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Velleman Projects Service Forum

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Electronic Varactor Tuner Transmitter Kit

This past Sunday I put together a Varactor Tuned FM Transmitter / Mike kit# 80-065 by Philmore Datak. This kit is advertised as the best of the miniature FM transmitters, transmits to FM radio frequencies. The Cadillac of FM transmitters and wireless mikes. This started as a backyard picnic table project until the heavy rain came than it was a scramble into the garage to finish up.

This kit features a varactor (tuning diode) tuned Colpitts oscillator and an RF amplifier stage that offers solid performance in the 88-108 MHz broadcast band. Varactor tuning is free from stray capacitance and drift. Recommended voltage is 9 to 12VDC. Per the instructions typical range is from 50 to 100 feet depending on antenna and other conditions.

Parts identification and assembly went smoothly. One resistor lays flat and all other resistors are mounted standing up on end to fit in on the small PC board. The electret mike is mounted directly on board. Kit contains 33 components. Board size is 3/4" x 2-3/4".

How it works: The circuit is broken up into three stages, audio, Colpitts oscillator, and RF amplifier. Audio is picked up by the electret mike and converted to a voltage signal and amplified by a PN2222A transistor. This acts as a small signal linear amplifier. This signal is coupled out to the Colpitts oscillator to provide DC isolation. The advantage of the Colpitts is there are no coils to wind or mess with. The kit instructions give a decent description of theory of operation and a piece by piece run down of the Colpitts oscillator. The RF amplifier uses biasing components (resistors and capacitors) to configure a PN918 to provide amplification of the oscillator signal.

Tuning and alignment went very smoothly. Per instructions I just centered the 10K pot, attached 9V battery, and did a smoke / heat test. Everything checked out, turned on a FM radio with a digital display and found my signal near 92MHz. I put the transmitter in another room and was able to pick up sounds from the radio speaker with antenna wire supplied. But to get the most out of this circuit you will have to play around and tweak it. Using the formula AL= 234/FM Hz to make a antenna that will be compatible with the frequency your listing on. Just divide 234 by the frequency your circuit is broadcasting, cut a wire to that length, should improve your distance and signal.

Overall a very easy kit to put together, just take your time soldering. Street price is around $15.99. I still have to attached a proper antenna cut to size and maybe increase voltage to 12 volts and see how we do. Range on package is 140 feet. With its small size this kit can be hidden just about anywhere, James Bond type stuff. Remember, this is an educational kit only, do not get in trouble.

Summer Heat

Summer is finally here in New Jersey with the temps heading for the ninety's this afternoon and tomorrow.

Before it gets to hot out I am going to do some soldering on the picnic table and finish off the electronic kit started last weekend. Only a few more components to go and do the important smoke test.

I might even set up the Buddipole antenna and try few a few contacts on 40 meter CW before an afternoon drink or two.

Get outside and build something!

Saturday Evening Post

This afternoon I decided to build the Philmore RF Sniffer / Bug Finder kit, #80-990. Yes it is weekend project time.

Chances are I will not find a hidden transmitter at home or my place of work, but when the cooler weather comes I might have to take this kit mobile and play around just a little. The circuit can also be used for testing or troubleshooting RF Circuits. Since it was a nice afternoon I starting building in the backyard on the picnic table. It is always a bonus to be outside building. I managed to load up the resistors and two IC sockets before evening came and my light source got darker. My next component up was a surface mount Hybrid RF Amplifier, better wait until tomorrow for this installment.

They are calling for rain tomorrow so maybe I can finish up and test it out.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Magic Message Kit

Velleman Magic Message #MK155

Street Price: $12.95 USD"

Wave the wand to make the message appear, looks like it is floating in the air. This is a small compact circuit built on a pc board that fits into a handheld wand.


"Notes: Easy to build and solder with simple part placement. Just be careful with LED's, try to keep them same height on board. Best bet is to place the first LED on board and bend leads on underside of pc board. Before soldering play it safe and size up LED with cover to make sure it is at proper height and fits in cover hole. This small move saves time and desoldering efforts later. Other than that kit assembly is pretty straight forward and simple.

Circuit details: The circuit is built around the PIC18C505-20/P IC which is inserted into a socket. Six limit resistors are for the six high intensity red LED's. Circuit has a roll ball switch that get triggered when you wave the wand. Two "AAA" batteries are needed to power the circuit.

Smoke Test: None.

Takes a few minutes getting the hang of waving your forearm slowly and getting the message readable, a dark area works best.

A cool kit to play around with, I like circuits with LED's.

The Magic Message worked the first time!

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Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Melted Solder Blog.

This blog is a collection of kits, circuits, and home brewing stuff. Plus I find this is a great way to keep my notes and general electronic / radio junk in one convenient place.

I find in easier to update a blog on the fly than the meltedsolder.com web site.

Be sure to stop by for an afternoon coffee or Friday night beer.

Comments are always welcome.