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Long Range Transmitter – 2 to 5 Km Range

Last Updated on by 161 Comments

The proposed long range transmitter circuit really is very steady, harmonic free design which you can use with standard fm frequencies between 88 and 108 MHz.

Technical Specifications of the Transmitter

This will likely encompass 5km spectrum (long range). It includes an extremely consistent oscillator for the reason that you employ LM7809 stabilizer that is a 9V stabilized power source for T1 transistor and for frequency realignment that may be reached by means of the 10K linear potentiometer.

The output strength of this long range rf transmitter is approximately 1W however may be more significant should you use transistors like KT920A, BLY8, 2SC1970, 2SC1971…

Transistor T1 is employed as an oscillator stage to present a small power steady frequency. To fine-tune the freq. apply the 10k linear potentiometer this way: should you moderate, in the direction of ground, the freq. would probably decrease but when you fine-tune it in direction of + it would climb.

Essentially the potentiometer is needed just as a flexible power source for the a pair of BB139 varicap diodes.

Both of these diodes function as a changeable capacitor whilst you regulate the pot. By tweaking the diode capacitance the L1 + diodes circuit renders a resonance circuit for T1.

Feel free to employ transistors similar to BF199, BF214 however be careful not to use BCs. At this point you don’t receive yet the long range fm wireless transmitter due to the fact that the electric power is fairly reduced, a maximum of 0.5 mW.



How it Works

The proposed transmitter circuit works in the following manner:

Always encase the oscillator stage in a metal guard to avoid parasite frequencies destabilizing the oscillating stage.

Transistors T2 and T3 functions as a buffer stage, T2 as a voltage amplifier and T3 as a current amp.

This buffer stage is vital for freq stabilization simply because is a tampon circuit between the oscillator and the preamp and final amplifier. It happens to be renowned that bad transmitter layouts normally change freq. whenever you alter the finalized stage.

Using this T2, T3 stage this won’t occur again!

T4 is a preamplifier stage and is employed as a voltage power rf amplifier which enables it to produce adequate power to the ending T5 transistor stage.

As is demonstrated T4 carries a capacitor trimmer in its collector, this is definitely accustomed to render a resonance circuit designed to drive T4 to promote more advantageous situations and do away with those undesirable harmonics.

L2 and L3 coils has to be at 90 degrees perspective one to another, this is to prevent frequency and parasite coupling.

The concluding stage of the long range rf transmitter is equipped with any rf power transistor containing no less than one watt production power.

Utilize transistors like 2N3866, 2N3553, KT920A, 2N3375, 2SC1970 or 2SC1971 should you wish to produce a professional fm transmitter with ample power to take care of an extended spectrum zone. Should you use 2N2219 you will definitely get a maximum of 400mW.

Make use of an effective heatsink for the T5 transistor because it becomes slightly warm. Make use of a reliable 12V/1Amp balanced supply of power.

How to Set-up the Transmitter

Begin by building the oscillator stage, solder a tiny wire to T1 10pF capacitor out and hearing a fm radio, tweak the 10k pot until it is possible to “hear” a blank disturbances or maybe if you connect an music base you could listen to the melodies.

With a 70cm cord it is possible to take care of a 2 – 3 meter region simply with the oscillator stage.

Next carry on and construct the remaining of the rf transmitter, utilize correct shielding as suggested in the above explanation.

As soon as you have completed the transmitter design, hook up the antenna or more effectively a 50 or 75 Ω resistive load and make use of this as a rf probe, feel free to use 1N4148 diode in place of the probe diode.

Fine-tune yet again the 10k pot to favored freq. thereafter go to T4 stage and scale down the initial collector trimmer for highest voltage signal on the multimeter.

After that carry on with the subsequent trimmer and so forth. After that get back on the very first trimmer and readjust yet again until you receive the maximum voltage on the multimeter.

For one watt rf power you could possibly ascertain a twelve to sixteen Voltage. The method is P (in watt) is equivalent to U2 / Z, wherein Z is 150 for 75Ω resistor or 100 for 50Ω resistor, nevertheless one should keep in mind that the proper rf power is lesser.

After those modification, in case things are heading nicely hook up the antenna, keep on employing the rf probe, readjust once more all of the the trimmers right from T3.

Guarantee you don’t have harmonics, verify the TV and radio set to determine if there exists fluctuations on the band. Verify this in an alternative area, a long way away from the fm transmitter or antenna.

The unit is all set up to be used for exchanging music, talks, chats across the suggested range and bands.

Circuit Schematic

 

All Inductors are air cored

L1 = 5 wounds / 23 SWG / 4mm silvered copper
L2 = 6 wounds / 21 SWG / 6mm enamelled copper
L3 = 3 wounds / 19 SWG / 7mm silvered copper
L4 = 6 wounds / 19 SWG / 6mm enamelled copper
L5 = 4 wounds / 19 SWG / 7mm silvered copper

T1 = T2 = T3 = T4 = BF199
T5 = 2N3866 for 1Watt / 2SC1971, BLY81,or 2N3553 for 1.5 to 2W power.

Feedback from Mr. Himzo (a dedicated follower of this website)

Hello Swagatam,

I have few questions about your long range fm transmitter.

Firstly about the shielding, what is the most simplest solution to avoid those "parasite frequencies"?

Secondly, what means those 1nF capacitors at the top? Can they be simple in parallel connection or they need to be separated to every transistor like in scheme?

Thirdly, I sent you a photo of transmitter, I didn't turn on amplifier part because my heatsink is coming. Where can I put antenna for testing without amplifier (T5 stage)?

And lastly, how can I modulate those trimmers if I dont have plastic screwdrivers?

Thank you very very much, this is great project.

Your fan, Himzo.

 

Solving the Circuit Problem

Hello Himzo,

the simplest and the only way to shield the various sensitive stages is by using metal walls between the stages...

the 1nF capacitors should be positioned exactly where these are indicated in the diagram.... the picture which you have shown will never work... transmitter circuits require extreme care as far as their construction and positioning of the components are concerned.

You can never build a long range transmitter successfully on a breadboard, you will have to do it on a well designed PCB which should have a grounded track base layout encompassing all the thinner tracks, only then you can expect the transmitter to work...that too after careful optimization of the trimmers and by employing a compatible antenna.

Regards

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hi sir 1) I would like to know whats the use of those variable capacitors here. I dont know how to use it
    2) What is shielding. What is its use
    3) Which component is 100/0.5w
    4) 10uf capacitor is of how many volts
    5) Why 2 dotted lines in circuit which is connected to ground
    6) Why T5 is based on watts and what is the difference between 1w and 2w output
    Kindly please reply to me at mevivrg01@gmail.com

    Reply

    • Hi Melvin, here are the answers:
      1)Those are called trimmers, it is for optimizing the frequency and power output from the transmitter to maximum.
      2) Shielding refers to adding metal partitions between the various stages of the transmitter so that processed signals across these stages do not interfere with each other and reduce efficiency, the metal can be preferably copper so that it can be fixed with the PCB by soldering.
      3)100/0.5W = 100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor
      4) 10uF/25V
      5) The shield partitions explained above must be aligned across these shown dotted lines such that they stand like walls on these dotted lines…the height of these copper shield plates could be 2 cm and thickness could be 1mm.
      6) T5 handles the power stage of the transmitter, and their watt rating indicate how much power each of these variants can handle and produce at the output

      Reply

  2. I have recently build lots of low power fm transmitter all claiming about 1km range but at most I could get 500mts only. I am not able to tune the circuit meaning to say that the oscillator and the tank circuit are not at same frequency and because of that I am getting signal at many places on fm band ie harmonics . how to tune such transmitter pls help. like in this you have got 4 trimmer capacitor how to tune them? which one should I tune first.pls help

    Reply

    • disconnect the last T5 stage which has the antenna, and optimize the two trimmers to get maximum silence (null point) in the FM radio positioned at about 10 meters away, once this is achieved connect the T5 back and repeat the process without an antenna at a greater distance away from the transmitter.

      Reply

  4. Hello sir, My name is pakpa. I want to know something that is there any possible way to convert rc remote control car's remote to fm transmitter. Kindly help me.

    Reply

  6. I want to do 5 kms FM transmitter but i have no idea because i don't no which things i should brought and where should brought and i don't no modul of board

    Reply

    • first you must build and try small designs, if you succeed with those, you can gradually go for more complex and long distance versions….

      Reply

  8. Hi yasif peerally can you please share the PCB or the design you have used for making the transmitter

    Reply

    • Arka, please click on the diagram to enlarge and copy the part name which are mentioned beside the respective symbols, if you show this list to the shopkeeper he will understand and give you the required material.

      but please remember this project is for the experts who may be well versed with RF concepts, it's not for the newcomers

      Reply

    • Sir,
      I am a law student and have not enough knowledge about radio frequency to make this project. But, I am very much interested to build a FM transmitter with not less than 5 km range. I will be very glad if you tell me the complete parts list and guide me further.
      Thanks for keeping patience to help this newbie.

      Reply

    • Sir,
      First of all, thank you very much and "PRONAM". Now, I'm going to make that FM bug transmitter. I will be very glad if you also send me the link of 500 meter range transmitter. I hope, you will guide me. And again, thanks a lot for your prompt reply and guiding me.
      Arka

      Reply

  14. Dear Swagatam,
    Can I add MPX(stereo, RDS) at the audio input of this transmitter? In manual it says it can be transmitted by every transmitter that hasn't low pass filter at the beginning.

    Best regards,
    Himzo

    Reply

    • I almost got all the components except the component between
      T4 and T5 labeled as 100/0.5w,connected with 10 micro farad, i don't know it's name and purpose.
      can you tell me about the antenna and the pcb choice, please?
      it will be nice if you put the video of how to construct.

      Reply

    • it's a resistor, a 100 ohm, 1/2 watt

      please remember that RF circuits are never easy, and it must be only tried if you are well versed with RF transmitter concepts or under the supervision of an expert in the relevant field

      initially you can try a 12 inch flexible wire as the antenna, if everything goes well then you can replace it with a yagi type antenna

      video is not possible sorry

      Reply

  24. how can i get the complete write up for this particular fm transmitter circuit,i was asked to construct it but am through with the construction remaining the write up need some help from you

    Reply

    • you are welcome!

      RF Transmitter coils normally are not specified with inductance values because the values can be so less that your meter won't have the range to measure them…so the physical specs are the one that you'll have to rely on.

      Reply

  26. Hi Swagatam, Is it possible to use this transmitter to transmit PWM signal to control DC Servo Motors? Would be grateful if you could answer the question. Thank Raj Sherikar

    Reply

  27. heyy !! this is ritwik . i need to make a simple wireless transmitter and reciever of range upto 50 metres . the idea is to make a transmitter which could transmit the signals in the particular range of 50 metres and any reciever coming into the range must get he signals from the transmitter . please help me with this .

    Reply

  29. what is 100/05w in the second stage? is it a resistor? and 10uf in the same stage ? is it something for a surface mount? because i'm working on a through hole board so what is its alternative?

    Reply

    • 100/0.5W is obviously a resistor and 10uF is after this resistor
      surface mount is not compulsory but will work better…make sure the PCB is maximum area merged with the negative line.

      Reply

  32. Sir does this transmitter will work the same with a two way wireless telephone system?
    or if you would mind do you have a reliable two way wireless telephone Diagram
    that I can borrow? 🙂

    Reply

  34. Dear Engineer,
    If I want to get 10km Range then what no of transistor should be used in this circuit.
    Also suggest what type of antenna is suitable for it ?

    Reply

  36. Engineer, I encountered a problem with the FM transmitter circuit. This was because of my system's resolution that I cannot understand the value of the upper resistor connected to collector of T1. It looks like 10k, 15k or 18K. Please, make it more clearer specifically.

    Reply

    • Adam, click on the diagram to enlarge it, and you'll be able to see everything distinctly….T1 collector resistor is a 330 ohm resistor…how do you see it as 15k, or 18K??

      Reply

    • L4 has two terminals, one is connected with T5 and the other terminal is connected to the 100 ohms resistor. So i should applied my 12v to the terminal that is connecetd with 100 ohms resistor?

      Secondly, i am not understand the symbol of 10 uF capacitor that connected with 100 ohms resistor

      Reply

    • 12V supply will go to the 100 ohm and L4 junction line.

      the 10uF capacitor shows one terminal connected to earth, that's the negative terminal of the capacitor, the lower one, the upper one is connected with the positive line.

      Reply

    • Sir, the normal variable capacitor has three terminals, so how can i connect the variable capacitors in this circuit sence the circuit diagram indicates only two terminals.

      Secondly, i need more explanation about varicap diodes.

      Thanks for this greatful work

      Reply

    • for the variable capacitor you can use the center terminal and any one of the other two terminals, the remaining one can be left unused.

      varicap diodes change and adjust their capacitance value in response to the varying amplitude of the input frequency providing the most optimal input feed for the preamplifier stage

      Reply

  40. thanks for your respond but I actually need a seperate receiver circuit instead of the fm radio reciever seperatly. what I actually want to do is incorporate the receiver into the transmitter system as a device for distance learning.

    Reply

    • For converting the above design into a long range walkie talkie you can make a small FM radio and use it with the above transmitter circuit but I am not sure how the units would interact while operating on different frequencies..

      Reply

  41. I love this design I have made it but not tested yet because I need a receiver that can work for it. please post one to me please its urgent. because this is my final school project.
    and how can I make another person talk back to the receiver from another transmitter.
    you send to to my mail box at ochar2men@gmail.com

    Reply

  44. you have any simulation of this circuit?FM transmitter is my semester project and bb139 is not available in my city please suggest me any other varectror diod which i can use instead of it.

    Reply

    • sorry, no I do not have any simulation for this design. you can try any other equivalent for the shown varactor diode, it's not too critical.
      please not that the above circuit may not be so easy for a newcomer, I would recommend you to search for a design which has a PCB layout.

      Reply

  45. is it possible to use this module as rc plane controller with multiple channel ? i want to make my own long range rc transmitter and receiver…

    Reply

  50. helo i bought BB122, i made up to T1 and 10pF capacitor, and as u explained above, i cant hear any blank disturbances in a near by radio, kindly help me

    Reply

    • you will need to build upto T4 minimum to make the transmitter work.
      tomorrow i would be publishing another similar circuit, but with much easier design, i would suggest you to try that instead of this.

      Reply

  52. hey swagatam, i'm trying to make a transmitter that can send a continuous signal to a receiver i dont have to transmit audio signals can that can be done with your circuit if yes how and what changes i have to make in your circuit to do that. Also can i change frequency of transmitter when its on.and how can i find which frecquncy is currently transmitted by the circuit. please answer my queries.
    sorry for my bad english.

    Regards

    Reply

    • Hi Amol, by continuous signal do you mean a blank signal which will produce a null spot in the receiver? It can be done by not connecting the input to any kind of signal source. keep the input connected to ground and tune the transmitter to get the required null spot in the receiver.

      Reply

    • Thanks for the reply Swagatam, acctully i'm trying to make a reciever that collects signal from your transmitter and sends signal or current to base of a transistor and another circuit is connected to emitter and collector of that transistor, so when base gets current the another circuit gets complete.Please he me to make the reciver circuit or is there a better way of doing it.

      Reply

    • Thanks Swagatam, firstly my requirement of range is minimum 1 km as it is a aeroplane and also using the professional RF modules with encoder decoder chips need to be programmed and the will affect my budget the engine is ready but I need something to control the flaps.Can you suggest another way. I think that the same thing(Transistor part of my reply) can be achieved with AM technology I have receiver design but not sure that it will work.Please suggest me a AM transmitter design

      Reply

    • Hi Amol,

      sorry, I don't have an AM transmitter design with me.
      Moreover when it's an airplane that you want to control, only FM technology would suit better because AM could be inaccurate and include disturbances in the signal.

      RF modules does not require programming, they can be procured readymade but I am not sure about their maximum range, I have never seen a 1km RF remote control device in the market.

      Reply

  53. Dear Swagatam,
    I would like to have a receiver for this transmitter for switching purpose, is it possible and logical??
    or you advice me to better look for another kind of transmitter. Clarify to me please.
    Regards.

    Reply

  56. ok thanq sir iam intrest long range fm transmitar circuit i made it ,so this circuit meterial components and cabinet your buying and send coriear my adress pleese sir ,this circuit price telme i paying your account pleese telme your nomber

    Reply

    • Hello Basha, I don't have a PCB for this design, and also I cannot find the transistors in my local shops, so I am also having difficulty in making this unit, in future if I am able to arrange all these I would surely do it for you.

      Reply

  59. Hi! I have a ready made car fm trasmitter which reads n play music on memory cards, but d distance @ which it transmitt is no more than few yards or so. Can u pls help with a circuit to boost it transmition rang to _+_ 10km. Could it b feasible? Pls reply

    Reply

  61. can i use this circuit for transmit my wifi signal within range 5 km ?

    do you have any other circuit for transfer/receiver wifi signal in long range ?

    Reply

  63. Hey swagatan , i'm new in dis ur wounderfull an very intresting blog, I'm a computer science student i need some help about that fm transmiter u are talkin about, all those thing u name the requiremet i dont no how to arrange them to form the transmiter circuit pls help me , an u can send me more explaination on my email: umaryie@gmail.com.
    Thanks regard.

    Reply

    • Hi Umar,

      The above design would be difficult to build for any beginner.

      You will have to first order make a well designed PCB, and then assemble the shown parts corrects and then adjust the parameters with a lot of care.

      Reply

  64. Welldone Sayyad, i hope you can make one.
    If i understand your question, the circuit is only a transmitter and you can use ordinary fm radio and receive your broadcast.

    Reply

  65. That means you have to build a tranmitter and a receiver for a 2way communication. Is there a way of making it a tranceiver? When applying an audio to the modulator stage can you create a wave form within the audio frequency spectrum and mix it, and at the receiver stage intergrate it to produce the real audio eg a 1khz tone ? Thanks.

    Reply

  66. Dear swagatham,
    Please explain the following coil (especially sivered copper and enamelled copper)
    L1 = 5 wounds / 23 SWG / 4mm silvered copper
    L2 = 6 wounds / 21 SWG / 6mm enamelled copper
    L3 = 3 wounds / 19 SWG / 7mm silvered copper
    L4 = 6 wounds / 19 SWG / 6mm enamelled copper
    L5 = 4 wounds / 19 SWG / 7mm silvered copper

    Reply

    • Dear KV George,

      wounds refers to the number of turns

      SWG refers to wire thickness

      mm refers to the diameter of the coils.

      silvered means wires with silver coating, but it's not absolutely required, you may use super enameled copper wires as used in fan winding.

      Reply

    • Dear Sayad,

      the coil are hand wound using the indicated copper wire sizes.

      the transmitter signal can be heard over any standard FM radio with bands between 88MHz and 108Mhz

      Reply

  67. Dear Swagatam

    The communication will be heard by others having an FM band radio in the area. Is it any way that it can be mixed up with some harmonics/ noice and receiver can filter that specified harmonics/ noise (encrypt/ decrypt) so outsider may only hear noise while actual couple may chat easily.

    Regards

    Sam

    Reply

    • Dear Sam,

      mixing up with harmonics would make it complicated, a simpler way would be to tune the FM transmitter on frequencies out of the normal FM band, that is either somewhere above 108MHz or below 88MHz….

      Regards.

      Reply

    • Frequencies starting from 108MHz and up to 118MHz are used for aviation navigation (and above 118MHz for aviation communications). Never transmit to these frequencies, or by poor visibility an aircraft may crash over your head…
      And below 88MHz you will be chating with the firefighters or the police…

      Reply

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