AM/FM Radio Kit/Trainer (requires assembly-advanced)

by Elenco

Product Features

• Learn all about AM/FM radio design and theory
• Build a high performance radio with an IC
• Step-by-step assembly and test procedures
• Great as a student project
• From Elenco Electronics

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 2 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000FMQ37C
• Item model number: AM/FM108k
• Manufacturer recommended age: 15 - 19 years
• Batteries: 1 9V batteries required.
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,006 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)

Product Description

Learn about and Build A Superhet IC Based AM/FM Radio Receiver. This Superhet 108 AM/FM Radio Kit is a superheterodyne receiver of the standard AM (amplitude modulation) and FM (frequency modulation) broadcast frequencies. The unique design of the Superhet 108 includes an integrated circuit (IC), 9 transistors, 4 diodes, and other related resistors, capacitors, coils, and misc. parts. Because good soldering practices are important, a soldering guide is also provided as well as a component color code and pictorial identification chart.The actual assembly is broken down into 9 sections. The theory of operation for each section, or stage, should be read before the assembly is started. This will provide the student with an understanding of what that stage has been designed to accomplish, and how it actually works. After each assembly you will be instructed to make certain tests and measurements to prove that each section is functioning properly. If a test fails to produce the proper results a troubleshooting guide is provided to help you correct the problem. After all of the stages have been built and tested a final alignment procedure is provided to peak the performance of the receiver and maximize the Superhet 108s reception capabilities. Runs on a standard 9VDC battery, not included. From Elenco.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent kit, February 20, 2008

By 

R. Castellanos (San Diego) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AM/FM Radio Kit/Trainer (requires assembly-advanced) (Toy)

If you're a tech buff, you'll love this. I'm building this for my Auto/mechanics class in High School, and this is my latest project. I love it. I've finished the AM part and am halfway through the FM part, and the AM part worked the first time I tried it. It sounds very loud and clear after adjusting the coils. Putting it together was an awesome experience, and I couldn't wipe that grin off my face when I turned it on and it worked. The instructions are very clear, they get straight to the point and have you do some testing with a multimeter along the way to make sure you didn't screw anything up. Great kit, just three tips:

Don't drop the AM antenna. It is little more than a bar of iron, and it WILL crack into several pieces.

Don't forget to put the plastic o-ring under the volume potentiometer.

On the AM/FM tuning gang capacitor, make sure you put the two screws on first BEFORE soldering it to the board. If you don't do this, it will cause the PCB to noticeably bend, and that's no fun.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A kit builder's dream, January 2, 2008

By 

Oldtechnohobbiest "Mr. Nobody" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: AM/FM Radio Kit/Trainer (requires assembly-advanced) (Toy)

I'll make this short. If like me, you miss building those kits--this is the one you want. At first I thought it would be too easy--I haven't done it yet, but I did open the box and give it the 'quick once over'.

Apparently, it is 'just' complicated enough to keep my interest--I would have perferred building my own cabinet stereo...but they don't exist anymore. So I settled for this little one. Oh yes, this comes with a small speaker.

All you technos who want to build your own radio (including the soldering and circuit board parts) that will fit into a small shoe box...this is the one to get! (it was also the only one I could find on the internet--those Snap-on and Spring Clips aren't my bag).

So, it gets my five star rating.

BYE!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Part of my capstone, December 2, 2010

By 

Pcats - See all my reviews

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: AM/FM Radio Kit/Trainer (requires assembly-advanced) (Toy)

I originally purchased this kit as part of my capstone project for my associates degree in computer and electrical engineering. The manual that comes with the kit makes for a very good learning lab, especially if you have an RF generator and an O-scope to use. Make sure you follow the directions to a T and never assume. Once assembled the AM Part of the radio worked really well. The FM side worked OK. I had problems picking up stations inside of my school building on the FM side more than the AM side. The kit does react to noise, as it does not have a box to block it. The silk screen board is really nice as it labels the sections of the radio, but mine came with small cracks on the surface.

This project is good for someone just starting out learning electronics communications.