BERNARDS No221 §

S 28 Tested Transistor
a
tf>
2
a Projects
28 Tested Transistor *
Projects S
I

Mr. Richard Torrens is a well

5
R.TORRENS
experienced electronics development
engineer and has designed, developed,
built and tested the many useful and
interesting circuits included in this book.
Some of the circuits are completely new
and, to the best knowledge of the author,
unlike anything previously published
while others may bear similarity to more
familiar designs.
The projects themselves can be split down
into simpler building blocks, which are
shown separated by boxes in the circuits
for ease of description, and also to enable
any reader who wishes to combine boxes
from different projects to realise ideas of
his own.
Most of the circuits are very economical
on the use of components and in many
cases the semiconductors employed are
non-critical, commonly available and
inexpensive types.

BERNARDS (Publishers) LTD 0 900162 63 5

The Grampians
Shepherds Bush Road
London W6 7NF £1.25
England
 f

28 TESTED
TRANSISTOR
PROJECTS

TORRENS

2 4'OCT 1980 12
L LIBRARIES
^NfelkFORMATION SERVICE

BERNARDS (publishers) LTD

The Grampians
Shepherds Bush Road
London W67NF
England.
Although every care is taken with the preparation of this book,
the publishers or author will not be responsible in any way for CONTENTS
any errors that might occur.
PROJECT CIRCUIT BOX
No. PROJECT No. PAGE

1 Siren

WO->l^lOO'4Ab-tOaiW>-COO>N)0'slO)M\£)NO^h-COOl|OVO
1,2,3
2 A.C. Relay 4,5
3 Mains A.C. Relay 6,7,8
4 Leakage Detector 9,10
5 Audio Amplifier 11
6 Power Supply 12,12A,13
7 Ultrasonic Transmitter 3,14
8 Modulator for Project 7 14,15
9 Ultrasonic Receiver 16,17,18,19,20
10 Tuned Variable Q Preamp 21,22
©1976 BERNARDS (Publishers) LTD 11 Domestic Thermostat 10,23
12 Static Electricity Detector 9
13 Touch Operated Switch 10,23,24,25
14 Person Detector 3,9,26
ISBN 0 900162 63 S 15 Voltage Level Detector & Switch 27,28,29,30,31
16 Programmable Thermostat 10,23A
17 Using a Calculator as a Timer 12,25A,32,33
First Published October 1976 18 Diode Tester 34
Reprinted — December 1979 19 Diode & Transistor Voltage Tester 35-. . .
20 Light Controlled Switch 36,37,38,39,40
UDCATEDi 21 Voltage Controlled Light Dimmer 41
22 Touch Controlled Voltage Source 42,43A,43B
BY B,SAJ. I 23 Bi-Directional Switch for Triacs 44
24 Touch Operated Gain Control 16,42,43A,43B
25 Light Flasher 45,38
26 Ultrasonic Intruder Alarm 14,22,46,47,48
27 Car Windscreen Wiper Control 49
28 Umpire for Snap & Musical Chairs 50,51

Printed and Manufactured in Great Britain by

C. Nicholls & Co. Ltd.
 INTRODUCTION

The constructor will find within this book many useful and interesting
circuits. All of these have been designed and tested by the author.
Some of the circuits are completely new and, to the best knowledge of
the author, are unlike anything previously published. Others may bear
similarity to more familiar circuits. Most of the circuits are very
economical on use of components.

The projects themselves can be split down into simpler building blocks
- these building blocks are shown separated by boxes in the circuits
for ease of description and so that the constructor who wishes can
combine boxes from different projects to realise his own ideas. Each
‘box’ is given a number of its own.

COMPONENTS

In most electronic circuits component values aren’t very critical and

the constructor should not be put off building because he doesn’t have
the exact component stated: try building with the nearest value you
have.

Resistors Nowadays certain values of resistors are used most commonly

- these are the El 2 series (10, 12, 15, 18, 22, 27, 33, 39, 47, 56, £8,
82 in each decade). This book uses only these values: indeed most
circuits use only the values underlined in the El 2 series above so that
constructors who wish to acquire a stock of resistors only need a
relatively small number to start with.
N.B. To help make resistor values clearer in diagrams and component
lists 2‘2K, 4-7K, 6‘8K etc are shown as 2K2, 4K7, 6K8 etc.

Capacitors are made in a far wider range than resistors — but no shop
can stock every value. Modern tendency is to prefer the same values
as the El2 series of resistors. Different values used in this book have
been kept to a minimum and there is no harm in using a value close to
that quoted, subject to the notes on the individual circuits. The type
ot capacitor (ceramic, polyester, mica, etc) is generally of no significance
either.

Electrolytic capacitors in the parts lists have a voltage marked: the

component used may be rated at a voltage greater than that quoted.
N.B. To help make capacitor values clearer in diagrams and component
lists T5nF, 4-7nF, 4'7uF etc are shown as In5, 4n7, 4p7 etc.

7
Transistors are the cause of most confusion nowever, which is PROJECT 1
unfortunate since for most common circuits there are only two types
of transistor: NPN and PNP. We have not therefore specified particular
transistor types but label these TUN (general purpose NPN) or TUP A SIREN
(general purpose PNP).
This circuit gives a piercing siren noise which rises and falls in a most
Any good quality small signal (PNP or NPN as appropriate) transistor, insistent manner.
can be used for TUP or TUN, provided it is silicon, not germanium.
Tire following is a short list of a few suitable types. The circuit is designed for 12V operation, but will perform from 6V to
24V although the tone etc will vary slightly.
TUN: BC107/8/9, 182/3/4, 207, 383/4, 2N3711
TUP: BCl 57/8/9, 204, 212/3/4, 2N3702/3 COMPONENTS

Diodes as with transistors almost any type of diode can be used. EP is a telephone-handset type earpiece - these are available cheaply
DUS is silicon, such as 1N4149, 1N914, 1N4002, etc. from surplus shops and are very efficient in this circuit. It is of interest
to note that this earpiece is a nice push fit into the end of a piece of
DUG is germanium such as OA90, OA91. 1!4” diameter plastic waste-pipe, which can also hold a piece of board
used to build the circuit on.

As an alternative other earpieces may be used — the circuit will even

drive a small loudspeaker of not less than 15 ohms impedance.
However in this case the circuit should be run off not more than 15V.

HOW IT WORKS

Box 1 geneiates on ‘sawtooth’ waveform - falling slowly from 2V to

4V then rising suddenly to 4V. This happens about twice a second.

Box 2 oscillates at a frequency which is determined by the voltage at

point A. A change from 4V to 2V here alters the frequency between
lKHz and 2KHz or thereabouts.

Box 3 is a simple output stage to feed the earpiece unit.

VARIATIONS

The rate at which the siren works may be altered by varying Cl or R1:
increasing Cl or R1 will slow the rate down, decreasing will speed it up

The frequency of the siren itself can be altered by changing R6 and/or

R7 or C3. Increasing R6 or R7 or C3 will decrease the pitch, whilst
reducing the values will increase it.

9
8
 PARTS LIST

BOX 1

Resistors: 2 x 6K8, 1 x 33K, i x 330K

Capacitors: 1 x lOn, 1 x 2p2/16V
Semiconductors: 1 DUS, 1 TUP, 1 TUN

BOX 2

Resistors: 2 x 10K, 2 x 22K, 1 x 100K

Capacitors: 1 x 22n
Semiconductors: 2 x TUP

BOX 3

Resistors: 1 x 2K2
Capacitors: 1 x 10p/16V
Semiconductors: 1 x DUS, 2 x TUN -

Others: one telephone type earpiece or

small loudspeaker

(1
 PROJECT 2

A SENSITIVE A.C. RELAY

This circuit was originally designed for a central heating system which
used fan assisted radiators. This circuit detected when a fan was switched
on and then caused the boiler to heat up. Thus the fan heaters weren’t
used as a full time heating system, but more as if they were electric ones,
switched on when needed.

The circuit is designed for 12-15 volt operation. For use from other
voltages R3 may need to be altered: its value should be increased in
proportion to the supply voltage, eg 2M2 for 24V use.

COMPONENTS

These are not generally critical and most can be altered.

RLA is a relay of suitable voltage for the supply voltage used - most
12 or 18V relays will work nicely on 15V with no problem. Box 31
(circuit 16) may be useful here.

D1 and D2 need only be low voltage types but must be able to handle
the current which is being sensed. IN4001 will handle 2A in this circuit.

HOW IT WORKS

Current flows from +15V through R3 and R2, setting up a voltage on

Til’s base of about 0.25 volts: this is not enough to turn Trl on so
current through R4 causes Tr2 to conduct and the voltage on the
junction of R6/R7 is low so Tr3 cannot conduct.

Negative half cycles of sensed input current flow through D2 decreasing

this bias voltage and having no effect on the circuit’s state.

.C. RELAY.
Positive half cycles flow through D1, which then has a voltage of about
0.6 across it. This 0.6 adds to the 0.25 volts across R2 turning Trl on.
Tr2 turns off and its collector voltage goes high. C3 now charges up
from Tr3’s collector voltage allowing current to flow through R5 into
Trl’s base holding Trl in conduction regardless of the state of the input
current. Tr3 also conducts, activating the relay.

Cl takes a certain time to charge fully to a point at which the current

through R5 is too small to hold Trl on. During a negative half cycle of
the input current Trl will then turn off and Tr2 on. Cl will discharge
very quickly through D4, so the circuit resets itself and senses whether
the input is still present.

12
Circuit values shown allow the circuit to stay in the off state for only a
couple of milliseconds, whilst it stays on for around a second.
PROJECT 3

C2 is present in the relay drive circuit to smooth out these small pulses
since with certain relays they could allow it to switch off. A MAINS VERSION OF THE A.C. RELAY

This is very similar to the previous circuit, but uses a TRIAC to replace
PARTS LIST the relay so that it can switch mains direct.

BOX 4 Note that this circuit is operated direct from mains and it will therefore '
be at mains potential - this is potentially lethal so the circuit is not
Resistors: 1 x 100 ohm, 1 x 2K2,1 x 10K, 1 x 22K, recommended to the less experienced constructor who is not used to
1 x220K, 1 x 1M ohm working with mains voltage.
Capacitors: 1 x 10p/16V
Semiconductors: 2 x TUN, 2 x DUS, 2 x 1N4002
COMPONENTS

BOX 5 The TRIAC, Tr4, can be any one suitable for mains use, ie rated at
400V or more. Its current rating must be adequate for the motor or
Resistors: 1 x 22K other devices being switched.
Capacitors: 1 x lp/16V
Semiconductors: 1 x TUN, 1 x LED MBS is a Bi-Directional switch made by Motorola. Either MBS 4991
or 4992 will be satisfactory. For an alternative see Project 23.
Others: 1 relay, 12V operating
C4 must be rated at 250V AC and must be a good quality one. It will
probably be rated at a voltage in excess of 600 d.c.

R9 must be rated at 1W or more.

HOW IT WORKS

Box 6 is very similar to Box 4 in the previous circuit except that here
Trl is normally biased just on and current through D2 turns it off.
It is then held off by Cl discharging through D3 and R3.

Box 7 is the Triac drive circuit. The MBS is a device which is in effect
open circuit at low voltages but above about 7V (positive or negative)
it becomes a short circuit. Where Tr2’s output is high Tr3 is turned on
and it shorts the gate of MBS to zero so no current can flow into the
Triac. However when Tr3 is off the MBS conducts into the Triac, firing
it from C4. Tr3 is in fact working with either a +ve or a -ve voltage on
its collector, so that in effect part of the time it is working with its
emitter and its collector exchanged. All transistors can do this but they
then have a very low gain. 1

Box 8 is simply to supply 14V to the circuit. Note that it uses a

capacitor instead of a resistor to drop the mains voltage. The capacitor
dissipates no energy so although this capacitor is quite expensive it will
save its own cost in electricity within a year!

14
15
 PARTS LIST

BOX 6

Resistors- 1 x 100 ohm, 1 x 2K2,1 x 10K, 1 x 22K,

1 x 150K
Capacitors: lx33p/16V
Semiconductors: 2 x TUN, 2 x DUS, 2 x 1N4002

BOX 7

Resistors: 1 x 470 ohm, 2 x 2K2,1 x 68K/1W

Capacitors: 1 x lOOn
Semiconductors: 1 xTUN, 1 x Triac/400V, 1 x MBS4991
(or 4992)

BOX 8

Capacitors: 1 x 220n/600V d.c., 1 x 100p/16V

Semiconductors: 1 x DUS, 1 x zener/15V

MAINS OPERATED A.C. RELAY

CIRCUIT 3.

17
16
 PROJECT 4 The same method of construction, in a piece of plastic wastepipe, can
be used, and this will also accept the 9V battery, type PP3.

A LEAKAGE DETECTOR HOW IT WORKS

This has many uses: it is basically a sensitive current detector and may Trl and Tr2 are connected so that the output of each feeds to the input
be used as: a leakage checker for diodes and capacitors etc. of the other so that when either transistor gets a small input both switch
a moisture detector on together and also switch Tr3 on. Cl then charges up through R8
a water level detector and turns Tr4 on. Tr4 turns Trl and Tr2 off again. Cl is very small so
the circuit turns on giving a click in the earpiece and turns off again
The circuit is designed for 9V operation and works nicely from a small immediately. If a sufficient input current is present these clicks follow
battery such as a PP3. each other in quick succession and form a tone in the earpiece. The
tone therefore gives an indication of the leakage.
COMPONENTS
The leaky component to be measured is connected across A & B: the
resistor R1 desensitizes the input slightly and this resistor can be a very
Values are not critical and can be varied greatly.
high value for maximum sensitivity. With 10M ohm here the circuit
will oscillate with a leakage in the region of 200M ohm across the input.
EP is any earpiece or small speaker of 20 ohm or more impedance: a
R1 can be omitted entirely but then, with some transistors, leakage may
telephone receiver type earpiece is ideal - as mentioned in Project 1.
be enough in Trl itself to activate the circuit. However if it is good the
circuit will indicate a leakage corresponding to perhaps 1,000M ohm or
so. More information on this circuit follows later in this book (Project
12).

USES

The input device whose leakage is to be detected may be a capacitor,

a diode (reversed) or a transistor junction.

It may be two terminals or wires touching something where leakage

is to be measured; eg two wires may be taken to a piece of glass about
1" apart. Breathing on the glass will form a thin layer of condensation
and will activate the detector.

Similarly the circuit could be used as a ‘wet baby’ detector, or as a

water level detector.

A germanium diode can be connected across the input so that it is

reverse biased (+ve to A) and R1 made variable (a 1M ohm preset is
ideal). Germanium diodes have a leakage, in the region of a few micro¬
amps, which is very temperature sensitive. As the temperature increases
leakage increases and at a certain temperature the circuit oscillates,
giving an audible warning of the temperature.

The circuit is so sensitive that it should also work with a silicon diode
although the author hasn’t tried this.

18 19
 PARTS LIST
PROJECT 5
BOX 9

Resistors: 2 x 4K7, 2 x 10K, 3 x 10M an audio amplifier

Capacitors: 1 x lOOp
Semiconductors: 1 x BC214 (low level PNP) The output stage, Box 3 in circuit 1, is fine for low output powers where
1 xBC184 (low level NPN) distortion doesn’t matter. However for high power use or where a good
1 x TUP, 1 x TUN clean waveform is needed a better circuit is called for.

BOX 10 This circuit is one of the simplest available which will still give good
results - distortion, working into 8 ohms, should be around 0.5% or
Resistors: 1 x IK better which is approaching hi-fi levels.
Semiconductors: 1 xTUN
Others: 1 earpiece or speaker unit

CIRCUIT 5. AN AUOIO AMPLIFIER

20 21
 COMPONENTS and Tr4, TrS and Tr6 follow this voltage, transforming it to the output
point (+ve of C3). This output point therefore takes up a stable voltage
Since this is a simple circuit, values must be altered according to the proportional to the value of R2. This voltage is adjustable by R2 to be
supply voltage from which it is to be used, as in the table. about half of the supply voltage used.

Vs Output Power R2 R5 & 6 R7 For correct minimum distortion a small current should flow through
(8 ohms) Tr3, R8 and Tr4, R9. This is why Dl, D2 and R7 are included: to set
12 1W 150K 470 ohms 82 up a small voltage difference between Tr3 and Tr4 bases. If this voltage
difference is too small Tr3 and Tr4 will both be off and crossover
18 3 100K IK 82 distortion occurs. If too high the current through R8 and R9 develops
24 6 47K 1K2 voltage high enough to turn the output transistor on: they will both
68
30 conduct and quickly overheat.
10 39K 1K5 47
36 15 33K 2K2 47 A signal voltage is fed into the input causing a current to flow through
Rl. In order to maintain the same voltage as before in R2 the current
R2 controls the voltage at the positive of C3, which, for maximum out¬ in R3 must rise or fall to cancel out the current in Rl. It can only do
put, should be around half the supply voltage with no signal present. this if the output voltage rises and falls in exactly the same ratio (but
If a meter is available R2 can be a 220K preset, adjusted for correct reversed in phase) to the input signal as R3 is to Rl.
voltage.
When the output voltage rises near to the rail there would be little
R5 and R6 aren’t in face particularly critical. current through R5 and R6. This current would be too small to drive
Tr3 and Tr4. C2 however couples the output voltage to the junction
R7 controls quiescent current: too low a value will cause distortion, too of R5 and R6: as the output rises so does this point so there is always
plenty of voltage across R6 to allow current to flow into Tr3.
high a value will cause the output transistors to overheat and fail. The
values shown give a reasonable compromise.
PARTS LIST
R1 controls the gain - increase this to reduce the gain and vice versa.
With the value shown gain is 100 times (40dB). Resistors: 2 x 100 ohm, 1 x 4K7, 1 x 10K, 1 x 470K
Otlier resistors see text.
Transistors aren’t in fact critical - but make sure that the type you use Capacitors: 1 x 10u/4V, 1 x 10p/20V, 1 x l,000p/25V
have a voltage rating greater than the maximum supply voltage you will Semiconductors: 2 x DUS, 3 x TUN, 1 x TUP
use, thus for 40V operation the transistors should be able to stand at 2 x NPN power transistors, see text.
least 40V and preferably 60V.

Tr5 and 6 are NPN power transistors: type isn’t critical but they must
be rated at at least 5A collector current. The following are a few of the
types which can be used: 2N3055, T1P41, TIP35, TIP3055 BD195
BD197, BD199, 2N5977, 2N5983, 2N5978, 2N5984, MJE205, etc.’

Tire electrolytics have their minimum values shown - these may be

higher either in capacitance or in voltage.

HOW IT WORKS

A transistor, operating normally, has a voltage of around 0.55 present

between its base and emitter. Current is fed back from the emitters of
Tr4 and 5 through R3 into R2. When the output voltage (with no signal)
is at a certain level this current develops a voltage across R2 just sufficient
to turn Trl and Tr2 on. Tr2 draws current through R5 and R6 and Tr3

22 23
 PROJECT 6 Transformer: this should give a voltage equal to or slightly higher than
VCc — thus for 20V output a 24V transformer would be fine — and
capable of giving the required current. Some transformers have a double
A POWER SUPPLY winding and may be quoted as, say, 24-0-24V. In this case use the
transformer connections inset, (Box 12a), using only two diodes, may
The circuits in this book work, for the most part, from voltages around be substituted for Box 12.
10 to 30. This is a simple stabilized power supply suitable for these
circuits. It is completely safe in that a short circuit across its output Cl: should be a large value of several thousand Microfarads - a reason¬
will not damage it. The components of the power supply can be chosen able choice is to use at least 2,000uF for every amp of current, so for a
to give any voltage up to 36. 2A power supply use 5,000uF and for a 'AA power supply use l,000uF.
Larger values still give better results. Cl’s voltage should be nearly
double the transformer’s working voltage.
ASSEMBLY AND COMPONENTS
ZD: this is a zener diode of 400mW or more: its voltage should be the
First decide on the voltage you require the power supply to give (we
same as the required output voltage - use a 12V zener to get a 12V
will call this Vcc) and the maximum continuous current (Imax) y°u output and so on.
wish it to deliver. Various components can now be chosen:
R5’s value can now be worked out from the formula:
(Vq- x 1.4) - Vcc where Vcc is the required output voltage,
- K ohm
10

V'f is the transformer’s voltage. Chose a value near to that calculated,

since this is not too critical. This for a 12V output from an 18V
transformer the formula gives 1.3K - use 1K2 or 1K5 as convenient.

R6 is found by: Vcc - 0.6 ^ 0j,ms Choose the nearest

5
convenient value: thus a 12V power supply gives a result of 2.2K
for this.

R1 determines the maximum peak current the power supply can give:
remember for an audio amplifier the maximum current on peaks is
nearly three times the continuous value - so a 1A supply may be
required to deliver 3A. If the maximum peak current drain is?
then chose „, 0.6
R1 = -p- ohms.

Thus 1 ohm V4W here will limit the current to 600mA - two 1 ohm
’AW in parallel will limit to 1.2A etc. It is usually most convenient to
use a piece of resistance wire or several 1 ohm resistors in parallel.

Trl, 2 and 3 must all be able to stand up to twice the transformer’s

rated voltage.
'iiiTiiii
Trl must be a power type capable of standing the full peak current —
2N3055 will be suitable. It will get hot so mount it on a good heatsink.

25
HOW IT WORKS

A.C. output from the transformer is rectified by D1-D4. Cl smoothes PROJECT 7

this rectified a.c. and itself will charge up to the peak voltage from the
transformer (1.4 times its actual a.c. output voltage - which may in
fact be higher than its rated voltage). AN ULTRASONIC ‘TRANSMITTER’

A current is then fed to ZD through R5. ZD therefore presents a In radio books circuits are sometimes published for ultrasonic devices -
reference voltage equal to its rated value. remote control, burglar alarm or whatever. Invariably the sender uses
an IC or an ordinary multivibrator whose frequency needs to be
Tr3 drives a current into Trl and Tr2 and the output then rises until adjusted.
D8 conducts - this tends to pull Tr3’s emitter more negative thus
cutting off Tr3. The circuit therefore balances itself so that the output This circuit is simple, efficient and since its frequency is determined
voltage is equal to the zener voltage. solely by the transducer used it needs no adjustment at all.

As the current drain increases Tr3 is called upon to deliver more current It will be noted that Box 3 is the output stage which was used with the
into Tr2. However there is a maximum value of current which Tr3 is siren - circuit 1.
allowed, by R6, to give. This is equal to (Vz - 0.6) which has been
R6
chosen as 5mA. If this is reached the circuit can give no more current
and it limits. This drive current from R3 is reached when D5, 6 and 7
start to conduct because the voltage drop across R1 is too high and
this is when R1 drops a voltage of 0.6 (equal to the drop across D5). 1
As the current limits the output voltage drops - D5 now becomes
forward biased and tends to pull ZD’s voltage down (towards the
positive line). Tile current Tr3 can deliver therefore drops because
there is now less voltage across R6. Into a short circuit Tr3 cannot
conduct at all and the circuit delivers only 15mA or so and is
completely safe.

PARTS LIST

Resistors: 1 length of resistance wire, see text.

1 x 470 ohm, 1 x 47K, others see text.
Capacitors 1 reservoir, see text.
1 x In, 1 x lp/50V
Semiconductors: 4 x 1N4002, 5 x DUS
1 x zener of required voltage.
1 x TUP, 1 x TUN
1 x power transistor, see text.
Others: 1 x transformer to suit.

CIRCUIT 7 AN ULTRASONIC TRANSMITTER.

26 27
COMPONENTS PROJECT 8
None of these are critical and near values are quite acceptable.
ULTRASONIC TRANSMITTER MODULATED AT APPROX. 500Hz
Xtal is an ultrasonic transducer (transmitter type) and virtually any of
the commonly available ones are satisfactory. These transducers are
For remote control applications reliability and stray response are
normally sold in pairs - one for transmitter and one for receiver -
improved if the receiver can recognise reliably the signal it is meant to
working at around 40KHz. pick up. This is done by modulating the transmitter and having the
receiver recognise only this modulated signal. This is a circuit for
HOW IT WORKS modulating the transmitter of Project 7.

At switch on R2 drives a small current into Trl’s base. C2 charges up

and puts a voltage across Xtal: this behaves as a capacitor itself and mor(
current flows into Trl’s base from this. Trl therefore switches on and
switches Tr2 off, until Cl and Xtal have charged up when Tr 1 switches
off. The circuit is now oscillating with the output switching on and off
in a good squarewave. D1 is included to cancel out the rectifying action
in Trl’s base-emitter junction.

The circuit can be switched on and off by putting a switch in at points

A and B: when this is open circuit the transmitter will draw no current
(except leakage in Tr2 which is unmeasurable). This ‘switch’ can be
electronic, as for instance a multivibrator which will then modulate the
40KHz signal - see circuit 8.

PARTS LIST

Resistors: 1 x 3K3, 1 x 22K, 1 x 1M ohm

Capacitors: 2 x In
Semiconductors: 3 x TUN, 2 x DUS
Others: Ultrasonic crystal transducer

28
Note that this circuit is shown working from 9V. If it is used from a PROJECT 9
voltage higher than this the frequency will not be correct.

To overcome this a resistor may be incorporated at the point marked AN ULTRASONIC RECEIVER
C: this resistor should be V - 7 ^ ohm (where V is the desired
0.6 This receiver is built in stages (as indeed are most circuits) and the
working voltage) or the nearest value to that calculated. constructor has a choice of what to include and what to omit.

COMPONENTS HOW IT WORKS

The circuit in Box 14 is exactly the same as Project 7. The basic circuit is shown in Circuit 9. Box 16 is a preamp with
maximum gain at around 40KHz. Note that D1 is in effect in parallel
Box 15 is a multivibrator to modulate the transmitter and its frequency 1 with R2 (C3 is present only to block d.c. from Dl). Now the effective
should be the same as that of the receiver used so R2, R3, C2, C3 should' resistance of a diode is dependant upon the current being passed through
be good close tolerance (5% or better). Otherwise the circuit isn’t critical it - a typical diode has an impedance of 10K ohms at around 30pA
which falls to around IK at 60pA, 100 ohms at 3O0pA and around
If values are altered, the frequency can be found by 30 ohms at 1mA.

F = 1.44 x 1000
Signal voltage and current however must be small or distortion results.
C2 x R3 + C3 x R2 So, in this circuit, the gain varies from 19, with no current through Dl,
to over 3,000 with one milliamp or so through Dl.
If C2 and C3 are in nF and R2 and R3 in M ohms the frequency will
be given in Hz. Box 1 / is a tuned 40KHz amplifier — although many writers claim a
tuned amplifier is unnecessary, ultrasonic transducers do have a
considerable response to other frequencies and if maximum gain is
HOW IT WORKS required then a tuned amplifier is needed. This circuit is efficient and
I ' i tunes to a frequency f such that f = 106 where f is in KHz
Box 15 is a multivibrator: the circuit is slightly unusual since most 4nCx-Rx m Ph'
vibrators published are symmetrical: if R2 was 1M, R1 was 22K and Rx is in K ohms
C2 was ln5 this circuit would be conventional. Using an asymmetrical j so that Cx of lOOpF and Rx of 18K tunes to a frequency of 44KHz.
circuit like this gives a better wave form.
Capacitors Cx and resistors Rx should be close tolerance (1 or 2%
Note that R4 (R1 in Circuit 7) is Tr2’s collector resistor and it is in preferred) and of course where there are two Rx in series a single
effect between Tr2’s collector and earth. By connecting it this way the 1 resistor of double the value may be used (although 36K is not easy to
ultrasonic oscillator becomes Tr2’s collector load and is switched on obtain): similarly for the two Cx in parallel.
and off at about 500Hz.
In chosing for other frequencies select the capacitor first, then calculate
the required resistor since resistors can be bought or made from series
PARTS LIST
parallel arrangement cheaper than capacitors can. If Rx is changed,
R7 may also need alteration — it should be approximately 40’Rx.
BOX 15
Box 18 is a detector stage.
Resistors: 1 x 100K, 1 x 220K, 1 x 1M
Box 19 is a peak detector and AGC amplifier which feeds back to box
Capacitors: 1 x ln5, 1 x 15n, l x lp/12V
16 to alter its gain so that the detector stage never overloads. This is
Semiconductors: 2 x TUP ,
necessary for a modulated system but if the unmodulated transmitter
is used AGC is not so necessary.
BOX 14 Components as Project 7
R19 is a gain control - it sets rile maximum sensitivity level. If this
control is set too high then the circuit responds readily to stray noises:
it should be set so that the circuit just responds to the control signal.

30
31
 The output from Circuit 9 is either d.c. or the low frequency
modulation signal. If an unmodulated transmitter is used then this
output is fed direct to a level detector (see Project IS).

With the modulated system it must feed to a modulation detector -

a suitable circuit would consist of the preamp of Project 10 (box 21)
and a peak detector (Project 10 box 22).

COMPONENTS

Generally these are not critical in value, with the exception of Rx and
Cx which must be close tolerance types of the correct value: changing
values will alter the frequency of this tuned stage.

ULTRASONIC RECEIVER.
CIRCUIT 9.

32
VARIATIONS
PROJECT 10
Box 20 shows an alternative tuned amplifier - this is a higher gain one
than Box 17. If it is used care must be taken with layout or instability]
can result from stray capacitance. A TUNED VARIABLE Q PREAMP AND PEAK DETECTOR

Lise of this alternative is not an advantage with the modulated system I This circuit is designed for use with the modulated carrier ultrasonic
but may be with an unmodulated system. control system: it would be possible to build several of these tuned
CONSTRUCTION preamps, each for a separate frequency, and to modulate with one of
several frequencies to match the preamp.
An ultrasonic system using these circuits will have high gain and a high]
Q: it must therefore be built carefully and preferably in a metal box
to screen it from interference etc.

PARTS LIST

BOX 16

Resistors: 1 x 820 ohm, 1 x 10K, 1 x 100K, 1 x 180K,

1 x 220K
Capacitors: 1 x lOOn, 2 x lp/6V
Semiconductors 2 x TUN, 1 x DUS
Others: 1 Ultrasonic crystal transducer

BOX 17

Resistors: 1 x IKS, 1 x 15K, 1 x 820K, 4 x 18K/1%

(or to suit)
Capacitors: 1 x 150n, 4 x 100pF/l% (or to suit)
Semiconductors: 1 x TUN

CIRCUIT 10. TUNED AMPLIFIER AND DETECTOR.

BOX 18

Resistors. 1 x 12K, 1 x 22k

Capacitors: 1 x lp/20V
Semiconductors 1 x TUN, 1 x DUS

BOX 19

Resistors .. > 3K3, 1 x 220K, 1 x 47K preset

Capacitors 1 x lp/20V
Semiconductors 1 x TUN, 1 x DUS

BOX 20

Resistors 1 x 47 ohm, 1 x 2K2, 1 x 3K9, 1 x 22K,

4 x 18K/1%
Capacitors 1 x 150p, 1 x lOOn, 4 x 100pF/l% (or to suit)
Semiconductors 1 x TUN, 1 x TUP
34
 r

HOW IT WORKS PROJECT 11

Trl, 2 and 3 form an op-amp with negative feedback via R6 and R7.
At the same time positive feedback of a variable level through a A DOMESTIC THERMOSTAT
Wein Bridge network consisting of both Cys and Rys (the second Ry is
formed by R9 in series with RIO parallelling Rll) which is tuned to Here is a method of replacing the normal thermostat used with central
500Hz. R9 is a variable feedback control which determines the +ve heating systems. The circuit uses a common germanium diode as a
feedback and hence the Q factor. temperature sensor so it is very quick to respond, and cheap to build.
With the normal thermostat there can be a considerable difference in
At the same time the amplifier is selective because of the feedback net¬ temperature between the thermostat switching off and its coming on
work R12, C3 and R7, C2. again. This ‘hysteresis’ is adjustable in this circuit.

The output of this can be fed into a level detector, such as Project 15. Designed for 12V operation, the circuit can operate from 10-24V -
although temperature setting is somewhat dependant upon the voltage.
Tire frequency determined by Cy and Ry must be the same as that of
the modulator (Project 8) so if one is changed so must the other be.
CONSTRUCTION

The frequency may be calculated from the formula:

The circuit of box 23 is the sensitive part and this should be built as a
Frequency (Hz) = _^ unit and positioned in the room to be sensed.
2-rrCy. Ry

The Peak detector detects the level of modulation and converts it unto
a level suitable to feed the level detector (Project 15).

PARTS LIST

BOX 21

Resistors: 1 x 680 ohms, 2 x IK, 1 x 2K2, 1 x 12K,

3 x 100K, 2 x 150K, 1 x 1 OK/5%, 1 x 22K/5%,
1 x 39K/5%, 1 x 22K preset
Capacitors: 1 x In, 2 x 1 On/5%, 1 x 4n7, 1 x 10p/12V
Semiconductors: 2 x TUN, 1 x TUP

BOX 22

Capacitors: 1 x lp/12V
Semiconductors: 2 x DUS

36
 t

The relay circuit (box 10) and power supply can be remote. The
If R9 is set to maximum resistance switching action is not very fast
circuit draws only 200nA in the off state and about 12mA when on
and the LED may extinguish slowly.
and is low voltage so cheap twin bell wire can be used for interconnec¬
tion.
VARIATIONS
D1 is the sensor itself. Note that most diodes are light sensitive, so this
diode can with advantage be placed inside some thick black sleeving to If R6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, Tr3, 4, D2 and 3 are omitted a voltage output can
protect it from light. be taken from Tr2’s emitter. This voltage swings between about 3V
and 10V and is dependant upon temperature. This could be used as a
With any thermostat there are two temperatures: the first is the high thermometer or temperature alarm.
level where the thermostat switches off. The room now starts to cool,
until the second, low temperature is reached and the thermostat OTHER CONTROLS
switches on.
Project 13 shows a touch operated switch designed for use with this
There is a time lag between the heater’s starting to work and the
thermostat: the author’s own central heating system uses these!
thermostat detecting this — this lag is partially due to the time taken
for the radiators to heat, partially by the time hot air takes to circulate
Project 16 shows a remotely programmed version of this thermostat,
to the thermostat, and of course the time for the heat to flow through
where two or more different temperatures can be set externally.
the glass case of the diode. All of these factors determine the hysteresis
in a normal thermostat. The hysteresis in this electronic one is
inherently low and can be increased by means of a preset adjustment, PARTS LIST
R9.
BOX 23
This is a factor for increasing fuel economy since the room can be held
very near to a steady temperature, which can be lower than the average Resistors: 1 x 68 ohms, 2 x 470 ohms, 1 x 1K2, 1 x 12K,
temperature in a normal system. It also makes the room more 1 x 33K, 1 x 100K, 1 x 2M2, 1 x 10K preset,
comfortable. 1 x 1M variable
Capacitors: 1 x 22n
Semiconductors: 1 x BC184, 1 x TUN, 1 x TUP, 1 x LED
HOW IT WORKS
1 x DUG, 1 x zener/7-3V
Germanium diodes, when reverse biased, are leaky: this leakage varies
from one diode to another, but for any one diode at a fixed voltage, BOX 10
it is very dependant upon temperature.
Resistors: 1 x100 ohms
D1 is the germanium diode. At high temperature D1 is leaky and turns Semiconductors: 1 x TUN
Trl on. Trl pulls the potential on Tr2’s base down, decreasing the Others: 1 x 12V relay
voltage across the diode. The current needed to turn Trl on is deter¬
mined by the setting of Rl. For a particular setting of R1 therefore
the emitter of Tr2 will be held at the correct voltage so that Dl’s
leakage just turns Trl on. As D1 cools the voltage on Tr2’s emitter
necessary to maintain this leakage increases, until D2 conducts. The
current through Tr2 now rises rapidly and turns Tr3 on. R7 provides
feedback to speed up this switching action. At this point the current
consumption increases from around 200pA to over 10mA, and this
current illuminates the LED and switches the relay via Tr4.

As the LED turns on about 1.5 volts is dropped across it. A part of
this is fed back via R9 and RIO to turn Trl off slightly, so D1 must
cool further than it otherwise would. This ‘hysteresis’ is adjustable
by R9.

38 39
 PROJECT 12 omitted - they are present simply to limit possible current in case a
spark should ground to one input or other.

STATIC ELECTRICITY DETECTOR

CONSTRUCTION
This circuit is basically the same as number 4, but in a more sensitive
form. Components and construction are therefore more critical. Components and construction are critical - a minute leakage between
the input terminals is sufficient to set the circuit off, so good quality
The circuit is designed to work from a PP3 or other 9V battery. transistors must be used and assembly must be done in such a way as to
minimise leakage. For this reason Veroboard, matrix board and PCB
material may all cause trouble and perhaps the best way of building is
HOW IT WORKS onto a thick piece of polythene: a piece out of a polythene container or
its lid is ideal: the components are mounted on one side as if on a
Circuit action is the same as circuit 4, except that input desensitizing printed circuit board and the appropriate leads are connected underneath.
imr ammm tmTiiiriiTiiiifi Holes can be made with a hot pin.
_;__-

Transistors used must be good quality - especially Trl, 2 and, to a lesser

extent Tr3. Many different types are useable, provided they have a
reasonable gain at low currents. Suitable NPN types are BC109, 149,
169, 184 and PNP types BC179, 159, 259 or 214.

Because of the circuit extreme sensitivity it is quite possible that the

transistors will have to be selected for this circuit: it works at levels at
which transistor manufacturers don’t guarantee their products!

USE

Tr 1 In use the circuit can give an audible warning, when the earpiece and
BC 214 driver suggested in Project 4 (box 10) can be used. A short ‘aerial’ of
wire a few inches long is connected to Terminal 1 or 2 (the wire can be
insulated) and the unit held in the hand. If now the wire is brought up
to some electric wiring the field around this will be picked up and a buzz
will result in the earpiece. In this way it acts as a mains wiring detector.

•—M Tr2
t BC184
Or the unit can be used in a static situation: it is put down somewhere
and an item presented to the aerial. If the item is charged this will
trigger the unit which will click.

Alternatively the circuit can be used as a static operated switch - one

application of this is given in Project 14.

PARTS LIST
R6> _LC1 (
Resistors: 2 x 4K7, 2 x 10K, 1 x 100K, 2 x 10M
9 T"l00p Capacitors: 1 x lOOp
Semiconductors: 1 x BC214 (low level PNP)
1 x BC184 (low level NPN)
1 x TUP, 1 x TUN, 1 x DUS
CIRCUIT 12. STATIC ELECTRICITY DETECTOR.

41
 HOW IT WORKS

PROJECT 13 The switch is shown operating in conjunction with the thermostat of

Project 11 (boxes 23 and 10). However the collector load of Tr4 could
be a relay or any other circuit to be switched, drawing not more than
A TOUCH OPERATED ON-OFF SWITCH about 20mA. R9 and the LED are put in solely to give a visual indica¬
WITH MECHANICAL OPTION tion of the switch’s state and may be omitted if not required.

The thermostat of Project 11 switches a relay to control central heating Tr3 and Tr4 are arranged so that each switches the other on whilst Tr4
in one or more rooms. This central heating is controlled by a timeswitc also switches power to the load.

This circuit integrates thermostat, timeswitch and a touch controlled In the on state a current of 170pA is available from the junction of R4
manual over-ride. and R5 to Tr3’s emitter to drive Tr4. The collector of Tr4 is nearly
at +12V.
The circuit is designed for 12V operation but should be useable up to
about 24V. A finger applied to the touch terminals allows current to flow from
Tr4’s collector through R1 to charge Cl and C2. At a certain potential
on Cl and C2, Trl conducts and robs current from Tr3, which switches
off.

Tr4’s collector voltage now falls to zero volts. If the finger is left on
the terminals Cl and C2 discharge through the same path, until voltage
falls low enough for Tr2 to conduct. Before it starts to conduct Tr3’s
base is held at +5V by R7 and R8 whilst R4 and R5 hold Tr3’s emitter
to +6V so Tr3 cannot conduct. The junction of R5 and R6 must then
fall to +4V before the circuit turns on.

Thus a finger held on the touch control will cause the circuit to switch
slowly on and off at a rate determined by Cl and C2 in parallel - in
this case about ■% second.

The timeswitch contacts controlling the circuit are TS shown in the on

position. When they change over Cl will charge turning Trl on and
switching the circuit off. If the circuit has been switched off manually
then nothing will happen. When TS changes back Cl discharges, turns
Tr2 on and the circuit on.

If power is removed as in a power cut then, when it is restored the

arrangement of Cl, C2 will cause the circuit to switch on to the state
defined by TS.

C3 and C4 are to slow the circuit down and make it insensitive to inter¬
ference pulses induced in the wiring.

PARTS LIST

BOX 24

Resistors: 2 x 10K, 1 x 1M
Capacitors: 1 x lOOn, 1 x 220n
Semiconductors: 1 x BC214, 1 x BC184 (low level PNP and NPN)
Others: -elav or micro switch to activate (TS)
43
42
BOX 25
PROJECT 14
Resistors:
Capacitors:
A PERSON DETECTOR
Semiconductors:

This circuit is strictly for fun, but makes a great attention getter when
BOX 10 friends call.

Resistors: The circuit reacts to people, but not to everyone! When the right person
Semiconductors: passes near to the circuit it switches on and squeals at them. The squeal
Others: dies away in frequency after a second or so.

BOX 23 If the unit is built into an ornament it can be stood in a room and will
‘talk’ to np.nnlp

44 4.5
The circuit reacts to static electricity: whether it is triggered by a person BOX 26
depends upon how close they are, how fast they are moving and on their
charge. Their charge depends upon the clothes they are wearing, their I Resistors: 1 x 33K, 2 x 47K, 1 x 470K
shoes and other factors, which in practice makes it appear fairly random: Capacitors: 1 x lOn, 1 x lu/12V
however it does appear to be a ‘male*, since women set it off more Semiconductors: 1 x TUP
readily than men because of their nylon clothing etc!

The circuit works from a 9V battery, and draws no current when not 1 BOX 3
howling so even when left on almost continuously an ordinary 9V
Resistors: 1 x 2K2
battery will give a good life.
Capacitors: 1 x 10;i/12V
Semiconductors: 2 x TUN, 1 x DUS
HOW IT WORKS Others: 1 telephone earpiece or speaker

The circuit is an assembly of boxes mentioned earlier in this book: box!

9 (Project 12), assembled in the complementary version (PNP transistors
replace NPN and vice versa) drives an oscillator which incorporates the |
output stage, box 3. Note how Tr6 is not only part of the output stage|
in this circuit but also part of the oscillator.

Like the circuit of box 2 (Project 1), box 26 is a voltage controlled , j

oscillator and indeed box 2’s circuit could be used here. This circuit’s |
advantage is that, When it receives no input it then draws no current so |
the whole circuit can be built into a toy and left on, drawing no current
until someone approaches it.

C2 is included so that once triggered, the input voltage dies away slowly
— the tone changes pitch and dies slowly with it.

Note also that Cl, the timing capacitor is much larger in this circuit
than previously so the unit switches on for about a second.

CONSTRUCTION

The construction of the front end is critical as described in Project 12,

and the techniques described should be followed.

The rest of the circuitry is not at all critical.

The whole assembly can be built into a doll or other ornament and one
or other aerial connected. The aerials are 6” long pieces of wire
(insulated or bare) and one is sensitive to positive charges - the other '
to negative, so they will not have quite the same effects.

PARTS LIST

Resistors: 2 x 4K.7, 2 x 10K, 1 x 220K

Capacitors: 1 x lu/12V
Semiconductors: 2 x BC214, 1 x BC184 (low level PNP and
NPN). 1 x TUN, 1 x DUS
47
 PROJECT 15

A VOLTAGE LEVEL DETECTOR AND SWITCH

This circuit operates a relay when a pre-set input voltage is exceeded. It ■*

can be used with the ultrasonic receiver of Project 9. It could also be
used with the variation of Project 11 described or with any other circuit
where an indication must be given that a threshold voltage has been
exceeded.

The circuit is designed for 24V operation but other voltages from
18-36 may be used.

HOW IT WORKS

The voltage level to be detected is set up on VR1. VR1 has a stabilized I

voltage across it, derived from ZD1 via Tr5. As soon as this voltage level;
is exceeded on input 1, Trl starts to conduct and passes current into Tr3.
Tr3 turns Tr4 on.

R6 and C2 are included to make sure that Tr3 and 4 both turn hard on 1

CIRCUIT 15. VOLTAGE LEVEL DETECTOR & LATCH

and remain on for a certain period regardless of the input level.

Closing SW feeds a signal back from Tr3 through R1 so that, once Tr3
turns on, it keeps Trl turned hard on.

D1 is included so that shorting input 1 to earth cannot turn the circuit |

off - it may be omitted if desired, or when used with circuit 10 which ,
includes this diode in the output.

Cl is included to slow the input up so it does not respond quickly to

transients and noise. Cl may have a resistor fitted across it to discharge S
it in some application.

Tr5 is an emitter follower stabilizing the 24V rail to 14 Volts or so to

provide a reference level. It also slows a stabilized low current feed to |
be taken from+ veto drive the ultrasonic preamp or whatever input
is used.

VARIATIONS

Box 30 shows an alternative input stage to box 28 which gives two

inputs, 2 and 3. Input 2 is the same as input 1 in the original circuit
whilst input 3, although less sensitive, responds not only to a voltage , j
fjse above the threshold setting but also to a fall below this value.

Box 31 shows a method of using a lower voltage relay, eg a 12V relay 1

from a 24V supply. The values of Cx and Rx have to be found by

48
 experiment since they depend upon the relay used: a 12V relay will PROJECT 16
usually operate at about 10V. If the voltage is now reduced the relay
stays engaged until, perhaps, 6V. At this reduced voltage the relay
of course draws much less current than at its full voltage. Rx is there¬ A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
fore selected to be as high as possible whilst still keeping the relay
latched on from the voltage used. Cx is now chosen sufficiently large For certain applications a thermostat may be desirable where the
to ensure that the relay operates reliably when power is connected temperature can be adjusted or switched to one of many levels at a
point remote from the temperature sensor. This circuit doesjust that.

PARTS LIST

Resistors: 1 x IK, 1 x 10K, 1 x 22K, 2 x 47K,

1 x 100K, 1 x 470K, 1 x 22K preset
Capacitors: 1 x lp/25V, 1 x 10p/25V
Semiconductors: 3 x TUN, 1 x TUP, 1 x Zener/15V (1 x DUS)
Others: 1 x 24V relay, 1 x SPST switch

ADDITIONAL FOR BOX 30

Resistors:
Semiconductors:
The circuit is designed for operation from around 12 volts, but, if PROJECT 17
suitable transistors are used, the same circuit will work from any
voltage such that transistor and diode ratings are not exceeded.
USING A CALCULATOR AS A TIMER

HOW IT WORKS
A writer needs to know how many words he has written: a simple
method of counting this is by means of a calculator. Most calculators
The circuit should be compared with circuit 11 - it is basically the
have a constant facility which can be set up to add 1 each time the
same, except that instead of using a zener diode inside the temperature :
= key is depressed. If the calculator is opened two wires can be
sensing circuitry a voltage is fed to the circuit to define the switching
soldered across the = key contacts. A reed switch can be fitted to the
level. typewriter and the reed switch used to operate the = key on the
calculator, such that each operation of the space bar on the typewriter
R3 and R6 have been left out - they may be included if desired but
adds 1 to the calculator, thus counting the spaces between words —
are only necessary in any case to limit the maximum current flow if
which will effectively count the words.
transistors in the circuit fail: this is a remote possibility.
The reedswitch is operated by a magnet — the magnet may be mounted
Note also that feedback is now applied from the collector of Tr3 via
on the space bar itself, or it may be more convenient to mount the
R9 to Trl’s emitter. With this circuit the LED may be omitted
magnet and the reed switch on the typewriter’s chassis in such a position
entirely as shown.
that the space bar comes between the two when operated, shorting out
the magnetic field and opening the relay.
Switching voltage is set up on the potentiometers RV1, RV2, RV3
which are switched in as necessary by SW. This circuit, using a
The addition of these two wires to the calculator, and the insertion of a
potentiometer to define switching point, does not give as sharp a
socket in the calculator, so that connection can be made, also enables
switching action as circuit 11, but is acceptable for domestic use.
this circuit to be used. This circuit derives a 100Hz signal from the
mains, divides it by 10 and operates a reed relay 10 times per seconds.
If the calculator’s constant is set to add on each operation the calculator
is now turned into a timer counting in tenths of a second.
BOX 23A
HOW IT WORKS
Resistors: 1 x 68 ohms, 1 x 1K5, 1 x 12K, 1 x 27K,
1 x 100K, 1 x 1M preset
Box 12 is the power supply with a regulator (box 32) to give 5’/2 volts
Capacitors: 1 x lOn
to drive the IC (7490).
Semiconductors: 1 x TUP, 2 x TUN, 1 x DUS
Box 33 with D5, detects the intervals between half cycles of the
CONTROLLER rectified low voltage a.c. and gives a pulse during this time. These
pulses are therefore at twice mains frequency, i.e. 100Hz are fed to
Resistor: 22K presets as required, 1 x lOOn the input of the 7490 counter which is connected to -rl 0.
Semiconductors: 1 xTUN
Others: 1 x 12V relay Tr3 drives the relay from the 7490 output.
Box 25 is the circuit of Box 25 (Project 13) and is used as a bistable to
turn Tr6 on and off. When Tr6 is on it conducts and shorts Tr3’s base
to earth so the relay cannot operate.

Box 25A is operated by SW — a changeover microswitch. C4 charges to

the voltage on Tr5’s collector (Vcc when counting or OV when stopped),
through Rll. Operating SW applies the charges C4 to the junction of R7
and R8 changing the state of box and switches the counter on or off.

The Micro-switch therefore gives a good reliable stop-start motion to the

timer just as if it is a conventional stopwatch.

52 53
 COMPONENTS

For the most parts are not critical — the transformer can be any suitable
voltage between 6V and 18V. However Cl must be rated to stand nearly
twice the transformer’s output voltage and the reed relay must be
capable of working from lVi times the transformer’s voltage.

A relay other than a reed relay could be used providing it is a fast one
capable of operating reliably at 10 times per second.

Remember that 7490 can require as much as 40mA so Trl could with
higher transformer voltage, be required to dissipate % watt or so. A
plastic power transistor or some such device is needed here.

Warning: the author has had personal experiences of many calculators

used in this way: one or two models in particular won’t work repeatedly
in the + constant mode, but at some point in tire operation tend to return
the display to zero and start over again. Naturally a calculator that does
this can only be considered to be faulty, but it does appear to be a fault
common to certain models.

PARTS LIST

BOX 12

STOPWATCH.
Capacitor: 470p/25V
Semiconductors: „ 5 x 1N4002 or similar
Others: Transformer to suit

BOX 25A

Resistors: 1 x 10K, 1 x 12K, 1 x 47K, 2 x 68K,

1 x1M, 1 x1M5
Capacitors: 1 x lOn, 1 x lp
Semiconductors: 1 x TUP, 1 x TUN

BOX 32, 33, etc.

Resistors: 1 x IK, 4 x 10K

Capacitors: 1 x lOn
Semiconductors: 1 x 6V zener, 4 x TUN, 1 x 7490 IC
Others: 1 reed relay to suit

55
54
 HOW IT WORKS
PROJECT 18
Notice that the circuit shown consists of two complementary halves.
Box “a” is identical to box “b” except that PNP transistors replace
A DIODE TESTER
NPN and vice versa and diode and LED are reversed.
Unmarked, untested diodes are available very cheaply from various
In the absence of any connection to the D.U.T. (device under test)
advertisers in the electronics press. If a suitable tester is available these
terminals the full a.c. voltage is present at point A.
are suitable for most of the DUS devices shown in this book. This
circuit tests diodes for forward voltage drop.
Consider a positive half cycle: DUS b conducts feeding a positive voltage
to the right hand circuit. The voltage, at the beginning of the half cycle,
The circuit operates from a.c. and the a.c. voltage may be any value
on point A is zero and rising. Current flows through Rs, RV2 and R4b.
provided the transistors and Dl, D2 can handle one and a half time the
At a certain point on the half cycle the potential on the base of Trl b is
input (a.c.) voltage.
sufficient to start Trl b conducting: it passes current into Tr2 which in
turn passes current into LED b. The voltage on the junction of RVb and
R4b therefore rises and is fed back to Trlb’s base turning it hard on.
The LED stays on for the remainder of the positive half cycles and
switches off on the negative half cycle when DUS b is reversed.

On negative half cycles the left hand half of the circuit operates.

If now a good diode is connected across the DUT terminals it will not
conduct on one half cycle so one light will not be affected. On the
other half cycle it will conduct - the voltage across it will be low and
the other circuit won’t turn on.

RV sets the threshold voltage at which the circuit turns on and the
threshold is shqrp so it can be set to select diodes where forward voltage
drops are only a few millivolts different. The circuit also identifies the
diodes polarity.

The circuit only shows that the diode is not shorted (a shorted diode will
extinguish both LEDs) and that its forward voltage drop at the measured
current is less than the threshold set up.
Rs controls the current through the diode - the maximum voltage
across the diode will occur at the peak of the half cycle. At this point
I, the current through the diode, will be equal to
1.4 VE
DIODE

Rs
where VE is the transformer’s r.m.s. a.c. output voltage.
CIRCUIT 18.

the circuit could be adapted for higher voltages (e.g. zener diodes etc.)
by putting a zener diode in series with Trl’s emitter. The voltage
threshold will then be raised to the zener voltage plus the transistor’s
base-emitter voltage.

To set the circuit up it can be set to accept some known good diodes,
or the setting circuit shown can be used: the required pass voltage is
set up on the meter and connected across the DUT terminals. One

56
circuit is set so the LED is just switching off. Reverse the setting
circuit and adjust the other LED threshold. PROJECT 19
Rs should be disconnected at this stage.
DIODE AND TRANSISTOR VOLTAGE TESTER
It is of interest to note an alternative possibility — if required points n
A-A and B-B may be connected in pairs. RVa and RVb are now in j One specification quoted for a transistor is Vcb (max> This is the
parallel, so one of them (RVa say) may be omitted and the single pofl maximum allowable voltage at which the manufacturer guarantees that
controls switching thresholds in both directions. This saves setting ! all transistors of the type will work safely. Thus for the BC184 Texas
thresholds but means that the two thresholds are solely determined | quote Vcb max at 45 volts. Yet if a batch of BC184s are measured
by the Vbe’s of the two Trls. If these are well matched the difference Vcb will be found to vary - the occasional one will measure out at only
is small. 50V but most measure at around 120V! The transistor is in fact much
better than the makers say. This circuit enables voltages of various
As well as omitting RVa, R4a must also be left out. devices to be measured at various currents. It also tests diodes for
reverse voltage and zeners for their voltage.

PARTS LIST

FOR EACH HALF BOX 34

Resistors: 3 x IK, 1 x 1K8, 1 x 22K preset,

Rs to suit
Semiconductors: 1 x TUP, 1 x TUN, 1 x DUS, 1 x LED
Others: 1 transformer to suit

58
59
The circuit is shown operating from 200 volts: a lower voltage may be PROJECT 20
used - or a higher one if suitable transistors are available.

LIGHT CONTROLLED SWITCH

HOW IT WORKS
This circuit is ideal for car use: although the old fashioned parking light
The circuit is basically that of Box 23 (Project 11), with variations. is no longer required (it is no longer legal) side lights are required by
law if you park outside a 30MPH area. This circuit therefore uses a
Current through the DUT (device under test) passes through Rl. The | power transistor to switch up to 3 amperes of current to feed the side¬
circuit adjusts the voltage until enough voltage is present across Rl to?
lights.
turn Trl on. Trl causes Tr2 to conduct pulling the voltage on the base
of Tr3 down. The voltmeter current flows from Tr3’s emitter to the
emitter of Tr2 so it does not affect the current through the DUT. HOW IT WORKS

The circuit is therefore good for testing at very low currents, even ; LDR is a light dependant resistor such as RPY58A, but almost any type
when an insensitive meter (1mA) is used.

The circuit incorporates a voltage limit in Dl, D2 and VRI which can ;
be set so that the voltage across DUT terminals cannot exceed a certair
level, thus reducing the risk of shock to the operator, and allowing a j
low voltage range to be switched on the meter without overloading it. j
R3 and ZD2 are included so that a low voltage transistor can be used j
in Trl position: low voltage transistors have better gains than high
voltage types.

PARTS LIST

BOX 35
• l
Resistors: Rl as required, 1 x 100K, 1 x 220K,'
1 x 220K preset
Semiconductors: 2 x BF258, 1 x BC184, 2 x DUS,
1 x zener/12V, 1 x zener/8.2V
Others: 1 meter

60
of LDR may be used in this circuit. These devices are like ordinary COMPONENTS
resistors except that their resistance is dependant upon the level of light*
falling on them - the brighter the illumination the lower their resistance These are not critical - except for Tr3. R5 at the value shown sets a
current limit of 5 A and the transistor chosen must be able to handle at
Current passes through R1 and R2 into LDR: a voltage is developed least that. 2N3055, TIP41 are two suitable types.
across LDR which increases as darkness falls. At a certain level Trl
starts to conduct and passes current into Tr2 where it is amplified and 1 R5 itself can either be several 1 ohm resistors in parallel or it may be
passed into Tr3. Tr3 turns the bulbs on and the voltage across the bulbs a length of resistance wire.
is sensed by R4 and fed back to Trl to turn the circuit quickly on.
PARTS LIST
Note the arrangement of Rl, R2 and SW, which is shown in the off
position. In the mid position Rl and R2 are connected in parallel and ij BOXES 36, 37 or 38, 39 or 40
the circuit is fed off the +12V rail switched by the ignition switch. In |
this position it is impossible to drive the car away at night without lights
Resistors: length of resistance wire, 1 x 820 ohms,
since turning the ignition switch on at night will cause the circuit to '■
1 x IK, 1 x 15K, 1 x 220K, 2 x 470K
switch on side lights.
Capacitors: 1 x lp/16V
Semiconductors: 1 x TUN, 2 x TUP
The third position connects the circuit straight to the unswitched +12 I
volt rail, but only R2 is in circuit, so the light level at which switching 1
1 x TUP, 2 x TUN
occurs is delayed, saving battery, and the sidelights switched on as |
1 power transistor,
parking lights.
1 LDR (RPY 58 or ORP 12 or similar)
Others: 1 x 1 pole 3 way switch
Now the sidelights of a car draw perhaps 36W, or 3 A from 12V - a
resistanccfof 4 ohms. However, when the bulbs are cold their effective fl
resistance is much less than 4 ohms - typically 0.15 ohms. If the
transistor Tr3 was switched on direct into this low resistance a current 1
of as much as 80 amperes could flow blowing the transistor immediately.

To stop this possibility protection circuitry can be fitted around Tr2 and
Tr3 - this is shown in box 39. R5 senses the current through Tr3 and fl
if this is too high Tr4 turns on reducing the drive to Tr2. R6 and R7
are included to reduce the current even further if there is a short circuit
in the bulb wiring. In this case maximum current that is allowed to flow
in Tr3 is very small since 12V across R7 will nearly turn on Tr4, shorting
out the base drive to Tr3.

The circuit shown is for negative earth cars - for positive earth the
circuit in box 38 is substituted for 37 or box 40 for box 39. Note that 'fl
in any case the same power transistor is used.

For the positive earth version Trl must be PNP, and Cl must be
reversed.

The light level at which the circuit switched can best be altered by the I
positioning of the LDR. It can also be altered by altering Rl, R2 and 1
R4. Increasing all of them will make the circuit more sensitive (so
lights switch on later at night).

62 63
 PROJECT 21
The circuit is mains operated: many of the components are live and
the voltages are potentially lethaL Great care should therefore be taken
A VOLTAGE CONTROLLED LIGHT DIMMER in assembly. IEC safety regulations state that switches should not be
included in neutral return lines, so to comply with this L & N on the
Like most of the circuits in this book this circuit combines several new circuit should be reversed from that shown. If this is done however
and unusual circuit techniques to make a practical circuit. This circuit the +ve & - inputs are at full mains potential and this should be borne
was designed with Project 22 as a touch controlled light dimmer, but 1 in mind on the control system used.
the two circuits can be used for purposes other than that for which
conceived.
HOW IT WORKS

Mains current passes through R1 in parallel with Cl through the bridge

rectifier and load across + and - to neutral. Consider a 36V zener
connected across the input: on positive half cycles current flows from
A through D1 through the zener then through D4 to B, so that point
A must be at +38V with respect to B (allowing IV drop each in D1 and
D3). On negative half cycles current flow from B through D2, the
zener and D3 to A. A must be now at -38V. Note that in each case
current in the load flowed from + to - so the load has a steady d.c.
across it, whilst a 76V peak to peak (+38 to -38V) squarewave exists
across A and B. If the voltage of the zener across + and - varies the
amplitude of the square wave varies with it.

LIGHT DIMMER.
The squarewave charges C2 via VR1, so the charge rate of C2 is
dependant upon the voltage across + and -.

MBS is a bi-directional switch (see also Project 23) with D5, D6 and R2
across it to reduce its switching voltage from 8V to around 2V.

Cl is connected across R1 to slightly advance the phase of the square

wave, so it switches just before the mains input wave-from goes
through the zero point.
VOLTAGE CONTROLLED

As this squarewave switches from - to + voltage -ve terminal changes

from - 37V to + IV. This occurs at the end of the negative half cycle
and if MBS has not discharged C2 by this time the + IV level on D7
triggers it On positive half cycles the gate of the MBS will of course
always be more positive than -ve terminal so D7 cannot conduct

D7 thus reduces the hysteresis effect that is present in light dimmers

unless steps are taken to overcome it

LI and C3 are included to reduce interference which dimmers can

otherwise cause.
CIRCUIT 21.

COMPONENTS

Cl and C3 must be rated at 250V a.c. (at least 600V d.c.) R1 must be
rated at 2W.

$4
 I
MBS is a Motorola Bi-directional switch type MBS4991, or 4992,
or it is possible to use four transistors instead, see Project 23. PROJECT 22

The triac type is not important provided it can switch the lamps
with which it is to be used and can handle at least 400V. A TOUCH CONTROLLED VOLTAGE SOURCE

PARTS LIST

BOX 41

Resistors: 1 x IK, 1 x 10K, 1 x 33K/2W,

1 x 100K preset
Capacitors: 2 x 100n/250V A.C.
1 x 300n, 1 x luF
Semiconductors 4 x 1N4002, 3 x DUS, 1 x MBS4992,
1 x Triac to suit
Others: 1 x 100pH choke (supressor type)

66
67
 terminal is used. Rate of rise or fall depends upon circuit values, input
frequency and amplitude. If a voltage change of IV across C3 in one hour is required this
corresponds to a leakage, i, such that 4 ’
Used as a touch controlled voltage source the input is of course hum. In x IV
A capacitative input means that no direct finger contact need be made _
with the input and for mains use with Project 21 the input can be formed I
by two insulated touch areas on a printed circuit.
l(Ty x 1

The circuit shown is designed for use with Project 21 for up to 30V. 60 x 60
However the FET has nearly zero voltage across it, so voltage limit is
entirely dependant upon Tr2. - 3 x lO’^amps
= 0.3pA
HOW IT WORKS
Although this sort of leakage is possible it is so only if care is taken and
Box 42 consists of a FET and PNP transistor arranged with 100% a.c. it may well require selecting Trl, Tr2 and Tr3. ’
feedback: the charge on C3, therefore the voltage across it can only
change if current flows from Trl’s collector or into Tr2’s collector, or Most likely sources of leakage are Trl and Tr2 so to check d,,, *
by leakage in Tr3 itself or in C3 or leakage in the mounting or mechanic
arrangement. dRecris TrT^cf ^ * V°'tage “S Trl or ™ is **

If the voltage on the input tries to change, say positively, Tr3 is turned As mentioned in Project 21, the whole of this circuit could be at mains
on more turning Tr2 off, and allowing the collector of Tr4 to fall more potential: it should then be built on an insulated plastic box and ‘V’
negatively. This will drop the input down, negatively, counteracting the a d b are formed by two areas of copper PCB, covered by »ood
initial change. However, if current flows into the input from Trl, this | quality insulating tape. A finger is pressed to the tape to form the
must flow into C3, increasing its charge and therefore the voltage’across input plate of the capcitor Cl orC2: the harder it fs prlssedThe greater
the area, and the capacitance so the faster the rate of milage change.

Similarly charge can flow out via Tr2, reducing the voltage across C3. i
sld^is’th V6ly df Ub!f fed fibre glass PCB material can be used - one
An h ”nd ‘he °ther Side the emitter connector to Trl or Tr2
R4 is small so in fact the voltage across it will be small and the circuit An area about 1 square should suffice.
tries to change the voltage across + and - to correspond with the voltage
across C3. This part of the circuit therefore behaves like a constant PARTS LIST
voltage source to drive Project 21, with ZD defining the maximum
voltage across it. BOXES 42, 43a, 43b

Boxes a and b are the same in effect but complementary. If hum is put Resistors: 1 x 100 ohms, 3 x 100K
on input “a” or “b”, a current will flow into R1 and if its magnitude is ' Capacitors: 1 x 20p/36V, 1 x In polystyrene of
sufficient +ve half cycles in box “a** will flow into Trl’s emitter, throughl mylar (low leakage type)
the transistor into C3. Negative half cycles flow through Dl. Semiconductors: 2 x TUP, 1 x TUN, 1 x FET,
2 x DUS, 1 x zener/36 V
CONSTRUCTION AND COMPONENTS

Construction of the circuit is critical: leakage in Trl, Tr2, Tr3 or C3

will cause the voltage to drift, so only good quality components must |
be used: a polystyrene or polyester capacitor for C3 is necessary.

These components must be mounted so that the connection shown by J

the thick dotted line is well insulated — this connection is best kept in 1
the air by bending collectors of Trl and Tr2 and gate of Tr3 to connect
to each other. C3 joins to them in mid air.

68
69
 PROJECT 23 HOW IT WORKS

When subjected to a reverse bias the base-emitter junction of a transistor

A BI-DIRECTIONAL SWITCH FOR USE WITH TRIACS behaves like a zener diode, conducting at a voltage around 6 to 10 volts
depending upon the individual transistor and its type.
A bi-directional switch is an integrated circuit which does not conduct
at low voltages but if the voltage across it becomes higher than around On use one main terminal of the switch is connected to the gate of an
8V it switches on and conducts with a voltage drop across it of around SCR and the other to a capacitor which has an a.c. signal across it.
IV.
Consider a positive half cycle of voltage on terminal 1: at the start no
If preferred the device can be assembled from four individual current flows in the device. As voltage rises Tr3’s base-emitter is
reversed biased and behaves as the zener diode Z3 which starts to
transistors as shown.
conduct at its breakdown voltage, passing current into Trl where it
triggers Trl and Tr2 into immediate conduction: the device now
switches hard on discharging the capacitor into the gate of the triac
turning the triac on.

On negative half cycles Trl is reversed, behaving as Zl. Resistors R1

and R2 are to reduce the effects of leakage - their value is not critical.

If good symmetrical switching action is required of this circuit then

Trl and Tr3 must be accurately matched for zener breakdown voltage:
a suitable circuit is given in this book, Project 19.

Matching should be as close as possible - 0.1 V or 0.05 if possible.

Since the circuit is entirely symmetrical, resistors R1 and R2 may be

placed between Trl, Tr3 bases and terminals 1 and 2 and the bases of
the NPN’s joined, instead of the PNPs, to gate. Then the zener action
occurs in the NPN transistor rather than in the PNP.

PARTS LIST

BOX 44 '

Resistors: 1 x 10K
Semiconductors: 2 x TUN, 2 x TUP, matched for
b-e zener effect

71
 PROJECT 24 variable gain which is adjustable by a touch control.

Two supply voltage inputs are shown since the gain

TOUCH OPERATED GAIN CONTROL
normally work off about 24 V whilst the preamp nei
voltage which will normally be less, around 15V pro
The circuits shown in boxes 16, 42 and 43 of Projects 9 and 22 may
be combined (with slight variation) to make a preamplifier with
HOW IT WORKS

CONSTRUCTION

The same care in construction must be taken as described in Project 22.

Box 6 will be handling a low level audio signal, less than 1 OOmV so
normal care should be taken with this also.

PARTS LIST

Resistors:

Capacitors:
Semiconductors

Resistors: 1 x 3K3, 1 x 10K, 2 x 100K, 1 x 220K

Capacitors: 1 x In Polystyrene (low leakage)
Semiconductors: 1 x FET, 2 x TUP, 2 x TUN, 3 x DUS
 PROJECT 25 HOW IT WORKS

In the form shown the circuit only has two terminals, + 12V flows via
A LIGHT FLASHER the switch and bulb. At switch on a small current flows through the
bulb and through D1 to charge Cl. Cl holds a charge of 12V whilst the
This circuit was designed as a replacement for the thermal flasher used flasher is operating. Current also flows from terminal A (which is now
for a car’s direction indicator: with the values shown it will flash lamps at +12V) through R2 and R3, setting up a voltage of 9V on Tr2’s base.
up to a total of 6A at 12V.
Current now starts to flow through R1 and D2 into C2 whose voltage
Designed for 12V operation the circuit unmodified should also be starts to rise. With it rises the voltage on Tr2’s emitter, until it exceeds
alright up to 24V. the 9V set up on Tr2’s base. Tr2 now starts to conduct into Tr3, turn¬
ing Tr4 on and shorting terminal A to OV. The voltage on the base of
Tr2 also falls, turning Tr2 hard on. C2 is now isolated from Tr2’s
emitter by D2, so it does not discharge into Tr2. D1 is also reversed
biased so Cl supplies the small drive current through R1 needed to keep
Tr2, 3 and 4 conducting.

However, bulb current flowing through Tr4 flows through R8 whose

resistance is chosen to drop IV at the selected bulb current. This IV
turns Trl on and Trl discharges C2 at a constant current, until D2 again
becomes forward biased. Trl now cuts off drive to Tr2 and the circuit
switches off to start a new cycle.

If the bulb current is low, e.g. on a car if one of the two trafficator bulbs
has failed, insufficient voltage develops across R8 to turn Trl on, so Tr2
never gets switched off and the bulbs don’t flash but stay on continuous-

If the bulb current is high, say a wrong bulb is fitted or a short circuit
is present the voltage across R8 is much higher than IV so Tr2 conducts
hard. It it is above about 1.2V then D3 starts to conduct also increasing
further the current in Trl so C2 now discharges very rapidly indeed.

Thus the circuit not only gives a visible indication of a faulty bulb or
wiring, but it also protects itself if a short circuit is present.
V— —1 1 %
o If desired Cl and D1 may be omitted entirely. In this case however the
cr O !
_f'J —AA i terminal marked + must be permanently connected to +12V. If this is
T'l done, there is no delay between operation of the flasher and the bulbs
min in O
ro lighting since the circuit will hold in an on state with current flowing
9E -.AA
OC
through R1 into Tr2 and Tr3. As soon as the bulb is connected current
will flow.

CONSTRUCTION

The circuit is drawn conventionally for ease of understanding. However

in a car one terminal of the bulb is always connected to chassis, so the
+ 12V rail is infact chassis and the OV rail is -12V. The circuit drawn is
then for a positive earth car.
For a negative earth car all diodes must be reversed, so must all
electrolytic capacitors. PNP transistors must replace NPN and vice versa.
PROJECT 26
This means that the circuit needs a PNP power transistor.
ULTRASONIC INTRUDER ALARM
If preferred however, the circuit in box 38 can be rearranged to that of
box 37 as shown in Project 20.
This circuit was designed to be used with the voltage level switch of
Project 15. It draws power from the switch and ordinary three core
PARTS LIST cable is used to join the two circuits together.

Resistors: 1 length resistance wire

1 x 100 ohm, 2 x 330 ohm, 1 x IK,
1 x 8K2, 2 x 10K
Capacitors: 1 x lp/16V, 1 x 33p/16V, 1 x 100p/16V
Semiconductors: 1 x TUN, 1 x TUP,
or
1 x TUN, 2 x TUP,
1 x power transistor, 3 x DUS

26. ULTRASONIC INTRUDER ALARM

77
76
The circuit operates from 20V since that gives a squarewave output ]n use the ‘head’, consisting of this circuit, can be installed in the
from the oscillator of 10V rms which is the maximum voltage allowable protected room whilst the control box, circuit 15, will be mounted
to drive most ultrasonic transducers. Other voltages may of course be M remotely in the seaparate room. The control box switch is set to open
used. circuit so it doesn’t latch and the room circuit aajusted for required
sensitivity. The control box can now be adjusted for any last sensitivity
change and switched to latch.
HOW IT WORKS
The relay will of course switch a bell or the siren circuit of Project 1.
Box 14 is the ultrasonic transmitter circuit introduced in Project 7.
It is situated in the same housing as the receiver circuit with the two i The circuitry is so arranged that several ‘heads’ each consisting of one
transducers pointing in the same direction. build of this circuit, can work into one control box so several rooms
can be wired into one system.
Ultrasound transmitted from XI is received by X2. The resulting signal
is amplifier by box 46, which has maximum gain around 40KHz but is | This circuit cannot differentiate between movement of a human
not highly tuned. Note that this circuit is similar to box 16 in intruder and that of a cat, or mouse or even curtains, except that the
Project 9. ™ human is larger and probably faster than other movements so will give
a greater output. However a simple circuit such as this is not immune
The resulting signal is fed to the base of Tr6. Fed to Tr6’s emitter is a
to false alarms and is really only suitable as a deterrent. It is however
squarewave from the transmitter. The two signals, received and trans¬
highly effective since most housebreaking is done by inexperienced
mitted, are not identical, so Tr6 will be switched on and off at the
youngsters and they are likely to be highly nervous, and the sound of
transmitted frequency for a time determined by the received signal.
a burglar alarm may well cause them to panic and run.
The resulting current is smoothed by C6 so a d.c. level will be present
across the potentiometer.
PARTS LIST
Now the signal from XI is received by X2 in the form of reflection
from the walls, floor, ceiling, furnishings and other objects in the room. Resistors: 1 x 100 ohms, 1 x IK, 1 x 1K8,
So long as nothing moves the receiver sound will not change, but if 1 x 2K7, 1 x 3K3, 1 x 10K,
any movement occurs then the reflections will alter and Tr6’s switchi 1 x 12K, 1 x 22K, 1 x68K,
will be affected. This will cause a change in the d.c. level across the po 2 x 330K, 2 x 1M, 1 x 22K pot
Capacitors: 1 x lOp, 2 x In, 2 x lOn,
The setting of the pot controls the circuit’s sensitivity, and its output 1 x 50n, 3 x lp
is fed to Tr7 where it is amplified. There is some slight residue of Semiconductors: 6 x TUN, 1 x TUP, 4 x DUS,
40KHz still present at this stage - C8 is included to reduce this. Others: matched pair ultrasonic transducers

The amplified output from the circuit is fed into the detector of box
22, The resulting output is a positive rectified voltage whose maximum
amplitude depends upon the setting of the sensitivity control and of
course the movement in the room sensed.

In the form proposed the setup will have two sensitivity controls -
one on this part of the circuit and one on the level detector,
Project 15. If both are set to maximum sensitivity (which corresponds
to minimum voltage on circuit 15) the alarm is unduely sensitive and
even air movements in the room may trigger the alarm. Initially both
controls should be set midway and any major sensitivity change is best
made on both controls.

78 79
 PROJECT 27 easier to understand by turning it upside down, so the negative is at
the top.

CAR WINDSCREEN WIPER CONTROL

INSTALLATION

Many circuits for windscreen wipers have been published. This is

Unfortunately the wiring diagrams supplied with most cars are often
simpler than most yet has been thoroughly tested in a commercial
incomprehensible as they do not always indicate the internal connec¬
production unit: it is trouble free, suits any car and gives excellent
tions of the various switches etc. However the wiper switch wiring on
control range with a subjectively pleasing action. The circuit of the
cars is almost completely standardised to that shown,+ve and earth are
‘Variwipe’ is published by kind permission of Scientronics.
usually easy to identify, but the wire to the c/o contact on the motor’s
internal park switch is not so easy. If it is disconnected, the wipers will
The circuit shown is for a negative earth car: you may find the circuit
still operate properly when switched on, but when switched off the
wipers will stop in mid-screen, wherever they were when the switch was
operated. They may not stop suddenly but may grind to a halt. If they
stop in mid screen re-connect the wire concerned — the wipers will
restart and park properly.

This wire is now identified and must be cut, as indicated at part x, to

connect in the ‘Variwipe’.

HOW IT WORKS

When switched off, SW is open (SW is combined with VR1, the delay
control, if desired), and there is a current path from n/c contact on the
Variwipe through c/o and the dash wiper switch (shown switched off)
through the motor to earth. Cl charges up through the path and R5.

If the dashboard switch is used it operates normally since the path from
n/c to c/o contacts of the Variwipe restores the link that has been
broken in installing it in the car’s wiring.

CIRCUIT 27 WINDSCREEN WIPER DELAY UNIT. If the Variwipe is switched on, Cl now supplies current via R4 into Trl’s
emitter. Trl and 2 turn on delivering current into Tr3 to drive the relay.
The n/o contact now makes to c/o supplying 12V to the motor via the
dash switch. Cl discharges at a rate determined by R4 and the Variwipe
switches off. The internal ‘park’ switch of the wiper motor now takes
over and supplies power to the motor via n/c, c/o contacts of the
Variwipe and the dash switch.

At the end of the wipe the park switch opens, the motor stops and n/c
on the Variwipe now is not connected via the switches to +ve but via
the motor to earth. Cl charges slowly via R5 until the voltage on Trl’s
emitter falls below that set on Vrl. The circuit now fires and initiates
another sweep.

The time for Cl to charge is naturally dependant upon the setting of

Connecting the unit to a car.
VR1. Cl charges exponentialy so the time is nearly proportional to
the log of the voltage or the log of the rotation of VR1. This gives a
nice subjective feel to the control.

8
VR1 should be connected with the arrow corresponding to clockwise PROJECT 28
pot rotation. SW will therefore make when Vrl is at maximum delay. |
Cl has charged so the circuit gives an immediate wipe. Wait now for a ‘
period corresponding to the required delay time before adjusting Vrl an UMPIRE FOR SNAP AND MUSICAL CHAIRS
to give just another wipe. The unit will now repeat wipes with the
same delay. Snap and musical chairs are similar - except that in snap the first •
player to indicate wins but in musical chairs the last player looses.
COMPONENTS There is a whole family of games where either the first player or the
last player wins or looses and these games can all benefit from an
These are not critical: however Cl, R4 and R5 should be kept near the i electronic umpire.
correct values since these give the most acceptable delay time and pulse v,1
lengths.

VR1 can be altered in value, but R1 and R2 should be about 1/3 the
value of VR1.

The relay should be a fairly heavy duty one: most motors draw a current
of about 2.5A but when the blades are stalled, or at switch on, the
current can rise to 10A. If the relay is too light the contacts could burn
out.

PARTS LIST

BOX 49

Resistors: 2 x 330 ohms, 1 x 4K7, 1 x 22K, 1 x 1M,

1 x IK pot
Capacitors: 1 x 33p
Semiconductors: 2 x TUP, 1 x TUN
Others: Switch, 12V Relay

82
83
 reset switch and any number of positions each of which has a prominent
push switch on it: players push this switch to register action. Also on PARTS LIST
each player’s box is a small hidden switch which selects the game to hP
played. 6 c

Each box has a 3 pin socket on it and also a flying lead with 3 pin plug. 1 x 470 ohms, 1 x 100K
The first player plugs into the umpire’s box and each other player plugt 2 x lp
his box into the one next to him. Thus any number of players can nlav 1 x 6V bulb, 1 switch (push to make)
and the system expands to suit. ’
battery, socket (3 pole)

The system works off a 12V battery which is contained in the control
module. An on-off switch is not needed, since no current flows in the
control box and it is simply disconnected by unplugging player’s 1
boxes from it.

HOW IT WORKS

The player’s box is shown in the “snap” position. Consider it in the

off state (as are all other players). Trl and Tr2 don’t conduct, line 1
has 12V on it via a bulb (no current flows) and line 2 has 12V on it
fed via a 100K resistor, Cl in the control box is charged.

If the player with the box shown presses his button, Cl discharges
through R5 and R4 - the pulse of voltage across R4 turns Trl on
Tr2 also turns on, drawing current through B1 and B2 which both
illuminate.

D1 also holds line 2 down to a low voltage so no other player can

activate his circuit. Thus the first player to press his button illuminates
his bulb and locks other players out.

If the switch is switched over to musical chairs, then on pressing the $

button current flows through C3 from line 1 through R4 triggering the
circuit. B1 and B2 light. Line 1 is now at roughly 6 V. If a second
player pushes his button 6V from line 2 fires his light - now his bulb I (
will be cold and will have a very low resistance. When his circuit fires
it shorts line 7 to earth through a low resistance bulb: any other player’s
bulb is switched off by this pulse, so each player pushing his button I
extinguishes any other player’s lamp and his one goes on. Therefore J
the last button to be pushed is indicated. 1

CONSTRUCTION

Children are very rough on games when they get excited. The construe
tion of the boxes must therefore be solid. The push buttons should
also be operated by a large knob so the player can thumb it in his
excitement §

84
85
Notes Please note overleaf is a list of other titles that are available in our
range of Radio and Electronic Books.
These should be available Irom all good Booksellers, Radio Com¬
ponent Dealers and Mail Order Companies.
However, should you experience difficulty in obtaining any title
in your area, then please write directly to the publisher enclosing
payment to cover the cost of the book plus adequate postage.

BABAN1 PRESS & BERNARDS (PUBLISHERS) LTD

THE GRAMPIANS
SHEPHERDS BUSH ROAD
LONDON W6 7NF
ENGLAND
BP1 First Book of Transistor Equivalents and Substitutes 60p
BP2 Handbook of Radio. TV and Ind & Transmitting Tube & Valve Equiv. 60p
BP6 Engineers and Machinists Reference Tables 50p
BP7 Radio and Electronic Colour Codes and Data Chart 25p
BP11 Practical Transistor Novelty Circuits 40p
BP 14 Second Book of Transistor Equivalents 1 I0p
BP22 79 Electronic Novelty Circuits I.OOp
BP23 First Book of Practical Electronic Projects 75p
BP24 52 Projects using IC741 95p
BP25 How to Build Your Own Electronic and 0uart2 Controlled Watches & Clocks 85p
BP26 Radio Antenna Handbook for Long Distance Reception & Transmission 85p
BP27 Giant Chart of Radio Electronic Semiconductor & Logic Symbols 60p
BP28 Resistor Selection Handbook (International Edition) 60p
BP29 Major Solid State Audio Hi-Fi Construction Projects 85p
BP30 Two Transistor Electronic Projects 05p
BP31 Practical Electical Re-wiring & Repairs 85p
BP32 How to Build Your Own Metal and Treasure Locators I.OOp
BP33 Electronic Calculator Users Handbook 95p
BP34 Practical Repair & Renovation of Colour TV's 1 25p
BP35 Handbook of 1C Audio Preamplifier & Power Amplifier Construction 1.25p
BP36 50 Circuits Using Germanium. Silicon and Zener Diodes 75p
BP37 50 Projects Using Relays. SCR's and TRlAC's 1.25p
BP38 Fun & Games with your Electronic Calculator 75p
BP39 50 (FET) Field Effect Transistor Projects 1.25p
BP40 Digital 1C Equivalents and Pin Connections 2.50p
BP41 Linear 1C Equivalents and Pin Connections 2.75p
BP42 50 Simple L.E.D. Circuits 75p
BP43 How to make Walkie-Talkies 1.25p
BP44 1C 555 Projects 1 75p
BP45 Projects on Opto-Electronics 1.25p
BP46 Radio Circuits using IC's 1.35p
BP47 Mobile Discotheque Handbook 1 35p
BP48 Electronic Projects for Beginners 1.35p
BP49 Popular Electronic Projects 1.45p
BP50 1C LM3900 Projects 1.35p
BP5i Electronic Music and Creative Tape Recording 1.25p
BP52 Long Distance Television Reception (TV-OX) for the Enthusiast 1.45p
BP53 Practical Electronic Calculations and Formulae 2.25p
BP54 Your Electronic Calculator and Your Money 1 35p
BP55 Radio Stations Guide 1.45p
BP56 Electronic Security Devices 1.45p
BP57 How to Build your own Solid State Oscilloscope t.50p
BP58 50 Circuits using 7400 Series IC's 1.35p
BP59 Second Book of CMOS 1C Projects 1.50p
BP60 Practical Construction of Pre-Amps. Tone Controls, Filters and Attenuators 1.45p
BP61 Beginners Guide to Digital Techniques 95p
BP62 Elements of Electronics - Book 1 2.25p
BP63 Elements of Electronics - Book 2 2.25p
BP64 Elements of Electronics - Book 3 2.25p
BP65 Single 1C Projects 1 50p
BP66 Beginners Guide to Microprocessors and Computing N.Y.A.
BP67 Counter Driver and Numeral Display Projects N.Y.A.
BP68 Choosing and Using Your Hi-Fi N.Y.A.
BP69 Electronic Games N.Y.A.
126 Boys Book of Crystal Sets 25p
160 Coil Design and Construction Manual 75p
196 AF-RF Reactance - Frequency Chart for Constructors 15p
200 Handbook of Practical Electronic Musical Novelties 50p
201 Practical Transistorised Novelties for Hi-Fi Enthusiasts 35p
202 Handbook of Integrated Circuits (IC's) Equivalents and Substitutes I.OOp
203 IC's and Transistor Gadgets Construction Handbook 60p
205 First Book of Hi-Fi Loudspeaker Enclosures 75p
207 Practical Electronic Science Projects 75p
208 Practical Stereo and Quadrophony Handbook 75p
210 The Complete Car Radio Manual I.OOp
211 First Book of Diode Characteristics Equivalents and Substitutes 1.25p
213 Electronic Circuits for Model Railways I.OOp
214 Audio Enthusiasts Handbook 85p
215 Shortwave Circuits and Gear for Experimenters and Radio Hams 85p
217 Solid State Power Supply Handbook 85p
218 Build Your Own Electronic Experimenters Laboratory 85p
219 Solid State Novelty Projects 85p
220 Build Your Own Solid State Hi-Fi and Audio Accessories 85p
221 28 Tested Transistor Projects 95p
222 Solid State Short Wave Receivers for Beginners 95p
223 50 Projects using 1C CA3130 95p
224 50 CMOS 1C Projects 95p
225 A Practical Introduction to Digital IC's 95p
226 How to Build Advanced Short Wave Receivers 1 20p
227 Beginners Guide to Building Electronic Projects 1.25p
228 Essential Theory for the Electronics Hobbyist 1 25p