Question about output stage of simple FM Transmitters

[Electrojosh86]

I figured I'd ask another question since you guys on this site helped me out awhile back. I started making FM low power transmitters after getting some pointers from a posting on this site and fixing my mistakes and now I am cranking them out and all work, but there is one question that I did not ask. When it comes to the output stage, usually the buffer, I was wondering if you have to use a RF transistor or just any old transistor in place.

Example:

https://electronics-diy.com/tx200.php

Say I put an RF Transistor in place of Q1 and just a plain ol' 2n2222 ,2n3904, or 2n5088 NPN's on place of Q2. Will Q2 still work as advertised? Or should both be RF just in case?

Also, unrelated question. What is a better way of etching little pads or, as I call them, tracks into PCB? Like the radioshacks doublesided PCB. I use a Dremel with a small etcher bit and it works pretty well but when it comes to smaller PCB's I want something more percise. Simply cutting it with a razor seems not to work though. Unless heated?

Thank you! Also, take it easy on me. Just trying to learn.

 

[BigBoss]

If you use those AC transistors at stand of BF199, the oscillator may not oscillate.This is valid for Q2 too.( Amplification may be low or insufficient)
Because RF transistors are quite different than AC Low Frequency transistors and the design has been done for these transistors mentioned,
But it's worthy to try,they can also work ..
For RF circuits, I recommend to use chemical etching instead mechanical etching.Draw a proper PCB by using free PCB design program and order this PCB to a small quantity manufacturer.I believe there are tons of small qty PCB manufacturers in US.It will be more sophisticated and you can also have thru hole plated PCB that is highly recommended for RF circuits.

 

[betwixt]

They should both be RF types.

How are you making your boards at the moment? I'm confused by you saying you 'etch' them with a dremel. Etching is a chemical process and can give you very tight tolerance and very thin tracks if done properly. A Dremel in comparison (without predjudice to their products), is like making fine jewelery with an angle grinder!

Brian.

 

[Electrojosh86]

Simple enough, I'll just keep them both the same RF transistor that I am using. Do not recall which one I have. I am sorry that I am confusing with the term 'etch' with using a Dremel but I do not have a picture for what I am doing. It does work though but just looking for somthing that is not chemical ( knowing me, I'd spill acids all over the place ). I do not have the required knowledge nor equiptment for chemical etching even though I'd like to give it a try one day.

Also, I have made some fine jewlery with an angle grinder! Though, looked like crap... That was a joke!

Thanks for the help!

 

[betwixt]

I have visions of something looking like a Diesel truck engine on a gold chain around your neck!

Chemical etching isn't difficult and if you are repeating a design it's much quicker than grinding copper away. One artwork, produced on a computer can be re-used over and over again.

Brian.