If you ever wondered how those early radio and wireless receivers from the 1920's worked, then why not build your very own. Or maybe you just want to learn how valves work, but are afraid to tackle a mains powered set, then try this battery powered kit, it is a great way to learn a new hobby!

The iGen regenerative radio receivers based on original 1920's and 1930's designs with a modern twist.

In 1912, the brilliant American inventor, Edwin Howard Armstrong, discovered a method of feeding the signal from the Audion's (tube) plate back through its grid, which increased the amplification capabilities of the circuit many times. He found that increasing this feedback caused the valve (tube)  to oscillate at radio frequencies. This valve (tube) made selective reception and amplification of radio signals not only possible, but easy. Armstrong's invention was unique in that it performed three functions in one circuit: it was a rectifying detector, a positive feedback amplifier, and a oscillator all in one envelope. This stunning invention, known as the "regenerative detector", raised the radio receiver to a level that made broadcast radio reception accessible to the masses of the world.

We offer two radio kits based on Armstrong's original designs, which were  popular to constructors through the mid 1920's and into the 1930's. Both kits are based on a two vacuum  tube plus solid state audio amplifier design. The larger kit  comes complete with a silk screened front panel, a rear panel and high quality speaker. The smaller kit is a complete regenerative receiver on a single printed circuit board.

Both the iGen receivers run off 12 volts, so are completely safe to build and use, no nasty high voltages, it is a great way to learn a new hobby!

Easy assembly - all the components are mounted on a high quality silk-screened fibre glass printed circuit board.

No coils to wind - that has already been done for you! And simple to follow instructions with both schematics and wiring diagrams!

You get a manual, all the parts including valves, sockets, jack plugs, tuning capacitors, coils, resistors, wire, nuts and bolts etc.

Specifications

• Type: Regenerative Hybrid Tube and Solid State
• Tube #1: RF Amplifier stage
• Tube #2: RF Detector stage
• Tuning: Air Variable Capacitor with built in 3:1 reduction
• IC Amp: 1/3 watt Audio amplifier stage
• PCB: high quality silk screened printed circuit board
• Front Panel: high quality silk screened panel (Note 1)
• Output: High quality 4 inch speaker (Note 1)
• Power 12V DC Batteries or optional 12V Mains Adapter
• Coverage: Broadcast Band /  Medium Wave
• Controls: Regeneration, Volume, Tuning
• Connections: Aerial, Earth, Phone

• UK 12V Mains Adapter see Part No IGEN-UK-PSU
• Set of Short Wave coils see Part No IGEN-SW-COIL
• Low Impedance Headphones see Part No IGEN-PHONES

Note 1: Available with iGen PLUS kit