AM Radio Kit Question

zzpop · 6th August 2012, 08:37 PM

Hello! I am building the Elenco AM-550CK kit. All has gone well...up to...measuring AC Bandwidth (pg14 of manual).

When I increase frequency, the sine wave does not lower at all from it's original setting. Also, when the frequency is lowered...still cant get any visual change of voltage.

What I do see is the frequency change along the horizontal axis.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thank You!
Tony

DF96 · 7th August 2012, 12:01 AM

How high or low have you gone in frequency?

zzpop · 7th August 2012, 04:25 AM

Starting at 1KHz, increased to 2KHz and lowered to 100 MHz.
It seems there is no effect on voltage?

gmphadte · 7th August 2012, 05:11 AM

Are u sure what u r seeing is not hum(mains frequency).

Gajanan Phadte

zzpop · 7th August 2012, 05:57 AM

As a beginner, I am not sure of much! I do not know what hum or mains frequency refers to. I cant seem to get the sine wave to reduce in (amplitude?).

Mooly · 7th August 2012, 08:19 AM

The test seems to be just to confirm the audio output stage bandwidth... just for education I guess.

Does the radio actually work ?

If you connect just the scope to the generator (no radio involved) can you alter the frequency of the signal and see it alter on the scope ? Make sure you understand the frequency scale.
A good generator will maintain a constant output as frequency is varied. Most generators won't cover a wide range in one go, you have to alter the range for example 10 to 100hz and 1Khz to 10khz etc.

It might help to know what generator you are using

The 10uf cap to the generator must have the positive end to the transistor.

zzpop · 7th August 2012, 01:22 PM

This is the first completed section only of the build; the Audio Amplifier.No other part of the radio had been built.
Sound(tones) do come from the speaker, and vary with frequency change.

I purchased a few generators and counters ( ebay

), but between them all, I think the frequency applied is "fairly" accurate.

Generator alone with scope does produce a clean signal, which will change as the generator is adjusted, including the magnification(range) dial.

The 10uf cap has been checked for correct polarity/installation.

Your mention of this being a bandwidth measure seems like this is exactly what is happening here...only!

Scope lead is connected to Ch1, X axis. AC measuring.
Is it possible I need to connect the circuit to the Y axis also?

DF96 · 7th August 2012, 01:47 PM

By '100MHz' I assume you mean 100Hz? 100Hz to 2kHz is likely to be well within the circuit bandwidth - it certainly ought to be for an audio amp! Try the region 10-100Hz, and 10-100kHz. Then you might see something. When looking for an effect, it can be helpful to have some idea what you are looking for.

Mooly · 7th August 2012, 01:50 PM

That sounds to be working OK then if the speaker outputs the tones.

If you measure the signal across the speaker (the peak to peak voltage) and do the same for the input signal you can calculate the gain by dividing the output figure by the input figure. That will be related to the feedback resistor values R15 and R16.

Osvaldo de Banfield · 7th August 2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DF96

When looking for an effect, it can be helpful to have some idea what you are looking for.

Great truth!!!

7th August 2012, 08:19 AM	#6
Mooly diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007	The test seems to be just to confirm the audio output stage bandwidth... just for education I guess. Does the radio actually work ? If you connect just the scope to the generator (no radio involved) can you alter the frequency of the signal and see it alter on the scope ? Make sure you understand the frequency scale. A good generator will maintain a constant output as frequency is varied. Most generators won't cover a wide range in one go, you have to alter the range for example 10 to 100hz and 1Khz to 10khz etc. It might help to know what generator you are using The 10uf cap to the generator must have the positive end to the transistor. __________________ Installing and using LTspice IV. From beginner to advanced.

7th August 2012, 01:50 PM	#9
Mooly diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007	That sounds to be working OK then if the speaker outputs the tones. If you measure the signal across the speaker (the peak to peak voltage) and do the same for the input signal you can calculate the gain by dividing the output figure by the input figure. That will be related to the feedback resistor values R15 and R16. __________________ Installing and using LTspice IV. From beginner to advanced.

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7th August 2012, 12:01 AM	#2
DF96 R.I.P. Join Date: May 2007	How high or low have you gone in frequency?

7th August 2012, 04:25 AM	#3
zzpop diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2012	Starting at 1KHz, increased to 2KHz and lowered to 100 MHz. It seems there is no effect on voltage?

7th August 2012, 05:11 AM	#4
gmphadte diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Dona paula, Goa	Are u sure what u r seeing is not hum(mains frequency). Gajanan Phadte

7th August 2012, 05:57 AM	#5
zzpop diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2012	As a beginner, I am not sure of much! I do not know what hum or mains frequency refers to. I cant seem to get the sine wave to reduce in (amplitude?).

7th August 2012, 01:22 PM	#7
zzpop diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2012	This is the first completed section only of the build; the Audio Amplifier.No other part of the radio had been built. Sound(tones) do come from the speaker, and vary with frequency change. I purchased a few generators and counters ( ebay ), but between them all, I think the frequency applied is "fairly" accurate. Generator alone with scope does produce a clean signal, which will change as the generator is adjusted, including the magnification(range) dial. The 10uf cap has been checked for correct polarity/installation. Your mention of this being a bandwidth measure seems like this is exactly what is happening here...only! Scope lead is connected to Ch1, X axis. AC measuring. Is it possible I need to connect the circuit to the Y axis also?

7th August 2012, 01:47 PM	#8
DF96 R.I.P. Join Date: May 2007	By '100MHz' I assume you mean 100Hz? 100Hz to 2kHz is likely to be well within the circuit bandwidth - it certainly ought to be for an audio amp! Try the region 10-100Hz, and 10-100kHz. Then you might see something. When looking for an effect, it can be helpful to have some idea what you are looking for.