STEP 1 / 6ELECTRONICS

Simple Shortwave Voice Transmitter

This simple shortwave transmitter is easy to build and can send speech on the lower shortwave (SW) band from 5MHz to 12MHz if the right crystals are used. It would be a good first project…

Simple shortwave voice transmitter with LM386, 2N2219, BD139, crystal, RF chokes, microphone and wire antenna
PROJECT#013
TRACKElectronics
PARTS24
STAGES06
STEP 1 / 6 · Overview

Know the mission before touching a wire.

Understand what you are making, prepare the right tools, and make the workbench safe.

01

Project details

Simple Shortwave Voice Transmitter is a electronics project. This simple shortwave transmitter is easy to build and can send speech on the lower shortwave (SW) band from 5MHz to 12MHz if the right crystals are used. It would be a good first project…

Source pages
58-59
Named parts
24
Build goal
Working, tested prototype
02

Tools you need

  • Digital multimeter
  • Wire stripper and side cutters
  • Soldering iron with a fine tip
  • Current-limited bench supply

Use eye protection, good lighting, and a clean insulated surface throughout the build.

03

Safety precautions

  • Disconnect every power source before changing a connection.
  • Check component polarity, pinout, and supply voltage twice.
  • Use a current limit for the first power-up.
  • Keep liquids, loose metal, and uninsulated wires away from the bench.
Ready to continue?
STEP 2 / 6 · Circuit-verified parts library

Gather, identify, and understand every part.

Use the standardized inventory, then open What's this? to learn each part's role, advantages, limitations, handling, and specifications.

✓ COMPLETE CIRCUIT BOMAll 24 component references, values, and stage-specific names from the reviewed schematic are included below.
CIRCUIT-VERIFIED PROJECT INVENTORY24 PART LINES
PARTTYPEQTYREADY
BCON1 - polarized 12V DC input connector with 0V returnBUILD1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Simple shortwave voice transmitter with LM386, 2N2219, BD139, crystal, RF chokes, microphone and wire antennaBUILD LEARNING VIEW

CON1 - polarized 12V DC input connector with 0V return

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for CON1 - polarized 12V DC input connector with 0V return; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
SIC1 - LM386 low-voltage audio amplifier (DIP-8)SEMICONDUCTOR1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
LM386 low-voltage audio amplifierSEMICONDUCTOR LEARNING VIEW

IC1 - LM386 low-voltage audio amplifier (DIP-8)

A semiconductor stage performs switching, amplification, regulation, rectification, or logic.

What it does here

It controls current or signal flow at a defined point in the circuit.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient
  • Compact
  • Can control larger loads from smaller signals

Limitations

  • Pin order varies
  • Sensitive to overvoltage and reverse polarity
  • May need cooling or bias components

Handling

  • Verify the datasheet pinout
  • Avoid static and soldering heat
  • Check notch, stripe, or flat-face orientation

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for IC1 - LM386 low-voltage audio amplifier (DIP-8); similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm pinout, maximum voltage/current, dissipation, gain or forward voltage, and package.
ST1 - 2N2219 NPN Pierce-oscillator transistor (TO-39 metal can)SEMICONDUCTOR1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
2N2219 NPN RF transistorSEMICONDUCTOR LEARNING VIEW

T1 - 2N2219 NPN Pierce-oscillator transistor (TO-39 metal can)

A semiconductor stage performs switching, amplification, regulation, rectification, or logic.

What it does here

It controls current or signal flow at a defined point in the circuit.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient
  • Compact
  • Can control larger loads from smaller signals

Limitations

  • Pin order varies
  • Sensitive to overvoltage and reverse polarity
  • May need cooling or bias components

Handling

  • Verify the datasheet pinout
  • Avoid static and soldering heat
  • Check notch, stripe, or flat-face orientation

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for T1 - 2N2219 NPN Pierce-oscillator transistor (TO-39 metal can); similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm pinout, maximum voltage/current, dissipation, gain or forward voltage, and package.
ST2 - BD139 NPN series-modulator transistor (TO-126)SEMICONDUCTOR1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
BD139 NPN series-modulator transistorSEMICONDUCTOR LEARNING VIEW

T2 - BD139 NPN series-modulator transistor (TO-126)

A semiconductor stage performs switching, amplification, regulation, rectification, or logic.

What it does here

It controls current or signal flow at a defined point in the circuit.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient
  • Compact
  • Can control larger loads from smaller signals

Limitations

  • Pin order varies
  • Sensitive to overvoltage and reverse polarity
  • May need cooling or bias components

Handling

  • Verify the datasheet pinout
  • Avoid static and soldering heat
  • Check notch, stripe, or flat-face orientation

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for T2 - BD139 NPN series-modulator transistor (TO-126); similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm pinout, maximum voltage/current, dissipation, gain or forward voltage, and package.
MMIC1 - two-terminal electret condenser microphone capsuleMODULE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Electret condenser microphone capsuleMODULE LEARNING VIEW

MIC1 - two-terminal electret condenser microphone capsule

A sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal the circuit can measure.

What it does here

It provides project input as an analogue, digital, resistive, frequency, or calibrated signal.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Adds real-world awareness
  • Can usually be tested independently
  • Often supports calibration

Limitations

  • Readings can drift
  • Placement affects results
  • Some sensors need warm-up or calibration

Handling

  • Protect the sensing surface
  • Observe supply voltage and polarity
  • Keep signal leads away from noisy power wiring

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for MIC1 - two-terminal electret condenser microphone capsule; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm supply range, output type, measurement range, accuracy, response time, and pin order.
PXTAL1 - 6.4MHz or 7.2MHz quartz crystal resonator (HC-49)PASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
6.4MHz / 7.2MHz shortwave quartz crystalPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

XTAL1 - 6.4MHz or 7.2MHz quartz crystal resonator (HC-49)

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for XTAL1 - 6.4MHz or 7.2MHz quartz crystal resonator (HC-49); similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
PRFC1 - 330µH RF choke in the modulated supply filterPART1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Axial radio-frequency chokePART LEARNING VIEW

RFC1 - 330µH RF choke in the modulated supply filter

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for RFC1 - 330µH RF choke in the modulated supply filter; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
PRFC2 - 2.2mH RF choke feeding DC to the T1 collector nodePART1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Axial radio-frequency chokePART LEARNING VIEW

RFC2 - 2.2mH RF choke feeding DC to the T1 collector node

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for RFC2 - 2.2mH RF choke feeding DC to the T1 collector node; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
PRFC3 - 330µH RF choke in the T1 emitter returnPART1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Axial radio-frequency chokePART LEARNING VIEW

RFC3 - 330µH RF choke in the T1 emitter return

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for RFC3 - 330µH RF choke in the T1 emitter return; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
BANT1 - approximately 10m insulated wire antenna for permitted shortwave operationBUILD1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Simple shortwave voice transmitter with LM386, 2N2219, BD139, crystal, RF chokes, microphone and wire antennaBUILD LEARNING VIEW

ANT1 - approximately 10m insulated wire antenna for permitted shortwave operation

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for ANT1 - approximately 10m insulated wire antenna for permitted shortwave operation; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
PJACK1 - mono RF output / test jack with grounded sleevePART1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
3.5mm mono audio input jackPART LEARNING VIEW

JACK1 - mono RF output / test jack with grounded sleeve

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for JACK1 - mono RF output / test jack with grounded sleeve; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
PR1 - 2.2kΩ T1 upper base-bias resistorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
2.2kΩ axial through-hole resistorPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

R1 - 2.2kΩ T1 upper base-bias resistor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for R1 - 2.2kΩ T1 upper base-bias resistor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
PR2 - 1kΩ T1 lower base-bias resistorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Axial through-hole resistorPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

R2 - 1kΩ T1 lower base-bias resistor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for R2 - 1kΩ T1 lower base-bias resistor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
PR3 - 22Ω T1 emitter resistorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Axial through-hole resistorPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

R3 - 22Ω T1 emitter resistor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for R3 - 22Ω T1 emitter resistor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
MR4 - 18kΩ electret-microphone bias resistorMODULE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Electret condenser microphone capsuleMODULE LEARNING VIEW

R4 - 18kΩ electret-microphone bias resistor

A sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal the circuit can measure.

What it does here

It provides project input as an analogue, digital, resistive, frequency, or calibrated signal.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Adds real-world awareness
  • Can usually be tested independently
  • Often supports calibration

Limitations

  • Readings can drift
  • Placement affects results
  • Some sensors need warm-up or calibration

Handling

  • Protect the sensing surface
  • Observe supply voltage and polarity
  • Keep signal leads away from noisy power wiring

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for R4 - 18kΩ electret-microphone bias resistor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm supply range, output type, measurement range, accuracy, response time, and pin order.
PC1 - 100nF non-polarized RF filtering capacitorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Ceramic capacitorPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

C1 - 100nF non-polarized RF filtering capacitor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C1 - 100nF non-polarized RF filtering capacitor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
PC2 - 100nF non-polarized T1 emitter-bypass capacitorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Ceramic capacitorPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

C2 - 100nF non-polarized T1 emitter-bypass capacitor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C2 - 100nF non-polarized T1 emitter-bypass capacitor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
PC3 - 470pF non-polarized RF output-coupling capacitorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Simple shortwave voice transmitter with LM386, 2N2219, BD139, crystal, RF chokes, microphone and wire antennaPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

C3 - 470pF non-polarized RF output-coupling capacitor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C3 - 470pF non-polarized RF output-coupling capacitor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
MC4 - 100nF non-polarized microphone audio-coupling capacitorMODULE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Ceramic capacitorMODULE LEARNING VIEW

C4 - 100nF non-polarized microphone audio-coupling capacitor

A sensor converts a physical condition into an electrical signal the circuit can measure.

What it does here

It provides project input as an analogue, digital, resistive, frequency, or calibrated signal.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Adds real-world awareness
  • Can usually be tested independently
  • Often supports calibration

Limitations

  • Readings can drift
  • Placement affects results
  • Some sensors need warm-up or calibration

Handling

  • Protect the sensing surface
  • Observe supply voltage and polarity
  • Keep signal leads away from noisy power wiring

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C4 - 100nF non-polarized microphone audio-coupling capacitor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm supply range, output type, measurement range, accuracy, response time, and pin order.
SC5 - 220pF non-polarized RF bypass capacitor at the LM386 inputSEMICONDUCTOR1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
LM386 low-voltage audio amplifierSEMICONDUCTOR LEARNING VIEW

C5 - 220pF non-polarized RF bypass capacitor at the LM386 input

A semiconductor stage performs switching, amplification, regulation, rectification, or logic.

What it does here

It controls current or signal flow at a defined point in the circuit.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient
  • Compact
  • Can control larger loads from smaller signals

Limitations

  • Pin order varies
  • Sensitive to overvoltage and reverse polarity
  • May need cooling or bias components

Handling

  • Verify the datasheet pinout
  • Avoid static and soldering heat
  • Check notch, stripe, or flat-face orientation

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C5 - 220pF non-polarized RF bypass capacitor at the LM386 input; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm pinout, maximum voltage/current, dissipation, gain or forward voltage, and package.
SC6 - 220µF 35V polarized LM386-output coupling capacitorSEMICONDUCTOR1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
LM386 low-voltage audio amplifierSEMICONDUCTOR LEARNING VIEW

C6 - 220µF 35V polarized LM386-output coupling capacitor

A semiconductor stage performs switching, amplification, regulation, rectification, or logic.

What it does here

It controls current or signal flow at a defined point in the circuit.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient
  • Compact
  • Can control larger loads from smaller signals

Limitations

  • Pin order varies
  • Sensitive to overvoltage and reverse polarity
  • May need cooling or bias components

Handling

  • Verify the datasheet pinout
  • Avoid static and soldering heat
  • Check notch, stripe, or flat-face orientation

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C6 - 220µF 35V polarized LM386-output coupling capacitor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm pinout, maximum voltage/current, dissipation, gain or forward voltage, and package.
PC7 - 100nF non-polarized 12V rail bypass capacitorPASSIVE1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Ceramic capacitorPASSIVE LEARNING VIEW

C7 - 100nF non-polarized 12V rail bypass capacitor

A passive component sets current, voltage, timing, filtering, or signal behaviour without adding gain.

What it does here

Its exact value and tolerance determine how the surrounding stage behaves.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Simple and dependable
  • Low cost
  • Easy to measure before installation

Limitations

  • A wrong value can stop or damage the circuit
  • Ratings must not be exceeded
  • Polarized parts require correct orientation

Handling

  • Measure unclear values
  • Observe capacitor polarity
  • Avoid overheating leads while soldering

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C7 - 100nF non-polarized 12V rail bypass capacitor; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm value, tolerance, power or voltage rating, polarity, and package size.
SC8 - 10µF 35V polarized LM386 gain-setting capacitor between pins 1 and 8SEMICONDUCTOR1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
LM386 low-voltage audio amplifierSEMICONDUCTOR LEARNING VIEW

C8 - 10µF 35V polarized LM386 gain-setting capacitor between pins 1 and 8

A semiconductor stage performs switching, amplification, regulation, rectification, or logic.

What it does here

It controls current or signal flow at a defined point in the circuit.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Fast and efficient
  • Compact
  • Can control larger loads from smaller signals

Limitations

  • Pin order varies
  • Sensitive to overvoltage and reverse polarity
  • May need cooling or bias components

Handling

  • Verify the datasheet pinout
  • Avoid static and soldering heat
  • Check notch, stripe, or flat-face orientation

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for C8 - 10µF 35V polarized LM386 gain-setting capacitor between pins 1 and 8; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm pinout, maximum voltage/current, dissipation, gain or forward voltage, and package.
BPCB1 - compact RF project PCB, short hook-up wire and a suitable enclosureBUILD1
What's this?Image, role, pros, cons, handling & specifications
Simple shortwave voice transmitter with LM386, 2N2219, BD139, crystal, RF chokes, microphone and wire antennaBUILD LEARNING VIEW

PCB1 - compact RF project PCB, short hook-up wire and a suitable enclosure

A named project component whose exact role is defined by the source circuit and build guide.

What it does here

It performs a documented electrical, control, interface, or construction function in this project.

Buy / compare this part

Advantages

  • Selected for this project
  • Can be checked independently
  • Supports modular troubleshooting

Limitations

  • Substitutes may differ
  • Generic names can hide variants
  • Pinouts and ratings vary

Handling

  • Compare the received part with the source
  • Keep it labelled
  • Do not force connectors or adjusters

Specifications to verify

  • Use the exact model, value, package, and rating listed for PCB1 - compact RF project PCB, short hook-up wire and a suitable enclosure; similar-looking parts are not always interchangeable.
  • Confirm dimensions, ratings, connection method, polarity, and environmental limits.
Ready to continue?
STEP 4 / 6 · Source code

Confirm the hardware-only control path.

This project does not include firmware in the source. The circuit itself provides the required behaviour.

01

How to connect

  1. Match every controller label to the circuit view and source pin map.
  2. Join grounds before signal wires when separate low-voltage supplies are used.
  3. Keep motors, relays, pumps, and other loads on a suitable driver and external supply.

Common mistakes

Reversed VCC/GND, board-label versus GPIO-number confusion, missing common ground, and charge-only USB cables.

Troubleshoot

Disconnect loads, continuity-test one path at a time, then test with a current limit.

02

Software preparation

No IDE, board package, library, or firmware upload is required for this project.

If you add a programmable controller as an extension, document its pin map separately.

03

How to upload code

The original design is implemented entirely in hardware, so proceed after verifying the circuit and supply.

Ready to continue?
STEP 5 / 6 · Build

Assemble, deploy, test, and troubleshoot.

Use the complete source notes in build order, then pass the final checks before calling the project finished.

ASSEMBLY

Build in functional stages

  • Power and regulation
  • Controller or processing stage
  • Inputs and sensors
  • Outputs and loads
  • Enclosure and strain relief
TEST

Power up safely

  • Inspect unpowered continuity first
  • Apply the lowest safe current limit
  • Measure supply rails before signals
  • Add one load at a time
  • Record expected and actual results
TROUBLESHOOT

Work from simple to complex

  • Confirm power, ground, polarity, and orientation
  • Compare each pin with the source
  • Test inputs separately from outputs
  • Replace only one variable at a time
  • Power off before every correction
PROJECT-SPECIFIC BUILD NOTES

Follow the documented instructions.

These notes come from this project's source and remain in their original order.

01

Project overview

Project build note

This simple shortwave transmitter is easy to build and can send speech on the lower shortwave (SW) band from 5MHz to 12MHz if the right crystals are used. It would be a good first project. Figure shows the circuit diagram of a simple shortwave voice transmitter. It is made up of low-power audio amplifier LM386 and power transistors 2N2219 (T1) and BD139

02

(T2) (IC1).

Project build note

Transistor T1 is set up as a pierce oscillator, and XTAL1 sets the frequency. The resistors R1, R2, and R3 set the bias, and the crystal gives feedback. At the collector of T1, a 6.4- or 7.2-MHz carrier wave is made, which is sent to the antenna via capacitor C3. The RF choke RFC2 lets DC current through but has a high resistance to RF. RF choke RFC1 and capacitor C1 help filter out more noise. The low-power audio amplifier chip LM386 is used to make the modulator (IC1). It has a high audio gain of 200, which is set by capacitor C8. A microphone called MIC1 sends an audio signal that is amplified and sent to a transistor called T2. Transistor T2 makes sure that IC1 doesn't get too much power, which keeps audio distortion to a minimum. Also, the audio signal changes the supply voltage of transistor T2, which is connected in series with the oscillator. The carrier wave is changed by 80 percent because of this. The output power is only 40mW, but with 80 percent modulation and a 10-meter-long wire antenna, it can go up to 120mW.

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