Aidan Albert and Selasie Smith presented their project on constructing a mini AM radio and amplifier. Their objectives were to build a mini AM radio using supplied parts and write a report with photos documenting the construction process. They conducted research on how AM radios work and shared their findings on a group wiki for reference while building the radio. Several attempts were made to correctly solder the radio components onto the circuit board. Once a working AM radio was achieved, they went on to construct a mini amplifier. Their final results were a radio that received a clear broadcast with some minor interference and learning about the importance of proper component placement in circuit boards.
2. Objectives The aim was to produce a mini AM radio using the parts that were supplied This had to be accompanied by a report (submitted in written/online form) containing the step by step process of the construction of the radio illustrated with photographs In addition to the AM radio we had to construct a mini amplifier
3. Preparation: We started on carrying out research on how AM radios work and how the are constructed We presented or findings on the Group WIKI so we could return to this at a later date and refer to for the report
5. Online Report The report will be divided by topics and then combined together. (aims/objectives/apparatus/procedure/results etc.) Using the Group Wiki (image seen above) this is where we will publish our report The benefit of publishing the report here is that we can include images of the production and we both have access to this Another benefit was that on the Group Wiki this was were we displayed our findings, the research we carried out before beginning the production of the radio
6. Production: We were given a mini circuit board with the components of the AM radio. After that we had to make sure we fitted these in the correct places in the circuit board. Once these were fitted we soldered them into place.
8. Production: Once we believed that we had completed the first task we carried out a test It was then we realised that we had soldered some of the components in the wrong place, and had to remove these and start again
12. Production: After testing the replacement AM radio we were given we moved on to produce the mini amplifier Whilst constructing this we took much care as to where we placed the components on the circuit board.
14. Results Once we tested both the amplifier and the AM radio, it gave the sound of a clear radio station with a slight bit of disturbance but still legible.
15. Evaluation: Throughout this whole project we both learnt how radios are constructed from the smallest to the biggest of components. We also learnt how important the placement of components in the circuit board are, as the smallest fault can create massive problems for the radio. We learnt that there are different types of carrier waves which all range from certain distances.
