FM-DW 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 main specs:

- Uses radio's dial for tuning. FM limits can be set for tuning in any direction.
- Preserves the radio's amplifier (tube or transistor).
- Standard 87.5 - 108 MHz FM band.
- Japanese FM bands (76 - 90 MHz / 76 - 108 MHz) supported (FM-DW 2.2 only).
- Can be AC powered by tube heaters circuit (parallel heaters only).
- Can be DC powered (4V to 16V - minimum 6V if using the +5V output).
- No additional controls required, no external mods !
- Compact and easy to install: 3 cm x 3.6 cm, three grounded holes.
- De-emphasis, mono/stereo and AFC choices in setup.
- On-board +5V DC regulated output (50mA max) for accessory (Bluetooth or other)
- Only requires a simple wire antenna (3ft is sufficient in most cases).


AM-Saver main specs:

- Sits over the FM-DW 2.0-2.2 modules.
- Power: 4 to 6 volts DC or AC (6.3Vac with diode in series).
- Preserves the AM bands using a single switch to commute between AM and FM.
- Can disable the AM frequency changer in FM mode if required.


Important notes:

The FM-DW 2.2 module (and older versions) can only work with an AM tuning capacitor.
The next version will add support for variable inductors (often used in vintage car radios).
If using the AM Saver, ensure that the tuning capacitor be not originally connected to high voltage otherwise the FM-DW module will be damaged by any residual charge when switching.
DAB/DAB+ radios can only be heard using a DAB/DAB+ to FM transmitter, which avoids altering the radio to insert additional controls and a LCD screen.

The AM bands can be preserved using the optional AM Saver "piggy-back" module or a custom switching circuit.

Installing FM-DW 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 alone
Refer to the next tab if AM bands are required.

The FM-DW module uses electrostatic sensitive devices: the installation and setup must be performed by a person with sufficient electronics background (especially in restoring vintage tube and transistor radios) to avoid damages, otherwise you are installing and using the FM-DW module (and eventually the AM Saver module) at your own risks.


Ensure that your radio is accordingly restored and that its amplifier works correctly.
Keep the radio unpluged from the mains during the whole installation procedure.
The mains switch of your radio must be clean and not produce excessive arcing.
If required, a suppressor capacitor may be added in parallel to it.


As we will no longer use the AM bands, the IF section is no longer required. Therefore, you may disconnect the plate and screen grid circuits of the IF tubes, and remove those IF tubes if their heaters are connected in parallel. If the high voltage increases too much after disabling the IF section, the DC filter should be adjusted with a higher resistor (or a resistor added in series with the speaker field coil).


Before all, the FM-FW module works under a temperature of maximum 50°C and must be placed far from heat sources such as rectifying and output tubes. It is recommended to place it under the chassis. Any heat excess will make the FM circuit drift, ranging from a reduction of the FM band to impossible tuning until temperature cools down.


Ground the FM-DW module to the chassis (very important with AC/DC sets).
Its three grounded holes allow a solid attachment.


The tuning capacitor's condition is critical: it must have no contact faults with the rotary part, no excessive dust between plates, and obviously no shorts. Such faults will distort the capacitance measurements, resulting in improper setup and/or unstable (when not impossible) tuning. The tuning capacitor's body must be grounded. In portable DC radios with a chassis connected to the +, ensure that the tuning capacitor's body be insulated from the chassis.

The tuning capacitor must be connected to the FM-DW module pad designated by a variable capacitor symbol. Ensure that nothing else is connected to the tuning capacitor (parallel capacitive trimmers can be left and set to their maximum). For short wave radios using a low capacitance tuning capacitor, it is recommended to group its sections to maximize its capacitance. In all cases, it is possible to add a fixed capacitor in parallel so that the maximal capacitance is around 1000pF. Also, ensure that the minimum capacitance is around 40pF or higher.


The FM-DW AC/DC in pad powers the module with alternative current (4V to 10V) or direct current (see below).
A heater winding delivering 4V to 10V AC can be directly connected to the FM-DW module if it has one grounded side and no center tap (Fig. 1). A voltage doubler is required if this heater winding outputs 2.5V to 4V AC (Fig. 2).
If the heater winding has a grounded center tap and outputs 2.5V to 4V AC, a voltage doubler is required (Fig. 3). If it outputs 6.3V AC, use either half with a voltage doubler as shown in Fig. 2.
Radios with heaters connected in series must use a separate DC power supply delivering sufficient current:
- The radio section of the FM-DW module draws under 50mA,
- When used, the on-board 5V regulated power supply draws up to 50mA,
- When using the on-board +5V regulated output, the minimum DC voltage is 6V (4V otherwise).

Fig. 1: powering the FM-DW module using a grounded heater winding of 4Vac to 10Vac.

Fig. 2: powering the FM-DW module using a grounded heater winding (2.5V to 4V AC) with no center tap.

Fig. 3: powering the FM-DW module using a grounded center-tapped heater winding (2.5V to 4V AC).

The FM-DW Antenna pad connects differently depending on your configuration.
With AC/DC sets, a 1 Megohm resistor should be added between the FM-DW antenna pad and the chassis.
Remove anything previously connected to the radio's antenna plug and connect it to the antenna pad of the FM-DW module.
A 120 ohms antenna is recommended (a 3ft wire should be sufficient in moste cases).


The FM-DW L OUT pad must be used with mono receivers. Radios equiped with a stereophonic amplifer will use it as the Left channel source. Connect the L OUT pad to the LF amplifier input after having disconnected the detector circuit. With AC/DC radios, a 0.01µF/630V capacitor may be inserted before the amplifier input unless already present by design. Its value is not critical. A shielded wire should be used except for short lenghts. As a reminder, only one side of the shield must be grounded.


The FM-DW R OUT pad is only required for radios equiped with a stereophonic amplifier. As with the L OUT pad, the R OUT pad connects to the Right channel input of the LF amplifier (after having verified that the detector circuit is no longer connected to it).


The FM-DW Setup pad allows connecting an additional Setup push-button, which other end must be grounded.


D o u b l e     C h e c k     y o u r     w i r i n g     before configuring the FM-DW module.

Installing FM-DW 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 with AM-Saver
Refer to the previous tab if AM bands are not required.

The FM-DW and AM-Saver modules use electrostatic sensitive devices: the installation and setup must be performed by a person with sufficient electronics background (especially restoring vintage tube and transistor radios) to avoid damages, otherwise you are installing and using the FM-DW module (and eventually the AM Saver module) at your own risks.

Ensure that your radio is accordingly restored and that its amplifier works correctly.
Keep the radio unpluged from the mains during the whole installation procedure.
The mains switch of your radio must be clean and not produce excessive arcing.
If required, a suppressor capacitor may be added in parallel to it.


Before all, the FM-FW module works under a temperature of maximum 50°C and must be placed far from heat sources such as rectifying and output tubes. It is recommended to place it under the chassis. Any heat excess will make the FM circuit drift, ranging from a reduction of the FM band to impossible tuning until temperature cools down.


Ground the FM-DW module to the chassis (very important with AC/DC sets).
Its three grounded holes allow a solid attachment.


The tuning capacitor's condition is critical: it must have no contact faults with the rotary part, no excessive dust between plates, and obviously no shorts. Such faults will distort the capacitance measurements, resulting in improper setup and/or unstable (when not impossible) tuning. The tuning capacitor's body must be grounded. Its fixed plates must not be connected to any high voltage by design, otherwise the FM-DW module might be permanently damaged by residual charges when switching between AM and FM.

In DC radios having a chassis connected to the +, ensure that the tuning capacitor's body be insulated from the chassis. The tuning capacitor will be connected to the AM Saver module later.


The FM-DW AC/DC in pad powers the FM-DW module with alternative current (4V to 10V) or direct current (see below).
The FM-DW AC/DC in pad of the AM Saver module accepts 4 to 6 volts (AC or DC) and will be connected later.
A heater winding delivering 4V to 10V AC can be directly connected to the FM-DW module if it has one grounded side and no center tap (Fig. 1). A voltage doubler is required if this heater winding outputs 2.5V to 4V AC (Fig. 2).
If the heater winding has a grounded center tap and outputs 2.5V to 4V AC, a voltage doubler is required (Fig. 3). If it outputs 6.3V AC, use either half with a voltage doubler as shown in Fig. 2.
Radios with heaters connected in series must use a separate DC power supply delivering sufficient current:
- The radio section of the FM-DW module draws under 50mA,
- When used, the on-board 5V regulated power supply draws up to 50mA,
- The AM Saver add-on module draws around 100mA (it is turned off in FM mode).
When using the on-board +5V regulated output, the minimum DC voltage is 6V (4V otherwise).

Fig. 1: powering the FM-DW module using a grounded heater winding of 4Vac to 10Vac.

Fig. 2: powering the FM-DW module using a grounded heater winding (2.5V to 4V AC) with no center tap.

Fig. 3: powering the FM-DW module using a grounded center-tapped heater winding (2.5V to 4V AC).

The FM-DW Antenna pad connects differently depending on your configuration.
With AC/DC sets, a 1 Megohm resistor should be added between the FM-DW antenna pad and the chassis.
Connect the AM antenna plug to the antenna pad of the FM-DW module. If the AM circuitry attenuates the FM signal, a separate FM antenna is required (a 120 ohms type is recommended yet a 3ft wire is sufficient in moste cases).


The FM-DW L OUT and R OUT pads will be connected to the AM Saver by vertical straps later.


The FM-DW Setup pad allows connecting an additional Setup push-button, which other end must be grounded.
The AM Saver has a hole allowing accessing the FM-DW push-button.


Mount the AM Saver module over the FM-DW module as shown in Fig. 4 using spacers (4mm external diameter) and ensure that they make no short-circuit with other pads. Verify that the grounds of both modules are connected together.

Fig. 4: AM Saver over the FM-DW 2.0 /2.1 / 2.2 module.

The AM Saver accepts 4 to 6 volts (AC or DC).
If the FM-DW module is powered by 4 to 6 volts (AC or DC), add a vertical strap between both AC/DC IN pads of the modules.
If using the 6.3Vac heater circuit, a rectifying diode must be inserted in place of the strap (anode at the FM-DW module). This diode must have a voltage drop of 0.6V to 1.2V and a forward current of at least 200mA.
Add a vertical strap between each the AM Saver pads circled in white and their corresponding FM-DW pad underneath. Three of four straps are required depending on whether a rectifier diode has been inserted between both modules.

The Amplifier L-R pads of the AM Saver must be connected to the LF amplifier input(s). With AC/DC radios, it is recommended to add a capacitor before the LF amplifier input(s) if not already present by design. The value is not critical (typically 10nF).
The Amplifier R pad is only required for radios equiped with a stereophonic amplifier.
The Amplifier L pad is used with mono receivers.

The AM Det. pad of the AM Saver must be connected to the AM detector (which must be disconnected from the LF Amplifier Input).

The Tuning Capacitor pad of the AM Saver connects to the oscillator section of the tuning capacitor through a short wire to avoid adding too much capacitance. Anything previously connected to this oscillator section must be connected to the AM Block pad of the AM Saver, except a capacitor trimmer which must remain connected to the tuning capacitor. Due to increased capacitance, the oscillator should be checked and eventually adjusted before the FM-DW setup. As a reminder, the Tuning Capacitor pad of the FM-DW module must only be connected to the AM Saver with a vertical strap.

The Vaccuum Tube pad is used only when the AM section produces harmonics perturbating the FM reception.
In this case, a small modification must be applied to the frenquency changer tube circuit as shown in Fig. 5:
The grid resistor (usually between 25K and 47K Ohms) must be left grounded. Disconnect the cathode from the ground, and add a 82 ohms resistor between the cathode and the pad designated by a vaccuum tube symbol. If the cathode was originally grounded through a parrallel resistor and capacitor, that resistor must be put in place of the 82 ohms resistor.

Fig. 5: AM Saver pads and optional circuit.

The two AM/FM Switch pads connect to an external switch enabling the AM bands when closed. Two terminals of the band selector may be used provided that they be never connected to anything whatever the switch position, and that they remain connected only at the positions corresponding to the AM bands. A microswitch (SPDT with lever) may also be used to detect the mechanical position of the FM band. Otherwise, a separate switch must be used.

Connect the 1µF capacitor as shown on on Fig. 5.


D o u b l e     C h e c k     y o u r     w i r i n g     before turning the radio on to configure the FM-DW module.

FM-DW 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 Setup and Reset procedures

If present, vaccuum tubes don't need to warm up, and the module won't tune until the setup completes.
Setup will resume in case of power loss. Parameters already set won't be lost.

The push-button is fragile. Do not press hard and do not use a sharp tool.
Presses should be quick (typically less than a second).

FM-DW 2.0 / 2.1 setup:

Step 1 (fixed green LED):
Choose the dial position where the FM starts and press the push-button.

Step 2 (fixed blue LED):
Choose the dial position where the FM band ends and press the push-button.

Step 3 (blinking LED):
Use the dial to set the de-emphasis according to the blinking LED color.
- 75µs (Americas and South Korea): blue.
- 50µs (anywhere else): green.
If the color doesn't change, test the tuning capacitor and verify your wiring.
Press the push-button.

Step 4 (twice-flashing LED):
Use the dial to set the sound output type according to the LED color.
- Mono: green flashes.
- Stereo: blue flashes.
The next step will be skipped in mono operation. Press the push-button.

Step 5 (twinkling LED, only used with stereo output):
In stereo mode, a weak signal can add undesirable noise which may disappear in mono.
The Stereo Noise Control option allows switching to mono in this case.
Move the dial below 98MHz to disable the Steren Noise Control (green twinkles), or above 98MHz to activate it (blue twinkles). Press the push-button.

The setup is now complete: the LED should turn off and you should be able to receive the FM band.


FM-DW 2.2 setup:

Step 1 (fixed green LED):
Choose the dial position where the FM starts and press the push-button.

Step 2 (fixed blue LED):
Choose the dial position where the FM band ends and press the push-button.

Step 3 (blinking LED):
Use the dial to set the FM band type according to the blinking LED color.
- 87.5 - 108 MHz: green.
- 76 - 90 MHz (Japan, standard): green and blue alternatively.
- 76 - 108 MHz (Japan, extended): blue.
If the color doesn't change, test the tuning capacitor and verify your wiring.
The next step will be ignored with Japanese FM bands. Press the push-button.

Step 4 (LED blinking faster):
Use the dial to set the de-emphasis according to the blinking LED color.
- 75µs (Americas and South Korea): blue.
- 50µs (anywhere else): green.
Press the push-button.

Step 5 (twice-flashing LED):
Use the dial to set the sound output type according to the LED color.
- Mono: green flashes.
- Stereo: blue flashes.
Press the push-button.

Step 6 (twinkling LED):
Use the dial to set the AFC (Automatic Frequency Correction) mode depending on the LED color.
- AFC disabled: green twinkles.
- AFC enabled: blue twinkles.
Press the push-button.

The setup is now complete: the LED should turn off and you should be able to receive the FM band.


FM-DW 2.0 reset:

The FM-DW 2.0 module can be reset at any time by pressing the push-button during at least two seconds. It can also be cold-reset by keeping the push-button pressed while turning the radio on.
When reset, the status LED becomes green and the setup can be performed again.


FM-DW 2.1 / 2.2 test/reset mode:

This mode is accessible at any time by pressing the push-button during at least two seconds.
The FM-DW 2.2 module turns the LED green for releasing the push-button.
The LED turns blue-green-off successively.
Depending on the LED status, the following action is performed after pressing the push-button:
Blue LED: The module scans the FM band without using the tuning capacitor, and tunes on channels with sufficient level during two seconds. Strong channels can cause the module to tune below and/or above their frequency, giving the impression of tuning twice or three times.
To exit, press the push-button until the FM mutes.
The module will resume its previous operation (FM reception or setup).
Green LED: Reset the module and restart the setup procedure explained above.
LED off: Exit test/reset mode. The module will resume its previous operation (FM reception or setup).

Configuring the FM-DW 1.0
(no longer supported)

The installation is almost same as with the FM-DW 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 module, except for the tuning capacitor which connects to the "CV" pad.

Two firmware versions exist for the FM-DW 1.0. Only the second (the most common) allowed choosing where the FM band starts and ends on the dial. Proceed the classic firmware setup. If the FM band is incorrectly covered or if the tuning does not work, overwrite the parameters by proceeding the early firmware setup.

The miniature calibration button is fragile and must be handled with care.
Do not use a sharp tool and do not press hard.
Turn the radio on. It is not required to wait for the tubes to warm up.

Classic firmware setup:
The calibration push-button must always be pressed gently and quickly for less than a second.
The module will not tune until full setup is performed.
- Set the dial where the FM band should start (87.5 MHz) and press the calibration button once.
- Set the dial where the FM band should end (108 MHz) and press the calibraiton button once.
Setup is now complete.

If you pressed the calibration button by mistake or by accident during one of the two above steps, or if you got lost, reset the FM-DW module as follows:
- Turn the radio OFF and wait for a few seconds.
- With the calibration button pressed, turn the radio ON. Release after a second.
- The FM-DW module is now reset and stays silent: turn the radio OFF before repeating the setup.

Early firmware setup:
Pressing the calibration push-button more than once during either step below won't alter the setup.
- Set the tuning capacitor to its maximum value (fully closed) and press the calibration button.
- Set the tuning capacitor to its minimum value (fully open) and press the calibration button.
Setup is now complete.