Building a VK3YE Utility Oscillator
I wanted a general utility oscillator to use to test crystals and provide a signal I could use for calibrating/troubleshooting receivers
I found VK3YE’s wide swing oscillator on the Net years ago and I’ve built this circuit in the past for the same reason I need it now, and it worked out well for these purposes in the past, so I decide to use it again
I decided to mount the oscillator in an Altoids Tin, it’s a small case for convenience and metal for shielding, and it is readily available, and its relatively easy to install connectors in the sides
For a simple circuit, there are a lot of parts
The first step is mounting a BNC in the Altoids Tin to allow the signal to be connected to various outputs
For the construction of the circuit, I used a mix of Manhattan Construction and Ugly/dead Bug Construction
I picked a small copper clad circuit board and started a one end of the circuit and started building the circuit, using small pads to isolate components from the copper board as needed
For the construction of the circuit, I used a mix of Manhattan Construction and Ugly/dead Bug Construction
I picked a small copper clad circuit board and started a one end of the circuit and started building the circuit, using small pads to isolate components from the copper board as needed
I continued this method until the circuit was wired, I traced the circuit to verify it was constructed correctly before applying power
I powered up the circuit and using my frequency counter and N5ESE RF probe to verify the frequency was correct and checked the circuit output power
Uses for this circuit:
1 – QRP transmitter – need to add a key line, but not the best option
2 – QRP base for oscillator – Need to add buffers and follow on amplifier, but usable
3 – Signal Source for testing receivers – This is why I built it – place oscillator close to your radio and use to tune and test Receivers
A very Versatile circuit
Quick Video of the entire build process
VK3YE Wide Swing Oscillator Construction
