Table of Contents
The function of transistors in radios is straightforward. Sounds are recorded through a microphone and turned into electrical signals. Those signals travel through a circuit, and the transistor amplifies the signal, which is subsequently much louder when it reaches a speaker.
Do transistor radios still work?
Transistor radios are still commonly used as car radios. Billions of transistor radios are estimated to have been sold worldwide between the 1950s and 2012. The pocket size of transistor radios sparked a change in popular music listening habits, allowing people to listen to music anywhere they went.
Can you use a transistor radio to contact someone?
Smallest Radio Circuit Using Two Transistors. Wind L 2 over L 1 which is 10 turns of the same wire. But sometimes all you need is to lay back with a simple transistor radio, like in the old days. With the proper setup, you can talk to people even across continents.
What is a transistor in a radio?
A Transistor radio is a radio receiver which uses transistors to amplify the sound. Transistor radios can be cheap and small and some use very little electric power. Some can amplify the weak radio waves that are usually not picked up by weaker vacuum tube radios. Soon, vacuum tube radios became rare.
What is the difference between a radio and a transistor?
A transistor is a semiconductor device used in electronic circuits as to function as “on” and “off” switching and amplifying device in the electronic circuits. Radio is a device which transmit and amplifies signals.
Are transistor radios valuable?
Today pocket transistor radios manufactured in the 1950s are very collectable. Some models are highly sought after by collectors and regularly sell for hundreds of dollars. It is not uncommon to find a transistor radio at a yard sale for $4 or $5 and sell it the next week for several hundred dollars.
What do transistors do?
transistor, semiconductor device for amplifying, controlling, and generating electrical signals. Transistors are the active components of integrated circuits, or “microchips,” which often contain billions of these minuscule devices etched into their shiny surfaces.
Who invented transistor?
The three physicists who invented the transistor; William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain were awarded with the Nobel Prize. Considering the inventions that the transistor paved the way for, one could argue that it was the most important invention of the twentieth century.
How much did a transistor radio cost in 1960?
The more modest radios were around $70– about $1,050 today. By the 1960s TV had already become the biggest home service. However, the portable transistor radio was all the rage and cost a premium for such a small piece of equipment. A Sony 8-channel transistor radio with batteries cost $49.95.
Does a transistor radio transmit?
These linked semiconductors, called a transistor, received and transmitted radio waves in greater capacity and with greater clarity than the vacuum tube devices.
What is transistor and symbol?
Transistor Symbols The symbol of NPN and PNP is shown in the figure below. The arrow in the symbol indicates the direction of flow of conventional current in the emitter with forward biasing applied to the emitter-base junction. The only difference between the NPN and PNP transistor is in the direction of the current.
When did portable transistor radios come out?
The Regency TR-1 hit stores on October 18, 1954. It received AM stations and sold for $50, the equivalent of more than $400 today. Although a limited number of portable radios using vacuum tubes had been available, the TR-1 immediately transformed the state of consumer radio technology.
What replaced the transistor radio?
By the 1970s and 1980s, the Walkman (see entry under 1970s— Music in volume 4) essentially replaced the transistor radio, due to its superior sound quality and ability to play cassette tapes.
Are transistor radios analog?
Larger transistor radios received FM broadcasts as well. Both AM and FM radio circuits were analog. Nowadays integrated circuits allow such complexity and speed and are so inexpensive that it is feasible to use digital methods to modulate and demodulate audio, so we are seeing digital radios.
What is an old radio called?
An antique radio is a radio receiving set that is collectible because of its age and rarity.
How far can a handheld radio transmit?
So realistically, for two people carrying a handheld two-way radio, the maximum communication distance on flat ground with no obstructions is around 4 to 6 miles. So you may be wondering why you see radios that have range claims of 25 miles or higher.
What is an old transistor radio?
Generally, the most collectible transistor radios are those made in Japan from 1956 to 1963 and in America from 1955 to 1960, but by the early ’60s, many American companies had opted to have their radios made in Japan.
What is a good AM FM radio?
Our Top Picks Best Overall. Sangean PR-D18BK AM/FM/Portable Digital Radio. Best Overall Analog. Panasonic Portable AM / FM Radio. Best Bang For The Buck. Sony ICFP26 Portable AM/FM Radio. Best Emergency. Kaito KA500 5-way Emergency AM/FM/SW/NOAA Radio. Best For Camping. Best Waterproof.
How does a transistor amplify?
A transistor acts as an amplifier by raising the strength of a weak signal. The DC bias voltage applied to the emitter base junction, makes it remain in forward biased condition. Thus a small input voltage results in a large output voltage, which shows that the transistor works as an amplifier.
How do diodes work?
A diode is an electronic component that directs the flow of electricity in one direction. They are called “active components,” the same as transistors and ICs. When a voltage is applied, the free electrons in the metal crystal move around and carry an electric charge, which is how electricity flows.
Why transistors are so important?
Transistors make excellent electronic switches. They can turn currents on and off billions of times per second. Digital computers use transistors as a basic mechanism for storing and moving data.
