Single Chip FM Radio recommendation

[Tim Vukman]

Hi:

I would like to add an FM radio as an alternate to the piezo alarm on a clock that I just finished building using a 28x.

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks

Tim

 

[andrewpro]

Well, phillips makes one that needs a ton of support components(though none are technically chips). I think the best route for single chip fm is the Silicon Laboratories chip...Si4700 or Si4701. It's the only TRUE single chip, no components design out there. All you need is power and a 32khz crystal. Only problem is that it's a 4x4mm qfn package. Youd have to be nearly comatose to solder it by hand <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


I think a much much easier route would be to get one of those tiny little FM radios from the dollar store, or wherever thier sold, and hack it up so it's under the control of the picaxe. Or, skip picaxe control and jsut have the alarm function turn it on and off, and other than that leave it to human control.

--Andy P

 

[Tim Vukman]

Thanks Andy:

I looked it up. Couldn't get the datasheet as they nedd a non-disclosure agreement signed. The picture of the chip pretty much says it all. No way I can solder that!

The dollar store option is viable, but not much fun.

Thanks

Tim