An EL84 single tube CW/AM Transmitter
Introduction: Bring back the nostalgia with this one tube transmitter. The EL84 tube is
still available or can be salvaged from an old radio set. New tubes can be
ordered from http://thetubestore.com.
The circuit is self-explainatory and should always be used
with proper output load. The transmitter
takes about 10W DC in and puts about 5-7W out.
Construction: Mount the nine pin tube socket on the
general purpose board by 1/2" spacers at one end of the board. Keep all
lead lengths as short as possible to avoid losses and parasitic. All resistors
should be 1/2W unless stated on the schematic. The tuning capacitor on the tank
circuit is air variable type. Do not use the common 2J type broadcast receiver
gang condenser. Keep the connecting lead to the tuning condenser short and
thick. Use 35mm film container to wind the tank coil. For link winding use
hookup wire for easy winding. Tape the entire assembly for neatness. Mount the
tank coil close to the output circuit without using long connecting leads.
Tuning: After applying power, give about 30 seconds
for the tube to warm up. Connect a 6V 0.5 Amp lamp as dummy load and press the
key. If Murphy did not visit you, the lamp should light up indicating RF. Tune the
150pf condenser for maximum output, i.e. maximum brightness of the lamp. At full
power the lamp will glow ultra bright. I recommend use of antenna tuner on air.
Note. For AM transmission the code key can be used as PTT.
Close key to transmit.
CAUTION – High voltages
are present in the circuit, which could be fatal. Please take all precautions.
Always use a fuse protected power cord. Make sure the grounding is proper.
Acknowledgement: I'm thankful to the
following HAMs
for their valuable advices on this circuit - Harry Lythall (SM0VPO),
Hans Summer
(G0UPL), Niel Wiegand (W0VLZ), Stan Wilson (AK0B), John Kukla (KB10JM),
Ivica Bogdanovic (YU1QRP) and SWL Anatoly Lisowsky, David (M0DAD), M
Reeves (AB5L)
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