SW Receiver Using ZN414

Description:

A Short Wave Receiver based on the MK484 (formerly ZN414) that includes the tropical bands and 49 metre bands.

Circuit Diagram

Circuit Notes

The original data sheet for the MK414 states a maximum working frequency is around 4 MHz. SW transmissions are so powerful that this receiver will work well with signals up to about 6 or 7 MHz. The 10k resistor controls the operating voltage for the IC which is critical for good performance.

Coil Details:

The tuned circuit consists of a variable capacitor and fixed air spaced coil. For the coil, I wound between 10 and 20 turns of wire on an empty tube of around 1.5 inches diameter. The turns were spaced so that the overall length was around 3 inches. The variable capacitor tuned 0 - 300 pF but there is plenty of scope for experiment here. One final point, you will need an external antenna to receive broadcasts. I have an outside wire that is about 7 meters long and this was quite effective. The antenna can be connected at either end of the coil or via a series capacitor value between 10pF and 100pF.

Return to Radio Frequency Circuits