Radio and Electronics Cookbook

RSGB9780750652148, 0-7506-5214-4

The RSGB Radio and Electronics Cookbook is a unique collection of electronics projects, ideal for all electronics enthusiasts and experimenters. The simple step-by-step instructions also make this book ideal for amateurs seeking to build up their electronics skills and knowledge.The projects draw on the massive enthusiasm and design know-how of the RSGB, the UK’s leading federation of radio amateurs. Only a basic acquaintance with electronics construction is assumed, with clear step-by-step instructions and numerous illustrations supplied throughout. The projects are also supported with features on the electronics involved.The circuits themselves provide a wealth of quick, rewarding construction projects ranging from radio receivers and amplifiers to test equipment, a moisture meter, a desk microphone, a water level alarm, and Christmas tree LEDs.

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Table of contents :
Contents……Page 6
Preface……Page 10
1 A medium-wave receiver……Page 12
2 An audio-frequency amplifier……Page 15
3 A medium-wave receiver using a ferrite- rod aerial……Page 20
4 A simple electronic organ……Page 23
5 Experiments with the NE555 timer……Page 28
6 A simple metronome……Page 32
7 What is a resistor?……Page 35
8 Waves Part 1……Page 38
9 A beat-frequency oscillator……Page 42
10 What is a capacitor?……Page 45
11 Waves Part 2……Page 49
12 An LED flasher……Page 52
13 Waves Part 3……Page 55
14 Choosing a switch……Page 57
15 An aerial tuning unit for a receiver……Page 60
16 A simple 2m receiver preamplifier……Page 63
17 Receiving aerials for amateur radio……Page 65
18 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 1……Page 69
19 A crystal radio receiver……Page 73
20 The varactor (or varicap) diode……Page 75
21 A portable radio for medium waves……Page 76
22 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 2……Page 81
23 A simple transistor tester……Page 84
24 An introduction to transmitters……Page 88
25 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 3……Page 92
26 A two-way Morse practice system……Page 99
27 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 4……Page 102
28 A simple crystal set……Page 106
29 A crystal calibrator……Page 111
30 A simple short-wave receiver Part 1……Page 115
31 A fruit-powered medium- wave radio……Page 117
32 A capacitance bridge……Page 120
33 A simple short-wave receiver Part 2……Page 124
34 A basic continuity tester……Page 128
35 A charger for NiCad batteries……Page 130
36 An 80 metre crystal- controlled CW transmitter……Page 134
37 A solar-powered MW radio……Page 140
38 A receiver for the 7 MHz amateur band……Page 144
39 Diodes for protection……Page 148
40 An RF signal probe……Page 151
41 An RF changeover circuit……Page 153
42 A low-light indicator……Page 157
43 A J-pole aerial for 50 MHz……Page 160
44 Measuring light intensity – the photometer……Page 164
45 A 70 cm Quad loop aerial……Page 167
46 A UHF field strength meter……Page 171
47 Christmas tree LEDs……Page 173
48 An audio signal injector……Page 177
49 Standing waves……Page 179
50 A standing-wave indicator for HF……Page 181
51 A moisture meter……Page 185
52 Simple aerials……Page 188
53 A breadboard 80 m CW transmitter……Page 193
54 A 7-element low-pass filter for transmitters……Page 197
55 Radio-frequency mixing explained……Page 200
56 A voltage monitor for a 12 V power supply……Page 203
57 A 1750 Hz toneburst for repeater access……Page 207
58 A circuit for flashing LEDs……Page 212
59 Digital logic circuits……Page 216
60 A resistive SWR indicator……Page 221
61 An audio filter for CW……Page 224
62 An electronic die……Page 226
63 The absorption wavemeter……Page 233
64 An HF absorption wavemeter……Page 235
65 A vertical aerial for 70 cm……Page 239
66 A UHF corner reflector aerial……Page 241
67 A switched dummy load……Page 245
68 A simple Morse oscillator……Page 249
69 A bipolar transistor tester……Page 251
70 The ‘Yearling’ 20 m receiver……Page 256
71 Adding the 80 metre band to the Yearling receiver……Page 262
72 How the Yearling works……Page 266
73 A field strength meter……Page 269
74 Preselector for a short- wave receiver……Page 272
75 An audible continuity tester……Page 276
76 An experimental 70 cm rhombic aerial……Page 279
77 Water level alarm……Page 283
78 A delta loop for 20 metres……Page 286
79 A simple desk microphone……Page 290
80 Morse oscillator……Page 295
81 A simple 6m beam……Page 298
82 An integrated-circuit amplifier……Page 302
83 A novice ATU……Page 304
84 CW QRP transmitter for 80 metres……Page 308
85 An audio booster for your hand- held……Page 314
86 A grid dip oscillator……Page 317
87 A CW transmitter for 160 to 20 metres……Page 323
88 Matching the end-fed random- wire aerial……Page 326