Have
you ever wanted to broadcast your own radio station within your
neighborhood? Ever get curious on where people get those "Surveillance
Bugs" from spy and action movies? This small and simple FM transmitter
is the toy that geeks have always wanted.
FM transmitters can be
complicated to build, that's why I'm teaching you how to make a
foolproof FM transmitter. There's no need to buy kits, this tutorial
includes the PCB layout and the schematics. It has a range of up to 1/4
mile or more. It's great for room monitoring, baby listening and nature
research.
My Experience:
FM
transmitters remind me of my early years in electronics. When I was 8, I
came across Art Swan's FM transmitter circuit. At the time I had no
idea of where I'm supposed to buy the parts, so I recycled mine out of
junk. I guess the biggest struggle that you're going to face is finding a
trimmer capacitor. I'll give some tips on the last step of this
instructable. In a nutshell, I highly recommend this project for
everyone and also those who are still new in electronics.
>>>>>>>WARNING: You may experience nostalgia! :D<<<<<<<
Technical Specifications:
- 1/4 Mile Radius Range
-Powered By A 9V Battery
- Lasts For Several Days
- Adjustable 87-108MHz
Please Watch:
Celebrating the 1st episode of my new YouTube channel! It's my first
time to document a project with videography. I hope you guys enjoy the
vid! Please leave a comment below, I would appreciate some advise
regarding the video.
Disclaimer:
This project is for educational purposes only and is not intended to
air/ interfere with present radio channels. Neither site nor I, am
liable for careless actions. Please check for the legality before
attempting the project within your area. As long as
Step 1: Gather The Parts
All of these are available on any branch of RadioShack! :)
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MISC:
- Copper Clad PCB/ Perfboard
- Solid Gauge # 18 Wire
- Electret Microphone
- ¼" Bolt
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Transistors:
- 2N3904 General NPN Transistor (2x)
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Capacitors:
- 15pF or 40pF Trimmer Capacitor
- 100nF Ceramic Capacitor (2x)
- 10nF Ceramic Capacitor
- 4pF Ceramic Capacitor
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Resistors:
- 1M Ohm ¼w Resistor
- 100K Ohm ¼w Resistor
- 10K Ohm ¼w Resistor (3x)
- 1K Ohm ¼w Resistor
- 100 Ohm ¼w Resistor
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Tools:
- A Pair Of Pliers
- Soldering Iron
- Hot Glue Gun
Step 2: PCB & Schematics
I
designed a compact PCB layout for Art Swan's miniature FM transmitter
circuit using Fritzing. Use this step as your reference for the
assembly.
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About The Circuit:
These is the exact description of Art Swan, the circuit's Author, "This
miniature transmitter is easy to construct and can be picked up on any
standard FM receiver. It has a range of up to 1/4 mile or more. It's
great for room monitoring, baby listening and nature research"
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Download Link:https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwP5mrDBOvNYaHFnME...
Step 3: Print The PCB Layout
Download
the PDF file then print it with your printer's standard setting then
cut the printed layout. Be careful when cutting, the tip of my thumb got
sliced by the sharp cutter blade.
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Download Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwP5mrDBOvNYaHFn...
Step 4: Develop The PCB
I'm
using something what's called presensitized PCB fabrication, it's
different from the toner transfer method. If you're not familiar with
presensitized PCBs, better go with the toner transfer method.
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Presensitized PCBs:
I expose mine directly to a 10W fluorescent lamp for 5:20 minutes then
use a dilute solution of Sodium Hydroxide to develop the exposed PCB.
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Step 5: Etch The PCB
Pour Ferric Chloride on a plastic tray then start to etch the PCB.
Step 6: Clean The PCB
Use a swab and Acetone to remove the photo-positive layer/ toner.
Step 7: Solder The Components
Use
step #2 as your reference. Solder the smaller parts first. Start with
the resistors, the capacitors, the transistors, the coil, the antenna
then the 9V cattery clip.
Step 8: Construct The Coil
Strip a solid gauge #18 wire. Use a 1/4" bolt then turn the wire 7-8 times.
Step 9: Adding The Antenna
Solder
a hook-up wire to the antenna pin, it's located on the 2nd transistor's
collector pin. Use a maximum of 8 inches an a minimum of 5 inches.
Step 10: Recycle A Battery Clip
The key to this compact transmitter is the ingenious battery clip.You can get one by dismantling an scrap 9v battery.
Step 11: Glue Them Together
Apply a generous blob of hot glue to hold the clip and the transmitter circuit together.
Step 12: Breadboard Version
Recently,
people have been asking me if it's possible to make this project
without having to fabricate a PCB. The answer is yes. In fact I built my
first FM transmitter on a perfboard. I guess some are new to this, no
worries I'm here to teach you.
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The
answer to this is a "Perfboard/ Prototype board. It's a PCB designed for
prototyping circuits. There are three types of perfboards, the one that
suits our needs is the dot matrix version. If you're new to this, make
magazine has handy YouTube tutorial.
Step 13: Tune The Transmitter
Turn
on your radio then tune it to your desired channel frequency. You'll
get more range from the vacant channels. Don't touch the coil, just turn
the trimmer capacitor until you hear a feedback from the radio.
Step 14: Q&A - Tips & Tricks
Where Can I Buy The Parts?
If
you live in the US, all the parts that I've used are available from
Radioshack. You don't believe me? The parts from my first non-recycled
transmitter came from RadioShack, Long Island, NY branch.
Any Alternatives For The Trimmer Capacitor?
Most
likely, you'll find one from a scrap transistor radios however you can
replace it with a 20pF ceramic capacitor then rely on the coil's
adjustment for compensation. Trimmer caps are color coded, only use the
Red, Green or Yellow. I used the yellow since it covers a wider range.
Which Wire Should I Use?
Only
use solid wires that has a thickness of 18 - 22 gauge. When I was still
a novice hobbyist, I was worried about the strict selection of parts.
Don't worry too much, eventually you'll learn to improvise when parts
are not available.
Why Does The Frequency Change After Tuning?
Let's
admit it, tuning the radio is a bloody challenge! If you use a metal
screw driver to tune the trimmer cap, chances are you'll end up having a
different frequency broadcast the moment you lift the screw driver.
This is why non conductive screw drivers are recommended.
Where Can I Find A Non-Conductive Screwdriver?
You'll
easily find one from a PC repair shop, or maybe form a hardware store.
If you really can't find one, the famous Little Bits kit comes with it.
Is It Possible To Connect A 3.5mm Audio Jack?
Yes,
it's possible! All you need to do is to link the common ground then
solder a 1K ohm resistor each channel (L & R) forming a junction.
Now solder a wire from the junction to U1's collector pin (refer to the
schematic). You can now connect your MP3 player! I'll post an additional
step regarding this mod.
Can I Hook This On A 12v Car Battery?
This
project would still operate at voltages between 7v-14v, so yeah it's
compatible. If you want to stay safe and prevent the circuit from
burning, solder a 10 ohm resistor in series with the FM transmitter and
12v battery.
Is This Legal?
As long
as you don't use it to spy on others and not use a long & huge
antenna then yes, it's legal. Just don't use it near an airport. For
more info, pleas read the
FCC Rules.
Step 15: Don't Forget To Leave A Comment [Stay Tuned]
Please don't forget leave a comment below. Thank you!