Introducing the new FM-DW 2.0 module to convert your old radios to the FM band

[david winter]

I'm glad to announce that the new version of my FM-DW module will be available soon.
It is being manufactured at the moment, and final tests will be done as soon as I get them.
I expect to make them available in the next two or three weeks.

Functional improvements:
- Added 5V DC regulated output (max 50mA) for small add-on
- Added a dual color status LED for easy setup
- Added stereo option in setup
- Added 50µs / 75µs de-emphasis choice in setup
- Module can now be reset after setup
- Improved firmware and tuning

PCB improvements:
- Added a silkscreen for easier installation
- Round corners and thiner (thus lighter) pcb
- Replaced the flat push-button by a better model for easy manual operation
- Added a pad to connect a separate push-button
- Enlarged Antenna and Tuning Capacitor pads
- URL of this page on bottom layer

Click the link in my signature to see all details

[david winter]

Small, obvious correction: in the PCB improvements section, the last line should read "URL of module details on bottom layer".

[agardiner]

Well done David and thanks for continuing to invest in them. As someone who has bought a number of these from you, I am pleased with how well they work. They will become ever more necessary for individuals who want to keep an heirloom working as AM services continue to dwindle.

[david winter]

An even better news: I am now designing an add-on module called "AM Saver" which will allow switching the tuning capacitor and audio between the radio's original AM bands and the module's FM band. All you will need is to power the add-on as you power the module, and one external switch (the PU switch in many cases). Stay tuned !

[david winter]

My quick work of the day, which I called FM-DW AM Saver.
This tiny module (about 30mm x 30mm) allows switching between the AM bands of your radio and the FM band of the FM-DW modules using one single switch.
It is even compatible with the version sold until now, and the incoming FM-DW 2.0 both in mono and stereo modes.
Basically, it connects the tuning capacitor either to the FM-DW module or to the AM tuner, and connects the LF amplifier's input(s) either to the AM detector stage or to the FM-DW output(s).
If you're running out of space, the two holes next to the tuning capacitor pads allow superposing it to the FM-DW 2.0 module's right side.
A bit tricky but when I saw that both had almost the same heights, I couldn't resist matching them !
I just finished the main design and still need to have a few panels made for testing and eventually order the batch.
Hoping this will allow more radios to use the FM-DW for those who still listen to AM.

[agardiner]

OMG. Can't wait!

[david winter]

Even better... Guess why the new AM Saver got a little bit bigger: the round pads connect to those of the FM-DW underneath...
Still waiting for the poll to reveal the interest in it.

[agardiner]

Poll?

[david winter]

Originally Posted by agardiner

Poll?

I asked the mods to add a poll that I forgot to add while creating the thread (can't be added after that).

[Ian B]

This would make an ideal birthday present ( to myself!).

I'd like one please David.

Ian Blackbourn

[david winter]

Hello Ian,

If there's enough interest in the AM Savers I'll surely let you know when they are available.
Stay tuned !

[Refugee]

I have been looking for a tuner that can be pulled from an old set and located in the loft above all the noise to overcome poor reception.
There might be some value in a voltage tuning kit.

[david winter]

Originally Posted by Refugee

I have been looking for a tuner that can be pulled from an old set and located in the loft above all the noise to overcome poor reception.
There might be some value in a voltage tuning kit.

I don't really catch your message but the FM chip obviously uses a voltage-controlled FM tuner (varicaps).

[david winter]

Here is the final concept of the AM Saver, which sits over the FM-DW 2.0, thus reducing the volume to the strict minimum: it adds only a few millimeters to the height of the combo.

The AM Saver is compatible with the previous version of the FM-DW module, although it needs to be installed next to it (or using some wire hard enough to maintain both together).

Four pads were placed over those of the FM-DW so that simple vertical straps connect the two together.
Two holes help pressing the setup push-button and seeing the setup LED.

I think this add-on is quite finished, so I will wait a little for the reactions here and elsewhere to decide how many will be produced. Of course the documentation will be available soon on the usual FM-DW page.

[Refugee]

Originally Posted by david winter

I don't really catch your message but the FM chip obviously uses a voltage-controlled FM tuner (varicaps).

Basically the FM reception is awful in almost all of the downstairs of my house and sometimes gets wiped out by hover-board chargers next door.
There are power cables to the rear at upstairs head height with drop wires to the meters.
Stereo reception is only reliable above the power cables.
A receiver at the base of an aerial in the loft with remote tuning is my preferred solution.
The signal would come down as audio.

[agardiner]

Count me in David. Initial quantity really depends on price. I keep several of your FM modules in stock; most customers seem to either like to keep a set original, or want FM. So I don't see as many of these being needed as FM modules, but equally would be great to offer this to customers. Perhaps it would even mean more people would like to add FM.

Do you have any idea of price yet?

[david winter]

Originally Posted by agardiner

Count me in David. Initial quantity really depends on price. I keep several of your FM modules in stock; most customers seem to either like to keep a set original, or want FM. So I don't see as many of these being needed as FM modules, but equally would be great to offer this to customers. Perhaps it would even mean more people would like to add FM.

Do you have any idea of price yet?

The module should stay at the same price.
The AM Saver I have no idea yet.

[Electronpusher0]

I just tried to buy 2 of the FM-DW modules and unfortunately they are sold out.
Do you have any idea when they will be back in stock?

Peter

[david winter]

I guess you haven't read this thread
The new FM-DW 2.0 modules should arrive in the next two or three weeks.
The AM Saver add-on (read above) are now finished and I should get the first order filled in a few days.

[Electronpusher0]

Hello David, I did actually read the thread but the link in your signature line led to your website which has an option to buy, so I naturally tried to buy.....

I will be patient and wait.
Peter