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CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter explains in detail how the device will work and the components that will be
used for the device and how does the project will be developed and created.
Project Design
The device will be an aid to transmit a message or information wirelessly. It is the audio
signal which is being transmitted by the device to deliver the message to the other party or the
receiver.
The transistor used in this device is configured and whereby the clapp oscillator circuit is
mounted. The radio signal is generated by this which is basically constituted by two components,
namely the coil and the trimmer capacitor. Their function is to establish the tuning frequency
between 88 MHz and 108 MHz, which is intended to emit radio. The base bias of the transistor is
made by the ensemble formed by the two resistors, which determines the amount of current in the
base necessary for the putting into conduction. The transistor functions as the RF amplifier.
It is through a small microphone the sound will be produced and become reach the
oscillator circuit. The integrated circuit is an operational amplifier which functions as the pre-
A telescopic antenna of small dimensions is used to transmit the electromagnetic waves.
The device will be consisting of an audio signal, audio amplifier, modulator, filter,
frequency generator, an RF amplifier, and an antenna
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Figure 18: Block diagram of the operation of the Hearing Enhancer using Radio Frequency to the
receiver
AUDIO
SIGNAL
MICROPHONE
AUDIO
AMPLIFIER
MODULATOR
FILTER
FREQUENCY
GENERATOR
RF AMPLIFIER
FILTER
ANTENNA
FM RADIO
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FRONT VIEW

BOTTOM VIEW
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BACK VIEW
Figure 19: Proposed Project Design
Photo Courtesy of Milan, A. (2014)








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Project Development
This section provides the explanation on how the RF Hearing Enhancer will be developed
and created.


Figure 20: Block diagram of project development









PLANNING AND
CONDUCTING AN IN-
DEPTH RESEARCH
ESTABLISHING THE
INITIAL DESIGN
CANVASSING AND
GATHERING OF THE
MATERIALS
CREATING THE
PROTYPE
TESTING AND
EVALUATING
FINAL TESTING
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Activity 1: Planning and Conducting of an in-depth research
The proponents would brain storm for ideas and plan for definite project. They would
gather data through searching different websites, reading books and past research, and doing
interviews, and .

Activity 2: Establishing the initial design
The proponents must establish an initial design and selecting materials and/or components
that would be suitable for the design. Designing of the simulation and testing it is considered here.
Once the simulation and testing, the designing of the PCB is done after. The software must also be
considered for compatibility and synchronization purposes of each component. The price and
availability of the components must also be a factor to be considered in designing.

Activity 3: Canvassing for the components
After the establishment of the design, the proponents would be canvassing the
components needed. The most efficient but economical component must be chosen. Availability of
the components must be confirmed.

Activity 4: Creating the prototype
With the components complete, creation of the prototype follows. Proponents will use their
technical skills and follow the necessary steps in order for the prototype to be done based on the
initial design created. The PCB design should be checked here before soldering up all the
components to make sure that connections are right.

Activity 5: Testing and Evaluating
Troubleshooting skill of the proponents is important here. This is where the prototype is
being operated for the first time. Adjustments are done for the betterment of the prototype.
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Activity 6: Final testing
After making final adjustments, the prototype will again be tested.

Project Operation / Testing Procedure
The operation of the apparatus starts with the input of the audio signal coming
from the mic, which eventually, a human voice, to transmit an information.
The sound coming from the electret microphone, in this case, is amplified by two cascaded
operational amplifiers. These are then linked to the modulator. The audio signal is modulated onto
the radio frequency carrier. The modulated signal will then be filtered. After the filtration, the signal
is mixed with the output from the synthesizer to produce the desired output frequency. It is where
the transmitter will operate. This then passes into the RF amplifier and then is filtered again before
it goes into the aerial. The radio application of the mobile phone will serve as the receiver of this
device


Project Evaluation Procedure
Each component of the RF Hearing Enhancer should have passed quality standards. The
specification of the chosen components and materials should be the same as to what the project
design requires. It should be economical, efficient, and accurate.
Evaluation Criteria



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Instruments and Techniques used

The proponents used the primary and secondary sources of data to come up with a design
of an RF Hearing Enhancer. The primary data came from the interview and queries with people
who had experienced making transmitters. The answers provided by the interviewee were of a
help and served as guidelines in making this RF Hearing Enhancer.
The secondary data used are the related published texts, literature reviews, specification
sheets, newspaper, patent documents, journals and online sources. Moreover, the testing of the
prototype was done manually by the proponents. Each result was recorded.