Simple FM Radio Project

[reubensm]

Dear all, wify has been asking for a FM radio for quite some time. Her requirement was not something exotic but functional and portable. I had looked around for an old FM 2-in-one or radio (even put an advert in our wanted section) but could not find anything. Hence decided to make one myself using a Sony CXA1619BS IC, a PCB and components that were lying around, salvaged from old radio PCBs, not forgetting stuff which was to be thrown away.

The circuit is similar to this one:

Here are some pics:

PCB after assembly:

Testing after assembly:

Mounted in an old take-away curry container (the speaker grill is yet to be made):

In action:

A short video of the radio playing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_FIskPkpoI&t=1s

The inspiration of this project came from here:

http://www.foxdelta.com/nina/fmradio.html

The radio is also portable as it can be powered by a mobile phone power bank as well.

 

[omishra]

Excellent, quite innovative packaging. Also playing clean.

 

[reubensm]

Answers to some queries:

Gang - salvaged from another radio PCB
IC - purchased in the local market, Rs.65/-
PCB - purchased in the local market, Rs.20/-
Coils - salvaged the copper wire from coils on an old TV booster PCB, wound them (into shape) over a plastic straw, removed the straw after winding
Pot and Knobs - found in a box of components sent to me by FM Simon_Wires
Ribbon cable - found in a box of components sent to me by FM Simon_Wires
LED - from one of my little Son's old toys
USB Cable - salvaged from an old broken joy stick
Components - from my electronics junk box
Speaker - had that lying around, don't quite remember where I got it from
Mounting brackets for POT and Gang - sawed off the sides of the "square" shape, one of my little's son's discarded toy puzzle (toddlers use this for learning shapes)
Cabinet - we got some curry in this, from a take-away joint

Green Wire - that's the antenna. Its not connected to the speaker but tied to a hole in the speaker connector tag board, for holding it upright

Next - have to put a little grill over the speaker, thinking of buying one from the local market

Cost of project, due to the salvage operation, stayed below Rs.100/-

 

[Hiten]

Nice and clean work. Sounds good too. :thumbsup:
Regards