27-06-2017, 09:11 PM
Personally, I'd start with the audio end and work backwards. The amplifier/speaker can be easily tested with your phone, assuming it can play audio files. Once that works, start with a crystal set, then slowly build it up to a full hetrodyne. And even if the radio sections fail to work (fairly likely, I'm afraid), you'd have a useful audio amplifier that could be used for many things...
FM is much more complex than AM, and I'd suggest building that separately and adding it to the working AM radio. This is the way Hacker did it for most of the Sovereign sets, and other manufacturers did similar things at times. A combined AM/FM IF strip is not for beginners. Nor is an FM front end. I'd get that second-hand from a scrap set - even with my years of experience and test gear collection, I doubt I'd try to design and build one from scratch. Even the IF strip is non-trivial.
Trust me, there's a world of difference between thinking you know how something works, and being able to design and build your own. Despite all you've read, you've barely scratched the surface. I mean that kindly, please don't be offended. In months to come, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Scrap sets are the best source of germanium parts. Diodes are near-100% reliable in my experience. Just don't overheat or mechanically stress them. For transistors, just use silicon.
As an attempt to steer you away from failing to run before you can walk, have a close look at this: http://www.interestingelectronics.com/ol..._radio.htm
It's a great book, despite being aimed at kids. The projects are not without their issues, which of course how you learn. Copying an existing design teaches you hardly anything, IMHO.
FM is much more complex than AM, and I'd suggest building that separately and adding it to the working AM radio. This is the way Hacker did it for most of the Sovereign sets, and other manufacturers did similar things at times. A combined AM/FM IF strip is not for beginners. Nor is an FM front end. I'd get that second-hand from a scrap set - even with my years of experience and test gear collection, I doubt I'd try to design and build one from scratch. Even the IF strip is non-trivial.
Trust me, there's a world of difference between thinking you know how something works, and being able to design and build your own. Despite all you've read, you've barely scratched the surface. I mean that kindly, please don't be offended. In months to come, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Scrap sets are the best source of germanium parts. Diodes are near-100% reliable in my experience. Just don't overheat or mechanically stress them. For transistors, just use silicon.
As an attempt to steer you away from failing to run before you can walk, have a close look at this: http://www.interestingelectronics.com/ol..._radio.htm
It's a great book, despite being aimed at kids. The projects are not without their issues, which of course how you learn. Copying an existing design teaches you hardly anything, IMHO.
