AM 'Pantry' Transmitters

[Yorkie]

It might be worth mentioning for those who don't already know, that forum members Ian, G4JQT, and Peter, 'Kalee20' have both produced designs which have attracted much interest on the VRF, and in Ian's case, also in the BVWS Bulletin (Vol 36, issue 4, Winter 2011) where his 'MiniMod' was described and illustrated fully in Ian's excellent article.

Peter's was a sophisticated design employing (if I counted correctly!) 15 transistors and three IC voltage regulators. It's as good an example as any of how versatile 'perfboard' is. All housed in a nice wooden cabinet evocative of a crystal set. As an indication of the interest that Peter's design generated, the thread had 34 posts and 4663 views before the thread was closed. (Huh?). See this link:

http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showt...hp?t=53295

Ian's design was altogether simpler, using one IC (the ubiquitous LM386), two transistors, two readily and cheaply available inductors, a diode and a few Rs and Cs. As an indication of the popularity, to date, the thread has received 40 posts, 4000 views, and is still open:

http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/showthread.php?t=98221&highlight=Mini+Mod

Impossible to say how many have been built, (including by members of this forum!), but given its simplicity and the Bulletin article, my view would be 'a lot'. Few problems have been reported in building the 'Mini-Mod' and many favourable comments have been made. The original Tolko coils are no longer available, but Spectrum Communications sell an alternative one very cheaply. (both are identical 90uH - the secondary isn't used on one coil, the tap isn't used on the other).

If Ian reads this thread, a little plea from me (the mini-mod' is on my 'round tuit list!):

The Bulletin article didn't give the artwork for the PCB. Is it available, or did you just make the PCB as a one-off?