Constructional Project

By JOHN CLARKE

Simple unit uses just a

handful of parts . . .

AM RF Demodulator
Probe for Signal Tracers
If you want to troubleshoot an AM radio with the Signal Tracer/
Injector described in this issue, you need a demodulator probe to
detect the amplitude-modulated RF signals that should be present
in the circuit being tested. This one is compact and easy to build.

Fig.1 shows the circuit details of the
RF Demodulator Probe. It uses a fast
BAT46 Schottky diode (D1) as the de-
tector and its output is filtered with
a 1nF capacitor to remove the RF
signal, leaving the audio modulation
which can then be fed to the Tracer.
The audio frequency response of
the probe is about 3dB down at
1.6kHz, as set by the 1nF capacitor
and associated 100k resistor. Since
the RF probe is intended for use in
valve AM radios, its 100pF capacitor
is a 1kV-rated ceramic type.
Note that the probe is a passive de-
vice and requires no external power.
Construction
The RF Probe is built on a PCB,
available from the EPE PCB Service,
coded 04106152 (45 11mm) see
Fig.2. Install the two 100k resistors
and the two capacitors first, followed
by the diode. Check that the diode
is correctly oriented (ie, banded end
towards the right).
The probe tip is made using a
3-way right-angle pin header. Solder
this in place and then cut the outer
two pins flush with the end of the
PCB, leaving just the centre pin.
PC stakes are used to terminate the
three external wiring connections.
Fit these to the PCB, then attach the
earth wire to the GND stake and the
shielded cable to the SIG and GND
terminals. The shielded wire and
the earth wire are then secured to
the PCB using two cable ties.
Once all the parts are in place,
the assembly is covered in a 55mm
length of 16mm-diameter heatshrink

PROBE D1 BAT46 RF PROBE DETAILS

TIP 100pF
A K

1kV

100k 1nF 100k

TO BNC
SHIELDED CABLE PLUG
EARTH
CONNECTION

RF SCDEMODULATOR PROBE
BAT46

RF DEMODULATOR
20 1 5 Probe A K

Fig.1: the circuit uses a BAT46 Schottky diode (D1) as the detector plus a 1nF capacitor to filter out the RF signal. The
100pF 1kV input capacitor blocks DC signals, while the 100k resistor sets the frequency response to -3dB at 1.6kHz.
 Constructional Project

PROBE CABLE TIES SHIELDED CABLE

TIP 1kV BAT46
D1 TO BNC PLUG
SIG
100pF 100k GND RF Probe
100k
25150140 1nF

WIRE TO
EARTH CLIP
Fig.2:
Fi 2: the parts layout on the small PCB. Make sure the 100pF capacitor
is rated at 1kV and take care with the orientation of Schottky diode D1.
The photo at right shows the completed PCB before the heatshink sleeve
was fitted.

THREADED FERRULE ROUND EDGES OF M4 HEX NUT BNC PLUG Fig.3: this diagram
OF BNC PLUG WITH FILE, THEN SCREW NUT OVER SLEEVE
BENT-BACK SHIELD BRAID & CABLE
shows how the
shielded audio
RF Probe parts list
cable is connected
to the BNC plug 1 PCB, available from the
(see text). EPE PCB Service, coded
SHIELDED 04106152, 45 11mm
CENTRE PIN
CABLE WIRES OF SHIELD 1 BNC line plug
BRAID BENT BACK COVER CENTRE CONDUCTOR WITH
OVER CABLE SHEATH HEATSHRINK TUBING
1 right-angle 3-way SIL header
1 500mm-length of single-core
shielded wire
tubing thats shrunk down with a done, strip the outer insulation and 1 black alligator clip
heat-gun. the centre wire insulation as shown 1 300mm-length of black hook-
The far end of the earth lead can in Fig.3 and solder the centre wire to up wire
be terminated in an alligator clip or the BNC sockets centre pin. 1 BAT46 Schottky diode (D1)
a hook clip, while the shielded cable Next, bend the shield wires back 1 1nF MKT polyester or ceramic
goes to the BNC plug. Note that this along the cable and twist the M4 nut capacitor
type of plug is designed for use with on over these wires. A short length 1 100pF 1kV ceramic capacitor
a larger-diameter shielded cable than of 2mm-diameter heatshrink tubing 2 100k 0.25W resistors
the shielded audio cable used here. is then used to cover (and stiffen) the 2 100mm cable ties
However, a satisfactory connection centre wire before it meets the centre 1 M4 metal nut
can be made if an M4 metal nut is used pin, after which the plug sleeve can be 3 PC stakes
as part of the assembly hardware. fitted and the threaded ferrule tight- 1 55mm-length of 15mm-
Fig.3 shows the details. The first ened to secure the assembly. diameter heatshrink tubing
step is to file the six corners off the Finally, the wire can be secured 1 5mm-length of 2mm-diameter
M4 nut, so that it will fit into the inside the threaded ferrule using heatshrink tubing
back of the BNC plug. Once thats neutral-cure silicone sealant.

Fig.3: the yellow trace in this scope grab shows a 1MHz carrier
from an old Leader signal generator, amplitude modulated with
a 400Hz audio signal. The modulation depth is about 30%. The
green trace shows the 400Hz (actually 392Hz) audio modulation
from the RF probe. Note that the recovered modulation is a
somewhat distorted sinewave.
Fig.4: the yellow trace in this scope grab shows a 1MHz
carrier from an old Marconi signal generator, amplitude
modulated with a 400Hz audio signal. The modulation depth
is about 30%. The green trace shows the 400Hz (actually
397Hz) sinewave audio modulation from the RF probe.