Building a DIY Radio Using an FM Module (by Mariobrossh)

Indice

If you love tinkering with electronics and are looking for a fun, easy project, building your own DIY FM radio is a great idea! In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a working radio using a ready-made FM module, a few additional components, and some simple wiring. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of electronics and end up with a functional and unique device to use every day.

Introduction

I’m sharing this little project mainly to showcase the potential of this simple FM radio module, bought online for just a few euros, which can receive radio stations in the 87-108 MHz frequency modulation range.

FM Radio Module

The module is ready to use just as shown in the photo. Simply connect a piece of wire as an antenna, a 5-volt mobile phone charger, and a pair of stereo earphones, and it will work right away.

FM radio module

This module (or a similar one) can be purchased by searching for "FM radio module" on major online stores.
If we want to use this module to build a radio or restore an old vintage radio, a few "tweaks" are all it takes, and you're good to go.

The Power Supply Circuit

In this case, the first step is to integrate the power supply circuit—like the one I salvaged from an old 5-volt USB charger—directly into the radio.

Power circuit of a battery charger

Building the Radio

In my case, to create the radio, I repurposed a speaker from a home theatre system and modified it to accommodate our little module. As you can see in the photo, I removed both the headphone jack and the mini USB connector for power supply due to space constraints.

FM radio module from which I have eliminated the headphone jack and the USB socket

Connecting the Speakers

So, I soldered the speaker wires, the power supply wires, and the antenna wire to their respective terminals.

I soldered the speaker, antenna and power wires

Modifying the Enclosure

Next, I drilled holes inside the enclosure to insert the pins for the two knobs and created a rectangular slot to make the small display visible.

Inserting the control module into the box

Adapting the Display Frame

I salvaged and modified a display frame to fit the slot made for the small display on the radio module.

I inserted a small frame over the display hole

Modifications to Make the Radio Portable

Next, to use the radio without plugging it in, I modified it by removing the 5-volt power supply mentioned earlier and replacing it with a Li-Ion battery along with a small module for battery management and charging, like this one.

Charging module for Li-Ion batteries

This can also be purchased by searching for 'Li-Ion battery charging module' on major online stores.
I placed the battery at the bottom right, the charging module at the top right, and a small switch in the centre to turn the radio off.

Modification to power the radio via a Li-Ion battery

Final Look of the Finished Radio

And here’s how my radio, crafted from the modified Home Theatre speaker, turned out.

Final appearance of the FM radio made

I hope this article has been helpful and interesting. Thank you, everyone!
Mariobrossh

P.S. If you have any questions, need advice, or simply want to let us know that you enjoyed the article, you can visit the Forum from which this article was derived by following this link:
https://www.ilsitodelfaidate.it/FDTForum/viewtopic.php?t=18714
Thank you
Luciano (Capitan Farloc)

Warning!

The advice and instructions provided on this site come from hobbyists rather than professional technicians, meaning there is no guarantee that they are accurate or represent the best solution.
Additionally, using the tools and techniques described here should be done with careful consideration of one’s own abilities.
These articles assume that the tasks will be performed by individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to use the required tools safely, without risking harm to themselves, others, or property.
Therefore, the owners of this site cannot be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages resulting from the application of the content found here.
Before undertaking any DIY activity, it is strongly recommended to read the Safety Notice, which provide a basic (though non-exhaustive) list of precautions to follow.

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