Well, if the purpose of the crystal + (what we used was a safety-pin) is to
function as a diode, then is it still a crystal radio if a diode is used
instead?
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Duell" <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 10:58 AM
Subject: Re: Crystal Radios (was Re: List spammer ID'd)
> >
> > When I built mine, we (the CubScout pack) used toilet paper roll cores which
we
> > varnished and then applied our magnet wire. We even went rock hunting to
find
> > galena crystals to use. I don't remember any sort of diode ... there
could've
> > been one, though ... that was nearly 50 years ago, after all.
>
> The galena + catswhisker is a (poor-quality) diode.
>
> My suggestion to use a ready-made diode (in the UK I'd use something like
> an OA81) is that you know that diode is good. You can then wind the coil
> and wire up the rest of the set, knowing that if it doesn't work the
> problem is not due to the fact you've not found a spot of the right
> impurities in the crystal. When you've got it working, you can then swap
> the diode for the crystal and catswhisker, knowing that if it doesn't
> work the problem is with that.
>
> Otherwise there are too many variables IMHO.
>
> -tony
>
>
Received on Fri Mar 30 2001 - 09:39:22 BST