FM Transmitter with one transistor

This is clearly shown in the diagram. For best performance the circuit should be built on a PC board with all components fitted close to each other. The photo below shows the circuit using a coil etched on the board. This type of coil is totally unsuitable. It does not have a high "Q" and the range is very poor. The board cannot be touched as the capacitance of your body causes the circuit to drift. A wound coil will improve the stability considerably. See photos below for the details of a wound coil.

A one transistor circuit

Do not use an etched coil

Here is the 1-transistor circuit produced by GuEsTyE.net on a home-made PC board and heat-shrunk so the air-trimmer is adjustable via a small hole.

The PC board drilled ready for fitting the components

The 10 components (plus heatshrink, battery and wire)

The components mounted on the board

The board ready for fitting into heatshrink

The finished bug with "studs" for the battery
and a cut-out for the air trimmer

At On Air

Simple FM transmitter with a single transistor

  Mini FM transmitters take place as one of the standard circuit types in an amateur electronics fan's beginning steps. When done right, they provide very clear wireless sound transmission through an ordinary FM radio over a remarkable distance. I've seen lots of designs through the years, some of them were so simple, some of them were powerful, some of them were hard to build etc.

  Here is the last step of this evolution, the most stable, smallest, problemless, and energy saving champion of this race. Circuit given below will serve as a durable and versatile FM transmitter till you break or crush it's PCB. Frequency is determined by a parallel L-C resonance circuit and shifts very slow as battery drains out.

 Technical datas:

 Supply voltage    :    1.1 - 3 Volts

 Power consumption :    1.8 mA at 1.5 Volts

 Range             :    30 meters max. at 1.5 Volts

  Main advantage of this circuit is that power supply is a 1.5Volts cell (any size) which makes it possible to fix PCB and the battery into very tight places. Transmitter even runs with standard NiCd rechargeable cells, for example a 750mAh AA size battery runs it about 500 hours (while it drags 1.4mA at 1.24V) which equals to 20 days. This way circuit especially valuable in amateur spy operations :)

  Transistor is not a critical part of the circuit, but selecting a high frequency / low noise one contributes the sound quality and range of the transmitter. PN2222A, 2N2222A, BFxxx series, BC109B, C, and even well known BC238 runs perfect. Key to a well functioning, low consumption circuit is to use a high hFE / low Ceb (internal junction capacity) transistor.

  Not all of the condenser microphones are the same in electrical characteristics, so after operating the circuit, use a 10K variable resistance instead of the 5.6K, which supplies current to the internal amplifier of microphone, and adjust it to an optimum point where sound is best in amplitude and quality. Then note the value of the variable resistor and replace it with a fixed one.

  The critical part is the inductance L which should be handmade. Get an enameled copper wire of 0.5mm (AWG24) and round two loose loops having a diameter of 4-5mm. Wire size may vary as well. Rest of the work is much dependent on your level of knowledge and experience on inductances:  Have an FM radio near the circuit and set frequency where is no reception. Apply power to the circuit and put a iron rod into the inductance loops to chance it's value. When you find the right point, adjust inductance's looseness and, if required, number of turns. Once it's OK, you may use trimmer capacitor to make further frequency adjustments. You may get help of a experienced person on this point. Do not forget to fix inductance by pouring some glue onto it against external forces. If the reception on the radio lost in a few meters range, than it's probably caused by a wrong coil adjustment and you are in fact listening to a harmonic of the transmitter instead of the center frequency. Place radio far away from the circuit and re-adjust. An oscilloscope would make it easier, if you know how to use it in this case. Unfortunately I don't have any :(

  Every part should fit on the following PCB easily. Pay attention to the transistor's leads which should be connected right. Also try to connect trimmer capacitor's moving part to the + side, which may help unwanted frequency shift while adjusting. PCB drawing should be printed at 300DPI.

   The one below is a past PCB work of mine, which was prepared to fit into a pocket flashlight. Since it was so crowded, use the new computerized PCB artwork instead, yet very small.

   Here is a completed and perfectly running circuit, mounted in a pocket light, taking the advantage of the 1.5V AA cell slot near it. Microphone is fixed into the bulb's place and antenna is made out of a 30cm soft cable. When cover is placed, it becomes very handy!

   Do not forget, restrictions on radio frequency transmitting devices may differ in your local area. This circuit has a power output that should be less than 1mW so have to be safe under many kinds of legal conditions but particular attempts such as listening to other people's private life will always be disapproved everywhere.

Fading Red Eyes

This circuit is used to slowly illuminate and fade a pair of red LEDs (light emitting diodes). The fading LEDs could be installed as 'eyes' in a small pumpkin or skull as a Halloween attraction, or mounted in a Christmas tree ornament. Or, they might be used as a fancy power indicator for your computer, microwave oven, stereo system, TV, or other appliance.
In operation, a linear 3 volt (peak to peak) ramping waveform is generated at pin 1 of the LM1458 IC and buffered with an emitter follower transistor stage. The 22uF capacitor and 47K resistor connected to pin 2 establish the frequency which is about 0.5 Hz. You can make the rate adjustable by using a 100K potentiometer in place of the 47K resistor at pin 2.
The circuit consists of two operational amplifiers (opamps), one producing a slow rising and falling voltage from about 3 volts to 6 volts, and the other (on the right) is used as a voltage comparator, the output of which supplies a alternating voltage switching between 2 and 7 volts to charge and discharge the capacitor with a constant current.
Each of the op-amps has one of the inputs (pins 3 and 6) tied to a fixed voltage established by two 47K resistors so that the reference is half the supply voltage or 4.5 volts. The left opamp is connected as an inverting amplifier with a capacitor placed between the output (pin 1) and the inverting input (pin 2). The right opamp is connected as a voltage comparator so that the output on pin 7 will be low when the input is below the reference and high when the input is higher than the reference. A 100K resistor is connected between the comparator output and input to provide positive feedback and pulls the input above or below the switching point when the threshold is reached. When the comparator output changes at pin 7, the direction of the current changes through the capacitor which in turn causes the inverting opamp to move in the opposite direction. This yields a linear ramping waveform or triangle waveform at pin 1 of the inverting opamp. It is always moving slowly up or down, so that the voltage on the non-inverting input stays constant at 4.5 volts.
Adjustments to the point where the LEDs extinguish can be made by altering the resistor value at pin 3 and 6 to ground. I found a 56K in place of the 47k shown worked a little better with the particular LEDs used. You can experiment with this value to get the desired effect.

How to build Fading Red Eyes

Circuit description:
This circuit is used to slowly illuminate and fade a pair of red LEDs (light emitting diodes). The fading LEDs could be installed as 'eyes' in a small pumpkin or skull as a Halloween attraction, or mounted in a Christmas tree ornament. Or, they might be used as a fancy power indicator for your computer, microwave oven, stereo system, TV, or other appliance.
In operation, a linear 3 volt (peak to peak) ramping waveform is generated at pin 1 of the LM1458 IC and buffered with an emitter follower transistor stage. The 22uF capacitor and 47K resistor connected to pin 2 establish the frequency which is about 0.5 Hz. You can make the rate adjustable by using a 100K potentiometer in place of the 47K resistor at pin 2.
The circuit consists of two operational amplifiers (opamps), one producing a slow rising and falling voltage from about 3 volts to 6 volts, and the other (on the right) is used as a voltage comparator, the output of which supplies a alternating voltage switching between 2 and 7 volts to charge and discharge the capacitor with a constant current.
Each of the op-amps has one of the inputs (pins 3 and 6) tied to a fixed voltage established by two 47K resistors so that the reference is half the supply voltage or 4.5 volts. The left opamp is connected as an inverting amplifier with a capacitor placed between the output (pin 1) and the inverting input (pin 2). The right opamp is connected as a voltage comparator so that the output on pin 7 will be low when the input is below the reference and high when the input is higher than the reference. A 100K resistor is connected between the comparator output and input to provide positive feedback and pulls the input above or below the switching point when the threshold is reached. When the comparator output changes at pin 7, the direction of the current changes through the capacitor which in turn causes the inverting opamp to move in the opposite direction. This yields a linear ramping waveform or triangle waveform at pin 1 of the inverting opamp. It is always moving slowly up or down, so that the voltage on the non-inverting input stays constant at 4.5 volts.
Adjustments to the point where the LEDs extinguish can be made by altering the resistor value at pin 3 and 6 to ground. I found a 56K in place of the 47k shown worked a little better with the particular LEDs used. You can experiment with this value to get the desired effect.

Parts List:

• Description - Mfg Part# -Allied Part# - Quantity - Cost
• Operational Amplifier LM1458 - 288-1090 - 1 - .48
• 47K Resistor - 296-2182 - 4 - .42
• 100K Resistor - 296-5610 - 1
• 100 Ohm Resistor - 895-0465 - 1 - .24
• Transistor 2N3904 - 568-8253 - 1 - .1
• 22uF Capacitor - 852-6516 - 1 - .07
• Solderless Breadboard - 237-0015 - 1 - 6.99
• Red Light Emitting Diode (LED) - 670-1224 - 2 - 0.50

Note: The LED listed has a narrow viewing angle of 30 degrees and appears brightest when looking directly at it. It's not a pure red color, and a little on the orange side, but should be brighter compared to other selections. For a wider viewing angle at reduced intensity, try part number 670-1257 which is viewable at 60 degrees and has a red diffused lens.

Construction details:
Layout of the solderless breadboard:
Refer to the drawing below the schematic diagram and note the solderless breadboard is arranged in rows labeled A-J, and columns numbered 1 to 65. Each group of 5 holes in the same column are the same connection, so that holes A1,B1,C1,D1 and E1 are all connected together. Likewise holes F1,G1,H1,I1 and J1 are all the same connection. The outer rows along the length of the board are also connected together and are normally used for power supply connections. However, there is a break in the mid section of the outer rows, so a short jumper wire connecting the mid section of the outer rows should be installed to connect the entire outer row together. If you have a DMM, use the low ohms range and probe the various holes to get familiar with the board layout.
Installing the components:
Orientate the LM1458 so the nook or punch mark on one edge is near column 30 and the opposite edge is near column 33. Install the LM1458 on the breadboard so the pins straddle the center section of the board and pin 1 of the IC is occupying hole E30 and pin 8 is in hole F30. The pins are numbered counter clockwise, so pin 4 will be occupying F33 and pin 5 will be in E33. Possible connections for the LM1458, 9 volt battery, and a couple other parts is illustrated in the lower drawing of the solderless breadboard, but it is not complete with all parts.
Refer to the schematic diagram, and install the various other components so they connect to the appropriate pins of the LM1458. Use whatever connection holes are convenient. For example, the 22uF capacitor connects between pins 1 and 2 of the IC, which occupy holes (F30,F31) so it could be placed in the holes (H30, H31) or (J30,J31) or (I30,I31). But not all parts will conveniently fit, so you may have to use a short jumper wire (#22 preferred) to connect parts from one side of the chip to the other.
The board I assembled was connected this way:

• LM1458 F30 to F33, and E30 to E33
• 22uF capacitor H30 to H31
• 47K resistor I30 to I35
• 47K resistor C27 to C31
• 47K resistor F25 to Positive battery row
• 47K resistor J25 to Negative Battery row
• 100K resistor B31 to B33
• 2N3904 Transistor G36, G37, G38 with emitter at G38
• 100 Ohm resistor D38 to F38
• LED B43 to B44 (Cathode at B44)
• LED I43 to I44 (Cathode at I43)
• Jumper A30 to Positive battery row
• Jumper F36 to Positive battery row
• Jumper J33 to Negative battery row
• Jumper J43 to Negative battery row
• Jumper H25 to J32
• Jumper J30 to J37
• Jumper E27 to G31
• Jumper D32 to G32
• Jumper D33 to H35
• Jumper C38 to C43
• Jumper E44 to F44
• 9 Volt Battery Postive battery row to negative row.

Circuit diagram

 

 The circuit below illustrates two pairs of LEDs that operate out of phase so as one pair slowly illuminate, the other pair will fade. 

 

 

Line Powered White LEDs

The LED circuit below is an example of using 25 white LEDs in series connected to the 120VAC line. It can be modified for more or less LEDs by adjusting the resistor value. The exact resistance will depend on the particular LEDs used. But working out the resistor value is a bit complicated since current will not continously flow through the resistor. In operation, the output of the bridge rectifier will be about 120 DC RMS or 170 volts peak. If we use 25 white LEDs with a forward voltage of 3 volts each, the total LED voltage will be 75 volts. The peak resistor voltage will be 170- 75 or 95 volts but the resistor voltage will not be continous since the input must rise above 75 before any current flows. This (dead time) represents about 26 degrees of the 90 degree half wave rectified cycle, (asin) 75/170 = (asin) .44 = 26 degrees. This means the resistor will conduct during 90-26 = 64 degrees, or about 71 percent of the time.
Next we can work out the peak LED current to determine the resistor value. If the LED current is 20mA RMS, the peak current will be 20*1.414 or 28mA. But since the duty cycle is only 71 percent, we need to adjust this figure up to 28/0.71 = 39mA. So, the resistor value should be 95/.039 = 2436 ohms (2.4K) and the power rating will be .02^2 *2400= .96 watts. A two watt size is recommended.
Now this circuit can also be built using 2 diodes and resistor as shown in the lower drawing. The second diode in parallel with the LEDs is used to avoid a reverse voltage on the LEDs in case the other diode leaks a little bit. It may not be necessary but I thought it was a good idea.
Working out the resistor value is similar to the other example and comes out to about half the value of the full wave version, or about 1.2K at 1 watt in this case. But the peak LED current will be twice as much or about 78mA. This is probably not too much, but you may want to look up the maximum current for short duty cycles for the LEDs used and insure 79mA doesn't exceed the spec.

Black Light

 

This circuit is a simple ultraviolate light that can be powered by a 6 volt battery or power supply that is capable of supplying 1 or more amps.

Parts
C1 0.0047uf Mono Capacitor
C2 0.1uf Disc Capacitor
D1, D2 1N4007 Diode
FTB Filtered Blacklight Tube
IC1 555 Timer IC
P1 10k Trim Pot
Q1 TIP30 PNP Power Transistor
R1 470 Ohm Resistor
R2 270 Ohm Resistor
T1 Medium Yellow Inverter Transformer
MISC IC Socket, Heat Sink For Q1, Screw, Nut, Wire and PC Board
Notes:
1. P1 changes brightness of the black light tube.