Constructional Project

Simple
F.M. Radio
Raymond Haigh
Wide range tone controls and a 2W audio output make this
an out-of-the-rut domestic receiver.

the recent Practical Radio the start to form a small portable, or it can the oscillator frequency in the opposite

F
OLLOWING
Circuits series (June 03 to Jan 04), a be teamed with more ambitious audio direction to the i.f. deviation. The oscillator
number of readers have requested a stages to produce an out-of-the-rut domes- stage incorporates on-chip tuning diodes to
design for a simple v.h.f. f.m. receiver. tic receiver. enable this and other control voltages to
Three types of circuit meet the require- The latter approach has been adopted shift its operating frequency.
ment for simplicity. The first two, super- here, and details of a wide range tone con- The correlator and muting sections sup-
regenerators and synchronous oscillators, trol unit, a robust audio amplifier, and a press image responses that would other-
were rejected because they can be difficult mains power supply are included. wise be an irritating problem with the low
to set up and operate, and the lack of auto- intermediate frequency. (Stations would
matic frequency control causes problems in Radio Chip tune-in at two points on the dial.) This
use. The internal structure, in block form, of complex circuitry, made possible by the
The third utilizes the superhet principle, the TDA7000 f.m. radio i.c. is shown in large-scale integration of components, sets
but adopts a simple resistance/capacitance Fig.1. the design apart from earlier valve versions.
coupled intermediate frequency amplifier Signals picked up by the aerial are com- The muting circuits result in a complete
instead of the conventional tuned circuit bined with locally generated oscillations in absence of noise when tuning between sta-
arrangement. The aerial input is broadly the mixer stage. The resulting intermediate tions. Searching for zero hiss is, however,
tuned to the f.m. band, and only the oscilla- frequency (i.f.) is amplified by two filter the customary way of locating a station and
tor has a variably tuned circuit. This great- amplifiers and a limiter amplifier. Together precisely tuning the receiver to it. To give
ly simplifies the construction and setting up with external capacitors, the filter ampli- radios using the chip a conventional feel,
of the chosen Simple F.M. Radio design fiers centre the intermediate frequency Philips included a noise source that simu-
described here. around 70kHz. The limiter amplifier pro- lates the inter-station hiss.
vides automatic gain control (a.g.c.) and Demodulation is by means of a quadra-
A Good Combination suppresses amplitude modulated (a.m.) ture detector which requires the production
Readers will, no doubt, have their own signals. of a 90 degree phase-shift in the signal
ideas about audio amplifiers, speakers and Because of the low intermediate frequen- (hence quadrature). Again, this is complex
cabinet size, so the F.M. Tuner section is cy, the deviation produced by signals that circuitry that can only be realized, in prac-
assembled on a separate printed circuit are heavily modulated must be restricted to tice, by the large-scale integration of resis-
board (p.c.b.). It can be combined with sim- around plus/minus 15kHz. This is achieved tors and semiconductors.
ple amplifiers such as those described in by feeding the output from the demodulator A stage of audio amplification is includ-
the Simple Audio Circuits (May 02 to Aug back to the local oscillator (via the loop fil- ed on the chip, and the output is approxi-
02) series or the radio series mentioned at ter) and using it as a control voltage to shift mately 75mV r.m.s.

Fig.1. Block diagram showing the internal arrangement of the Phillips TDA7000 f.m. radio integrated circuit.

550 Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004

F.M. Tuner
The full circuit diagram of the F.M.
Tuner section of the receiver is shown in
vanes (spindle) of the tuning capacitor,
VC1, to be connected to the positive supply
Smooth Output
Supply line decoupling is provided at
Fig.2. On-chip bias resistors damp the rail. The tuning capacitor spindle must, radio frequencies by capacitor C10, and at
input circuit so heavily that variable tuning therefore, be insulated from any grounded audio frequencies by resistor R2 and capac-
is pointless. Accordingly, the aerial coil is metal front panel or case. itor C18. Decoupling capacitor C21
broadly tuned by self and stray capacitance
to the v.h.f. f.m. band. The circuit is isolat- Filter Amplifiers inhibits radiation of the oscillator signal by
the battery or power supply wiring.
ed from low level, low frequency a.c. and Capacitors C6 and C15, together with Inter-station noise is set by capacitor C5.
d.c. inputs by capacitor C1, and the on-chip resistors, set the cut-off frequency Increase the value of this capacitor to make
earthy end of L1 is grounded by C2. of the first, low-pass, filter. The bandpass the hiss louder; delete it for completely
The oscillator stage is tuned by coil L2 response of the second filter is set by C8, silent tuning. Audio output is developed
and variable capacitor VC1. An integral C9 and C12 (see Fig.1 and Fig.2). across resistor R1, and C19 provides audio
trimmer capacitor, VC2, adjusts the mini- Two capacitors, C3 and C4, are com- de-emphasis.
mum capacitance in circuit and sets the bined to produce a difficult-to-obtain value
upper frequency limit coverage. for the component that determines the time Coils
The combination of fixed series capaci- constant of the muting circuit. Details of the self-supporting coils and the
tor C11 and parallel capacitor C13 modify The time constant of the internal connections to typical polyvarycon (poly-
the effect of tuning capacitor VC1 and feedback loop is set by C7. This capacitor thene) tuning capacitors are given in Fig.3.

Fig.2. Complete circuit diagram for the F.M. Tuner section of the Simple F.M. Radio.

spread the 88MHz to 108MHz band over influences the willingness of the receiver to
its entire swing. This makes tuning the lock onto weak signals and thereby affects
receiver much easier. sensitivity. Too low a value makes the cir-
Constructors should note that the on- cuit reluctant to lock; too high a value
chip oscillator circuit calls for the moving reduces response to the upper audio
frequencies.
The value suggest-
History ed by the manufactur-
ers is 10nF, but a high-
Some of the first superhet receivers, produced during the
early 1920s, had resistance/capacitance coupled i.f. (intermedi- er value will improve
ate frequency) stages. The absence of tuned circuits meant that performance in areas
the i.f. amplifier made no contribution to the selectivity of the where signals are not
receiver, and the practice was soon abandoned. strong. A 68nF com-
Frequency modulation broadcasting (f.m.) was established in ponent is fitted in the
the 1950s. This system requires the i.f. amplifier to have a wide prototype receiver as
response; i.e. to lack selectivity. Resistance/capacitance cou- this seems to give the
pled i.f. stages could, therefore, be used, and valve circuits of best overall results.
this kind reappeared to meet a demand for simple and inexpen- The barely perceptible
sive receivers. reduction in treble
The concept was resurrected again by Philips in the late 70s response is made good
when they were attempting to form an f.m. receiver on a single by reducing the value
chip. The outcome was the TDA7000 integrated circuit, which of the audio de-
is still widely available. Ingenious circuitry, made possible by emphasis capacitor
combining many resistors and transistors on a tiny wafer of C19, and the tone con-
silicon, overcome the drawbacks of earlier valve designs. trol circuit described
later.

Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004 551

 Form the coils by tightly winding
22s.w.g. (21a.w.g.) enamelled copper wire
Tuner Construction
Apart from the telescopic whip aerial,
onto a length of 6mm (1/4in) potentiometer all the components for the F.M. Tuner are
spindle. It is a good idea to bend the ends mounted on a small single-sided printed
and scrape them bright-metal-clean of circuit board (p.c.b.). The topside compo-
enamel before removing the winding from nent layout, full-size copper track master
the spindle. and wiring details are shown in Fig.4. This
The aerial input coil L1 is not at all criti- board is available from the EPE PCB
cal, but the oscillator coil L2 should be care- Service, code 458.
fully spaced, as shown in the illustration. You should use an i.c. holder for the
TDA7000 integrated circuit as this will

COMPONENTS
make it easy for any substitution and
checking purposes. Mount the d.i.l. holder
on the board first. Solder pins will ease the
task of off-board wiring, and these should
be inserted into the board next. Follow with
F.M. TUNER the coils, L1 and L2, inserting them until
Resistors
R1 22k See the windings almost touch the surface of
R2 220W SHOP the board.
The two resistors can be fitted now, then
All 025W 5% carbon film
TALK the capacitors, smallest first. Mount the
Capacitors page tuning capacitor VC1 last. Take care to ori-
C1 47p ceramic entate this component correctly to ensure
C2, C4, that an f.m. tuning section is connected into
C14, C21 100n ceramic (4 off) circuit.
C3 47n ceramic If an a.m. section is inadvertently con-
C5 22n ceramic nected, tuning will be abrupt and the band
C6 180p ceramic will be confined to only part of its swing. It
C7 68n ceramic (see text) may be necessary to countersink the tuning
C8, C11, capacitor spindle hole, on the component
C16 330p ceramic (3 off) side of the board, to ensure that the capaci-
C9, C15 3n3 ceramic (2 off) tor seats properly.
C10 10n ceramic Check the completed p.c.b. for poor sol-
C12 150p ceramic Fig.3. Tuning capacitor connections
and coil winding details. Connections dered joints and bridged tracks. Double-
C13 22p low k ceramic check also component placement and partic-
C17 220p ceramic are typical of most polythene dielectric
variable capacitors but check. ularly the orientation of the electrolytic
C18 470m radial elect. 25V
C19 1n ceramic
C20 0m47 radial elect. 25V
(preferred) or polyester
film
VC1, VC2 miniature a.m./f.m.
polythene dielectric
tuning capacitor, with
integral trimmers (only
one f.m. section 25pF
and one trimmer
15pF used)

Semiconductors
IC1 TDA7000 f.m. radio i.c.
(Philips)
Miscellaneous
L1, L2 coils hand-wound with
22s.w.g. (21a.w.g.)
enamelled copper wire
see text and Fig.3 for
winding details
Printed circuit board available from the
EPE PCB Service, code 458; 18-pin d.i.l.
socket; 50g (2oz) reel 22s.w.g. (21a.w.g.)
enamelled copper wire for coils; spindle
extender for variable capacitor and/or
spindle coupler (see text), and slow
motion drive (optional); large control
knob; telescopic whip aerial (see text);
multistrand connecting wire; solder pins;
mounting nuts, bolts and washers; p.c.b.
stand-offs; pillars; solder etc.

CABINET
Medium density fibreboard (mdf),
125mm thick; glue and moulding pins;
filler and car spray paint; speaker and rear
vent grilles; speaker fixing screws; carry-
ing handle; back fixing screws and rubber
feet (4 off); materials for front panel.

Approx. Cost
Guidance Only 15 Fig.4. F.M. Tuner printed circuit board component layout, wiring details and full-size
excl. cabinet materials
copper foil master pattern.

552 Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004

capacitors, the integrated circuit and unusually low value (not likely), it may be
the tuning capacitor. Set trimmer necessary to short out capacitor C11 to
capacitor, VC2, at half mesh (the ensure full coverage of the band.
vanes can be seen through the case). If the tuner is used with a 6V battery,
reduce the value of resistor R2 to 100
Tuning In ohms. If low frequency instability
Connect the finished Tuner board is encountered when the value
to an amplifier and speaker. Connect a of R2 is reduced (not likely),
couple of metres of flex to act as an aerial, increase the value of C18 to
and connect a 9V battery. A hiss should be 1000mF.
heard from the speaker. The tuners extended
Rotate the tuning capacitor until a signal bass response can cause
is received. Set the low frequency coverage Completed severe overloading when
by gently squeezing or pulling apart the F.M. Tuner small audio amplifiers and
oscillator coil L2 until BBC Radio Two can circuit board. speakers are used. To prevent
be heard with the vanes of VC1 close to full These adjustments this, reduce the value of capacitor
mesh (closed). Adjust trimmer VC2 so that interact but, in practice, C20 to 100nF or even 47nF if the
any local station close to 108MHz can be setting up the receiver is tuner feeds into a high impedance load.
received when the vanes of VC1 are almost simple and takes very little time. This will attenuate the lowest audio
fully open. If the tuning capacitor has an frequencies.

Add-On
Audio Circuits
PORTABLE receiver with a powerful

A output and an extended bass

response can make listening to
music more pleasurable. With this in mind,
a Tone Control unit, Audio Power
Amplifier and Power Supply are detailed
next. Assembling these units on individual Biasing of transistor TR1 is by resis-
printed circuit boards permits maximum switching in the extreme bass boost
when the receiver is working at low vol- tors R5 and R7; and C4 and C5 are d.c. block-
flexibility in laying out the F.M. Radio. ing capacitors. Emitter resistor R7 is bypassed
A larger speaker is needed to deliver the ume. Sound reproduction at low outputs
can lack presence, and the bass emphasis by C6. Audio output is developed across col-
extended low frequency bass response, but lector load resistor R6 and the stage is decou-
the increase in cabinet size need not be will help to overcome this.
Preset VR1, connected in series with one pled from the supply rail by R8 and C7.
excessive, and it will permit the installation A d.c. blocking capacitor for the output
of a decent whip aerial. arm of Bass control VR2, enables the bass
boost to be set below the overload point signal path is provided on the power ampli-
Tone Control when the receiver is used at high volume.
Switch S1 shorts out the preset and allows
fier printed circuit board. Readers wishing
to use this circuit with other equipment
First published by P. J. Baxandall fifty should take the output from the collector of
years ago, the Tone Control circuit illus- the bass boost to rise to its maximum level
for quiet listening. TR1 via a 47mF capacitor.
trated in Fig.5 is found, with variations, in
most high fidelity amplifiers. All tone con-
trol circuits produce boost in one region
of the audio spectrum by reducing
response at all others. This arrangement
uses gain reducing negative feedback to
achieve the desired result.
Potentiometers VR2 and VR3, and
capacitors C1, C2 and C3, form a frequen-
cy selective network that controls the feed-
back from the collector (c) to the base (b)

of transistor TR1. Interaction between
Bass control VR2 and Treble control VR3
is limited by resistors R2 and R3.
Increasing the value of the F.M. Tuners
loop lock capacitor (C7 on the Tuner
p.c.b.) makes the audio output a little bass
heavy. When this is augmented by the tone

control circuit, the result is more bass than UNDERSIDE VIEW

most reasonably sized speakers and ampli-

fiers can handle when delivering a good
level of sound.
Bass control VR2 can, of course, be
turned back to avoid overloading, but a bet-
ter arrangement is to make provision for Fig.5. Circuit diagram for an add-on Tone Control Unit.

Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004 553

Power Amplifier Power Amplifier p.c.b.
A heatsink will be
The circuit of the Audio Power Amplifier
is given in Fig.6. Designed around SGS required for the i.c.
Thomsons TDA2003 i.c., the circuit will
deliver a clean 2W into an 8 ohm speaker
when connected to a 15V power supply.
The signal input from the Tone Control
circuit is applied via Volume control poten-
tiometer VR1 and d.c. blocking capacitor
C1. A second blocking capacitor, C2, must
be provided to prevent disturbance of a bias
voltage on the input pin (1) of IC1.
Supply decoupling capacitors, C3 and
C4, ensure stability at low and high fre-
quencies, and the gain of the circuit is
determined by resistors R2 and R3, which
fix the level of negative feedback. The
value of R3 has been reduced from its more
usual 22 ohms to increase gain.
In the interests of stability, the high fre-

quency response of the amplifier is rolled

off above 15kHz by the combination of
resistor R1 and capacitor C5. The output
signal is coupled to the speakers by d.c.
blocking capacitor C7. Zobel network R4
and C8 ensures that the speakers always
present a resistive load to the amplifier.
Without these components, high level tran-

sients could damage the internal output

transistors of IC1.

Speakers
Generating a decent low frequency out-

put from a modest electrical input calls for
a speaker of reasonable diameter. To get the
best out of the receiver, the Bass speaker
should be at least 200mm (8in) in diameter.
Reproducing deep bass will involve fairly Fig.6. Circuit diagram for the Audio Power Amplifier.
large cone excursions, and it should, if pos-
sible, have a foam surround. Units of this Inexpensive Mylar cone speakers function quite well as tweet-
kind are available at modest cost. ers, and a 75mm (3in) unit is fitted in the prototype receiver
A tweeter or Treble speaker will add (smaller units tested had a much lower
brilliance to the reproduction, and a mov- output). Tweeter chassis openings
ing coil unit is suitable. It should be con- should be covered over with a few
nected across the bass speaker via a 10mF layers of insulating tape to limit inter-
bipolar electrolytic capacitor (C9 in Fig.6). action with the bass unit.

Mains Power
Supply Unit
T IS not feasible to power a receiver as

I potent as this from dry batteries, and a

mains power unit should be regarded as
essential. Readers who have no experi-
ence of mains-powered equipment should
remember that the voltages involved are
LETHAL. T1
If there is the least doubt about your
ability to build and commission a mains
unit, you must either seek assistance from
an experienced constructor or combine the
tuner with a smaller amplifier that can be
powered by batteries.

Circuit Details
The circuit diagram for the Mains
Power Supply Unit (p.s.u.) is given in

Fig.7. A bi-phase full-wave rectifier circuit
has been adopted, and this calls for a cen-
tre-tapped mains transformer, T1. Low
value fuse, FS1, increases the safety of the
equipment. Fig.7. Circuit diagram for the Mains Power Supply Unit.
554 Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004
 The switching action of rectifier diodes CONSTRUCTION TONE CONTROL A POWER AMP A PSU
D2 and D3 can modulate radio frequency
currents picked up by the mains wiring.
The resulting signal manifests itself as a
tunable hum in receivers connected to the
power supply. However, including shunt
capacitors C5 and C6 prevents this interfer-
ence arising.
Reservoir capacitor C7 smoothes the
output from the rectifiers and enables the
d.c. voltage to approach its peak value
when current drain is low. With a 12V
transformer, the supply rail can have a
potential of more than 18V. This exceeds
the maximum working voltage for the
power amplifier, and greatly exceeds the
voltage required for the tuner.
Regulators IC1 and IC2 deliver the
appropriate 8V and 15V outputs for the
tuner and amplifier. These devices produce
low-level wideband electrical noise, and
this is bypassed by capacitor combinations
C1/C2 and C3/C4.
Light emitting diode D1, powered via its
dropping resistor R1, acts as a power-on
Final Assembly The board for the Tone Control, together
with the connections to the Bass and Treble
indicator. On/Off pushswitch (or toggle The Tone Control Unit, Audio Power potentiometers, is shown in Fig.8, together
switch) S1 is connected in the Live lead of Amplifier and Power Supply Unit are with the full-size copper track master. This
the mains supply. Mains Earth is connected assembled on individual printed circuit board is available from the EPE PCB
to the frame and core of mains transformer boards (p.c.b.s). Service, code 459.
T1. It is recommended that a standard
three-pin mains-input Euro plug be mount-
ed in the cabinet.

COMPONENTS
TONE CONTROL
Resistors
R1, R3,
See
R4, R6 4k7 (4 off) SHOP
R2 27k
R5 1M TALK
R7 470W page
R8 120W
All 025W 5% carbon film

Potentiometers
VR1 47k enclosed carbon
preset
VR2, VR3 100k rotary carbon, lin.
(2 off)

Capacitors
C1 47n polyester film
C2,C3 2n2 polyester film (2 off)
C4 10m radial elect. 25V
C5 1m radial elect. 25V
C6 47m radial elect. 25V
C7 100m radial elect. 25V

Semiconductors
TR1 BC549C npn low power
transistor or similar

Miscellaneous
S1 pushbutton locking
switch, push-to-make,
or s.p.s.t. toggle switch

Printed circuit board available from

EPE PCB Service, code 459; audio
screened cable; small plastic control knob
(2 off); multistrand connecting wire;
mounting nuts, and washers; p.c.b. stand-
off pillars (4 off); solder pins; solder etc.

Approx. Cost
Guidance Only 10 Fig.8. Printed circuit board component layout, wiring details and full-size copper foil
excl.
master for the add-on Tone Control.

Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004 555

 COMPONENTS
Fig.9. Audio Power Amplifier printed circuit board component layout, full-size under-
AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER
side copper foil master and interwiring details from the p.c.b. to the Volume control Resistors
and speakers. Note, the bipolar electrolytic capacitor (C9) is mounted directly on the R1 39W See
Bass speaker terminals. R2
R3, R4
220W
1W (2 off)
SHOP
The component side of the TDA2003 (8mA), and the minimal (25V) voltage
Power Amplifier printed circuit board, full- drop across the 15V regulator keeps dissi- All 025W 5% carbon film TALK
page
size underside copper foil master and pation within the device at a modest level. Potentiometer
wiring to the Volume control and the two Miniature mains transformers tend to run VR1 10k rotary carbon, log.
speakers are illustrated in Fig.9. (This quite warm, even when lightly loaded. The
board is also available from the EPE PCB receiver case must, therefore, be adequate- Capacitors
Service and is the same one from the Audio ly ventilated to keep the temperature rise of C1, C2 4m7 radial elect. 25V
Circuits series, code 347.) this component within acceptable limits. (2 off)
The component side of the Power Supply Connect the power supply unit to the C3 220m radial elect. 25V
p.c.b., full-size copper foil master pattern mains and check the output voltages before (2 off)
and wiring details to off-board components wiring it into the receiver. Extreme care C4, C8 100n ceramic (2 off)
are shown in Fig.10. This board is available must be taken when building the Mains C5 47n ceramic
from the EPE PCB Service, code 460. PSU as lethal mains voltages are, of C6 470m radial elect. 25V
As before, solder pins, inserted at the course, present. It should only be put C7 1000m radial elect. 25V
lead-out points, will simplify inter-board together by an experienced constructor. C9 10m bipolar elect. 25V
wiring. They should be inserted first, fol- (or wire two 22m 25V
lowed by the resistors, then the capacitors, Interwiring standard electrolytics
in series negative
beginning with the smallest. Semi- Screened audio cable should be used for
conductors should be soldered in place last. all signal leads longer than 75mm (3in). If connected to negative)
The mains transformer is bolted to the a non-metallic front panel is used, remem-
Semiconductors.
power supply board and its frame is isolat- ber to connect the metal cases of poten- IC1 TDA2003 audio power
ed from the 0V rail. Place a solder tag tiometers and switches to the 0V rail amp. i.c. (SGS
beneath one of the fixings for the mains (ground). Thomson)
earth connection. Similarly, any metal front panel should
On completion, check the boards thor- be connected to the 0V rail. Constructors Miscellaneous
oughly for poor soldered joints or bridged are reminded that the spindle of the tuning LS1 8 ohm 205mm (8in)
tracks. Check the placement of components capacitor is connected to supply positive, diameter, foam
and the orientation of semiconductors and and it must be insulated if it passes through surround, loudspeaker
electrolytic capacitors. a metal front panel. see text
Do not rely on screened cable braiding to LS2 8 ohm 76mm (3in)
A Hot Point carry the 0V rail to the printed circuit diameter, mylar cone,
The TDA2003 amplifier (IC1) is inter- boards. A separate connection must be loudspeaker, or
nally protected and will shut down if its made, from the designated point on each tweeter unit (optional)
temperature rises excessively, or if its out- board, to the 0V pin on the power supply.
put is short circuited. Heat sinking is essen- At f.m. band frequencies, the mains Printed circuit board available from
tial for the proper operation of this device. wiring will sometimes act as one half of a EPE PCB Service, code 347; audio
Bolt the metal tag on the audio amplifier dipole aerial (the whip aerial is, of course, screened cable; piece of 16s.w.g. alu-
minium, 50mm (2in) x 50mm (22in), for
i.c. to a piece of 16s.w.g. aluminium at least the other) and increase signal pick-up.
heatsink (see text); small control knob;
50mm 50mm (2in 2in) or a commercial Situations vary, and a temporary connec- multistrand connecting wire; mounting
heatsink of equivalent area. In the proto- tion should be made between the mains nuts, bolts and washers; p.c.b. stand-off
type receiver, the bracket that attaches the earth solder tag at transformer T1 and the pillars (4 off); solder pins; solder etc.
amplifier to the front panel acts as the 0V pin on the tuner board. Make the test
heatsink. with the receiver tuned to a difficult sta-
Approx. Cost
Power supply regulators, IC1 and IC2,
will function without heatsinks. Current
tion. If the arrangement improves recep-
tion, a permanent connection can be Guidance Only 10
drawn via the 8V regulator is quite low made. excl. speakers

556 Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004

 COMPONENTS
Approx. Cost
Guidance Only
excl. mains plug & cable
16
POWER SUPPLY
Resistors See
R1 1k 025W 5% Miscellaneous
carbon film SHOP T1 miniature mains

Capacitors TALK transformer: primary

230V a.c.; secondary
page
C1, C3 100m radial 12V-0V-12V, rated at
elect. 25V (2 off) 250mA (size 43mm x
C2, C4 100n ceramic (2 off) 35mm x 36mm with
C5, C6 100n ceramic, 50V 51mm fixing centres)
(2 off) S1 pushbutton locking
C7 2200m radial elect. 25V switch, push-to-make,
or s.p.s.t. toggle switch,
Semiconductors both with mains rated
D1 5mm red l.e.d. contacts
D2, D3, 1N4001 50V 1A rect. PL1 3-pin Eurostyle mains inlet Printed circuit board available from the
diode (2 off) plug EPE PCB Service, code 460; l.e.d. holder;
IC1 7808 8V 1A voltage FS1 250mA 20mm fuse, with solder tag for Earth connection; mains
regulator p.c.b. mounting cable; multistrand connecting wire; mount-
IC2 7815 15V 1A voltage fuseholder and protective ing nuts, bolts and washers; p.c.b. stand-
regulator cover offs; pillars (4 off); solder pins, solder etc.

Fig.10. Mains Power Supply printed circuit boad component

layout, full-size copper foil master and off-board wiring
details to the other p.c.b.s. Switch S1 can be a standard
mains toggle type.

Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004 557

The Power Amp, Tuner and Tone Control p.c.b.s mounted on
spacers and brackets behind the radio front panel. Note the
Power Amp bracket acts as a heatsink for the amplifier i.c. Front panel control layout for the F.M. Radio.

Set Building The prototype front panel is annotated

with rub-down lettering applied to white
When speakers are mounted in compara-
tively small enclosures, vent area in the
Tuner, Tone Control and Power card and protected by a piece of 2mm back panel must approach the effective area
Amplifier printed circuit boards are all thick acrylic sheet (the kind of material of the speaker cone or the sound will seem
mounted behind a front panel that carries used for DIY double glazing). A pointer muffled and boxy. Four 75mm (3in)
all of the controls. A 205mm 105mm (8in for the dial is made from scrap acrylic diameter holes are about right for the
4in) piece of double-sided fibre glass sheet. 205mm diameter speaker. This arrange-
printed circuit board forms the panel in the ment also ensures an adequate air flow to
prototype receiver, but a piece of 16s.w.g. Cabinet the mains transformer and the heatsink.
aluminium would do just as well. Cabinet size is determined by speaker
Mounting the boards on long stand-offs size, and the prototype is just wide enough, Aerial
holds them above the associated poten- internally, to accommodate the 205mm Advantage should be taken of the cabi-
tiometers and the inter-connecting leads diameter (8in) speaker. Constructed from nets height and stability to install a long
can then be kept short. 125mm (1/2in) MDF, the overall dimen- telescopic aerial. Aim for an extended
The power supply is mounted on the side sions of the cabinet are approximately length in excess of one metre (say 3ft 6in).
of the cabinet, and the entire arrangement is 230mm wide 330mm high 120mm The improvement in signal pick-up makes
depicted in the various photographs. Note deep (8in 13in 5in). a difference with weak stations.
that for safety reasons no metal fixings for The MDF panels are glued and pinned, The case handle is formed by sandwich-
the power supply p.c.b. must be allowed to and the cabinet finished with car spray ing 12mm 3mm (1/2in 1/8in) steel strip
pass through the cabinet use nylon bolts paint. The tweeter unit is attached with between strips of wood, but a ready-made
or short wood screws to fix the p.c.b. cyanoacrylate adhesive (superglue) to the item would be equally suitable.
back of the speaker grille.
Dial-up The speaker cutout must be extended Performance
In the prototype radio, an epicyclic slow- beyond the foam suspension or the foam Sensitivity of the receiver is about the
motion drive is fitted to the tuning capaci- may clap against the case when heavy bass same as a conventional f.m. portable. If a
tor. This is not essential, but it does make is being reproduced. Aperture diameter in commercial set performs adequately in the
the receiver more pleasant to operate. The the prototype cabinet is too small, and the particular location, this simple design
polythene dielectric (polyvaricon) type tun- speaker had to be held off the front panel should also.
ing capacitor spindles are short, so a spin- by a ring of plywood. Bass response is impressive, despite the
dle coupler and short length of plastic speakers limited baffle area, and output
potentiometer spindle may still be needed more than adequate for domestic listening.
to connect capacitor to drive. The plastic The tweeter adds presence, and the overall
spindle insulates the tuning capacitor (see sound quality is, in the authors opinion,
earlier). exceptional by portable radio standards.
Some of the ingenious design features
of the TDA7000 f.m. radio i.c. impose
limits on the fidelity of the audio output,
but this is not noticeable. The amplifier
and speaker arrangements adopted for this
rather potent receiver seem to make the
most of its qualities rather than expose any
weaknesses. 6

The Bass speaker and p.c.b.s mounted Rear panel showing the four speaker
inside the wooden case. The h.f. vent holes. These holes also ensure
speaker is glued to the back of the adequate airflow to cool the trans-
speaker grille. former and heatsink.

558 Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2004