See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/261511666

An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby Monitoring

Article  in  European Academic Research · November 2013

CITATIONS READS

0 2,057

2 authors, including:

Percy Okae
University of Ghana
5 PUBLICATIONS   2 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Percy Okae on 23 April 2014.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013
ISSN 2286-4822, www.euacademic.org
IMPACT FACTOR: 0.485 (GIF)
DRJI VALUE: 5.9 (B+)

An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby Monitoring

PERCY OKAE
Computer Engineering Department
University of Ghana, Legon, Accra
Ghana
JOSHUA EKOW ANQUANDAH
Computer Engineering Department,
University of Ghana, Legon, Accra
Ghana

Abstract:
The FM transmitter bug is a very sensitive miniature FM
microphone transmitter that can be constructed from basic electronic
components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes.
Basically, it serves as a detective device to covertly monitor
conversations and can be considered as a surveillance device since it is
hidden from sight to avoid easy identification. The FM bug receives
sound waves preferably human voice through a microphone. The
sound waves are then converted into electrical energy and then back to
audio signal (sound energy) at the output end. Next, the sound waves
are amplified to a level that can be modulated over RF waves. The
electromagnetic waves that are constantly generated at the FM
oscillator stage are buffered with adequate power supplied to be
transmitted strongly through the antenna. Finally, the input audio
signal from the transmitter is output and retrieved from a broadcast
FM radio receiver. When it is installed at a premise assuming
conditions are favourable, one can tune in to any idle FM band and
listen to the output sound. In this research work, we seek to build a FM
bug tuned to a frequency of 101.6 MHz and operable within a range of
50 - 500 m. The design metrics are simulated using PSpice. At the end
of this design, the bug is embedded in a plastic toy meant for toddlers
so that the progress of the child while in the care of baby-sitters when
parents are away can be followed.

Key words: FM Transmitter bug, RF, FM radio receiver, PSpice,

Transistor, Inductor, Capacitor.

2176
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

1. Introduction

Major Edwin Howard Armstrong invented the wide

band Frequency Modulation (FM) in 1933. He advanced to the
experimental transistor which is the FM transistor. Later
General Electric and Zenith took out the licenses from
Armstrong to manufacture FM receivers. The FM band was
originally authorized by FCC in 1941 to occupy 42-50 MHz, but
by 1942 the FCC at the instigation of RCA/NBC and CBS
moved the FM band to 88-108 MHz. This precipitated the
invention of radio and FM devices of which the wireless FM bug
is one.
According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineering (IEEE) laws, the FM bug is a “free-use” device
without license. The law is important since the usage of the
device could invade privacy by retrieving other people’s voices.
There was then the need to protect the rights of users who were
not detectives.

1.1 Advantages of FM
 There is superior immunity to noise which is made
possible by the clipper limiter circuits in the receiver.
 There is effective stripping off of all the noise variations
which leaves a constant- amplitude FM signal.
 The electromagnetic wave generated at the oscillator
stage is very strong and can penetrate through walls
because of the transistor type BF199 VHF/ UHF RF
transistor features.

1.2 Weaknesses of the FM bug
The bug would not be able to transmit to longer
distances. This is because of the detective qualities and
sensitivity which limits its distance. The limited reach is caused
by transmission capabilities of the antenna and the amount of
power supply to the FM bug. The range of the FM bug is 50-500
meters. Anything beyond the range will not be transmitted over

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2177
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

the radio clearly and will be quite noisy. This is as a result of

distortions caused by obstacles. An open field that is beyond
500 meters will still be transmitted effectively because there
will be no obstacles such as trees, buildings and bad weather.
The power supply to the bug is 9v DC. The battery power starts
decaying after 8 hours of constant supply. This means
transmission range will be considerably reduced thus affecting
its effectiveness. Hence a circuit switch is included in the
design to preserve energy during its idle time.

1.3 Description of some components used

1.3.1 Microphone
The type of microphone used is the ‘Dynamic
microphone’. It is made up of carbon and a semiconductor
material such as silicon. The surface of the microphone is
covered with a very thin dielectric diaphragm. We refer to this
microphone as a current control microphone. This is because
the sensitivity depends on the amount of current flowing
through the terminals. The terminals the (-) negative and (+)
positive polarities. The positive terminal is connected to R1 and
C1. This shows that the positive end is the main terminal.
Meanwhile, the negative terminal is always connected to the
ground plane of the supply voltage. Since the bug is a small
device and should be concealed there is a need to use a small
type of microphone.
The function of the microphone is to pick up sound or
audio waves via its openings (diaphragm), which is converted
into electrical energy and back to sound energy or audio
signals.

1.3.2 Transistors
Basically, the transistors used for the wireless FM bug
are Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) and a type of the BJT
which is npn transistors [1].

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2178
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

1.3.2.1 2N5179 VHF/ UHF RF Transistor

Choosing 2N5179 VHF/ UHF RF Transistor has
tremendous advantages over the general- purpose component.
It is a high frequency device with a maximum gain of 200MHz
and a gain bandwidth frequency up to 1.4GHz. The 2N5179
is very good for oscillator design and small signal amplification
[2].

1.3.2.2 BF199/194 VHF/ UHF RF Transistor

BF 199 is also VHF/ UHF RF Transistor mostly used for
small signal amplification. The gain band is 200 and the
transition frequency, fт is 400MHz. It’s been noted to have high
quality features when used as RF buffer amplifiers. The unity
gain of this device is up to 400MHz. Making the device
available for TV receivers’ design and IF amplifiers design for
community radios and SSB meters radios. The transition
frequency is determined by the unity gain bandwidth. The D.C.
gain of 220 enables the device to be used in Class A, Class B
and Class C amplifiers [4][5]. High stability is guaranteed when
used as buffer amplifiers in RF stage.

1.3.2.3 BC547 Transistor

The BC547 is a medium gain, general-purpose transistor
purposely for signal generation, audio amplifiers applications
and low power consumptions. Usually the fт is about 250MHz
and has a gain of 330. The dc gain and frequency transmission
ensures wide usage.
Other features include:
 AF amplification
 Oscillation
 Switching capabilities
 TTL logic circuits

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2179
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

1.3.3 Diode, D1
The diode is a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The LED
lights to indicate that power has been supplied to the circuit.
Therefore the power is switched on [3].

2. Methodology of Research

The FM transmitter circuit developed is an RF circuit.

These are circuits that generate and transmit electromagnetic
waves. Virtually, all communication devices contain tuned
circuits. A tuned circuit is defined as a circuit made up of
inductors and capacitors that resonate at specific frequencies.
There are specially made RF transistors such as the 2N5179
transistor described above that are used in building the RF
circuit.

2.1 Assembling the components

To make the assembling easier, the smallest components
in terms of physical size were added first before the bigger-sized
ones. Also, to conserve space on the printed circuit board (PCB),
all the resistors were inserted standing up on one end. In this
experiment, a veroboard is used as the PCB and the dynamic
microphone is inserted with the pin connected to the metal
case, i.e. the earth (0 V) of the whole circuit. The electrolytic
capacitor must be folded over so that the PCB will fit into its
case. Also every precaution is taken to ensure that the turns of
the coils are spread about 1 mm or more apart to forestall
shorting in the circuit. All the components are firmly soldered
onto the PCB so that anytime the transmitter is being moved
around, the components remain stable. Finally, a PCB-mounted
single pole double throw (SPDT) switch is included in the
circuit so as to cut off power when the transmitter is not in use.
Table 1 below gives the list of components assembled in this
design project.

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2180
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

Table 1: Parts list of design components

Part No. Quantity Values Description
M1 1 (12-3)dB Microphone
R1, R3 2 22kΩ Resistor
R2 1 1MΩ Resistor
R8 2 47Ω Resistor
R5, R6 2 10Ω Resistor
R7 1 82-470Ω Resistor
R9 1 150Ω Resistor
R10 1 3.9kΩ Resistor
C1 1 0.1µF Capacitor
C2 1 10µF Capacitor
C3, C7 2 0.01µF Capacitor
C4 1 30pF Capacitor
C5 1 10pF Capacitor
C6 1 15-56pF Capacitor
C8, C10 2 .001µF Capacitor
C9 1 2-20pF Capacitor
VC 1 2.2-18pF Variable Capacitor (Varicap)
VC2 1 5.5-18pF Variable Capacitor
Q1 1 BC547 General purpose transistor
BF199/
Q2 1 VHF/UHF amplifier transistor
BF194
Q3 1 2N5179 VHF/UHF RF transisitor
L1 1 0.0156µH Inductor
L2 1 0.358µH Inductor
D1 1 Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Wire 1 1.6 m
Battery 1 9volts DC supply
Vero 1 circuit board (strip board)
SPDT 1 switch

2.1.1 Description of the circuit

This is meant to be a RF circuit operating around 100
MHz. The audio signal that is picked up and amplified by the
dynamic microphone is fed into the audio amplifier stage which
is controlled by transistor BC 547. One big advantage of the FM
bug is the absence of wires. The current that it also draws is in
the range 5-10 mA so that two AAA cells could last for many
months. The most critical part of the entire circuit is the
oscillator. Thus it must not be fidgeted with in any way when
EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013
2181
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

the transmitter is in operation because this will detune the

circuit completely. Since the coil is made of tinned copper, it
does not need any form of insulation. For this design, we used
four turns of coil of diameter 5 mm wound on a 3.5 mm shaft.
Care is taken to wound the coil in a clock-wise direction for
proper orientation and each end of the coil is terminated on the
veroboard. The designed transmitter operates in a three-stage
format by using a RF transistor in the output stage and a BC
547 transistor and a BF 194 transistor for the first two stages.
The varicap (variable capacitor) in parallel with the coils are to
ensure correct frequency tuning. The distance of transmission
will be affected by the prevailing conditions such as in the open
or in a building, the type of aerial used such as a single wire as
adopted in this project work or a dipole to enhance the range of
transmission. The operation of the three stages of the
transmission is given below.

2.2 System model architecture

The system architecture will consist of a three-stage 9-V
FM transmitter. The stages include:
 The audio amplifier
 The FM oscillator
 The RF Buffer/ Power Amplifier

Figure 1 Block diagram of wireless FM bug showing the three stages

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2182
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

2.2.1 Audio Amplifier Stage

Figure 2 Audio amplifier stage

The first stage of the design, which is the audio

amplifier, is a self-biasing common-emitter amplifier. The 0.1
µF capacitor isolates the dynamic microphone from the base
voltage of the transistor and allows only alternating current
signals to pass. Transistor, Q1 is an audio amplifier type of
transistor and can also be found in any audio amplifier. C1 is
coupled to the base of the BC547 transistor and the emitter
goes to ground. The resistors R1 and R2 are connected to the
collector side of Q1 as shown in figure 2 [6][7].

2.2.2 FM Oscillator Stage

The next stage is the FM oscillator stage as shown in figure
3 below, with C3 acting as a decoupling capacitor.

Figure 3 FM Oscillator module

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2183
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

The amplified microphone signal is injected into the

oscillator circuit so as to modify its frequency and subsequently
generate a frequency modulated (FM) oscillator. The fact is that
every transmitter needs an oscillator to generate RF carrier
waves. The coil, the transistor, and the feedback capacitor
constitute the oscillator circuit. At this stage an input signal is
not needed to sustain the oscillation given that the base-emitter
current of the transistor vary at the resonant frequency. This
will result in the emitter-collector current varying at the same
frequency. Finally the 1.6 m antenna connected to the output of
the oscillator picks up this signal and is radiated as radio
waves.

2.2.3 RF Buffer/Power Amplifier module

Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the RF buffer/power amplifier stage

Final amplification takes place here. An RF transistor is

needed to efficiently execute this. We use a 2N5179 transistor.
The portion of this last stage of the entire circuit embodying the
diode constitutes a peaking circuit. The peaking circuit is
simply an RF detector that uses diodes to charge capacitors. In
the circuit in figure 4 above, diode D1 charges C10 so it can
efficiently energize the tank circuit to generate the right
frequency.

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2184
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

3. Implementation and Testing

3.1 PSpice Analysis of Wireless FM Bug

The wireless FM bug transmitter can be analyzed by
simulating the design parameters using PSpice. Firstly, the
circuit is created with the PSpice software using the tools and
part list from the library. After the circuit has been designed
then there is the need for intepretation. The circuit is simulated
to interprete the current, voltages, power and sinusoidal wave
form display. The purpose of using the PSpice to simulate the
wireless FM bug is to affirm that the values of the inductors,
resistors and capacitors are as accurate as possible within the
bounds of tolerance [8][9]. As seen from figure 4, the current,
voltages and power values were calculated at the various
stages. The current, voltage, voltage differential and power
markers are the respective pointers as shown in figure 5 across
the circuit.

Figure 5 PSpice Circuit Analysis

3.1.1 Time Domain (Transient) Analysis

The graph in figure 6 shows the results after simulation
of the three stage transmitter circuit. The sinusoidal wave
represents the VHF sine wave that is radiated and transmitted
through the antenna. The period is 0<t<100ms, maximum step

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2185
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

size is 0.5ms and the voltage source is V1 [9]. The simulation is

analog. Studying the graph in figure 7 shows that the current
flowing through the wireless circuit stays constant.

Figure 6 PSpice simulation

3.2 Testing the FM Transmitter Bug

To test the transmitter, the oscillator coil is tuned
properly so that it transmits at the right frequency. This is
done using a plastic aligning stick for the adjustment. The
operating frequency of the oscillator is supposed to be very high
so every precaution is taken to avoid the use of tools such as a
metal screw driver, or even bare fingers which can detune the
oscillator. Both the FM transmitter bug and FM radio receiver
are switched on with the bug sited at one spot and the FM radio
receiver moved within the maximum specified distance of 500
m. The radio is then tuned to the specified frequency of 101.6
MHz and a voice message is then transmitted. Instantly the
background noise diminished and audible voice message is
heard. This was done within a building. To further test the
tenacity of the transmitter bug, the receiver is taken out into
the open way beyond the 500 m transmitting range. Under this
condition a voice message was still audibly received except it
was weaker and weakened further as the distance from the
transmitter increased.

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2186
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

3.3 Installation of the FM Transmitter Bug inside child’s

plastic toy
The installation of the device after successful testing is
equally important. For the kind of job it is meant to do, it must
not be detected by the object or target it is meant to monitor.
Thus in this application, the bug is embedded inside the child’s
toy and hermetically sealed to avert detection. This plastic toy
is then included among the collection of toys the child owns and
uses in playing regularly so that any cause for doubt or
suspicion is removed. The purpose of this design work is to
monitor a baby’s general progress over time in the absence of
its parents or even in their presence as well. However, the
major intent is for improvement in the care of the child. Thus
the child’s parents get to play back the recordings the hidden
device makes over regular time intervals and make the
necessary adjustments for the development of the child. This
way the parents can have an aid to follow the progress of both
the baby and baby-sitter.

4. Conclusions

In the end, the human voice received by the microphone

was clearly heard on 101.6MHz on the FM radio receiver
provided conditions for wireless communication are favourable.
For efficient operation, the FM transmitter bug must be
packaged in dielectric (insulator) material such as wood, plastic
and ceramic to enhance the flow of the electromagnetic wave
that is constantly being generated. Metal will be hazardous
since electromagnetic waves cannot penetrate through metallic
substances [10].
For the test of extending the range of the transmitter,
one could apply a dipole antenna instead of the half-dipole
antenna used in this design. We could improvise this by cutting
the half-dipole antenna into two, leaving half of it soldered into
the original antenna point and connecting the other half to the
+9 V pad. The two wires so obtained are now connected in

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2187
Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

opposite directions [10]. Thus a full-wave dipole antenna

complementing the AA power supply will very much extend the
range to which the FM bug transmitter can transmit.
Improvement in power supply would also extend the lifespan of
the bug. Instead of AA cells, we could use AAA cells which
naturally last several months. Moreover, the AAA cells also
have a positive effect on the range to which the transmitter
could work. Therefore, if the AAA cells are used together with a
full-wave antenna, we can attain a transmission range of 1 km
and beyond.
However, one particular factor that could cause the
design to fail would be poor soldering. Thus all solder joints
should be meticulously cross-checked under good lighting
[10][11]. Also care should be taken to make sure all the
components are in their correct positions on the PCB.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Boylestad, R.L. 2007. Introductory Circuit Analysis.

Eleventh Edition. Prentice Hall. [2]
DeCarlo, R. A., and P.M. Lin. 2001. Linear circuit
analysis. Second Edition. New York: Oxford Univ. Press. [4]
Floyd, T.L. 2007. Electronics Fundamentals; Circuits,
Devices, and Application. International Edition. Prentice Hall.
[1]
Floyd, T. L. 2007. Principles of Electric Circuits. Eighth
Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. [5]
FM bug. available at http://www.electronics-
lab.com/projects/rf/002/index.html; accessed Sep 10, 2013. [6]
FM Transmitter bug. available at
http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/circuits/rf/30wvhf.htm; accessed
Sep 15, 2013. [7]
Frenzel, L., Principles of Electronic Communication
System. Third edition, 1-20, USA, 2006. [8]

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2188
 Percy Okae, Joshua Ekow Anquandah- An FM Transmitter Bug for Baby
Monitoring

Hambley, A.R. 2008. Electrical Engineering; Principles

and Applications. Fourth Edition. Prentice Hall. [11]
Nilsson, J.W., and S. Riedel. 2008. Electric Circuits.
Eighth Edition. Prentice Hall. [3]
Streetman, B., and S. Banerjee. 2006. Solid State
Electronic Devices. Sixth Edition. Prentice Hall. [10]
Tobin, P., PSpice for Circuit Theory and Electronic
device. First edition, 1-24, Morgan & Claypool, Ireland, 2007.
[9]

EUROPEAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH, VOL. I, ISSUE 8/ NOVEMBER 2013

2189

View publication stats