Anyone ever assemble the Velleman Kits from Jameco? Namely stuff like radio transmitters and receivers:
formatting link
formatting link
While it seems that assembling each kit will provide a working (and useful) device, I don't know that it will really *teach* anything. Each link above also has a link for the manual, but after looking at the pdf, it seems like it's just a matter of "solder this, then solder this, then solder this, and you have a device. If it doesn't work, then try these couple of things, but after that, you're on your own.".
Might be up to the ARRL manual to learn about radio stuff, eh?
Well, FWIW... Using the pdf manual/schematic, I built the Super Snooper Big Ear some time ago. I didn't order the kit, but I had all the parts available so I built one exactly to their specs. Mine worked, but not exactly as they advertised theirs to. I have a set of sound-insulated headphones that I plugged into it, and the sound level was about the same as what my naked ears would pick up, sans any bass frequencies (that's a condensor mic for ya). I tried tubes, parabolic reflector/collectors, all that. Went over the schem a couple of times and it's same as what they've got.
Even when first looking at the schematic I thought it was kind of a goofy set up. I socketed the ICs so I was able to switch out the LM1458 they were using as the 'preamp' for some less noisy dual op amp choices. The NE5532 and JRC4558 seem best. Maybe the 1458 is more available in Europe?
They also could have gotten so much more out of the 386. I guess they were trying to err on the side of caution and not destroy anyone's hearing.
(learningness returns to forefront)
Are there, or were there, other kits (of various projects) in the olden days that would come with a somewhat informative manual? I realize radio is a pretty comprehensive subject, but even a quick overview would give you an idea of what to go looking up at the library (Forrest Mimms books were good for that). It doesn't seem like this kit gives you anything.
Btw, I'm not whining or complaining. Just discussing :-)
I kind of agree, I have purchased heaps of kits in my younger years that have mentioned every part of the circuit and what it is doing but doesn't break it down enough to have a full understanding of how it actually works.
ElectronDepot website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.