the beacon lights once more.
Keep repeating this procedure until a setting is
given in the 250k2 potentiometer at which it is im-

CONSTRUCTION
The decoder components are assembled on a
printed board measuring 4 by 2in., and this is shown
full size in Fig. 11. Two wires from the board pass to
D6. The left and right hand outputs, employing unscreened wires, pass to the 3 -way DIN socket on the
rear panel. A chassis connection to the DIN socket is
also provided from the board. The input connection
from the tuner section is temporary at this stage since
a potentiometer is inserted in the input lead for alignment purposes. Also connected to the decoder board is
the positive supply lead from the power supply section. Note that R15 is a miniature skeleton potentiometer, having 0.2in. spacing between track pins
and 0.4in. spacing between the track and slider pins.
The board is mounted to the chassis in the same

way as the other two boards, and it obtains a chassis

connection via one of the mounting spacers or nuts.
C16 is towards the rear of the chassis.

ADJUSTMENT
The decoder section can be adjusted without advanced test equipment, and what is probably the
easiest way of doing this will now be described.
OCTOBER

1976

Looking into the chassis from the rear

possible to light the stereo beacon. Then slightly

reduce the resistance inserted by the 250ko potentiometer, and adjust R15 for the beacon to light up
again. R15 should then have the correct setting. The
250ki2potentiometer can be removed and the output
of the tuner section connected directly to the decoder
board input.

l73

R H out

D6

L H out

Earth to output
socket

4.

Ow-

FIg. 11. The component and copper sides of the stereo decoder board, once again reproduced

AERIALS
It should be noted that the noise level obtained
from the stereo version of the tuner will inevitably be
significantly higher than that obtained from the mono

The rear of the chassis, as seen from the front

174

full size

version for any given level of input signal. The mono

version requires only a relativelly small aerial signal to
give a really low noise level.
Also the difference in the aerial signal levels required to reduce the noise level from, say, -20dB to
--40dB is quite small with the mono version, but with
the stereo version a very large increase in aerial signal
would be required to have this effect on the noise
level. This is a feature common to all stereo tuners,
and is due to the increased bandwidth used for the
reception of stereo.
The practical result of this is that in order to obtain
a really low noise level from stereo transmissions, in
all but the strongest reception areas, a proper roof or
loft aerial is needed. The prototype tuner is used at a
distance of about 25 miles from the BBC Wrotham
transmitter, and gives excellent results on stereo when
used in conjunction with a 4- element loft mounted
aerial, at about 10 feet above ground level.
RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

FOR DX LISTENERS
By Frank A. Baldwin
Times

Frequencies = kHz

GMT

Clandestine transmitters continue to claim the

attention of many Dxers, the writer among them,
there is something fascinating about listening to such
stations
perhaps it is that we all secretly nurture
some piratical ambitions within our normally law abiding minds. For those of my readers who would
like to swashbuckle the short wave main, unfurl your
sails and set course for:
"Voice of the Revolutionary Party for
Reunification ", thought to be located somewhere in
North Korea, which transmits programmes of a procommunist nature to the South in various time periods through the day. Probably the best chance of
logging this one here in the U.K. would be between
2300 and 9330 when they are in English on 4552. A
further English programme is radiated from 0530 to
0600 on the same channel.
"Voice of the People of Malaya ", in Malay "Suara
Rakyat Malaya ". This one is pro- Peking and anti Malaysian Government, broadcasting in Standard
Chinese, Malay and Cantonese on 7080 variable.
Try from 2200 to 2245 when they are in Malay or
from 2245 to 2315 when they use Standard Chinese.
"Voice of the Communist Party of Turkey" broadcasts in that language daily at 0810 on 6200 and

9585.

Another Turkish language clandestine, thought to

be located in East Germany and Romania, is on the
air several times daily
listen from 1445 to 1515 on
9500, from 1910 to 1925 on 9585, from 2005 to 2020
on 6200 or from 2030 to 2100 on 5915.
"Voice of Lebanon" operated by the Lebanese
Phalangist Party is on 6580 in English at 1645.
You may not hear the tap, tap, tap of Blind Pugh's
stick, the roisterous chorus "Yo ho ho and a bottle of
rum" or even Gehenna's hoofbeats on the turf of
Romney Marsh but you may hear voices of pirates
even if they are in Turkish!

9500; from 1630 to 1700 on 7065 and 9480; from

1830 to 1900; from 2030 to 2100 and from 2200 to
2230 on 7065 and 9480.

BELGIUM
The International Service of the Belgian Radio
and Television only radiates in English to North
America and Africa. The former transmission may
be heard from 0015 to 0045 on 9725 and the latter
from 1730 to 1800 on 9745 and 11940.
YUGOSLAVIA
"Radio Belgrade" operates an External Service in
English to Europe and other target areas as follows
from 1530 to 1600 to Europe, Middle East, Far East
and South and South East Asia on 9620, 11735 and
on 15240; from 1830 to 1900 and from 2000 to 2030
to Europe, Middle East and Africa, from 2200 to
2215 to Europe and North America on 6100, 7240

and on 9620.

BULGARIA
"Radio Sofia" offers programmes in English

directed to the U.K. and Eire from 1930 to 2000 on

6070 and 9700 and from 2130 to 2200

CURRENT SCHEDULES
POLAND

"Radio Warsaw" has an External Service in which

English programmes are radiated to Europe from
0630 to 0700 on 7285, 9540 and 9675; from 1200 to
1230 on 7285 and 9540; from 1600 to 1030 on
6095, 7125, 7285 and on 9540; from 1830 to 1900
on 6095, 7125, 7285 and on 9540; from 2030 to
2100 on 7285 and 9540 and from 2230 to 2300 on
3955, 5995, 6135, 7285 and on 9540.

ALBANIA
"Radio Tirana" transmits English programmes to
Europe as follows
from 0630 to 0700 on 7065 and

OCTOBER 1976

in

on

9700.

ROMANIA
"Radio Bucharest" presents an External Service
which are listed the following transmissions in

English to Europe. From 1300 to 1330 on 9690,

11940 and on 15250; from 1930 to 2030 on 7225
and 9510 and from 2100 to 2130 on 7195 and 9690.

HUNGARY
"Radio Budapest" in its External Service broadcasts programmes in English to Europe from 1200 to
1240 (not on Saturdays or Sundays) on 6025, 7155,
9585, 11910, 15160, 17715 and on 21525; from
1515 to 1530 on Tuesdays and Fridays (DX
Programme) on 6150. 7155, 7200, 7215, 9585,
11910, 15160 and on 17780; from 2130 to 2200 on
5965, 7180, 7200, 9655, 11910, 15415 and on
17789

U.S.S.R.
"Radio Moscow" operates extensive External Services in which the following transmissions to the U.K.
and Eire, in English, are featured. From 1130 to 1230
on 9450, 9720, 11705, 11745, 11830 and on
15305; from 1900 to 1930 on 11725, 12055,
15130, 15230, 15450, 17730 and on 17885; from
2000 to 2030 on 7205, 7250, 7390, 9550, 9610
175

and on 9720; from 2100 to 2200 on 7250, 7390,

9550, 9610, 9720 and on 11805; from 2200 to
2230 on 7250, 7390, 9610, 9720 and on 11805.

PORTUGAL

"Radiodifusao Portuguesa", Lisbon, offers an

English programme directed to Europe from 2030 to
2100 on 6025 and 9740. A relay of the domestic
National Programme directed to the Portuguese
Islands in the Atlantic (Azores, Cape Verde and
Madeira) may be heard from 0700 to 2400 on 11925.

SWITZERLAND

The "Overseas Service of S.B.C. ", Berne, radiates

in English to Europe and to the other target areas as
from 0700 to 0730 to Australasia;
shown as follows
Far East, S. and S.E. Asia on 3985. 6165. 9535,
9590, 11775, 15305 and on 17840; from 1100 to
1130 to Africa on 3985, 6165, 9535, 15140,
15430, 17830 and on 21520; from 1530 to 1600 to
Near and Middle East, Africa on 3985, 6165, 9535,
11870, 15430 and on 17830; from 2100 to 2130 to
Africa on 3985, 6165, 9535, 9590, 11720, 11870

and on 15305.

KUWAIT

Radio Kuwait schedules a Domestic Service in

English which is also intended for listeners abroad.
From 0500 to 0800 to East and Southeast Asia on
15345 and to Europe from 1700 to 2000 on 9555
and 11845. A programme in Urdu is listed from
1500 to 1700 on

9555.

GHANA
The
"The External Service of Radio Ghana
Voice of the Revolution ", Accra, broadcasts in
English to Europe from 2030 to 2200 on 9545 and
15285. Accra may also be heard in English to East
Africa from 1400 to 1430 on 21720; to Central South
and East Africa and Australasia from 1445 to 1530 on
15285, 21545 and on 21720; to West Africa from
1600 to 1700 on 6130; to East Africa from 1645 to
1730 on 15285; to East Africa from 1815 to 1900 on
15285; to North America and the Caribbean from
2000 to 2100 on 11850 and to West Africa from 2000
to 2300 on

AROUND THE DIAL

In which are listed some of the more interesting
transmissions that hase recently been logged

CHINA

Radio Peking on 4460 at 2049, programme of

local music and songs in the Domestic Service 1st
Programme which is scheduled from 2000 to 2220 on
this channel.
Radio Peking on 7620 at 2052, YL with'a talk in
English about Chinese shipping in a programme
directed to North and West Africa, scheduled from
2030 to 2100 on this frequency and in parallel on

7590.

Radio Peking on 11100 at 2024, OM and YL

alternate in Standard Chinese in a transmission
directed to Taiwan, scheduled from 2000 to 0610
(Sundays to 0655) and from 0830 to 1900 on this
channel.
Radio Peking on 8005 at 2116, local music and
YL with songs in the Domestic Service 2nd
Programme which is scheduled from 2100 to 2400
and from 0700 to 1600 on this channel.
Radio Peking on 7935 at 2040 OM in Standard
Chinese in a programme of the Domestic 1st
Programme scheduled from 2000 to 2300 and may
also be heard in parallel on 6665 and 6750.
Radio Peking on 4500 at 2030, OM in Russian to
USSR, heavily jammed by a relay of the Moscow 2
programme! Scheduled on this channel and in
parallel on 4110, 4220 and 4815 from 2000 to 2055.
MOZAMBIQUE
Maputo on a measured 4924 at 1945, OM in Portuguese, piano solo; also heard on 3210 at 1925, YL
with songs and guitar music.

SAO TOME
Radio Nacional Sao Tome e Principe on a
measured 4807 at 1955, OM in Portuguese, African type music at 2008. The schedule is from 0530 to
2300 and the power is 1kW.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Radio Equatorial, Bata, on a measured 4926 at
2012, African music, YL's in chorus. Identification in
Spanish at 2017 preceded by a single chime. The

6130.

schedule is from 0430 to 0630, 1000 to 1600, 1700 to

2140 and the power is 5kW.

AUSTRIA

"Radio Austria, Vienna, transmits programmes in

English to Europe and the target areas as listed from
0830 to 0900 on 6155, 15280, 15410 and 17810 to
the Middle East, South East Asia, Far East and
Australasia; from 1230 to 1300 on 6155, 9770,
11970 and on 17765 to South East Asia and
Australasia; from 1830 to 1900 on 6155, 9690,
15535 and on 17770 to West and South Africa.

ZAMBIA
"Radio Zambia ", Lusaka, has an External Service
in which the English programmes are as follows
Newscast (relay of General Service) from 0700 to
0715 and from 1115 to 1130 on 7235, 11880 and on
17895; Newscast from 1600 to 1615, Commentary
until 1620, Newscast from 1800 to 1815, Commentary until 1830 (not Sundays) Press Review (Sundays
only), World News Magazine from 1930 to 2000
(Fridays only), 2000 to 2010 Newscast (Sundays
only), Newscast 2000 to 2015 (Weekdays only), all on
6165, 7235 and 9580.

176

SOMALIA

Radio Hargeisa on 11645 at 1604, drama in

Somali, Arabic -type music and songs at 1615.
'Schedule is from 1100 to 1330 and from 1500 to 1630
and the power is -5kW.

PORTUGAL
'

Lisbon on 11925 at 1056. OM with announcements in Portuguese, guitar music and songs in
the Domestic Service relay to Portuguese Atlantic
Islands (Azores, Cape Verde and Madeira). The
schedule is from 0700 to 2400 and the power is 10kW.

CLANDESTINE

Bizim Radio (Our Radio) on a measured 9586 at

1105, OM with a harangue in Turkish, jammed by a

continuous heterodyne. This pro -communist

clandestine is scheduled from 1050 to 1115 on this

see opening paragraphs.
channel
RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

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OCTOBER 1976

177

MOUNTING
VARIABLE
CAPACITORS
By R. J. Caborn
Applying simple trigonometry to the solution of a perennial problem in
the construction of radio receivers.
As readers who have assembled many published
receiver designs will be aware, variable air -spaced
capacitors in the Jackson type `0' and type '00 class
are mounted by means of three short 4BA bolts assed
into tapped holes in the capacitor front plate. Quite a
fiddling performance is required in marking out the
corresponding 4BA clearance holes in the front panel
of the receiver, and the usual advice is to cut a small
hole in a piece of paper, pass this over the capacitor
spindle and mark the positions of the capacitor front
plate holes on the paper with a pencil. The paper is
then used as a template, with the pencilled hole
positions being transferred to the receiver front panel.

PLATE DIMENSIONS
The author felt it would be of interest to see
whether the group of holes on the receiver front panel
could be marked out by more conventional means,
and he decided to take a closer look at the situation.
The major dimensions of the front plate of a type
`0' or type '00' variable capacitor are given in Fig. 1.
Here, it will be seen that the three tapped 4BA holes
are spaced at equal distances around a circle of lin.

diameter, the circle being concentric with the

capacitor spindle. The centre of the lowermost hole is

immediately below the centre of the spindle, and

there must obviously be a spacing of 0.5in. between
these centres.

This enables us to proceed to Fig. 2(a) in which the

in. diameter circle is drawn in full. The centre of the

spindle is represented by point A and the centres of
the three holes by points B, C and D. We can also
draw in the triangle ABC, in which we know that AB
and AC are both equal to 0.5in. Since B, C and D are
equi- spaced around the circle the angle at A must be
120 degrees, which leaves 60 degrees to be shared by
the angles at B and C. These two angles are obviously
equal and so must each be 30 degrees.
We want to find the length of BC whereupon,
dusting off the trig relationships, we see that this is
equal to the sum of AB cos B and AC cos C. Both AB
and AC are equal at 0.5in. and the angles at B and C
are equal at 30 degrees, so BC, in inches, is equal to 1
times the cosine of 30 degrees. A quick look at the
tables reveals that the cosine of 30 degrees is 0.8660,
so we can say that the length of BC is 0.8660in. The
length of a line joining B and D will similarly be
1

0.8660in.
We can, therefore, mark out the centres of the four
holes on the front panel in the following manner. Fig.
2(b) illustrates the process. First mark out point A on
the panel and, with this as centre, draw a circle of
0.5in. radius. Mark out point B immediately below A,
and with this as centre and a radius of 0.8660in.
(0.87in. in practice) draw two arcs cutting the circle at
C and D. All the holes are then accurately marked
out.

13/8"

3 holes tapped 4BA.

equi -spaced on
I

dia

circle
1. Major dimensions of the front plate of a
Jackson type '0' or '00' variable capacitor

Fig.
15/16"

Spindle

111111

178

lb

II111

RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

(a)

(a)

0-4330'

04330'

--. C

0.25'
C
A

O5'

(b)

Fig. 3(a). A further construction based on the

Circle

0 5'radius

(b)

Fig. 2(a). The capacitor spindle and the three

4BA tapped holes are represented here by

points A to D
(b). A marking out procedure resulting from the
dimension found in (a)

four points
(b). The construction enables the points to be

marked out in the manner shown here

by the sine of the angle at C. This angle has to be 60

degrees, and we find that the sine of 60 degrees is (surprise, surprise) 0.8660. If we multiply 0.8660in. by
0.8660 we find the answer to be (surprise again)
0.7500in.
In consequence, an alternative method of marking
up the hole centres can be carried out as illustrated in
Fig. 3(b). First mark out point A and, 0.5in. below it,
point B. Mark out point E 0.25in. above A and, finally, points C and D 0.4330in. (0.43in. in practice) on
either side of point E. Quite a simple matter, and
much easier and more accurate than is given by the
use of a paper template.

STRAIGHT LINE SOLUTION

Some constructors may prefer to work with a rule
rather than a pair of compasses, so let's take our examination a little further and see if we can meet their
requirements.
As a final note, those rather awkward 0.8660in. and
Fig. 3(a) shows the hole centres with line AC removed, a further line joining C and D added, and the line 0.4330in. dimensions may be found easier to deal with
BA extended to meet CD at point E. The angle at E if expressed in millimetres. 0.8660in. is almost exactly
between BE and CE is obviously a right angle and so equal to 22mm. and 0.4330in. is almost exactly equal
the length of BE is equal to BC (0.8660in.) multiplied to 11mm.
OCTOBER 1976

179

yr
sho
This month, Smithy the
Serviceman introduces to
his assistant, Dick, a simple I.e.d. column voltmeter
in which the reference
voltages are provided by
the I.e.d.'s themselves. He
then shows how this may
be used to monitor the
output voltage level of an
audio amplifier.

"One pie, chips and beans, or

equivalent," replied Dick. "You know,
Smithy, that's not bad for these days.
If I put in three hours every Friday,
that's got my suppers fixed up all over
the week -end and on Monday. And it's
quite a technical job really. Changing
from one record to the other and setting up channel output levels and all
that."
"How d'you know when you've got
the right output levels ?"
"It's fairly easy to judge," stated
Dick airily. "If I see any people talking to each other I know I've got the

volume too low. All the same, it would

be nice to have some sort of output
level indicator. Something I can see
when the lights are low."
Smithy pondered on this.
"How does the idea of a column of
light-emitting diodes grab you? As the
output level goes up so do the number
of l.e.d.'s in the column which are il-

luminated."
Dick's expression brightened.
"Stap me, Smithy," he responded

excitedly, "that sounds good. Wouldn't

it be complicated, though?"
"Not with the sort of circuit I have
in mind," stated Smithy. "Mind you,
the performance wouldn't be anything
near that given by a proper VU meter,
and the l.e.d.'s would merely respond
to the audio output voltage of each
amplifier. The circuit is rather in the
nature of a novelty gimmick but, even
so, it should give you a reasonable idea
of the output levels you're getting."
"How would it work ?"
"Come over here," said Smithy,
pulling his note -pad towards him,
"and I'll show you."
Eagerly, Dick rose and carried his
stool over to the Serviceman's bench.
The latter was already scribbling out a
circuit on the top sheet of his pad.
Dick waited expectantly until Smithy
had finished. (Fig. 1(a).)
"Now here," said Smithy, putting
his pen to one side, "is our column of
l.e.d.'s. There are nine of' them and
they're all connected in series and fed
from a constant current source. We

- 25 to 30V
Constant
current
source
RI

Ikn

"It's old Joe," said Dick disgruntedly. "A right old menace he's turning
out to be these days."

"Joe ?"
"You know, down at Joe's Caff."
Smithy stretched his legs out comfortably in front of him and gazed
quizzically at his assistant. It was
three -quarters of an hour before work
officially finished for the day, but the
pair had already cleared all the stock
of faulty equipment which was in for
repair.
"Do you still go there ?" enquired
Smithy. "I thought you'd given that
place up ages ago."
"We're always giving it up," replied
Dick aggrievedly. "But somehow we
keep drifting back. He's started running it as a disco now on Friday
evenings."
"Has he got a DJ ?"
"He has."
"Who is it ?"
Dick sighed.
"It's me, would you believe it?"
LEVEL INDICATOR
"Dear me," said Smithy, surprised.
"You got yourself lumbered there,
didn't you ?"
"Well," retorted Dick. "I don't do it
for nothing, you know. He pays me by
the hour."
"How much ?"

180

light-emitting
diodes

(a)
(b)
Fig. 1(8). A column of nine light- emitting diodes fed from a constant current source; (b). A silicon transistor is connected across
each light- emitting diode. The diodes Dl to D9 are small silicon

rectifiers
RADIO

&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

(a)

(b)
(c)
the positive supply rail, all the transistors are turned on and
all the Le.d.'s are extinguished; (b). Taking TRIO base negative by a small amount causes TR9 to cut off
and LED9 to light up; (c). With TRIO base at a higher negative voltage, TR8 also cuts off The bottom
two l.e.d.'s are then lit

Fig. 2(e).

If the base of TR 10 is connected to

can say that the constant current is

20mA. which will cause the l.e.d.'s to
light up nice and brightly. The l.e.d.'s
will each drop something like 1.8 to 2.5
volts, so the total voltage across them
can be as much as, let me see now, 22.5
volts. So a sensible supply voltage for
the l.e.d.'s and the constant current
source can be in the region of 25 to 30
volts."
"How," asked Dick, "do you control
the 1.e.d.'s? Are they turned off
successively ?"
"They are," replied Smithy. "A
silicon transistor is connected across
each one, and each transistor base is
coupled to a common line via a silicon
diode and a low value resistor. This
common line then connects to the
emitter of another silicon transistor,
whose collector is tied to the lower
positive supply rail. Let me draw in
these added points."
Smithy picked up his pen and commehced to add the components he had
just mentioned to his circuit.
"You're making all the resistors
1k a commented Dick, as he watched the serviceman.
"That's right," agreed Smithy.
"After a little thought, that seemed to
be a good value for them. I'd better
give them R- numbers whilst I'm at it.
And it wouldn't be a bad idea to give
numbers to the 1.e.d.'s and the transistors and diodes, too."
Smithy completed his circuit and
once more placed his pen down on the
bench. (Fig. 1(b).)
"I'm not quite certain," said Dick,

OCTOBER 1976

frowning, "how this circuit of yours

works."
"It works," replied Smithy, "by
applying a control voltage to the base
of TR10, this voltage varying between
that on the positive supply rail and a
negative voltage which allows all the
l.e.d.'s to come on."
"I still don't get it," stated Dick
flatly. "You'll have to go into it a bit
more deeply than that.
"Fair enough," responded Smithy.
"Now, let's say that the base of TR10.
is connected to the positive rail. It acts
as an emitter follower, and so its
emitter will be about 0.6 volt negative
of the positive rail. Okay ?" (Fig. 2(a).)
"I think so."
"Right," said Smithy briskly. "That
voltage is passed to the right hand ends
of all the 1k 11 resistors, whereupon a
base current flows into each transistor.
Each transistor is therefore turned on,
with the tesult that the voltage
between its collector and emitter is too
slow to allow the l.e.d. across which it's
connected to light up. So, all the l.e.d.'s
are extinguished."
"But," protested Dick, "aren't the
base currents flowing to the transistors
higher up going to be very large?
There's only a 1k! resistor to limit
base current to each transistor and the
base voltages higher up are going to be
pretty high."
"No, they're not," retorted Smithy.
"You forget that the transistors are
turned on and that there's only a fraction of a volt across each. With the
base of TRIO connected to the positive

rail, the voltage across the whole chain

of 1.e.d.'s will only be about 2.5 volts."

CONSTANT CURRENT
Dick pondered

this.

"Wont that situation result in a

heavy current being drawn from the
constant current source ?"
Smithy directed his eyes towards
the ceiling.
"Dear, oh dear," he moaned. "You
can't draw a heavy current from a constant current source, you great cloth eared twit, because the only current
the source can provide is the constant
current itself! That constant current
flows regardless of the voltage across
the string of 1.e.d.'s. In our circuit the
constant current is 20mA, and this
current flows through the collector and
emitter of all the transistors. The
current flowing into each base must be
at least that required to maintain
20mA in the collector circuit. If we say
that each transistor has a gain of 100
times, then each base current must be
at least 0.2mA. Actually, it will only be
0.2mA with the bottom transistor,
TR9. It will be successively larger with
the transistors above TR9, but not at
an excessively high level. This is
because the voltages at the transistors
higher up are still quite low."
"This arrangement of yours,"
remarked Dick, gazing at Smithy's circuit with a new respect, "seems to be
concealing quite a few crafty ideas.
What happens next ?"
"We disconnect the base of TRIO
from the positive rail," said Smithy,
181

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182

"and start to take it slowly negative.

Since TR10 is an emitter follower, its
emitter will go negative, too. After a
short negative excursion, there will be
insufficient base bias for TR9 and it
will turn off." (Fig. 2(b).)
"Will it ?" queried Dick. "Why, of
course it will! That means that LED9
will light up, because the transistor
across it isn't turned on any more."
"Hooray," commented Smithy drily. "I was beginning to despair that
you'd get anywhere near understanding this circuit. Well now, the full
20mA constant current flows through
LED9 and the full l.e.d. forward

voltage is dropped across it,

whereupon all the transistors and

l.e.d.'s above it go negative by that
forward voltage. This means that the
base current flowing into TR8 and the
transistors above it is still high enough
to keep these turned on, with the
1.e.d.'s across which they connect extinguished. So, all we've got so far is
LED9 lit up. We now start to take the
base of TRIO slowly negative once
more, whereupon its emitter goes
negative too. The emitter voltage will
eventually rise to a level where there is
insufficient base current for TR8, and
this will also turn off." (Fig. 2(c).)
"Stap me," said Dick, excitedly.
"I'm beginning to see it all now! LED8
will light up, the full l.e.d. forward
voltage will appear across it and all the
transistors and l.e.d.'s above it will go
up again by that voltage."
"You've got it," stated Smithy.
"And so the process continues. As
TRIO base goes more and more
negative, each transistor turns off in
turn and allows the next l.e.d. in the
column to light up. In the end, when
TR10 base is sufficiently negative, the
whole column of l.e.d.'s is illuminated."
"Why," exclaimed Dick, excitedly,
"it's like an l.e.d. voltmeter! You apply a voltage between the base of TR10
and the positive rail, and you can
measure that voltage by seeing how
many l.e.d.'s light up."
"It is a voltmeter," agreed Smithy,
"with, of course, a very low
resolution."
"Are the voltage steps between each
l.e.d. lighting up equal in value ?"
"There are three factors affecting
this aspect of performance," said
Smithy. "First of all, the current
drawn from the emitter of TR10
reduces as its base goes negative and
more and more transistors become
turned off. This means that the TR10
base -emitter voltage reduces gradually
as the base goes negative. But TR10 is
a silicon emitter follower and the actual change in the base -emitter voltage
will, at worst, be only something like
0.2 volt or so. Compared with forward
voltage drops of the order of 2 volts in
each l.e.d., such a voltage change can
be ignored. There may also be dis-

crepancies between the forward

voltage drops of the individual silicon

diodes and the base -emitter voltages of
the individual transistors at turn -off.

RADIO

Variance here should also not be much

more than about 0.2 volt at most, and
can also be fairly safely ignored. In
general, of course, it would be advisable to ensure that all the transistors and all the diodes have the
same type numbers."
Smithy paused.
"What," asked Dick, "is the third
factor ?"
"The l.e.d.'s themselves," stated
Smithy. "You see, the circuit uses the
1.e.d.'s not only as light indicators but
also as reference voltage diodes. But

forward voltage drop between

different l.e.d.'s varies quite a bit so, if

we want this l.e.d. voltmeter to be really linear, we should use l.e.d.'s of the
same colour, the same style and the
same manufacturer. If we do this there
is a good probability that they will all
have nearly equal forward voltage
values, and the arrangement will then
give quite a good linear performance."
SERIES DIODES
"This circuit certainly has some interesting points in it, " commented

Dick warmly. "Whit do those diodes in

series with the bases of TRI to TR9
do ?"
"For the lower transistors," stated
Smithy, "they're needed to isolate
each base -emitter unction from high
reverse voltages when the emitter of
TR10 is at a high negative level. The
reverse base -emitter voltage rating for
a silicon transistor is quite low, at
around 4 to 6 volts or so, and if it is exceeded the base -emitter junction is
liable to act as a zener diode at the
breakdown voltage. This can't be
allowed to happen in the present circuit because it would mess up operation with the higher negative control
voltages at TRIO base."
"If the diodes are only needed with
the lower transistors," asked Dick,
"why have you fitted them at the
higher transistors ?"
Smithy grinned.
"I've got no alternative," he chuckled. "If the upper transistors are to
have the same voltage performance as
the lower transistors, then they've got
to have series diodes too, even if the

diodes don't offer any protection

against reverse base -emitter current.
Which reminds me about something
that's been niggling at the back of my
mind ever since I drew out this circuit."
"What's that, Smithy ?"
"I'm as sure as I can be," stated
Smithy, "that the l.e.d.'s from LED8
up will function in practice in the
manner I've just described. But I'm
not too sure about LED9."
"Could it cause trouble ?"
"It might do," said Smithy. "I said
just now that, when TRIO base is at
the same potential as the bottom
positive rail, all the l.e.d.'s should be
extinguished. But there are three

forward biased silicon junctions

between the positive rail and the upper

end of LED9, these being given in
&

ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

TRIO, D9 and TR9. We might find,

when you make up the circuit in practice, that LED9 comes on too soon."
"What do you mean," asked Dick
slowly, " 'when I make up the circuit
in practice' ?"
"Just what I say," replied Smithy.

CHECK -OUT
The pair fell silent. Dick continued
to wire up the l.e.d. circuit, whilst
Smithy pondered on the complexities
involved in the calling of disc jockey.
"All finished!"
"Hey ?"
Smithy roused himself from his

"You can knock up this l.e.d.

voltmeter circuit in lash -up form right
now. After we've got any bugs out of it
that it might have, you'll have a working circuit which will form the basis
for the two level indicators you need
for Joe's Caff."

"Gosh, Smithy, that sounds

smashing," said Dick keenly. "Where

will I get the nine l.e.d.'s, though?"
"That's no problem," said Smithy,
opening a drawer in his bench. "I've
got a whole pile of l.e.d.'s in here for
some experimental work I've been
playing around with recently. These
happen to be Doram Type 4 red
l.e.d 's, with a nominal forward voltage
of 1.9 volts. They have two leads of unequal length, and the shorter lead is
the anode."
Smithy handed his assistant a small
box with a quantity of l.e.d.'s in it.
"Fair enough," replied Dick, as he
took the box. "Incidentally, which is
the anode ?"
"I've just told you," said Smithy
irritably. "It's the shorter lead."
"No, I mean which is the anode in
the l.e.d. symbol ?"
"Oh, said Smithy, mollified. "I see
what you're getting at. The anode goes
to the positive side of the supply, as
with a valve."
"What transistors shall I use ?"

"BC107's will be as good as

anything for TR1 to TRW. You'll need
a 20mA constant current source and
this can use a small power transistor
such as the BD124. It will be underrun
in the circuit and there's no need to
mount it on a heatsink. All the diodes
in the circuit can be IN4002's. And
you can temporarily add a 10k i2
linear pot across the supply with its
slider going to the base of TR10. We'll
use that to check out the l.e.d.
voltmeter. Here's the circuit for these

additional parts."
Smithy scribbled out the extra circuit information on his pad, tore off
the sheet and presented it to his assistant. (Fig. 3.)
Happily, Dick went to the spares
cupboard, found the parts he required
and then returned to his bench. Taking up a small flat piece of scrap
aluminium he bolted a long tagstrip to
this then wired up the l.e.d.'s so that
they took up the form of a column with
the l.e.d.'s in the same order as in the
circuit. After this, he proceeded to
solder the transistors across the
l.e.d.'s. Smithy watched him contentedly.

"That DJ job,"

he remarked
musingly, "must be a pretty easy
number. All you've got to do is change
the records over and say something
into the mike every now and again."
"It's a lot harder than you seem to

realise," replied Dick over his

OCTOBER 1976

R11

IOkn

R9

-MA/0.--S

TRIO

l0kn
lin

Fig. 3. The constant current

source is given by TR11,
D10, D11, R10 and R11 in
the circuit shown here. The

10k i2 potentiometer is
employed for initial tests of
the l.e.d. column voltmeter

shoulder, as he applied his soldering

iron to the tagstrip. "I nearly sprained
my wrist the last time I did it."
"Nearly sprained your wrist ?"

repeated

Smithy incredulously.

"Changing records?"
"The record changing bit is easy,"
Dick bitterly. 'It's the lights
that take up all the time and trouble."
"The lights ?"
"The lights," repeated Dick firmly.
"You've got to have all the lights in the
disco going on and off in a random sort
of way, and that means really hard
work."
"How come ?"
"Well, Joe's a bit of an amateur
electrician and he's wired each light to
its own switch on a big board alongside
the amplifier. There's over a dozen of
them and as soon as I've got a record
started I have to get weaving on those
darned switches. My fingers are
aching all over after an hour of that."
"Dear me," remarked Smithy, impressed by this information. "I didn't
realise that you had to do all that."

reverie.
"I said it's all finished," repeated
Dick. "I've got this trial circuit all
wired up, ready for checking out."
"Oh, good," said Smithy, rising
from his stool and walking over to
Dick's bench. He inspected his
assistant's handiwork. "You've made
a nice job of that, Dick."
"I may not be all that good on the
technical side," responded Dick with
becoming modesty, "but when it comes to a bit of practical wiring I'm the
real bee's knees!"
"Okay, okay," said Smithy hastily.
"Now, we'll
need your testmeter
switched to a volts range that will take
in readings up to 25 volts. Oh yes, and
we'll need a supply, too. Three 9 volt
batteries in series will give us 27 volts
and that will do very nicely for the
time being."
Dick reached to the back of his

bench and produced three PP9

batteries. He wired these in series with

crocodile clip leads.

"Where," he asked, "do I connect
the meter ?"
"Between the slider of the 10kilpof
and the positive line," replied Smithy.
"And turn the pot so that its slider is
right at the positive end of the track.
After that you can connect up the
supply." (Fig. 4(a).)
Dick connected the testmeter and
adjusted the potentiometer as directed
by Smithy. He then connected the circuit to the three 9 volt batteries.
Nothing happened.
Well,' said Dick disappointed.
"This doesn't seem to be a good start.
None of the 1.e.d.'s is alight and the
meter's reading zero."
"Of course it's reading zero, you
nit," snorted Smithy. "The pot slider
is at the same end of its track as the
positive terminal of the meter. Now,
turn that pot spindle round. Slowly,
mind."
Re

LEDs '

LEDs,

TR9

IN4002
Test meter

Added diode

(a)
(b)
Fig. 4(a). Dick started tests by connecting a voltmeter between
the slider of the 1Ok(2 potentiometer and the positive supply rail;
(b). As a result of the checks it was found necessary to insert an
additional silicon diode in series with LED9

183

Dick commenced to adjust the

potentiometer. The bottom 1.e.d. in
the column immediately lit up. After
further rotation of the spindle, the
next l.e.d. became alight, to be followed by the third and then the fourth
and so on until the complete column
glowed cheerfully.
"Hey," said Dick, "this is fun."
He turned the potentiometer spindle back and forth experimentally,
decreasing and increasing the number
of lit l.e.d.'s in the column as he did so.
"Here," stated Smithy, "let me
check it out."
He took control of the potentiometer
and slowly turned its spindle, observing the testmeter as he did so.
"That's not bad at all," he remarked in a satisfied tone. "Apart from the
bottom l.e.d., each l.e.d. gets illuminated at voltage steps of around 2
volts and a bit, and the whole column
is lit up when the pot slider is selecting
about 21 volts. The lighting up of the
l.e.d.'s is reasonably linear and it's
certainly good enough for our present
requirements."
"What's wrong with the bottom

BC 107

Lead -outs

/b-1.
e

(o

\BD 124
Lead-outs

l.e.d. ?"
"It comes on too soon," replied
Smithy. "I've only got to move the pot
slider a tiny bit and it starts lighting
up. Well, I expected this and I should
imagine that all we need to do here is
insert a silicon diode in series with the
l.e.d. to reduce the voltage across it a
little. So, could ou modify the bottom
end of the l.e.d. chain to take in the
diode, Dick ?"
Smithy took his pen and sketched
out the circuit position that the added
diode should take. (Fig. 4(b).)
"Righty -ho," said Dick cheerfully.
"It won't take a jiffy to slip in that

'

diode."
And indeed, Dick was able to
modify the circuit in a very short time.
Smithy once more took control of the
potentiometer and adjusted it careful ly. This time, all the l.e.d.'s including
the bottom one became illuminated at
reasonably equal intervals of potentiometer travel, with the whole column
being alight at a meter reading slightly
in excess of 21.5 volts. Satisfied,
Smithy took up Dick's soldering iron
and unsoldered the lead taking the
negative supply to the potentiometer
track. All the l.e.d.'s became extinguished and stayed extinguished at
all settings of the potentiometer.
"What did you do that for,
Smithy ?"
"Just to confirm," explained
Smithy, "that TR10 emitter is at a
sufficiently low voltage to keep the
l.e.d.'s turned off when its base is
taken to the positive rail by a 10k11
resistor. Well, Dick, we've now got an
l.e.d. column voltmeter with a range of
zero to approximately 21.5 volts. All
we need do next is to add an amplifier
with a gain approaching 20 times so
that a voltage swing of a little more
than 1 volt will turn the whole column
on. We've carried out several design
steps since I sketched out the first cir-

184

AC127
Lead -outs

D1- 012 1N4002

TR/ -TR1O BC107

R1

-R13

1/4

watt 5a/o

Fig. 5. Final circuit of the level indicator with input amplifier added. The l.e.d.'s may light momentarily immediately after switch
on as Cl charges
-

cuit, and so I'll redraw the whole thing

with the amplifier added."

AMPLIFIER STAGE
Smithy went back to his bench, sat
down and drew out the complete circuit on a fresh sheet of his note -pad.
Dick walked over and watched. (Fig.
5).

"There we are," said Smithy proudly, when the circuit was complete.
"Now, we can look upon this gadget in
its entirety. We know how the I.e.d.'s
and the transistors up to TR11 work,
and so we don't need to refer to them
any more. I've added another transistor, TR12, and this provides the
voltage gain of about 20 times."
"How do you arrive at that gain
figure, Smithy ?"
"Because there's a resistor in TR12

emitter circuit," explained Smithy,

"which has a value of 470e whilst the
collector load is 10k it which is about
20 times greater. Actually, the practical gain will be a little lower than 20
times because this configuration
doesn't work quite as well at the
higher gain figures as it should at first

sight theoretically do, and also

because we haven't taken into account
the effect of the input impedance at

TRIO base. TR12 is a germanium

transistor, whereupon it starts to
become conductive at a low voltage
between its base and emitter, and
there isn't the high voltage delay you'd
get with a silicon transistor. When
there is zero voltage on TR12 base
with respect to the negative rail it
passes a negligibly low collector
current. As its base goes positive, its
collector goes negative by an amplified
amount and the l.e.d.'s in the column
light up accordingly. I've used a small
germanium power transistor which I
know we've got in stock for TR12, but
a small signal type with a gain of 50 or
more which will stand the voltages involved will do equally well."
"How do you couple TR12 to the
amplifier whose output level is being
monitored ?"
"You connect the 1k i2 pre -set pot
which I've marked as VR1 across the
speaker terminals of the amplifier,"
replied Smithy. "I've added a chassis
symbol at the negative rail of our
gadget and this connects to the

RADIO & ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

Amplifier

Level indicator

Fig. 6. The level indicator is

connected to the amplifier
output terminals such that

mon. With high power

amplifiers, always advance
VR1 slowly from the
minimum setting. It should
be remembered that the
amplifier may be damaged if
its output terminals are accidentally short -circuited
amplifier speaker terminal which is at
amplifier chassis potential." (Fig. 6.)
"Oh, I see."
"What happens then," went on
Smithy, "is that TR12 is conductive
on positive half- cycles from the
amplifier, whereupon its collector
takes up a potential corresponding to
the mean amplitude of those halfcycles. The a.f. at the collector is
smoothed out by the IOpF electrolytic,
Cl, and the overall sensitivity is controlled by VR1."
"That's neat," commented Dick.
"I'll get those extra bits wired in right

now.'
Dick set eagerly to work whilst
Smithy looked through the items on
the "Repaired" rack which they had
serviced earlier. He selected a stereo
record player and carried it over to his
bench. He connected up the speakers
and added two wires to the terminals
of one of the speakers. Shortly
afterwards, Dick announced that he
hai completed the wiring around the
amplifier transistor and, at Smithy's
bidding, he carried the level indicator
ani its three batteries to Smithy's
belch. Smithy connected the record
player output to the lk 12potenticmeter, turned the latter to a
minimum setting, applied the 27 volt
supply and switched on the player. He
put on a test record and turned the
record player volume control to its
highest level.
"All we do now," he remarked, "is
adjust the lkDD pot so that all the
l.e.d.'s are lit up when the amplifier's
delivering maximum output."
He advanced VR1 tentatively, and
Fig. 7. A simple power
supply with good smoothing
is quite adequate for the indicator. A single supply will
power two indicators in a
stereo system

I,O0ONF
wkg

This record player has an 8 output,

which means that there will be quite a
high audio voltage passed to VR1
when the amplifier's going flat out. If
the amplifier has a 3f) output and can
offer an output of 5 watts or so there
should be just enough audio voltage to
light up the whole column with VR1
near its maximum setting. You'll find
that the average smoothed voltage
with a music waveform is rather
smaller than the wattage figure would
lead you to believe. With a very high
power amplifier, as you'd have in a
disco, VR1 could have quite a low setting, and must initially be adjusted
slowly from zero to avoid passing too
high a voltage to TR12. Don't forget
that, as I said at the beginning, this
gubbins responds to output voltage
only."
"What about a power supply ?"
"The level indicator requires 25 to
30 volts at about 24mA. A simple halfwave rectifier circuit will be quite
adequate for one or two of the indicators provided it has a high value of

reservoir capacitor. The output

doesn't need to be voltage regulated
because the level indicator draws a
steady current all the time. But the
output must be well smoothed. If it
isn't, the ripple voltage will be passed
to the base of TRW via Cl, and this
could cause one or more of the I,e,d.'s
at the bottom of the column to light
up, even when there's no input. " (Fig.
7).

"Gosh, Smithy," said Dick

enthusiastically. "This level indicator

will be just what I need for Joe's Caff.
Can I stay late tonight and make up
two properly finished versions of it? '
Smithy glanced at his watch.

"It's already

an hour past

knocking -off time," he annunced.

"And doesn't today happen to be
Friday ?"
"Ye gods," exclaimed Dick. "Is it?
Blimey, I'll have to rush off and get
ready."
"Cheers for now, Smithy," he called
out.
"Cheers," responded Smithy to his
assistant's fleeting back.

Methodically, the Serviceman

On-Off

40V

MORSE MADE
EASY

JOB COMPLETE
"And," said Smithy, turning down
the record player volume, "that's it.

the two chassis are com-

IN4002

several of the 1,e.d.'s lit up. Smithy

soon found a setting which caused all
the I,e.d.'s to light up at the loudest
passages on the test record. At intermediate levels the length of the
column of lit l.e.d.'s varied in sympathy with the level of the sound.
Fascinated, Dick watched the 1.e.d.'s.

A.C.

mains

checked that everything was switched

off, then ne also made his exit from
the Workshop. As he got int his car he
mused on his own evening's plans,
which consisted of playing a selection
of his private collection of records to
the local Chamber Music Society.
Smithy grinned.
There'd be no trouble with light
switching there.

BY THE RHYTHM

METHOD!
These courses. which have been sold for
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to be the fastest method of learning Morse.

Vou start right away by learning the sounds
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Using scientifically prepared 3 -speed records
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(Continued on page 189)

OCTOBER 1976

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(Continued on page 190)

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Quartz Crystal, Vero, DVM Chips, Clock
Chips, LED's, LCD's Displays, Transformers,
Boxes, Cases, Knobs and millions of R's and
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I

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DEPT 6, CHROMASONIC ELECTRONICS
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Telephone: 01 -883 3705

OCTOBER 1976

Becomea radio

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Learn how to become a radioamateur in contact with the whole

world We give skilled preparation
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189

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ANTIQUE RADIO BOOKS. Newnes "Television & Short

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J. Camm, 3rd edition, circa 1930, 3.50. Prices include

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for your other magazines

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(Continued on page 191)

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This catalogue
Electrovalue Catalogue No. 8 (Issue 2,
updated) offers items from advanced opto electronic
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OUR

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)-1
M.Idwrw M I a INA PIN.r IOC
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191

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MOEL m. MORRIS

SEIICOnDUCTOR
DEVICES

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MACMILLAN BASIS BOOKS IN ELECTRONICS

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introduction to semiconductor devices, the author provides a

comprehensive survey of modern active and non -active semiconductor
technology. Without leaning too heavily on device physics, he explains
device functions and then illustrates their use with typical circuits and
applications.
Following a summary of the physical basis of semiconductor elements
in non -mathematical terms
a study
of bipolar and field -effect
transistors leads to considerations of monolithic integrated circuits.
More advanced charge -coupled devices, semiconductor memories
and optoelectronic devices are studied in some detail.
CONTENTS
1.
Semiconductors
2. Basic Semiconductor Devices
3.
Semiconductor Diodes and the Unijunction Transistor
4.
Bipolar Junction Transistors, Amplifiers & Logic Gates
5.
Field -Effect Transistors, Amplifiers and Logic Gates
6.
Monolithic Integrated Circuits
7.
Charge -coupled Devices
8.
Semiconductor Memories
9. Thyristors and other Multilayer Devices
10.
Optoelectronics
In this

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