OptimalLoadingofAudioTransformersforCrystalSetUse.docVIP

Optimal Loading of Audio Transformers for Crystal Set Use Crystal receivers have attracted for decades the attention of radio enthusiasts, mainly because of its low parts count and capability for long-distance reception when connected to an efficient antenna-ground system. Overall crystal set design (and construction) criteria try to get the most of the RF power intercepted by the antenna into the headphones, ultimately as audio-frequency power, this power being converted into sound by the hearing element. In recent years, utmost importance has been given to the utilization of matching audio transformers and suitable hearing devices for ultimate volume improvements in these receivers. Fig.1 shows the schematic diagram of a basic crystal set featuring an audio impedance-matching stage. This article will present technical material the author believes could be helpful to the hobbyist when selecting a suitable audio transformer for his set or when studying utilization of the one just found in the spare parts box. We shall begin making some basic power calculations. First, consider a sine-wave generator delivering power to a resistive load RL, as shown in Fig.2. Vg is the peak amplitude of the source voltage and Rg is the source resistance. The average power dissipated by RL is: …(1) where VL is the peak value of the voltage across the load. VL is computed as: Substitution into eq.(1) yields: Maximum power is delivered to the load when RL = Rg. In this particular case: …(2) This is the maximum available power. Next, consider the situation where RL differs from Rg and we still want the maximum available power delivered to RL. At audio frequencies, it is common practice to connect a matching transformer between the source and th