AUDIOVIDEO SENDER CENTER

The audio-video sender center is a miniaturized broadcast TV transmitter that can be

used for transmitting programs from an Audio-Video USB Interface Player at a distance up to 20
meters. With this system, several TV sets can tune and monitor the same program from one
player at the same time. This can also be used for a computer with a TV output jack so that
several TV monitors can view the computer output at the same time without any physical
connections.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Audio-Video USB Interface Player consists internally of two major functional blocks.
One is the stored digital data and Universal Power DVD module which processes the signal
picked up from a flash drive into a composite video signal.
The other is the Modulator which transforms the composite video signal into an RF
signal suitable for transmission in a way thats no different from an ordinary TV broadcast, so
that the A/V USB Interface Player output can simply be directly fed to the antenna and without
any modification needed.
The built-in modulator is actually a complete-in-itself mini-TV transmitter. It is,
therefore, theoretically possible for a VCR output to be directly hooked up to a radiating
antenna and without need for a A/V Sender Center to effect wireless transmission.
Unfortunately, the RF signal of the built-in modulator is so weak that the TV receiver must have
an extremely low noise and highly sensitive front end (tuner) circuitry to be able to receive a
fairly good signal at a reasonable distance. Commercially, manufactured TV sets, incidentally,
are not made that good. Such a TV set can be designed and assemble but it would come out
very expensive to the point that it is already commercially viable. Furthermore, the weak signal
of a A/V USB Interface Player can easily be masked by external electrical noise and watching the
TV go haywire every time your sister uses the hair dryer or someone turns on the light in the
adjacent room is definitely very disgusting.
Thus this Audio-Video Sender Center is the media for transmitting the programs from a
single Audio-Video USB Interface Player to several TV sets. It is not only very convenient but
also relatively an economical and practical means for the home, office, or schools.

The Audio Video Sender Center is illustrated in figure 1. It is actually a low power TV transmitter
or in other words, a high power modulator, that radiates sufficiently strong RF signal for good
reception within the 20-meter radius range (indoor) for multiple or remote A/V USB Interface
Player program viewing. This range would sufficiently be enough to reach every TV set in most
Filipino homes without necessarily disturbing the peaceful coexistence of the people in the
neighborhood who may want to watch their own choice programs.
The A/V Sender Center modulator circuit mixes the composite video and audio signals
from the VCR with an internally generates RF carrier to form a correspondingly stronger RF
signal. This is then fed to a two-stage RF amplifier (Q1 and Q2) for amplification before finally
being fed into a radiating antenna for multidirectional wireless transmission.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The A/V Sender Center is very similar to that of the RF modulator circuit featured in
EE24. In fact, both use essentially the same modulator circuit based on Motorola MC1374 IC.
The main critical component of special concern here are coils L1 and L2. Coil L1
determines the RF frequency of the modulator, while coil L2 sets the sound subcarrier
frequency of the modulator. Video and Audio signals from player are fed separately to pins 11
and 14 of the MC1374. The Video signal modulates directly the RF generator, while the audio
signal frequency modulates the sound subcarrier, which is subsequently mixed to the video
signal prior to the RF modulation. The modulated RF signal appearing at pin 9 of MC1374 IC is
then further amplified by a couple of RF amplifiers formed by transistors Q1 and Q2. Signal take
off points for the antenna is through the antenna matching coil L5.
Briefly, the functions of each component may be described as follow:
Resistors R1, R2, and R3 set the DC bias of the sound subcarrier input (pin 1).
Coil L2 with capacitor C2 are resonant elements of the sound subcarrier oscillator while both C1
and C3 are just coupling capacitors.






AUDIO VIDEO SENDER CENTER
Parts List
Semiconductors:
IC1 -MC1374, TV Modulator Chip
Q1 -2SC1923, NPN RF Transistor
Q2 -MPS6507, NPN RF Transistor
Q3 -PN100 NPN Transistor
D1 -1N4148 Silicon Diode
D2 -1N5240/(7910), Zener Diode 10V
W
D3-D6 - 1N4001, Rectifier Diode 1 Amp.
LED -RED Jumbo, Light Emitting Diode
Resistors: (All are - Watt, 5% tolerance
fixed carbon composition type
unless otherwise specified.)
R1 -6.8 Kilohms
R2 -3.3 Kilohms
R3, R7, R21, R23 -2.2 Kilohms
R4-R6, R22 -470 Ohms
R8 -30 Kilohms
R9 -180 Kilohms
R10 -56 Kilohms
R11, R17 -220 Ohms
R12 -560 Ohms
R13, R20 -75 Ohms
Electrolytic Capacitors:
C8 -100 F/16V
C9 -1 F/16V
C10 -10F/16V
C17 -2200 F/25V
Special Type Capacitors: (All are rated at
50V.)
C1 -47 pF or 50 pF Ceramic, NP0
type
C2 -150 pF Polystyrene
C6 -70 pF Ceramic, NP0 type
C13 -22 pF Ceramic, NP0 type
C16 -18 pF Ceramic, NP0 type
CV1, CV2 -5-25 pF Trimmer cap.
Coils: (All are no.22 AWG magnet wire
unless otherwise specified. See text for
details.)
L1 -3 T x 3.5 mm diameter
L2 -Sound Subcarrier Coil, 21806/01-8
L3 -3 T x 4 mm Diameter
L4 -3 T x 4 mm Diameter primary,
-3 T x 4 mm Diameter secondary
L5 - Antenna Matching Coil

R14 -5.6 Kilohms
R15, R19 -1 Kilohms
R16, R18 -100 Ohms
R24* -390 Ohms
R25* -680 Ohms
RV1 -470 Ohms Trimmer
Ceramic capacitors:
C3, C5 -0.001 F/50V
C4 -0.01 F/50V
C7, C11, C14, C15 -0.02 F/50V
C12 -100 pF/50V
*note: R24 and R25 are soldered at the foil
side of the PCB.

Miscellaneous:
PCB - 1 pc.
HC851 enclosure 1 pc.
2.6 x 6 mm screw, ST 4 pcs.
RCA jack 2 way 1 pc.
3 x 10 mm machine screw with nuts 2 pcs.
T1 Transformer, 220 mA 1pc.
AC cord 1 pc.
SW1 DPDT slide switch
ANT 1.5 Telescopic Antenna with
matching base screw and solder lug 1pc.
35 mm Shielded wire 2pcs.
Soldering lead

Resistors R4, R5, and R6 similarly set the DC bias of the RF oscillator. Whereas, L1 and C6
set the RF oscillator carrier frequency.
R7 determines the gain of the RF oscillator. Resistance networks formed by R8 and R9,
and by R10, R11, and R12 also set the DC bias as of the sound and video inputs, respectively.
The audio input is capacitive coupled to the IC through C9, while the video signal is
similarly coupled through capacitor C10. R13 functions both as the dummy load resistance and
output bias of the RF output.
The first RF amplifier stage is formed by components R14, R15, R16, R24, C3, C14, VC1,
L3, and Q1.
The second RF amplifier stage is formed by components R18, R19, R25, C15, C17, VC2,
L4, and Q2.

CONSTRUCTION

The Home Video Distribution Center, being a very high frequency device, is very
sensitive to pc board component layout. Hence, proper care must be observed in constructing
this project to achieve the desired results. The PCB pattern shown in figure 3 has been carefully
laid out to minimize undesirable components interaction. Make sure that the PCB being used is
a truly faithful reproduction.
Here are the important points to consider when constructing. Dont ever miss any step.
1. Capacitors C2, C6, C13, and C16 are special type temperature compensated capacitors.
Do not substitute other types. These capacitors cost by as much as three times their
ordinary type counterparts but they can save you later on from troubles arising from
frequent realignment due to the influence of changing environment conditions on the
components.
2. Do not use a socket for MC1374. It is not advisable here because interactive capacitance
of the socket leads could influence the device frequency. Be very extra careful in
soldering the leads of the IC.
3. Coils L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 should be wound in a manner shown in figure 4. These coils
should be positioned in a manner that they can be automatically aligned in the position
shown in the photo once soldered into the PCB. (Observe that adjacent coils are
oriented 90 degrees or at right angles with each other.) Note that coil L4 consists of two
coils mounted very close together such that the pair appears as if they are a single
continuous coil.
4. The antenna matching coils is soldered directly to the matching base connector (solder
lug) of the antenna, and is oriented in standing position.
5. Keep all the components lead lengths to this barest minimum.
Needless to say, it is always worth observing the photos shown before starting
with constructing the project to avoid getting any discouraging results. The project may
be housed in an HC851 all-purpose housing. Thus, component mounting has been
tailored to suit this space.
The antenna is securely mounted to the enclosure with a screw in its base. The
antenna connection is made through a short bare wire soldered to one end of the
matching coil and the other end to the PCB point.
The audio input jacks should be mounted close as possible to their connection
points in the PCB.
A hole is bored through the battery compartment to fit the transformer in its
place. The power supply filter capacitor, owing to its size, is soldered onto the foil side
of the PCB and lying on its side to fit the available enclosure space.

ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE


After completing the project, thoroughly recheck all the soldered components
and other connections. All components must be in their proper locations and correctly
oriented according to their polarities or lead designations, as the case maybe.

Countercheck using the schematic diagram and parts list as guide. If everything is
correct, proceed with the alignment. You need a TV set to this; but not the so called
rechanneled types, a video tape recorder/player, a video tape, a plastic alignment
screw driver, and a small flat screwdriver.

Follow this Procedure:

1. Tune the TV sets to either channel 3 or 4 (whichever is free in your locality).
Turn RV1 fully clockwise, i,e., at its maximum setting.
2. Connect the Home Video Distribution Center to the VCR as shown in the illustration.
Both the VCR and the HVDC must be located at least 10 feet from the TV set during
the alignment.
3. Pull the TELESCOPIC antennas to their entire lengths of both the HVDC and the TV
set. Disconnect the lead wires of the TV aerial antenna outside the house.
4. Turn on the TV set, the HVDC, and the VCR, simultaneously. Feed the video tape and
have it played.
5. Slowly expand the coil L1 along its axis using the plastic alignment driver until the
VCR program appears on TV. Expand the coil until the best possible picture quality is
obtained. Adjust the TV fine tuning also for best results.
6. If the picture appears distorted, e.g., the picture is bending or silvery, slowly rotate
RV1 counterclockwise until the picture defect disappears.
7. Slowly adjust coil L2 for the best possible sound reception on TV.
8. If the picture and sound seems not tuning together, slightly expand or compress L1 a
little bit more and/or adjust the TV fine tuning control. Repeat step 6 until both the
sound and picture tune in.
9. Move the TV set antenna to any position until the TV pictures becomes snowy.
You could retract or make the antenna shorter if necessary or move the HVDC a
little farther from the TV.
10. Adjust CV1 for best TV picture quality.
11. Repeat step 8 if the picture is still unsatisfactory.
12. Adjust CV2 for best TV picture quality.

APPLICATION HINTS

The A/V Sender Center can be used with any type of video tape recorder equipped
with standard RCA jack for video and sound output. The video signal level output of
the player is factory adjusted at 1 volt peak-to-peak, which is the optimum signal the
Home Video Distribution Center can handle. Too much or too little would result to a
poor picture quality. Consequently, players that have been repaired must be
checked if the standard signal output level is still at the correct standard level.

The A/V Sender Center trims down excessive video signal through RV1 but wont
function if the output signal is already very weak.

The best location is the center most spot of the house. This would allow an effective
coverage span of 40 meters. Outside this range, reception is still possible but picture
and/or sound quality would deteriorate progressive with the distance.

One important thing to bear in mind: The A/V Sender Center WILL WORK ONLY
WITH TVs EQUIPPED WITH BUILT-IN RABBIT EAR ANTENNA. Disconnect the
external or the aerial antenna whenever would be used. Position as far as possible
from the TV set. Two meters would already be enough as the minimum distance to
avoid jamming other TV station reception.