Parts for transistor radio projects

[Dan Moos]

I got into electronics as a child in the '80s. The typical hobbiest then would have done a lot of transistor radio stuff, but after my first crystal receiver, I moved in to different things in the hobby. I've always wanted to fill this hole in my experience though.

My main hurdle is parts. Specifically, the little can inductors and transformers with the adjustable ferrite slugs. To be clear, I CAN find them at mouser, but I have know idea what values to get for general experimentation. I'm looking for either a kit loaded with the commonly used ones, or at least a shopping list of what those common values are so I can assemble such a kit.

[Zero999]

What sort of transistor radio?

FM, AM?

Is it going to be a simple tuned circuit with an amplifier or a superheterodyne receiver?

The transistors are generally not critical, although you want something relatively high power to drive the speaker.

[ledtester]

Have a look at the Elenco AM/FM radio kit

You can find the assembly manual here:

https://www.elenco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/AMFM-108CK_low-res-2.pdf

[MasterT]

Aliexpress sells transistor radio kits, I've build one myself when nostalgia hit me.

[Benta]

The little can inductors/transformers were once sold as sets, like mixer, 1st IF, 2nd IF etc. You might be able to find a set somewhere.