CONSTRUCTOR

PHASE LOCKED 200kHz CALIBRATOR

A Calibrator with BBC Radio 4
Accuracy by R. A. Penfold
R.S.G.B. NATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO
EXHIBITION
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
NEWS AND COMMENT
CAR VOLTAGE MONITORSuggastad
Circuit by G. A. French

662

MAINS TOUCH SWITCH

by A. P. Roberts

672

LOGIC LEVEL AUDIBLE ALARM

Wondarboard T.T.L. Project

677

SLEEPER-BLEEPERDouble Daccer
Series by Ian Sinclair

678

AUDIO CONTINUITY TESTER

Signals Continuity By Audible Tone
by I. M. Attrill

680

SHORT WAVE NEWSFor DX Listeners

by Frank A. Baldwin

684

GETTING INTO ROUTINETune-In To

Programs by Ian Sinclair

686

IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE

689

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 queries cannot be answered over
the telephone, they must be submitted in
writing and accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope for reply.

2 WATT CLASS A AMPLIFIERQuality

A.F. Amplifier with positively no
crossover distortion by John Baker

690

PREVENTING A.M. IMAGE

INTERFERENCE
In Your Workshop

696

Correspondence should be addressed to

the Editor, Advertising Manager, Subscription Manager or the Publishers as appropriate.

NEW CATALOGUE

701

RADIO TOPICS by Recorder

702

P.C.B. WIRING JIGS

by T. F. Weatherley

704

JULY 1979
Volume 32 No. 11
Published Monthly
(3rd of preceding Month)
First Published 1947
Incorporating The Radio Amateur
Editorial and Advertising Offices
57 MAIDA VALE LONDON W9 ISN
Telephone
01-286 6141

Telegrams
Databux, London

Data Publications Ltd., 1979. Contents

may only be reproduced after obtaining
prior permission from the Editor. Short
abstracts or references are allowable
provided acknowledgement of source is
given.
Annual Subscription: 7.50, Overseas
8.50 (U.S.A. and Canada $18.00) including postage. Remittances should be
made payable to "Data Publications Ltd".
Overseas readers, please pay by cheque or
International Money Order.

Opinions expressed by contributors are not

necessarily those of the Editor or
proprietors.
Production Web Offset.
Published in Great Britain by the Proprietors and
Publishers, Data Publications Ltd, 57 Maida
Vale, London W9 ISN.
The Radio & Electronics Constructor is printed
by Swale Press Ltd.

FERRITE ROD AERIALS Electronics

Data No, 47 For the Beginner

THE AUGUST ISSUE

WILL BE PUBLISHED
ON 4th JULY

666
667
668
670

iii

Tecknouiledgeu
for
sale
;i
The Mark III
' Precision construclion iV
DIY Hi Fi will never seem the
desisjn ol iill p;irts
same again. Ambit's Mark III
:i: I imc IrccinciKA displ:i\
tuner system is electrically &
Slate ol the ail perlormanee
visually superior to all others.
wilh faeililies lor updale's.
Some options available, but
usiny modular pluii in
the illustrated version with
systems.
reference series modules;
* Devialion level ealihralor
149.00 + 18.62 VAT
:i: tor recordiny
All usual tuner reatures
With Hyperfi Series modules
ALL
TUNER
KITS
3
carriage
185.00 + 23 12
Digital Dorchester All Band Broadcast Tuner: LW/MW/SW/SW/SW/FM stereo LW/MW/I M LCI) Diuilal Frequoncy Display - July PW feature
A multiband superhet tuner, constructed using a single IC for RF/IF processing but with Update your old radio, or build this into a new design.
Or use it as a servicing aid this low power unit with
all features you would expect of designs of far greater complexity. The FM section uses a
three section (air gang) tuned FET tunerhead, with ceramic IF filters and mterstation mute; LCD display reads direct frequency in kHz/MHz, or
with
usual AM/FM IF offsets for received frequency,
AM employs a double balanced mixer input stage, with mechanical IF filters plus a BFO
Low power LCD means no RFI 15-20mA at 9v even
and MOSFET product detector for CW/SSB reception. Styled in a matching unit to the
Mark III FM only tuner, employing the same degree of care in mechanical design to enable with the divide by 100 prescalar. FM resolution is
100kHz, AM 1kHz. Sensitivities better than lOmV
easy construction. MW/LW reception via a ferrite rod antenna.
Complete kit 19.50 +#1.56 VAT. Built and tested version 24.00 +*1.92 VAT
Electronics only (PCB and all components thereon)
33.00 + 4.12 VAT
Various other DFM systems described in our catalogue part 2 including a one chip
Complete with digital frequency readout/clock-timer hardware 99.00 + 12.37 VAT
solution to providing digital display of FRG7 kHz dial, combined with dock/timers etc.
Complete with MA1023 clock/timer module with dial scale 66.00 + 8.25 VAT
Hardware packages ere available separately if you wish to house your own designs in a
professional case structure. Please deduct the cost of electronics from complete prices.
PW SANDBANKS PI METAL LOCATOR Radio and Audio Modules : The biggest range/ best specs: COMPONENTS for Radio and Audio ICs, HMOS etc.
The list is too long to attempt here, but AMBIT specializes in all types of
Maintaining our professional approach to EF5801/3/4 6 stage varicap tunerheads with LO feed and various
semiconductor for radio reception, including devices operating from DC to
home constructor kits, we offer the pulse
levels of sophistication. New 5804 include pin AGC loop 'on
5GHz. New low cost SBL1 diode ring mixers (equiv case MD108 etc) -first
induction 'Sandbanks'. Now with inject' board'. 5801 ;17,45+2.18vat 5803:19.75+2,47vat
with HMOS fets, now with a PCB for DC amplifier, and offset sense and
ion molded casing for greatly # improved
5804:24.95 +3.18vat. Frequencies in 40-180MHz on appen.
relay for speakers. See catalogue and updates for most info, pse
enviromental sealing. 37.00+ 2.96vat. EF5402
4 stage varicap with TDA1062, compound FET/Bipolar protection
send an SAE for information on anything you cannot find in catalogues.
input stage, low noise, balanced mixer, pin age, osc output. A
VHF MONITOR RX WITH PLESSEY IC
Radio
ICs
cost + vat Stereo ICs cost + vat AF power ICs cost + vat
worthy successor to the 5400. 10.75+1.34vat
4/9 channel version of the PW design - The 5402
CA3089E 1.94 24 MC1310P 1.50 19 LM380N
1.00 12
is available centred on a wide range of frequencies from
but using standard 3rif OT crystals, and 30MHz
CA3189E
2.45 30 uA758 2.20 27 TBA810AS 1.09 14
Non standard units 14.75+1.84 - 3 weeks.
TOYO 8 pole crystal filter with matching 8319 to 180MHz.
CA3090A
2.75
34
TDA2002
1.95
24
HA1137W
2.20
27
4
stage
varicap
tunerhead
from
Larsholt
using
MOSFET
transformers. Coil sets from our standard
SN76660 0.75 9 HA1196 3.95 49 TBA820M 0.75 9
RF and mixer stages. New temperature compensated oscillator
range to cover bands from 40 to 200MHz.
4.35
54
TDA1090
3.35
42
HA11223
from the general list:
for wide ranges of ambient temperature 13.45+1.68vat
Complete module kit 31.25 +3.90vat . 7252 Complete
1.95 24 KB4437 4.35 54 LEDs:all colours and
FM tuner less stereo decoder. 26.50+3.31 vat TDA1083
TDA1220 1.40 17 KB2224 2.75 34 low
ETI - REMCON RADIO CONTROL 7253 Stereo FMLarsholt
prices^
tunerset
from
Larsholt
with
FET
head,
(as
7252)
SL6640 2.75 34 Preamp ICs/switches 2SJ48/2SK134
A tried and tested RC system with a 944378 Hyperfi stereo decoder. The very best. 19.95+2.19vaT
HMOS
MC3357 3.12 39 TDA1028 3.50 44 9.90 +0.80 vat(Pair)
full set of supporting hardware from a 911223 Pilot cancel stereo decoder, priced to make the MC1310 as
HA1197W
1.40
17
well known manufacturer. Please send
TDA1029
3.50
44
fets/transistors and
as it now deserves to be.12,50+1.56vat
MCI 496 1.25 16 TDA1074 4.14 52 Signal
for details and watch our ads for further Inotecobsolete
1 -A fully DC tuned and switched LW/MW/FM stereo tuner
LM373/4 3.75 49 KB4438 2.22 28 TOKO COILS & FILTERS!
news of developments in RC products.
to interface with synthesiser control etc.A first! Details OA
OSTS: Remember all OSTS stocks are obtained from BS9000 approved sources your
assurance that all devices are very best first quality commercial types. Some LPSN
micromarket
[D40E o [mos
TTL is presently in great demand, so please check by phone before ordering .
4000 17p 4059 563p 4522 I49ti 6800 series 8216 1.95
4001 17p
8224 3.50
4060
115p
4527
157,.
4002 Wp 4063 109p 4528 102ii 6800P
8228 4,78
All prices i
4006 109p 4066 53p 4529 I41|i 68201' 6.50
6 825
TTL;Standard VHID LP SchattkV pence
1 6.25
#
4007
68508
18p
2.75
220
'N' 'LSN
'N* 'LSN'
4067 400p 4530 90p 681 OP 4 8255 5.40 MEKUHOU
N' LSN'
'N'
LSN'
4008
80p
TK80 1306
MEMORIES
4068
25p
141p
4531
7400 13 20 7455 35 24 74126 57 44 74185 134
4009
6852
58p
3.65
AMI.
Sii|
t
ii
74377
124
125p
70
7401 13 20 7460 17
2102 13 40
74
74188 275
4010 58 p 4069 20p
743
78
93
20p 4532
4534 614p 8080 series
7402 14 20 7463
124 74128
4011 17p 4070
74132 73 78 74190 115
74379
130
6.30 2112
4071 20p 4536 380p 8080
7 54
7403
14
20
2513
7470
28
74133
74191
4012
17p
2974368
37
8212
2.30
4072
20p
150p
7404 14 24 7472 28
402 7 5 78
40 74192 105
4013
55p 4073 20p 4538
74390
140
4539 1 lOp
7405 18 26 7473 32 38 74136
4014 95p
74138
105
60 74193
74393
140
20p 4541 141p MISC. LSI/Scalars/DVMs
74 74 27 38 74139
7406 38
52p 4075
74194
4016
T05
60
74395
139
90p
4076
4543
I
74(i
7407
38
74 75
4017 80p 4077 20p 4549 399p NE555 30(i N E 556 /8)i NL558 IHU(i
40 74141 56
74195 95
74396
133
7408 17 24 7476 38
4018 80p 4078 20p 4553 440p LM3909 72(i 95H90U(; /320MH/ 7 H()|i
74142 265
74196
74398
180
7409 1 7 24 74 78 37 3838 74143
4019 60p 81 20p 4554 153(1 nC90DC /650MH/ 114 00
74197
312
74390
150
7410
15
24
7480
4020 93p
48
74144
31*2
74198
74445
92
8 decade 10MHz DFM/timer with
20p
7 7p ICM7216BIPI
7411 20 24 7481 86
4021 82p 4082
74145
97
74199
65
74447
90
LED drive4 decade
and all (iiogrammulilu
counter featurescnu19.82
82p 4556
4557 386p direct
7412 17
7482
7414
7
4022 90p 4085
69
175
74247
74490
140
ICM7217A1BI
9 50
4086
82p
II
7p
4558
7413
7483
A
30
4023
110
74148
109
191
17p
74248
74668
110
clock pulse generaior IC
4 95
4089
150p
4559 388p ICM7207
7414 51
7484 97
4024
76p
74150
99
74249
74670
249
ICM7208
7
decade
counier/displ.iy
ilnvei 14 95
4093
50p
4560
218p
7415
7485 104 99 74151 64 84 74251
24
4025
17p
LCD
9 5580
4094 190p 4561 65p ICM7106CP
7416 30
7486
40 74153 64 54 74253
4026
VOLTAGE /PSU
LCD DVM
DVM ICKIT(3'..-d.iin)
24
105p 4562 530p ICM7106CPK
7417 30
55p 4096
205
74154 96
4027 180p
74257
REGULATORS
LED
DVM
ICKIT
9 5565
4097 372p
4566 159(i ICM7107CP
7420 16 24 7489
7490
4028
72p
33
90
74155
54
110
74258
7800
series
95p
ICM7107CPK
LED
DVM
20
4098
1,
1
Op
4568 281p
7421 2924 24 7491 76 no 741 6 80 1 10 74259
4029 100p
7900
series 90p
1
303p
divide liy 100/200MH/ scaliit
4 20
7422
24 7492 38 '8 74157 67 55 74260
4030 58p 4099
78M series
4160 122p
90p 4569
4572 25p SP8629
liy 100 to 1 75MH/ mn.
7423 27
4031 250p
7493
60
74261
(TO220
pack)
4161
90p
4580 600|> MSL2318 divide
divide by 10 lo 45MH/ iniii 4 20
7494 3278 99 74158
lOOp
7425 27
4032
74159
210
74266
78LCP
series
35p
4162
90p
4581
319(i
7426
A 65 99 74160 82 130 74273
4033 145p 4163 90p 4582 164(i PLEASE REMEMBER TO ADD 8% VAT
78MGT2C 175p
7427 2736 2927 7495
4034 200p 4174 104p 4583 84,. TO ITEMS LISTED UNDER OSTS
58 120 74161 92 78 74275
79MGT2C 175p
7428 35 32 7496
7497 185
74162
92
130
4035 120p 4175 95p 4584 63(1
74279
723C
65p
7430 1 7 24 7474100
119
74
163
92
4036
78
74283
NE550A
73p
4194 95p 4585 IQOii
7432 25 24 1 04 63
74164 104 130 /4290
4037 250p
lOOp
L200
195p
23p
7433 40 32 74105 62
105p 4501
105
4038 250p
74293
4502 91 p
7437 40 24 7410/ 32 38 74165
74
166
4039
74295
(MAINS
FILTERS
|
69p
OPTO 7 seg displays
4040 83p 4503
RS
7438 33 24 74109
63
7416
7
20
38
74
298
lAmplEC
4
83
51p LinES
Bl MOS
LM324N
10 54 54 74168
4041 90p 4506
7440
74324
|6Amp
IEC
5.83
0.43"
High Efficiency HP
4507
55p
LM339N
7441 1774 24 741
741 1 1 68
4042
85p
C
A3
not
74
169
200
wirem
3.87
5082 7650 i.d CA
248p CA3130T
LM348N
74 1 70 230 200 74325
85p 4508
7442 70 99 741
12
4043
.38
lAII
BS
approved
74326
5082
7653
led CC
99|)
4510
LM3900N
74113
72 625
4044 80p 4511 149p CA31 40t
7443 115
38 741
74327
5082 7660 yellow C
709HC to5
7444
741 14
4045 150p 4512 98p CA3140T
38 7474 11 7374 1 70
74352
Requests
for
the
5082
7663
yellow C
709PC
d.l
7445 112
94
4046
130p
74116
198
CA3160E
8/
120
I issue of the
5082 76 70 i|iee.i C/:
206p CA3160T
710HC ilib
404 7 99p 4513
7446
741 7576 87 110 74353
83
74362
jcataluyuu now beiny |
260p Op .mips
5082 76/3 .|ieen CC
710PC
dil
744 7 9482 89 741
60p 4514
741 1819 119
741
4048
75
74365
'booked"
for
des
300p LM301 ATT
773CN
4049 55p 4515
7448
99 74 120 115
741 7/ 78
0.3" Standard HP
74366
(patch immediately
125p
741CH mil
7449 56 99
4050 55p 4516
74121
85
5082 7 730 n il CA }l47p
7436/
is ready (about
AN
382(> LM301
741CN
Kdil
4051 65p 4517
74 1 22 4625 5/ 74180
7450 11 77
74181
165
550
5082 7740 ied CC
74368
LM308H
ovemberl.
Please
103p
4518
74 7CN
4052 65p 4519 57(1 LMBOBN 9 7(. 748CN
7451
24 74 1 23 48 73 74 182 16(7
743 /3
[send 50p to reserve
0.5"
Fairchild
4053
65p
7453
17
74
1
24
74
18.3
13
7
210
743/4
a
copy
(Part
3)
LM318H
2/9(1
FND500
red CA
CC
150(1
4520
109n
NF531T
4054
7454 1 7 24 74 1 25 38 44 74 184 1 35
120p
74 ; /',
LM318N
224,:
FND507
ied
150(i
4521
236(>
NE531N
4055 135p
Current news: Work continues apace on our HMOS PA kit, and by the time this is published we expect to be about to launch the product in a style that matches the Mark III system.
The unit uses separate transformers and power supplies, and includes a DC offset sensing circuit combined with slow switch-on using a relay. We introduce the HyperFi FM IF with this
advert and a separate leaflet is available on request with an SAE. All new pricelist revision also available with an SAE. The Miillard DC controlled tone/volume and switch ICs wilh a 'more
than HiFi' specification are in stock at last together with reams of data (over 50 pages now). Also, RC enthusiasts will be interested to learn that we are supplying parts for various kits now
Terms:
CWO please. Account facilities for commercial customers OA. Postage 25p per order. Minimum credit invoice for account customers 10.00. Please follow instructions on
VAT, which is usually shown as a separate amount. Overseas customers welcome please allow for postage etc according to desired shipping method. Access facilities for credit purchases.
Catalogues: Ambit. Part 1 45p. Part 2 50p 90p pair. TOKO Euro shortfoim 20p. Micrometals toroid cores 40p. All inc PP etc. Full data service described in pricelist supplements.
Hours/phone: We are open from 9am 7pm for phone calls. Callers from 10am lo 7pm. Administrative enquiries 9am to 4.30pm please (not Saturdays). Saturday service 10am to 6pm
AMBIT catalogues are guaranteed to contain the most up-to-date and best informed comment on
modern developments and advances in the field of radio and audio. There is no competetive
publication that even approaches the broad range of parts/information on modern techniques.
ambit intErnatianal 2 GreshamRoad, Brcntuiaad, Essex.

Electronic Components
REGULATORS
78L05 30p
7805 60p
78L12 30p
7812 60p
78L15 30p 7815 60p

79L05 7Op
79L12 70p
7905 80p

HARDWARE
MINIATURE TRANSFORMERS
240 Volt Primary
Secondary rated at 100mA,
Available with secondaries of:
6 0 6, 9 0 9 and
12 0 12.
92p. each.

7912 80p
7915 80p
LM723 35p

AC127
AC128
AC176
AD161
AD162
8C107
BC108
BC109
BC147
BC148
BC149
BC148
BC177
BC178
BC179
BC182
BC182L
SCI 84
BC184L
BC212
BC212L
BC214
BC214L
BC4;7
BC4 78
BC479
BC548
BCY70

i7p
16p
18p
38p
38p

14p
14p
i4p
10).
lOp
I Op
10).
10).
10p
10p
lOp
19p
19p
19p
lOp
14p

8CY71
BCY72
BD131
BD132
BD135
BD139
BD140
8F2448
BFY60
BFYS1
BFY52
MJ2955
MPSA06
MPSA56
TIP29C
TIP30C
TIP31C
TIP32C
ZTX107
ZTX108

14p
14p
3 So
35P
38p
35p
35p
36p
15p
tSo
15p
98p
20p
20p
60p
7OP
65p
80P
I4p
14p

ZTX109 14p
ZTX300 16p
2N697 12p
3N1302 38p
2N2905 22p
2N2907 22p
2N3053 18p
2N3055 50p
2N3442 135p
2N3702 8p
2N3704 8p
2N3705 9p
2N3706 9p
2N3707 9p
2N3708 8p
2N3819 22p
2N3904
2N3905 8p
2N3906 8p
2N4058 12p
2N5457 32p
2N5458 3Op
2N5459 32p
2N5777 50p

Size in.
O.lin. 0.15.n
2.5 Vl
14p 13p
2.5 x 3.75 42p 40p
2.5 x 5
52p 50p
3 75 x 5
60p 60p
3.75 x 17 195p 180p

Veropinssmgle sided
per 100
0,1 m 35p
0.1 Sin 4Op

Aluminium boxes with lid and screws

Length width height
3
2
4 Bp
AL1
1
IV,
58p
AL2
2
65p
AL3
AL4
2
70p
3
85p
AL5
2
AL6
116p

Plastic cased
DIODES
Thynttori
1N914 3p 1N5401 13p usESsa Texas
1N4001 4p BZY88ser 8p
4A
8A
12A
Full spec product
100 V
36p
45p
62p
1N4148 1,40/100 11/1000 200V.
42p
53p
68p
51p
66p
86 p
LOUDSPEAKERS
CA3140 38p NE555 21p 400V
LM301AN 26p NE556 50p
56mm dia. 8 ohms
70p
[| Plastic cased Tnacs.
LM318N 85p NE565 85p
Texas
64mm dia. 8 ohms
75p
THIS IS ONLY LM324 45p NE567 170p
All rated at 400V
A
SELECTION'
SN76003
200p
LM339
45p
64mm dia, 64 ohms
75p
709
28p LM380 75p SN76013 140p 4A 70p 12A 90p 20A 185p
70mm dia. 8 ohms
lOOp
LM382 120p SN76023 140p 8A 80p 16A 95p 25A 215p
741
16p
o
70mm dia. 80 ohms
1 lOp
747
40p LM1830 150p SN76033 200p
3 Op LM3900 50p SN76477 220p
748
4018 55p 4050 25p
CA3046 55p LM3909 65p TBA800 70p
4023 12p 4066 35p |
MCI 496 60p TDA1022 650p Kuj
CA3080
70p
TERMINALS
4024 40p 4068 18p
MCI 4 58 32p ZN414 75p mm*
CA3130
90p
Rated at 10A, Accepts 4mm plug, black,
4001 12p 4026 90p 4069 12p
4002 12p 4027 30p 4071 12p
blue, green, brown and red . . . 22p
4007 12p 4028 48p 4081 13p
m.
4011 12p 4029 50p 4093 45p
4013 28p 4040 60p 4510 65p
SWITCHES
each
TANTALUM BEAD
4015 50p 4042 50p 4511 65p
4016 30p 4046 90p 4518 65p
0 t, 0.15, 0 22. 0 33,0 47, 0 68,
Subminiature toggle. Rated at 3A 250V
1 & 2 2uF (S 35V
8p
4017 48p 4049 25p 4520 60p
I3p
SPOT 70p SPOT centre off 75p
4 7, 6 8, IOuF @> 25V
FULL DETAILS IN CATALOGUE!
I6p
22
>
16V,
47
I?
6V.
100
S"
3V
DPDT 80p DPDT centre off 95p
MYLAR
FILM
Standard toggle
0 001,0 01,0 022.0 033.0 047
3p
4p
0 068, 0 1
SPST 34p DPDT 48p
POLYESTER
Wavechange swifches.
Low profile
Mullard C280 series
by Texas
1P12W, 2P6W, 3P4W or 4P3W all 43p ea.
0 01, 0 015, 0 022, 0 033, 0 04 7. 0 068. 0 1 5p
7
1'
0 15,0 22
P
Miniature switches (non-locking)
0,33. 0.47
10p
28 pm 22p
8
pm
8p
16
pm
11p
0 68
'"P
14 pm lOp 24 pm 18p 40 pm 32p
Push to make 15p
Push to break 20p
1 OuF
17P
Soldercon pins 100 50p 1000 370p
Slide switches (DPDT)
CERAMIC
Plate tvpe 50V Available in E1 2 series trom
Miniature
14p Standard
15p
22pF to lOOOpF and E6 series trom 1500pF to
0 047uF
2p
CONTROL KNOBS
each 100*
RADIAL LEAD ELECTROLYTIC
LED's 0.125in 02in
63V 0 47 1 0 2 2 4 7 10
5p
9p 8p
Red
TIL209
TIL220
Ideal for use on mixers etc. Push on type
22 33 47
Green TIL211 TIL221 13p 12p
_ZP.
with black base and marked position line. Cap"
13p
12p
13p
TIL213
TIL223
Yellow
100
Clips
3p
3p
20p
available in red, blue, green, grey, yellow and black, 14p
220
22 33
DISPLAYS
I30p 120p
DL704 0.3 in CC
lOp
13 Op 120p
220
DL707 0.3 in CA
WHY NOT VISIT OUR
lOOp 80p
J5p_ FND500 0,5 m CC
470
23p
1000
Carbon trim resntm
NEW SHOP
on. High stabilitv,
low none 5%
We welcome callers at our
BROMLEY NORTH
E12 series. 4.7 ohms to 10M. Any mix
.VVf, STATION
new premises at the address
JACK
PLUGS
AND
SOCKETS
each
100+
1000+
below (5 mins. from High St.)
screened unscreened socket
0,25W
Ip
0 9p
0 8p
We are open Mon Sat, 9am
13p
2
5mm
9p
0,5W
1
Sp
1.2p
IP
O Wl nMORt^S
14p
6pm. Special offers available.
3.5mm
9p
Special development packs consisting of
15p
3
Op
16p
Standard
10 ot each value from 4 7 ohms to t MegSHORTLANOS SQUARE
18p
36p
Express telephone order
23p
Stereo
ohm 1650 resl 0,5W E7.50, 0.25W 6.70.
STATION
service. Orders received beDIN PLUGS AND SOCKETS
METAL
FILM RESISTORS
line
fore 5pm. are shipped first
plug
chassis
Very high stability, low noise rated at 'AW
socket
socket
1%
Available
from 51 ohms to 330k in
class on that day. Contact
5 BROMLEY
7p
7p
7p
2pin
624 series Any mix.
L SOUTH
our Sales Office now!
14p
11p
9p
3pin
each
100*
1000+
Tel: 01-464 2951/5770.
14p
M45STATION
lip
10o
5pin 180
0 25W
4p
3 5p
3.2p
16p
13p
lOp
5p.n 240
PLEASE WRITE
1mm PLUGS AND SOCKETS
Quantity discounts on any mix TTL, CMOS,
Suitable for low voltage circuits. Red & black
FOR YOUR FREE
Plugs 6(7 each Sockets 7p each
COPY OF OUR
74LS and Linear circuits: 100+ 10%, 1000+
4mm PLUGS AND SOCKETS
NEW 64 PAGE
15%. Prices VAT inclusive. Please add 30p for
Available m blue, black, green, brown, red, white
CATALOGUE OF
carriage. All prices valid to April 1980.
and
yellow
Plugs
lip
each
Sockets
12peach
COMPONENTS,
Official orders welcome.
PHONO PLUGS AND SOCKETS
CONTAINS
BARCLAYCARD
Insulated plug in red or black
9p
OVER 2500
Kf ACCESS WELCOME
Screened plug
STOCK ITEMS,
Single socket
7p Double socket 10p
Mail orders to; STEVENSON (Dept RE)
/V.JI

MOTORS
1-5 to 6VDC Model Motors,
20p. Sub. Min. 'Big Inch"
Precision motors, II5VAC 3
rpm, 30p. 12VDC 5 Pole
Modle Mot-rs 35p. 8 track
12VDC motors, new
1.25. Cassette Motors
6VDC ex. equip., 65p.
Crouze geared motor,
1 1 5VAC 4 rpm new 95p.
Smiths clock motor, synchronous 240VAC 1 rev
per hour 1.75.
SEMICONDUCTORS
All full spec, devices. 741 8
pin 6 for 1. No. 555
Timers 22p each. TBA800
audio IC's 50p. 74IS (wide
bandwidth) 35p. LM380
80p. ZN414 Radio IC 75p.
LM3900 40p each. TIL305
alpha numerical displays
2.50. Miniature LDR's
(same spec, as ORP12)
30p.
PROJECT BOXES
Sturdy ABS black plastic
boxes with brass inserts and
lid. 75 x 56 x 35mm 53p.
95 x 71 x 35mm 62p. 11 5
x 95 x 37mm 72p.

TRANSFORMERS
All 240VAC Primary
(postage per transformer is
shown after price).
MINIATURE RANGE: 6-06V 100mA, 9-0-9V 75mA
and 12-0-12V 50mA all
73p each (15p). 12-0-12V
100mA 9dp 115p). 0-6V,
0-6V, 280mA 1.10 (20p).
0-4-6-9V 200mA these
have no mounting bracket,
65p (15p). 12V 500mA
95p (22p). 12V 2 amp
2.75 (45p). 1 5-0-1 5V 3
amp Transformer at 2.50
(54p). 30-0-30V 1 amp
2.75 (54p). 20-0-20V 2
amp 3.50 (54p). 0-1215-20-24-30V 2 amp
4.50 (54p). 20V 2,5 amp
2.20 (54p).
TRIAC/XENON PULSE
TRANSFORMERS
1:1 (gpo style) 30p. 1:1
plus 1 sub. min. pcb mounting type 60p each.

MICROPHONES
ECM105 Condenser, Omni
Directional, 600 ohms,
on/off switch 2.95.
VERO POTTING BOXES
EM506 Condenser Cardiod,
49 x 71 x 24mm, available Uni directional, 600 or 50K
in black or white with lid ohms 30-1 BKhz, heavy
and 4 screws 39p each.
chromed copper case
12.95. DYNAMIC Stick
5,000 ohms, on/off
VERO HAND HELD BOX' mike,
switch, fitted with std. jack
White ABS, 2.4- x 3.7" 2.95. EM104 Sub.
tapered, with screws 65p miniature tie pin condenser
each.
microphone, 1,000 ohms
J imp., 50-16Khz., uses deaf
aid
battery (supplied) 5.25
MULTIMETERS
Big price reductions on STANDARD CASSETTE
MIKES, 200 ohms, fitted
pocket size testers. Model with
2,5/3.5mm jacks,
KRT100, 1,000 ohms per on/off switch
1.25.
volt, mirror scale, range
selector switch 1,000 volts DYNAMIC
PA
AC/DC, 100K resistance, MICROPHONES, suitable
1 50ma DC current 4.65. for mobile use, hand held
Model KRT101, same spec,
switch, curly
as the KRT100 but range withlead,thumb
50k imp. 3.40.
selection is via prod insertion 3.75.
CONTINUITY TESTERS
Tubular with probe and
REPLACEMENT
croc, fly lead 1.35, with
CRYSTAL INSERTS
batts.
35mm diam. x 10mm deep
45p each
MORSE KEYS
Beginners practise key 95p.
All metal fully adjustable
type 2.45.
RIBBON CABLE
8 way single strand
miniature 20p per metre.
MINIATURE LEVEL
METERS
SPECIAL OFFER
1 Centre Zero 17x17mm
.75p. 2 (scaled 0-10) 28 x
SEMICONDUCTORS
25mm 75p. 3 Grundig 40 x Plastic voltage regulators, 1
amp ail now reduced in
27mm 1.25.
price, 7805, 7812, 7315,
7824 all 75p each. 7905,
JUMPER TEST LEAD 7912, 7915, 7924 all 99p
each. 2N3055 - 36p.
SETS
10 pairs of leads with 1,000 volt 2 amp wirevarious coloured croc clips ended bridge rectifiers, 37p.
each end (20 clips) BOp per 723 14 pin regulators
set.
40p each.
New arrivals, 12 volt car
stereo motors with pulley
55p.
Car radio RF/IF and audio
preamp boards 2 transistors, LM382 IC trimmers
IF's etc., no info' 65p each.

8 track stereo playback

heads only 75p each.
Car radio boards, complete
with 6 transistors, IF's
choke etc.. these are new
but no info available 75p
each.

FETS/SCRS ETC
AEROSOL SERVICE
Union carbide N channel
AIDS, SERVISOL
FET similar to 2n3819 15p Switch Cleaner 226gm
each. 3N140 or BFW61 54p. Freezer 226gm 65p.
types 40p each. M203 dual Silicone Grease 226gm
matched pair of single gate 68p. Foam Cleanser 370gm
mosfets in one can 40p. 55p. Plastic Seal 145gm
2N5062 plastic (T092) SCR
100V 800mA IBp each. 55p. Excel Polish 240gm
BX504 Opto isolators, 4 40p. Aero Klene 170gm
lead infra red led to 45p. Aero Duster 200gm
photocell 25p each.
58p.
DIODES
SURPLUS BOARDS
IN4001 10 for 35p.
IN4004 10 for 45p. No. 1, this has at least 11
IN4007 10 for 50p. BY127 C106 (50V 2,5A) plastic
10 for 7 5 p , I N 9 1 4 i SCR's, one relay a unijunc(numbered) 100 for 2.50. tion transistor and tantalum
IN4148 (numbered) 100 capacitors 1.95. No. 2 I.F.
for 2.25.
Boards, these are a complete I.F. board assembly
made for car radios,
465Khz, full set of I.F.'s and
MURATA MA401
oscillator coils, trimmers
40kHz Transducers. Rec/ etc.
4C)p each. No. 3 Lamp
Sender 3.25 pair.
flasher board, suitable for
low load 2 4 0 V A C
applications, approx. 1 flash
per second but can be
ELECTRICAL ITEMS
varied
12 way Choc Blocks 2 amp each. via preset pot. 38p
or 5 amp IBp per strip. 13
amp Rubber Extension
Sockets, white 38p each.
13 amp Plastic Fused
POWER SUPPLIES
Plugs (foreign) 25p each.
SWITCHED TYPE, plugs into 13 amp socket, has
PUSH BUTTON TV
3-4.5-6-7.5 and 9 volt
DC out at either 100 or
TUNERS
40 OmA, switchable 3.25
UHF, not varicap, tran- HC244R
STABILISED
sistorised new 2.25 SUPPLY, 3-6-7.5-9
volts
DC out at 400mA max.,
on/off switch, polarity
TELEPHONE PICK UP with
reversing switch and
COIL
voltage
selector switch, fully
Sucker type with lead and regulated
to supply
3,5mm plug 55p
exact voltage from no load
to max. current 5.25.
RELAYS
Clare Elliot sub. min. sealed
relav 10 x 10mm 2 pole
TOSHIBA LEDS
C/O, 1,250 ohm coil, new TLG113 0.2" Green 13p.
75p. Miniature encapsulated TLG115 0.2" Green difreed relay 0,1 matrix moun- fused lens 14p. TLG1070
ting, single pole make, 0.2" Green Flat top 14p.
operates on 12V0C 50p TLR120 0.2" Clear 17p.
each. Continental series, MAN3A min. (3MM) 7 segsealed plastic case relays, ment LED displays Comm.
24VDC 3pole change over anode 40p.
5 amp contacts, new 65p.
Printed circuit Mtg., Reed
relay, single make, 20mm x
BUZZERS
5mm, 6-9VDC. coil, 33p
each. Metal Cased Reed MINIATURE SOLID STATE
Relay, 50 x 45 x 17mm, BUZZERS, 33 x 17 x 15mm
has 4 heavy duty make white
case, output at
reed inserts, operates on three plastic
feet 70db (approx),
12VDC 35p each.
low consumption only
15mA, four voltage types
DECON DALO ETCHING available,
6-9-12 or
PEN
24VDC, 75p each. LOUD
12VDC BUZZER, Cream
With spare tip 72p.
plastic case, 50mm diam. x
30mm high 60p. GPO
OPEN TYPE BUZZER, adTERMS:
Cash with Order (Official justable, works 5-12VDC
Orders welcomed from 25p each. SIRENS 125mm
colleges etc). 30p postage iliameter gold coloured
please unless otherwise horn, high pitched wailing
shown. VAT inclusive.
of varying frequency,
S.a.e. for new illustrated iioto
l .'VDC 7.45.
lists.

TOOLS
SOLDER SUCKER, plunger
type, high suction, teflon
nozzle, 4.75 (spare
nozzles 65p each).
Good Quality side cutters,
insulated handles, 5"
1.35.
Good Quality snub nosed
pliers, insulated handles, 5"
1.35.
Antex Model C 15 watt
soldering irons, 240VAC
3.60.
Antex Model CX 17 watt
soldering irons, 240VAC
3.60.
Antex Model X25 25 watt
solde.ing irons, 240VAC
3.60.
Antex ST3 iron stands, suits
all above models 1.40
Antex heat shunts 12p
each.
Servisol Solder Mop 45p
each.
Neon Tester Screwdrivers
8" long 40p each.
Miyama IC test clips 16 pin
1.75.
SWITCHES
Sub. miniature toggles;
SPST (8 x 5 x 7mm) 45p.
DPDT 8 x 7 x 7mm 50p.
DPDT centre off 12 x 11 x
9mm 7 5 p . PUSH
SWITCHES, 16 x 6mm, red
top, push to make 14p
each, push to break version
(black top) 16p each.
SLIDE SWITCHES, all
DPDT; 1 5 x 8 x 12mm 12p,
16x11 x 9 12p. 22 x 13 x
8mm 12p. 22 x 13 x 8mm
centre off 13p. Multipole
slider, double action 12
tags 29 x 9 x 11mm 24p.
MICRO SWITCHES
Standard button operated
28 x 25 x 8mm make or
break, new 15p each.
Roller operated version of
the latter, New 19p each.
Light action micro, 3 amp
make or break 35 x 20 x
7mm, 12p each. Cherry
piunger operaxeo micro, z
normally open, 2 normally
closed, plunger 20mm long
(40 x 30 x 18mm) 25p
each.
ROCKER SWITCHES
2 amp SPST, single nut
mounting, various colours
(red, green, white, blue,
yellow, black) 19p each.
250VAC 6amp rocker (all
white) 21 x 15 x 13mm
17p each.
TAPE HEADS
Mono cassette 1.60.
Stereo cassette 3.40.
Standard 8 track stereo
1.75. BSR MNI330 4
track 50p. BSR SRP9U ^
track 1.95. TD10 tape
head assembly 2 heads
both | track R/P with built
in erase, mounted on
bracket 1.20.

PROGRESSIVE

RADIO
31 CHEAPSIDE, LIVERPOOL 2.

THE MODERN BOOK CO.

WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK 1979 9.15
THE RADIO AMATEUR HANDBOOK
UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL
ABC'S OF ELECTRONICS
1979
ELECTRONICS
by F. J. Waters
Price 4.15
b
V ARRL
Price 7.86
by Texas Instruments
Price 3.90
BEGINNER S GUIDE TO HOME
NEWNES RADIO & ELECTRONICS
COMPUTERS
UNDERSTANDING AMATEUR RADIO
ENGINEER'S POCKET BOOK
by M. Grosswirth
Price 3.20
by J. Rusgrove
Price 4.25
by Newnes
Price 2.80
ADVENTURES WITH ELECTRONICS
SOLID STATE DESIGN FOR THE
BEGINNER S GUIDE TO TAPE
by T. Duncan
Price 2.85
RADIO AMATEUR
RECORDING
PROJECT PLANNING 8. BUILDING
by ARRL
Price 6.00
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 3.20
by M, A. Colwell
Price 2.20
THE A.R.R.L. ANTENNA BOOK
BEGINNER S GUIDE TO AUDIO
110
COSMOS
DIGITAL
IC
by ARRL
Price 4.25
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 3.00
PROJECTS FOR THE HOME
BEGINNER S GUIDE TO
CONSTRUCTOR
FM AND REPEATERS FOR THE
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
by R. M. Marston
Price 3.00
RADIO AMATEUR
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 3.00
by ARRL
Price 3.50
110 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER
BEGINNER S GUIDE TO
PROJECTS FOR THE HOME
REPAIRING POCKET TRANSISTOR
CONSTRUCTOR
COLOUR TV
RADIOS
by R. M. Marston
Price 2.75
by G. J. King
Price 2.50
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 2.50
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO
TESTING METHODS AND
BEGINNER S GUIDE TO RADIO
RELIABILITY ELECTRONICS
ELECTRIC WIRING
by G. J. King
Price 3.00
by F. Guillou
Price 2.50
by A. Simpson
Price 4.30
THE OSCILLOSCOPE IN USE
DIGITAL ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
BUILDING & DESIGNING
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 2.75
AND SYSTEMS
TRANSISTOR
by N. M. Morris
Price 4.30
RADIOS - A BEGINNER'S GUIDE
THE CATHODE-RAY
by R. H. Warring
Price 3,30
OSCILLOSCOPE AND ITS USE
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO
MICROPROCESSORS
by G. N. Patchett
Price 4.00
OP-AMPS - THEIR PRINCIPLES AND
by C. M. GHmore
Price 4.75
INTRODUCING AMATEUR
APPLICATIONS
ELECTRONICS
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH
by J. B. Dance
Price 2.50
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 1.50
MICROCOMPUTERS
ELECTRONICS FAULT DIAGNOSIS
by L. Frenzel
Price 7.00
by I. R. Sinclair
Price 3.00
* 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: 01-402 9176

Electronics.
71
Make a job of it

d)

71

occ
Enrol in the BNft & E School and you'll have an entertaining
and facinating hobby. Stick with it and the opportunities
and the big money await you, if qualified, in every field of
Electronics today. We offer the finest home study training
for all subjects in radio, television, etc., especially for the
CITY AND GUILDS EXAMS (Technicians' Certificates), the
Grad. Brit, I.E.R. Exam: the RADIO AMATEUR'S LICENCE,
P.M.G. Certificates: the R.T.E.B. Servicing Certificates, etc.
Also courses in Television: Transistors: Radar: Computers:
Servo-mechanisms: Mathematics and Practical Transistor
Radio course with equipment. We have OVE R 20 YEARS'
experience in teaching radio subjects and an unbroken
record of exam successes. We are the only privately run
British home study College specialising in electronics
subjects only. Fullest details will be gladly sent without
any obligation.
Brochure without obligation to;

00

Become a
Radio Amateur.
Learn how to become a radio-amateur in
contact with the whole world. We give
skilled preparation for the G.P.O. licence.
REL 7/79

British National Radio & Electronic School

P.O. Box 156, Jersey, Channel Islands
NAME
I
ADDRESS
Block caps please

PAY A VISIT THOUSANDS MORE ITEMS BELOW WHOLESALE PRICE.

CALLERS
PAY LESS ON MANY ITEMS AS PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE.
TRADE
PRICES INCLUDE VAT AND ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT IN LIEU OF GUARANTEE.
GOODS SENT AT CUSTOMERS RISKS UNLESS SUFFICIENT ADDED FOR
COMPONENTS
REGISTRATION OR COMPENSATION FEE POST.
(OFFERS CORRECT AT 18/6/79 APPLICABLE TO ORDERS RECEIVEDl
JAP 4 gang min. sealed tuning condensers 40p
DURING JUNE.
I
VALVE BASES
Printed circuit B7G
7p
Car type panel lock ELECTRO LYTICS Many other* in atock
Chassis B7-B7G
11p
and key
66p
63200- 300- 450Shrouded Chassis B7G-B8A
13p
Up to 10V 25V 50V 75V 100V 250V 350 V 500V
B12A tube. Chassis B9A
13p
Transformer 9V 4A MFD
3.78
Speaker 8" x 4" 5 ohm ideal for car radio H.bb '
10 6p 7p 7p lOp 13p 15p 26p 32p
4f diam, 30 tl
1.76
25 6p 7p 7p lOp 13p 18p 32p 37p
Aluminium
Knobs
2}" diam. 32 or BO.
50 Bp 7p 7p 12p 1 Bp 23p 32p 37p
1.07
tor
shaft. Approx,
100 7p Bp 13p 15p 24p 26p TAG STRIP6 way 6p 5 x 50pF or 1000 + f" x i" with indicator
250
12p 13p 15p 22p 36p - 1.101.30
t way lOp Single 2p 300pF trimmers 36p
Pack of 5 95p
500 13p 15p 22p 30p 55p - 1,48 1.60
1000 16p 27p 50p BOp - 1.05 BOXES Grey polystyrene 61 x 112 x 31mm, top secured by 4 2000 28p 47p 55p 93p1.20 self tapping screws 57p clear perspex sliding lid, 46 x 39 x As total values are too numerous to list, use this
price guide to work out your actual requirements
24 mm 15p.
10/20, 12/20, 22/50, 47/25. Tub. Tant 24p
ABS, ribbed Inside 5mm centres for P.C.B., brass corner inserts, 8/20,
each 16-32/275V, 100/150V, 100-100/275V
screw down lid, 50 x 100 x 25mm orange 6Bp; BO x 150 x 50mm 40p 50-50/385V, 2+2/200V non polar, 32-32-50/
black 97p; 109 x 185 x 60mm black 1.62.
300V, 20-20-20/350V 0.1+0.1/500V AC BOp
200V, 100-200-60/300V 1.30 100-300-100OIECAST ALI superior heavy gauge with sealing gasket, approx 64-"
16/300V 1.85
x 2f" x If" 1.50; 3f' x 2J" x If" 1.25.
VARIABLE CAMM PROGRAMMER 10, 12 or 15 pole 2 way,
RS 100-0-100 micro amp null indicator
1,85
50VAC motor series with Imfd, or 3k 10W or 1 5W pygmy bulb Approx. 2" x i" x f"
for mains operation. Ex equipment 4.32
INDICATORS
Bulgin D676 red, takes M.E.S. Bulb
38p
RESISTORS
SWITCHES
23p
Pole
Way Type
J-f-f watt
...Up 12 volt, or Mains neon, red pushfit
R.S.
Scale
Print,
pressure
transfer
sheet
12p
1
2
Slide
ISp 1 watt
3p
6
2
Slide
24p Up to 15w w/wound 10p
2
1
Rotary Mains
28p lor 2% 4 times price CAPACITOR GUIDE maximum 500V
2
Alternating Micro with roller
... 30p Cinch 8 way std 0.15 Up to .01 ceramic 4-fp. Up to .01 poly 6p
2
3
Miniature Slide
. .. 20p pitch edge connector .013 up to .1 poly etc. 7p. .12 up to .68 poly
1
1
Toggle
42p 25p
etc. Bp. Silver mica up to 360pF lOp, then to
2
2
Sub-Min Toggle
... 76() u
2,200pF 13p; then to .01 mfd 21 p.
RELAYS
2
Alternating 2A Mains Push if" hole) 43p RS/Alma reed relay, 3k Q .1/750 13p. .01/1000, 8/20, .1/900, .22/900,
2
Alternating Slide
15p 18-30v d.c. coil, normally 4/16, 25/250 AC (600v/DC), 3/600 15p.'
60p 5/150, 10/150, 40/150 BOp.
S.P.S.T. 10 amp 240v. white rocker switch open
12v d.p.c.o. heavy duty Many
with neon. 1" square flush panel fitting BOp; octal
others and high voltage in stock.
1 pole 2 way 10 amp oblong clip in mains 7000. 1 1 -1 3v Mm, SONNENSCHEIN/POWERSONIC DRI-FIT RE/
Sealed
2
p.c.o.
1.
rocker appliance switch
38p
CHARGEABLE SEALED GEL (Lead Antimony)
Standard thumb-wheel switch 0-9 in 1248N 4 p.c.o. 1.20.
BATTERY. 6V 1 amp.hr. (3J" x 2" x J") 3.70.
or B.C.D., or Comp. 1242 also 2p co..1.20
6 amp. hr. (44" x 2" x 3") 7.60
POTS
Wirewound
38p
Standard Lever Key Switch D.P.D.T. locking Log. or Un., carbon rotary Ex-equipment, little used.
plus D.P.D.T. and S.P.S.T. Heavy Duty non or slide. Single 30p With
CONNECTOR STRIP
40p Dual 45p
latching
82p switch
Dual switch 55p 1.5m Belling Lee LI 469, 4 way polythene. 9p each
Edgetype 10 for 40p 14 glass fuses 250 m/a or 3 amp (box of 12)
AUDIO LEADS
20p
3 pin din to open end, 14yd, twin screened
45d
Bulgin 5mm Jack plug and switched socket (pair) 40p
Skeleton Presets
5 pin din 180 to 2-phono
70p Slider,
horizontal or verti3 pole jack plug to tag ends, 4ft
lip
46p cal standard or submin 8p Reed Switch 28mm, body length
Aluminium
circuit
tape,
f
x
36
yardsself
COMPUTER & AUDIO BOARDS/ASSEMBLIES
THERMISTORS
VARYING CONTENTS INCLUDE ZENER, GOLD BOND,
adhesive. For window alarms, circuits, etc. BBp
and V.D.R's
SILICON, GERMANIUM, LOW AND HIGH POWER TRAN- CZ1/2/6/11/14,
KR22,
SISTORSF AND
DIODES, HI STAB RESISTORS, CAPACI- KT 150, VA 1 005/6/8/
TV MAINS DROPPERS
.l.fiTRnLVTICSCIRCUITS,
' trimpots,
75p
CHOKES, INTEGRATED
ETC, pot cores, 1010/1033/4/7/8/9 1040/ 5 assorted multiple units for
1 053/5
/I 066/7/
1.30
31b for 2 71b for 3.70
1074/6/7 / 1082/6/ lOOpF air-spaced tuning capacitor
6Bp
1091/6/7/8 / 1100/3/8/ 54" x 24" Speaker, ex-equipment 3 ohm
Bp 8602. Rod with spot 2 Amp Suppression Choke
lOp
1 k horizontal preset 3" Tape Spools
blue/fawn/green.
x
2
x
0r
with knob 10 for 40p 1" Terry Clips ... 6p E299DDP120 / 218 / 224 / 3 i M PAXOLINE
in! ?cP
12 Volt Solenoid 40p 338 / 340 / 350 / 352 4| x 4 * i J
10 for 15p
PVC or metal clip on MES bulb Holder 5 for 30p
E220ZZ/02 VALVE
ENM Ltd. cased 7-digit counter 24 x'lf x If" YF020
RETAINER CLIP, adjustable
5 for 15p
KR150
All 22p
approx, 12V d.c. (48 a.c.) or mains" 1.10 E23 glass bead 85p
3Sp
YG150-S534 bead, KB 13, SuO-miniature Transistor Transformer
E299 DHP230, 116-121 Valve type output transformer
90p
Auto charger for 12u N leads. ex-new
401 (TH7.VA1104. 0D10) POT CORES with adjuster
equipment
5.19
35p. R53 Glass 1.20
LA2508-LA2519
43p per pair
16 Watt Power Amp. Module
Miniature 0 to 5mA d.c. meter approx f" diameter
... 1.25
35v 1A power required, giving 16 watt
RS Yellow Wander Plug Box of 12
40p
RMS into 8 SI
3.45
18 SWG multicore solder
3-J-p foot
SAPHIRE STYLM. 15 different; dual and single point, current and REGULATED TAPE MOTOR
Grundig 6V approx., 3" x 14", inc. shock absorbing
hard to get types. My mix 2.
carrier, or Jap 9V, 14" diam,
1.05
3.5mm metal stereo plug
30p
Fane 8 ohm 3" sq. heavy duty communications
BRIAN J. REED
speaker
1.60
161 ST. JOHNS HILL, BATTERSEA, LONDON SW11 1TQ
RS neg. volt regulator 103, 306-099 (equlv.
Open 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. VAT receipts on request
MPC900) 10A, 100 watt 4-30 volt. Adjustable
Terms: Payment with order Telephone 01 223 5016
short circuit protection. Normally 12.50+. 6.66

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TRADE
COMPONENTS

PAY A VISIT THOUSANDS MORE ITEMS BELOW WHOLESALE PRICE

CALLERS PAY LESS ON MANY ITEMS AS PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE.
PRICES INCLUDE VAT AND ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT IN LIEU OF GUARANTEE.
GOODS SENT AT CUSTOMERS RISKS UNLESS SUFFICIENT ADDED FOR
REGISTRATION OR COMPENSATION FEE POST.

AT 18/6/79 APPU
InnmMo
CABL^MJRDER^!ECEIVED1
BDURINGJUNE.
VALVE BASES
Printed circuit B7G
7p
Car type panel lock
Chassis B7-B7G
Hp
and key
6Bp
Shrouded Chassis B7G-B8A
13p
B12A tube. Chassis B9A
I3p
Transformer 9 V 4A
Speaker 6" x 4"r-\ 5 ohm ideal for car radio 1.86
3.78
>13"
41" diam. 30 fl
l]76
Aluminium Knobs
2^" diam. 32 or 80
1.07
tor i" shaft. Approx.
TAG STRIP6 way 5p 5 x 50pF or 1000 + f" x i" with indicator
8 way 10p Single 2p 300pF trimmers 35p
Pack of 5 95p

BOXES Grey polystyrene 61 x 112 x 31mm, top secured by 4

self tapping screws 57p clear perspex sliding lid, 46 x 39 x
24 mm 15p.
ABS, ribbed Inside 5mm centres for P.C.B., brass comer inserts,
25,11m oranae 65 ;
-L x Ji
black 97p; 109 x 185
60mm black 1.52. P 80 x 150 x 50mm
OIECAST ALI superior heavy gauge with sealing gasket, approx 6V'
x 2r x If" 1.50; 3f' x 2}" x If" 1.25.
VARIABLE CAMM PROGRAMMER 10. 12 or 15 pole 2 way,
50VAC motor series with Imfd, or 3k 10W or 15W pygmy bulb
for mains operation. Ex equipment 4.32
SWITCHES
Way Type
2
Slide
IBp
2
Slide
24p
2
1
Rotary Mains
28p
Alternating Micro with roller
30p
2
3
Miniature Slide
20p
,
1
Toggle
42p
t
2
Sub-Min Toggle
7Bf)
Alternating 2A Mains Push (i" hole) 43p
2
Alternating Slide
IBp
S.P.S.T. 10 amp 240v. white rocker switch
with neon. 1" square flush panel fitting 60p;
1 pole 2 way 10 amp oblong clip in mains
rocker appliance switch
38p
Standard thuriib-wheel switch 0-9 in 1248N
or B.C.D., or Comp. 1242 also 2p co..1.20
Standard Lever Key Switch D.P.D.T. locking
plus D.P.D.T. and S.P.S.T. Heavy Duty non
latching
82p
AUDIO LEADS
3 pin din to open end, 1 fyd, twin screened
4Ed
5 pin din 180 to 2-phono
70p
3 pole lack plug to tag ends, 4ft
4Bp
COMPUTER & AUDIO BOARDS/ASSEMBLIES
VARYING CONTENTS INCLUDE ZENER, GOLD BOND,
SILICON, GERMANIUM, LOW AND HIGH POWER TRANSISTORS AND DIODES, HI STAB RESISTORS CAPACITRIMPOTS,
-nOKE^S, INTEGRATED CIRCUITS,
ETC. POI CORES.
31b for 2 71b for 3.70
5p
1 k horizontal preset 3" Tape Spools
with knob 10 for 40p 1" Terry Clips ... 5p
12 Volt Solenoid 40p
ENM Ltd. cased 7-digit counter 2-J- x'lf x If"
approx. 12V d.c. (48 a.c.) or mains' 1.10
Auto charger for 12v Nicads, ox-new
equipment
. 5.19

JAP 4 gang min. sealed tuning condensers

ELECTROLYTICS

40p

Many others in stock

63200- 300- 450Up to 10V 25V 50V 75V 100V 250V 350 V 500V
MFD
10 6p 7p 7p lOp 13p 15p 26p 32p
26 6p 7p 7p lOp 13p 18p 32p 37p
50 6p 7p 7p 12p 16p 23p 32p 37p
100 7p 8p 13p 15p 24p 26p
250 12p 13p 15p 22p 36p - 1.10 1.30
500 13p 15p 22p 30p 55p 1000 16p. 27p 50p 60p - 1,05 1.48 1.60
2000 28p 47p 55p 93p 1.20 As total values are too numerous to list, use this
price guide to work out your actual requirements
8/20, 10/20, 12/20, 22/50, 47/25. Tub. Tant 24p
each 16-32/275V, 100/150V, 100-100/275V
40p 50-50/385V, 2 + 2/200V non polar, 32-32-50/
300V, 20-20-20/350V 0.1+0.1/500V AC 80p
200V, 100-200-60/300V 1.30 100-300-100
1 6/300V 1,85
RS 100-0-100 micro amp null indicator
Approx. 2" x i" x
1,85
INDICATORS
Bulgin D676 red, takes M.E.S. Bulb
38p
12 volt, or Mains neon, red pushfit
23p
R.S. Scale Print, pressure transfer sheet
12p
CAPACITOR GUIDE maximum 500V
Up to .01 ceramic 4fp. Up to .01 poly 6p
.013 up to .1 poly etc. 7p. ,12 up to .68 poly
etc. 8p. Silver mica up to 360pF lOp, then to
2,200pF 13p; then to .01 mfd 21p.
.1/750 13p. .01/1000, 8/20, .1/900, ,22/900,
4/16, 25/250 AC (600v/DC), 3/600 15p.'
5/150, 10/150, 40/150 50p.
Many others and high voltage in stock.
SONNENSCHEIN/POWERSONIC DRI-F1T RECHARGEABLE SEALED GEL (Lead Antimony)
BATTERY, 6V 1 amp.hr, (3|" x 2" x J") 3.70.
6 amp. hr. (4^" x 2" x 3") 7.60
Ex-equipment, little used.
CONNECTOR STRIP
Belling Lee LI 469, 4 way polythene. 9p each
H alass5mm
fusesJack
250 plug
m/a orand3 switched
amp (box socket
of 12| (pair) 40p
ZOp
Bulgin

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acnio
..
1 =
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7- 2

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RESISTORS
to ^ J2
l-J-l watt
1 P
010
1 watt
3p
: I
QmQ
Up to 15w w/wound lOp
1 or 2% 4 times price
Cinch 8 way std 0.15
pitch edge connector
25p
RELAYS
RS/Alma reed relay, 3k O
18-30v d.c. coil, normally
ooen
60p
12v d.p.c.o. heavy duty
octal
H
7000. 11-13v Min,
Sealed 2 p.c.o. 1.
4 p.c.o. 1.20.
POTS
Wirewound
38p
Log. or Lin., carbon rotary
or slide. Single 30p With
switch 40p Dual 45p
Dual switch 5Bp 1.5m
Edgotype 10 for 40p
Skeleton Presets
Slider, horizontal or vertical standard or submin 8p Reed Switch 28mm, body length
lip
Aluminium
circuit
tape,
f
x
36
yardsself
THERMISTORS
adhesive. For window alarms, circuits, etc. 95p
and V.D.R's
CZ1/2/6/1 1/14, KR22,
TV MAINS DROPPERS
kT 150, VA1 005/6/8/
76p
1010/1033/4/7/8/9 1040/ 5 assorted multiple units for
1 053/5
/I 066/7/
1.30
1074/6/7 / 1082/6/ 100pF air-spaced tuning capacitor
1091/6/7/8 / 1100/3/8/ 5^" x 2^" Speaker, ex-equipment 3 ohm
6Bp
8602. Rod with spot 2 Amp Suppression Choke
10p
blue/fawn/green.
E299DDP120 / 218 / 224 / VxIxM PAXOLINE
IOSM^
338 / 340 / 350 / 352
YF020 E220ZZ/02 PVC or metal clip on MES bulb Holder 5 for 30p
5 for 15p
KR150
... All 22p VALVE RETAINER CUP, adjustable
E23 glass bead 85p
35p
YG150-S534 bead, KB 13, Sub-miniature Transistor Transformer
E299 DHP230, 116-121 Valve type output transformer
90p
401 ITH7. VA1104, OD10I POT CORES with adjuster
35p. R53 Glass 1.20
LA2508-LA2519
43p per pair
Miniature 0 to 5mA d.c. meter approx
diameter
... 1.25
16 Watt Power Amp. Module
RS Yellow Wander Plug Box of 12
40p
35v 1A power required, giving 16 watt
18 SWG multicore solder
3f.p foot
RMS into 8 a
3.45
SAPHIRE STYLII. 15 different, dual and single point, current and REGULATED TAPE MOTOR
hard to get types. My mix 2.
Grundig 6V approx,, 3" x 1^-", inc. shock absorbing
carrier, or Jap 9V, 1^" diam.
1.05
3.5mm metal stereo plug
30p
Fane 8 ohm 3" sq. heavy duty communications
BRIAN J. REED
speaker
1.60
161 ST. JOHNS HILL, BATTERSEA. LONDON SW11 1TQ
Open 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. VAT receipts on request
RS neg, volt regulator 103, 306-099 (equiv.
MPC900) 10A, 100 watt 4-30 volt. Adjustable
Terms: Payment with order Telephone 01 223 5016
short circuit protection. Normally 12,50+. 6.66
654
RADIO AMD RI IZPTUOMme r-fiVTomoTrmv-in
Pole
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SEMICONDUCTORS Full spec, by Mullard etc. Many others in stock 2N1613

24p
OTHER DIODES
2N2401
AC126/128/1 76
20p BCY70/1/2
35a
1N916
Bp
14p
BFW57/58
21p
2
N
21412
80p
3 Op BCZ11
ACY20
1N4009
9p
32p B FX 12/29/30
23p 2N2483
28p
22p
ACY29
1N4148
4p
BDTT
3
57p
2N2904/5/6/7/7A
BFX84/88.89
20p
18P
AD161/2 match pr. 85p BD115
BA145
17p
35p BFY51
16p
16P! 2N3053
4.00p BD116(BRC116T) 1.15
ADZ12
Centercel
29p
57p 2N3055 R.C.A.
60p
BFY90
28p BD130Y
AF1W6/7
BZY61/BA148/0A81 12p
1.50
34p
2N3133/4(562
BR101
24p
AF139
23p
BB103/110
Varicap
24p
BD131/2/3
40p BRY39/56
29p 2N3553
56p
35p
AF1 78/80/81
BB113 Triple Varicap43p
BD135/6/7/8/9
3 Bp BSV64
36p
39p
2N4037
AF239
35p
BA182
55P
BD137/138 match pr 82p BSV79/80 F.E.T.s 90p 2N5484 FET
39p
35p
ASY27/73
0A5/7/10
t7p
140/142
35p BSV81 Mosfet 1.00 2N5956
87p PZY88 up to 43 volt"!Op
2.50 BD
AU110/113
BD201/2/3/4
92p
16p
BSX20/21/78
36p
BC107/8/9 + A/B/C 8p BD232/3/4/5/8
2SA141/2/360
BZX61
11
volt
17p
55p
30p 2SB135/6/457
BC147/8/9 + A/B/C 8p BDX77
24p
AA133
lOp
1.15 BSY40
14p 40250 (2N3054) 35p
BSY95A
BC157/8/9 + A/B/C Bp BD437
BZY96C
10V
34p
58p BU204 +Mount Kit 1.85
BC173
BZY95C 33V or 15V 34p
CATALOGUE
2.26
BC178A/B 1798 14P , BF/1 1 5/1 67/1 73 ISp, BU208
23p' CV7042 (OC41/44
38, 11x8 ins illustratsd RS Irravin high tempera-|
BC182/1 84C/LC
lip BF178/9
BF180/1/2/3/4/5 18p
ASY63)
12p sheets, listing approx. ture wire, 19/0.16, minus
w
^p ,BF194/5/6/7
8p
45p 5.250 items, photo 55 to 1 0 50C, 600V
13p BF194A, 195C
8p GET111/E112
BC212
OC45(ME2)
13p printed on day requested, 3A, white, blaclt or red.
BC213I7214B/238 13p BF200 258 324 23p 0N222
23p. from constantly updated Half trade pricq at 54p
35p R2008B/2010B 2.30
lOp BF262/3
BC327/8 337/8
masters, to ensure latest 10M coil.
31p TIP30
BC547/8+A/B/C
13p BF336/274
50p stock position, 76p (rePVC QUALITY TAPE
DuiTRIosfetET.TiT TIS43
lip BFS28
BC556/7/7B/8/9
with orders) plus Lasso
(2N2646)
39p fundable
40p
10m x 15mm grey
15p BFT61
BCX32/36
24p
s.a.e.
or
label.
aA7805
1.85
BFW10/11
F.E.T
40p
.
38p
90p
BCV31
1.15,
1.15 ZT1486
33m
x 33mm green
rHANSr-OHIVIERS
55p BFW30
BCY40
ZTX300/341
_9p Ferromag C core. Screens 951.13p
BRIDGE RECTIFIERS
2N393 TMA393] 35P; 105-11 5-1 25-200-220-240v
Volt
Amp
Trimmer; Post stamp2N456A
57p input output 1 7y. iA_)^ type
BVXIO
1,600
34p
3-30p
F 16p
OSH01 t200
1.04A+20v 1 0 - 8 0 p F
2N706A
18p 21mA.+ 24-0-24v
140
30d
t5
1 9p
These
current
ratings
Ex Equip
100
73p
2N918
30p
can
be
safely
exceeded
oy
30-140pF
... 23p
EC433
20p
no
0.6
2N929
16p 50%.
4.90
Texas
400
1.10
5
45p
2N987
GARRARD
Cassette Dynamic Micro-|
I.R.
100
48p
21
1.15 phone
2N1484
twin- GCS23T Crystal Stereo'
58p
100
B40C 3200
18p plug with switch and1.80
2N1507/2219
31
Cartridge
1.20
Telephone Pickup, "sucker Mono (Stereo compatible)
OPTO ELECTRONICS
RECTIFIERS
Ceramic
or
crystal
1
with lead and 3.5 plug.70p
Diodes
Photo transistor
Von
Amp
BPX40
.
.
.
B7p
BPX29
.
.
.
92p
THYRI8TORS
Volt
Amp
68
6p BPX42 . . . 92p OCP71 . . . 75p
1
! Ml
1 N4005/6
-40 BTX18-200
1
6/800
6p BPY10 . . . 92p
35p
1 N4007/BYX94 1
1250
400 BIX 18-300
41 p
Bp
LE.D.'s
(VOLTIAC)
24n BTX30-200
BY 103
1
1,500 21P BPY68
3Bp
.2"
Red
16p
SRI 00
40506
."
.
80p
1.5
bUO
100
4
Bp
. . . 92p TIL209 .125" Red
SR400
1.5
400 10p BPY69
14p
500
BT107
1.14
J5
BPY77
REC53A
1.5
1,250 16p Wire end neons 9p Green
16p 6.5
500 BT109-500R/SCR957/BRC4444, 1.14
11102
2
30 16p
3.40,
600 BTW92-600RM
BYX22-200 1t
300 25p ' PHOTO SILICON CONTROLLED SWITCH 20
800 BTX95-806R Pulse Modulated . . 8.76
15
iBYX38-300R 2.5
300 48p BPX66 PNPN 10 amp
1.15
BYX38-600 2.5
600 52p
BYX38-900 2.5
900 60p t, 3" red 7 segment L.E.D. 14
, INTlGBAIKLSmCUITS
PAPER BLOCK CONDENSER
BYX38-1200 2.5
1,200 65p
0-9+ D.P. display 1.9v 0.25MFD 800 volt
87p "TBA920 TCA270 2.20
BYX49-300R 3
300 3Bft D.I.L.
TAA700
2.40
19m/a
segment,
common
1
MFD
250
volt
54p
BYX49-6O0 3
600 42p
1.24
anode . . .
95p 1 MFD 400 volt
65p TBA800
74177 4 90/7 4 73.
28a
.BYX49-900 3
900 47p
RS
0.6in.
green
.
.
.
.2.25
1/A702/LM3900
B3p
TV
KNOB
BYX49-1200 3
1,200 60p
Minitron 0.3in 301 5F
709
40p
BYX48-300R 6
300 47p filament
Dark
grey
plastic
for
recessed
shaft
1.25 (quarter inch) with free shaft extension 74107/74122
38p
BYX48-600 6
600 80p
2,03
CQY11B L.E.D.
8p SN76228N
BYX48-900 6
900 70p
SN76131/751
10_i,55
bYX48-1200R 6
Infra red transmitter . .1.15
1,200 92p
SN76013N/ND 1.40
CHASSIS SOCKETS
BYX72-1 50R 10
One fifth of trade
150 42p
100 AMRF 1.22
Car' Aerial iTpT Coax Bp. 5 pin 180, TAD
BYX72-300R 10
300 52p
CA3001 R.F. Amp 1.58
lip,
5
or
6
pin
240
din
8p,
speaker
BYX72-500R 10
500 65p
CA3132
2,22
din switched 13p. 3.5 mm switched 74151
Battery Holder for
BYX42-300 10
4Bp
300 36p 4R.S.x HP/SP
11
30p 7p. stereo 1" jack enclosed 20p.
004069
24p
1N5401
3
100 16p
TAA300
1
wt
Amp1.15
IN5402
3
200 18p
TAA550
Y
or_G
28d
MR856
3
600 24p, McMurdo PP108 8 way edge plug 12p
SPECIAL OFFERS
TAA263/74LS192 70p.
BYX42-900 10
900 92p MultiQOie Soldec 1kg,
or 18 or 20 2500 mfd. 40v
TAA3'20
1.16
BYX42-1200 10
56pt; 7400/7401
1,200 1.07. s.w.g. 60/40
EB.OCT
I8p
BYX46-300R* 15
300 1.19 3 inch 8 Q1 speaker
1.15 .0.1 mfd. 3507500V
7402/4/10/20/30 16a
BYX46-400R* 15
400 1.75
10 for 50p
74t4/74132N
Bap
BYX46-500R* 15
500 2.00
10000 mfd. 15v
27p
New unmarked, or marked
3 for 1.16 7438/7474/7432
BYX46-600* 15
600 2.30
AYS
8300
100
ample
lead
ax
new
equipment
6800 mfd. IQv 3 for 90p, 7483/74S20 ^ . 79p
BYX20-200 25
200 72p ACY17-20 iop TIC44
28p
BYX52-300 40
32+32/27 5v 3 for 900
300 2.06 ASZ20
7493/CD4013
41p
10p
1.17
2G240
16 + 32/275v 3 for 80p LM3UU 2/2UV reg ti.io
BYX52-1200 40
1,200 2.90
35p 2G302
6p
RAS31OAF* 1.25
1,250 48p ASZ21
8+8
mfd.
375v4
tor
90p
^112^4810 ^
6p
1 mfd. non-polar
l3p 2G401
BC186
1.80
28p
"Avalanche type
350v 10 for 1.19 ; TBA550Q/74S112
BCY30-34 24p 2N711
2N2926
ZN414
1 .
Bp
25000 mfd. 25v 65p
BCY7 0/1/2 lOp 2 N 598/9
Amp Volt TRIACS
Bp
HANDLft
120UU/12v
3
for
1.16
BY126/7
5p 2N1091
25
900 BTX94-900
4.50 HG1005
lOp
Rigid light blue nylon 61"
12p 2N1302
6.75 HG5009
25
1200 BJX49-12Q.0
lOp G.E.C. 5% Hi-stab with secret fitting screws 11 p
4p 1N1907 1.17
Diode Characteristic,
Equiv., arid
otf^o&hs.
08
82
BellTng Lee white plastic
4d Germ, diode 2p
P HG5079
Substitution Book
10 for 65p surface
coax outlet box40p
L78/9
4p 2N3055
Transistor equivalents and
AY5
8300
10
for
6
Miniature Axial Lead Ferrite
12p
substitution Book 1 38p Book 2 82p M3
Motorola 36p btJb40tJ auo for 28.50 Choke
formers
5 for 13p
4p GET120 (AC128
. 28p 0A81
Chrome Car Radio facia . . .
BC556 500 for 28.50'
4p in 1" sq. heat
. lOp OA47
Rubber Car Radio gasket . .
RS
10
Turn
pot
1% 250
BCY71
500
for
43.50
4p sink
90p OA200-2
500 Of 1 K.
1.70
DLI Pal Delayline
22p BD437 50 for
27p GET872
. 20p OC23
15p
Relay Socket miniature 2PC0
Copper
coated
bogrd
2N2906500
for
43.50
4
24p 2S3230
. 38p OC20Q-5
28 pin d.i.l. socket low profile
181" x 21"
40p
J25pP. TBA920 10 for 11.50
Colour EHT Tray 3000/3500 . 5.50 C106 THY 38p 'TIS43
Geared Knob 8-1 ratio.
Vero card handle
Nylon self-locking, 34-" tie clios . . .3p
11"
diam.,
black
93p
10
for
65p
IZp
1.5, 10, 22 or 750 ^h choke .
MINIATURE EDGE METERS
62 Q 1W Resistor
KLlPPdN 1U 44Uv
0-30, or 0-15, black pvc, 360
IOOuA f.s.d., scaled 0.5. 12V Illuminated
. 2,000 for 6.75,
TERMINAL BLOCKS
dial, silver digits, self adhesive
ON222
(superior
matched
blue
perspex
front,
35mm
x
14mm
3.45
Professional
leaf spring
13p
41" dia
BF181) 10 for T20 tlamp, twm with
clip-over
200uA level meter, clear front.
Mullard Semiconductor, Valve &
"68
Volt
TO
Watt
Zener
coyeiLl
Id ' 16p
1.20 Diodes
Component Data Book 1976-78 60p 10x18mm
Strip of 4, 40A 440V
5 for 2.50
VAT & POST PAID
M'MIMUM ORDER 3 OTHERWISE ADD 50%
FOR SMALL ORDER HANDLING COSTS (UNDER
1 00 TOTAL ALSO INCLUDE 9p S.A.E.)

NO MORE TO ADD Prices INCLUDE

UK VAT and Post/Packing
ALL ENQUIRIES, ETC., MUST BE ACCOMPANIED
BY A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE

BIG

NEW

DEAL

STREAIV
RETURN-OI
COMP

PANEL INDICATORS
Red 30p Amber 32p Green 32p
Clear lens red glow 22p

AUDIBLE
STUD DIODES
.
WARNING DEVICE
Rated lOamp 100V
Transistorised 4-12v
Metal Brand New
Can be run from TTL
ALL BRAND NEW!
Two for 35p
Brand New 74p each
ROTARY
POTS
WIREWOUND RESISTORS
POLYSTYRENE
CAPACITORS
All modern types,
carbon
tracks. 60% long
All brand new modern types
47pF/400v
shafts, all new
60pF/350V
TUNING CAPACITORS
l.bohm
bw 5p
560
ohm
5w
5p
163pF/125v
250pF air spaced 40p
lUk Lin 18p
ALL
DUAL
2.7ohm
2w
4p
IK
lOw
5p
390pF/150v
350pF
+ 350pF approx
47K Lin 18p
100K
Lin
24p
30
ohm
5w
5p
1K2
5w
5p
395pF/350v
AT
double
gang,
slow tune, air spaced 60p
50K Lin 18p
100K
Log
24p
51
ohm
5w
5p
2K2
5w
5p
1000pF/350v
Both types are new
250K Lin 16p
22K Log 24p
56 ohm 5w 5p
6K8 5w 5p
3070pF/125v 4p EACH
1K+500K Lin 20d
500 ohm 5w 5p
4000pF/125v
SUPER TESTED PAKS
TRIMMERS
ELECTROLYTIC
Compression types, all
30 U needed BC107
SENSATIONAL
SCOOP!
70p
brand
new.
lOpF. 30pF. All brandCAPACITORS
new modern tran30 Uncoded BC108
70p
SOpF, l.OOOpF All 15p each sistor types
mostly, all
30 Uncoded BC109
70p
Tubular solder-in types, values, voltages marked
30 AC 128 branded
70p
LED
DISPLAYS
brand
new.
3pF.
6pF.
8pF,
r
luF/75v
20 Vari-Cap diodes uncoded
5p
35p Brand new devices. 7 segment, common anode and common
12pF All lOp each
2uF/40v
40 Asstd transistors
5p
70p ; cathode types, these are not full spec but are 100% functional,
Dau
semi
air
spaced
4uF/300v
5p
30 2W Zener diodes uncoded
42p j Data supplied, we cannot select display colours or c.a, or c.c, I
2 to 9pF 16p
6.8uF/25v
6 asstd pre set pots
6p
30p ! ^
6 to 45pF 16p
types.
;
12uF/25v
20 wirewound resistors
5p
42p
'
0.3"
single
display
35^
I
8
to
125pF
18p
25uF/12v
25 C280 Capacitors
5p
30p
j 0.6" single display
45^ t
25uF/30v
25 Polystyrene Capacitors
4p
30p i 0.5" double display
I.C. TOOL
55:,!:
32uF/40v
5p
25 Ceramic Capacitors
Insertion
or
extraction
30p
| 0.5" Special +1 and 7 segment displays
70p
32uF/160v
25 asstd Capacitors
6p
plastic, new 55p each
30p
40uF/16v
6 P-channel FET's
5p
60p
6 N-channel FET's
5p
MAINS TRANSFORMERS 47uF/25v
60p
56uF/25v
5p
6 Photo transistors uncoded
All
primaries
240V:
ONLY LIMITED STOCKS
60p
64uF/10v
10 Stud diodes asstd types
4p
24V tapped
30p
5p
14V lamp
1.80 64uF/?'0v
75uF/9v
4p
22-0-22V
500ma
2.00
PUSH BUTTON BANKS
LDRs
100uF/6.3v
TBA 120S FM DETECTOR
4p
16V 2 amp
2.10 100uF/40v
new. ratchet type switches
I.C.s new with data but
ORP 12 Equiv 50p All
5p
12V 1 amp
1.70 125uF/10v
Single d.p. changeover
i2p 24V
untested 18p each
ORP61 60p
5p
1.75
amp
2.00
Three banked all d.p. changeover
20p 30V 1 amp
Both brand new
125uF/10v
5p
2.10 150uF/6.3v
Three banked, one d.p, changeover, two with four d p change 13013V 1 amp
4p
2.20
WIDEBAND AMPLIFIER
overs
24p
150uF/16v
5p
22V 500ma
1.40 150uF/25v
I.C.'s new with data but
35 amp FUSES
Three banked, one d.p. changeover, two d.p. changeovers 18p 32-0-32V
5p
500ma
2.20 200uF/10v
untested 18p each
hive banked, two d.p. changeovers, three single changeover Please add
1 '/*" Six for 20p
5p
P&P 40p on 250uF/16v
25p
5p
transformers
MULLARD TAA320
300uF/9v
5p
M O.S.T. PRE AMP I.C. with I.C.
300uF/25v
5p
POWER
SUPPLY
ELECTROLYTICS
circuits brand new. tested
320uF/18v
5p
CARBON 320uF/18v
32+32uF 275v wkg
SOCKETS
48p each
5p
FILM
RESISTORS
32+32uF
350v
wkg
I 13 AMP RUBBER Fly-lead I Low profile d.i.l. brand 100.+200uF 275v wkg
330uF/25v
5p
5% '/aw and '/aw
new types
400uF/10v
5p
All brand new but with 400uF/25v
150+150+75uF 350v wkg
extension sockets.
8 pin 12p
5p
preformed
leads
200+200+100+32uF
325v
14
pin
;
470uF/6.3v
Black 40p
5p
PAK
OF
150
All types brand new
16 pin ;
470uF/16v
5p
ONLY 60p
REED RELAYS
%" COIL FORMERS
N-CHANNEL
FETs
P-CHANNEL
PHOTO TRANSISTORS
INLINE FUSEHOLDERS
Small types lOp each
With cores 9p
16p each
FET's 16p
New, uncoded 18p each H"
fuse type 16p each
13 amp PLUGS
TERMINAL BLOCKS
REUYS
RELAYS
PANEL
FUSEHOLDERS
Black rubber new 38p
BD187
TRANSISTORS
4-way 5A 12p
24v dc min. new. S/T 70p 20mm type 30p each
12v dc min new 70p
4 amp full spec 28p
SLIDER POTS
All new smooth track plastic
STAR PACK
coded types
Twenty asstd I.C.'s. All sorts
lin
8 pin. 14 pin. 16 pin all 470R
IK
lin
types. Many coded but all 4.7K lin
All
untested at only 24p , 5K lin
22p
' 10k log
each
T 25K log
BATTERY HOLDERS ' 100K lin
Takes 6 x HP7 24p each | 250K lin

50 PIV amp Wire End MAGNETIC EARPIECES

Diodes 4p
8 ohm new 28p each

TEN POWER
TRANSISTORS
All new and marked
numbers, plastic and metal
types, tested working Only
1.00

COMPRESSION
TRIMMERS
10 to lOOpF
Only 12p each
PLEASE ADD 15p post/packing. Minimum order 1.50. Payment by cheques,
postal orders etc. Overseas postage at cost. It is very helpful if you print
your name and address clearly.
Goods ordered now sent by return of post except where indicated.

ROTARY SWITCH
Miniature 2 pole 4 way 30p
each

TRANSISTORISED
INVERTERS
AA1|I units ready assembled
in blue rexine
covered aluminium cases,
plain bottoms, features include: on/off switch, output via 13A type
rubber socket, silicon power transistors, all new components used
throughout. 12v or 24v inputs as listed - output 240v AC off load
square wave, frequency between 45/54Hz approx
12v in 25 watts out. b"x5 "x4"
7.50
12v in 40 watts out. 6"x5
10.80
12v in - 120 watts out. 11" "x4"
x6"x5"
21.00
24v m 25 watts out. 5"x5 "x4"
8.80
P&P
24v in - 50 watts out, 6"x5 "x4"
12.60
2,00
24v in - 100 watts out 11" x6"x5''
21.00
Extra
24v in -- 150 watts out. 11" x6"x5"
26.00
24v in 200 watts out. 11" x6"x5"
34.00
24v in - 300 watts out IT x6"x5"
42.00

,
T03 TRANSISTOR
PRESSIL SWITCH
NUTS/BOLTS
Nylon 4 for
Single/pole, new, 2 amp Insulation Covers
6BA nuts 40 30p
24p
18p
6BA 1" Bolts 40 35p
4BA nuts 40 32p
T03 WASHERS
4BA 1" bolts 40 36p r"
Melinex for heat-sinks 4 for
6BA solder tags 40 28p
THYRISTOR
16p
10 amp 100 PIV metal stud
35p each
DIODE PAK
50 Silicon types new only
35p

CRYSTALS
Ten asstd types 10XAJ
Only 60p

ELECTROVANCE
TEL: 01-736 0686 MAR. ORDER ONLY
P.O. BOX 191 LONDON SW6 2LS

SEMICONDUCTORS POTS & IRONS

SILICON RECTIFIERS
200mA
0.07
15920 50v
FROM
0.08
15921 1OOv
0.09
15922 150v
0.10
15923
2OOv
No soldering modular breadboards, simply
0.11
15924 300v
plug components in and out of letter number
1 Amp
identified nickel-silver contact holes. Start
0.05
IN4001 50v
0.06
IN4002 10Ov
small and simply snap-lock boards together
0.07
IN4003 2OOv
to build breadboard of any area.
0.06
IN4004 4OOv
All EXP Breadboards have two bus-bars as an
0.09
IN4005
600v
integral part of the board, if you need more
0.10
IN4006 8OOv
than 2 buses simply snap on 4 more bus-bars
IN4007
lOOOv
0.11
with the aid of an EXP.4B.
1.5 Amp
IS015
50v
0.10
EXP.325 The ideal breadboard
15020 lOOv
0.11
for 1 chip circuits.
15021 2OOv
0.12
Accepts 8,14,16 and up to
IS023 4OOv
0.14
22 pin IC's.
0.15
IS025 600v
IS027 8OOv
0.18
ONLY 1.73.
IS029 lOOOv
0.22
0.27
IS031
12
OOv
(MM IMP Mil
3
Amp
EXP.350. 3.40.
IN5400 50v
0.15
IN5401 10Ov
270 contact points
0.16
I
IN5402 2OOv
0.17
with two 20-point
1
IN5405 4OOv
0.18
bus-bars.
IN5406 6OOv
0.23
IN5407 800v
0.27
IN5408 lOOOv
0.32
EXP.300.
10 Amp
550 contacts
IS 10/50 50v
0.21
with two
IS 10/100 10Ov
0.23
40-point
IS
10/200
2OOv
0.25
bus-bars.
IS 10/400 400v
0.38
IS10'600 600v
0.45
6.21.
IS 10/800 800v
0.55
0.60
IS
10/1000
lOOOv
MM! (lip
0.74
IS 10/1200 1200v
30 Amp
1930/50 50v
0.60
EXP.650 for Micro0.74
IS30/100 10Ov
processors. 3.89.
1.00
IS30/200 2OOv
IS30/400 4OOv
1.35
1.90
IS30/600 6OOv
EXP.4B.
IS30/800 800v
2.09
2.49
1530/1000
lOOOv
More busHill Hill inn inn mil mil mil 9. I
IS30'1200
1280v
3.11
bars.
Hill
mil inn mil mil mil mil mil mil 1
70 Amp
2.48
IS70/50 50v
0.81
IS70/100 1 OOv
0.91
ALL EXP.300 Breadboards mix and match with
IS70/200 2OOv
1.30
IS70/400 400v
1.89
600 series.
IS70/600 6OOv
2.43
2.70
IS70/800
8OOv
THYRISTORS
3.24
IS70 1000 lOOOv
BYXSS SOO 6A 300v
0.49
TO 18 Case 7 amp
TO 48 Case
600m a
BYX38/600 6A 600v
0.65
Price Volts No.
Price
Volts No.
BYX38'300
Rev
6A
300v
0.49
0.52
50
THY7A/50
0.16 100 THY7A/100
10 THY600/10
BYX38'600 Rev 6A 600v 0.65
0.55
0.17 200 THY7A/200
20 THY600/20
0.62
0.22 400 THY7A/400
30 THY600/30
0.67
ZENER DIODES
0.24
50 THY600/50
0.84
THY7A/600
400mw
(BzySS/
en100 THY600/100 0.27 600
ANTEX IRONS
0.99
capsulated
rangeD07of Glass
voltages
200 THY600/200 0.41 800 THY7A/800
my soldering
ironinsulation
ceramicbreak-down
shafts to available.
1.3v,4.7v,
2.2v, 5.1v,
2,7v, 5.6v,
3.3v,
O/No. 1943. 15 watt high quality soldering quality
400 THY600/400 0.43 10 amp
provide
near
perfect
perfe
3.9v
4.3v,
TO 48 Case
iron
enclosed
15003-5uA
voltsandAC another
and a shaft
leakageof 6.2v,
shaft totally
fitted with
3/32"element
bit. in a ceramic
4.10 voltage
Price
Volts No.
current ofof only
llv, 6.8v,
12v, 7.5v,
13v, 8.2v.
15v, 9.1v.
16v, lOv,
18v,
0.55
50 THY 10A/50
O/No.
1947.
Replacement
element
for
TO 5 Case 100
stainless
steel
to
ensure
strength
3.89
20v,
22v,
24v,
27v.
30v,
33v.
1 amp
1943 iron.
2.05 O/No. 1935. Replacement element for
10A/100 0.62
39v.
Price 200 THY
Volts No.
0.67
No.
Z4
9p
ea.
THY
10A/200
O/No.
1944.
Iron
coated
bit
3/32"
for
1943
1931 iron.
1.73 1w-1.5w Plastic and metal
0.28 400 THY 10A/400 0.77
50 THY 1 A/50
iron.
0.60 O/No.
1931 encapsulated. Range of voltages
0.30
100 THY 1 A/100
THY 10A/600 0.97
iron, 1932. Iron coated bit i" for 0.64
O/No.
1945.
Iron
coated
bit
i"
for
1943
0.36 600
200 THY 1 A/200
1.3v, 2.2v, 2.7v, 3.3v,
iron.
0.60 O/No. 1933. Iron coated bit 3/16" for 1931 available.
0.41 800 THY 10A/800 1.32
400 THY 1 A/400
.Bv, 4.3v, 4.7 v, 5.1v, 5.6v,
iron.
0.64 36.2v.
O/No,
1946. Iron coated bit 3/16"
for O/No
0.49 16 amp
6.8v. 7.5v. 8.2v 9.1v, lOv,
600 THY 1 A/600
1934.
Iron
coated
bit
3/32"
for
TO
48
Case
1943
iron.
0.60.
12v, 13v, 15v. 16v, 18v,
0.63 Volts No
800 THY 1 A/800
1931 iron,
0.64 llv, 22v
Price
1948.ironGeneral
iron O/No.
24v 2 7v. 30v, 33v,
1953, SKI soldering kit - this kit .HV
0.58 O/No.
fitted with
coatedpurpose
bit. 18 watt3.89
50 THY16A/50
43v,
47v.
51v, 68v, 72v, 75v,
contains
15
watt
soldering
iron
fitted
with
0.63
100
THY16A/100
O/No.
1952.
Replacement
element
for
82v
9
1
v
lOOv.
a
3/16"
bit
plus
two
spare
bits,
a
reel
of
TO 66 Case 200 THY16A/200 0.67
3 amp
1948 iron.
2.06 solder, heat-sink and a booklet How to
No. Z13 16p
Price 400 THY 16A/400 0.83 O/No.
Volts No.
lOw Metal ofstud
typeavailable.
S010
1949. Iron coated bit 3/32" for Solder'. In presentation display box. 6.99 case.
0.30 600 THY16A/600 0.97 1948 iron.
50 THY3A/50
voltages
0.60 O/No. 1939. ST3 soldering iron stand. 1.3v, Range
0.32 800 THY16A/800 1.50
100 THY3A/100
2 .2v, 2.7v,
35.6v,
3v, 3.9v,
made from high grade bakelite 4.3 v, 4.7v
O/No, 1950. Iron coated bit i" for 1948 Stand
0.36
200 THY3A/200
5.1
v.
chromium
strongincludes
steel 6.8v. 7.5v. 8.2v, 9.1 v. lOv, 6.2v,
iron.
0.60 material,suitable
0.45
llv,
400 THY3A/400
for allplated
models,
l,2v. 13v 15v, 16v, 18v. 20v,
TO 94 Case O/No. 1950. Iron coated bit 3/16" for spring,
0.54 30 amp
600 THY3A/600
accommodation
for
six
mx
spare
spa
bits
and
two 22v,
24v. 27v. 30v, 33v, 43v,
Price 1948 iron.
0.60 sponges which serve to keep the soldering
0.70 Volts No.
800 THY3A/800
1.27
47v 51 v. 68v. 72v, 75v 82v,
50 THY30A/50
iron bits clean.
100 THY30A/100 1.54 O/No. 1931. Highly popular x25 25 watt
5) I v 10Ov.
No. Z10 38p 68.
THY30A/200 1.76
TO 66 Case 200
5 amp
1.^3
400
THY30A/400
Price
PRINTED
CIRCUIT
BOARD
TRANSFERS
Volts
No.
0.39 600 THY30A/600 3.78
50 THY5A/50
Draw
ynni
own
boards
with
the
new
Bi-Pak
etch-resist
transfer.
Lay
the
symbols
on
the
board
All
prices are inclusive of
0.49
100 THY5A/100
ovni with a soft pencil. The transfer will adhere to the board. Then complete the circuit with V.A.T. at the appropriate rate.
Price Mih
0.54 No.
200 THY5A/200
Please
add 0.35 p&p par
yoiii
Hi
P.ik
etch
resist
pen.
Each
pack
contains
1
1
sheets
of
transfers.
1
sheet
of
wach
as
0.86 shown below. Illustrations approx. J size.
0.62 BT101/500R
400 THY5A/400
order, unless otherwise stated.
0.86 (1 No IH400 1.62 pfcp f 1..10.
0.75 BT102/500R
600 THY5A/600
1.35
0.87 BT106
800 THY5A/800
1.00
BT 107
REGULATORS
BRIDGE RECS
1.06
BT 108
0.76 .... /HOB r0220
5 amp
TO 220 Case 2N3228
0.70 SILICON 1 amp
0.83 i . /HI.' r0?20 .
Volts No.
Price 2N3535
0.76
Prlca
Typa
0.36 ii.i /H I B 70220
400 THY5A/400P 0.62 BTX30/50L
0.76
BOvRMS No.
BR1/50 0.22
0.50
800 THY5A/600P 0.75 BTX30/400L
/;>. r02?0
TO?20
0.78 lOOvRMS
0.24
BR1/100
BHPAK
0.65 ui ..ii /1
0.76
800 THY5A/800p 0.87 C106/4
200vRMS
BR1/200 0.27
N.-n.ilivo
0.39
AOOvRMS BR1/400
u.i
/DOB
70220
0.86
,,u.i.i /ill.'
70220
0.86 SILICON 2 amp
DEPT. RC7, P.O. Box 6, Ware, Harts.
SOCKETS
/!! 1 B 70220
0.86
0.49
BOvRMS BR2/50
70220
0.86 lOOvRMS
0.32 un .i.i /il.M
0.12 1615
28
pin
DIL
0.62
COMPONENTS
SHOP: 18 BALDOCK
1611 8 pin OIL
BR2/100
/HIH
70?20
0.86
1616 T018 Transistor 0.13 U.I /.Ml" 70051,.
200vRMS BR2/200 0.58
1612 14 pin OIL
0.49 400vRMS
STREET, WARE, HERTS.
0.65
BR2/400
161/ rU3 Transistor 0.38 /,'14 pin ON
161 3 16 pin OIL
0.49
lOOvRMS
BR21000
0.73
1611/ TO5 Transistor 0.13 I M.10MK ro:i
1.62
1614 24 pin OIL

JEXPE RIM ENTER BREADBOARDS

.TIIT.Y 1979

POTENTIOMETERS
SPECIAL VOLUME CONTROLS
CARBON POTS (Linear Track)
Single gang with wire end terminations. A miniature 16mm type replacement volume
6mm x 50mm plastic shaft 10mm bushes control incorporating single pole on-off
supplied with shake proof washer and switch. Resistance value 5k ohms. Tolernut. Tolerance 20% of resistance.
ance + 20% i watt rating
1889 0.30 VC8
1836 47k ohms
1831 Ik ohms
1837 100k ohms
1832 2k2 ohms
1838 220k ohms
1833 4k7 ohms
MINIATURE ROTARY
1839 470k ohms
1834 10k ohms
VOLUME CONTROL
1840 1 Meg
1835 22k ohms
5k ohms log law with on-off switch. 20mm
1841 2M2
grooved spindle. Tag connections 17mm
All at 29p each
dia. Supplied with fixing nut. Used mainly
for replacement.
1890 0.61 VC9
CARBON POTS (Log Track)
1842 4k7 ohms
1846 100k ohms
WIRE
WOUND
POTS
1843 10k ohms
1847 220k ohms
A range of wire wound single gang pots
1844 22k ohms
1848 470k ohms
with
linear
tracks
of 1 watt rating, fitted
1845 47k ohms
1849 1 Meg
with 10mm bush and supplied with shake1850 2M2
proof
washer
and
nut.
VC6
All at 29p each
1891 lOohms
1895 220ohms
1892 22 ohms
1896 470 ohms
1893 47 ohms
1897 Ik ohms
DUAL CARBON POTS (Log Law)
1894 20 ohms
1898 2k2 ohms
1860 4k7 ohms
1864 100k ohms
1899 4k7 ohms
1861 10k ohms
1865 220k ohms
All at 90p each.
1862 22k ohms
1866 470k ohms
1863 47k ohms
1867 1 Meg
1868 2M2
PRE SET POTS HORIZONTAL
All at 97p each
MOUNTING
Miniature type for transistor circuits. The
wiper of the preset is provided with a slot
SINGLE GANG SWITCHED (Lin Law)
screw driver adjustment. The tags of
These potentiometers are fitted with double for
preset will fit printed wiring boards with
pole on-off switches. The switch is incor- the
a
pitch
porated within the rotary action of the pot. law. VC7.of 2.54mm. All tracks are linear
Specification of pot is as VC1. Switch rating 1801 100 ohms
1808 22k ohms
1.5 amps at 250v AC.1874 100k ohms
1802 220 ohms
1809 47k ohms
1870 4k7 ohms
1803
470
ohms
1810 100k ohms
1871 10k ohms
1875
1876 220k
470k ohms
ohms
1804
1
k
ohms
1811 220k ohms
1872 22k ohms
1877 1 Me
1812 470k ohms
1805
2k2
ohms
1873 47k ohms
g
1806 4k7 ohms
1813 1 M ohms
1878 2M2
1814 2M2 ohms
1807
10k
ohms
All at 73p each
1815 4M7 ohms
All at 10p each.
SWITCHED POT (Log Track)
Specification as VC2 but track having PRE SET POTS VERTICAL MOUNTING
(log) law.
Miniature type for transistor circuits. Wiper
1883 100k ohms
1879 4k7 ohms
adjustment is made by a screw driver slot.
1884 220k ohms
1880 10k ohms
Designed to fit 2.54mm pitch board. All
1885 470k ohms
1881 22k ohms
tracks are linear law. VC7.
1886 1 Meg
1816 100 ohms
1823 22k ohms
1882 47k ohms 18^7 2M2
1817 220 ohms
1824 47k ohms
All at 73p each
1825 lOOkohms
1818 470 ohms
1826 220k ohms
1819 Ik ohms
1827 470k ohms
1820
2k2
ohms
DUAL GANG LOG-ANTI-LOG POT
1 828 1 Megohms
1821 4k7 ohms
1829 2M2 ohms
Track specification as dual gang pots VC3, 1822 10k ohms
1830 4M7 ohms
but tracks mounted to log-anti-log action
All at lOp each.
1888 100k ohms 0.84

657

Come to the

Great British
Electronics Bazaar

(AND WATT TILLVOU SEE OUR SEMINAR PROGRAMME)

The Great Big /Bazaar/
for the hobbyist,
amateur, and
small buyer.
There's never been an event like
this before.
First, the very scale of the exhibition is huge. Virtually all the companies you're used to hearing
about (and buying from) will be
there. Companies like Fluke and
Gould showing off their low cost
multimeters; smaller but important
manufacturers like Lektrokit and
Chromasonics; and even the
R.S.G.B. who will have a station 'on
the air' throughout the 'Bazaar.'
Then there are the suppliers of
low-cost components and equipment. Plus almost all the journals in
the business. Plus, oh, so many
more interesting people catering
for your needs (including computer
kits!).
And you get in FREE if you send
an s.a.e.
(see alongside).
4jte
Our Symbol,
We think it tells
you just what the
Bazaar is all about.
658

The Seminars.
If you would like to hear just what
the experts have to tell you, a
season ticket for three whole days
can be yours for only 1.50.
Send an s.a.e. and we'll give you
all the information (just use the
coupon).!

When?
Between Thursday to Saturday
28th-30th June.
You'll be in very good company;
some ten thousand enthusiastsand over a hundred stands displaying all that you want to see.

You'll come?
Eyes down for the appropriate
coupon.

Si

Our home for three days-Alexandra

Palace, where it all began. (Our
seminars are sited alongside the
organ-for those who know this unique
hall.)w_MiKM W WHW Wli
SEMINAR TICKETS
1.50.
I'd like to sit in at your seminars. (And
like a free ticket to the exhibition.) Send
me full details, please, and I enclose a
large-ish s.a.e.
Name:
VbJ. Address;

LPost to: The Bazaar,' 34/36 High

Street, Saffron Walden, Essex.

ADMISSION FREE
(or 50p on the door).
I'd like to see The Bazaar' FREE.
I enclose a large-ish s.a.e. and will
receive by return a ticket and full
information.
Name:
Address:

Post to: The Bazaar,' 34-36 High

Street, Saffron Walden, Essex. If you'd
rather just pay 50p, go to Wood
Green Tube Station and take a bus
(every 3 minutes) to Alexandra
Palace. We're open 10 am-6 pm daily,
Thursday to Saturday, 28th-30th
June.

RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

THREE

FOR

FREEHS?0j
cts}
No i
No 2
& No
FROM
CSC
PROTO-BOARDS;
EXPERIMENTOR BREADBOARDS.
ELECTRONICS BY NUMBERS
THE ULTIMATE IN BREADBOARDS
LED BAR GRAPH UNIVERSAL No soldering modular breadboards, simply plug
FOR THE MINIMUM COST,
components in and out of letter number identified
TWO EASILY ASSEMBLED KITS.
INDICATOR
nickel-silver contact holes. Start small and simply
Now using EXPERIMENTOR BREADsnap-lock boards together to build breadboard of any
J><Oton
BOARDS and following the instructions in
size.
ifooio D
"Electronics by numbers" ANYBODY can
All EXP Breadboards have two bus-bars as an integral
build electronic projects.
part of the board, if you need more than 2 buses
Look at the diagram and select Rl^ this is a
simply snap on 4 more bus-bars with the aid of an
resistor with a value between 120 to 270
EXP.4B.
ohm. Plug it into holes X20 and D20, now
take LED 1 and plug it into holes E20 and
F20. Do the same with the Diodes e.g. plug
D7 into holes G7 and G10.
EXP.325. The ideal breadboard for 1
CSSES OOATHMftTM. IMCMMmc OOWOMtiO*
chip circuits.
Accepts 8,14,16 and up to 22 pin IC's,
PB,6 Kit, 630 contacts, four 5-wav binding
posts accepts up to six 14-pin Dips.
ONLY 1.60.
Doolooolooolooolooolooolo
to O.t o o o,m o o o^o o o o Oj* o o o,fi
PROTO-BOARD 6 KIT. 9.20.
o
O O' O
YOU WILL NEED
EXP- ANY EXPERIMENTOR BREADBOARD
D1 to D15 - Silicon Diodes (such as 1N914)
R1 to R6 - From 120-270 ohm resistors Vi
watt,
LEOI to LED6 - Light emitting diodes.
LED BAP GRAPHS are replacing analogue
meters as voltage-level indicators in fhany
instances.
This circuit uses the forward voltage drop of
diodes to determine how many LEDs light
up. Any type of diode can be used but you
must use all the same type. For full working
details of this circuit fill in the coupon.
If you have already built the Two-transistor
Radio ana the Fish'n'cliks projects you will
find that you can reuse the components
from these projects to build other projects
in the series.
FILL IN THE COUPON AND WE WILL
SEND YOU FREE OF CHARGE FULL
COPIES OF "ELECTRONICS BY
NUMBERS" PROJECTS No 1, No 2
and No 3.
PROTO-CLIP TEST CLIPS.
Brings IC leads up from crowded PC boards.
Available plain or with cable with clips at
one or both ends.
a.

PC -16 pin. 2.75.

%
PC 16 pin with cable.
6.00.
PC 16 with cable and 16 pin clips at
both ends. 10.25.
CONTINfNW SPECIALTltS COOVOBAION
Europe, Africa, Mid-East: CSC UK LTD.
Unit 1, Shire Hill Industrial Estate,
Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3AQ.
Telephone: SAFFRON WALDEN 21682.
Telex: 817477.

EXP.350.
3.15.
270 contact points with
two 20-point bus-bars.
EXP. 300.
550 contacts
with two
40-point
bus-bars.
5.75.
EXP. 650 for Microprocessors. 3.60.

illlillliilllllllillli
lllllliliiill III!

Proto Uoai i no.100

Illi

|i||p

A Mill M MV* !
ininr1
L:

EXP 4B.
More bust mil mil Hill Hill IHH Hill Hill Hill . I
bars.
* Hill Hill Hill IHH IHH Hill Hill Hill * I
2.30.
ALL EXP.300 Breadboards mix and match with 600
series.

|iH >
*
contfnontol specialties

PB.100 Kit complete with 760 contacts

accepts up to ten 14-pin Dips, with two
binding posts and sturdy base. Large capacity with Kit economy.
PROTO-BOARD 100 KIT 11.80.

HOW TO ORDER AND RECEIVE FREE COPY OF TWO-TRANSISTOR RADIO PROJECT,

FISH'N'CLIKS AND LED BAR GRAPH.
CSC UK LTD. Unit 1. Shire Hill industrial Estate, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3AQ.
It's easy. Give us your name and full postal address, in block capitals. Enclose cheque, postal order or
credit card number and expiry date. OR telephone 0799 21682 and give us your Access, American
Express or Barclaycard number and your order will be in the post that night.
EXPERIMENTOR.
UNIT PRICE
CONTACT HOLES.
IC CAPACITY
14 PIN.DIP.
INCLUDING POSTAGE
BREADBOARDS.
AND V.A.T.
2.53
1
EXP. 325
130
3
4.21
EXP. 350
270
6
7.29
EXP. 300
550
use with 0.6
EXP. 650
270
pitch Dip's
4,69
Bus-Bar Strip
3.29
Four 40 Point
EXP. 4B.
Bus-Bars
TEST CLIPS
3,78
PC. 16,
7.56
PC,16-18.
12.15
PC. 16-18 Dual Clip.
PROTO-BOARDS.
11.01
6
PB. 6.
630
13,82
10
PB. 100.
760
NAME , .. .
ADDRESS

FILL IN COUPON & RECEIVE FREE COPY OF

ELECTRONICS BY NUMBERS PROJECTS Nos 1, 2 AND 3

1
STABILIZED POWER SUPPLIES WITH ELECTRONIC SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION
AL.212 P

14.75
INPUT VOLTAGE
220 V ac 10% 50-60 Hz
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE
12,6 Vdc
2,5 Amp
OUTPUT CURRENT MAX
LOAD REGULATION
<0,3% Oh-2^2 Amp
<5mV 2,2 Amp
RIPPLE
W140 x H90 x D140
DIMENSIONS (mm)
WEIGHT
1,490 Kg.
AL.315 P

29.50
INPUT VOLTAGE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE
LOAD REGULATION
DIMENSIONS (mm)
RIPPLE
WEIGHT

220 V ac 10% 50-60 Hz

1.7^15 V. dc
<0,2% 0^2,8 Amp
W140 x H90 >
3mV 2,8 Amp
2,330 Kg.

AL.330 P

\
\

46.50
220 V ac 10% 50-60 Hz
INPUT VOLTAGE
3.4-30 V. dc
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE
OUTPUT CURRENT RANGE MAX 3 Amp
< 5% f-2,8 Amp
LOAD REGULATION
lOmV 2,8 Amp
RIPPLE
W270 x H90 x D155
DIMENSIONS (mm)
4,250 Kg.
WEIGHT
Distributed in the U.K.
and Ireland by:

_jU

STOCKISTS
Alpha Sound Service,
50 Stuart Road, Waterloo, Liverpool L22 4QT.
England.
Anson Electronics,
1133 Hessle High Road, Hull, England.
Amateur Radio Shop,
13 Chapel Hill, Huddersfield, HD1 3ED.
England.
Brent Electronics,
Seaview Street, Cleethorpes,
Lincolnshire, England.
J. Birkett,
26 The Strait, Lincoln, England.
Bradford Consultants Limited,
25 Regent Parade, Harrogate,
Yorkshire, England.
F. Brown & Co. Ltd.,
44/46 George IV Bridge Street,
Edinburgh, Scotland.
N. R. Bardweil Limited,
Sellers Street. Sheffield. England.
Casey Brothers,
235 Boundary Road,
"Saint Helens,"
Lancashire, England.
Electronic Services Limited,
33 City Arcade. Coventry CU11 HX, England.
A. Fanthorpe Limited,
6 Hepworth Arcade, Silver Street,
Hull, England.
G. W. M. Radio,
Portland Road/Worthing, Sussex.
Leeds Amateur Radio,
27 Cookridge Street,
Leeds LS2 3AG, England.
Target Electric Limited
16 Cherry Lane, Bristol, England.
New Cross Radio,
6 Oldham Road, Manchester,
England.
Progressive Radio,
93 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2JD.
England.
R. E. Pitt Electrical Services Limited,
60/64 Bath Buildings, Mont Pelier,
Bristol, England.
Peats Electronics,
Parnell Street, Dublin.
R. F. Potts,
68 Bobbington Lane. Derby, England.
Brian A. Pearson Limited,
66 Moncur Street, Glasgow, Scotland.
R M E Supplies Limited,
143 Stockwell Street, Glasgow, Scotland.
Stephan James Limited,
Warrington Road, Leigh, Lancashire.
Stewarts Radio,
4 Chance Stredt, Blackpool, England.
The Radio Shop,
16 Cherry Lane, Bristol BS 3NG,
England.
Q. C. Trading,
1 St. MicheaJs Terrace, Woodgreen M22 4FT,
England.

AL.l P5

ft

78.00
INPUT VOLTAGE
220 10% 50 Hz
1 15 V. dc
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE
OUTPUT CURRENT MAX
5 Amp
< 0,1% 0-45 Amp
LOAD REGULATION
< 2mV 4,5 Amp
RIPPLE
W210 x HI55 x D250
DIMENSIONS (mm)
WEIGHT
5,100 Kg.
AL.212 PS

18.00
INPUT VOLTAGE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE
OUTPUT CURRENT MAX
LOAD REGULATION
RIPPLE
DIMENSIONS (mm)
WEIGHT
AMPEROMETER

220 V ac 10% 50-60 Hz

12,6 Vdc
2,5 Amp
<0,3% Oh-2,2 Amp
<5mV 2,2 Amp
W140 x H90 x D140
1,490 Kg.

AL.315 P2

54.00
220 V ac 10% 50-60 Hz
INPUT VOLTAGE
1.7 15 Vdc
OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE
OUTPUT CURRENT RANGE MAX 3 Amp
< 0,2% 0-2,8 Amp
LOAD REGULATION
< 3mV 2,8 Amp
RIPPLE
W270 x H90 x D155
DIMENSIONS (mm)
4,140 Kg.
WEIGHT
Stan Willets Limited,
37 High Street, West Bromwich.
M/S Waltons,
55a Worchester Street,
Wolverhampton WV2 4LL, England.

PEATS WHOLESALE

LTD

Chapel Lane, Parnell St.,Dublin IJreland.

ry PHONE 741746-740678-722845.TELEX 31787.

660

RADIO AND F.I.Kf.TRONTPS nnNSTRITnTflR

 *****
PLACE

YOUR

ORDER WHERE IT-

REALLY COUNTS

-'SIGTROIMIC

ond get voluc for money

FREE
*9rQnd June Prize
JPRIZEl
YES. EVERYONE WHO PLACES AN ORDER WITH US IN
1, JUNE WILL BE ENTERED FREE OF CHARGE IN OUR
iDRAWi
GRAND PRIZE DRAW - NAMES TO BE PULLED OUT
droui'
OF
THE
HAT. WEDNESDAY 11th JULY 1979 & WINNERS NOTIFIED.
I
1st Prize: An HALINA MF200 POCKET CAMERA takes B/White & Colour Film & Complete with Flash, value 8.95. 2nd Prize: SILVERLINE
BATTERY SHAVER complete with batts etc. value 6.95. 3rd Prize: BLUE MAX BATTERY SHAVER complete with batts etc. value 5.95.
*
4th Prize: SCIENCE FAIR ELECTRONIC KIT complete with instructions etc. Value 5.50 Free Gift worth 65p. Orders taken in June.
PLUS:-nter

/civeE///
Not New' Ideal
but 'inforvery
and usable
condition.
takingclean
on holiday.
(2)
Remington
Rollermatic
Mainsetc.Shavers
in case with
mains lead
3.50
each
40p P&P/lns.
(1) Remington
Selectronic
Shaver
again
Not
New' but in Mains
excellent
condition.
In case
with mains lead etc. 3.95 f 40p
P&P/lns.
(1) Ronson
Mainscondition.,
Shaver
- 'Not New'
but in'21'super
complete
In case
real
bargain
at with
only mams
3.69leadf etc.40pA
P&P/lns.
(1) Shaver
Philips - Philishave
Deluxecondition.
Mains
Notat New'
but'3'in
good
A super snip
only 3.20
40p
P&P/lns.
Again
this
razor
is
completethein above
box with
lead etc.
All
razorsmains
/ shavers
have been
thoroughly
servicedgood
and tested
by
our engineer,cleaned,
and represent
value for
money!
Write
your availabilityl
preference and we will
confirmstating
by return
* bargain~bo/ement
One
only base
BSRand
Autochanger
/ record
on teak
platform
complete
with
twin dock
teak speaker
cabinets.
Not
New'
autochanger
mechanically
sound
but
needs
new
cartridge,
speaker
cabinets
need
attention
to Aveneer.
Would
makeB.2B
Ideal+basis
forP&P.stereo
real snio
at-8"
only
96o
(1)svstem.
brand
new
151.26
roundPBiP.
Pane
Loudspeaker.
Super
buy
at
+
20p
(2)
7"x4'
'
EMI
Loudapaakara
(not
new)
but
good
value
atLoudspeaker
55p each <- 20p
P&P.
(1)5"
round
Qoodmans
(not
new)
In
good
condition,
55p
2Op P&P.
(1) 7 "x2"
EMI +Loudapaakar
new),+ Value
for money
at BOp
20p P&P. (not
Write
your needs
on thepost.above and we will
confirmstating
avaMabllity
by return

our

PACK X101: Contains 35 mixed capacitors all good usable

values ie; 1,500pf / 0.01 uf /
.01 uf / .015uf / etc One
pack for 45p or 2 packs for
only 80p.

PACK XI02: Super value,

contains 50 Germanium diodes
similar to OA80/OA91. A real
snip at only 40p per pack or 2
packs for only 75p.

PACK XI04: Big savings on

this pack contains 50 silicon
diodes similar to 1N4148. A
bargain at only 43p per pack or 2
packs for only 78p.

PACK XI05: Contains 50 mixed wattage and value resistors.

Super value at 36p per pack or 2
packs for only 68p. All good
usable values. 'You can't lose on
this pack.'

^PACK XI07:A real snip. Contains 20 ceramic plate capacitors

ideal for RF and AF work in transistor circuits. Values like 22pF /
1 50pF / 390pF / 10OOpF / 220pF
etc at only 40p per pack or 2
packs for only 72p.

PACK X108; Contains 10

BC107 or BC108 or BC109 you
choose. Or any mix. These are
brand new and full spec, devices.
Big value at only 90p per pack.

PACK X110: Contains 25

brand new and tested diodes. 5
power types and 20 mixed types
ie: power /zener/ switching all
new. At only 65p per pack or 2
packs for only 1.10.

^SPECIAL OFFER: ATZ C60

chromium dioxide. High quality,
super low noise very high output. Cassette tapes 2X30 mins.
recording / playing time. 5 for
only 4.65 p&p 45p. A give
away at the price!

rPACK XI03: Contains 30 mixed transistors some new

some branded NPN and PNP
silicon and Germanium. Most
usable really good value at
55p per pack or 2 packs for only
95p.
PACK X106: Contains 15
electrolytic capacitors ideal for
working in transistor circuits.
Values like: lOMFd-IOOMFd /
220MFd / 6.8MFd / 50MFd.
Super value at 1 per pack or 2
packs for only 85p.
^PACK XI09: A pack that is too
good to miss! Contains no less than
50 full spec, devices, ie IC's, transistors, diodes etc, like 741/748 IC'f
BC172 / BFY51 / BC170*A
transistors 1N401 diodes
2N2926 transistors at only 1.25
per pack.
ACADEMY C60: The best
quality low noise. Cassette tapes
(ferric oxide) with high output
2X30 mins. recording/playing
time. 5 for 2.68 p&p 45p.

Sigtronic Electronics 27 Malvern Street, stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DEI 5 9DY

JWTELEPHONE: (0283) 46868 after 6 p.m. For all SPECIAL ORDERS & QUOTATIONS
All prices include VAT: Add 35p to Order for P8iP. Cheques/Giro Cheques/P.O.'s accepted

PRINTED CIRCUITS AND

HARDWARE
Comprehensive range Constructors' hardware and accessories. Selected range of popular components. Printed
circuit boards for individual designs. Drawing materials for
printed circuits. Resist coated laminate, epoxy glass for the
d.i.y. man.Full processing instructions,no unusual chemicals
required.
Send 15p for catalogue
Ramar Constructor Services
Masons Road Stratford-on-Avon Warwks CV37 9NF
JULY. 1979

BUILD YOUR OWN

PA, GROUP & DISCO SPEAKERS by R. F. C. Stephens
Save money with this practical guide. Plans for 17 different
designs, Line source, I.B., Horn and Reflex types, for 8"-18" drive
units. 3.95 post free ($8 overseas).
THE INFRA-BASS LOUDSPEAKER by G. Holliman
(full constructional details for versions using 15", 12" and 10"
drive units.) 2.95 post free ($6 overseas).
THE DALESFORD SPEAKER BOOK by R. F. C. Stephens
This book is a must for the keen home constructor. Latest technology DIY designs. Plans for 1.8., and Reflex designs for 10-100
watts. Also unusual centre-bass system. 2.20 post free ($5 overseas).
VAN KAREN PUBLISHING
5 Swan Street, Wilmslow, Cheshire
661

Phase

200kHz

Locked

Calibrator

by

R. A. Penfold

jmm

Off

TUNE

NORMAL

A calibrator with BBC Radio 4 accuracy

The normal type of frequency calibration oscillator consists of a crystal or very stable L-C circuit
which operates at some convenient fundamental
frequency such as 100kHz or 1 MHz, and which has
an output rich in harmonic content. The harmonics
provide calibration signals on multiples of the fundamental frequency; thus a 100kHz oscillator
provides calibration points at 100kHz, 200kHz,
300kHz, 400kHz and so on, usually up to at least
30MHz.
Normally, calibration generators have some form
of fine frequency adjustment so that the oscillator
may be "zero-beated" against a standard frequency
transmission, as for example the BBC Radio 4 long
wave transmission on 200kHz. The oscillator will
then have a very high degree of accuracy.
This approach can be taken a stage further by
having the oscillator actually locked to the standard
transmission frequency, using a phase locked loop
(p.1.1.) circuit. It is a fairly simple p.l.l. design locked
to 200kHz which forms the basis of this article.
662

BASIC ARRANGEMENT
The basic arrangement used in the calibrator is
shown in block diagram form in Fig. 1. A ferrite
aerial picks up the BBC 200kHz signal and applies it
to an r.f. amplifier employing two high gain transistors. A considerable degree of amplification is
needed to bring the signal up to the level required
for p.l.l. operation, particularly in areas where the
Radio 4 transmission is received at poor strength.
The r.f. gain is enhanced by means of positive feedpositive
feedback
Ferrite
aerial

1
R.F amp.
BCI09

R.F. amp
P.L.L
BCI79 - NE 567

) Output

Fig. 1. Block diagram showing the stage lineup of the 200kHz calibrator
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

Inductors
LI, L2 Long wave aerial coil type LWC1, on
ferrite rod type FRA (140mm. x 9.5mm. dia.) and 2
mounting clips type FRPC (see text)

COMPONENTS
Resistors
(All i watt 10%)
R1 1.2Mn
R2 3.3kO
R3 1.2Mn
R4 3.3kn
R5 15kn

Semiconductors
TR1 BC109
TR2 BC179
IC1 NE567
Switches
51 s.p.d.t. toggle
52 s.p.s.t. toggle

Capacitors
C1 250pF mica trimmer (see text)
C2 3,300pF ceramic plate
C3 1,500pF ceramic plate
C4 680pF ceramic plate
C5 O.lfiF type C280
C6 0.01 5/liF type C280
C7 150pF ceramic plate
C8 1.8pF ceramic plate or silvered mica
09 500pF mica trimmer
CIO 100/xF electrolytic, 10V. Wkg.
C11 0.01/iF ceramic plate

Miscellaneous
Plastic case (see text)
9-volt battery type PP3
Battery connector
Control knob
Trimmer converter (see text)
Output socket
4 rubber feet
Materials for printed board
Aluminium (for C1 bracket and battery clamp)
Wire, solder, etc.

back, and this is set up such that the r.f, amplifier is

taken beyond the threshold of oscillation. By means
of careful tuning, the oscillating amplifier will then
itself lock onto the 200kHz signal, using an elementary form of p.1.1, operation.
The result is a considerably enhanced 200kHz
signal at the output of the r.f. amplifier, but this is
not in itself suitable for calibration purposes since
the harmonic content is low, and usable multiples of
the fundamental do not extend beyond a few MHz.
The amplified signal is in consequence applied to a
true p.l.l. circuit, and it is the current controlled oscillator in the latter which provides the calibrator
output. The p.l.l. is an NE567.

FULL CIRCUIT
The full circuit of the calibrator appears in Fig. 2.
LI is the tuned winding of the ferrite rod aerial, with
C1 as the variable tuning capacitor. The low impedance winding, L2, couples the aerial signal to the
base of the first r.f. transistor via C2. TR 1 is wired as
a conventional common emitter device with a
resistive collector load. At the relatively low frequency of 200kHz it is possible to obtain high gain
with resistive loads.
The second r.f. transistor is used in a circuit
which is virtually identical, apart from the fact that a
p.n.p. transistor is employed. Interstage coupling is
provided by C3.
+9V

s2

TF!2
BCI7C

"2
R

<-3

l
w/v

8
C4

-Mm
"3

C2

,C
I
NE567

lR5

SQi

IO

26

1
TR
BCI09

Cg Output
"11

BC109 BC179
Lead-outs

Fig. 2. The circuit of the calibrator. S1 is set to connect the input of the NE567 to the negative
rail when it is desired to adjust the i.e. oscillator to 200kHz
JULY, 1979

(WJ

The f'trtod board and

torrita aariat assamhty an
secured to the fid of the plastic
case. The aluminium bracket
on which is mounted C1 is
positioned centraffy behind the
front panel

rsfe

'I

Regeneration from TR2 collector to the emitter of

TR1 is provided by CX. This is simply the
capacitance given by two wires positioned close to
each other. In some instances the stray
capacitances in the circuit will be sufficient on their
own to provide the positive feedback required.
The output of the r.f. amplifier is passed via SI
and C4 to the input of the p.1.1., IC1. The functioning
of the NE567 has been described in previous articles in this magazine, and so it will not be dealt
with here in detail. The centre frequency determining components are R5, C7 and C9, and the last
can be adjusted to give a centre frequency of
200kHz. SI allows the NE567 input to be disconnected from the r.f. amplifier and connected to
the negative supply rail in order that C9 can be adjusted to the correct setting. C4 provides d.c. blocking at the input, whilst C8 performs a similar function at the output. C5 and C6 are low pass filter
components. Pin 8 is an output which goes low
when lock has been achieved. This facility is not required in the present application, and no connection
is made to pin 8.
CIO and C11 are supply decoupling capacitors
and SI is the on-off switch. The current consumption of the unit is approximately 16mA from a 9 volt
supply, and the prototype employs a PP3 battery.
The fundamental frequency output is a square wave
with a nominal peak-to-peak amplitude of the order
of 7.5 volts.
CONSTRUCTION
The prototype is housed in a plastic box which
has approximate inside dimensions of 90 by 160 by
71 mm. This is a case type 1003, available from
Goddard's Components, 110 London Road, St,
Albans, Herts, All 1 NX. A plastic case as opposed
to a metal case is essential, since a metal case
would screen the ferrite rod aerial and prevent the
calibrator from working. Any other plastic case of
about the same size may be employed.
One of the long sides of the box is used as the
front panel. S2 is mounted on the left of the front
panel with SI balancing it symmetrically on the
right. The control spindle for C1 is in the centre of
(564

the panel. C1 is a 250pF trimmer with its adjusting

screw removed and replaced by a "trimmer converter." The latter consists of a length of ^ in.
diameter rod with a section threaded 6BA at one
end. This end screws into the trimmer, enabling it to
be adjusted by a standard control knob passed over
the \ in. diameter section. The trimmer and the
"trimmer converter" are both available from Home
Radio (Components) Ltd.
The rear of the trimmer has a bush and nut enabling it to be secured in position, and in the calibrator
the trimmer is mounted on a small homeconstructed L-shaped aluminium bracket secured to
the base of the box by two 6BA bolts and nuts. The
bracket may be seen in the photograph of the interior of the calibrator. Its precise dimensions are
not important provided that it holds the trimmer
steadily at the required height. A hole is required in
the front panel of the case to allow the -J- in. section
of the "trimmer converter" to pass through.
It would, of course, be possible to use any other
variable capacitor having a maximum capacitance of
the order of 250pF which is physically small enough
to fit into the space available. However, the trimmer
and "trimmer converter" are inexpensive, and they
also have the advantage of having what is effectively a built-in slow-motion drive.
The output socket, or sockets, are mounted on
the rear panel of the case. The author employed two
wander plug sockets, one connecting to the
negative rail and the other to C8, but a coaxial
socket may alternatively be employed if desired. The
box is fitted with four rubber feet at the corners of
the base.
PRINTED BOARD
The remaining components are assembled on a
printed circuit board, the relevant details being
provided in Fig. 3, which illustrates both sides of the
board actual size.
Two plastic clips hold the ferrite rod in place, and
these are mounted to the board by means of two
short 6BA bolts about 6 mm. long with nuts. The
aerial coil, ferrite rod and mounting clips are all
available from Ambit International. A mounting hole
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

130 mm

Fernte rod

L|' Lp

C9

6BA clear
-o

Output

Battery pos.
via Sg

TRg
/

"2
C3

C2

R3

Clo

TR

IC|

^7

OS

y Hk.
Cx

vis

C?

Battery neg.

^/

67 mm

Fig. 3. The component and copper sides of the printed board, which is reproduced actual sue.
Not shown in the lower view are the mounting holes for the ferrite aerial clips and for C9

r
The components on the
printed board are laid out

ii

%
*

JULY, 1979

665

t,

df)

-*)

An angled view of the calibrator. The

legends on the front panel are taken from
"Panel-Signs" Set No. 4

in the board is also needed for C9.

The lead indicated "CX" in Fig. 3 is one of the
leads forming the r.f. feedback capacitor. It is a
single-core p.v.c. covered wire which is placed near
the non-earthy lead connecting to C1. The amount
of capacitance inserted into the circuit by CX is not
critical and there may well be sufficient stray feedback to produce oscillation without the need for the
lead from the printed board. It will probably not be
necessary to twist the two leads together, although
this might just be necessary in a few cases.
It is advisable not to use very much more feedback than is necessary to make the circuit oscillate,
as this may make it difficult to lock the r.f. amplifier
to 200kHz if only a fairly week Radio 4 signal is
available. Adjustments to CX, if required, can be
made during the initial setting-up process.
The completed printed circuit board is wired to
the remainder of the unit before it is mounted on the
underside of the plastic box lid. It is secured by two
6BA bolts and nuts, with spacing washers to keep
the board underside clear of the inside surface of the
lid. The ferrite aerial coil former is held in place on
the rod with adhesive tape so that about 10 mm. of
the rod projects outside the edge of the former. The
PP3 battery rests flat on the bottom of the case, and
can be held in position with a small home-made
aluminium clamp.

RSGB NATIONAL AM AT
The RSGB's National Amateur Radio Exhibition was held at Alexandra Palace, London, on the
11th, and 12th May, and as usual a good attendance of visitors was recorded. This venue is a good
one from the point of view of space, there being
plenty of room to move around and to see what is
on display.
The usual Component surplus salesmen were
there, in force, and new gear was on display on the
well known Traders' Stands, offering an opportunity of making comparisons between the equipment
snown. Aerials and masts were also on display,
which is useful in judging the actual size of these

ADJUSTMENT AND USE

It is first necessary to adjust C9 so that the freerunning p.I.I. oscillator operates at 200 kHz. SI is
set to connect the p.I.I. input to the negative rail. The
unit is then placed close to an ordinary portable
radio tuned to the BBC transmission on 200kHz and
C9 is adjusted to produce a heterodyne whistle with
the BBC transmitter carrier. C9 is adjusted for the
lowest frequency tone from the receiver which is
possible. Make sure that it is the true fundamental
of the p.1.1. which is being picked up, and not a harmonic which is beating with a spurious response of
the receiver (as could occur at an image frequency).
If it is the fundamental which is being received the
heterodyne note will not change in frequency if the
receiver tuning is slightly altered. With harmonics
slight alterations to the tuning of the receiver will
cause considerable changes in heterodyne frequency.
SI is now set to connect the p.l.l. to the r.f.
amplifier output and C1 is adjusted. It should be
possible to find a range of settings in C1 in which
the p.l.l. oscillator signal can be made to vary slightly either side of 200kHz. C1 is adjusted to the centre
of this range of settings, whereupon the circuit
should lock onto the 200kHz carrier and no
heterodyne whistle should be produced from the
receiver, indicating a true "zero-beat."
During use of the unit it must be remembered
that the ferrite aerial is directional and that maximum pick-up is given when the ferrite rod is broadside on to the direction of the transmitter.
When calibrating a receiver it should not be
necessary to make a direct connection between the
output of the calibrator and the aerial terminal of the
receiver. Usually, adequate coupling will be given by
connecting a short wire to the aerial terminal and
placing it close to the calibrator. If a tighter coupling
proves to be necessary an insulated lead from the
aerial terminal may be twisted with an insulated
lead from the calibrator non-earthy output, the
resultant capacitance between the leads providing
the required coupling. It may occasionally be helpful
to connect the receiver earth terminal to the earthy
output of the calibrator.
The output from the calibrator will not be completely free of the modulation products in the Radio
4 transmission. This is of no great practical importance and confers the advantage of making the output signal more easily distinguished from other
signals which are received.

UR RADIO EXHIBITION
items often difficult to do when one only has the
sizes quoted in the catalogues to go by.
The RSGB had an impressive Stand, and various
other organisations sucn as RAYNET, AMSATUK, RAIBC also put on interesting displays and
there was of course the usual Talk-in station in
operation.
One always finds something new at these exhibitions and this year it was microprocessors
applied to RTTY and also a PET microprocessor
on the AMSAT-UK Stand illustrating the use of
this type of equipment for predicting OSCAR orbital parameters.

RECENT PUBLIC/ITI0N8

PROJECTS IN RADIO AND ELECTRONICS. By Ian R. Sinclair. 96

pages, 215x130mm. (8-i- x Sin.) Published by the Butterworth Group.
Price 2.25.
The author of this book will be no stranger to regular readers of Radio & Electronics Constructor who have followed his "Double Deccer" and "Tune-In To Programs" series. The same helpful
and descriptive style apparent In his articles is similarly evident in "Projects in Radio and Electronics".
,
.
.
Intended mainly for the beginner, the book starts with an introduction to the more common electronic components after which it proceeds to the projects themselves. There are fourteen of these
and they include two receivers, a short wave converter, a bench power supply and a bench a.f.
amplifier. Also to be found are simple items of test equipment such as a transistor tester, a signal
injector, an electronic ohmmeter, a high resistance voltmeter and an a.c. millivoitmeter. The constructional information shows how the various circuits may be assembled on Veroboard or on any
other stripboard.
. ^ .
The book is attractively produced with black and green illustrations having excellent registration.
It should be of considerable help to anyone who intends to devote spare time to the enjoyable hobby
of electronics.

IC LM3900 PROJECTS. By H. Kybett, B.Sc., C. Eng., M.I.E.E.,

M.I.E.R.E., M.I.T.E., C.E.T. 119 pages, 180 x 110mm. (7 x ^in.)
Published by Bernard Babani (Publishing) Ltd. Price 1.35.
The LM3900 is a quad Norton operational amplifier, the i.e. chip containing four "currentdifferencing" amplifiers. Unlike the more familiar operational amplifiers which have voltage inputs,
the Norton amplifier functions with current inputs. Amongst its advantages are the ability to run
from a single supply voltage and the fact that its output swing extremes closely approach the supply
The book under review is devoted entirely to the LM3900 and the circuits in which it may be
employed. These consist of audio applications, linear applications and digital applications, as well as
signal generator circuits and special miscellaneous applications. The last include a squaring
amplifier circuit, a peak detector and a low frequency mixer.
The text is very concise and use is made of simple mathematics wherever necessary. The book
offers useful information in its particular corner of the general op-amp scene.

UNDERSTANDING ELECTRONICS. By R. H. Warring. 175 pages,

220 x 135mm. (8| x S-J-in.) Published by Lutterworth Press. Price
3.95.
We all of us have to start somewhere, and this applies just as much to electronics as to any other
human activity. "Understanding Electronics" is designed for the complete newcomer who, whilst
fascinated by the possibility of taking up electronics as a hobby, is discouraged at encountering a
world where components in a circuit are represented by symbols having little resemblance to their
actual shape and where all the currents and voltages which make the circuit function are completely
invisible.
The book under review starts right at the beginning by listing the most commonly encountered
electronic units, abbreviations and symbols. It then carries on to direct and alternating current, basic
circuits and circuit laws, resistors, capacitors, RC circuits, coils and transformers. The text then
turns to semiconductors, neons, l.e.d.'s, valves and integrated circuits. Further sections in the book
discuss circuit diagrams, circuit construction, printed circuits, radio and television reception,
batteries and power supplies.
The whole is clearly written in a simple down to earth manner and the book represents a good
primer on the subject which it covers.

JULY 1979

667

NEWS

AND

LCD FREQUENCY DISPLAY FOR AM/FM AND

DIRECT READING
Ambit International's range of
OKI frequency counter LST includes
devices for driving standard LCD units, to provide direct readout of
/"V
received frequency in the LW/MW
and FM bands, with a wide choice
of all standard IF offsets as well
as a direct count facility.
The DFM2 unit (pictured) includes all interface electronics for
the unit to be used in conjunction
with virtually any/FM receiver cir* ft i * ft ft
cuitry, since the sensitivity of 5mV
permits proximity coupling to the
oscillator signals.
Full details from Ambit International Ltd., 2 Gresham Road,
Brentwood, Essex.
SEMINARS AT GREAT BRITISH ELECTRONICS BAZAAR
A series of 14 seminars is scheduled to run In parallel with the Great British Electronics Bazaar, to be held at the Alexandra Palace on 28, 29, 30 June 1979.
Top level lecturers will talk on a very wide range of subjects. One session will deal with the theory and practical
applications of microprocessors and will Include demonstrations: A well-known University lecturer will be talking about
"How to become a Radio Amateur": On another occasion, a top Mullard expert will describe 'Teletext for the Hobbyist":
Electronic Keyboard Instrument^ is another lecture to be dallverad by a well-known exponent In the field; The managing
director of a leading Consultancy will talk about "Professional Programming for the Amateur"; Other areas covered Include "Designing and Making your owtn Printed Circuit Boards" complete with a demonstration of how-to-do-it;
Microcomputer Bus Systems, and Radio Technologies In the 19808. In the exhibition hall, the Radio Society of Great Britain is to run a special Amateur Radio station with a unique call sign, and many demonstrations of building electronics circuits are planned. Tickets for the Great British Electronics Bazaar are available, free, from the organlaera on receipt of a
stamped addressed envelope. The address for free tickets is. The Great British Electronics Bazaar, 34-38 High Street,
Saffron Waldon, Essex, marking the envelope "Bazaar". Groups, Clubs or Societies requiring a number of tickets for parties can obtain all the tickets they need by writing to the above address.
TELEPHONE AMPLIFIER
SGS-ATES is currently in volume
change. Gain precision is better
ATES are SGS-ATES (United
production of a linear integrated
than 2dB.
Kingdom) Ltd., Planar House,
telephone speech circuit which has
The U.K. representatives of SGSWalton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks.
been developed by the company for
L. M. Ericsson, one of the world's
leading telephone equipment
manufacturers. Only a small number
*
of additional components is needed
in the handset, as is well
demonstrated by the second
photograph.
The new circuit eliminates the
differential transformer and
automatically performs the "local
effect" suppression function. It also
includes a transmitting amplifier
which allows the standard carbon
capsule to be substituted by a
moving-coil microphone or by other
transducer types.
Another amplifier is used for the
Developed by SGS-ATES for L, M. Ericsson,
receiving path and the gain of both
this telephone handset assembly incorporates
amplifying sections is automatically
electronic circuits for transmitter and receiver
controlled as a function of the disamplification as well as "local effect" supprestance between the user and the exsion
668
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOI

COMMENT

HAND-HELD DIGITAL MULTIMETER

The 935 LCD multimeter just announced by Data Precision
has, claim Farnell International the U.K. distributor, the
lowest price tag of any high performance hand-held digital multimeter (DMM) currently available in the U.K.
Designed primarily for field use, the 935 is a full function, 3i
digit DMM with 0.1% basic accuracy. It has 29 ranges for d.c. or
a.c. voltage and current and resistance measurements, including
both high and low resistance excitation. Ranges, functions and hi
(2.8V) and lo (250mV) ohms are selected using push button
switches ergonomically designed to permit single handed operation using left or right hand, leaving the other hand free for probe
use. Measurements including appropriate polarity sign and
decimal points and a warning indicator for low battery voltage
are displayed on a high contrast 0.5" high liquid crystal display.
The 935 is priced at 99 exc. V.A.T. U.K. mainland delivered,
including test leads, battery, instruction manual, one year
guarantee, certificate of conformance to NBS standards and U.S.
factory final QC test report. Farnell International, who offer full
repair and recalibration facilities for this and all the Data Precision range are prepared to offer substantial discounts for quantity orders and further information is available from: Farnell
International Instruments Ltd., Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, West
Yorkshire, LS22 4DH.

MICROELECTRONICS SYMPOSIUM ON CHIPS

"The past five years have seen a staggering reduction In cost ana hence availability of microelectronic "chips".
These tiny circuits seem certain to find ubiquitous application In work and leisure, bringing automation on an unprecedented scale. What are microprocessors likely to do to the existing economic structure of our society? Are
they really as flexible as those who fear mass unemployment say? What possible uses could they have?"
So ran the introduction to an Invitation to attend a one day Symposium organised by the Norwich and Norfolk
Branch of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, rocently.
The Chairman, Professor Sir Sam Edwards, F.R.S., in his introduction said that the B.A. still concentrated on
presenting new scientific ideas to the public. He said we have to export to live and the only way we can do this, is
to continue to be one of the leading countries in "high technology and everyone must come to terms with it.
Dr. A. J. Robinson, Director of the Warren Springs Laboratory, was the first speaker, and he dealt with Automation in Factories". He said he liked to think of a microprocessor as being much the same as a computer and doing much
the same as a computer does, but at a relatively trivial cost. It was necessary that employees and management should
know the possibilities of microprocessor techniques and their useage, in order that routine procedures could be taken
up by these instruments, thus enabling workers to do the more interesting jobs, leaving the boring repetitive work to
machines.
_,
....
1
Lectures were also given on "Microprocessors in Transport", "Microprocessors in Education and Social
Implications of Microprocessors". It was obvious from the discussion following the lectures that the application of
the "new technology" in the work-a-day world will lead to much change and cqntroversy.
IMPORTANT SERIES
Starting with our next issue,
we shall be commencing one of
the most important series that
we have ever published.
Called the DATABUS series,
the articles will describe how
microprocessors work. A comprehensive and jargon-free explanation of microprocessors
written specifically for the electronics enthusiast.
The remarks of Professor
Sam Edwards F.R.S., as stated in
our brief report on the symposium above, underline the importance of this series to all electronics enthusiasts.
JULY, 1979

HI-FI D^T

ccnr^
The reject system on this model is very
positive"

669

H SUGGESTED CIRCUIT ^

CAR

VOLTAGE

MONITOR

By G. A. French

The circuit described in this article is primarily intended to function

as a warning device to indicate low
voltage in a 12 volt car battery, but
it can also be used as a voltage
monitor for any equipment
operating from a nominal battery
supply voltage ranging from 9 to 12
volts. The circuit is not suitable for 6
volt car systems.
The unit employs two inexpensive integrated circuits and causes a
green light-emitting diode to glow
steadily when the battery voltage
being monitored is higher than a
pre-determined level. Should the
battery voltage fall below that level
the green l.e.d. extinguishes and a
red l.e.d. flashes continually.

and the output of the op-amp

swings negative. With a low supply
voltage the op-amp inverting input
is negative of the non-inverting input and the output swings positive.
A negative output from the opamp causes the green light-emitting
diode, LED1, to light up and glow
continuously. It also applies a
negative input to pin 1 of the CMOS
quad 2-input NAND gate, IC2. The
output of the gate at pin 3 is consequently high, causing the output

Da
tM- tHT IN4CXD2 IN4002
<1
2'2kn

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
The circuit of the voltage monitor
appears in Fig. 1. In this diagram the
voltage to be monitored is applied
to the positive and negative supply
points and can be switched on and
off by SI. For reasons which are explained later, diodes D3 and D4 in
the positive rail drop the voltage being checked by approximately 1.2
volts. The voltage drop across these
two forward biased diodes can be
assumed to be constant.
The voltage is then applied to opamp IC1, which operates as a
voltage comparator. A stabilized
voltage of about 5.1 volts appears
across zener diode D1 and is
applied to the non-inverting input of
the op-amp, whilst a proportion of
the voltage across the supply rails is
tapped off at the slider of pre-set
potentiometer VR1 and is passed to
the inverting input. When the supply
voltage is high the inverting input is
positive of the non-inverting input
670

at pin 4 to be low. As may be seen,

the NAND gate associated with pins
4, 5 and 6 of IC2 is employed simply as an inverter. So also are the
remaining two NAND gates
associated with pins 8 to 13. When
the pin 4 output is low, the pin 11
output is similarly low. No voltage is
applied to the red light-emitting
diode, LED2, and this is extinguished.
When the output of IC1 swings
positive LED1 extinguishes and the

LED|
green

r-C
gl

4
IMn

IMn

131

2
2 2kn

VR
IOO

Da
6 IC
741

IN4002

"3
2-2 kn

5-IV

iqa
CD40II

7
Ikn

0-47^r
"6
kn
LEDj
red

14
7-

741 CD40II
Top view

Rj- Ry : '/4 watt l00/o

D| : BZYSBCSVI

Fig. 1. The circuit of the monitor. IC1 functions as a voltage

comparator and IC2, when enabled, as an oscillator which
causes the red l.e.d. to flash continually
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

input of IC2 at pin 1 is taken high.

The first NAND gate can now function effectively as an inverter, with
pin 3 going low when pin 2 goes high
and vice versa. The first two NAND
gates then commence to run as afi
oscillator, the oscillation frequency
being controlled mainly by C1 and
R5. With the component values
shown, the oscillator produces a
square wave at pin 4 which has a
frequency slightly higher than 1 Hz.
The red l.e.d. lights up when the
output at pin 4 is high. Since the
output at pin 1 1 will then also be
high, the l.e.d. receives additional
current from this second output.
Thus, the l.e.d. passes twice the
current which would be available
from a single NAND gate output
and, in consequence, produces a
brighter glow.
Summing up circuit operation so
far, it can be seen that a high supply
voltage causes the op-amp output
to be low, whereupon the green
l.e.d. is lit and the NAND gate oscillator is inhibited with the red l.e.d.
extinguished, a low supply voltage
results in a high op-amp output
which extinguishes the green l.e.d.,
enables the NAND gate oscillator
and produces a continual flashing of
the red light-emitting diode.
Diode D2 is needed because the
op-amp output, when negative, is
still about 2 volts positive of the
negative rail. The small voltage
dropped across the diode ensures
that the input to pin 1 of IC2 is
taken adequately negative for
CMOS functioning.
COMPONENTS
The components required are all
readily available. The two l.e.d.'s are
not specified by type numbers as
there is nowadays a very wide range
of suitable l.e.d.'s available to the
constructor. The pre-set potentiometer may be a skeleton type of
0.1 watt rating. The pin numbers for

IC1 apply to the 741 in a 14-pin

d.i.l. package. If an 8-pin 741 is
employed, pin 2 is the inverting input, pin 3 is the non-inverting input,
pin 6 is the output, pin 4 is for
negative supply and pin 7 is for
positive supply. As is indicated in
Fig. 1, pin 7 of the CD4011 takes its
negative supply and pin 14 takes its
positive supply.
The CD4011 is available in two
types, one having the suffix "AE"
and the other having the suffix
"BE". The "AE" type is suitable for
supply voltages up to a maximum of
1 5 volts, whilst the "BE" type has a
maximum voltage rating of 20 volts.
If an "AE" i.e. is employed in the circuit for IC2, diodes D3 and D4 permit safe operation up to 16.2 volts,
and this should be adequate when
the unit is used to monitor the
voltage of a 12 volt car battery.
With a "BE" i.e. the two diodes are
not necessary and the positive
supply may be fed directly to the
remainder of the circuit, as illustrated in Fig. 2. The two diodes
are also not necessary if the unit is
intended to monitor the voltage of a
dry battery having a nominal voltage
in the range of 9 to 12 volts, and in
this last application IC2 may be
either "AE" or "BE". Most
CD4011's available at present
should be "BE" types, but it is
necessary to check this point when
employing the monitor with a car

Si
LED

i: .
\

i
14

Fig. 2. In some instances the

two voltage-dropping diodes,
D3 and D4, are not required,
and the positive input is applied
direct to the main positive rail

C.S.C. APPOINT
With effect from 1st May, Lawtronics Ltd., of
139 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent, have been appointed southern area distributors for Continental
Specialists Corporation range of instruments and
breadboarding equipment.
In keeping with the Lawtronics policy of offering
cost effective portable test instruments, the C.S.C.
range includes hand held frequency counters up to
550MHz as well as small mains powered function
JULY, 1979

battery. The suffix letters are normally marked on the case of the
device.
The current drawn from a 12 volt
supply is about 7mA when the
green l.e.d. is lit, rising to an average
of about 1 5mA when the red l.e.d. is
flashing. These currents are
negligibly low when the monitor is
connected to a car battery, but it is
still desirable to have an on-off
switch available. This is because a
continually flashing red l.e.d. could
in some circumstances prove distracting to the driver. The currents
drawn by the monitor are of a
significant level when it is connected to a dry battery, and it need
only be switched on when it is
desired to check battery voltage.
VR1 is set up by connecting the
unit to a source of voltage corresponding to the minimum level
that the monitored battery should
have. With a 12 volt car battery this
could be, say, 10.5 volts and with a
9 volt dry battery it could be 7.5
volts. These setting-up voltages can
be provided by a variable voltage
power supply or by an appropriate
number of 1.5 volt dry cells. VR1 is
then adjusted to the point at which
the green l.e.d. just extinguishes,
giving way to the flashing red l.e.d.
No further adjustment is necessary.
The monitor can be adjusted for
minimim voltages down to 6 volts.
The speed of flashing may be
varied by changing the value of C1.
Reducing its value to 0.22^F will,
for instance, increase the flashing
rate to about 2Hz.
When used in a car, all the components should be fully enclosed in
a plastic case with the switch and
the two l.e.d.'s mounted on the front
panel. Having the circuit completely
insulated in this manner ensures
that it can be safely connected to
either a positive or a negative earth
electrical system. The plastic case
may be positioned at any convenient point on or near the car
dashboard.

N AREA DISTRIBUTORS
generators and pulse generators.
Stocks of the established C.S.C. products, i.e.
logic probes and solderless breadboards, will be
available for both the professional and hobby
market.
This new franchise and the increased ranges
from N.L.S. and Lawtronics extends the number
of portable test instruments to 46, plus over 120
various digital panel meters from N.L.S.

MAINS

TOUCH

SWITCH

Active

switching

on

and off of 240 volt a.c.

By A. P. Roberts
loads

A large number of touch switch designs have

been published in recent years, and these have
mainly been for the control of small d.c. loads.
Such designs can be made to operate a mains
powered a.c. load via a relay, but this nullifies one
of the main advantages of touch switch operation:
the absence of moving parts which can wear out,
and the consequent high reliability.
It is possible to produce a simple mains touch
switch having no mechanical switcning of any kind
by using a thyristor or triac as the switching element in the circuit, and employing an opto-isolator
device to isolate the touch contacts (and hence also
the operator) from the mains supply.

up to

amp.

A simple design of this nature forms the subject

of the present article. It has three touch contacts
which are mounted close together in a line.
Touching the centre contact and one of the outer
contacts causes the load to be switched on, while
touching the centre contact and the other outer
contact results in the load being switched off again.
The unit can handle load currents of up to 1 amp
or, in other words, loads of up to 240 watts, with the
standard U.K. mains voltage of 240 volts.
THE CIRCUIT
The complete circuit of the mains touch switch is
shown in Fig. 1. This breaks down into three main

D|
IN40O2
-H4

9V
240V

-rM
d
2
IN4002

IC|
CD400I

|n
ILoadl
|U

9V

-mf03
IN4004
-fW-

07
12V

$ci

OFF ON
Touch
contacts

7,8,9
-L

Opto
isolator
TILIII

-w-ix'

C2
I

A.C.
malnt

IN4004
w*0$
IN4004
W4
u

iO:
TIL III
Top view

<3:
TH,
Lead-outs

6
IN4004

fig 1
The circuit of the mains touch switch. The toad is turned on when the centre and right hand contacts are
bridged by a finger, and is turned off when the centre and left hand contacts are touched
672

RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

The complete assembly of mains transformer, Veroboard panel and 4-way terminal block

sections, a bistable control circuit coupled to the

touch contacts, a mains power supply for the
bistable, and a mains switching circuit controlling
the load.
The bistable employs two of the gates in a CMOS
CD4001 quad 2-input NOR gate. These are shown
in Fig. 1 as Gates 1 and 2, and they each have their
two inputs connected together so that they operate
as inverters. Cross-coupling between the inputs and
outputs is provided by R1 and R2.
When the circuit is first switched on the inputs of
both Gate 1 and Gate 2 will obviously be in the low
state. The outputs will therefore start to go high.
However, the gates will not have identical switching
speeds, and one output will go high faster than the
other. There is no way of predicting which gate will
have the faster operating speed, but for the sake of
this explanation we will assume that it is Gate 1.
As Gate 1 output goes high it takes Gate 2 inputs
high due to the coupling through R2. Gate 2 output
goes low, and this low voltage state is passed to the
inputs of Gate 1 by way of Rl.
The circuit remains stable in this state. An alternative stable state is given when Gate 2 output and
Gate 1 inputs are high, with Gate 1 output and
Gate 2 inputs being low. The term "bistable"
derives from the fact that the circuit has only these
two stable states.
Following our assumption, Gate 1 output and the
inputs of Gate 2 are high. The circuit can be changed to the alternative state by applying a finger to
the "On" touch contacts. Although the skin
resistance between the two contacts may be high,
even up to the level of a megohm or so, this will still
be much lower than the value of R2, and the inputs
of Gate 2 will be taken low. Gate 2 output then goes
high, causing Gate 1 output to be low. The circuit
JULY. 1979

COMPONENTS
>Resistors
(All i watt
Rl lOMft,
R2 lOMft,
R3 680 ft
R4 82k O,

5% unless otherwise stated)

10%
10%
1 watt

Capacitors
C1 lOO^F electrolytic, 25 V.Wkg
C2 O.l/zF type C280
Transformers
T1 Mains transformer, secondary 9-0-9 V at
60mA or more
Semiconductors
IC1 CD4001
TH1 thyristor, 400V at 1A (see text)
Diac BR100 or equivalent
Opto-lsolator TIL 111 or equivalent
D1 1N4002
D2 1N4002
D3 1N4004
D4 1N4004
D5 1N4004
D6 1N4004
D7 BZY88C12V
Miscellaneous
Veroboard, O.lin. matrix
4-way terminal block (see text)
Materials for touch contacts (see text)
Mains wire, connecting wire, etc.
673

will therefore remain in this state when the finger is

removeci from the touch contacts. In practice, the
Un contacts need to be touched only momentarily to achieve the change in bistable state.
1 o return the bistable to the previous state, the
hnger is applied to the "Off touch contacts. This
takes the inputs of Gate 1 low and the output of
Gate 1 high.
The output of Gate 2 is used to drive a lightde b
rnlnm
7 also
way has
of aitsthird
in the
CJJ4UU1. fc1 his gate
inputsgate
connected
together and it functions as an inverting buffer
stage. When the output of Gate 3 is high it causes
the l.e.d. to be illuminated by way of current
limiting resistor R3. When the output of Gate 2 is
high, as occurs after touching the "On" contacts,
the output of Gate 3 is low. In consequence, bridgmg the On touch contacts causes the l.e.d. to be
unlit. Touching the "Off contacts results in the
l.e.d. being turned on.
The l.e.d. is not a discrete device but, in company with the transistor, it forms an opto-isolator.
1 he two are encapsulated in a single light-proof
housing with the illumination from the l.e.d. falling
on the transistor. The latter is photosensitive and
exhibits a low resistance between its emitter and
collector when it is illuminated, and a very high
resistance when it is not. The advantage afforded
by an opto-isolator of this type is that the l.e.d. and
the transistor are completely insulated from each
other.
The bistable and l.e.d. circuit are powered by the
very simpie mains supply consisting of transformer
i 1, full-wave rectifier D1 and D2, and reservoir
capacitor Cl. The direct voltage across Cl is apvolts
nrv^onf^u
12-inputs
- (pins
The 8hhused
gate in the
GU4001 has its
and 9) connected
to
the negative rail. No connection is made to its output at pin 10. The presence of transformer Tl ensures that there is no direct connection between the
bistable and l.e.d. circuitry and the mains supply.

MAINS SWITCHING
The transistor in the opto-isolator cannot, of
course, control a mains load directly. Instead it
controls a thyristor which appears in a conventional lamp dimmer type of circuit which is pre-set
tor maximum output. We shall next consider its
operation when the transistor in the opto-isolator
extnbhs a very high resistance (as it does after the
Un contacts have been touched).
D3 to D6 form a bridge rectifier in series with
the live mains feed to the load, and they cause
succeeding a.c. half-cycles to be passed to the
anode and cathode of the thyristor, THl, such that
the anode is always taken positive and the cathode
is always taken negative. At the start of any halfcycle the voltage across the thyristor will be zero,
and the thyristor will be turned off. As the halfcycle proceeds, the voltage across the thyristor
increases,
also does
to R4, and
C2. Theas
values
of R4the
andvoltage
C2 areapplied
chosen
so that the voltage across C2 lags only slightly
behind that across the thyristor. At an early instant
m the half-cycle the voltage across C2 will be of the
order of 32 volts, whereupon the diac will trigger
and present a low resistance, resulting in C2 discharging into the gate and cathode of the thyristor.
Ihe thyristor at once turns on, switching on the
load by way of two of the diodes in the bridge rectifier. The thyristor remains conductive until
674

the end of the half-cycle, when the voltage across it

tails to zero. The whole process then repeats at the
start of the next half-cycle.
The circuit incurs some losses in the power
applied to the load: there are small forward voltage
drops across the thyristor and the conducting
diodes in the bridge rectifier; also, the thyristor
does not switch on at the very beginning of each
halt-cycle. However, these combined losses are
mimrnal and, for all practical purposes, can be considered insignificant.
In the explanation just given, the transistor in
the opto-isolator has not affected circuit operation
C
e 14
<'o
1 contacts
exhibited
high
resistance.
If the
Uttf?.Vltouch
are anow
bridged
by a finger
the opto-isolator l.e.d. turns on and the transistor
exhibits a low resistance between its collector and
eimtter. In this state it prevents the voltage across
Gz from reaching the level needed to trigger the
diac and thereby turn on the thyristor. The
thyristor simply remains non-conductive during
the a.c. half-cycles and the load is turned off
Ihus touching the "On" contacts turns off the
opto-isolator l.e.d. and transistor, but causes the
load to be turned on Bridging the "Off contacts
and rans s or
off "he "o d
^
' ^ > thereby switching
The 12 volt zener diode in series with the collector of the opto-isolator transistor plays no significant part in circuit operation, and the circuit will in
aC

j ^nc^lon 'f the zener diode is short-circuited

rans s r
^ diac.
j- 6 ^However,
i to the
collector
connected
to
the
transistor
has an direct
absolute
maximum VCEO rating of 30 volts, whereas the
diac triggering voltage is 32 plus or minus 4 volts.
i!?e<
L^ connection
collector
andrating
diac
could
therefore
cause between
the transistor
voltage
e xcee e
Ju
. cannot
^ ^' happen.
The zener diode merely ensures
that this
The components required in the circuit require a

t^tt
^ suitable
equivalent listed
for the
UL 111 is the 6-pm
d.i.l. opto-isolator
by
Maplin Electronic Supplies. The mains
trans to
. ar can be the sub-miniature component
offering 9-0-9 volts at 67mA which is also available
Irom Maphn. The thyristor should be a 400 volt 1
amp type in a T039 case, such as the THY1A/400
retailecf by Bi-Pak Semiconductors.
. ]" the diagrams, the letter "K" is employed to
indicete cathode" instead of the more usual "C".
Ihis prevents confusion with the letter "C", for
collector", at the appropriate terminal of the optoisolator.
CONSTRUCTION
The mechanical construction of the touch switch
depends upon the application for which it is to be
used. In some instances it could be assembled in a
case on its own and connected in the mains lead to
the controlled item of electrical equipment. In
other applications it could be built into the contrblled equipment itself.
In either case the electrical construction can be
as shown in Fig. 2. Apart from the mains
transformer and a terminal block all the components are wired up on a O.lin. Veroboard having
17 copper strips by 35 holes.
First cut out a board of the required size and
then drill out the mounting holes with a 3.2mm
twist drill to take M3 or 6BA bolts. Next, make the
24 breaks in the copper strips. Note that the 13
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

Mains
input

Output
to load

9V
o

ov

Terminal block

9 9V
Mounting hole

Mounting hole

\
6

r under
d2

= i

:
T:l
i:

On

Off

I0I

A o

R3
O

u'

o o o o o
o o TILIII o H0?
0 jrv-uflo C2
o o
0 o o ni.o o
21

23

TH
Diac

27

)( o 1
1
0
)
0
)
0
I
0

0)
I
0
I
0

Wiring up the touch switch components on the Veroboard pane!

breaks which isolate the touch button section of the

circuit from the mains wiring are two holes wide.
Any copper between the two holes in each strip
may be removed by means of a sharp knife. The
components and link wires are soldered to the
board, including the flying leads to T1 secondary,
the 4-way terminal block and the touch contacts,
with ICl being fitted after all other soldering has
been completed. ICl is a CMOS device and it
should be left in its protective packing until it is
required, and it must be soldered to the board by
means of an iron having a reliably earthed bit.
JULY. 1979

The diac can be connected either way round.

Finallv, the primary of T1 and the 4-way terminal block are connected into circuit. The terminal block is cut from a 12-way screw terminal
strip of the type which is intended for 5 amp mains
circuits.
With a little ingenuity it should not be difficult
to fabricate the touch contacts. They should be
made of a metal which does not oxidise readily and
could, for instance, consist of the heads of panelheaded chrome-plated screws mounted on a piece
of insulating material.

M
m
r #
P *

m # <
# #
% #
7770 components on the Veroboard panel. Zener diode D7 was added after this photograph
was taken

It is most important to ensure that all

precautions against accidental shock are observed.
The switch components and wiring should not be
accessible without the removal of a cover secured
with screws; a lid which merely clips into position
is not adequate. All accessible metalwork, apart
from the two outside touch contacts, must be
reliably connected to the mains earth. This earth
connection must be taken over to the bistable and
its power supply, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It is not
recommended that the touch switch be employed
in any significantly damp location.
Before initially connecting to the mains check
that there is full isolation between the control and
mains sections of the circuit by means of an
ohmmeter set to a high ohms range. It is also advisable to check for accidental short-circuits
between copper strips and to ensure that there are
no wiring mistakes. Remember that the wiring
around the thyristor and the diac, etc., is connected
direct to the mains and must not be touched when
the mains is applied.

The prototype works reliably with very inefficient touch contacts. When the mains is first
applied the bistable may take up either the "On"
state or the "Off state, but subsequent control is
entirely by means of the touch contacts. Simple
thyristor circuits of the type used here can generate
noticeable levels of r.f. interference, but the
amount of interference produced by the prototype
was quite insignificant. This is because the
thyristor is triggered on very early in the a.c. halfcycle, when the mains voltage is at a comparatively
low level.
It is likely that the switch will be left connected
continuously to the mains, but the extra current it
consumes is virtually negligible. It is desirable to
employ a good quality component for Tl, as an inferior transformer may tend to overheat even
though it is used well within its specified voltages
and currents. An inexpensive transformer can be
kept cooler, incidentally, if it is mounted on a metal
case or metal chassis, which will act .as a heatsink.

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 63p, inclusive of postage and packing.
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.

676

RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

LOGIC

LEVEL

AUDIBLE

ALARM

Wonderboard T.T.L. Project

It is frequently necessary to provide an audible

alarm in digital systems, and this usually requires interfacing the digital logic circuit with an analog
amplifier-oscillator. The circuit presented here uses
a t.t.l. i.e. to directly drive a speaker.

+sv

C|
-Vk-

Ri
-W-

*2
-ww

IC,
'/a 7413

sc

DE

o+5V

LS,

7413

9 o
IO o
I O
12 o
13 o

"3

o o
o
a
0
o

o
o
o
o

o
o
o
o
0
o
o

o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Input
Fig. 1. The circuit of the logic level elarm
The circuit employs a Schmitt trigger connected
as an oscillator. This produces low frequency logic
pulses which drive a miniature speaker. A logic 1 at
the input turns on the alarm. The frequency of the
sound produced in the speaker can be varied by fitting different values of resistance in the R1 position,
these ranging from zero (a piece of wire) to 500 n .

Fig. 2. The components ere assembled at one

end of a Wonderboard

TABLE
Wire Jnks
1A-1C

4B-6C

1D-1F

6B-6C

2B-2C

6A-5E

2B-3B

1F-3E

3A-4A

2A-7C

COMPONENTS
Resistors
(All 10%)
R1 see text
R2 47 n ^ watt
R3 100 a ^ watt
Capacitor
Cl 4.7 or 5//F electrolytic,
10 V. Wkg.
Integrated Circuit
ICI 7413
Speaker
LSI 15a miniature
Circuit Board
Orcus Wonderboard
JULY 1Q7Q

ASSEMBLY
Insert the 7413 i.e. in the Wonderboard with pin
1 at hole 1C. Fit C1 between 2A and 2B, R1
between 3A and 3B, R2 between 4A and 4B, and
R3 between 6A and 6B. Add the wire links under
the board which are shown in the Table.
Connect the speaker between 3E and 5E, apply 5
volts positive to 1 F and connect 2A to ground. The
input is connected to hole 1A and the alarm is then
all set to operate.

677

EICER

A SPECIAL
SERIES FEATURING
s DeCs

No. 8
By Ian Sinclair

SLEEPER-BLEEPER
Three astab/es produce a series of bleeps
with frequencies and timing adjustable by
choice of components
Circuits which give various sound outputs are
common enough and are the delight of school electronics clubs, but this is rather an unusual one which
gives several short bleeps, then stops before
repeating. It makes a useful paging signal or even a
useful sound effect (where are you, R2D2?) and
several circuits can be built of which no two will
give the same pattern of tone or bleeps.
Basically, the circuit consists of three astable
multivibrators and an output stage, and it is easier
to describe the action of the circuit if we look at the
astables in reverse order, output first.
OUTPUT ASTABLE
TR5 and TR6 are connected as an astable with a
considerably shorter time constant than the other
two. The component values chosen give a frequency
of around 2kHz, with the unusual feature that a
single resistor charges the two cross-coupling
capacitors, with the diode D2 providing isolation.
The diode also limits the amplitude of the wave at
the base of TR6, and has an effect on the frequency,
which is higher than that of an astable using
separate base resistors. By using different values for
C5 and C6 we can change the note produced by this
astable, but R9 should not be changed to any large
extent.

COMPONENTS
Resistors
(All J- watt 5%)
R1 1.8k n
R2 56k 0
R3 56k n
R4 I.Bkn
R5 56kn
R6 56k Ci
R7 1.8k n
R8 I.Bkn
R9 56k n
R10 4.7kn
R11 4.7kn
R12 12kn
fi78

TR5 and TR6 will therefore produce a bleep tone,

but only when point 21 on DeC 2 is returned to a
positive voltage via R9. Bleeps are produced by
coupling R9 to the collector of TR4, TR3 and TR4
form another astable. which runs at a much lower
frequency because the cross-coupling capacitors are
10|jF. When the collector current of TR4 is cut off,
current flows through R8 into R9, so activating
the tone oscillator. When TR4 is turned on, the
voltage at its collector is too low to allow current
to flow to the tone oscillator, so that the
note stops. Diode D2 ensures that the tone, oscillator does shut off under these conditions
because of the need to have at least 0.6 volt across
the base-emitter junction of a conducting silicon
transistor. If a conventional two-resistor circuit is
employed for TR5 and TR6, shut-off is not reliable
because the oscillations tend to be self sustaining.
The bleep-producing astable incorporating TR3
and TR4 is itself not allowed to run continuously.
The bases of these transistors are returned, through
separate resistors this time, to the collector of TR2
which is half of yet another astable. Diode D1 is a
catching diode and prevents the base of TR4 being
driven more than about 0.6 volt negative of its
emitter. This again is necessary to ensure reliable
switching on and off.

Capacitors
C1 IOOjuF electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.
C2 IOOuF electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.
jF electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.
C3
C4 10uF electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.
)1juF polyester or mylar
C5 O.Olu
C6 O.OIjuF polyester or mylar
Semiconductors
TR1-TR7 2N697 or 2N2219 or BFY50
D1, D2 1N914 or 1N4148
Loudspeaker
LSI 60In to 80 n (see text)
Miscellaneous
2-off S-DeC
6V battery
T> A TXTA XTT\ T^T XPOT'rjrvXTTr'C OrVVrOrpiDT

TR1 and TR2 are in the third astable, which oscillates very slowly because of the IOQjuF crosscoupling capacitors. This oscillator operates continuously because the transistor bases are returned
to the positive supply through the" 56k n resistors,
R2 and R3. When TR2 is cut off, current flows
through R4 into R5 and R6 to operate the bleep
astable. When TR2 is bottomed the voltage at point
7 of DeC 1 is too low to feed current into the bases
of TR3 and TR4, so that the bleeps stop.
Looking now at the other end of the circuit, TR7
is a loudspeaker driver. R12 limits the amount of
signal drive fed to the base of TR7, this transistor
being turned on when TR6 cuts off, and turned off
when TR6 is turned on. The loudspeaker should
preferably be a high resistance type of 60 n to 80

CONSTRUCTION
Clip the two S-DeCs together to form one long
DeC, and plug in the wire links which join the circuit
sections together. Now connect the loudspeaker,
using single core wire. If stranded wire is used
(because of an existing flex) then the wire ends
should be twisted tightly and soldered to prevent
strands from breaking off inside the DeC. Plug in R9,
which links the two DeCs by taking signals from
DeC 1 to DeC 2.
Insert the capacitors, noting that C1, C2, C3 and
C4 are electrolytic types for which correct polarity
must be observed. The diodes are then plugged into
place, also noting polarity. If the completed circuit

34

625
12 923 C2
oiQHoU9
29 l4
569 479
TR

662 '
3
C4 p
rO-IQ-o 65 9 21
42^ 57\ 149 63 -o-WW^oRa "f43
40/ \59
C

tr2

539 '*3

TR

rov
40

(O)
5 36

<o.
33 2

35 66

5 36

C6
24 l-o
8

44
"12

28

42

46
89

TR?

TR

1*5
25 P15

5! 6.
20o/
3^6
20 51
TR1-TR7 2N697or 2N22I9
or BFYSO
D|,D2 IN9I4 or IN4I48

52

DEC I

dTb
DEC 2

0 0xb

2N697 2N22I9
BFYSO~
Lead-outs

The Sleeper~Sleeper, which produces a series of bleeps at timed intervals. The bleep audio and
repetition frequencies, together with interval timing, may all be varied by altering component
values in the three astable oscillators

impedance. Lower impedance speakers, down to

15n , may also be used without damage to the
transistor.
Variations in the tone of the bleep have already
been discussed. The number of bleeps in each cycle
can be altered by changing the frequency of the
bleep astable around TR3 and TR4. This is best
done by changing the values of capacitors C3 and
C4 rather than by changing the values of R5 and R6.
Finally, the time between bursts of bleeping can
be altered by changing the time constants at TR1
and TR2. Here, the values of resistors R2 and R3
can be changed provided that values less than
22k n or greater than lOOkn are not used. Very
long times may be impossible to obtain because of
leakage current through the electrolytic capacitors,
but values of TOOO^uF for C1 and C2 were used
along with 56k U resistors in the prototype and
gave excellent results.
JULY, 1979

gives a continuous tone or none at all, the polarity of

the diodes should be suspected.
The transistors are all n.p.n. types with the same
lead-out layout and they can now be inserted into
their places in the DeCs, making sure that the
emitter and collector leads are not reversed in this
symmetrical layout. Some care is needed in building
astable circuits of this type where the transistors are
"back-to-back," being placed with their emitter
leads on a central line with one collector on a lower
numbered line and the other on a higher numbered
line, because one transistor is "upside-down" compared with its neighbour. No problems should arise
if the diagram is faithfully followed, however.
The remaining resistors can now be plugged into
place. Next add a pair of single core wires to the 6
volt battery and your Sleeper-Bleeper is ready to
sing for you.

679

AUDIO

CC

TESTER

SIGNALS CONTiNi
RESPONDS ONLY TO D

When a continuity tester is required it is

common practice to use a multimeter switched to a
low ohms range. However, this is far from ideal as
the indication of continuity is visual, making it
necessary to continually look back and forth
between the test prods and the meter. The
procedure is inconvenient, to say the least,
particularly when the test points are awkwardly
placed or when there are a large number of tests to
be made.
A continuity tester which provides an audible
indication of continuity is much more convenient,
and in its simplest form could consist of an audio
oscillator coupled to a speaker or earphone, with
the test leads inserted in one of the oscillator
supply lines. Unfortunately, an arrangement of
this nature is not capable of discerning between a
fairly low resistance and a direct connection, and in
many instances the oscillator will give an
indication of continuity where, in fact, there is a
resistance of several hundred ohms between the
test prods. A performance of this nature can lead to
misleading and confusing results.
A better approach is to have the audio oscillator
controlled by a discriminator circuit which will
only switch on the oscillator when the resistance
between the test prods is a few ohms or less. It is a
simple instrument of this type which is described
here.

ji,||!|! i jfT*^ 11111 u :

9^
Tftt

V4 ^
(;) UvUSOO

pir, 3
fii
pin 6

vr^'
V^.

Fig. 2. The circuit of the audio continuity test

LM3900 are used, one as a current cc

CURRENT COMPARATOR
v
Norton
amplifier

Fig. 1. A Norton amplifier employed as a

current comparator
680

The unit employs two Norton amplifiers in a

single i.e., one functioning as a current
discriminator and the other as an audio oscillator.
A Norton amplifier is in many ways similar to an
ordinary operational amplifier, with the major
difference that it amplifies the difference between
two input currents rather than two input voltages.
The discriminator part of the circuit is shown in
Fig. 1., it being assumed that the amplifier output
is monitored by a voltmeter. A steady reference
current passes from the positive supply through RB
to the inverting input of the amplifier. A second
current flows through VR and RA to the noninverting input. RA is lower in value than RB,
whilst the total value of RA and VR is greater than
RB.
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

NTINUITY

By I. M. Attrill

ITY BY AUDIBLE TONE

1ECT TEST CONNECTIONS

On-Off
i n iir^i

resistance will be very small and difficult to

resolve. The general effect given as VR is adjusted
will be a quick output swing from positive to
negative as the potentiometer reaches and passes
the equal current setting. The amplifier output will
swing positive again if the potentiometer is
adjusted to insert reducing resistance and once
more passes the equal current position.
In the full continuity tester circuit, the test prods
are inserted in series with VR and RA. VR is
adjusted to the maximum resistance which allows
the amplifier output to be positive with the test
prods short-circuited together. If a significant
resistance of even just a few ohms is presented to
the test prods the current at the non-inverting
input will be below that at the inverting input and
the amplifier output will be negative. The amplifier
output is connected, not to a voltmeter as in Fig. 1.,
but to the audio oscillator, and it turns the
oscillator on when it goes positive. Thus, the
presence of continuity between the test prods is indicated by an audible output from the oscillator.
COMPLETE CIRCUIT

LSi
'M >
QD LM3900
r

7
TS,
BC108

C2

:io6
-wu

The full circuit of the continuity tester is given in

Fig. 2. The two amplifiers here are both contained
within the same i.e., an LM3900. The LM3900 has
four amplifiers, but the remaining two are not
employed. A small bias current is fed to their
inverting inputs via R3 in order to slightly reduce
their current consumption, and no other
connections are made to them.
ICl(a) is the current comparator, and its
operation has already been discussed. The values
specified for Rl, R2 and VR1 result in a current of
about 4mA flowing into each comparator input. If
VR1 is carefully set up, the circuit will not respond
to resistances of more than about 2 or 3 ohms
across the test prods. These are connected into the
circuit at jack socket SKI.
ICl(b) is the oscillator amplifier. A negative
feedback loop from the output to the inverting
input is given by R6 and R5, and these set the
voltage gain at about three times. C2 provides a
bypass at a.f. without preventing d.c. flowing into

A Two of the amplifiers in a quad Norton i.e. type

nparator and the other as an a.f. oscillator

If VR is adjusted to insert zero resistance into

circuit, a greater current will flow into the noninverting input than into the inverting input and
the amplifier output will go positive, as indicated
by the voltmeter. VR may then be gradually
adjusted to present a continually increasing
resistance. The current flowing into the noninverting input will fall until it becomes slightly
less than that flowing into the inverting input,
whereupon the amplifier output will swing
negative. It will remain negative as the current
flowing into the non-inverting input reduces
further.
There will be a range of resistance in VR
corresponding to about exactly equal currents at
the inputs, at which the amplifier output will be
between the positive and negative states. However,
due to the high gain in the amplifier this range of
JULY, 1979

ft ft
ft

slii

Front pane! of this useful item of test

equipment. The speaker is to the left, with the
jack socket for the test prods below it. To the
right are the sensitivity control and the on-off
switch
681

Tha Varoboant assambly is

sacurod to tha rrnr panat of tha
cam eotmacting to tfm front
panel componants by moans of
ftaxibta wiring

' ^

Semiconductors
IC1 LM3900
TR1 BC108
Switch
SI s.p.s.t., miniature toggle
Speaker
LSI miniature speaker, 50Oor more
Socket
SKI 3.5mm. jack socket
Miscellaneous
Case (see text)
9-volt battery (see text)
Battery connector
3.5mm. jack plug
2 test prods and leads
Control knob
Veroboard, O.lin. matrix
Nuts, bolts, wire, etc.

COMPONENTS

Resistors
(All fixed values | watt 5%)
R1 2.2kn
R2 1.5k n
R3820kn
R4 68kn
R518kn
R633kq
R7 8.2ko
VR1 5k n potentiometer, log
Capacitors
C1 lOQ/UF electrolytic, 10V. Wkg.
C2 0.22^F type C280
C3 O.l^F type C280

# # # # -*

Wiring is considarably
smpMied by the usa of a
Varoboard panel. This is

682

t 1

RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

6BA clear

6BA clear

Direction of copper strips

o o
o | o
- i R4

rm\

O
SK
1
VR

Cs

IC,
a

C3

Battery clip

9:
h'

CZ~)

bo

X Indicates break in copper strip on underside

Fig. 3. Component layout on the Veroboard module. Also shown here is the wiring to the
remaining components

the inverting input. Positive feedback to the noninverting input is provided by C3 and, with the
component values specified, the amplifier
oscillates at a frequency slightly in excess of 1kHz.
The non-inverting input is biased by R4, which
is returned to the output of ICl(a). When ICl(a)
output is high ICl(b) oscillates, and when ICl(a)
output is low oscillation ceases. The output of
ICl(b) also goes low. The oscillator output is
coupled via R7 to the base of transistor TRl, and
this transistor drives the speaker in its collector
circuit.
SI is the on-off switch and is needed because,
unlike many continuity testers, this design
consumes a current from the battery when a
continuity indication is not being given. C1 is the
supply decoupling capacitor. The current drawn
from the 9 volt battery is approximately 10mA with
the test prods open-circuit, and approximately
30mA when they are short-circuited together.

seen in the photographs. The speaker is mounted

behind a grid of twenty-one 4mm. diameter holes
drilled in a symmetrical pattern. It is glued in place
using a high quality adhesive, care being taken to
ensure that none of the adhesive becomes applied
to the speaker diaphragm. Jack socket SKI is
below the speaker, to the right of the speaker is
mounted VR1, with SI below it.
The remaining components are assembled, as
shown in Fig. 3, on a piece of O.lin. Veroboard
having 21 holes by 15 copper strips. This board is
secured to the rear panel of the case by two 6BA
bolts and nuts, with spacing washers on the bolts to
keep the underside of the board clear of the inside
surface of the case. Connection to the front panel
components is made by flexible wires which are
just long enough to allow the case to be
disassembled with the panel laid alongside the case
body.
ADJUSTMENT

CONSTRUCTION
The continuity tester may be housed in any
small case capable of taking the components and
the 9-volt battery to be used. The prototype, which
uses a PP3 battery, is housed in a plastic case with
aluminium front panel having approximate outside
dimensions of 120 by 100 by 43mm. If the
continuity tester is to be used extensively, it will be
desirable to employ a larger battery, such as the
PP6, whereupon a larger case will be required. The
speaker is a miniature type with an impedance of
50nor more. A speaker with an impedance of less
than 50 tJshould not be used.
The front panel layout for the prototype can be
.TI1TV 1Q7Q

After the continuity tester has been completed,

the battery and test prods may be connected and
VR1 set to a fully anti-clockwise position. The unit
is then switched on, and it should produce an
audible tone when the test prods are connected
together. If there is no tone, switch off at once and
check for wiring errors.
When all is well, VR1 can be set up. It is simply
adjusted, with the test prods short-circuited
together, to the most clockwise position which does
not cause oscillation to cease. It may very
occasionally be necessary to readjust VR1 in order
to maintain the tester at maximum sensitivity.

SHORT WB
FOR DX LISTENERS

By Frank A. Baldwin

Times - GMT

EGYPT
Cairo on 17670 at 1423, OM with station identification followed by a programme of Arabic-type
music. This is the Domestic Service which operates
here from 1300 through to 1830.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Prague on 17775 at 0917, OM with a talk about
local affairs in the English programme directed to
Africa, the Far East, South Asia and the Pacific
area, scheduled on this channel from 0830 to 0900
(to 0930 on Saturday and Sunday).
FINLAND
Helsinki on 21495 at 0935, OM with a newscast
mostly about local affairs in the English
programme for Europe, North Africa, the Far East
and Australia, scheduled from 0930 to 1030.
ROMANIA
Bucharest on 17805 at 0705, OM and YL announcers with the Dx programme "Listeners Club"
in the English programme for the Pacific area,
scheduled here from 0645 to 0715.
VENEZUELA
"Radio Bolivar", Ciudad Bolivar, on 4770 at
0353, local-style dance music, YL with songs in
Spanish. The schedule is from 1000 to 0300 (Saturday and Sundays until 0400) and the power is IkW.
"Radio Universidad", Merida, on 3395 at 0409,
OM with a newscast in Spanish. The schedule is
from 1000 to 0400 (weekends until 0500) and the
power is IkW.
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne on 11870 at 1520, OM with U.K.
pop records in the English programme to the Asia
and Pacific areas (announced).
NORWAY
Oslo on 17840 at 1404, OM with news of local
affairs in the English programme 'Norway this
Week', scheduled for Sundays only from 1400 to
1430.
VATICAN
Vatican City on 17825 at 1517, YL with news of
Vatican affairs in the English programme intended
for South Asia, scheduled from 1515 to 1530.
fift4

Frequencies = kHz

EAST GERMANY
Radio Berlin International on 17880 at 1408,
YL with a newscast in the English transmission intended for South East Asia, scheduled from 1400 to
1455.
Radio Berlin International on 17755 at 1350,
YL with the programme in English beamed to Central Africa, scheduled from 1315 to 1400.
U.S.S.R.
Radio Moscow on 17765 at 1358, YL with station identification in the English language World
Service.
Radio Moscow on 17825 at 1400, YL with identification and a newscast in the World Service.
Note the World Service is entirely in English
and is on the air from 0400 through to 2300 continuous on many channels and bands.
Radio Moscow on 17855 at 1524, OM with news
of Korea in the World Service.
FRANCE
Paris on 17865 at 1445, U.K. pop records with
announcements in French in the programme for
Africa, scheduled from 0600 through to 1600.
ALBANIA
Tirana on 7080 at 1800, YL with a newscast in
the Italian programme to Europe, scheduled here
from 1800 to 1830.
Tirana on 9375 at 1450, YL with the
programme in Polish for Europe, scheduled from
1430 to 1500.
Tirana on 11985 at 1412, YL with a talk about
foreign policy in the English programme to South
East Asia, scheduled from 1400 to 1430.
PAKISTAN
"Radio Pakistan", Karachi, on 17640 at 1420,
YL and OM announcers with the World Service in
Urdu to the Middle East and Persian Gulf,
scheduled from 1330 to 1430 on this channel.
"Radio Pakistan" Islamabad, on 17665 at
0718, OM and YL announcers with the Urdu
programme for the U.K., scheduled from 0715 to
0830.
SWITZERLAND
Berne on 9535 at 1330, OM with a programme

in English for the Far East, Australia, South and

South East Asia, Europe, North and Central
America, scheduled here from 1315 to 1345.
WEST GERMANY
Cologne on 9650 at 0950, OM with a talk about
ice skating in the Federal Republic in the English
programme for Asia and Australia, scheduled from
0930 to 1030.
GREECE
Athens on 17830 at 1515, YL with identification and newscast in English directed to North
America, scheduled from 1515 to 1530.
ISRAEL
Jerusalem on 17630 at 1413, light music in a
relay of the Domestic Service B programme for
listeners abroad. The servyc is entirely in Hebrew
and is scheduled here from 0400 through to 2315.
NORTH KOREA
Pyongyang on a measured 6251 at 1600, OM
with identification in Korean after a programme of
classical music. Not scheduled at this time
programmes should commence at 2000 in Korean
to South Korea.
SOUTH KOREA
Seoul on 6240 at 1607, light music, U.K. made
pop records, YL announcer in Korean. This was a
test transmission on an unlisted channel.
CHINA
"Radio Peking" on 11675 at 1450, Tamil music
and songs in the Tamil programme, scheduled from
1430 to 1500. This channel is jammed.
Peking on 9965 at 1530, YL and OM announcers at the end of the Bengali programme
scheduled from 1530 to 1600.
Peking on 9880 at 1534, YL with the
programme intended for Nepal, scheduled here
from 1530 to 1600.
Peking on 11040 at 1120, YL with a talk in the
Tibetan programme, scheduled from 1000 to 1155.
Peking on 6590 at 1820, YL with Chinese songs
in the English programme for South Asia, scheduled from 1800 to 1900.
Peking on 9440 at 1540, YL with the Standard
Chinese programme for South Asia and South East
Africa, scheduled from 1500 to 1600.
Peking on 17680 at 1332, Chinese music, YL
announcer with the Standard Chinese programme
for South East Asia, scheduled here from 1300 to
1400.
Peking on 11650 at 1400, OM with news of
Chinese foreign affairs in the English programme
for South Asia, scheduled here from 1400 to 1500.
Peking on 11675 at 1405, YL with the Tamil
programme to South Asia, scheduled here from
1400 to 1430.
Peking on 11685 at 1409, YL with the
programme for Indonesia, scheduled from 1400 to
1430.

CHINA REGIONAL
CPBS Qinghai on 6500 at 2305, OM with songs
in Chinese. Schedule unknown.
TIBET
Lhasa on 9490 at 1134, OM and YL announcers
in a relay of the Radio Peking Tibetan programme,
scheduled from 1000 to 1155.
CUBA
Havana on 17855 at 2133, OM with identification at the end of the English transmission to
Europe, scheduled from 2010 to 2140.
INDIA
AIR (All India Radio) Delhi on 9950 at 1435,
YL with identification at the end of a newscast in
English in the Domestic Service News Broadcasts
Service. This particular bulletin is scheduled from
1430 to 1435.
AIR Delhi on a measured 7412 at 1530, OM
with identification and a newscast in English,
scheduled from 1530 to 1545. Listed on 7415.
ECUADOR
HCJB Quito on 17865 at 2100, OM with announcements and identification in English.
NORWAY 2
Oslo on 9605 at 1415, OM with a programme
about winter and wildlife in North Norway. This
English programme is scheduled from 1400 to
1430 and is intended for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North and Central America.
TANZANIA
Dar-es-Salaam on 5050 at 1807, OM with the
world news in Swahili, many place names mentioned i.e. Islamabad etc. This is the Commercial Service in Swahili and is scheduled here from
1300 to 2015, the National Service on this channel
being scheduled from 0300 to 0500.
U.S.S.R.
"Radio Peace and Progress", Moscow, on
17860 at 0714, OM and YL with the Standard
Chinese programme to China, scheduled here from
0500 to 0900. Also logged in parallel on 17890.
SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg on 17780 at 2140, OM with the
English programme for Europe and West Africa,
scheduled from 2100 to 2150 on this channel.
NOW HERE THIS
"Voice of Democratic Kampuchea" on 11600
at 1206, YL in Cambodian to Kampuchea (formerly Cambodia). The schedule of this transmission is
from 1200 to 1255 and was also logged in parallel
on 11990. The transmitter is thought to be located
in China and the programme content is pro-Pol Pot
regime. This transmitter is classed as Clandestine.

BREADBOARD
The overwhelming success of Breadboard '78 has
necessitated a change of venue for BREADBOARD
'79.
It will be held at The Royal Horticultural Halls,

79

Westminster, London SW1 from December 4th8th, 1979.

Over 10,000 people attended Breadboard '78, the
first ever show of its kind for the home electronics
enthusiast.

EXCLUSIVE SERIES
TUNE-IN

Part 6

By

Ian

TO

PROGRAMS

Sinclair

GETTING

INTO

ROUTINE

So far, our programs have used either a straight

run going from one program step to the next
from beginning to end of the program or a ioop,
going round and round the same piece of program
several times under the control of the [x=t] or [Dsz]
keys. The ability of the calculator to carry out these
program instructions is useful and important, but
there is another facility available on the TI-57 (but
not on the PR-100) which is even more useful. It's
called the subroutine facility, and it's fetched up by
the key marked [SBR].
SUBROUTINES
A subroutine is a little bit of program which can
be used more than once in the course of a long
calculation. The subroutine is identified by the [Lbl]
key at the start, and by [INV] [SBR] or a [GTO] at the
end. The most valuable point about a subroutine is
that it avoids the need to write a piece of program
twice over. For example, suppose we were writing a
program to find the total resistance of a seriesparallel circuit of five resistors connected as shown
in Fig. 1. The procedure is to find the sum of each

TOTAL

Fig. 7. A series-parallel network of resistors

and their total effective resistance
686

+/

The keyboard of the Texas

Instruments TI-57 programmable
calculator. Most keys have a second
function, whereupon facilities are
nearly double the number of keys
provided

parallel pair (R1 and R2, R4 and R5) first, then to

add the value of the series resistor. Now to find the
resultant of parallel resistors we need to find the inverse of the quantity 1/R1 + 1/R2, so that we need
a piece of program which might read as in Fig. 2.
This uses memory 1 for R1 and memory 2 for R2,
and it sums the final answer, after the last [1/x] step,
into memory 3 to add to the value of R3.
Now it would be rather a chore and a waste of
valuable program steps to write out all this again to
carry out on R4 and R5. What we do, therefore, is to
write out this piece of program at the end of the
main program (after the [R/S] instruction) starting
with a label, such as [Lbl] [O] and ending with the
instruction [INV] [SBR], This converts the piece of
program into a subroutine which we use (the
phrase is "call up") at any part of the main program
by the instruction [SBR] [0] (or [1] or [2] or
whatever the label number is). The subroutine will
RADIO AND FT TT.PTRfWTr'C r,nvrorrt>TTorrrm

For parallel resistor calculations:

RCL 1 1/x + RCL 2 1/x ) 1/x SUM 3
Note the use of [)] in place of [=]. This point is dealt with later in
the text.
Fig. 2

run whenever called up in this way, and at the instruction [INV] [SBR] the program takes up where it
left off. We can use such instructions as [+] [SBR]
[1], meaning "add the number in the display to
the result of the subroutine calculation", or [X]
[SBR] [1] ("multiply by the result of the subroutine
calculation") treating [SBR] [1] as if it were [RCL] [1], If,
at the end of the subroutine, we want to move to
some other part of the program we can end the subroutine with [GTO] [0] or wherever we want the
to pick up. If we do not have any instruction at the
end of a subroutine, the next part of the program
carried out will be the step which follows the last
step of the subroutine.
The program in Fig. 3 shows the use of a simple

Program
LRN SBR 0 RCL 4 STO 1
RCL 5 STO 2 SBR 0
RCL 3 R/S Lbl 0 RCL 1
1/x + RCL 2 1/x ) 1/x
SUM 3 INV SBR LRN

Procedure
Place resistor values (using
the same units for all the
resistors) into stores. Then
CLR RST R/S. Display shows
R total.
Fig. 3

routine in the calculation for the circujt of Fig. 1. In

the subroutine the value of two resistors in parallel
is found, and added to the value of series resistance.
The parallel resistance values have been stored in
memories 1 and 2, and the series resistance value in
memory 3. In the course of the subroutine the total
value of the resistors in parallel is worked out, and
the [SUM] [3] step adds this to the value of the
series resistance stored in memory 3. Now if we
shift the values of R4 and R5 into memories 1 and
2, using the steps [RCL] [4] [STO] [1] and [RCL] [5]
[STO] [2], we can simply repeat the subroutine, finding this time the parallel sum of R4 and R5 and adding this also to the number stored in memory 3.
The program ends by bringing this total out of
memory 3 and stopping the program to display the
final result. There are eight steps to the subroutine,
but the instruction is only [SBR] [0], so that seven
steps are saved on each repetition of this subroutine.
Now there are several important points about
subroutines which have to be observed with some
care. One point which is not at all obvious is that it's
best to avoid using the [=] key to complete a
calculation inside a subroutine. The reason
is that if there is a calculation waiting to be completed in the main program the [=] instruction will
complete that calculation, even if the numbers are
not correctly worked out. For example, if we had a
program which had got to a stage where the displayed number was 7 and the next instructions were
JULY. 1979

[+] [SBR] [0] [=], then the 7 is held waiting for the
subroutine to be completed so that the number
which has to be added to the 7 is calculated. This is
called a pending operation ("pending" literally
means "hanging about") and the use of the [=] sign
completes such an operation, so that in our example
7 will be added to whatever number is in display just
before the [=] sign appears. For instance, if [SBR]
[0] had at some stage the instructions [RCL] [2] [+]
[RCL] [5] [=], with 3 in memory 2 and 4 in memory
5, what would be carried out would be 3+4+7=14,
because the pending 7 would be added in. inside
subroutines it's better to get into the habit of using
the close parenthesis sign, [)], to complete a calculation instead of [=].
SHORT PROGRAMS
Subroutines are also a useful way of storing
several short programs in one chunk. Since each
subroutine has its own label number, the calculator
can be instructed to go through the subroutine by
the instruction [SBR] (label number) [R/S]. and the
[INV] [SBR] instruction will then have the same
effect as the [R/S] instruction in a complete
program, stopping the action. This way, several
separate bits of program can be kept together so
that each can be called up as required for as long as
the calculator is switched on. This is particularly important when the larger machines like the TI-58 and
TI-59 are used, because vast program lengths can
be stored; the TI-59 can also record programs on
magnetic cards, so that programming, once the
card is recorded, is instant.'
Any program with a reasbnable number of steps
can be made into a subroutine and thereafter used,
called up, inside another program provided that
there is room for all the steps of the program plus
the subroutine.
To illustrate how useful this can be, recall the
point that was made in Part 3 regarding memory
storage. You remember (I) that we could store two
numbers in one memory using the [Int] and [INV]
[Int] steps and employing a decimal point to
separate the numbers. We can write a subroutine to
carry out the separation, and then whatever steps
are needed (such as multiplication of the numbers)
to process the numbers. Fig. 4 shows a subroutine
This subroutine assumes that the numbers to be processed are
three-figure numbers; the number written after the decimal
point must be a three-figure number, though a final 0 need not
be keyed. For example, 2 and 3 are coded as 2.003, 14 and 1 5
as 14.015, 150 and 120 as 150.12 and so on.
The subroutine for extracting the numbers and multiplying is:
Lbl 0 STO 6 Int X RCL 6 INV Int X
1 EE 3 ) INV SBR
Fig. 4
which will carry out the steps of extracting two fourfigure numbers in this form out of a memory, and
multiplying them together ready for returning to a
memory. We can pack all the memories with
numbers written in this form, and the program for

The complete program for multiplying six sets of figures and

placing the products in the original memories now reads:
Program
LRN RCL 0 SBR 0 STO 0
RCL 1 SBR 0 STO 1 RCL 2
SBR 0 STO 2 RCL 3 SBR 0
STO 3 RCL 4 SBR 0 STO 4
RCL 5 SBR 0 STO 5 Lbl 0
STO 6 Int X RCL 6 INV
Int X 1 EE 3 ) INV SBR
LRN
Fig. 5
multiplying them would now read as in Fig. 5. At the
end of the program we can read out the products by
using [RCL] [0]. [RCL]. [1] [RCL] [2], etc.
Going a step further with this, we can now look
at a program for finding resonant frequencies, using
L in ^H, C in pF, and finding f in MHz. Each LC combination is written as a decimal, with the value of L
before the decimal point and the value of C after the
point, so that the pair of values 1 50^H and 850pF
comes out as 150.85. At the end of the program,
each memory contains the value of resonant fre-

Resonant frequencies are calculated for values of L and C stored

in the memories in the form of a decimal number with three
digits each side of the decimal. The value of L in;uH is written
first, then the decimal point, then the value of C in pF.
Procedure
Program
LRN 0 STO 7 RCL 0 SBR 0 Key in values of L and C into
STO 0 RCL 1 SBR 0 STO 1
memories 0 to 5.
RCL 2 SBR 0 STO 2 RCL 3
CLR Fix 3 RST R/S
SBR 0 STO 3 RCL 4 SBR 0 At the end of the calculation,
STO 4 RCL 5 SBR 0 STO 5 the display flashes (due to the
impossible [GTO] [5] instrucGTO 5 Lbl 0 STO 6 x=t
tion). The values of resonant
GTO 5 RCL 6 Int X 1 EE
3 X RCL 6 INV Int
frequency (in MHz) can now
1/x X 159 ) INV SBR LRN
be taken from each memory
by pressing [RCL] [O], [RCL]
[1], etc.
Fig. 6
quency for the pair of L and C values which was
originally stored in that memory. The program itself
consists of the subroutine and the shifting instructions which recall each pair of values, and then load
the result back into the same memory at the end of
the subroutine. This is an example of a program
which is much shorter because of the use of a subroutine. If we were to have to write out the instructions for extracting the L and C values from each
memory, we would run out of program space long
before we had completed the program.

RESONANT FREQUENCY
Fig. 7 shows another program which makes use
of a subroutine. The program this time is to find the
impedance of a resistance R, inductance L and
capacitance C in series, with the values of R, L and C
stored in separate memories. To show resonance
the value of impedance, Z, should be plotted against

This program finds the impedance, resonant frequency and

phase angle for a series LCR circuit. The first press of [R/S]
gives the impedance at the resonant frequency, which is simply
equal to the resistance in the circuit. Memory 4 now stores the
resonant frequency (in Hz). On the next press of [R/S], the frequency is incremented by 1kHz, and the display shows impedance in ohms. Pressing [x5t] will give the phase angle in
degrees. The frequency can be checked after a number of runs
by the sequence [RCL] [5] [-r-l [2] t-r] Itt] [=].
Program
Procedure
LRN SBR 1 Lbl 3 RCL 1
The value of R (ohms) is
STO 7 SBR 2 INV P->R
stored in 1, L (in H) in 2, C (in
xgt R/S 2 EE 3 X7r =
F) in 3, followed by [CLR]
[RST],
SUM 5 GTO 3 Lbl 1
RCL 2 X RCL 3 ) 1/x
Test data:
v/jT STO 5-^2-7- 7T)
10 STO 1 150 EE 6 +/STO 2 850 EE 12 +/STO 4 INV SBR Lbl 2 RCL
5 X RCL 2 ( RCL 5
STO 3 CLR RST
X RCL 3 ) 1/x ) INV
[R/S] gives 10, [RCL] [4] gives
SBR LRN
445722.99, [R/S] gives
10.17, etc. Note the use of
[INV] [P-^R] which calculates
impedance and phase angles
automatically when the resistive part is in memory 7 and
the reactive part in the display.
Fig. 7
frequency, so that the program finds the resonant
frequency and displays it. The program then stops.
When the [R/S] key is pressed again, the resonant
frequency is stored and the program then calculates
values of Z at the frequency of resonance and at
every 1 kHz above the frequency of resonance in
turn. At each pause the value of impedance, Z, is
read out so that the graph can be plotted. Since the
resonance curve is symmetrical the values of Z for
each kHz below the frequency of resonance can be
plotted without the use of the calculator. The subroutine in this case is that for finding the value of Z,
with the values taken out of store each time and the
frequency altered on each loop. The first part of the
program, to find the resonant frequency, is not used
again unless new values of C, L and R are placed
into store and the [RST] key used to reset the
program.
Using [Dsz] more than once. Note that the steps [Dsz] [GTO] [1]
must be inside the subroutine. If these steps are used outside
the subroutine, the loop will be carried out correctly first time,
but will be entered from the [GTO] [1] instruction on the next
time round. This in turn will mean that the subroutine will return
the program to the step following [GTO] [1] instead of going
round the loop again as was intended.
Program
Procedure
Set value of resistor R into
LRN 4 STO 0 SBR 1
4 +/- STO 0 SBR 1 R/S
store 1. Program shows
values of resistor with
Lbl 1 RCL 1 + ( RCL
tolerances of +20%, going
0 X .05 X RCL 1 ) )
down in 5% steps to 5%; then
Pause Pause Dsz GTO 1
-20%, going up in 5% steps
INV SBR LRN
to -5%.
Fig. 8
Oh yes, remember (in Part 5) we mentioned using a [Dsz] routine more than once in a program. Fig.
8 shows the program which was used in Fig. 4 of
part 5 re-written as a subroutine.
To be continued

RMIOiEUCTRIMIGS
CONSTRUCTOR
IN

OUR AUGUST ISSUE

SQUARE

WAVE

A very simple and handy

device that has the particular advantage that
polarity switching for n.p.n.
and p.n.p. transistors is
carried out automatically.

TRANSISTOR

TESTER

iiiii
V

The unit can also be used

to check rectifiers and
diodes and to indicate
polarity.
%

BEGINNER'S

:<4

%
5

MEDIUM

WAVE

RADIO
tuning
fMONIi
A project with particular
appeal to the NEWCOMER.
A simple receiver easy to
construct from readily
available components.
HV
L

IMPORTANT NEW SERIES

Callsd the DATABUS series the articles will describe how microprocessors work.
A comprehensive and JARGON-FREE explanation of microprocessors written specifically for the electronics enthusiast.

MANY OTHER ARTICLES

ON SALE 4th JULY 1979

Avoid disappointment. ORDER NOW

WATT

CLASS

AMPLIFIER

By John Baker

Quality a.f. amplifier with positively

no crossover

Most audio amplifiers these days, whether of

low, medium or high output power, are of the solidstate Class B variety. There are obvious advantages
with Class B output stages, what is probably the
most important of these being their high efficiency
and the consequent generation of minimal heat.
The high efficiency enables compact amplifiers of
quite considerable output power to be produced using standard readily available transistors.
Of course, where only a fairly modest output
power is needed and the equipment is mains
supplied, Class B operation is less advantageous.
So indeed, is the use of solid-state devices rather
than valves. Under such circumstances there are
points in favour of employing valves and/or Class
A operation.
VALVE AMPLIFIERS
The major point in favour of valve amplifiers is
that, when overdriven, they do not produce such
sharp clipping as do standard solid-state designs
but offer, instead, a rounded output waveform
which is relatively free from high frequency harmonics. Such harmonics tend to give the most
noticeable distortion, and so their absence results
in a comparatively "clean" output.
Class A amplifiers are completely free from
crossover distortion, which can become more and
more evident with a Class B amplifier as the output
level decreases. Since distortion is most objectionable when it occurs at low volume levels, and
since crossover distortion is itself particularly unpleasant, a circuit which is entirely free from it has
an obvious attraction.
This fact prompted the author to experiment
with some simple Class A designs, and the
amplifier finally evolved forms the subject of this
article. It is a transistor amplifier having an output
power of about 2 watts r.m.s. without clipping oc690

curring. Components for valve amplifiers have

become rather difficult to obtain and, primarily for
this reason, no valve circuits were tried. It is, in any
case, possible to give transistor amplifiers the socalled "valve sound", by employing a soft clipper
circuit, and was described in "Soft Audio Limiter"
by A. Foord in the June 1975 issue of Radio & Electronics Constructor.
Total harmonic distortion with the present
amplifier is well below 1% at all power output
levels below the onset of clipping. Above clipping
level the t.h.d. naturally rises very quickly. When
used with a well smoothed power supply the
amplifier has a wideband signal-to-noise ratio of
about -76dB with the input left onen-circuit. The
input impedance is of the order of 10k o and
the output is intended to drive an 8fi speaker. The
use of other speaker impedances is not recommended. With the components specified, the
amplifier has a sensitivity of about 240mV r.m.s.
for maximum output power, but this can be easily
altered, if necessary, by adjusting the value of one
resistor. The frequncy response of the amplifier is
approximately 30Hz to 250kHz at the -3dB points.
SIMPLIFIED CIRCUIT
A simplified version of the amplifier circuit,
showing the basic configuration employed, appears
in Fig. 1.
There are just three stages of amplification,
these consisting of a common emitter input stage
using TR1, a common emitter driver stage using
TR2 and an emitter follower output stage incorporating TR3. Direct coupling is employed
between stages.
The configuration is basically similar to one
commonly used for Class B designs, with the exception that a single emitter follower output transistor
is employed instead of a complementary pair. The
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

COMPONENTS

AMPLIFIER
Resistors
(All fixed values ^ watt 5% unless otherwise
stated)
R1 2.2kn
R2 8.2k 0
R3 22k a
R4 18kn
R5 1.2kn
R6 1.2k n
R7 56 n
R8 12kfi
R9 lOn
RIO 680n
Rll 1.8n ^ watt
R12 1.8n | watt
VR1 22k n potentiometer, log
Capacitors
Cl 4.7^F electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.
C2 O.l^F type C280
C3 lOO^iF electrolytic, 25V. Wkg.
C4 lOOpF electrolytic 16V. Wkg.
C5 270pF ceramic plate
C6 lOO^F electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.
C7 lO^F electrolytic, 10V. Wkg.
C8 1,000^F electrolytic, 16V. Wkg.

POWER
SUPPLY
Resistor
R1 4.7ka
horizontal

pre-set potentiometer, 0.1 watt,

Capacitors
Cl 2,200^F electrolytic, 25V Wkg.
C2 O.l^F type C280
C3 O.lfiF type C280
Transformer
T1 mains transformer, secondary 15V at 1A
Semiconductors
IC1 p AT 805
D1-D4 1N4001
Indicator
PL1 panel-mounting neon with integral series
resistor, 240V A.C.

Semiconductors
TR1 2N3702
TR2 BFR81
TR3 BFR41
TR4 BC109C
TR5 TIP41A
TR6 TIP41A
D1 1N4148
D2 1N4148

Switch
Sl(a)(b) d.p.s.t. toggle
Miscellaneous
Materials for printed circuit board
Heatsink (see text)

Miscellaneous
Control knob
Materials for printed circuit board
Heatsink (see text)

TR3
TR
ww

Input
(sII

Output
C3

TR2
f
C2
I
Fig. 1. Simplified circuit illustrating the basic
configuration of the amplifier
JULY. 1979

output stage gives the low output impedance needed to drive a loudspeaker, whilst the input and
driver stages provide the necessary voltage gain.
R5 provides 100% d.c. negative feedback
between the output at TR3 emitter and the emitter
of TR1. This gives the circuit a d.c. voltage gain of
unity and simplifies amplifier biasing since it is
only necessary to give TR1 base a suitable bias
voltage, by means of R1 and R2, to cause the output emitter to be at half supply voltage above the
negative rail. The output emitter can then swing by
equal voltages positive and negative before clipping
occurs, thereby giving optimum output power for a
given supply voltage.
A voltage gain of more than unity is, of course,
needed at a.c., and this is accomplished by using
R3 to decouple some of the feedback introduced by
R5. C2 is the decoupling capacitor and R3 limits
the amount of feedback that is removed. In company with R5, R3 controls the voltage gain of the
amplifier, and this is approximately equal to R5
divided by R3.
Cl and C3 provide d.c. blocking at the input and
output respectively. In the simplified circuit of Fig.
1, R4 is the collector load for TR2 and R6 is the
collector load for TR2 and R6 is the load resistor
for TR3 emitter.
691

put signals, and therefore wastes none of the a.c.

output current. All the a.c. output current is thus
available to drive the speaker, provided the quiescent output current is greater than the peak
speaker current. There is obviously a rather poor
efficiency in the output stage in terms of output
power and the supply power required, but such inefficiency is an inherent feature of all Class A
designs. If a load resistor were to be used instead of
the constant current source it would need to have a
low value, comparable with the impedance of the
speaker, in order to bring the output transistor into
suitable operating conditions. The consequence
would be that as much of the a.c. output signal
flows in the load resistor as flows into the speaker,
resulting in an even lower efficiency.
Maximum efficiency would be given by directly
connecting the speaker as the output stage load, but
this would result in a high quiescent current flowing through the speaker and, at the currents involved in the present amplifier, is not to be
recommended. An output transformer could also
be used, but a suitable component might be hard to
obtain, could easily restrict the quality of the
amplifier and would probably offer an efficiency
between the output stage and the speaker of only
about 60% anyway.
A further advantage of a constant current output
stage is that it requires a constant drive current,
and does not therefore have an adverse effect on
the constant current driver stage.
The use of constant current output stages was,
incidentally, covered in more detail in "Constant
Current' Class A Amplifier" by G. A. French in the
December 1974 issue of Radio & Electronics
Constructor.

FULL CIRCUIT
The full working circuit of the 2 watt Class A
amplifier is given in Fig. 2. At a quick glance this
may seem to be the circuit of a Class B amplifier,
but a closer examination of the circuit will soon
reveal that it is not. It looks superficially like a
Class B design due to the use of constant current
loads for the driver and output stages.
For a high gain voltage amplifier such as the
driver, TR3, a constant current load has the adyantage that the transistor is operating at a fixed
collector current so that, in theory at any rate, its
gain remains virtually constant and it introduces
little distortion. In practice, a certain amount of
distortion will be introduced, if only because the
constant current generator does not nave a perfect
performance. Nevertheless, a constant current load
gives a considerable improvement in performance
as compared with a straightforward resistive load.
The emitter follower output stage has unity
voltage gain only, and the use of a constant current
load may therefore seem unnecessary since
variations in the gain of the transistor will not
affect the voltage gain. However, it has to be
remembered that the output stage is driving a very
low impedance load, and that variations in the gain
of the output transistor will cause corresponding
changes in the output impedance of the amplifier.
The loading effect of the speaker would result in
the variations in output impedance causing a certain amount of distortion.
A constant current load also provides a more efficient coupling to the speaker than does a simple
resistor load since the constant current source
offers an apparently infinite impedance to a.c. out-

+ I4V
r

C2

LJ

ID

- i IN4I48
d2
N4I48

TR
TIP4IA

TRs
BFR8I

+ni ~ Output
"til?' 8n

TR|
2N3702

TR
T1P4IA

Input
TR3
BFR4I

SQ
VR,

TR4

R6;

e
bee
2N3702 BFR8I
BFR4I
Lead-outs

<

BCIOQC

<-

bee

Q
BCI09C
Lead-outs

T P4 A
Lead-outs

Heat sink
surface

Fig. 2. The full working circuit of the Class A

amplifier
692

RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

Top view of the amplifier module. The heatsinks fined to the output transistors were adequate
for testing the prototype, but larger heatsinking is required for continual use of the amplifier

DETAILED OPERATION
In Fig. 2, the input signal is coupled to volume
control VR1, from which it passes to the base of
TR1 via Cl and Rl. The latter assists in maintaining stability by attenuating the very high frequency response of the amplifier, as also does C5.
R2 and R3 in series form the upper half of the bias
potential divider for TR1 base, the lower half being
given by R4. Bypass capacitor C4 connects to the
junction of R2 and R3, and prevents hum and noise
on the supply line reaching the input of the
amplifier.
The driver stage constant current source incorporates TR2 in a standard constant current circuit.
.1. R2 base is held at about 1.3 volts negative of the
positive supply rail by the forward biased silicon
diodes, D1 and D2. About 0.65 volt is dropped
across the base-emitter junction of TR2, leaving
0.65 volt across the 10n resistor, R9. Provided TR2
has a suitably low impedance load in its collector
circuit, the emitter and collector currents will then
remain virtually constant at about 65mA.
A different configuration, incorporating TR4
and TR6, is used for the output stage constant
current source. TR6 is held conductive by the base
current it receives via RIO, causing a current to
flow through the emitter resistance formed by Rll
and R12 in parallel. The voltage across the emitter
resistance stabilizes at about 0.65 volt, since a
higher voltage would cause TR4 to conduct heavily
and starve TR6 of base current. The emitter
current (and hence also the collector current when
the load impedance is suitably low) then becomes
about 720mA.
This gives a peak output current of 720mA, or
510mA r.m.s. The r.m.s. output power then
calculates at slightly more than 2 watts, and tests
on the prototype bear this figure out in practice.
The BFR81 and BFR41 transistors specified for
TR2 and TR3 are available from several suppliers,
including Electrovalue.
JULY. 1973

CONSTRUCTION
The amplifier is constructed on a printed circuit
board which measures 98 by 64mm. The copper
backing pattern and component layout of this
board are illustrated actual size in Fig. 3. The
board is etched and assembled in conventional
manner. In the prototype the lead-outs of TR5 and
TR6 are bent so that the transistor bodies are
horizontal, as shown in the photographs.
It is important that TR5 and TR6 be provided
with adequate heatsinking as they will otherwise
overheat and be destroyed after a few minutes'
operation. The author used "Plastic Power Vaned
Heatsinks" (as supplied by Maplin Electronic
Supplies) for testing the prototype circuit, but
these are not really large enough for continuous
normal usage. Either a larger commercially made
heatsink should be employed, or the amplifier can
be housed in a metal case with the latter acting as a
heatsink. In either instance it will be necessary to
insulate the transistors from the heatsink using the
usual mica washer and insulating bush, and it is
advisable to check that this insulation is fully effective with the aid of an ohmeter before connecting
the amplifier to a power supply. When a metal case
is used as the heatsink it may be found more convenient to bend the lead-outs of TR5 and TR6 so
that their bodies are vertical, allowing the heatsink
pads to be bolted to one side of the case.
If necessary, the gain of the circuit can be altered
by adjusting the value of R7. Decreasing its value
will give a proportional increase in sensitivity and
increasing its value will similarly decrease the sensitivity. It would be preferable not to make R7 less
than about 12 n , however, as the reduced negative
feedback could seriously degrade the amplifier performance. Nevertheless, the prototype produces
reasonably good results even when used "open
loop".
The output power of the amplifier is not very
high by modern standards, but two amplifiers in a

98 mm

mjbHT^a
o

io

64mm

C3

^'

+ under

TR

"3
p,

TRj

\
L.S
o

=8
tra

R-T7 R"8 |

C4

tr

R4

6BA clear

90
9/[

0
ON

(O)

Fig. 3. Details of the printed circuit board on which the amplifier is constructed. The two leads to VR1
connect to Its slider and to the earthy end of its track

15V
pA7805
+ 14 V
AC
mains

I
ov

D1-D4
IN400I

lb

l*

C3

I 3 2

pA7805
Lead-outs
/
Heatsink surface

694

Fig. 4. A suitable power supply for the amplifier. ICt is a 5 volt regulator whose output voltage
is raised to 14 volts by R1
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

+
C'

Pi fios

+
P3 |l 11^4

Output

T| secondary
54 mm
The power supply printed board assembly.
Details of the heatsink required for the
regulator I.e. are given in the text

stereo system driving different loudspeakers will

supply enough power for most domestic purposes.
POWER SUPPLY
The circuit of a simple mains power supply is
given in Fig. 4, and this provides the 14 volts at
about 800mA which is required by a mono version
of the amplifier. For stereo operation a mains
transformer having two 15 volt 1 amp secondaries
may be used, each secondary feeding its own rectifier, smoothing and regulating circuit, and
thereby providing a separate supply for each
channel. If difficulty is experienced in obtaining
transformers with single or dual 15 volt 1 amp
secondaries, transformers with tapped 1 amp
secondaries which include a 15 volt tap are
available from Maplin Electronic Supplies.
The power supply circuit is quite straightforward, with the bridge rectifier given by Dl to D4
being followed by the high value smoothing
capacitor Cl. There is a loaded supply potential of
17 volts across Cl, and this is regulated to 14 volts
and given additional smoothing by the voltage
regulator, IC1. The regulator i.e. is actually a 5 volt
device, but the inclusion of pre-set potentiometer
Rl in its common terminal circuit enables the output to be adjusted to the required voltage. C2 and
C3 aid the stability of the i.e.
The rectifier, smoothing and regulating circuitry
is assembled on a small printed circuit board and
details of this are illustrated, again actual size, in
Fig 5. ICl should be fitted with at least a small
finned heatsink, more substantial heatsinking being employed if available. If an amplifier metal

67 mm

6BA clear
Fig. 5. The power supply components following
the secondary of the mains transformer are
assembled on another small printed circuit
board
case is used as a heatsink the i.e. must be insulated
from this, as its heatsink pad connects to its common terminal. The power supply is not easily
damaged since ICl incorporates both thermal shutdown and output short-circuit protection, but the
supply cannot withstand an indefinite short-circuit
on the output.

"Designing Reflex Circuits"

By Sir Douglas Hall, Bt.. K.C.M.G.
In Fig. 6(a) of this article, which appeared on page 609 of the June issue, the positive supply is applied to the junction of
the interstage transformer primary and the r.f. choke. This is incorrect, and the positive supply should be fed to the junction
of the primary and the 33k Cl resistor
TT TT \r 1 r\nr\

mil
PREVENTING

your
A.M.

IMAGE

Iworl
INTERFERENCE
-shop

Dick snapped into place the

plastic back of the neat little
medium and long wave radio and
then switched it on. He selected
medium waves and tuned it over the
band. Radios 1, 2 and 3 turned up
at their allotted points on the tuning
S9ale, although Radio 1 and Radio
3 were marred by an irritating
background whistle which changed
in pitch as he tuned through the
signals. He then checked the long
wave band, to find that Radio 4
came in at reasonable strength.
Cheerfully, he switched off the set
and proceeded to take it over to the
"Repaired" rack.
"Hey!"
Puzzled, Dick stopped in midstride.
"I said, heyl"
Dick located the sound as coming from Smithy's bench on the
other side of the Workshop. Smithy
had his back towards his assistant
and appeared to be completely
engrossed in a colour television
chassis which lay before him on his
bench.
Dick frowned.
"Did you say anything, Smithy?"
"Of course I said something,"
replied Smithy without looking
round. "Am I to understand that you
look upon the radio I've just been
hearing as being fully serviceable?"
"Blimey, it must be," replied a.
confused Dick. "All that was wrong
with it was that one of the leads
from the medium wave coil on the
ferrite rod aerial had come adrift
from the printed board. The aerial is

"Well," confessed Smithy, "I'm

not a hundred per cent certain. But
everything points to it. One of the
major problems of medium wave
reception with a simple superhet of
the type we've got here is to avoid
image frequency whistles, and this
can only be done successfully by ensuring that the aerial tuned circuit
gives maximum selectivity at the
wanted signal frequency. You have
QUICK REPAIR
yourself said that this radio has
probably had a bump which caused
"It sounded pretty horrible to
a wire from the ferrite aerial
me," commented Smithy. "Even
medium wave coil to come adrift
over here I could hear what seemed
from the printed board. Following
to be quite strong image frequency
from this, and taking in the presence
whistles on two of the stations you
of those whistles, it seems quite
tuned in. Bring it over here and let's
probable also that said bump caustake a butcher's at it."
ed the medium wave aerial coil to
Smithy pushed the television
be dislodged from its proper posichassis to one side of his bench and
tion on the ferrite aerial rod."
accepted the radio which Dick
"Blow me," exclaimed Dick. "I
handed him. He set it to medium
never thought of that."
waves again and checked its perforSmithy opened the back of the
mance. The whistles were still very
receiver and placed an experimental
noticeable.
finger on the medium wave ferrite
"Just a few whistles," comaerial coil.
mented Dick. "So what?"
"Hmm," he commented, "it's not
"It's daytime now," stated
all that tightly secured on the rod,"
Smithy, "and the medium wave
He tuned to the low frequency
band is pretty quiet. If you get imend of the medium wave band and
age frequency whistles during
found a station, with the tuning
daytime conditions the aerial tuned
capacitor vanes nearly fully
circuit of this radio must be quite
enmeshed, which was only just
some way off trim. At evening and
audible. He slowly pushed the
night-time, when the medium wave
medium wave coil along the rod,
band is absolutely chock-full with
whereupon signal strength insignals, you'd probably get whistles
creased considerably. He soon
on nearly every signal you tune in."
found a point for the coil on the rod
"Why are you so sure that these
which corresponded to maximum
whistles are image frequency ones,
signal strength. (Fig. 1).
anyway?"
DAnin
I?T ur'T'orvximc nrtxionniDTTm^niD

positioned close to the board and

the leads from the coil consist of the
thin coil wire itself. I should imagine
that the set had been given a bump
which had caused the wire to break.
At any rate I simply soldered the
wire back to the board, checked out
the set and found it was working all
right again."

7
r,-<11

Long wave
coil

i hi iy
V
\
/r
Ferrite rod
Medium wave
coil

Fig. 1. Smithy brought the

receiver serviced by Dick into
more accurate alignment by
sliding the medium wave coil
along the ferrite aerial rod

"That's more like it," he said,

"let's see how the set performs
now."
He tuned across the medium
wave band. The set was noticeably
more lively and the whistles on the
BBC1 and BBC3 signals had
magically disappeared.
Dick was supremely impressed
by this display of electronic legerdemain on the part of Smithy.
"Gosh Smithy, you're a genius!"
"Nonsense," retorted Smithy,
"just a bit of elementary servicing,
that's all."
"But why did moving that ferrite
rod aerial coil clear those whistles?"
"Because," said Smithy patiently,
"it made the aerial input tuned circuit peak more accurately at the
required signal frequencies. Now
look, as I'Ve already said, this little
set is a simple superhet, and it has
an intermediate frequency which
will be in the range of 455 to
475kH2 or so. Let's say, for the sake
of argument, that the i.f. is 460kHz.
Right?"
"Right!"
"On medium waves," continued
Smithy, "the signal coverage will be
of the order of 550kHz at the low
frequency end to 1,500kHz at the
high frequency end. 550kHz is,
rough check, the same as about
540 metres, and 1,500kHz is exactly the same as 200 metres. So we
set up an aerial tuned circuit and an
oscillator tuned circuit which are
both tuned by a 2-gang capacitor.
These are normally coupled, in a
transistor radio, to a single transistor mixer-oscillator, and the tuned circuits are aligned so that the
oscillator always runs at the intermediate frequency of 460kHz
higher than the frequency to which
the aerial circuit is tuned." (Fig. 2).
"I know all about that," protested
Dick impatiently, "it's elementary
superhet theory. The oscillator frequency beats with the incoming
signal in the oscillator-mixer to
produce sum and difference frequencies. It's the difference frequency we're interested in here and
that goes into the 460kHz inJULY, 1979

termediate frequency amplifier."

"Which," said Smithy, "provides
most of the gain and most of the
selectivity in the receiver. Right?"
"Right!"
"Good. Now having got that
settled, the next thing we have to
realise is that it is the oscillator frequency which chooses the aerial
signal which is going to go into the
460kHz i.f. amplifier. If we set the
oscillator to run at, say, 1,460kHz
then the signal which the oscillator
selects to enter the i.f. amplifier will
be one at 1,000kHz. Changing the
oscillator frequency has the same
effect as operating the tuning control of the receiver, because you're
then selecting the signals which are
going to be allowed to go into the
highly selective i.f. amplifier. And
we now come to a snag."
"D'you mean the image frequency business?"
"I do. If the oscillator is running
at 1,460kH2, it will let in a
1,000kHz signal all right because
there's a 460kHz difference
between them. But if there happens
to be another signal at 1,920kHz
the oscillator will let that one in too
because, once again, there is a
460kHz frequency difference
between the two. The 1,920kHz
signal is called the 'image' signal.
It's also called a 'second channel'
signal and it always appears at the
frequency which is on the opposite
side of the oscillator frequency to the
desired signal, and which is spaced
away from the oscillator frequency
by the intermediate frequency. In
a.m. medium and long wave radios
the oscillator frequency is higher than
the required signal frequency, and
so the image signal appears above
it."
"I suppose," said Dick, "that it's
l|l1
IIi I
i j 550-l500kHz
Ferrite |
aerial J
z
/

the job of the signal frequency tuned circuit to stop the image signal
getting through to the mixer."
"That's right," confirmed Smithy.
"In high performance receivers you
will have several tuned circuits resonant at signal frequency to stop the
image signal, but in simple medium
and long wave radios you have to
rely on just a single tuned circuit to
do the job. Fortunately, the coil in
the tuned circuit is the one in the
ferrite rod aerial and, because of the
ferrite rod, it has a very high Q. In
practice it doesn't actually prevent
an image signal from getting
through to the mixer, because with
only a single tuned circuit a strong
image signal can still manage to
force its way past. Instead, the
ferrite rod aerial tuned circuit
boosts the desired signal so that its
amplitude is much greater than that
of the image signal."
"Hey, hold on a bit you're getting away from me now!"
"Think about it," said Smithy.
"Let's go back to our example in
which the oscillation is running at
1,460kHz. Now, if the receiver has
been aligned correctly the aerial
tuned circuit will then be resonant
at 1,000kHz. Suppose that, due to
the receiver having had a bump, the
medium wave ferrite aerial coil has
become displaced on its rod, so that
the signal tuned circuit resonant
frequency has changed to SOOkHz."
Dick frowned.
"Come off it Smithy, there's no
need to rub it in."
"The response curve of the signal
frequency tuned circuit," went on
Smithy sternly, ignoring his
assistant," will now have a very high
peak at 900kHz, but the skirts of the
response will extend well up to the
second channel frequency of

Mixer-oscillator

I.F. output
C460kHz)

IOIO-1960kHz
Osc. HI
coil ]]|
III

Fig. 2. On medium waves the signal frequency and oscillator

tuned circuits are coupled to the mixer-oscillator. Both are tuned by a 2-gang capacitor, with the oscillator running 460kHz
higher than signal frequency

ftnpofise at
lOOOkHz *
R6ponse at:
1.920
lOOOKHz
kHs
m
iiii

Signal
vaiwge

490Q l.OOO

1,920
mz
Signal
voitagk

2,000

ISOO

l.OOO

2000

Fr<njr>cy (kHi)

Frtqukncy CkHi)

<t>)

(a)

Fig. 3(a). A single ferrite aerial tuned circuit cannot completely eradicate image signals. The
response curve shown here is for an aerial circuit incorrectly tuned to 900kHz when the desired
input frequency is 1.000kHz. The response at 1,000kHz is not very much greater than the
response at the image frequency of 1,920kHz
(b). When the aerial tuned circuit is correctly aligned to 1,000kHz, the response at this frequency is very much greater than that at the image frequency
1,920kHz. And so an image signal
at that frequency will get through.
As also, of course, will the desired
1,000kHz signal but, due to the
detuning, its amplitude won't be
very much greater than the
amplitude of the image singnal. Do
you get the picture?" (Fig. 3(a).)
"Yes," replied Dick, "I think I can
see what you're driving at."
"Well," said Smithy, "if we now
readjust the aerial signal tuned circuit so that it resonates properly at
1,000kHz, we won't make any very
noticeable difference to the
amplitude of the second channel
signal. But we will very greatly increase the amplitude of the required
1,000kHz signal so that, even
though the second channel signal is
still present, its amplitude will be so
small relative to that of the required
signal that it will in most instances
have no audible effect in the
receiver at all." (Fig. 3(b).)
TRIMMING CIRCUITS
"Stap me," said Dick slowly,
"I've never looked upon the signal
frequency tuned circuit of a medium
and long wave superhet like that
before. To get rid of image frequency
whistles, then, you have to ensure
that it's giving maximum boost to
the desired signal so that any unwanted image signal fades into insignificance when compared with
it."
"That's the idea," agreed Smithy.
"You probably won't be able to
get rid of all the second channel
whistles on the medium wave band
of a simple a.m. superhet receiver
by careful alignment of the signal

frequency tuned circuit. But you will

certainly get rid of most of them."
"What about long waves?"
"The same situation applies,"
stated Smithy, "but due to the frequencies involved the problem is
not quite so acute. Say you want to
pick up Radio 4 on 1,500 metres, or
200kHz. With an i.f. of 460kHz the
image pops up at 200 plus 920, or
1,120kHz. This is relatively further
removed in terms of frequency ratio
from the desired signal frequency
than occurs with medium wave images and so the difficulties are not
so great. With the less expensive
sets you often find that more attention is paid on medium waves to ensuring that the signal resonant frequency is accurately peaked at all
settings of the tuning control than is
paid on long waves. With poor
designs you may even find that, if
the long wave signal resonant frequency is correct at the Radio 4
frequency of 200kHz, this is considered good enough."
"Why," asked Dick, "do the image signals give these whistles?
Why don't you actually hear the
sudio modulation which is present
on the image signal?"
"You would do," replied Smithy,
"if its amplitude were extremely
strong. But the most audible effect
is given by the image carrier, after
conversion in frequency at the mixer, beating with the i.f. carrier of the
required signal. The whistle changes
in frequency as you vary the receiver
tuning, by the way, because of the
different frequencies at the output
of the mixer. If oscillation frequency
rises, for instance, the image carrier

intermediate frequency decreases

whilst the required signal intermiediate frequency increases."
Dick pondered on this for a moment.
"What did you mean just now,"
he queried, "when you said that
medium and long wave sets usually
have greater attention paid to correct signal frequency peaking on
medium waves than occurs on long
waves?"
MIXER CIRCUIT
Smithy leaned forward and picked up a sheaf of papers at the rear
of his bench. He thumbed through
these and gave a grunt of satisfaction as he located a service sheet on
which was printed a receiver circuit
diagram. He showed this to Dick,
pointing to the mixer-oscillator section. (Fig. 4.)
"This," he commented, "is
representative of what you get in a
medium and long wave receiver
when the circuitry is really cut to the
bone."
"The wave-change switching
certainly seems to be very basic,"
said Dick, "All it needs is a 2-pole 2way switch."
"Exactly," confirmed Smithy.
"Now let's see what happens when
that switch is set to medium waves.
The left-hand section of the switch
takes the lower end of the medium
wave ferrite rod coupling coil down
to chassis via the 0.47//F capacitor,
C1. That capacitor is virtually a dead
short at r.f., and it also allows the
mixer-oscillator transistor to receive
d.c. base bias by way of R1 and R2.
Right?"

"Right!" said Dick smartly. "And

the right-hand section of the switch
shorts out the long wave tuned winding on the ferrite aerial rod. So,
everything is set up in the aerial
department for medium wave
reception."
"Quite so," said Smithy. "The
prime requirement which has next
to be met is to ensure that the
ferrite aerial signal tuned circuit is
always resonant at a frequency
which is lower by the i.f. than the
oscillator frequency at all settings of
the 2-gang tuning capacitor, VCKa)
and (b). This is known, of course as
'tracking'. The aerial winding is tuned directly by VCKa) and the
trimmer TC2. The oscillator tuned
winding has the padding capacitor,
C4, between it and VCKb). Another
trimmer, TC4, is connected across
VC1(b). The oscillator circuit is pretty straightforward, with positive
feedback being given from the transistor collector back to its emitter."
"Does the padding capacitor
cater for the fact that the oscillator
tuning range is lower than the signal
frequency tuning range?"
"It does. If we had a medium
wave coverage of 550 to 1,500kHz,
the oscillator range, with a 460kHz
i.f., would be 1,010kHz to
1,960kHz. There is a lower ratio
between maximum and minimum
frequency, and so the oscillator tuned winding requires less tuning
capacitance. The tuning capacitance

is reduced by putting C4 in series

with VC1(b). Now, the medium
wave aerial and oscillator circuits
can be aligned very accurately to
give almost perfect tracking over
the whole range by adjusting TC2
and TC4 at the high frequncy end of
the band, and the inductance of the
medium wave aerial coil and
the
inductance of the
oscillator tuned winding at the low
frequency end. You vary the aerial
coil inductance by sliding the aerial
coil along the ferrite rod and you
vary the oscillator inductance by
adjusting the core in the oscillator
coil. Let's next move the switch to
the long wave position,"
"Righty-ho! Well, the switch section on the left connects C1 to the
top end of the medium wave ferrite
aerial coil via trimmer TCI, And the
right-hand switch section takes the
short off the Ipng wave tuned winding."
"With the result," broke in
Smithy, "that both tuned windings
on the ferrite rod are in series for
long wave reception as are both the
coupling windings. The lower end of
the coupling windings now effectively couples to chassis via R1 and
R2. These resistors will offer some
attenuation at long waves, which
can be taken up by having a few
more turns on the long wave coupling coil. The most important thing to
notice takes place in the oscillator
circuit. What happens here on long

Ferrite
aena
^,a

M.W
V

TCa

waves is that there is no change in

tuning inductance at all. Instead, the
right hand switch section simply
puts C3 and the trimmer TC3 across
VC1(b). These capacitors bring the
oscillator frequency down to the
range required for long wave tuned
circuits, by means of TCI and TC3,
and you can adjust the inductance
of the long wave aerial coil by
sliding it along the ferrite rod. But
you cannot adjust the inductance of
the long wave oscillator tuned winding."
"Why not?"
"Because if you do you'll mess
up the alignment on medium waves.
You can only align the receiver by
first lining up the medium wave
range and then going to the long
wave band. If the receiver is a good
design, the result of the medium
wave alignment will be such that
you can get good tracking on long
waves with the limited long wave
adjustments which are available to
you. Ideally, you should align the
medium and long wave bands exactly as detailed in the receiver service manual. With the better class of
receiver there will be precise frequency indications at the high and
low frequency ends of the tuning
scale to enable you to get the
medium wave alignment spot-on.
The situation for long waves will
then be that which the receiver
designer has decided will give optimum tracking on that band."

680n

Mixer-oscillator

"Lpi
1st I.F.
transformer

TC
II

ZOOpr

3
rca
C2

2
470n
"3
l-8kn

0-47uF

Oil
Oscillator
coil

OlvF
I

M L

Fig. 4. Representative medium and long wave mixer-oscillator circuit as encountered in less
expensive receivers. The most important point to note is that, on long waves, additional
capacitance io connected across the medium wave oscillator tuned circuit
JULY, 1979

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CROSS MODULATION
"Is that Inixer-oscillator circuit
you've shown me given in all
medium and long wave receivers?"
"You'll find the same basic approach in most," replied Smithy.
"The main variations will be in the
way the ferrite rod windings are
switched into circuit on the two
bands. But you'll nearly always find
that, on long waves, extra
capacitance is added across the oscillator tuned circuit. Whereupon,
once again, the medium wave band
has to be aligned first."
Dick grinned.
"Do you realise," he said, "that
all this discussion has arisen just
because that little radio I serviced
had image frequency whistles on
it!"
Despite himself, Smithy grinned
also.
"I can see that I've fallen into the
usual trap," he chuckled. "Still, if
I've given you some idea on how to
avoid image interference on a.m.
receivers the time has been well
spent. I'd suggest you take that set
you fixed back to your bench and
give it a full line-up on medium and
long waves before you consider it
properly serviced."
"Okay-doke, Smithy."
A thought suddenly occurred to
Smithy.
"Before you go," he remarked,
"let me tell you about another sort
of radio interference. This one disappears when the required signal
ceases transmission!"
"Come on, Smithy. You're pulling
my leg."
"No, I'm not. It's a form of interference which is mainly troublesome on communications receivers
and which can cause some real
design headaches. It's known as
cross modulation interference,"
"Cross modulation?"
"That's right. A strong a.m. signal
can cross modulate another a.m.
signal if they're applied to an
amplifier stage which doesn't have
a linear characteristic. If it has a
non-linear characteristic the stage
distorts the signal it amplifies, and
this allows the two signals to beat
together so that one cross
modulates the other."
"I'm a bit lost here," confessed
Dick. "Give me an example."
"All right," said Smithy obligingly. "Imagine you have a real superduper communications receiver
with two r.f. stages. Say it is tuned
to 10MHz on the short wave bands,
and that the aerial input tuned circuit has a useful selectivity of about
500kHz on either side of the re-

quired signal. The selectivity improves as you proceed through the

set. After the first r.f. amplifier it is
about 100kHz and after the second
r.f. amplifier it is down to about
20kHz. Following that it goes
through the mixer to the i.f.
amplifier, whereupon the selectivity
can be kept down to a very low
figure." (Fig. 5 (a).)
"I'm with you so far."
"Well," continued Smithy, "let's
next assume that the required signal
at 10MHz is weak and that there's a
whacking great broadcast transmitter pumping out a signal nearby
at 1 0.3MHz. This will get through to
the first r.f. amplifier quite easily
and, if this amplifier has a non-linear
response, the strong signal will then
cross modulate the weak one. There
is no way in which you can remove
that cross modulation after it has
occurred at the first r.f. amplifier,
even if the subsequent effective
selectivity is nearly down to zero
frequency on either side of the required signal. Cross modulation interference can be recognised
because it disappears when the required signal goes off the air." (Fig.
5(b).)
"Blimey," said Dick, impressed,
"that's something to think about.
How d'you get over the trouble?"
"The only solution is to design
the receiver so that all the amplifier
stages in the early part of the
receiver have very linear characteristics. Funnily enough, nobody
worried too much about cross
mudulation in communications
receivers in the old valve days,
because valves can easily be made
to have quite linear characteristics.
Cross modulation only started to
cause real unhappiness when the
communications receiver designers
changed over to transistors."
END OF SESSION
"Well," said Dick happily, "at
least communications receiver
design isn't something which need
trouble us too much here in the
Workshop."
"True, true."
"In fact, we need not get at all
uptight or angry about cross
modulation."
Smithy sighed.
"And we can cheerfully whistle
our way through second channel interference."
Smithy rummaged around on his
bench.
"On reflection," persisted Dick
mercilessly, "all we have to do is to
present an acceptable image!"
Whereupon Dick ducked expertly
AND ELROTRONTflS P.nNSTRTIflTOR

500
kHz

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Detector
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PEAlSlbr IHUn

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lOMHz
b

IO 3MHz

Fig. 5(a). The selectivity offered by a communications receiver

with two r.f. amplifier stages increases after each tuned circuit
(b). The selectivity curves of the receiver superimposed on each
other and centred on a desired reception frequency of 10MHz.
If. due to non-linearity in the first r.f. stage, an interfering signal
at 10.3MHz cross modulates the 10MHz signal, the interference cannot be removed by the subsequent tuned circuits even though they reject the 10.3MHz signal itself
as the 2,200juF 25V. Wkg. electrolytic sailed harmlessly past his
right ear, after which he carried the

medium and long wave receiver

back to his bench for a full and final
re-alignment.

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Radio

Topics

By Recorder

w vrw w w w W W W
T TT T T T T TT

An elderly aunt of mine recently

decided to buy a new radio, as her
existing receiver did not have long
waves for reception of Radio 4. Being a bit long in years but short in
the purse she bought a very cheap
medium and long wave job priced at
only 8.95 retail. And to my mind
she got quite a bargain, too.
The radio was one of those
"made in Hong Kong" models in
which costs had obviously been cut
to the very bone. But, for its price, it
performed well. There was excellent
tracking on medium and long
waves, and very few second
channel whistles on either of these
bands. The quality was a little lower
than mid-fi, but you could still listen
to serious music on it without wincing too much.

terstage push-pull transformer,

followed by the two output transistors driving the speaker by way of
another push-pull transformer. And
nary the faintest whiff of negative
feedback.
I confess to being a little baffled
at the fact that these very low cost
radios still employ transformers in
the a.f. stages instead of the more
modern transformerless circuits.
Surely, the cost of two transformers
having many turns of very fine wire
is considerably greater than the
price of the few resistors and
capacitors that the more recent circuits would require. Still, somebody
must have costed the production of
this receiver and concluded that the
transformers were cheaper. There
must be a very cut-rate transformer
factory out there in Hong Kong I

there is a direct voltage across the

track, the result is a series of quick
changes in voltage on the slider.
These then pass through the following a.f. amplifier and become audible as a rushing noise as the control
is adjusted. Fortunately, the effect
has irritation value only, as the
sound ceases when the control
slider is stationary. On the other
hand, the presence of the noise
sometimes indicates that it won't be
very long before contact between
the slider and the track becomes actually intermittent at places,
whereupon there is complete loss of
audio at some settings of the
volume control.

VARIABLE SPEED DRILL

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
With the instruction leaflet the
makers had obligingly included a
circuit diagram. After the mixeroscillator transistor there were two
i.f. stages, allowing the use of three
single-tuned i.f. transformers. These
had an acceptable and symmetncal
passband. You can always get a
good idea of the i.f. response of a
radio of this nature by tuning slowly
through a reasonably powerful
signal in the middle to lower frequency end of the medium wave
band. The background hiss should
rise by equal amounts for equal
movements of the tuning capacitor
on either side of the central correctly tuned setting.
After the last i.f. transformer
camt; the detector, with the volume
control as load. Which means that
that volume control will probably
start to get scratchy in use at some
time in the future. Then an a.f.
amplifier transistor feeding an in-

Of interest to the do-it-yourself

VOLUME CONTROL
fraternity will be the new Skil electric ratcheting drill shown in the acWhy, incidentally, did I say that
companying illustration. This is the
the volume control could get
Model 1471H, with a ^in. chuck
scratchy in use because it was also
and an input rating of 420 watts. A
the detector diode load? The answer
particularly attractive feature is the
is that, in addition to a.f., there will
Skil patented electronic variable
also be a direct voltage across the
trigger speed control. Increasing
volume control track, partly due to
pressure on the trigger accelerates
the detected signal and partly due
the speed whilst less pressure
to the receiver a.g.c. circuitry.
reduces the number of revolutions
Now a volume control, particularper minute. Speed control also adds
ly one which has seen a good deal
to the applications of the tool
of use, does not give a perfectly
because the operator can start from
smooth change of volume as it is
zero and gradually increase the
adjusted. Instead, there are tiny litspeed. Thus the drill bit will not skid,
tle discrete hops in the changing
off and damage the work piece, a
resistance which is tapped off by
point of considerable importance
the volume control slider. With a
when drilling smooth surfaces or
good control these changes are far
critical materials, such as ceramic or
too small to give an audible effect
tile.
as the control is adjusted. Indeed,
when there is only a.f. and no direct
A speed control is also extremely
voltage across the track quite large
useful for driving screws. With little
effort many screws can be installed
hops in resistance can pass unnoticed by a listener. But when
swiftly and accurately, exactly
RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CONSTRUCTOR

where they are wanted. For drilling holes into ceramic tiles into
concrete, a variable speed ratchetdrill is virtually indispensable. On
the tile the drilling action
only is used, starting from zero and
increasing the speed carefully; as
soon as the concrete is reached the
ratcheting system is switched on.
The no-load speed of the Model
1471 H can be adjusted from zero to
2,600 r.p.m. and from zero to
36,000 blows per minute. Its
weight is just about 2kg, and the
drill is supplied with a side handle
which mounts on either side of the
body for right and left hand users.
Further details may be obtained
from Skil (Great Britain) Ltd.,
Fairacres Industrial Estate,
Dedworth, Windsor SL4 4LE.

pretty swift operator with a soldering iron, but, even so, the transistors
were manufactured to be soldered
into circuit once only.
I wish that d.i.l. integrated circuits were as physically robust. I
always use i.e. holders for checking
out experimental circuits incorporating these devices but they can
stand up to only a limited number of
insertions and removals from the
holders before one of the pins starts
to take on the appearance of a dog's
hind leg. The pin can be straightened out, of course, but after that
there's always a lingering doubt that
it will buckle up completely at the
next insertion in a holder.
Still, these risks are all part of the
game of experimental electronics.
Some types of i.e. holder are sur-

THAT SILICON CHIP

We are certainly entering the
silicon chip revolution with a
vengeance these days. You don't
need a microprocessor to discover
the fantastic computing power
provided by current-day chip
technology, you can find out by
simply playing around with a
relatively inexpensive programmable calculator. When our series
"Tune-In To Programs" commenced
I went out and bought myself a Texas Instruments TI-57, and I find
myself marvelling more and more at
the capabilities of this machine.
The programmed silicon chip has
already taken over many jobs which
previously relied on man's expertise,
and there is no shadow of doubt

The new Skit Mode/ 1471H ratcheting drift.

This has the very useful feature Of variable
speed control, the drill revolutions being varied
by the pressure exerted on the triyuer

RE-USE OF PARTS
Electronic components are normally intended to be fitted once to
the equipment for which they are
destined and left there, only to be
removed if at any time they should
become faulty. And so the more experimentally minded amongst us
must not grumble too much when
we find, say, that the type numbers
rub off transistors due to continual
handling. As originally envisaged by
their makers, transistor type number
marking is quite acceptable if it
withstands the handling of the
operator on the production line who
inserts them into their printed card.
I've got some BC107's which
have been in so many experimental
(ash-ups that it's a wonder their
locating lugs haven't worn away in
addition to the type number printing! These transistors stand up to a
fantastic amount of maltreatment
including, in particular, continual
bouts of heating as they are
soldered first into one temporary
circuit and then removed from that
to be soldered into another. I'm a
.TTTTV 1Q7Q

prisingly more difficult to use than

others; if you have an awkward one
it's a good plan to get used to it by
plugging in some i.c.'s for which you
have no further use. I keep a few old
t.t.l. 7400 types on hand just for this
purpose.

VETERAN
TRANSMITTERS
Did you realise that, before last
November, you may have been
listening to a.m. radio signals from
B.B.C. transmitters which were installed before 1930? Incredible as it
may seem, this little item is part of a
Marconi release concerning the
medium and long wave frequency
changes of last year. The B.B.C.
took advantage of the changeover
to put into honourable retirement
some very early Marconi
transmitters which were installed
nearly 50 years ago, and to open up
a number of brand-new transmitters
supplied by Marconi Communication Systems Limited.

that it will continue to do so.

However, the chip has to be interfaced with the world around it. For
mechanical production processes,
the chip has to be coupled into the
work being produced by transducers
which assess dimensions, shapes
and even quality. Somebody has to
design and make the interfacing
equipment.
Sadly, many traditional human
skills, and the satisfactions which go
with excercising them, will be lost in
the day of the silicon chip. But the
need for new skills and expertise
will surely increase, to at least partly
compensate for the loss. What, I
think dismays many people about
the advancing ascendancy of the
chip is that it's all happening so
darned quickly.
The day of the robot worker approaches rapidly. Controlled,
perhaps, by a silicon chip on its
shoulder?

P.C.B.

WIRING

JIGS

by T. F. Weatherley

An aid to printed circuit board assembly

The author is currently building a visual display

unit, a project which involves assembling some 50
integrated circuits onto four double sided printed
circuit boards. The wiring jigs described here have
made the task much simpler, and they also ensure
that there is less risk of dry soldered connections at

any of the 800 i.e. pins. Soldering is certainly easier

than is given with the more usual method of balancing the board on its components while working on
the bench or kitchen table.
EDGE CONNECTORS
The main parts of the jigs are two edge connectors intended for making contact to double sided
boards. They should have 32 or more pairs of contacts. The author's edge connectors were obtained
ex-equipment and some of the tags were broken.
Also needed is about 27in. of softwood measuring
about f by Ijin. The wood is cut into four equal
lengths and, at this stage, these may be sprayed
matt black, if desired. The edge connectors are
screwed to the top edges of two of the pieces. The
two remaining pieces are then screwed to the first
two pieces in the manner shown in the photographs,
using IT by No. 6 countersunk woodscrews
positioned about l^in. in from each end. There are
two woodscrews for each pair of wood pieces.

liliiL,

The two printed circuit board wiring jigs. The

edge connectors are screwed to the inner
edges of two of the pieces of wood, the remaining two lengths then being screwed to the first
two pieces. Finally, eight white plastic stick-on
feet are added, as shown

Each end of the printed circuit board is heiu

securely by the edge connector contacts

A printed circuit board secured to the two jigs.

The four stick-on feet on the underside rest on
the workbench surface. The whole assembly is
simply turned over for work on the other side of
the printed board

The finishing touch is provided by eight plastic

stick-on feet, available from Maplin Electronic
Supplies. These have an adhesive surface which is
revealed by peeling off a backing sheet, and four of
them are fitted to cover the heads of the
woodscrews. The remaining four are mounted in
corresponding positions on the opposite side of each
jig.
The printed circuit board being worked on is
held at each end by the edge connectors and can be
turned over when necessary. With these jigs, work
on a circuit board becomes a real pleasure.

DAiAin Avrn CT T7r'rrunTvTTr,c nnNTCTRimTnT?

Burglar Alarm
Vivian Capel

Systems

*How should you choose, plan and install

a system?
*What are the advantages of the various
types?
*What are the pitfalls?
Vivian Capel gives the answers to these and many
other questions the householder or business
owner asks. He describes the basic alarm circuits
and the essential components of the system,
including control units, sensors and sounding
devices. More sophisticated systems are also
covered ultrasonic, infra-red and microwave
detectors and a chapter is included on closedcircuit television.
0 408 00405 3
3.95

"I1

160 pages
US 39.00

216 x 138 mm

Newnes Technkal Books

Borough Green
Sevenoaks
Kent TI\I15 8PH
Telephone: (0732) 884567

7400
7401
7402
7403
7404
740E;
7406
7407
7408
7409
7410
741
1
-7412
7413
7414
7416
7417
7420
7421
7422
7426
7427
7438

lOp
lOp
lOp
lOp
12p
12p
2Sp
25p
12p
12p
12p
15p
15p
25p
4Sp
2Sp
2Sp
12p
20p
15o
22?
22p
25p

LINEAR
AY38500
CA3039 450p
7 Op
CA3046
SOp
CA3060
225p
CA3065 200p
CA3076
2
SOp
CA3080
7Sp
CA3084 25p
CA3085
85p
CA3086
SOp
CA3088
190p
CA3089
ISOp
CA3090AQ
360p
CA3123E
130p
CA3130
lOOp
CA3140
SOp
LF356
SOp
LF357
SOp
LM211H
2SOp
IM300TRS
170p
LM301AN
3
Op
LM304
200p
LM307N
66p
LM308T05
lOOp
LM3080IL
lOOp
LM309K
lOOp
LH310T05
1SOp
LM31 1T05 1 SOp
LM317K
LM324 32Bp
7Op
LM339
LM348N 6Op
90p

7432
7433
7437
7438
7440
7441
7442
7443
7444
7445
7446
7447
7448
7450
7451
7453
7454
7460
7470
7472
7473
7474
7475

2 Op 7482 75p
28p
7483 75p
20p
7484
70p
20p
7485
SOp
12p
7486
2Sp
45p 7489 130p
40p
25p
SOp 7490
7491 40p
SOp
7492
35p
SSp
7493
30p
SOp 7494 70p
SOp
7495
45p
SOp 7497
7496 120p
45p
12p
12p
74100
SOp
12p
74104
40p
12p 74105
40p
2Sp
12p 74107
25p
74108
lOOp
20p 74109 2Bp
25p
74118
7Bp
2Bp
SOp
25p 74120
74121 2Bp
IM380
SOp
LM381N
SOp
LM382
SOp
LM391
I
SOp
LM555
25p
LM709C
40p
LM710T05
SOp
LM710DIL
SSp
LM723T05
40p
LM723DIL
40p
LM733
LM741 120p
LM748
420p
Op
LM1303N
lOOp
LM1458
lOOp
LM3080
7Bp
LM3900
BRp
LM3909N
SBp
MCI
310P 1140p
MC1312P
SOp
MC1314P
IBOp
MC1315P
230p
MK50398 SBOp
MM5314
380p
MM5316
48 Op
NE529K
NE555 IBOp
25p
NE556
BOp
NE562B
40
Op
SAD1024
IBOOp
SL917B
SBOp
SN76003N
IBOp
SN76013N 110p

74126
3Bp
74128
SOp
74130
120p
74131
BOp
74132
4Sp
74135
BOp
74136
BOp
74137
BOp
74138
lOOp
74141
SOp
74142
180p
74143 270p
270p
74144
74145
SBp
74147
lOOp
74148
BOp
74150
SSp
74151 4Bp
74153
45p
74154
7476 7qp
2 Bp
7480
7481 40p
SSp

74155 4Sp
4Sp
74156
74157
4Sp
74160
SBp
74161
SBp
74162
BBp
74163
SBp
74164
SOp
74165
SOp
74166
7Bp
74167
ISOp
74170
lOOo
74173
SOp
74174 SOp
74175
SOp
74176
74177 SOp
BOp
74178
7Bp
74179
120p
74180
.74122 '3Bp
~*Op
74123
74125 40p
3Sp

181 130p
182
BOp
184
120p
185
lOOp
188
320p
190
7Op
191 SOp
7Op
192
93
SOp
94
BBp
95 SOp
BOp
96
97
SOp
98
lOOp
99 lOOp
293
BOp
500
18p
1 u <Qb
25 2 Op
lip

SN76013N012Bp
TBA700
TBA720Q
22bp
SN76023N
HOp
TBA760Q
200p
SN76023ND
TBA800
BOp
12Bp
T8A810
lOOp
SN76033N
ISOp
T8A820
lOOp
SN76227N
ISOp
TBA920Q
20p
SN/6228N
ISOp
TCA270Q
220p
SN76660N
7Bp
TCA270S
220p
TAA300
lOOp
TCA760
300p
TAA350 IBOp
TCA4500A
SBOp
TAA550
3Bp
TDA1008
SBOp
2214 Op
TAA570
TDA1034
TAA661B
Op
TDA2002 BOp
SOOp
TAA700 SBOp
TDA2020
TAA790
360p
TL084 300p
122B0p
Op
TAD
100
IBOp
XR320
TA0110
130p
XR2206
BOp
TBA-120S
SOp
XR2207
BOp
TBA120T
SBp
XR2208
SOOp
TBA480Q
200p
XR2216 SBOp
T8A520Q
200p
XR2567
2B0p
TBA530Q
200p
XR4136
IBOp
TBA540 200p
XR4202
TBA5500
250p
XR4212 IBOp
IBOp
TBA560C
2BOp
XR4739
TBA641A122 5 Op
ZN414 IBOp
lOOp
95H90 700p
|| LT.I tilT.450/TnaiUM100IKl*rIt.Naacli
ct.M
IIIOCkRW4iatl UMM.
IK4.v
tUx4 III40kl
450 bKMU.MMMet)
U.Mir U M ulr
Mitili iilriHilc*uIriMKin
nm itciuot wit worn
^

T. POWELL pfl
306 ST. PAUL'S ROAD,
fearfl
HIGHBURY CORNER, LONDON N.I
Telephone 01-226 1489
ALL PRICES INCLUDE POST AND V.A.T.

a,
!

nm
wSm
.

TH/S is the Catalogue you

need to solve your

m
component buying
problems /
*

PIwrits your Nsms snd Addrsss In block cspltsls

NAME ' 1
ADDRESS

"I

About 2.b00 item* clearly listed

and indexed
Profusely illustrated
#128 A-4 size pages, bound in
full-colour cover
Bargain List of unrepeatable offers included free
Catalogue contains details of simple Credit Scheme

HOME RADIO (Components) LTD., Dept. RC

234-240 London Roed, Mitcham. Surrey CR4 3HD
1
flogrf No. 912966 Londen

Price includes packing and postage

Send the coupon todey with cheque or P.O. for 1.29

HOME HADtO (Components) LTD. Dept RC, 234 240 London Road, Mitchpm. CR4 3HQ. Phone; 01 648 8422

PICK-A-PAK
ZENER DIODES
2 watt metal types
Asstd., untested but
about 80% good.
PAK of 40 for 70p

ROTARY POTS
Various types, singles,
and doubles, new and
coded.
PAK of six for 60p

B0187
Full spec transistors
new and coded
PAK of four 98p

WIREWOUND
RESISTORS
All new and coded,
modem types.
PAK of 50 for 95p

C280 CAPACITORS
Asstd. Pak, newand
coded types.
PAK of 40 for 70p

ELECTROLYTIC
CAPACITORS
All new asstd., modern
transistor types.
PAK of 50 for 90p

TIP33
Full spec transistors
new and coded.
PAK of three 85p
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All new, some coded,
untested but 80%
good.
PAK of 25 for 70p

LATEST

BOUND

VOLUME

No.

31
of

"Radio & Electronics

Constructor"
NEW LARGER FORMAT

VARI-CAP DIODES
New, approx. 500pf,
untested but 80%
good, uncoded.
PAK of 40 for 70p
LD.R's
Similar to 0RP12
new, full spec.
PAK of two 80p

AC128
Coded transistors
untested approx. 80%
good.
PAK of 40 for 70p

ASSTD. RESISTORS
Pak of modern \\N
and ^-Watt types.
PAK of 100 for 60p

El 12 FETS
N-channel, new, full spec
similar to 2N3819's.
Coded.
PAK of four 60p

POLYSTYRENE
CAPACITORS
Pak of all new types,
coded.
PAK of 50 for 70p

CERAMIC CAPACITORS
Asstd. Pak, all new and
coded types.
PAK of 40 for 70p

ASSTD. TRANSISTORS
All new and most coded
90% good.
PAK of 50 for 95p

BC107/8/9'8
Uncoded, untested but
approx. 80% good.
PAK of 40 for 70p

ASSTD. I.C's
All new, some coded
but all untested.
PAK of 30 for 40p

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AUGUST 1977 to JULY 1978

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(August 1973 to July 1974)
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SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS
Rate: lOp par word. Minimum charge 1.SO

Wilmslow

Box No. 26p extra

Audio
Advertisements must be prepaid and all copy must
be received by the 4th of the month for insertion in
the following month's issue. The Publishers cannot be held liable In any way for printing errors or
omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for
the bona fides of Advertisers. Where advertisements offer any equipment of a transmitting
nature, readers are reminded that a licence is normally required. (Replies to Box Numbers should
be addressed to: Box No. , Radio and Electronics Constructor, 57 Maida Vale, London, W9
1SN.
WANTED: Large and small quantities of transistors, I.C.'s
displays, etc., etc. Call any Saturday to; 306 St. Paul's
Road, London N.l. Telephone; 01-359 4224.
SOLID STATE INTERCOMS. Call button each end,
volume control, and 50 ft. lead. Only 8.95. Refund
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TIRRO'S NEW MAIL ORDER price list of electronic
components now available on receipt of S.A.E. TIRRO
Electronics, Grenfell Place, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
FOR SALE; Inverter, 12V d.c. to 240V a.c. Suitable running
electric shaver, camping, boating, etc. 5.50. Box No.
G355.
COMPLETE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS for any requested TV, 5 (with diagrams 5.50). Any requested service sheet l plus s.a.e. S.a.e. brings free newsletter,
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INTERESTED IN OSCAR? Then join AMSAT-UK.
Newsletters, OSCAR NEWS Journal, prediction charts,
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88-108MHz TRANSMITTERS, built-in battery, mere 25
x 49 x 70ram. 13. 16 x 18 x 40mm. 25. Range up to 500
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W.C.I.
FOR SALE; Ex-A.M. rotary motor generator, 12V d.c. at
3.8 amps to 480V at 0.04 amps. 2.00 plus carriage. Box
No. G356.
PARCELS: 200 mixed components 4. 100 2.75. 10 red
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Both ordered together 6.20. S.A.E, for list of computing
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(Continued on page 709)

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5.00
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SUB MINIATURE TOGGLE SWITCHES 250V
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Qprvr
' 15mmRedx 12mm
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AC187K 25p BC125 LOp BC301 25p 1N914
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AU110 '90p BC182
1N4007
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7p
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1 63V Axial 5p
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220 16V A 5p
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1000 35V R 15p
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TO

READERS

TOWERS INTERNATIONAL
FET SELECTOR
(JUST PUBLISHED)

TRANSISTOR SELECTOR
(NEW REVISED EDITION)
Towers' International
Transistor Selector
tBf'. MAOSe

rs inter
Fet Selector

6N

This is dead I
Would this replace it?
If it takes you longer than 1 minute to find out all about these transistors then you need a copy of TOWER'S INTERNATIONAL
TRANSISTOR SELECTOR. Its one of the most useful working
books you will be offered this year. And probably the cheapest!
In it.you wifl find a really international selection of 13,000 transistor types British, Continental European, American and
Japanese. And we think that they will solve 90% of your transistor
enquiries.
Current and widely used obsolete types were carefully selected
and arranged in Numero-Alphabetical order by an author who was
uniquely qualified to do the job. With his compendium, all you need
to know is the type number and you can learn all about a transistor's specification; who made it and where to contact them; or
what to use to replace it.
Price 6.00 inc. P&P
(Please allow 21 days for delivery)
Tower's
International
Trpnyistpt
Selector

by T. D. Towers
MBE, MA, BSc, CEng, MIERE
6.00
inc. post and packing

tttt
If you deal with field effect transistors, or fet's whether as a student, a hobbyist, a circuit engineer, a buyer, a teacher or a serviceman you often want data on a specific fet of which you
know only the type number.
Specifications apart, you may be even more interested in where
you can get the device in question. And perhaps more important
still (particularly with obsolete devices), you may want guidance on
a readily available possible substitute.
This fet compendium, a comprehensive tabulation of basic
specification offers information on;
1. Ratings
2. Characteristics
.3. Case details
4. Terminal identifications
5. Applications use
6. Manufacturers
7. Substitution equivalents (both European and American)
The many fet's covered in this compendium are most of the
more common current and widely-used obsolete types.
It is international in scope and covers fet's not only from the
USA and Continental Europe, but also from the United Kingdom
and the Far East (Japan).
Price 4.00 inc P&P
(We regret this offer is only available to readers in the U.K.)
Tower's
International
E1
Selector

by T. D. TOWERS
MBE, MA, BSc, C Eng, MIERE
4.00
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SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS
(Continued from page 707)
I*OK SALE: Single issues of Radio & Electronics Constructor covering the period 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960,
1961, 1967, 1968 and 1976. Not complete years. Cover
price asked, plus postage. WANTED: Issues for complete years 1947 to 1955, plus December 1972. Marcel
Volery, 27 Rue du Grand-Pre, CH-1202 Geneva,
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TOR SALE: Bush cassette tape recorder, battery driven.
Microphone, etc. Excellent condition. 10 plus postage.
Box No. G375.
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SOLAR CELLS: Bits, books and bargains. Send 95p for
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Edencombe Ltd., 34 Nathans Road, North Wembley,
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FOR SALE: "Challenge of the Stars " by Patrick Moore and
David A. Hardy 2.00. "Destroyers' by Antony Preston
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RECORDS FOR THE RADIO ENTHUSIAST. S.a.e. for
details. Atlantis Productions, 13 Clay Road, Caister-onSea, Norfolk.
COLLECTORS' ITEMS. Nearly 50 copies of Radio Society of Great Britain's Bulletins covering period 1945 to
1949. In reasonable condition. Offers to: Box No. G377.
FOR SALE: Commodore PET Computer 65.00. S.A.E. for
booklet. J. Fulton, Derrynaseer, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, N.
Ireland.
FOR SALE: Telford Communications TC10 "Multiwade" 2
metre transmitter. CW, SSB and FM. S.a.e. for details,
price, etc. Box No. G378.
POSTAL ADVERTISING? This is the Holbom Service.
Mailing lists, addressing, enclosing, wrapping, facsimile
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FOR SALE: Eddystone E.G. 10 receiver, together with 2
metre converter plus power supply unit. E.G. 10 modified
for F.M. 90. Box No. G379.
FOR SALE: Automatic car aerial 7.50. 25 2W zeners 76p.
100 1N914 50p. Miniature hearing aid amplifiers 1.00.
Damaged video tape recorders 100. Closed circuit
cameras 25-50. S.A.E. for details: J. Fulton,
Derrynaseer, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland.
CAR BATTERY GIVING TROUBLE? Trv our all
electronic battery monitor. IC & PCB, 2.75 inc. S.A.E.
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FOR SALE: 5 bound volumes of Radio & Electronics
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NEW SHOP IN EAST KENT. Vast range of electronic
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Open Tuesday to Saturday. Easy parking.
(Continued on page 711)

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TRANSFORMERS
Primary 24UV
6-0-6V
100mA
9-0-9V
75mA
12-0-12V
50mA
12-0-12V
100mA
Post on above transformers
9-0-9V
1A
12-0-12V
1A
15-0-15V
1A
6 3V
UA
6-0-6V
1}A
Post on above transformers
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2A
12V
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0.7B
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All above prices include V.A.T. Special
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MICROPHONES FOR
TAPE RECORDERS
DM228B 200 ohm with 3.5 and
2.5mm jack plug
1.66
DM229R 50K with 3,5 and 2.5mm
jack plug
2.20
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DIN plug
1.95
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T.V.
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Model UD-130 frequency response
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THIS
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FAULT

FINDING

405/625 LINES

MULTIMETER
Model ITI-2 20,000 ohm/volt
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<JL
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90p

Send 40p for New Autumn 1978

Fully Illustrated Catalogue.
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RADIOIII
MDDEI

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_EElR

ELECTRONIC \ BOOKS
MODEL RADIO CONTROL
Detailing both Theory and Practice, this book,
by leading authority Paul Newell, has become
the standard reference work. A brief historical
survey leads up to a detailed description of
proportional systems, with over 100 illustrations, including theoretical circuits and
p.c. layouts for an advanced digital aystem.
134 pages
Price 3.35

&

ENLARGED

Edited by J. R. Davies
132 pages

PRICE 1.20

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 1.20 from your bookseller.
or post this Coupon together
with remitance for 1 AO
(to include postage) to
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U.K. Packing
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9*

SMALL ADVERTISEMENTS
(Continued from page 709)
KOH SALE: Mains transformer, 240V Pri., 2 separate sees,
each 7V at 500mA, 1.10 each + 35p P.&P. NEW p.c.b.
with 1 amp 200 p.i.v. bridge rect., 200k pot. 10k preset, 2 x
O.lpFd 250V a.c. cap., 4 for l + 25p P.&P. NEW p.c.b.
with 4 x BC108, 1 x BFY50, 4 x O.l^FD 160V, 2 x IpFd
160V caps. + zeners, diodes, resistors, 3 for l + 15p P.&P.
D. Nicholls, Lyndale, Church Lane, Flax Bourton. Bristol.
V.H.F./F.M. Miniature Transmitter Kit. Range 100 yards.
80-100MHz. Unlicenseable, 3.95 plus 25p postage. P.
Faherty, 4 Angus Drive, South Ruislip, Middlesex.

if
is:.
52;i
SSl;

PERSONAL
JANE SCOTT FOR GENUINE FRIENDS. Introductions to opposite sex with sincerity and thoughtfulness.
Details free. Stamp to: Jane Scott, 3/Con North St.
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BROADLANDS RESIDENTIAL CLUB for elderly
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We have a delightful top floor room overlooking Oulton
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FOR HELP with (elementary) Computer, statistical or
technical mathematics, send query, s.a.e., paper, P.O.
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SPONSORS required for exciting scientific project
Norwich Astronomical Society are building a 30" telescope
to be housed in a 20' dome of novel design. All labour being
given by volunteers. Already supported by Industry and
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CHI-KUNG for mental/physical health. Discover "Chi"
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Our new catalogue lists circuit boards for all

your projects, from good old Veroboard through
to specialised boards for ICs. And we've got
accessories, module systems, cases and boxes
everything you need to give your equipment the
quality you demand. Send 25p to cover post
and packing, and the catalogue's yours.
VERO ELECTRONICS LTD. RETAIL DEPT.
Industrial Estate, Chandlers Ford, Hants. S05 3ZR
Telephone Chandlers Ford (04215) 2956

Understand electronics
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 Learna-Kit Course.

oo

(31
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Build an oscilloscope
Read, draw and understand
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Carry out over 40 experiments on basic electronic
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RADIO &
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Bound Volumes:
Vol. 27. August 1973
Vol. 28. August 1974
Vol. 29. August 1975
Vol. 30. August 1976
Vol. 31. August 1977

to
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July 1974
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TV Fault Finding, 132 pages

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Radio Amateur Operator's Handbook,
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DB19 Simple Short Wave Receivers

140 pages
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