Capacitor voltage importance

Submitted by ben oneill on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:53

Hi.
I have made a short wave receiver from a basic circuit I have in an old Dick Smith book (no. 2)
It is not working.
I am sure it is wired (soldered) correctly.
When I powered it up it went "click", and when I removed the battery it went "pffftzzz" and I'm sure I head talking at the same time - but only for a brief second.
I rechecked everything and found that a capacitor I had ordered was 470uF 10v, not 16v as required.
I got a replacement part and changed it but now it just goes "click". Nothing else.
The other thing is that 2 other capacitors are 10uF 16v, not 10v as described in the circuit.
I cannot seem to source the 10v ones.
I read somewhere that a higher voltage doesn't really matter.
Is this the case or do I need the 10v ones?

Please help

  Joined October 28, 2021      4
Thursday at 12:32 PM

Are you making this in perfboard or PCB?

  Joined February 12, 2018      696
Monday at 02:11 PM

Perfboard

  Joined October 28, 2021      4
Thursday at 12:32 PM

Perfboard

  Joined October 28, 2021      4
Thursday at 12:32 PM

Making RF circuit if Perfboard is complicated. Slight parasitic capcitance or inductance will drift the tank circuit. Try to make a PCB for the same with proper RF design tactics.

  Joined February 12, 2018      696
Monday at 02:11 PM

Oh. Thats a shame. It looked good.
I'll salvage some bits or just junk the lot.
I had some spare time and found my box of electronics with book and thought I'd try to make something.
Looks like I and don't
really understand what I'm doing.
Making a PCB is out of my depth and is more stuff I need to buy/learn about.
The wife also wants me to stop "mucking around" and get back to mowing lawns and stuff.
It was fun having a try though.
Thanks.

  Joined October 28, 2021      4
Thursday at 12:32 PM

Hahaha... That is a good one. One advice - Please do not start any electronics project in power electronics or in RF domain. It is complex.

 

However,  that book is a great one with many retro circuits. You could try other as well. I think that would be easier for you yet interesting.

  Joined February 12, 2018      696
Monday at 02:11 PM