DIY low-power transmitter projects: Article index and intro

1. Low-Power Transmitters, General

2. Basic Building Blocks

3. Simple Low-Power Transmitters for Experimenters

4. 50 mW VFO-Controlled AM Transmitter for 530-1710 kHz

5. PLL Synthesized AM Transmitter for 530-1710 kHz

6. VFO Controlled FM Monaural Transmitter for 88-108 MHz

7. Basic FM Stereo Signal Generation Techniques

8. PLL Synthesized FM Stereo Transmitter for 88-108 MHz

9. Microprocessor-Controlled FM Stereo Transmitter for 88-108 MHz

10. 20 mW Low-Power TV Transmitter

11. 0.5-Watt TV Transmitter for R/C Vehicles

12. 2-Watt TV Transmitter for R/C and Amateur TV for 440 MHz

13. 1-Watt TV Transmitters for 902-928 MHz and 1240-1300 MHz

14. Experimental 20 mW 915 MHz PLL FM TV Transmitter

15. Receiving Converters and IF Systems for Low-Power ATV Transmitters

16. Low-Power Narrowband FM Audio Transmitters

17. Serial Data Transmit-Receive System for Remote Control

18. RF Field-Strength Meter for 500 kHz to 3 GHz Transmitter

19. Low-Power CW Transmitter for 40 Meters

20. Single Sideband Basics

21. Basic Single Sideband Generator/Exciter Unit

22. 1-Watt CW Transmitter for the 1750-Meter "LOWFER" Band

23. Simple CW Identifier

DIY Low-Power Transmitter Projects was created to fill the need for detailed, project-oriented information pertaining to the design and construction of low-power transmitters. Writing this text involved careful incorporation of details and instruction for the successful completion and operation of 20 low-power audio and video transmitter projects. Hobbyists, technicians, amateur radio operators, and general radio enthusiasts of all skill levels will find this guide beneficial; however, the content is designed primarily with the needs of intermediate to advanced radio electronics technicians and experimenters in mind. For successful completion of the projects, some experience is assumed on the part of the experimenter. Project areas covered include RF circuitry and digital techniques. PC board construction is largely used with some surface mount construction where necessary. A few of the projects also use microcontrollers.

This guide contains construction details for audio and video transmitters operating at frequencies from 150 kHz to 1300 MHz for Part 15 operation and for Novice Class Amateur use. Included are several low-power AM and FM audio transmitters, from simple, discrete designs to sophisticated PLL-synthesized types. This guide also offers sections on a frequency-synthesized AM broadcast transmitter for 150-1710 kHz, two FM transmitter designs for 88-108 MHz stereo operation, using PLL synthesis digital readouts and microprocessor control, several low-power (0.5-2 watt)

TV transmitters covering the 440, 900, and 1300 MHz amateur bands, a data transmitter and receiver, and a section on video reception techniques for the special frequencies used.

Other coverage includes a simple low-power CW transmitter, identifier circuits, antennas, and range information. Many projects are of the kind not often seen as published articles. They incorporate modern circuitry techniques, such as PLL synthesis and the use of microprocessors. All projects use standard parts and have been thoroughly tested, with PC board layouts given for most of the projects, as well as parts lists, coil data, and complete setup information. Components and suitable enclosures for several projects are available as kits from the source given in the guide.

These kits include all necessary parts and drilled and etched PC boards. This convenience simplifies parts procurement and ensures proper performance of each project.

We also discuss the legal limits and ramifications of the equipment and offer suggestions and tips for getting the best results from the projects.

A lot of effort has gone into making this guide an effective, project-oriented tool for hands-on learning about successfully building low-power transmitters. We hope you will enjoy reading the fruit of our labors and working on the projects contained within.