3 Transistor-1 IC MW Receiver

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This is a 3 transistor - 1 integrated circuit superheterodyne MW receiver. It covers the AM broadcast band from 525 to 1615 KHz. The first transistor is an oscillator and mixer. The second and third transistors are IF (intermediate frequency) amplifiers. The integrated circuit is used for AF (audio frequency) amplification. The IF section has AVC (automatic volume control) to keep a constant volume when turning across the band. The first IF amplifier is regenerative, making the receiver very sensitive and selective. The radio runs from a 9 volt battery.

Radio has tuning, regeneration and volume controls. On-off switch is on volume control. Earphone jack is below volume control. The cabinet was made from 5 pieces of PCB (printed circuit board) soldered together. Antenna coil is outside the cabinet for better reception.


Components were soldered directly to the copper circuit (surface mounted). The square components from right to left are the oscillator coil and 3 IF transformers. The integrated circuit is in a socket on far left. Diode detector is followed by an RC (resistor capacitor) filter for improved sound quality. Regeneration control is on top left. Battery fits inside cabinet and is easily replaced.


A short history | My radio background | Homemade radios | Tube radios
Transistor radios | World band radios | Kit radios | Reel tape recorders
My other interests | Pictures of Lebanon | Radio links
Home | Showcase | About this site

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