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. A wealth of DIY and hobby projects Written by experts who really understand home electronics construction Includes factsheets to help you learn electronics basics as you work through the book

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Table of contents :
Contents……Page 5
Preface……Page 9
1 A medium-wave receiver……Page 11
2 An audio-frequency amplifier……Page 14
3 A medium-wave receiver using a ferrite- rod aerial……Page 19
4 A simple electronic organ……Page 22
5 Experiments with the NE555 timer……Page 27
6 A simple metronome……Page 31
7 What is a resistor?……Page 34
8 Waves Part 1……Page 37
9 A beat-frequency oscillator……Page 41
10 What is a capacitor?……Page 44
11 Waves Part 2……Page 48
12 An LED flasher……Page 51
13 Waves Part 3……Page 54
14 Choosing a switch……Page 56
15 An aerial tuning unit for a receiver……Page 59
16 A simple 2m receiver preamplifier……Page 62
17 Receiving aerials for amateur radio……Page 64
18 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 1……Page 68
19 A crystal radio receiver……Page 72
20 The varactor (or varicap) diode……Page 74
21 A portable radio for medium waves……Page 75
22 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 2……Page 80
23 A simple transistor tester……Page 83
24 An introduction to transmitters……Page 87
25 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 3……Page 91
26 A two-way Morse practice system……Page 98
27 The Colt 80 m receiver Part 4……Page 101
28 A simple crystal set……Page 105
29 A crystal calibrator……Page 110
30 A simple short-wave receiver Part 1……Page 114
31 A fruit-powered medium- wave radio……Page 116
32 A capacitance bridge……Page 119
33 A simple short-wave receiver Part 2……Page 123
34 A basic continuity tester……Page 127
35 A charger for NiCad batteries……Page 129
36 An 80 metre crystal- controlled CW transmitter……Page 133
37 A solar-powered MW radio……Page 139
38 A receiver for the 7 MHz amateur band……Page 143
39 Diodes for protection……Page 147
40 An RF signal probe……Page 150
41 An RF changeover circuit……Page 152
42 A low-light indicator……Page 156
43 A J-pole aerial for 50 MHz……Page 159
44 Measuring light intensity – the photometer……Page 163
45 A 70 cm Quad loop aerial……Page 166
46 A UHF field strength meter……Page 170
47 Christmas tree LEDs……Page 172
48 An audio signal injector……Page 176
49 Standing waves……Page 178
50 A standing-wave indicator for HF……Page 180
51 A moisture meter……Page 184
52 Simple aerials……Page 187
53 A breadboard 80 m CW transmitter……Page 192
54 A 7-element low-pass filter for transmitters……Page 196
55 Radio-frequency mixing explained……Page 199
56 A voltage monitor for a 12 V power supply……Page 202
57 A 1750 Hz toneburst for repeater access……Page 206
58 A circuit for flashing LEDs……Page 211
59 Digital logic circuits……Page 215
60 A resistive SWR indicator……Page 220
61 An audio filter for CW……Page 223
62 An electronic die……Page 225
63 The absorption wavemeter……Page 232
64 An HF absorption wavemeter……Page 234
65 A vertical aerial for 70 cm……Page 238
66 A UHF corner reflector aerial……Page 240
67 A switched dummy load……Page 244
68 A simple Morse oscillator……Page 248
69 A bipolar transistor tester……Page 250
70 The ‘Yearling’ 20 m receiver……Page 255
71 Adding the 80 metre band to the Yearling receiver……Page 261
72 How the Yearling works……Page 265
73 A field strength meter……Page 268
74 Preselector for a short- wave receiver……Page 271
75 An audible continuity tester……Page 275
76 An experimental 70 cm rhombic aerial……Page 278
77 Water level alarm……Page 282
78 A delta loop for 20 metres……Page 285
79 A simple desk microphone……Page 289
80 Morse oscillator……Page 294
81 A simple 6m beam……Page 297
82 An integrated-circuit amplifier……Page 301
83 A novice ATU……Page 303
84 CW QRP transmitter for 80 metres……Page 307
85 An audio booster for your hand- held……Page 313
86 A grid dip oscillator……Page 316
87 A CW transmitter for 160 to 20 metres……Page 322
88 Matching the end-fed random- wire aerial……Page 325