Brown G. (ed.) Radio and Electronics Cookbook

Newnes, 2001. — 319 p. — ISBN 0 7506 5214 4.A collection of electronics projects for electronics enthusiasts and experimenters. Features include numerous illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and coverage of all of the latest technology. Includes projects such as a desk microphone, a water level alarm, and a moisture meter. Although we are surrounded by sophisticated computerised gadgets these days, there is still a fascination in putting together a few resistors, capacitors and the odd transistor to make a simple electronic circuit. It is really surprising how a handful of components can perform a useful function, and the satisfaction of having built it yourself is incalcuable.
This book aims to provide a wide variety of radio and electronic projects, from something that will take a few minutes to a more ambitious weekend’s worth. Various construction techniques are described, the simplest requiring no more than a small screwdriver, the most complex involving printed circuit boards.
Originally published by the Radio Society of Great Britain, the projects were all chosen to be useful and straightforward, with the emphasis on practicality. In most cases the workings of the circuit are described, and the projects are backed up by small tutorials on the components and concepts employed. In the 21st century it may seem strange that few of the published circuits use integrated circuits (chips). This is intentional as it is much easier to understand how the circuit works when using discrete components.
Anyone buying the Radio and Electronics Cookbook will find that it will lead to hours of enjoyment, some very useful and entertaining gadgets, and increased knowledge of how and why electronics circuits work, and a great sense of satisfaction. Beware, electronic construction is addictive!A medium-wave receiver.
An audio-frequency amplifier.
A medium-wave receiver using a ferrite-rod aerial.
A simple electronic organ.
Experiments with the NE555 timer.
A simple metronome.
What is a resistor?
Waves - Part 1.
A beat-frequency oscillator.
What is a capacitor?
Waves - Part 2.
An LED flasher.
Waves - Part 3.
Choosing a switch.
An aerial tuning unit for a receiver.
A simple 2 m receiver preamplifier.
Receiving aerials for amateur radio.
The Colt 80 m receiver - Part 1.
A crystal radio receiver.
The varactor (or varicap) diode.
A portable radio for medium waves.
The Colt 80 m receiver - Part 2.
A simple transistor tester.
An introduction to transmitters.
The Colt 80 m receiver - Part 3.
A two-way Morse practice system.
The Colt 80 m receiver - Part 4.
A simple crystal set.
A crystal calibrator.
A simple short-wave receiver - Part 1.
A fruit-powered medium-wave radio.
A capacitance bridge.
A simple short-wave receiver - Part 2.
A basic continuity tester.
A charger for NiCad batteries.
An 80 metre crystal-controlled CW transmitter.
A solar-powered MW radio.
A receiver for the 7 MHz amateur band.
Diodes for protection.
An RF signal probe.
An RF changeover circuit.
A low-light indicator.
A J-pole aerial for 50 MHz.
Measuring light intensity - the photometer.
A 70 cm Quad loop aerial.
A UHF field strength meter.
Christmas tree LEDs.
An audio signal injector.
Standing waves.
A standing-wave indicator for HF.
A moisture meter.
Simple aerials.
A breadboard 80 cm CW transmitter.
A 7-element low-pass filter for transmitters.
Radio-frequency mixing explained.
A voltage monitor for a 12 V power supply.
A 1750 Hz toneburst for repeater access.
A circuit for flashing LEDs.
Digital logic circuits.
A resistive SWR indicator.
An audio filter for CW.
An electronic die.
The absorption wavemeter.
An HE absorption wavemeter.
A vertical aerial for 70 cm.
A UHF corner reflector aerial.
A switched dummy load.
A simple Morse oscillator.
A bipolar transistor tester.
The ‘Yearling’ 20 m receiver.
Adding the 80 metre band to the Yearling receiver.
How the Yearling works.
A field strength meter.
Preselector for a short-wave receiver.
An audible continuity tester.
An experimental 70 cm rhombic aerial.
Water level alarm.
A delta loop for 20 metres.
A simple desk microphone.
Morse oscillator.
A simple 6 m beam.
An integrated circuit amplifier.
A novice ATU.
CW QRP transmitter for 80 metres.
An audio booster for your hand-held.
A grid dip oscillator.
A CW transmitter for 160 to 20 metres.
Matching the end-fed random-wire aerial.