Medium Wave coverage is most useful, and the coil connection numbers are for the Denco (Clacton) “Blue” Range 2 valve type coil. This can be fitted in a 9-pin valveholder, or can be mounted by its threaded end, with leads soldered directly to the pins. Coverage in this circuit is approximately 1.6MHz to 550kHz, but can be varied to suit the receiver by altering the position of the coil core.
TR1, R1, C1 and C2 can be assembled on a small insulated board, fitted near VC1 and the coil. Two thin flexible leads run from TR1 drain and C2 (positive) to the coupling loop L1. This consists of fifteen turns of insulated wire, about 1in in diameter. Wind these turns on a suitable object, slip the winding off, and bind it with cotton to keep the turns together. Connections from
the booster to the loop should not be unnecessarily long - about 6in to 9in or so. The loop and its leads may all be one uncut length of thin flexible wire.
If it is convenient to place L1 on the receiver ferrite rod, without in any way disturbing the existing windings there, this provides the closest coupling. Otherwise, position L1 near the rod and its medium wave coil, but outside the receiver. Tune in a weak signal, with VC1 adjusted to peak this up to best volume, and check that L1 is providing effective coupling, as shown by best sensitivity. It is necessary to operate VC1 in conjunction with the receiver tuning, so its scale can be calibrated to agree with the receiver, by tuning in transmissions throughout the band.
L1 and the receiver should not be placed so that there is coupling back to the aerial coil or aerial, or instability may arise. This will cause whistles on all signals.
Best signal pick up will be by an outdoor aerial, and this can be some 20ft to 50ft or so of wire, as high and clear of buildings as possible. However, even a poor or short indoor aerial can be expected to give an increase in volume, especially if an earth connection is also available.
