ATC Link Training Radio

ATC (Brand), Australian Transistor Co. Pty. Ltd.; Box Hill, Vic

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  • Year
  • 1970 ??
  • Category
  • Service- or Lab Equipment
  • Radiomuseum.org ID
  • 358020

Click on the schematic thumbnail to request the schematic as a free document.

 Technical Specifications

  • Number of Transistors
  • 7
  • Main principle
  • Superheterodyne (common); ZF/IF 455 kHz; 3 AF stage(s)
  • Tuned circuits
  • 8 AM circuit(s)
  • Wave bands
  • Broadcast only (MW).
  • Power type and voltage
  • Alternating Current supply (AC) / 240 Volt
  • Loudspeaker
  • - This model requires external speaker(s).
  • Material
  • Printed Circuit Board
  • from Radiomuseum.org
  • Model: ATC Link Training Radio - ATC Brand, Australian
  • Shape
  • Miscellaneous shapes - described under notes.
  • Notes

  • This ATC Link Training Radio was a specialised educational tool designed for radio technicians, apprentices, and engineers in the late 1970s and 1980s. It was produced by Bob Neil, a former Advanced Technician Instructor at RMIT in the early 1970s, through his company Australian Transistor Company (ATC).

    Technical Specifications
    The radio features:

    1. An autodyne self-oscillating mixer using a modified 1st IF transformer as the oscillator coil
    2. A 2-stage IF amplifier with three 455kHz tuned circuits (IFT 1, 2, & 3)
    3. AGC developed by an OA91 detector diode, fed to IF amp 1
    4. Delayed AGC applied as a signal shunt for strong signals
    5. A half-wave envelope audio detector with RF output filtering
    6. A transformerless complementary symmetry audio amplifier with:
    • Two silicon class A cascaded preamp/driver stages
    • Two germanium class AB output transistors in series
    • NTC thermistor and emitter resistors for thermal stability
    • Maximum power output of approximately 1 watt RMS

         7. A simple half-wave rectified and filtered DC power supply from a 15V AC stepdown transformer

    Design and Performance
    The radio's design was straightforward yet effective, demonstrating good performance and stability despite its large breadboard layout. Its durability was evident in its ability to withstand handling by numerous students over the years.

    Production and Rarity
    Production was limited, estimated at around 1000 units, primarily for TAFE colleges. The rarity of these radios is notable, with only a few sightings in recent years.

    Educational Purpose
    The ATC Link Training Radio included two evaluation charts that described the faults produced for each RF and AF section of the radio and their subjective effects on performance.

    These charts were essential tools for students and instructors, allowing them to:

    1. Simulate various receiver fault conditions
    2. Assess the impact of different faults on radio performance
    3. Practice troubleshooting techniques

    The charts provided a systematic approach to understanding common radio issues and their symptoms, enhancing the educational value of the training radio.
    This feature made the ATC Link Training Radio an effective hands-on learning tool for radio servicemen, apprentices, and technicians/engineers in TAFE colleges.

    From an article supplied by Rod Humphris.

  • Author
  • Model page created by Gary Cowans. See "Data change" for further contributors.

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