This two transistor AM radio circuit is also called “mini-radio”. It uses only 2 transistors and few passive components which makes is very easy to be constructed. Although the circuit is very simple, it functions very well without external antenna or ground connection. The transistor T1 works as a feedback regulated HF-amplifier and function as demodulator at the same time. The sensitivity of the receiver is dependent on the amount of feedback and can be adjusted by P1.


The demodulated signal comes out from the collector of T1. The signal is then filtered by C3 so that only the audio signal will be amplified by T2. The amplified signal is then delivered to a high impedance “earphone”. The coil is 65 turns AM antenna wire around a 10 cm long x 10 mm diameter ferrite rod. The tap is at the fifth turn of the coil counting from its ground end. The coil must be installed as close as possible to the PCB.


Transistor radio circuit diagram

two transistor radio

The sensitivity of the radio receiver can be greatly improved by attaching an external antenna into it. The external antenna must be coupled to the hot end of the coil through a 4.7 picofarad capacitor. The radio receiver cand be powered by a 9 volt battery. It consumes only 1 mA.

2 transistor radio PCB layout

radio receiver pcb layout

Transistor radio parts placement layout

radio receiver parts placement


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